Meet baby James. This little bundle of joy was born about two weeks ago to proud first-time parents Jessica and Matt. 

If you read this blog regularly, you know that I generally write longer posts than this... but today, Imma let the photos do the talking. Seriously. Have you ever seen anything more precious than a baby dressed as Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar? My heart is melting.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about something my friend Stacilyn said years ago: she loves love! Love is what we need more of right now, and love is one of the reasons I adore family photography.

You see, as a family photographer, I get to spend time with people who truly love each other. After having photographed dozens of families, I can honestly say that, like laughter, love is contagious. Being around others who exude love fills my heart with joy, and I pass that positive energy onto my own family and I believe it is reflected in my work. These photos featuring Abe, Laura and their son Martin are the perfect example of that.

The three of us (and Aunt Bethany, who stayed behind the scenes) spent an afternoon in Sligo Creek Parkway where little Martin got up close with nature and got to be photographed doing one of his favorite things: reading! Martin is clearly adorable, but what really stole my heart (and what continues to make me smile when I look at these photos) are all the ways Laura and Abe dote on their son. Watching the three of them together was such a joy, and so much fun. Love is clearly at the center of everything this family does, and being able to document that love is an honor.

It is my sincere hope that Abe, Laura and Martin will look at these photos and smile the way I do, and that those reading this blog will take a moment to appreciate the love they have in their lives and share more of it with the world.

I've got to be honest. I've been excited about writing this blog post since Cliff and I booked our stay at Applewood Inn last month.

How we found this place, I'm still not entirely sure. All I know is I wanted a relaxing weekend getaway for my birthday and after a full day of online searching, I came across Applewood Inn near Lexington, VA. It met all of my criteria and then some. It's affordable, secluded, locally owned and operated, and our room had a fire place and private hot tub... but that's not all.

Owners Chris and Linda Best, who have more than 38 years of experience running inns, have also raised llamas for the last 22 years. For animal lovers like me and Cliff, it doesn't get any better! Seriously... How can you not love waking up to a crisp mountain morning, a warm homemade breakfast and llamas?!?! The best part? On Saturday morning we got to go hiking with the llamas! My llama was named Stryker (and he gives kisses!) and Cliff hiked with Spunky. 

In addition to getting up close and personal with these guys, we also learned a lot about them from our innkeepers. Did you know that llamas are related to camels and they live to be around 25 years old? They're also, surprisingly, a lot like me and Cliff... they're social creatures who love being with their pack, but they have a strong sense of personal space (aka: they need their alone time). Unfortunately, their aloof nature makes them rather difficult to photograph. There was no hamming it up for the camera from these guys, but that's okay... we still had fun :)

After our llama trek, Cliff and I explored the town of Lexington and made our way to Natural Bridge, Virginia. Soaking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Appalachia region was exactly what we needed. It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and a wonderful start to the New Year. We may have been gone for only 48 hours, but this is a getaway we wont soon forget!

​My husband Cliff and I became homeowners in the fall of 2015, and have had a blast decorating. One of the ways we've made home feel like home is with family photos! 

I thought I'd use our own experience with purchasing prints and canvases as a perfect opportunity to educate others about print sizes and why they matter. (You can also learn about why getting your photographed printed in the first place is so important here.) When decorating with custom photography, it's important to be BOLD. You gotta go big or go home.

When you stop and think about how large a wall really is, you realize they're massive -- generally 8' or 10' tall by 12' or 15' feet wide. Unless you've got a collage, 8" x 10" just isn't going to cut it.

Take a look at our living room and you'll see what I mean. ​

This is the space we wanted to fill. It measures approximately 52 inches from the top of the TV to the ceiling and 57 inches between the book cases.

Here is the same space with an 8 x 10 canvas. This is the size of print most people are familiar with and, as you can see, 8 x 10 just isn't going to cut it.

Here is the same space with the next size up -- an 11 x 17 framed print. 

Here it is again with an 11 x 14 print matted and framed to measure 16 x 20. Even with the extra matting, the space still looks lackluster.

Here is the final canvas in all it's glory. We went with 24 x 30. 

​Want more? Check out our hallway, which we turned into an art gallery using eight 36 x 24 canvases!

