I'm more than a little behind on blogging, but that's okay -- better late than never, right? I can't believe this session happened almost a full year ago!!

​I love using my camera to bring people together and one way I do that is through Silver Spring's food festival, Taste the World in Fenton Village. Not only do I try to photograph this festival every year, but I also donate a door prize -- a family photo session!

The lucky winners of the 2017 prize are the Guinnessy Family. The three of us met in the fall of last year for a family photo shoot and I love how these images turned out! The timing couldn't have been better. Just look at those GORGEOUS leaves!

Want to win a FREE family photo session? Mark your calendars for 2019's Taste the World in Fenton Village happening May 19. I hope to see you there!

I've been thinking a lot lately about kindness, what it means, what it looks like, and how place can shape our definition of kind.

Those who read this blog regularly know that I'm originally from Nebraska, a place where it sometimes feels like being nice is a requirement for living there. Back home it's common to greet people as you're walking down the street, share details about your life with the cashier at the grocery store, and even strike up conversations with strangers.

Out on the East Coast, it isn't always that way. We all know the stereotypes of brash New Yorkers. But even here in the DMV, I've found that the hustle and bustle of city life can sometimes make people more reserved. And until recently, I assumed that’s just the way it is. I assumed that the Midwest has an bona fide kindness that can’t be found anywhere else.

Then I met the Carr family.

This family is authentically, genuinely kind. They approach the world with love, and their enthusiasm for life is contagious. I felt this positive energy in the way they connected with, supported, and encouraged each other. Perhaps most importantly, I see that loving spirit shine through in each of these images.

Even though we only spent a short time together, I have a feeling I’ll be thinking about the Carrs long into the future. Their energy and enthusiasm left an impression on me and defined kindness in a way that I once thought could only be found in the Midwest. They taught me that kindness lies within people, not places, and that showing kindness is a decision we all make each and every day.

When families hire me to take their photos, I always hope I leave a lasting, positive impression on them. But so often, the families I come to know and love leave a lasting impression on me. That's definitely the case with the Lin Family.

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here -- for no reason in particular, other than life. This year has been trying to say the least. Between the every day drama that has become our political landscape, and the death of a dear friend, I've had to practice a lot of self care in 2018. That means the blog has taken a bit of a backseat... until this last weekend. 

I've known the Lins for years now, and something about being in my favorite place -- Sligo Creek Park -- with people I adore energized me in a way I haven't felt in months. Honestly, I give the credit to the little one you see, who I'll call C. She was so full of good vibes and positive energy and wasn't afraid to throw out ideas for our session, which I loved! So many of the kids I photograph are shy and need help coming out of their shells (which is totally understandable). But not C. She had no problem hamming it up for the camera, which made my job so easy!

Not only did C remind me how much I love photography, but she made me realize I've got something special literally in my own front yard. That something special is Sligo Creek. It's a place I adore, a place I spend a lot of my time, and a place I like to call my studio. That's why from here on out, I'll simply ask you to call me the Sligo Creek Photographer. 

I love the energy this place holds. I love how its peace and beauty bring people together. And I love what a hidden gem it is for family photos. I plan to spend a lot of time here in the coming months and years. My goal is to create beautiful images that will last for years to come, and build life-long connections with the families I photograph. If more kids like C come into my life, something tells me that's not going to be hard to do :)

The older I get the more I learn to love and appreciate winter. I know it is easy to complain about the short days and cold temperatures, but I adore everything winter stands for. For me, it's a time to rest, relax, wind down, and focus on living in the moment.

​Nothing says winter like snow, and this weekend we got plenty of it. There's always something special about the first snowfall of the season. It's magical and beautiful and it always makes me giddy! The fact that the first snow fell on a Saturday meant I was able to spend my morning with my hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee just staring out the window. It was so peaceful and tranquil and I loved it!

