As far as the eye can see...

So remember when I referenced how cotton was going to look even better in a few shorts weeks in this post?

And so it did.





As far as the eye can see. In every direction. (And oddly enough, I found myself hearing the Wicked Witch from Wizard of Oz in my head, going "Poppies! Poppies! Poppies!" and giggling maniacally. If you don't know what I'm talking about, this sentence totally fell flat. If you do...you know exactly what I mean.)

Chelsea of Bit of Ivory Photography asked me awhile back if I wanted to tag along to a cotton field for some play time and of course, I jumped at the chance. And while the fields were perfection, I admit I got a bit sidetracked by our model and her amazing eyes.





But the cool part was, I was playing, so I could get sidetracked however I wanted. And it was so much fun. I did things I don't usually do, played with light and sun and exposure differently. I just did whatever I felt like doing in the moment.













It's important to play. There is no right or wrong. There are no expectations. It's just you. And some cotton. And a beautiful person. In some cotton. And some sun. And you. It's overwhelming, refreshing, inspiring, relaxing. It's playtime. As far as the eye can see...

PS. Major props and amazingness go out to the team at Behind the Veil for their makeup and hair artistry. They always bring their A game to concepts like this and as usual, they rocked it!

The Chosen Few: Katie & Josh

I think the best word to describe Josh is...literal.

As in, when I say "She's going to look all cute with Oscar, and then you come in and tackle her," and he does this:



As in, when I say "You really need to go after each other to make it work. The more action we get here, the better the images will look," and he does this:



Nothing says "I love you" like a handful of paint to the face...




Literal.

I love it.

Seriously, Josh & Katie are one of my 2013 The Chosen Few couples and I'd be lying if I said I was anything other than over-the-top, crazy thrilled, super excited and giddy about working with them. Josh has an ease about him that makes photographing them together a breeze, even despite his belief that he's totally blowing it and has no idea what to do. He's the very best type of client because he really doesn't have the slightest clue just how ideal he is when it comes to making Katie be her very best and most natural self. And Katie. She's cute. She's funny. Girl's got a great sense of style and loves the camera. I know I'm going to count her as a friend and be very thankful for it.





How did I get to this place where I get to do this? Lucky, lucky, lucky me. I am so blessed.















This is Oscar. Say "Hello, Oscar!"









And by the way, the cotton was out. Which means this little Dark Katy was in her happy place of dead looking sticky things puffed out with tiny clouds as her backdrop. And yes, I am even more excited that those fields will be even more dead in just a few short weeks. ;)







And yes, this is the longest blog post ever...I just loved too much to let it go. So, here's some more. Fun with paint!!

The Chosen Few: Nichole & Daniel

If you've been following me for awhile, it's no secret that I adore Nichole & Daniel. I've blogged their engagement session, Nichole's bridal portraits, their First Look...and now here we are with the last in this series. The special moments of their most important day.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that this won't be the last time you see Nichole & Daniel grace the pages of this blog with their awesomeness. I can't wait to see where life takes them and excitedly await my next opportunity to capture their journey. Love you guys!

Most of these are in black and white for a simple reason. I love it. No, really. I love it. Black and white photography speaks "moments captured" to me. It feels organic and timeless. It breathes emotion and the essence of that blink of time. I can't resist it.































PS. Many, many thanks to Somer for being the bestest second shooter in the whole wide world! I just loved every minute of having your talented, funny person all to myself! Can't wait for our next adventure.

The First Look: Nichole & Daniel

The first look was popularized a few years back now, but I still find most prospective clients are still unaware and continually inquire as to what exactly that means...

The first look is a conscious choice to see each other, in full wedding attire, before the ceremony, with a focus on creating an especially intimate moment, full of surprise and wonder, that is shared by a bride and groom, alone, in anticipation of their soon-to-be official union to each other.

Many stray from this idea purely because of its non-traditional nature. At first glance, it feels like an affront to the age old rule of not seeing your husband before the ceremony. In actuality, I find it to be quite the opposite. It heightens that moment of first seeing your loved one in all their glory of wedding attire, and amplifies the emotions that come along with that "first look," because it intentionally removes all obstacles and distractions and drives the focus to sharing that moment just as it should be. Just you. And the one you love. A moment together, as you embark on the greatest journey of your lives on the most important day of your lives. A quiet, intentional reminder in the busyness of the day, "I'm here. I love you. This is our day. I'm yours. Forever."

As photographers, yes, this is a luxury, for any number of reasons. The settings are unique, the emotions real, the images powerful. And of course, there's no complaint about the extra time it affords to accomplish a greater spread of work than the usual brief period awarded after the ceremony. But it's not about me.

Nichole & Daniel's first look was ideal. At the Marl Inn in Yorktown, VA; it was beautiful, private and perfect. In every way.