Cliff and I always look forward to our annual pilgrimage home to Nebraska for the holidays, but on this year's trip we had some especially fun experiences. I attended a friend's iaido martial arts class and Cliff and I "discovered" a beautiful interactive sculpture called "Pioneer Courage" in Nebraska's largest city, Omaha. (I say discovered because it was actually our first time experiencing the artwork, but we learned it's been around since the mid 2000s).

A lot of people don't understand the deep connection we have to our state, especially given that we haven't lived there for 8 years. I think it must be one of those things you can only understand if you grew up in Nebraska... but I also think the sculpture in Omaha helps shed light on, for lack of a better word, our obsession with our homeland.

You see, Nebraska is more than just home to us. It's part of who we are. To an outsider, it may look like a barren wasteland, but when you grow up there, you become immersed the most basic of all things this world has to offer: the land.

In Nebraska, land is life. It is an exploration into a deep, vibrant history and culture that is embraced by nearly everyone and everything. It shapes elementary school curriculum, inspires art, drives commerce, and, perhaps most importantly, it is our connection to the past. The Oregon Trail, which runs through the state, and is depicted in Omaha's sculpture exhibit, is a perfect example of this.

For the majority of Americans, the Oregon Trail is long lost pioneer history but for Nebraskans, it is a living, breathing thing that inexplicably ties us to our past, present and future. After all, it's this trail that first brought many of our ancestors to Nebraska, and it is this trail that laid the groundwork for so many staples we know today, including the nation's railroads, our interstate system and yes, even that computer game from the early 90s. When you're a Nebraska kid, though, you don't need a game or a computer to teach you about this incredible era in American history. All you have to do is look down. Ruts from thousands of wagon wheels can still be found throughout the state, a testament to the courage and fortitude of half a million of pioneers who forged westward to create a life for themselves and for future generations.

​I'm not going to lie. The last few days have been incredibly challenging for me. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm one of the tens of millions of Americans who are mortified that Donald Trump will be sworn in as our next president in just a few short days. The realization that Barack Obama will never be our president again hit me pretty hard over the weekend, and to say I was emotional is an understatement.

It's not that I think Obama is the perfect president -- because there is no such thing. It's really about what he and Michelle brought to the White House. They opened it up to the people, celebrated culture, religion, diversity and a wide variety of talent. Mostly, though, they put a genuine, authentic focus on children. 

It really wasn’t until the last few days that I’ve begun to realize how much their example has impacted me and my own work. After all, as a family photographer, I spend a lot of time with kids. Learning to navigate their wants and needs while capturing beautiful images hasn’t always been easy… but by watching the Obamas, I’ve learned a lot about love, patience and respect, and what that looks like to a kid.

I use those lessons anytime I’m working with children, and this session with little Martin (pictured above) was no different. This kid has a heart of gold, but he and I each had different ideas about what makes a good photo. He didn’t tell me this of course – just protested when I asked mom and dad to pick him up. So, we did things his way, and you know what? The photos turned out incredibly well.

The point in all of this is that everyone, no matter your age, race, gender, religious preference or sexual orientation, deserves respect, peace and a place to feel comfortable. I worry that our children and large segments of our nation’s population won’t find those things under the incoming administration. It’s a lot to think about and digest, and a lot to carry on my shoulders, but I know I’m not alone. I know there are many others out there who feel the way I do. It is now up to us to demonstrate what respect, peace and love look like, not only to our friends, but to our neighbors, our coworkers, passersby and, most importantly, our children.

I’m looking forward to sharing more photos from my session with Martin and his mom and dad soon. But until then, I’m taking a short weekend break with my husband. We're headed to the Shenandoah mountains to hang out with some llamas (for real!!) While there, I'm hoping we can both find peace and take a much-needed mental break from the madness.

Winter photo sessions don't happen often for obvious reasons, but when they do, I think they're really special. 

Last weekend was my first photo session of the year, and it also happened to be on one of the coldest days of the year so far! Despite the freezing temperatures, Bob and Linda were wonderful to work with! (Aren't they just adorable together??)

We met in one of my favorite locations, Sligo Creek Parkway, hours after it had snowed. I have to give them a huge shout out for being incredible sports about the whole thing. Not only was it absolutely freezing outside, but there were actually two photographers on hand! (That doesn't normally happen!) Some of the photos from Bob and Linda's session I'm using for a special project, so my friend and fellow photography Gerry Suchy was there taking photos of me taking photos of them.