Another thing that made this year's first snow fall memorable was that I got to share it with friends Courtney-Rose and Adam Dantus! I met Courtney-Rose years ago, and always admired her gentle spirit and easy smile. So when she reached out asking for family photos, I was delighted to oblige!

We actually had this Sligo Creek family photo session planned days in advance, and I had assumed the snow would stop before the shoot even started. But to my delight, it snowed throughout the entire session! I've got to give a huge shout out to Courtney-Rose and Adam for being such troopers. Wintertime snowy sessions make so GORGEOUS photos, but they aren't always easy. Cold fingers and stinging cheeks can get really annoying really fast, but Courtney-Rose, Adam, and their two pups powered through. 

I'm so glad we were able to get together and embrace winter in this way. I adore these photos and hope the Dantus Family loves them as much as I do!

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.

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! 

It's been a turbulent few days. Some of us are hurting. Some of us are scared. And some of us just don't know how to feel or what to think. 

Our country is divided, which makes the future feel uncertain.

Photos wont change that. Only people can. But I'm hoping these photos offer a reprieve, even if temporary, from intense emotions and give everyone space where they can take a deep breath, feel comfortable to let their guard down, and just live in the moment.

That's what Sligo Creek does for me. No matter how many times I walk around in the Parkway, I'm always awed by the beauty I find there. It's a place of peace and solace, which so many of us seem to be searching for these days.

​Enjoy.

It's funny what kids teach you. As a family photographer, I've done a number of sessions with one-year-olds. I've got a system for working with them and I generally know what to expect... or at least I thought I did, until I met Dylan.

Dylan's family was gifted a photo session for the holidays, and they chose to use it to celebrate Dylan's first birthday! This sweet girl turned one the week before her family's photo session. Right around that time, she also learned to walk, and she had no qualms about using our photo time as walking practice! Usually when it comes to photographing one-year-olds, I sit babies down with a favorite toy and encourage them to smile and laugh for the camera -- but not Dylan. This girl had plans of her own! Within minutes of the session starting, she was off and running and it was all I could do to keep up!

Photographing her was quite the challenge, but I loved it! What I loved even more was her insatiable curiosity. This girl was was into everything, and there wasn't anything that didn't fascinate her! Given her age, this was surprising to me, but it also gave me an opportunity to capture her true personality.

​As Dylan grows, I sincerely hope she continues to stay curious about the world. I have a feeling her tenacity and eagerness to learn will take her far! 

For most, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer. But for me, it's much more than that. You see, I come from a strong union family and have made a career working in the labor movement (when I'm not behind the camera, that is). I consider Labor Day to be my holiday -- and America's holiday. After all, were it not for the every day Americans who teach our children, tend to those who are ill, transport our goods, repair our roads and so much more, our country wouldn't be what it is today.

It's fitting, then, that I spent part of my weekend photographing the beautiful Pell Family. They were gifted a family photo session by a family member who also dedicated a portion of her career to labor, and chose to use it to celebrate their daughter Dylan's first birthday.

The four of us spent our Saturday morning in one of my favorite locations -- Sligo Creek Parkway. Choosing a photo for this preview was actually quite difficult because there were so many from the session that I loved. I can't wait to share more soon!

I don't normally start out my blog posts this way, but I have to give a big shout out and thank you to the Wolff-Pell family, who were so understanding and flexible during this session. Just days before we were supposed to meet, I broke the news to them that the location they originally chose for their photos recently started charging an outrageous photography fee. We had 48 HOURS to figure out a new location and, once again, Sligo Creek Park came to the rescue!

I had a blast with the Wolff-Pells as we walked around the woods here in Silver Spring, talking life, love and babies. That little you see is Tallulah and she did such a great job turning on the charm for the camera! Her mom and dad beam with pride when they're around her -- and how could they not? Just look at that smile!

What made these photos especially fun is the fact that they were gifted to this family by a loved one. I might be biased, but I can't think of a more precious gift for a family than professional photos. I love how these turned out and I hope this family cherishes them for years to come.