I love photographing women – all women – and capturing their inner beauty as much as what’s on the outside. So often we women spend all our time working inside and/or outside the home, caring for our significant other, kids, coworkers, parents, siblings, friends…everyone but ourselves. When was the last time you got all gussied up and did something just for yourself?

Being photographed – for yourself – can be such an uplifting and gratifying experience for your soul. Just an hour or two of letting go, being yourself, laughing and allowing yourself the freedom to leave the stress of every day life somewhere else can refresh your spirit in immeasurable ways. Kind of like a spa treatment, but with something tangible you can keep as a memory and reflect on another day when life seems a little crazy.

Who are you? What do you love? Where is your happy place? This is what I want to capture. You. Being you. Letting all the love you have inside show through the honest and natural expressions brought out in the course of a photography session with me. Sometimes it’s absolute happiness and overwhelming joy, and sometimes it’s a serious glimpse into the more vulnerable part of your heart.

So, if you need a break from the stress of everyday life, would like to take some time to create something special for yourself or your significant other, or just need a day out to laugh and have some fun, give me a call! I’d love to photograph you being you, today. You won’t be the same person tomorrow.

Contact me for more information or to purchase the Mom & Me Special.

Ms. A, here, needed one for her resume because in the country where she intends to seek a position, it is still customary to include a portrait or head shot with your resume.

Despite the fact that she is not extremely comfortable in front of the camera, I was able to get her to relax and have fun with it. I used some of the posing techniques learned through a Creative Live workshop I attended a few weeks ago taught by Sue Bryce. She offered some amazing advice, and with her tips, I was able to focus on keeping things light and fun, while knowing exactly what I wanted to do to properly pose my subject.

This next one is my absolute fave from the session. Though I’m sure Ms. A would say she felt like a contortionist in this pose, she looks very natural and relaxed with a beautiful smile. The light caught her eyes just perfectly and, in both the black/white and color version, they just pop right out of the image.

The following is an example of the power of Photoshop; and also, an excellent reminder to carefully skim your subject every time before snapping that shutter.

Notice anything different between these two images? … That’s right! Her collar was up in the original, and though it is an excellent image – good light, nice pose and expression – the collar just killed it for me. I mean, c’mon! You CAN’T put that on a resume! So, with a little bit of magic, the popped collar was tamed and all was right with the world.

Party pictures and poses are a dime a dozen, and really do speak volumes when it comes to making an impression on someone – especially a potential employer. Therefore, mix it up a bit and be sure to have something more professional in your photo gallery; not just the ones of you mixing it up on the dance floor with a rum & coke in your hands. Those may come in handy at the company Christmas Party, but you’ve gotta work for the company first!

So, tell me…are you ready for YOUR close up?

Unfortunately, I failed her. I hate to admit it, but I never finished editing her images. I had been feeling so crappy for about a week, and a week later found out I was pregnant. After that, nausea and fatigue set in and I just…well…dropped the ball. I owe her a huge apology and hope to have an opportunity to set things straight with her. She left town and I never heard from her, nor did I attempt to contact her and explain.

Looking back on her images, and taking time to edit/re-edit them, it’s actually pretty cool to see how far I’ve come in that time. Perhaps there is a reason why I could not finish her set then. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to do them justice, because she is a knockout and deserves a proper finished product. I hope you agree that, despite how long it has taken, I have delivered.

Shar, if you’re out there, holla! I’d love to get these images to you.

Which one is your favorite? I can’t decide…

Out of respect, I won’t be showing any images of her sweet little face, but it was so awesome to capture the love in the hearts of her new parents, big brother, and grandmother, who is in town to help with the transition of having a new baby in the house.

She is a strong one, born 4 weeks early and able to go home with her new family within a couple of days of being born.

I am so happy for this family and all the joy this little one will bring into their hearts and home. And, I am so grateful for the opportunity to capture the newness they were experiencing with her.

She wears 37 weeks well, doesn’t she?

About a week later, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

I only wish I could’ve been present for that, but alas, she lives too far away.

Birth photography is something I have a great interest in, but have not yet had the opportunity to explore. It is, essentially, having a photographer with you during your labor and delivery process to document the experience of your birth. It can happen in your home or in the hospital delivery room. It is not invasive, and generally uses only natural light so as to not annoy anyone with the use of flash. The result is a tasteful, journalistic account of the birth experience, typically presented in an album of black and white photographs to cherish for years to come.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in having a birth experience documented, please contact me at any time.

So, it’s taken me some time to both work up my energy, and find a balance that allows me to make time for new clients. That being said, I could not have started the ball rolling again with any better client than this beautiful mother and her two gorgeous children. It is fitting, actually, that they mark my return, as they were my last client prior to taking leave in 2010.

It’s amazing to see how much they have all changed in just one short year.

Last year:

This year:

Last year:

This year:

Such a beautiful family.

Stay tuned for new changes coming up! I’m working on my website and hope to have it launched by the end of the year. A new pricing schedule has been worked up for 2012. And, if you – or anyone  you know – is in need of portraits, please feel free to pass along my contact information. I am hoping to schedule one to two clients per month, as time allows.

As always, feel free to leave any comments, and/or share with your friends.

See you soon!

Mom and her two daughters, but I swear, they look like they are all sisters! I love all the colorful flowers in the background. Really makes their purple pop!

Note to self: check posture!!

I just could not get enough of this little cutie! She LOVED the camera…and the camera loved her!

Sometimes black/white conversions work well…sometimes they don’t. This session, the conversions worked.

Probably my favorite image from the entire session. I know it’s awkward to look at vertically, but it works better than having one upside down, IMO.

Such sweet sisters. Taking photographs is easy when clients are so beautiful and happy.