On December 19, 2009, the Washington D.C. area was hit with a record setting snowfall. The airports were closed and all the usual city sounds had disappeared under a 16″ blanket of beautiful white. What this also meant is that the roads were virtually clear of traffic, which makes for perfect snow driving. I sat inside my warm house weighing the pros and cons of going outside and finally around 10:30pm couldn’t hold myself back any longer. I dressed warmly, threw my tripod and camera bag in the van and headed out onto the snow covered streets with the nearby Air Force Memorial my destination. I’ve photographed it before, but never in the snow.
I just loved that I was all alone. Perhaps the only one crazy dedicated enough to venture outside to ply his craft.
Here, the four person honor guard created by sculptor Zenos Feudakis stands nobly in the driving snow.
On the north end of the memorial is a “Glass Contemplation Wall” that honors fallen airmen. There are several planes etched on the glass. This shows just one of the planes, looking through the glass toward the three spires which represent the three core values of the Air Force – “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that is done”.
Every time I photograph this monument I find it a challenge and suspect I’ll be back again.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Posted in Newborn
For those living in the Washington D.C. area, the record setting snow that hit the area beginning December 18, 2009 may be a fond memory. But for one special family, that night will always remain particularly special, for that was the night their little snow angel arrived.
It was so much fun to photograph this beautiful little girl. Her parents have this awesome master bedroom with large windows that let in tons of natural light.
Here I think she looks so peaceful.
Doesn’t she look so sweet hang on her mom’s shoulder?
During some down time while I was waiting for the baby to fall back asleep, I headed down to their basement. And what did I find? Three other siblings playing on some beanbags.
The Washington D.C. area has seen some terribly cold temperatures the past couple weeks. In addition, a snowstorm two weeks prior dumped 20″ on the area, forcing me to cancel a planned photo shoot with these three sisters and reschedule.
When its 20 degrees outside, there’s no chance of going outside. Fortunately, we had some lovely spaces inside to choose from.
Speaking of lovely…
As the Christmas season nears, my good friends were looking to update their family photo for a Christmas card they distribute each year. Although Arlington is a very urban area, their goal was to get back to nature and make a photo free of urban clutter. As I’ve mentioned before, Arlington provides its residents many amenities. Among them are a large collection of parks, greenways and playing fields. We headed out to a local, yet somewhat unknown park that has beautiful hiking trails and is covered with woods and fields. I think we found the right spot.
If you’re in need of a new family photo, you can reach me via the contacts page.
Such a beautiful family and doesn’t Milan (in red) have some real sass?
Their daughter Sofia is always full of laughs and giggles.
Although nearly every tree in the park had dropped its leaves weeks ago, we found one magnificent tree that had just deposited a carpeting of bright yellow leaves. How could we pass that up?
I think its so cool how the tree creates a perfect outline.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 Posted in Newborn
Even though it’s November, when I met adorable little May it sure felt like Spring. At 11 weeks, May is very lively. Even though her mom tried hard, she just wouldn’t go to sleep. So we made do and started taking photos. One of the challenges with newborn photography is the subject doesn’t care what mom, dad or the photographer wants. We had a wonderful time bouncing around the house in search of photo opportunities and May was quite cooperative.
This blanket that’s wrapped around May belongs to her dad, who I was told, “comes from a family of knitters.” They certainly make fine quality products.
I just love this photo, probably my favorite from the shoot. May’s mom and dad are both from England. They have fabulous accents and use words like “cot” and “pram” (say it with a British accent) to describe a crib and stroller.
Mom trying to bounce May to sleep. The light falling on May from the nearby window is so soft and gentle.
I found soft white fleece at G Street Fabrics which I think adds a nice texture to the background.
Their bathroom has this absolutely beautiful blue wall and I just knew we had to get some shots in there. I was standing in the tub, leaning up against the wall to get these. Doesn’t May curl up so nicely in mom’s arm?
May was full of giggles and smiles while laying in her cot.
Many thanks to May’s mom and dad for inviting me to their lovely home. I had a truly wonderful time.
Friday, October 16, 2009 Posted in Newborn
This is Leo. He’s a Virgo. And a darn cute one too. My friend and collegue invited me over to photograph Leo when he was just three weeks old and what a fun session we had. The light in their house is just beautiful and Leo was so cooperative. Mom and dad did a fantastic job keeping him asleep and happy.
I love how little babies curl their legs underneath, bum high in the air.
Leo has such a beautiful face and plenty of hair for a newborn.
Dad was happy to get involved. Doesn’t Leo just fit so perfectly in his arm?
Since mom is a fine southern girl, they decided a bayou theme would be perfect for Leo. The wall above Leo’s crib is decorated with cute little frogs, lillypads and even a few mosquitoes. Hanging outside his crib is this snake, which we decided would make a perfect temporary resting spot. He curls up very nicely in there.
This was such a fun shoot and I’m so glad that little Leo and I got to spend some quality time together. Thanks to Leo’s mom and dad for having me over.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 Posted in Family
Although I don’t get to Georgetown all that often, I did make it out there with Mike, Kim, Megan and Henry. Kim exuded contagious excitement as we walked around the neighborhood. The architecture is unique; there are many different types of dwellings, entrances of every variety, and colors galore. When we arrived a parking space was immediately available (which is a small miracle) and just a few feet away was a vibrant blue door. This could only portend of good things to come on this fun family portrait session.
Megan simply has awesome eyes and is so cute. She certainly hammed it up for the camera, playing a perfect model, or as she would describe it, princess.
Another few doors down and we came across a nice set of stairs, and look, a charming family just happened to be sitting there.
Megan and Henry are so great together. She treats him like a king prince.
Of course, we had to get a shot of Mike and Kim together.
Megan loves her daddy.
You can see where Henry and Megan get their beautiful blue eyes.
Henry is working on his walking legs.
This family is so great together. You can tell they have lots of love for one another.
Besides the bags of M&M’s that the kids got from me for being on their best behavior, Kim brought some bubbles. They fascinated Henry and Megan danced through them.
Mike and Kim, thanks for inviting me to share an evening with your great family.
by Chris
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