I remember when I first met Lauren the first day of Leaders of Tomorrow Retreat. She was in an older class, and I was an incoming wee freshman. She was intimidating, beautiful, and opinionated. I thought she hated me, but I was determined to get to know her because you could tell that behind that tough demeanor and ability to stand up for herself, there was a kind, generous, and giving heart in her. You can see it in her eyes, and her smile. Years down the road when she came to me to trust her with such a task as her wedding- I was honored and shocked. I knew Lauren better now, that she is a perfectionist, hard worker, and nothing can get in her way of creating or doing something how she envisions it in her mind. She's one of the most determined, strong-willed, and beautiful Woman I know.

Virginia and Justin are two quirky lovebirds that are just awesome beyond words. They are down with getting funky and creative, and their love for one another is just something so tenderly playful... it was beyond adorable. 

       I have to say, one of my favorite things aside from weddings would be headshots. Traditionally when someone goes to a photographer for headshots, they get about two or three images. They spend a good hour prepping facial expressions and talk about their best/worst features. That is, if you go to a quality photographer to truly get the best out of the images. I take a little different stab at headshots. I like to pick a theme or a space and make it more of a lifestyles session, with good headshots incorporated in. Here are a few from sessions I've had this winter. Despite it being winter, Oklahoma has been so mild up until Christmas. I've been so lucky with work.   

      So after the headshots are captured, I mentioned that lifestyle side of the session. So here are some of my favorites from that. :) 

      It is always interesting to see what wedding trends are going on based on where you live. A few wedding photographer friends I have say that bridals are not at all a big thing on the east coast, that they don't do separate shoots from the wedding day for portraits. This makes sense for some people and I know bridals seem "extra" or can make a bride feel like she's putting too much emphasis on herself and not the genuine act of marriage, but I personally love bridal sessions for a number of reasons.

• They give you a day to feel beautiful and great before the wedding day. So on wedding day, you aren't nervous or uncomfortable, unsure of the restrictions your dress may or may not put on you.
• They give you an opportunity to test hair and make up, so you have zero stress the day of the wedding.
• They give you a period of reflection, generally mothers, siblings, or a best friend is right there with you to help you soak in the reality and importance of two people joining their lives forever.
• They guarantee beautiful portraits of you and the dress so you don't have to worry about one more thing on your picture list!

      All that being said, here are a few fairly recent bridal sessions, :) The beauty is that there are no rules.  

      Chance and Demi have been one of my youngest wedding couples, but that doesn't mean a thing when it comes to preparedness. I've never seen a bride so diligent about truly wanting to create the best marriage of a lifetime. I have known Chance for a couple years and always knew he was such a gentlemen, hilarious and kind, too. When I first met Demi and her bubbling personality and enthusiasm, I was so excited. I just knew she would be great for him, but nothing compares to seeing the two of them together. They both constantly surprise one another and are both such thoughtful individuals, I think these are things a lot of couples forget about after they have been together for a while. Their engagement session and their wedding was such a blast to be a part of, I'm going to share a few images from each. 

So this whole blogging this is not easy by any means, but it's certainly a fabulous way to share new work without constantly changing my portfolio tabs on here. Also, it's a great way to show clients, prospective clients, and friends, sneak peaks from their big day. I have had a wedding every single weekend, and although it is great, it makes me want to get the photos out there a lot quicker! Here are some Diptychs from two weddings, one at the Chesapeake Boathouse, and another on a farm. They were both such wonderful days, I'm so happy to have had the chance to take part in both of these awesome couples lives.  

     Aside from differentiating from the stale poses people get from studios, you also will say goodbye to stale smiles. :P I love photographing senior pictures because I love talking to seniors about what their life plans are after high school, whether it is college, a career, or travel. Maybe this is my way of living vicariously through them since that stage of my life is behind me, but either way, I really like getting to know a student and taking on the role of capturing them in an hour. I've come to a place where I please parents and students alike with traditional portraits, but in non-cheesy settings and scenarios. If you're looking for affordable awesome senior pictures, just contact me on my forum on here. Senior prices are as follows:

•  $150.00. 1 location, 2 outfits and a CD of 30-40 images that are retouched.
• $200.00.  2 locations, 3 outfits, and a CD of 60+ images that are retouched.
• $300.00 3+ locations, 4 outfits, and a CD of 90+ images that are retouched.

 

      At first I was going through a slew of engagement sessions with the idea that each would have their own blog post, Although that is certainly the direction I am heading, to not completely take over my blog I've decided to combine them in this blog. I have to say, each session brings such a new light to my fire. When it comes down to it, I never run the risk of two engagement sessions ever looking the same because the people are so different, the relationships so fine-tuned, each love is so unique. I've had couples bring signs, balloons, chalk boards, iPads, books, letters, bibles, chairs, charms and jewelry and so many other things that just add their own touch to each session. I recently had a couple wear their scrubs (how awesome is that?!) because they are both going into nursing. My point is, it means so much to me to create something timeless and forever special to each of these couples. It means even more to me to see the progression of their love from the time I meet them, to their engagement session, to their wedding day (and sometimes 1 year anniversaries). The transformation and growth is so beautiful, I swear it is my favorite part of my job. 

      Kristin came to me for head shots before she moved out of state to jump start a modeling and acting career. She is absolutely gorgeous, and has the most wonderful variety in looks. Her color choice and outfits were fun to play with, and I'm so glad she came to me for her session.

      Maybe it is due to the fact I am 21, and most of my jobs tend to be related to couples or special interest (horses or dancers) but people often forget I shoot families, too. :) With my camera, of course. 
     Here are a couple recent family sessions that I had a lot of fun working with. The big thing in photography now is that lifestyle feel to your images. Rather than poses, interactions. I tried to incorporate that a bit with one family as they walked their dog together, and I really enjoyed the results! Family sessions start at $150.00, and then you ad $10.00 per family member. :) Pets are FREE (and encouraged).