Watching Miles Grow: Durham, NC Newborn and Baby Sessions

This is gonna be a long one, dudes. I've know Miles' dad, David, for thirteen years now, and I've known for thirteen years that he would be an amazing father. When David met his wife, Nicole, she became a dear friend, too. So when they had Miles this Spring, I was ugly-crying before I ever MET the kid. I had to clean the snot-tears off my cell phone, no joke. Miles is his own guy-- determined, curious, snuggly. It's such a joy to get to know him, and to re-meet his parents in this new role. I took these photos at David and Nicole's house over the course of two sessions in as many months. The first was his newborn session. The second was a more impromptu "Baby's First BLT" session. Lots more photos to come, I know. I'm so lucky to call Miles my friend.

Hometown Chilling: The Blackberry Popup

The Blackberry Popup this past weekend was such a rad reminder of why I'm happy to be back home in North Carolina. Liza transformed her home into a one-time venue for music, food, and goods made by hand-- there was a keg of kombucha, exploding tomatoes, tons of delicious pie, and a passel of winsome children and hounds. I'm so happy about the way that creative people around here collaborate, rep each other's work, and enjoy each other's company. It's a way of doing business and art that makes right livelihood feel within reach, and that's one of things I want most for myself and for my hometown.

N + S: a Washington, DC Engagement Session

N and S had a VISION for their engagement photos, and it involved "an idea we had working out together at the gym when we were both in boat pose". So! Ok! After some more traditional shots in the park, we made their dream a reality with full-sun jumping-around sweaty couples workout photos and obviously it was awesome. I really love the way these people listen and respond to each other, and how much they LAUGH. I'm also so glad we shot these photos in a round the sweet little Petworth group house where they've spent the past few years. Next month, they'll move North, and it was lovely to photograph them where they got engaged and decided to become family.

Hello, Baby L! A Northern Virginia Newborn Session

A big crop of my photos families have given birth to baby #2 in the past month or so, and it's been such a total joy to watch them welcome their sweet new friends! Baby L looks sp like much like his big sister, but his temperament is totally different! His folks and I spent the session admiring him, and remembering what his big sister was like at the newborn stage. We snuggled up in the bedroom and nursery for baby photos, and then caught up with big sister C downstairs for a few family shots in the playroom-- the perfect mix of new baby snuggles and toddler shenanigans!

Loving Tiny M: A Washington, DC Baby Session

I had such a great chat with M's parents about the amazingness of watching a kid transition from being a newborn to being a real baby PERSON. Their joy in getting to know their daughter was so palpable during our session and I love how these pictures really reflect time spent between three people who delight in one another. The light was great for sure, but the way they look at each other is my favorite part of these photos.

Ready for Baby A: An Alexandria, VA Family Maternity Session

I was the doula when H was born, and I've had such a special relationship with her and her parents ever since. It amazes me how she has the same spirit now that she had when she was one hour old! Very soon, I'll be at the hospital when H becomes a big sister. It was really lovely to spend the evening with them as a family of three before everything changes! I feel so lucky to be a part of this family's growth.