historic & moving

While in Washington DC this last week, I had the opportunity to visit a few of the monuments & memorials that help us remember those who have gone before us. One of the most moving memorials for me was the Arlington Cemetery. Upon arrival you are told that over 320,000 servicemen and their family members rest on the 624 acres of Virginia land across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. About 27 burials are conducted every weekday.

Imagine standing on marble stairs among a handful of United States Veterans, as the changing of the guard is taking place. The silence and respect, absolutely take your breath away. While attending the timeless ritual of honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns, the sentinel paces 21 steps down the mat before the tomb, pauses 21 seconds, and returns. "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God" reads the inscription on the sarcophagus of the World War I soldier entombed here in 1921. Joining their comrade, unknown servicemen from World War II and Korea, lie in crypts beneath slabs flush with the terrace paving.

It honestly took all I had within in me to hold back the many tears that wanted to find their way down my cheeks. To truly understand the sacrifice as you look upon the white headstones, it's a moment that will live within me forever.

summit on the hill

Currently, I am in Washington DC for the second annual World Vision - Acting on Aids, Summit on the Hill. Over the next few days I will be working to capture the emotion and real life atmosphere that surrounds the students as they join hundreds of other advocates through the historic Mobilization to End Poverty. It is a true honor to play a role in documenting the journey that so many have worked tirelessly to promote.

World Vision is a Christian Humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. They bring skills across many areas of expertise to each community where they work in nearly 100 countries, including the United States, enabling us to care for children's physical, social and emotional well-being. World Vision, along with many additional organizations are partnering with Sojourners in The Mobilization to End Poverty.

Please pray for the participants, organizers and those around the world who are currently suffering from poverty, malnutrition and disease. It only takes one person to make a difference in another's life, think about the global impact if we all step up.

stephanie & nick | engagement session

It was a normal rainy day in Seattle that turned into an extraordinary afternoon. My good friend Stephanie will be marrying Nick (who I got to meet today) at the end of May in Chicago. We spent most of the early afternoon traveling around Seattle to capture not only our hometown atmosphere at its best but also the personalities and love that define Steph & Nick. There was lots of laughter, scattered raindrops and smiles to last a lifetime. I really enjoyed spending the day creating memories of a couple whose love you can see all around them. It's not only shown in their eyes when they look at one another, but it's actually in the air that encircles them. I am privileged to also be their wedding photographer and will be spending the last week of May in Chicago. Congrats you two, can't wait to see and hear about your journey ahead!

senior picture session tips

Here are a few tips when getting ready for your session;

Nails - Be sure to have clean and filed nails, a clear, light pink, red or color that compliments your outfit works nicely. You fingers may show in some photos, as well as a few close up images, you will want to be sure that they are presentable.

Make-up - Use a fresh tube of mascara so you don't have clumps. Your eyelashes are going to show in closeups and mascara clumps will stand out. As for eyeshadow and liner, it is best to stick with neutral colors, such as grays and browns. Avoid light pastels, highly frosted shadows and any form of glitter. (glitter will show up as tiny white spots around your eyes or on your face depending on where it is located)

Hair - Don't use a lot of hairspray, gel or other product in your hair as it should move with you when you tilt your head and blow nicely in the breeze. Remember to bring a hairbrush or comb to your session. You can also bring hairspray or product with you to do any minor touch up's that may be needed.

Wardrobe - Short skirts or dresses really limit your posing options, please keep this in mind when choosing your clothes. The goal is for your face to be prominent, not the clothing. For this reason, it is discouraged to wear too busy of a pattern or extremely bright colors, as it tends to draw the eye to the clothes instead of you.

Please note: Having a basic outfit and using bright or patterned accessories works really well.

You want to create a time less look. Never wear a lighter color pant with a darker color top, as this will tend to make your lower half look bigger than your upeer half. Wrinkles will show in your portraits. If your eye can see the wrinkles, the camera will as well. Be sure to iron clothing if necessary and bring items that tend to wrinkle easily on a hanger. It is also recommended to check clothing for stains and be sure all clothing is clean.

alisha | senior picture session

April started out on a high note. Back in the day, I was Miss Auburn 2001 and during my time in competition had a little sister contestant that came to all of the events with me. At that time she was 10 years old and as the years have seemed to pass too quickly, she is now a senior in high school. I had the opportunity to do Alisha's senior picture session today! We had the most amazing weather, spent time recapturing old memories as well as comprehending the vision of who she is at this moment. Alisha is theatrical and enjoys spending time on the stage. On the way to our location, we encountered a few unexpected detours due to a parade but this actually become a blessing in disguise as I found a few new spots I'd never been to before. We found an old theater, a random wall and a variety of textures along the way. I believe that we were able to bring to life images that reflect the young woman she is and will become. Here are a few pictures from her session...thanks Alisha for this opportunity, you are lovely.