Most Americans are celebrating our country's independence. Today, I'm celebrating me.

One year ago today I knew I needed to start my small business. I had just been released from the hospital. Doctors knew I was in bad shape, but they didn't know what was wrong.

My white blood cell count had plummeted and my immune system was close to being compromised.  They thought my organs were shutting down. Or that I had Hepatitis, pancreatitis, or possibly Meningitis.

It took dozens of blood draws and two highly trained specialists to figure out I was suffering from a tick-born illness.

Two days home from the hospital--barely able to walk and still struggling with medicine-induced migraines--I got a call. It was my employer. They'd posted my job description.

I wasn’t being let go, per se. But I wasn’t being valued.

I'd been in the position for over a year—suffered the tragic & unexpected loss of a colleague—and was performing both our roles with almost no support or direction. Instead of elevating me, they were looking to hire someone over me.

When that call came, I was stunned. Hurt. Angry. Anxious. Worried. Fearful. and Confused.

I was also determined. I never wanted to solely rely on someone else to make money again. So I did something I never thought I’d do. I started a business.

Specifically, I:

👉 Hired a biz coach. Fired a biz coach. Hired the *right* biz coach.

👉 Filed my LLC

👉 Niched down, rebranded & found my tribe (hello other rebellious small business owners, creatives, makers, activists & self-led entrepreneurs)

👉 Held my first art show featuring images of Maryland wineries & wine makers

👉 Got my own, stunning brand images

👉 Completed my first session that involved travel (Images coming soon!)

👉 Held my first networking event for other small biz owners

👉 Completed my 2nd podcast interview

👉 Had my art featured in one of the busiest metro stations in Washington, D.C.

👉 Started an email newsletter (sign up if you haven't already!)

👉 Made 2 custom book covers

👉 & so much more

I’m not telling you this b/c I want sympathy. I’m telling you b/c as a small biz owner, I know how terrifying it is to go to work for yourself. I know the long hours, sleepless nights, stress & uncertainty. I also know the feeling when a gorgeous brand image speaks to someone and turns a follower into a paying client.

If you want a photographer who has your back because she's been there - I’m the one for you.

I’m still accepting clients for summer lifestyle sessions. Book your session today.

DON'T MISS MY FREE STYLING GUIDE FOR FLAWLESS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS!

Hey all you crazy cats and kittens!

It's April! The weather's getting warmer. And that means we're entering photo season!

If you're thinking about booking or are already preparing for a professional photoshoot this year, don't miss my easy, breezy step-by-step styling guide for flawless professional photos. Whether you work with me (p.s., I hope you do) or another photographer, this FREE guide takes all the guesswork out of what to wear for your next photoshoot so you can show up looking and feeling fabulous. Get it here!

March is Maryland Wine Month!

To celebrate, I’ve partnered with Silver Spring’s own Locavino and five different Maryland winemakers to showcase the incredible tradition and diversity found within Maryland’s wine industry.

The best part?
​
You’re invited to celebrate with us!

Join us on Saturday, March 2 for a special wine tasting and art show featuring Maryland wines, Maryland winemakers, and custom photography created by me!

WHAT:
Maryland Wine Month wine tasting and custom art show


WHEN:
Saturday, March 2
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.


WHERE:
Locavino wine shop and cafe
8519 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, Maryland

WHO:
You!
And me!
​And Maryland wine makers!

But wait! There’s more!

I’ll have an exclusive VIP offer only available to those who attend this event.

So if you’ve been dreaming of gorgeous new photos made by me, don’t miss out!

Traveling through Montgomery County and beyond to capture the rustic elegance of Maryland wineries was a dream come true! I’m honored that my art will be on display in Locavino, and humbled that I am able to help tell the stories of some truly wonderful local businesses
​
I’ve got to thank Justin, Ian, and the entire Locavino team for this incredible opportunity, as well as the winemakers that so lovingly invited me onto their properties to make custom brand images.

My Maryland Wineries collection features original images made by me of five family-owned Maryland wineries, including:

I'm thrilled to share a few favorites from my most recent brand imaging session with Joy Andrews of Quantum Heart Medicine.

Joy is a talented acupuncturist and feng shui specialist here in Silver Spring, Maryland, who uses her training in wholistic medicinal practices to treat a wide range of symptoms from pain and infertility to grief, anxiety, and hormonal fluctuations. ​

There many powerful, thoughtful, strategic women in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas doing critically important work and Trish Rimo is one of them.

After a multi-decade career that spans public policy, government relations, media relations, and communications, Trish recently started her own firm. She specializes in the tech and cyber security industries and strategically advises clients to better position themselves in the press and on Capitol Hill so they can advance their missions and keep us all safer.

