The Christmas I received my little point and shoot 35 mm, I was in heaven. It never left my hand; I took pictures of everything and I went through film like you would not believe… Looking back now, you could probably say that I wasted a lot of film. But when I look at those pictures, I see a common theme of a love for people and a desire to capture moments and emotions. In high school there was a turning point when I knew this wasn’t just an interest, but my passion, when I learned my grandfather also shared my love, and I had the chance to develop negatives of my mom as a newborn. Being able to see what my grandfather portrayed showed me how powerful an image can be as fleeting moments are captured through a photograph. The power of an image is it’s ability to communicate silently. My love for people led me to a degree in psychology and a deep desire to serve others: in overseas missions, in helping a bride on her special day and making a mother-to-be feel stunning with the life growing inside her. Photography allows me the privilege to meet wonderful people and communicate more than just memories; but to share the story behind the emotions.

01.01.2011

Jim & Vivian | Reston Family Portraits

After a whirlwind week of traveling, we returned to DC to photograph the Kelly family the day after Christmas. This was a special photo shoot since Vivian’s family were all coming from England to visit for the holidays. Unfortunately, because of the snowy weather in Europe, only half the family made it to VA, leaving the rest of the family with canceled flights, spending Christmas at home. Vivian’s parents, Mary & Peter, and her nephew, Scott, were able to make it to the States, and we had a great time photographing them in Vivian and Jim’s home. They were all a delight to work with, and we’ll hopefully meet the rest of the family when they travel to VA for a second photo shoot in the spring.