Even though temperatures were well below freezing, I'm really glad we were all able to work together to make this session a success. With these images in particular, I adore the contrast between the dull, grayish brown background and the brightly colored blanket Bob and Linda are wrapped in. That warm, cozy feel makes these photos work, and is proof that with a little preparation, cold weather photos can be just as fun as photos taken in the spring and summer! 

A friend posted this to her Facebook page recently. It really got me thinking about my own shopping habits, and my own small business.

Americans are so conditioned to look for the best bargain instead of seeking out quality that we often give up quality for what we think is a good deal. I've seen this behavior time and time again with family and wedding photography.

Too often, professional photographers are deemed "expensive" and therefore passed up in favor of a friend who "has a nice camera" or a "cheap" studio in a department store. The problem? Your friend might not yet know how to use their gear. And department stores rely on sales gimmicks that result in customers spending more for mass-produced photos than if they'd gone with a local, professional photographer who provides custom art.

Either way, customers end up displeased with the final product and service they receive, as well as the process that got them there.  

Today I hope to shed some light on what you really get when you hire a professional photographer, why our prices seem "high" and why it may be better to invest in quality up front, rather than getting sucked in by the lure of "low" prices.

What is a professional photographer?

First, I think it's important to address who is and who is not a professional photographer. 

A professional photographer is NOT that person behind the camera at a JC Penney studio. In fact, in most cases, department store "photographers" have no experience in photography! They are hired to literally just push a button. They don't have to purchase or care for their own equipment, and they certainly aren't required to study photography.

A professional photographer is also NOT your neighbor who just got a fancy camera for Christmas. Sure, that person may grow to become a professional, but it takes time, heart and dedication. In fact, just because someone has high-grade equipment is no guarantee that they are a professional. I've run into people with top-of-the-line equipment who don't actually know how to use it -- they leave it on the auto setting and call it a day. Quite frankly, that's no different than using a disposable Kodak camera. It just costs a hell of a lot more.

A professional photographer IS an artist. They are someone who studies all aspects of the art of photography (from its history to classic photographers to the latest trends), has their own unique style, and who doesn't mass produce the same generic image over and over again.

With that, here's what you get (and what you're paying for!) when you hire a professional photographer:

• Client outreach: a photographer can spend anywhere from one to two hours learning about their client’s wants, tastes and needs prior to a session, either via email, telephone calls or an in-person meeting.
• Research: Based on information gathered during client outreach, photographers can spend anywhere from one to multiple hours doing research for the shoot. When it comes to family photos, this can include everything from scouting locations to visiting a location prior to the session to researching tips for a client's specific want or need.
• Travel time: Some photographers prefer to stay local; others will travel around the world for their clients. Either way, it all takes time -- and money.
• Session time: This is the time spent with the family, on location or in a studio, taking photos. 
• Post processing: This is what photographers do after sessions, and it includes editing photos for light, color, and consistency. Generally, for every hour spent behind the camera, a photographer will spend 2-4 hours editing. So, an hour-long family photo session translates into 4 - 8 hours of post-processing time.
• Photo delivery, lab orders, and quality control: Some photographers prefer to have one-on-one meetings with clients to present photos and help clients order prints, which can take anywhere from one to two hours. Others prefer to deliver digital images and allow clients to purchase prints on their own. Either way, this amounts to an additional 1 to 3 hours of work.

Add it all up, and a 1-hour photo session is actually 10+ hours of work! 

Professional photography equipment isn't cheap, and it's a cost photographers must pay upfront. A professional-grade DLSR camera body can run $3,000, and lenses -- which is where the real magic comes from -- are anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Those prices don't include the cost of equipment storage, other tools like tripods and reflectors, or basic maintenance and upkeep.

Day-to-day expenses

A photography business is a business like any other. We have small expenses that can really add up:

• Adobe Creative Suite: This is what is used in post processing. A program called Lightroom is the primary tool, but Photoshop can come in handy sometimes. Photographers generally pay $120/year for access to these tools.
• Platform for digital images: This is what we use to deliver digital images to clients. Some photographers prefer to hand over a CD with images, while others used web-based subscription tools. On average, this comes to $99/year.
• Computer equipment: To be efficient, photographers need to be able to run complex programs like Lightroom and store and manipulate photos without any lag. That requires powerful hardware. Computer needs can run anywhere from $900 to $2,000 every few years. 
• Web hosting: Most photographers these days have websites to showcase their work and connect with clients. A basic hosting fee usually runs $120/year.
• Monthly studio rent: I don't have a studio, but many photographers do. Rent can run anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per month.

