Samantha & Starling Engaged!

June 10th was one of those pleasant June days, not one of the baking hot I don’t want to move much less photograph days.  To make it even nicer I had an engagement session scheduled with Samantha and Starling at Meadowlark Gardens.  For my loyal blog followers you will know I often photograph couples, families and weddings there.  I even had my wedding reception in the atrium overlooking the expansive gardens.  One of my favorite things about Meadowlark is that while the backgrounds are beautiful and plentiful they serve a greater purpose allowing my couples and families personalities to shine through and not overshadow them.    It was the perfect choice for Samantha and Starling.  Samantha had very definite ideas about what she was looking for: fun, laughter, spontaneity and natural expressions.  They wanted their personalities, who they were as a couple to be the focus.  While we got  few  requisite classic poses for mom including “the proposal” re-staged; our focus was on being ourselves.  All three of us; while I am not in the photograph as a subject, who I am, my style, what I like about the people I am photographing, my likes and dislikes to some degree are all reflected in the images I create.  Often times it is these things why brides, couples and families select myself and the Lux Photographers to photograph their portraits or special events.

Focusing on fun and laughter we set out to have a good time.  It was readily apparent that Samantha was a believer in fun, with a myriad of expressions to reflect her moods.  Starling the good sport that he is warmed up quickly to Samantha’s antics to get him to laugh and be himself.  It is this part of photographing that I love best, the chance to be an observer and catch my couples in the moment, just enjoying each others company.   With only a little guidance from me Samantha and Starling interacted, created natural poses/ expressions and were just plain awesome!  I hope you enjoy the sneak peak into their collection as much as I enjoyed the time I spent with them.  Stop by our website where their entire collection will be posted soon.    If you like what you see stop by our Facebook page and become a fan!

I love Samantha's expression and her intensity in this one!

Rachel & Mark Engaged!

Yet again I find myself starting a blog entry with I have been remiss in keeping regular blog entries.  One thing I have found in my defense is that when we (Lux Photography)  hits the peak season blogging while frequently on my mind takes a backseat to photographing and editing.  This season has been a little more “challenging” to those of you who speak what I affectionately call corporate America; or as I would say darn tough… All for good reason in May this year I personally photographed 8 weddings  3 engagement sessions, 1 bridal portrait session, 1 day after session and one family portrait session and a partridge in a pear tree…ok that last one was to see if you were really reading or just skimming to get to the good stuff, the pictures…

Rachel and Mark were really looking for a weekend slot which in May can be hard to come by, we found Mothers day May 9th available and scheduled their session for then.  The couple came back for their evening session from spending the day in Philadelphia with “mom”.  For two people who just spent hours traveling they looked great.

I love it when couples choose locations that are unique and person to them.  Even in this case when it meant making a trip into DC…We started at the National Zoo where Rachel works as a volunteer.  With great landscaping even in the “people” zones we had a lot of choices for locations.   I found that Rachel is a very down to earth, easy going person that is quick to laugh.  Mark is very much the same with one very important goal it seemed, to make Rachel happy :).    Engagement sessions are always fun in that I am reminded of the time when I was engaged and the hope for the future my now husband and I had then.  We still have that enthusiasm and hope however sometimes it is tempered by “life”.  These sessions remind me to focus on the basics of what my husband and I have, love, respect, friendship and a desire to work together to make our future together the best it can be.  Thank you to all  my couples for reminding me of these basics when “life” doesn’t seem to be working out as planned.

The next stop on our photo expedition  had us back in my car and me driving in DC (not a good thing…ever…) and off to a great park.  It amazes me how in the middle of a bustling metropolis there are these oasis’s of calm.  Beautiful gardens and friendly dogs, this park had it all.  We ended the evening back where it all began so to speak; at the park bench where Mark and Rachel sat on their first date.  The timing could not have been more perfect, the sun was going down casting a golden light on everything, the pick up Caribbean inspired metal drummers were playing and everything seemed just right in the world, at least for that moment.

I hope you enjoy this sneak peak and stop by our website to see their complete collection when it is done and other engagement sessions.

Hanging at the zoo by the otters.

Check out that sparkle...

I love ths series. Rachel & Mark ordered a custom guest sign in book and I hope to use this series of images in one of the page designs.

