Best of Ring Shots 2018 | Business

Best of Ring Shots 2018 | Business

At first it feels a little strange to devote an entire blog post to rings, but these are some of my favorite pictures to take! When I entered the Shoot & Share contest last year, I was surprised to see so many of my ring shots land in the top categories - I had no idea I was even that good at it! I still have so much to learn, but this part of an engagement session or wedding, more than any other, gets my creative juices flowing. I have nobody to pose and no instructions to give, yet I need to make that ring look unique and, when I can, add meaning to the picture for the couples.

Can I just say, too, that it’s hard to nail a ring shot? You wouldn’t know it if you aren’t a photographer, but getting the focus perfect is a challenge, especially when you’re outside and the wind is blowing - and when you’re on a tight schedule! So it’s with a little bit of pride that I present some of my favorite ring shots of the year - and oh man am I excited for what’s to come in 2019!

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

Best of Portraits 2018 | Business

How do I narrow down my favorite portraits of the year when I’ve had so many beautiful couples and families in front of my lens? The answer is that it’s not easy, but there were a few things that stood out to me as I looked back on the year.

The first is joy. Each person here is expressing joy at being together, getting married, growing their family, or simply being a family. The laughter and emotion feels so real, even through the screen. These are some of the most joyful people on earth, and it was my privilege to capture some of the best days of their lives - with many more yet to come.

The other thing that stands out to me is…

Historic Post Office Winter Wedding | Hampton Wedding Photographer | Jamie + Sydney

Historic Post Office Winter Wedding | Hampton Wedding Photographer | Jamie + Sydney

It had been such a long time since Sydney and I had spoken (way back in college - which is longer than it feels!), so I was thrilled when her email came my way telling me she was engaged to a wonderful man named Jamie. I met them for their engagement session in Yorktown and immediately saw how good they are together, and how much they make each other laugh. Sydney was the same as I remembered, and Jamie is the perfect fit for her fun and joyful personality.

On the day of their wedding, nothing was different. Sydney was relaxed and carefree, and Jamie even let loose a little on the dance floor by the end of the night. Yet at the same time, everything changed - they were dressed beautifully, she carried an incredible bouquet, and they were surrounded by almost all of the people who they love most in life as they finally became husband and wife. Their beautiful winter wedding at the Historic Post Office is one for the books, and I could relive it over and over again…