Washed | Personal Post

I waited all week to post this blog because I just didn't have the words to say to express exactly what the moment meant.  I still feel a loss for words.  Our firstborn son, Grant, was baptized on Sunday.  This means he has made his own decision to follow Jesus.  His own decision.  The biggest decision of his life.  He's just 10, but if you know Grant, he's always been wise beyond his years.  He's also always been a questioner.  And honestly, although it's been a challenge for us as parents, this decision means more because he's always doubted and questioned.  We know he really wrestled with this decision and when it came down to it he decided, in his words, "Jesus is the way to go."  My little sweet boy who, at 5 years old (while putting up the Christmas tree) confessed to me that he wasn't sure if he really even believed in God, is now on a new journey as a follower of Christ.  I'm so thankful and so excited to see how God will use this amazing young man in this world.

To see the video, you can check out my husband's blog here.

Drew | Old Town Manassas Session

Drew has already graduated but never had any senior photos taken, so his mom contacted me to set up a session.  We talked about meeting somewhere to get photos that would reflect his personality and decided on Old Town Manassas.  I have to admit that I get a little nervous about photographing guys!  I mean, honestly, how many guys do you know who enjoy being photographed?  And finding natural ways to pose guys can be a challenge as well!  I was so pleasantly surprised at how comfortable Drew was in front of the camera and I was thankful that he was willing to try whatever I asked.  This session ended up being a favorite of mine. It was fun and unique and I think we got some great shots that represent Drew well!  Here are a few of my favorites...

Thanks so much, Drew!

Gabriel is 6 months old!

Wendi is incredibly on top of scheduling photo sessions!  She had their family's fall session scheduled in the spring and then decided that before that, she wanted a mini session for Gabriel at 6 months.  (And I already have his 1st birthday party on my calendar!)  I'm so thankful that I've been able to take photos during Gabriel's first year.  He is just the sweetest baby and has the most beautiful eyes!  We had decided to go outdoors for this session but the weather didn't cooperate, so we chose to do the photos inside, in the same room we took his newborn pics.  Wendi had some great, creative ideas for how to incorporate Paul's boots and the American flag in some of the shots.  I loved honoring Gabriel's daddy's military service through the images!

We used this same chair during his newborn session.  He's grown so much!

I just can't get over this face!

Of course I had to get some of the details...like the leg rolls...oh how I miss leg rolls on my kids!  (Although at 10, 8 and 5, leg rolls wouldn't be quite as cute!)

And I saved my favorite for last.  Serious cuteness!

See you soon, sweet boy!  :)

Getting Real | A Personal Post

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

As I write more personal posts, you're probably going to figure out that I ride a bit of a roller coaster, emotionally speaking.  I like to blame it on the fact that I'm a creative soul...and you know, us creative types can be flaky and overly emotional.  But in reality, it's probably just hormones.  Or maybe a little of both?  :)

All that said, I've been in a bit of a funk lately regarding my photography.  And after reading a lot of blogs and talking to a lot of photographer friends, I think it's pretty common.  I love following a lot of photography blogs because... 1.  it inspires my own creativity and 2. I love looking at beautiful pictures.   But it also can be dangerous.  I tend to compare myself to others and get frustrated with myself, wondering if this is really something I should be doing.  Am I even good enough?

I'm not looking for reassurance, just sharing candidly how I've felt recently.  And the main reason I share is because I feel like when we're honest, there is normally someone out there dealing with something similar who can relate.  Often times we just need to know we're not the only one, and that's enough relief to move past the insecurity.  So if you've doubted your calling recently, let me just tell you, you're not alone!

This is what I'm supposed to be doing.  Am I as good as I want to be?  No.  Am I better than I was?  Yes.  Am I committed to always providing clients with the BEST product I can give them?  Yes!  So much of why I've been in this funk is due to the crazy, busy life I've had.  For quite awhile I was juggling two jobs and honestly, it sucked the creativity right out of me!  I'm guessing many of you have been, or are in, a similar situation--pulled in a million directions and doing so much and feeling like you're only able to do most of it halfway.  Now that I'm officially a full time photographer, I feel like great things are ahead.  I have the ability to learn more, grow more and be more uniquely me in all my work.  I'm so thankful that God has given me this opportunity and I'm excited to see where the journey will take me!

So moving forward, I decided it was time to make a schedule and set some goals!  Yesterday I made a list of goals.  Then today, I made a list of things I can do to achieve those goals.  Then I made a to do list.  I really love lists. :)  And because I have the weekend off (most likely my last until December), I am going to take lots of pictures of my kids.  That's what inspired this passion in the first place and I don't do it often enough!

Since I can't write a blog and not include any pictures....here are a few from Ashton's 8th birthday celebration last week!

Happy Thursday, friends!  The weekend is just around the corner. :)

Chelsea and Corey are Engaged!

I felt like I knew Chelsea before I ever met her.  We had emailed back and forth quite a bit in preparation for the engagement session and her sweet personality just came through in everything she wrote.  I was so excited to meet her (and her fiance, Corey) in person!  Chelsea was just what I expected--a beauty from the inside out! Corey compliments her perfectly and is as sweet as can be.  They are completely at home together and so natural in front of the camera!

Chelsea made some cute props so they could use the images for their save the dates!

Check out the pink shoes!  Fierce!

Chelsea specifically asked for this next image.  She prefaced it with the story of how they chose their wedding colors.  Chelsea's last name is White and Corey's last name is Brown.  (Please tell me I don't have to further explain why this is so awesome!)  So, they chose white and brown as their wedding colors!  Genius!  She wanted this shot to show the white and the brown. :)  Love it!

Thanks for the fun afternoon, guys!  I am so excited to photograph your wedding in August!