It was a perfect Maine summer morning when Ruby and I got together to create her senior portraits. The weather was that temperature where somehow any outfit will be comfortable, and the sky burned gold for a magnificent sunrise. Per Ruby’s request, we were oceanside nearly the entire time, from Portland’s Eastern Promenade to Cape Elizabeth’s…
Read MoreEmory Family // Roanoke, VA
You may not know this about me, but in addition to being a photographer I am also a teacher. I feel so lucky to be at a school where the staff is supportive, close, and just plain fun. Last year was my first year at Cave Spring High School and I spent upon hours proctoring a study hall with Kim. We amused ourselves with tales of student ridiculousness and she taught me so much along the way about everything from teacher work schedules to student relationships and more. Over time, we had a nice little rapport going and, like everything else in life, it got suddenly cut off when schools closed due to the pandemic. So, I was so excited when Kim reached out to me about family portraits. I would finally get to meet her husband and those zany kids she was always telling me about!
Read MoreElla // Maine Senior Portraits
When we were brainstorming locations for her senior photos, I listed out a few of my ideas in the Portland area. I was thinking of some woodsy spots, some beachy stretches. Then, I suggested “What about Mackworth Island?” Something about it felt special. I could tell she felt the same. “Let’s do it,” she said.
Read MoreLacey & Stephen // Roanoke, VA
If you grew up with pets, then you probably know what it’s like to lose one. Lacey and Stephen, a sweet, newly engaged couple, had just received the unfortunate news that their sweet old pup Buddy has a terminal illness. They were also just gearing up to move out of the Roanoke apartment complex they’d inhabited for over six years. When Lacey contacted me to do a sort of “family” photoshoot with her, Stephen, and their pets to capture them together at home while Buddy is still alive, I jumped at the opportunity…
Read MoreTinker Cliffs // Troutville, VA
I don’t know about you, but this pandemic has exacerbated the wanderlust that I usually end up feeling this time of year. Most summers I travel someplace completely new to me, and obviously this has not been possible to do. It seems everyone else is feeling the itch, too. And so, we go outside.
Read MoreCarol & Erron // Salem, VA Engagement
Carol and Erron (how cool is that spelling!) are an adorably sweet pair of humans. Before they hired me to photograph their wedding, we “met” via FaceTime, peppering each other with questions and telling tales. Their humor is quirky. They both devote themselves to helping others in their jobs, what with Carol being a Unitarian minister and Erron teaching adult education. Their love for each other is so evident, so delightfully shining on their faces. I fell in love with them on that call.
Read MoreEmily & Michael // Roanoke Lifestyle Session
Emily and Michael wanted to capture some photos in their sweet Roanoke home that they’ve cultivated for over six years. Living on the fringe of downtown, these two have lovingly styled and designed their home over the years to be personal and yet also wonderfully trendy. I walked in and was instantly impressed by…
Read MoreForsythias // Roanoke, VA
Forsythias are some of the earliest bloomers. Because they are a shrub rather than a small flower, it’s impossible to miss their explosion of yellow at the start of each spring. They are big plants and they have something to say. That unabashed burst of color heralding the coming of warm sun and lilting birdsong makes me smile. It’s the start of my favorite…
Read MoreVaish // Downtown Roanoke Birthday
On Vaish’s birthday last April, we meandered the streets of Roanoke as we waited to meet more friends for a celebratory dinner. The afternoon light was so gorgeous that I knew I had to bring my camera. I grabbed it on my way out the door, talking to Vaish about where we should meet…
Read MoreCherry Blossoms // Roanoke, VA
If there’s one advantage to this insane global pandemic, it’s that more people are spending time outside. Not just outside their home, because there are a lot of places beyond the walls of our homes that we are not supposed to go, but…
Read MoreKelsey and Cody // Vineyard Wedding
Cody and Kelsey are so wonderfully kind and sweet. They are the kind of couple that asks a photographer to take a spontaneous photo of them with a loved one during their reception and then says “Thank you so much!” with true appreciation. Many couples don’t show such gratitude because they are (understandably) so busy enjoying their day and just figure that the photographer is simply doing their job. But, Kelsey and Cody are not most people…
Read MoreMichaela & Colby // Grandin Engagement
I adore in-home engagement sessions. Capturing engagement photos is already intimate, but doing it inside a private living space is even more so. Beyond just getting to know the couple and their dynamic with each other, I also get to step into their lifestyle and see what they choose to surround themselves with every day. For Michaela and Colby, we extended this personal experience out to…
Read MoreStephanie and Will // Blue Ridge, VA Wedding
I pulled onto the dirt road and wound around a neighboring orchard before I came into view of Diamond V Farm with its rolling pastures and mountain views. The barn sat atop a little hill, the last stop on the road. It was the perfect setting for Stephanie and Will’s July wedding…
Read MoreSunset Hike // Sharp Top, VA
I’d wanted to hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain for a long time. Friends would rave to me about its 360-degree views and easy accessibility off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Let’s just say that Sharp Top made me feel very welcome.
Read MoreStephanie and Will // Mountaintop Engagement
Beyond the fact that Stephanie and Will are delightful people, I knew this engagement session would be glorious because we are good friends…
Read MoreMatt and Lauren // Charlottesville, VA Wedding
Matt and Lauren’s wedding was a delightfully sophisticated affair held at the Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia. The club has gorgeous grounds and elegant interiors, with a fireplace lit and ready to warm you around nearly every corner. The traditional decor and Lauren’s simple yet opulent bridal look gave the day a truly classic feel. But don’t be fooled - it was still one hell of a party!…
Read MoreMaggie // In-Home Boudoir Session
Boudoir photography is special. It involves a vulnerability that requires a certain type of mutual trust between the photographer and the subject. I was so excited for this boudoir session with Maggie Perrin-Key for three reasons:
Read MoreThe Benkos // Explore Park Maternity Session
I was starting to worry that we wouldn’t be able to meet at all. Frances and Mike are both doctors, so that made scheduling a maternity session tricky enough. On top of that, their baby was due in less than two…
Read MoreStyled Fashion Shoot // Roanoke, VA
Since moving to Roanoke, I’ve somehow fallen deep into the dog walking and sitting business. All it took was one dog walking job, and before I knew it I was walking dogs all over my neighborhood. It was great for my legs and my wallet, but there was another lovely surprise…
Read MoreThe Arbogast Family // Roanoke, VA Family Portraits
This family portrait session was really laid-back and fun! The Arbogast family is based in Roanoke, but one branch of the family - with the family’s first grandbaby! - lives in Texas. That weekend, they’d all come together for…
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