portrait

January Self Portrait | Personal

While a general (smart phone, at that) 365 project is enough of a challenge for me, there are people out there taking 365 self portraits this year. Talk about a huge challenge. I greatly admire their dedication and creativity to take and edit a picture of the same subject every single day.  I have really been inspired by a lot of the self portrait projects I have seen the past few years... some I have seen have absolutely blown me away. I know that taking self portraits is one of the first things artists attempt to help them practice creativity. It is usually the first step or assignment in any workshop, class, or project. So here's my confession: I hardly ever take self-portraits anymore. I used to take them... until myspace got popular and I simply got weirded out with people thinking I stood around in my bathroom all day taking pictures of myself. (Where else is there a large mirror at my disposal?) Although I do remember being particularly proud of this little gem back in 2005:

Oh yeah. I took that baby with my little Nikon Coolpix I got for my birthday that year! (See? I was once a Nikon girl!) And in the WalMart parking lot, no less. Ahhh... we all start somewhere. :)

Anyway, so all that to say... Welcome to my new 12 month project. One of my items on my 101 in 1001 list is to complete 12 consecutive months of a monthly photo project and since I'm a bit of a perfectionist, I prefer to start most projects at the beginning of the year. I'll be taking 12 self portraits this year and posting one at the end of each month. I hope to be able to stretch my creative wings and try a few new things with this project... we'll see how it goes!

January 2011 | texture

This Little Man | Fredericksburg Portrait Photographer

He has the cutest dimples

And the most charming smile.

He is the most laid-back child I have ever met.

He really only ever wants one thing:

To be held and cuddled each and every day.

He loves his momma

and trucks.

He is a loved little man.

The cutest, most loved little man on Downstream Court.

little miracle | King George Child Photographer

This little angel has come a long way since his birth at a tiny 2lbs. His loving parents cared for and nurtured him for a long time before inviting a stranger to come take pictures of him. :) His momma and I have been talking about meeting up for a session for months and we finally were able to make it happen. The session was quick and easy... and such a pleasure! Little Stevie's demeanor was adorably sweet and energetic. I really enjoy witnessing children this age explore and discover. Spending just an hour with him inspired me to stop and take a longer look at the things that seem so ordinary in life... things that truly are little miracles of their own. We can learn SO much from children, eh?

Anyway... moving on... here are just a few of my favs from this session. Check out his little curls!

emma grows | Lynchburg Newborn Photographer

I mean seriously, this little girl has already changed so much since just last Tuesday! Emma is hands down, the smiliest baby I've ever photographed. She even smiles on command! Coolest ever! Her mama just whispered sweet nothings in her ear, "smile babyyyy," and viola! What a precious little model they have. I am especially excited about the fact that she lives just down the road so I can visit her many times this year!

I love the way her newborn photos turned out. I am particularly happy about the mix of portraiture style and photojournalism style during this session. Both are image styles I truly enjoy taking. I love it when I have the opportunity to shoot both in one session. :)

Without further ado...

sneak peek: baby o | Richmond Newborn Photographer

I am headed out the door to meet my father in law for dinner (and tax talk - great way to wait until the last minute, huh?) but I wanted to post this quick sneak peek from yesterday's newborn session. This sweet girl was an absolute dream to work with, despite being older than most of my newborns. One of my favorite things about newborn sessions is simply holding the babes. I love to swaddle them up tight and just admire their soft skin and newborn scent. Baby O's mom and dad were so great about me holding her between set ups and I think that may have had something to do with her cooperation. Or... well... maybe she's just another one of those perfect little girls. ;) Yes, let's go with that!

Anyway, mom and dad, I hope you love these!!

and we can't forget their FIRST baby girl, Sadie!