9/22 Wedding

We had so much fun last week at Ryan and Jasmine's wedding at the beautiful Running Hare Vineyard, MD. It was full of love, laughter, and exceptionally good dance moves.  Check out some photos and the video teaser below!

JMU Engagement Shoot

I look for ANY excuse to make a drive down to my alma mater, especially for an engagement shoot.

Labor Day Weekend

After a 20-day trip backpacking in the California wilderness, we have been immediately thrust back into the real world. It's been a very interesting adjustment, but we are thrilled to be busy. Our return was kicked off with three weddings on Labor Day weekend! Here is one from Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA. It was a stunning venue and a stunning wedding.

Welcome, baby Noah

I had so much fun doing this newborn/family photo shoot. I love being able to use people's homes when possible because it gives such a natural, simple look to the photos.

Another teaser

I've really been enjoying compiling these 1-minute teaser videos. They're perfect for both showing the bride and groom as they wait for the whole video to be released, as well as giving you viewers a taste of my style without devoting 15 minute of your time.

Here is David and Selome's beautiful wedding in Alexandria. If you've never been to an Ethiopian wedding I strongly suggest find a way to get into one. Their receptions (and food of course) are like no other.

Sister Maternity

A sister maternity shoot is as magical as it sounds. What a special thing to be pregnant at the same time as your sister and do a photoshoot together. We were also able to capture individual maternity photos and family photo as well. I am really liking this Meridian Hill Park..

 

 

Engagement shoot!

Jasmine and I rescheduled this shoot three times because of all the rain. I'm so glad we were finally able to get out to one of my favorite locations -- Meridian Hill Park in DC. I can't wait to be a part of their wedding in September!

 

New Videography Teaser!

It's officially wedding season and I am a combination of excited and overwhelmed -- I have 8 weddings just in May. It's not only the weddings that are tiring but the weeks of editing afterwards. But unlike the majority of videographers I enjoy editing, even more than the filming. Here is a preview of Wedding #1 from last weekend. The venue is Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, VA. Absolutely stunning. 

So how do you stay sane in such busy times? Weddings aren't even my main job! I still work 5 days a week shooting real-estate, and then spend Saturdays and Sundays at weddings. My boyfriend currently hates me for never being home. So to stay sane I always have a treat to look forward to. Something I refuse to buy on most days -- Starbucks! So find your treat. It really helps.

Prettier than You..

..is the name of the talented comedy troupe that I had the pleasure of photographing in DC last week. March weather can be iffy. Scratch that. Virginia weather can be iffy all the time. It was an overcast day but unknown to some, overcast lighting is preferred! As long as the rain holds off. Clouds evenly spread sunlight onto subjects in a flattering way, and there are no harsh shadows or squinty eyes from the sun.

As you can imagine, working with an improv comedy troupe was a hoot. I had no trouble getting them to laugh or smile because one of them was always cracking a joke.

Working with Newborns..

..IS REALLY DIFFICULT. But all that crying and stress is worth it for those few perfect photos when they are sound asleep. Welcome to the world, beautiful Riley Jo!


Staying "True" to Your Subject

Last weekend I had the pleasure of doing a corporate photography shoot with Mitch Dowell, founder and creative director of Branding Experiences. This shoot was already rescheduled due to Snowzilla. One week later, despite all the warm weather, snow was still an obstacle. We still had a great time creatively working around it, and exploring one of Dulles' enormous business parks. It had a lot of great scenery to offer.

A vital aspect of head shots is making sure you capture who the person truly is. You want them to be themselves - from how they dress, to how they stand, to what their facial expression is. I've met so many professionals who I didn't even recognize from their head shot because their photo was so ingenuine, so forced, and so unlike themselves. I think with this shoot we really conveyed Mitch's true, edgy personality.



Winter Blues

How is everyone's new year going so far? I know many of us in the DC area have cabin fever. Running a business can be difficult in an industry that somewhat relies on the seasons..not many people are selling their home right now, getting married, or wanting to do outdoor portraits. I know this is the case for other industries as well. It can be discouraging. But now is a great opportunity to focus internally and reevaluate your business strategy, determine what's working and what's not, and make necessary changes.

Although people might not be wanting photography right at this moment, many clients are scheduling now. So marketing right now is as important as when spring rolls around.

So what business-growing methods have worked during these slow times?

#1: My Passion Planner

It was a gift for Christmas. It actually makes me excited to do work. It's not too late to start your year with one! Ever since using it I've accomplished so much more than without a planner-- from personal to professional goals.

#2: The Knot

I was skeptical when a friend suggested I advertise here. What's wrong with my carefully planned google ads that I'm paying top dollar for? If you want to advertise on The Knot it's about $100/month. I didn't want to do that on top of google ads. So I did a free listing with them instead. Meaning I'm allowed zero description, zero photos, nothing. Just my business name and a link to my website. Being a free listing, I was put pages behind the big advertisers. I counted 75 wedding photography/videography listings ahead of me in the Fairfax area!! I was certain this would be a bust.

Two weeks since the listing and I have 4 weddings booked for the year (and it's only January!). And not a dime spent. My trusty planner has kept all this contract-writing and meetings with couples on track.

I recommend all sorts of people try listing with The Knot, not just photographers: DJ's, jewelers, stylists, florists, etc.