Christmas Portraits!

Life itself

I apologize for my lack of updates recently.  Truth be told, there is much to update on.  I think it will take time for me to really explain to you all that has been happening in my life but to start off I'll reveal the here and now.  Currently I am living in Richmond, Virginia.  I moved here three weeks ago to start an internship with the photographer Casey Templeton.  This internship has been one of the biggest blessings to me.  I am not sure written words could express how this internship is transforming my photography and my creativity.  Every day I walk through the doors of the studio, every photo shoot I shadow, and every wedding I assist...I feel blessed.  I am blessed. Richmond offers so many eloquent and unique settings for photographs.  A friend of mine from JMU got married this past weekend.  These are some of the bridal portraits I took of the beautiful, Ali. I fell in love with this location.  The house, the trees, and Ali's elegance gave way to these fair tale like photos.

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale of all..." Hans Christian Andersen

baby on the way...

When I first came home from Africa I remember coming home from church one night as Alicia was leaving my parents house.  We caught up briefly and she shared with me the exciting news about her baby on the way!  She mentioned then that she would love family photos in the Fall before the baby was due and after.  I recall thinking it would take forever for the Fall to get here.  Guess what Folks....its HERE!  Fall is my favorite season.  There are so many beautiful things about fall...the warm colors that dance against the crisp air. Mmm...yes.  These photos capture that warmth and crispness that I love.  This loving family is waiting patiently for their new addition to arrive in less than a month!  I'm excited to photograph the baby after it is welcomed into this world.  Enjoy!

kamata

KAMATA.  I'm sure you may be confused as to what the word "KAMATA" means.  KAMATA is the name of a suite of girls at James Madison University (home of the Hokie defeating Duke dog...in case you were curious).   The name KAMATA is created by the first letters in the names of the 6 girls in this suite...Kimberly-Anna-Meg-Amber-Tina-Abby.  There's way more to these ladies than these 6 letters.  I had the privilege to spend the weekend with them a few weeks back because one of them happens to be my best friend and my sister.  They are so generous and hospitable to anyone who walks through their door.  They all met last year during their first year at JMU and have since grown into an amazing friends.  Their friendship is based off of two shared loves...their love for the Lord and their love for Klines ice cream  (trust me...we went 3 times in 2 days).  I enjoyed spending my time with them...hearing them laugh, talking about their days, remembering memories, and encouraging one another.  Our photo shoot was so much fun.  Not only are they all BEAUTIFUL and know how to throw together drop dead gorgeous outfits, but their love for each other created such precious photos that I was blessed to capture.  I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!  Can I also mention how the colors of the photos remind me of Fall?  Its coming...and I'm so excited!  In fact, I may be eating a slice of pumpkin pie as I'm writing this post...

Coming soon...

This shoot was amazing.  If it wasn't for my slow computer right now, I'd have these photos edited cause they are fantastic...these girls know how to strike a pose!  This photo is the perfect one for an intro...spelling out KAMATA (the first initial of each of their names).  These 6 ladies are roommates and friends at JMU.  Keep an eye out for their full blog post coming soon. (like really soon-crossing fingers....come on computer!).