Rock Creek Park Engagement Session with Michael and Gretchen {Washington, DC}

Rock Creek Park is a huge labyrinth of trails, fields, old stone bridges and streams in the heart of Washington, DC, and one of my favorite places to explore.
Funny enough, I had never done an engagement session in Rock Creek Park before; so I was thrilled when Gretchen and Michael suggested it for their photo shoot.
Meeting in the park also gave Michael and Gretchen the chance to bring the ever lovable Calvin to join them.
Calvin, with his flowing golden locks, his rambunctious nature, and his ability to doggie paddle oh-so-well, almost stole the show!
Of course, Gretchen and Michael weren't too shabby themselves with some serious climbing skills, stick throwing abilities, and the expert water repelling maneuvers that were needed this day!

I had a blast with all three of them on this super fine early spring adventure.
Here are just a few of my favorites that I think capture the essence of this fun family!

iPhone Image of the Week {A Handy Little Tool}

This was one of those moments that made me glad I had my iPhone with me.
I will often pull out my iPhone when I am shooting a wedding, hoping to get a quick, fun shot I can post on my clients' Facebook pages (since the waiting period for the professional images can be a pins-and-needles kinda time).
This time, I wasn't planning on snapping any photos as I ran back to the bridal suite before the ceremony to grab a few things I'd left in there...
But when I walked in the room, I spied some very bright red rose petals in the distance. I quickly noticed that the hotel staff at the Le Meridien had been in the room to prepare it for the newlyweds after they got back from a long, fun, and crazy night at the reception.

This is what I found waiting for them.

I was in the middle of kicking myself for not carrying my big camera with me to capture this detail when I realized I had my iPhone! Out it came, and after a quick snap and edit I had a fun image that I will include for my clients as a memory of their very special day.
Hooray for the iPhone I say!

Shot with iPhone 4, imported into iPhoto, and edited in LR.

May 2012

iPhone Image of the Week {Nests}

Spring must be the favorite season of at least half the population, but for me, spring doesn't only mean the renewal of all things green and flowering; it's also my favorite birding time of the year.
I love nests! I love them to the point of making wagers on nest scavenger hunts. I realize this makes me a serious bird nerd, but I embrace that title wholeheartedly!

It's a challenge to get a good nest photo with the iPhone, but while wandering around Sapsucker Woods  at Cornell's Ornithology Lab (other wise known as bird mecca), we noticed a Robin had built her nest very close to the path... out came the iPhone!

I was pretty pleased with the shot I got, and happy to take in the always astounding architecture of a bird's nest without disturbing the peace.

Shot with iPhone 4 camera app

Edited in Lightroom 

May 2012

Candy & Jimmy {Spring wedding in Atlanta Georgia}

Candy and Jimmy kicked off my 2012 wedding season, and did so with a bang! This beautiful couple was married this past April on a gorgeous spring day at their lake side home in Eatonton, GA.

I had the great, great fortune to photograph Jimmy's daughter's wedding (Becky and Brian) last year at Glen Echo.  I love when I get the chance to become a "part of the family" and document not only one superb event (Becky and Brian's wedding), but two weddings in the same family. I must admit, that's pretty awesome!

A very big congratulations to Candy and Jimmy!! I know you will live a very happy life with one another.

iPhone Photo Of The Week {A little late is better than never..}

I realized I've missed almost two weeks of iphone image of the week posts...eek!
My excuse, I believe it's a good one... I have been teaching encaustic wax photography and holga photography in the Mississippi Delta for our annual Rebirth Retreat!

Every year for the last three years I  have had the great fortune of collaborating with two other photographers, Will Jacks and Chris Williams in creating our week long retreat/workshop for photographers at The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MS.
Each year we try to bring our attendees a vast array of alternative photography knowledge as well as hands on experiences. I will have to say, I think this year was our best yet! If you'd like to see some of the work created by our attendees from this year's retreat, click HERE!

While I am usually busy teaching and attending to our attendees I do get the chance to make images of my own and every year I like to go back to the same spot and create an image of a very special piano. This piano has been the source of much inspiration for me, not to mention a few print sales! :)
So this year I decided to capture the piano with my iPhone 4 instead of my holga, and as an added bonus I was able to make an encaustic wax piece from the image as well.

This piano draws me in every time. Not sure exactly what it is about this particular one (there are a few around the premises), I just know that there is an energy about this instrument. A story hovers around it every time I'm in it's presence and I can only hope to capture just a moment of it s the "shutter" goes, "click"!

iPhone 4 camera phone app

Photo FX app color process

Piano#3 - Shack Up Inn - Clarksdale, MS

Encaustic piece made 3/2012 at Rebirth Retreat - Shack Up Inn

iPhone Photo Of The Week {It's bluebird time}

This is my favorite time of year... it's bluebird nesting season!
This year I am lucky to have a beautiful nesting pair. Tt's been 2 long years since the bluebirds have made a home here at the cottage and I am over the moon with excitement about it!

They will continue to lay eggs for the next couple days. We should have a clutch of 5-7 eggs and then in the next month if we're lucky, 5-7 baby birds.

Image created with iPhone 4 - instagram app
March 27th 2012

IPhone Photo Of The Week {Ithaca, NY Cornell Campus}

There is endless inspiration when exploring the Cornell campus in Ithaca NY. Not a visit goes by where I don't see something I hadn't seen before.
This time it so happened that I had the chance to wander around Beebe Lake.
A set of super steep stairs led up to a place I hadn't been, and honestly would not have gone had I not had a subtle prodding to climb and explore. Some serious huffing and puffing later and we happened upon the Cornell Observatory.

It was so still up there. The building itself seems regal somehow...
I stood imagining what beautiful images of the stars, planets and all of the outer world around us could be seen from there.

Image created on iPhone 4

Processed with the Camera+ app

March 9, 2012