Outside of her role as a powerhouse media and government relations professional, Trish is active in the Great Pyrenees rescue community, volunteers for political campaigns, and mentors aspiring business owners. 

I'm absolutely thrilled for Trish as she starts this new chapter in life, and so proud to call her a friend and mentor. 

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Chris Landers of the Clay Co-op. Chris is a local artist based in Rockville Maryland where he handcrafts stunning tableware that is both functional and artistic. His mission is to help make pottery and ceramics more accessible--he teaches classes to the public--while also crafting high-quality pieces designed to stand the test of time.

One of my favorite pieces in his collection is the hour-glass shaped vase, which Chris designed to hold bouquets of grocery store flowers. Since photographing it, this piece has become a beloved staple in our home. 

Love what you see? Tell me about it in the comments below!

It’s time to celebrate.

You just took another massive step toward your mission.

Maybe you're rolling out a brand new service or product.

Or secured a high-paying contract with a new, ideal client.

Everything is falling into place, and you’re feeling on top of the world.

Now is the perfect time to update your headshots.

You find a photographer.

You get your hair and makeup done.

You’re dressed to impress.

And then... you step in front of the camera.

*cue deer in headlights*

All of your confidence, sass, and pizazz fizzles. Suddenly, you’re hyper-fixated on that one piece of hair that always sticks straight up. You can’t tell if you’re smiling too much or not enough. Oh good god is there spinach in your teeth???

As a visual storyteller who specializes in custom brand imaging and unique headshots, the last thing I want is for anyone to succumb to a case of the camera jitters.

Headshots should be a time to celebrate you, your achievements, your victories, and your future.

These four tips will help you find and maintain your confidence as you prepare for your next headshot or brand imaging session.
​

1. It’s okay if the first few minutes are awkward
   For most of us, professional photography sessions are not an every-day occurrence. Don’t feel bad if your confidence dips at the beginning, or you feel nervous. This is completely normal. It can take a minute to build rapport, find your groove, and start to shine.
   
   
2. Simple, sophisticated solids + clean necklines
   Choosing what to wear can be one of the most challenging aspects of any professional photography session. Look for simple, sophisticated outfits with clean necklines, solid jewel-tone colors, and chunky accessories.
   ​
3. Keep your feet happy
   Heels and dress shoes are fabulous. If you're set on stilettos or Italian leather Oxfords that look fantastic but aren't that comfortable, bring flip flops or sneakers for those moments between takes or when you and your photographer are changing locations.
   
   
4. Make sure your photographer is someone you connect with and trust
   A great photographer will do more than make pretty pictures – they’ll help you step into your power so that you feel confident in front of the camera. Make sure the professional you choose is someone you connect with and trust, who can meet you at your level, and patiently guide you from those first few awkward moments to stunning portraits you want the world to see.
   ​

Ready to book your next headshot session? Let’s connect!

I'm thrilled to announce that one of my photos is now the cover of a book! My friend and client Emma G just published her third book, From Pain to Playlist: Turning Struggle into Song and wanted an image for the cover that showcased femininity and strength. She chose an image we made together this past summer in the Chinatown/Gallery Place neighborhood of D.C.

​I still remember the moment when we made this specific photo. We were outside of the National Portrait Gallery and the physical space we were working with was massive. Because this was also an active street with cars driving by, we had to be fast. There was no time to fuss over tiny details.

I carefully directed Emma into the middle of the road and told her to GO BIG with a pose. She absolutely nailed it. Had Emma not been able to take control and command such a large space with her presence and pose, this photo never would have worked.

But the story behind this photo is greater than just a bold pose. Hours of planning went into this photo session.

You see, when we initially star​ted talking about working together, Emma told me she wanted photos that combined the aesthetic styles of Alicia Keys and P!NK.

We made that happen through an incredibly collaborative process that started with a detailed conversation about why Emma wanted photos, how she'll be using them, and what she's looking for. That conversation got my creative juices flowing, and I spent a few days doing additional research and scouting locations. From there I put together a two-part, fully custom photo session with a shot list and detailed schedule to ensure Emma got the photos she was looking for.

Emma added the cherry on top by rocking a GORGEOUS one-shoulder red, flowing ballgown that the camera loved.

I’m so glad we were able to work together to produce such a quality image, and truly honored that Emma chose this image for the cover of her book.
​
From Pain to Playlist: Turning Struggle into Song is out today. Get your copy on Amazon.

See more images from the brand imaging session with Emma below!