Where it all began... The bench where Rachel & Mark sat on their first date as they got to know each other.

Jessica & Jason Engaged!

I really enjoy photographing engagement sessions and getting to know our couples.  I love watching their personalities emerge as we go through the session.  A little reserved at first after a few photos and minutes we’re having fun and enjoying the photography process.  I met up with Jessica and Jason at Meadowlark Gardens one of my go to spots for engagement sessions because of all the variety the park offers.  Even having been there before each session is different as no two couples are the same.  This one of those spring days you hope for not too hot and not to cold, blue sky’s with white puffy clouds that offered some relief when our eyes could take no more sun they darted out kindly and diffused the light.   The session started out with Jessica pulling out her way hot, hot pink heels which offered a great contrast to the greenery and natural colors the park was full of.   You can tell a lot from a woman about her shoes and these screamed fun.  I knew it was going to be a great day.  The groom did not disappoint either with his antics.   I was trying diligently not to anger the geese which have been known to be not so friendly when they learn you do not have any bread when Jason decided to try and “catch” a goose for the photograph.  Apparently there is a way if you grab them correctly you can hold onto them without getting hurt.  I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure this was a good idea…I had to snap a photograph as Jason took off after the geese.  Lucky for the geese they were ready for a swim and Jason was not and they escaped into the water.  We finished up the day as the sun was finishing the golden hour and the air was beginning to cool.  Here is a sneak peak of their images.

Fun feet!

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.

Jessica & Mike Engaged!

Jessica and Mike can only be described as fun-loving and energetic!  Jessica contacted me with a great idea; they wanted to get engagement photographs of them on the ice.  Yes ice… both hockey fans and skaters they had rented out the indoor ice rink where the Washington Capitols train and needed a photographer.   I briefly contemplated getting out my ice skates but good sense prevailed as I had not laced up my skates in 10+ years and I really did not want to have to try and explain to my insurance agent how my camera equipment got broken as I attempted to photograph while ice skating.  The day started early as Kate and I arrived at 7:30 am at the rink to get settled in and come up with a plan.  We had an hour and wanted to make the most of it.  At 8:00 am Jessica and Mike slid gracefully out onto the ice while Kate and I hobbled out ourselves.   We had a blast for an hour as Jessica and Mike skated, canoodled in the hockey goal and just had fun.

After our adventure on ice Kate and I were ready for solid non slippery ground and we headed out with the modern-day couple to Clarendon in Arlington where they live to get some “around” town portraits.  No real plan in place, we began wandering… As I looked down one of the streets we were passing I saw a wall painted with circles outside of what I learned was a trendy club.  This wall screamed urban fun  and I couldn’t wait to take advantage of this “find”.  We finished up at Silver Diner for some contemporary retro photographs.   As this is a sneak peek I will post a link to their online gallery shortly.

To view more examples of our work please visit our website.

Just having fun

Mike looks like he is enjoying this a bit too much 🙂

Jessica & Mike sported sunglasses and smiles in front of this fun wall!

Sarah & Steve Engaged!

The weekend after I photographed my little sisters engagement photographs (see prior blog entry) Sarah and Steve were scheduled for their engagement session as well.  Having recently secured me as their photographer they were excited to begin their photography experience.  Here at Lux Photography we begin that process following the initial consultation with the engagement session, I have to give kudos to this couple willing to brave the cold for their pictures.  We planned for Sunday the first weekend in December as they were going to be in town that weekend.  Both Sarah and Steve currently live in New Jersey having relocated there after college.  We decided on two locations for their session, Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown and set out to have fun.  I learned that Sarah has one of the coolest jobs, she works for a makeup company developing lipsticks.  It is one of those jobs you know somebody has but have never met anyone who does it.  Not only is it a cool job but of course employees are encouraged and provided a stipend to use their products.  I would ask where do I sign up but then found out it requires a lot of chemistry which in my mind is dangerously close to math, an area that I am happy to leave to the computers, calculators and mathematicians of the world.

I always encourage our couples to look at our work and let us know what images really “speak” to them.  Sarah and Steve loved the contemporary modern look of an engagement session Kate recently did so I asked her to join us for the session.  Kate was an excellent second photographer as well as our “guide” to Georgetown, as it had been years that I had intentionally gone into Georgetown.  I say intentionally because even with my GPS it is not uncommon for me to miss a turn in Arlington and end up going over the Key Bridge into Georgetown.

