Justin & Mary Lighting Intensive // Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

I have had the absolute privilege of being able to learn from Justin and Mary twice in the last few months! I first attended their posing workshop back in October (you can read about that here), and last week I made it up to Richmond for their lighting intensive.

Let me tell you, this was an absolute game changer for me! I feel 100 times more confidence using both on and off-camera flash, which is so important whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors. Something can always go wrong, and I needed to be completely confident in any situation. Now I feel like I am!

This workshop stretched me a ton. You're about to see a lot of pictures that are outside my normal style, and I'm ok with that. I love natural light and sunrise/sunset shoots, but there's something extra magical about being able to completely control where your light is coming from and how strong it is. I really hope to incorporate both natural and artificial light this coming year in my weddings and portraits.

I'm so thankful that I'm able to learn from people like Justin & Mary, and grow in ways I never could have by myself. HUGE shout out to the models, Ryan & Ahren and Abby. I can't wait to use everything I learned this year on my amazing brides & grooms!

Abby...a photographer and model ;)

Isn't she gorgeous? She's got that Old Hollywood glamour look going on!

Best of 2013 // Hampton Roads Photographer

I have LITERALLY been looking forward to this post the whole year (Parks & Rec, anyone?). With each portrait session and wedding, I've become a stronger, more confident photographer who can deliver better images. I'll be honest - launching my business was terrifying! And really, it still is. I get nervous before each portrait session, and before each wedding, and every time I get a new inquiry...the list goes on. I've realized, though, that I'm not nervous because I'm afraid I can't deliver stunning images. It's because I want to get better each time I click the shutter, and I want each of you to see that progress.

I know I can tell my improvement throughout the year, and I hope you can, too. I'm excited for 2014 and all that it will bring. Have a wonderful New Year and enjoy some of my favorites from 2013!

Lesner Inn Styled Shoot // Virginia Beach Photographer

This post has been SUCH a long time coming! I actually attended Amanda Hedgepeth's styled shoot and workshop way back in October. Since she was submitting the shoot for publication, I had to wait a little while to post any pictures. And then...November came! And with it were trips out of town every weekend, weddings, engagement shoots, portrait sessions...phew, I was busy. And I just didn't have time to blog about this.

For the shoot, Amanda had set up at the Lesner Inn in Virginia Beach. I'd never been, but now I so want to shoot a wedding there! It was beautiful, and we took our model out right when the sunset to get some truly amazing light. There were a few different stations set up for food shots (oh yeah, got to try a macaron for the first time!), ring shots, invitation shots, and the bride with a full decorated table. All the vendors were AMAZING (list at bottom of post) and it was so great to meet a bunch of other local photographers while taking some gorgeous pictures.

Without further ado, here is one stunning fall shoot! Oh and if you want to check out the published version, click here!

Lesner Inn - http://lesnerinn.com/ 
Blushing Brides VA - http://blushingbridesva.com/
Palette of Petals - http://www.paletteofpetals.com/ 
Hannah Hildebrandt Events - http://hannahhildebrandtevents.com/
Waterford Event Rentals, LLC - http://waterfordeventrentals.com/ 
PaperDolls Design - http://www.paperdollsdesigninc.com/ 
Sweet Temptations Dessert Cafe - http://stdesserts.com/
Maya Couture - http://www.mayacouture.com/
Model: Annamarie Akins