The 50 Best Animal Photos of 2012

As the year 2012 comes to a close, news outlets come together to spotlight some of the best photography of the year.  Here is a link to some of the best animal photos of 2012.  Some of the photos will surely make you say "Awwwwww."  Which one is your favorite?

Three Baby Bears - Finland

Learning the Secrets of Stunning Portrait Photography

Ever see a wonderful portrait and wonder...."Why can't I take pictures like that?"  Taking a beautiful portrait is something even an amateur photographer can achieve.  Read these 10 Tips for Taking Stunning Portrait Photographs and learn from the experts!

Hurricane Sandy in Photos

Hurricane Sandy hit this week and nothing tells the tale of it's destructive power like the photographs.

Click on this link to see 54 amazing photos of the storm and it's aftermath.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this horrible tragedy.

Turning the Camera on Myself

Inspired by the article The Faces Behind the Lens: Famous Photographers Become Subject as They Display Their Most Celebrated Pictures , I turned the camera on myself to reenact and share with you a personal favorite of my own.

"This is probably my favorite image of all times.  My babies were little and they were so difficult to wrangle that day.  My Mom had helped me and we were so worried about Nolan's nose running and Georgia's hair flying in her face.  This sweet shot wasn't really sweet when we took it...Georgia was checking to see if Nolan's nose was going to get near her face and Nolan was wondering if he could pull Georgia's hair.   WAHLAH...a Christmas miracle."  - Joylyn

Barn Sale...this weekend!

Hi All...most of you know my friends Carolyn and Bud...they are possibly the most generous people you will ever meet! Their barn has been the backdrop to MANY photo shoots over the years. This weekend Carolyn decided to dust bring out some stuff from the barn and have a sale. I got a sneak peak and well, let's just say I needed a truck to get home! Details: A huge barn filled with painted and refinished furniture (mostly name brands), accessories and other goodies. No clothes or children's items. Bring measurements, and oversized vehicle and girlfriends. "One of a kind". 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6, 10 to 2 on Oct. 7th. 38376 W. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Va. Head for the red barn at the end of the driveway

PHOTOBLITZ WEEKENDS! Sundays:October 7th and 14th

October 7th and 14th--It's that time of the year!  So excited to be offering two different venues for Photoblitz weekends!  The first is Silverbrook Farm in Hillsboro!  My gorgeous bride and groom Alexa and Curtis (see video below)were married there last May and I can't get the images out of my head!  If you can't make the 7th the other choice is Morven Park the following weekend--October 14th.  Both places are amazing!  $150 for a sitting which includes an 11x14 print as well as all images posted online.  I can also do your Christmas cards and you can be done by November 1st!  Sign up and suggest your time on the paypal memo.
Looking forward to seeing you!

Location:

Silverbrook Farm-Sunday, October 7 $150.00 USD Morven Park-Sunday, October 14 $150.00 USD

Silverbrook Farm

Morven Park

Location:

Silverbrook Farm-Sunday, October 7 $150.00 USD Morven Park-Sunday, October 14 $150.00 USD

Alexa & Curtis! MARRIED!!

My Animoto Video

It's almost time...

I had the pleasure of photographing one of my dearest friends...Tanya! She and her husband Stephen are expecting Baby Stella as their very own April Fool's Day present. After I got the essential shots we decided to have a little more fun and baby Stella took her first leap...(I think Mom was hoping labor was just a few minutes away...however, that wasn't the case). Can't wait to see you Baby Stella! See you soon!

TEEN CAMP! June 25-29, 2012

TEEN CAMP! June 25-29th

Calling all Middle Schoolers!
As many of you know I used to teach middle school Langauage Arts. I truly love this age group! This summer I'm offering a one week camp for middle schoolers (rising 6th graders through rising freshmen). Each day campers will meet in Leesburg at our "training camp" to go over basics of photography. Students will be given daily assignments and will be shooting throughout the town of Leesburg. This is going to be fun for all! Camp days go from 9-1pm each day. Campers can bring a packed lunch or buy something at one of the local restaurants. On Friday evening our class will have a "show" from their week's assignments. Camp costs $200 (all materials are covered).

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SPRING PHOTOBLITZ-APRIL 14-15

It's that time of the year!!! Looking forward to spending time with my favorite clients both new and not so new! :-) This year I'll be at Morven Park in Leesburg. I've already done a few shoots there and it's perfect! A beautiful mansion, (home to two governors) great boxwoods, a carriage house, and acres of fields with beautiful trees! I'm shooting both Saturday and Sunday. Please specify which day you would like. See you soon!

Days

Saturday, April 14th Sunday, April 15th

THANKS TOM!

OK...so I don't normally post stuff about our crazy life outside of photography but today I felt compelled. I think everyone has a story to tell about a critter. This little guy "Woody"--because it originally sounded like a woodpecker banging on the wall outside of Georgia's room--was found this morning in his little cage. Ed meticulously baited it last night and the little guy got the food out without setting off the trap. Ed re-baited it before leaving for work and BINGO! We got him...or should I say HER... The sad thing is she is probably pregnant and she was finding a nice warm place to have babies...IN OUR WALL!!! SO...right after little Woody was trapped I realize that I am terrified of squirrels and I had no idea how I was going to get rid of her. My first thought was to call my Dad who usually comes to the rescue. His response was to call the animal people... no go (for future reference, they don't pick up animals that are a nuisance to you or your home). Second thought...call TOM... poor Tom, he always gets the husband calls. One day he kindly helped me stretch my slipcovers on my couch because I needed someone strong and someone who by chance might be in the Hamilton area. Anyway, Tom came, rescued Woody and then I had to give him the bad news... She had to be released 5-10 miles away from our house. OK, so he wasn't too happy about this, but bless his heart, calls me 12.6 miles away and tells me he is about to release Woody.

After Tom drops off the empty cage he tells me the bad news: "No lie, she was headed west..." OMG!!!