Even with the cold we had fun.  At the end of the session as we wrapped up and were about to head back to the car Sarah pulled out the cutest red had that stopped both Kate and I in our tracks…Where had the red hat been hiding?  Now that we were done she brings it out… Not one to miss an opportunity for a fun creative photograph I quickly let Sarah and Steve know I lied about being done and we had to get a few with “the hat”.    I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of their images from both Kate and I.   Their complete collection and slide show will be posted at the Lux Photography website shortly.

Lisa & RB Engaged!

Normally by this late in the fall the leaves are gone, the colors aren’t as vibrant and many couples are choosing to wait to take their engagement photographs.  This is not your normal year for us at Lux Photography, we have had two very cold but fun sessions in the past few weeks.  A very important one in fact, my sisters!  I have one younger sister who I adore and suffice to say will always remain 12 in my mind.  She is very much an adult now with a good job, a great condo she bought and now a fiance.  It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that she is old enough to get married; I’ll be honest there are times when I find it difficult to believe I am old enough to be married 🙂 and I am five years older.

She notified me in the way the “younger” generation does everything these days; via text with a photo.  A hand with a ring and the comment “guess what this is”.  I almost cried, and I am not the sappy tears well up type.   This was the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Every year we have a family vacation to Wintergreen, this began over 15 years ago when my mom decided to boycott (at least the cooking aspect) Thanksgiving and we went out-of-town for the Holiday together.    Now an annual tradition, my husband and I, my stepson, and Lisa join my parents in Wintergreen for the Holiday.  This year we welcomed RB as well.

Armed with over $50 in wedding magazines and an annoyingly cute “bride” ball cap for my sister I met up with my Mom and sister for a girls day before the guys joined us.  We spent the evening pouring over the magazines and talking about her plans.  Being in the wedding industry I have no shortage of ideas but had to remind myself I was to be the Sister of the Bride aka SOB not a S.O.B.  I had contacted a close friend for support as I knew that I would need to be kept in check, in order to let her plan her wedding.  I would offer advice and share my experience when asked and only when asked.  I’m not perfect but so far have been able to step back and let her enjoy her wedding planning.  Apparently there had been a discussion prior to this trip and I was sat down “Intervention” style and told I was not photographing her wedding.  I had feared this was coming…I was assured that my company and photographers who I love and trust could do the wedding.  I tried reasoning, I would just do some of the photographs, I could pose, etc… to no avail.   They want me to be a guest at the wedding and enjoy myself.  I can count the number of times I have been a guest at a wedding on one hand.  This may be my most difficult job ever, matron of honor and wedding guest…

With Lisa and RB also wanting to celebrate the Holiday with his family they were leaving early Saturday morning.  So Friday we set out to take their engagement photographs.  Thursday had been unseasonable warm and sunny…  Friday afternoon a cold front blew in literally blowing us almost over.  We made our way down into the valley and out of the blustery winds but the temperature stayed cold.  Our dad wanted to play chauffeur and kept the car warm as we drove and stopped every few miles after a bit this became very appreciated.   I’ve pasted below a sneak peek of their images.  I plan a grand unveiling with a slide show X-mas morning so it will be a few weeks before their complete collection is posted.  Please check back as we plan on doing more sessions as the seasons change and their August wedding date approaches.

We stopped for photographs in front of the fire station and were invited in to take photographs with the firetrucks.

Derek & Delinda’s Engagement Session

I love participating in bridal shows.  The excitement and energy levels from so many brides is so high the air almost seems electric.  Being surrounded by this many happy people boosts my energy level and sends my mood soaring.  Just another reason why I love photographing weddings.  In September we participated in Blue Ridge Brides boutique show at the historic GW Hotel in Winchester.  Set in their beautifully restored ballroom we had a chance to meet with and schedule consultations with many brides.  Selected vendors are asked to participate in the favorite event of the day, the Silver Suitcase drawings.   Attendees register when they arrive and a variety of huge great prizes are given out.  I love to see the brides expressions when they are selected to win a prize.  When it came time to draw for our prize, an engagement session and free 8×10 displayed in a matted signature frame for guests to sign, I couldn’t wait to see who would win.  I was not disappointed; Delinda won, she jumped up and down in excitement.   When I presented her the award and discussed the details she was thrilled to have won.  Sometimes things have to get cut in order to stay within budget (I remember vividly how that went when planning my own wedding) and she and her fiance had chosen the engagement session as one of those things.  How perfect!  I was thrilled to be able to give this to a bride who had thought she would have to pass on engagement portraits.