​Taxes

Death and taxes, right? Like any small business owner, photographers can expect to pay 25 - 30% of their income in taxes. 

So what do you really get when you hire a professional?​

(Well, things on the blog are a little out of order these days, but that's what happens when you balance a small business with a day job... There are definitely worse problems to have!)

Another holiday season has come and gone, and that means Cliff and I are back to the daily grind after spending some down time in our beloved Nebraska. We make the annual pilgrimage every year for the holidays, and, per tradition, I always try to find time to take photos of this place I love so much. On this particular trip, I came across this gem -- a lonely boot on a lonely, old fence post. Cliche, I know, but that's one of the reasons I love it.

I can't wait to share more photos from my trip home. Until then, I leave you with this:

5. A [future] weekend with llamas!
Like a lot of people, the upcoming inauguration has been weighing heavily on my mind. For me, though, it goes deeper than just the transition of power to a new president. Inauguration weekend is also my birthday weekend. Since I work in and basically eat, breathe and sleep politics whenever I'm not behind the camera, Cliff and I decided to give ourselves a break from the madness. We used some down time to research getaways and found the Applewood Inn, a quaint little B&B in the Shenandoah mountains. The best part? They have llamas! 

4. Seeing childhood friends and meeting gerbils!
One of the best parts about going home is reconnecting with the friends I grew up with. My good friend Kristy over at Goldenrod Photography invited me to her iaido martial arts class, which was incredibly entertaining. I took some photos (be sure to check back soon for highlights!) and learned a lot about the ancient art. Another friend recently welcomed some pet gerbils into her home. Fun fact: I grew up with gerbils and absolutely adore them! It was pretty awesome catching up and teaching my friend tips and tricks for how to care for and handle her new pets. Finally, Cliff and I caught up with some college buddies, one of who we hadn't seen in ten years. TEN YEARS!!! We're both a little embarassed about that time gap, but also really happy we got to hang with our friend Mike and his lady Kelly, as well as friends Kathy, Fran and Tina!

3. Going back to old stomping grounds!
A lot of people don't know this, but my background is in journalism and writing. Before moving to D.C. I worked as a reporter for a weekly paper in the tiny town of Aurora, Nebraska. I haven't been able to make it back to Aurora since I left, but this year that changed. I spent an afternoon with friends I hadn't seen in years at Espressions Coffee Shop, and even visited my former boss and the office where I worked! That's the good news. The bad news? I forgot my camera! I'm still kicking myself for that mind slip, but I guess it means I'll just have to go back!

2. Hanging with my niece and nephew!
My niece and nephew are two of the coolest people I know. Because one lives in Nebraska and the other is in Connecticut, we don't get to see each other often, but when do we spend time together it's always a blast. My nephew, 3, is really into TMNT right now, so of course we talked about our favorite turtles and what makes Splinter the coolest of them all. My niece is about to be a teenager (WHUUUT?!) and loves music, fashion and clothing design... but don't go thinking she's a girly girl. One of the things I love most about Miah is all the ways she busts gender stereotypes. In between opening presents and roughhousing with her cousin and uncles, she painted my nails and Cliff's nails!

1. Taco Inn!
This goes without saying. Taco Inn is my favorite restaurant of all time, and is always at the top of my list. This year I only ate there three times. My record is getting a little shabby :/

​(P.S. If anyone is wondering, the South 48th location is the best).

I'm thrilled to share this preview of my first session of 2017 -- which also happened to be on the coldest and snowiest day of the year so far! My good friend and fellow photographer Gerry Suchy was on hand to capture some images of me and friends Bob and Linda braved the freezing temperatues for a couples session in Sligo Creek Parkway. Thanks to everyone who made today's session a success! More of this snowy goodness is coming soon, so stay tuned!

p.s. Friends in Silver Spring, if you've got an afternoon open, be sure to stop by Civic Center for a Silver Spring Time Bank demonstration starting at 2 p.m. You'll have the opportunity to learn some new skills and see just how talented members of this community really are!