Welcoming Baby Bella!

For those loyal blog followers who remember Candice and Nick’s snowmaggedon wedding I am excited to introduce to you the newest member of their family, Bella.   I have had the pleasure of photographing Candice and Nick on their wedding day, a few weeks before Bella made her appearance and now Bella’s solo act.  With a reschedule due to the appearance of a stomach bug at my household I was anxious to meet Bella and see if she was as photogenic as mom and dad.   Having had to reschedule she was a little over a month when we first met.  I now believe that photographers can experience love at first sight…

A very alert and awake Bella and mom met me at their house.  Trying to catch Bella asleep was going to be the challenge of the day.  When photographing newborns there is only one thing to expect, the unexpected.  Bella who I was told had been one sleepy little bear for the past few weeks had within the past few days decided that she did not want to miss anything and sleep.  She had very definite opinions of what she would and would not tolerate.  No sleeping unless a bottle was present, no snuggling up on her stomach,  and no staying still.  Screams were on the ok list as was the use of them to manipulate both adults in the room to do her bidding.  We spent several hours trying to convince her that she wanted to participate in the photography session; I don’t think she agreed.

A little bit of patience and some quick “draws” of the bottle allowed me to get the photographs you see below.  At one point as she was drifting off into sleep she smiled this smile that would melt hearts.  It was so peaceful, full of innocent and unspoken joy that I almost cried as I watched her.  And yes I did remember to push the button and get a shot of that fleeting expression.

Tiny toes and little bums how could I resist…

Bella takes a break...

Lysette & Joe Engaged!

I first met Lysette and Joe in March of 2009  at a bridal show shortly after they became engaged and just as they were embarking on their wedding planning journey.  I say journey as their wedding was scheduled for September 2011.   They were one of those couples who when together oozed excitement over their engagement.   A few months later we had our first “official” meeting when they came in for their consultation.  With plenty of time until their fall 2011 wedding Lysette and Joe quickly became veteran bridal show attendees.  I looked forward to seeing them at the shows,  catching up with them and hearing about how their wedding plans were progressing.    A year later and many shows under both our belts we connected at another bridal show where they were ready to reserve their date.   I was flattered, I know they had looked at tons of photographers over the past year and to have them choose Lux Photography as their photographers of choice made me feel good.  Plus I felt like after a year of touching base every few months we were old friends.  My circle of friends has grown right along with my business.  Clients may come and go but friends are for life.  After the wedding has come and gone there are new milestones to be celebrated with photography, the first home purchase, the addition of a beloved pet,  when the two become three and my favorite reason to get photography “just because”.

We scheduled another consultation and discussed locations for their engagement session.  2010 has been the year of personalized photo sessions.  We encourage our couples to choose a location(s) that inspires emotion.  Lysette and Joe chose American University where their romance first blossomed while both were students there.   DC is not my favorite place to drive but I was up to the task, after a few go rounds in a traffic circle by the campus (how do you get our of the circle if the sign says no turns?) I was spit back out the direction I came from and took an alternate route to the campus avoiding that circle this time.  The day was sunny and warm one of the first warm days we had here in many many months, I felt like I was celebrating end of winter and the start of spring most fittingly; doing what I love, photographing.

We spent some time wandering around campus taking advantage of the architecture, sculptures, even the track  to get their wedding collection started.   I hope you enjoy the photographs as much I did taking them.   Check back by our website soon to see a slide show and view their entire collection of engagement photographs.

American University - where it all began for Joe & Lysette

Who would have thought the school track would make such a great backdrop.

The Katzen Art Center had great lines and fun scupltures.

Just a Portrait?

Not only do I get to create art and explore my artistic side but often times the images I capture become lasting memories of a great day.  From weddings to family portraits I hope that the experience my customers have is a memorable one that when they look back on their pictures and reflect they remember the fun of that day.  Recently I received an email from a father of family that had been going through some significant changes that reminded me why I do what I do.    The dad who had wanted for years to get a family portrait taken finally had his session.  I met up with him and his two kids and we headed out to a nearby park.   The kids approaching their teen years did NOT want to be in the same picture much less touch each other, eewww…  My normal tricks and rapport did little to ease the friction between the two, not to be discouraged it made me double my efforts and I set about making the session fun.  We ended up having a good time and even got a few pictures of the kids together.  Thanks to digital I knew when I got “the shot” of the two of them together and I was able to assure them they didn’t have to pose together or touch anymore .  Back to that email…The dad had emailed me to say that after everything they had been through this past year that this session really gave the kids a sense of family.  I wanted to cry… That single sentence reminded me that it is not just about the final image that is captured but the experience behind it.  From family portraits to engagements to weddings the images we create have meaning and value above and beyond the ever important dollar.

I hope you enjoy some of these portraits.

Classic portrait for their holiday card

The new dog was the star of the session

Cutest baby ever... So many different expressions...It's hard to choose just one

One of my favorite "family" portraits from this session

Some father son bonding...

A more classic family portrait

Robbie was fascinated with the grass. He even thought it tasted good.

Want to see more from this session?  Click here to view their slide show.