On the suggestion of my friend and fellow photographer Lori of Swadley Studios whose photography style and tastes are similiar to mine we decided on Blandy Farm in Winchester Virginia.    October was a fairly gloomy month with plenty of rain, again luck was on Delinda’s side as the one day she had off and  we scheduled their engagement session on was the one day it didn’t rain that week!  Believe me I was watching the weather.  Many of our brides are very busy with “life” and fitting in an engagement sessions in can be tough.  We had the added pressure of wanting to get them done before the leaves all fell.  October was a bit hectic for us as it did rain so much that we had fewer days available to get all those “fall” portraits done before the leaves were gone.  Hence the longer then usual delay posting “sneak peaks” as I got slightly backlogged with engagement sessions, rock the dress sessions and weddings.  Only a small part of what we do ends when the camera is packed up.  The majority of the work is just beginning as every image is enhanced and those special images are selected so I can apply my “vision” to them.   I promise I’m getting to their images… Did I mention that the Ginkgo grove this farm is famous for was in peak bloom the day we had their engagement session?  The grove was breath taking, golden yellow leaves were lit up by the sun creating a sense of serenity and peace that I can’t describe.  I found myself whispering suggestions as to talk loudly would disturb the serenity of the grove.  Next fall I plan to revisit the farm and perhaps spend some time in silent meditation enjoying the peace that I found there.   Check back with our website, soon we will post a slide show and their entire collection of engagement portraits.

It is hard to “pin down” our style other then to say we specialize in fine art photography.  Below are three examples from this session with three very different “visions” applied to them.  I have a hard time saying if I have a favorite one of these or not.  Usually the image “speaks” I’m not crazy I promise…At least I don’t think so… and I know what direction to take.  On rare occasions such as with this image I tried several enhancements and could not pick my favorite.

Contemporary effect - the first way I "saw" this image

Romantic - soft and understated

Classic - our "standard" image enhancement

Brian & Alyssa’s Engagement Session

September 27 the day of Brian and Alyssa’s scheduled engagement session dawned sunny and perfect… however it didn’t stay that way as the evening “golden hour” approached the clouds rolled in and the rain began.   I had spoken with Alyssa the day prior regarding the weather report for that late afternoon and she was anxious to photograph, even in the rain.  She was excited to have nabbed a rare weekend time slot and her can do attitude extended to her portraits.  Rain would be “fun”  as she was preparing herself and Brian with umbrellas I was preparing Kate for the possibility of being not just my “bag girl” as I affectionately call my intern but also my “umbrella girl” a much less fun prospect as it often involves getting wet while the camera and usually I get to stay dry :).  She was up for it, I had a couple ready to go and we were on.  As I got within 5 miles of Old Town Alexandria where we were meeting the heavens opened up and the rain came down in torrents.  We can work in rain however torrential downpours are another story.  I was nervous but counting on my wedding rain mojo to extend to this engagement sessions (I have had less then 10 weddings “rain out” it will rain before or just after but almost always my brides get their beautiful outdoor ceremonies).  The mojo came through and 10 minutes before we were scheduled to meet the clouds went away, the sun came out and the golden hour didn’t disappoint.

Brian was like most grooms a little apprehensive yet he wanted great photographs for his fiance and was willing to give it a go.  A little discussion a few jokes later he was feeling a little more comfortable in front of the camera.  Alyssa was a great sport trooping around in heels that would probably cause me to topple over and meet with an ill fate.  I didn’t notice till I was enhancing her photographs that the shoes she chose while giving her some added height also had hearts on the bottom.  Way cool!  As the session progressed I was excited to see their love unfold in visual form.  I couldn’t wait to get home to review our pictures and start the next step in our creative process.   Here are a few of my favorite images, to see more from this session visit our website and select engagements under galleries.