Homeland Duck Pond Family Session
This is the third year I've had the privilege of photographing the Lindamood family, and watching their girls grow has been a complete joy. While they've gotten taller, more independent, more introspective, goofier, one thing has stayed the same- their affection for one another and their parents.
This is the third year I've had the privilege of photographing the Lindamood family, and watching their girls grow has been a complete joy. While they've gotten taller, more independent, more introspective, goofier, one thing has stayed the same- their affection for one another and their parents. They are the definition of a tight-knit family and I'm pretty sure Kevin and Melisa need to come out with a parenting book! We met around the pond in their old neighborhood, fed the ducks old bread, and chatted about the girls' new classes, books they've read, and places they visited since we last met. One year might blur into the next, especially if you're busy raising kids; But from my perspective, SO much changes in 365 days. Being able to make a series of images that shows that change from the outside in is why I love this job with all my heart!
Wild & Free Family Photos at Oregon Ridge Park
Oregon Ridge Park Nature Center is one of my favorite locations for family photo sessions because it has SO much variety- there's the nature center itself, full of fish, birds, snakes, bugs, giant taxidermied animals, and outside is full of fun adventures.
Oregon Ridge Park Nature Center is one of my favorite locations for family photo sessions because it has SO much variety- there's the nature center itself, full of fish, birds, snakes, bugs, giant taxidermied animals, and outside is full of fun adventures. There's a playground with cool log structures and a music garden, the chicken coop, the forest itself, winding trails, water, and dilapidated stone buildings. It's a hidden gem! I met the Bruno family there in October and it was a warm, Maryland fall evening and everyone was in high spirits. The kids ran through the trails until we reached the creek, where they splashed around and climbed over the log bridge until the sun went down.
Rainy Family Session with Floral Dresses
Hanna reached out to me about taking photos of her new baby girl around the time she turned six months old. They wore matching blue calico dresses and Marlow’s hair only turned curlier in the light mist that fell.
Hanna reached out to me about taking photos of her new baby girl around the time she turned six months old. We planned to meet in this beautiful open meadow during October, but when they showed up, it immediately started misting. The forecast hadn't predicted any rain, but we embraced it and Marlow couldn't have been a happier baby. She smiled throughout our entire session, and by the end, her curls were even springier and coated with tiny raindrops! It was all just perfection. I'm so thankful this family braved the weather with me because I think we made some magical photographs together!
Offbeat Vintage Wedding at The Elm in Hampden
This bride wore a violet lace wedding dress, wore light-up sparkly heels, and used an assortment of caketoppers for their dessert table.
A few days before their wedding, I dreamed she was wearing a lavender dress. Imagine my shock when I showed up to the venue and found this beauty! I love that she paired it with sparkly shoes and a handmade paper flower bouquet- 100% her! The Elm in Hampden is similar in its unique charm. Sharon- owner and resident- has turned this industrial warehouse into a cozy and whimsical spot for weddings. It feels almost like getting married at home, probably because Sharon actually lives here with her artist husband!
This couple gathered an assortment of cake toppers for a variety of homemade cakes. The kokeshi dolls were the star of the show, especially considering their honeymoon to Japan! Even though it was rainy, I'm so happy these two were down to take portraits outdoors. It made everyone a little more giggly and the group shot of everyone in attendance was SUPER exhilarating to create. When most couples contact me, they say something along the lines of, "the most important thing to us is that our friends and family have fun." After months- sometimes years- of planning, it's always a pleasure to document that in action!
Backyard Birthday Party in Catonsville
It was only fitting that we have a "painting party," so my partner Matt went all out and built her a DIY spin art bike for kids. Her guests had a blast and everyone went home all tuckered out and (hopefully) ready for a long nap!
It's something pretty special to have a sister 24 years younger than you, and even more special to have the honor of planning her fifth birthday party and photographing it! Since she was about two, I've been painting with Astrid. She still remembers the time we painted leaves (and each other's feet) on her front porch one fall. We strung them up and made a garland for the fireplace. I wish I had one of those leaves. As much as I wish she were still two, I love watching her grow and become more confident in herself. It was only fitting that we have a "painting party," so my partner Matt went all out and built her a DIY spin art bike for kids. Her guests had a blast and everyone went home all tuckered out and (hopefully) ready for a long nap!
Rainy Engagement Photos in Old Ellicott City
Melissa and Nishant met me during the winter at their wedding venue, Overhills Mansion, for a tour of the grounds. It was so fun imagining how the space would transform with greenery by the time their summer wedding came.
Melissa and Nishant met me during the winter at their wedding venue, Overhills Mansion, for a tour of the grounds. It was so fun imagining how the space would transform with greenery by the time their summer wedding came. While we were there, we took some engagement photos. This couple was extremely camera shy (I feel ya!) so it took some goofy play to get them to relax and forget about me. We did some exaggerated model strutting, whispering dirty secrets, walking around bumping hips... basically anything ridiculous enough to make them think I was totally nuts. Getting that nervous energy out with phsyical movement always does the trick! When they were good and ready, I asked them to recount their first date while looking into each other's eyes. It was ADORABLE. I can't wait for their two day, Indian-American fusion wedding this July!
Spring Engagement Photos at Loch Raven Reservoir
Lindsay and Adam's engagement session at Loch Raven Reservoir in Phoenix, MD is everything a photo shoot can be. We started by meeting for a walkthrough of their wedding venue, Eagle's Nest Country Club, and then drove a mile down the road to one of my favorite spots along the water.
Lindsay and Adam's engagement session at Loch Raven Reservoir in Phoenix, MD is everything a photo shoot can be. We started by meeting for a walkthrough of their wedding venue, Eagle's Nest Country Club, and then drove a mile down the road to one of my favorite spots along the water. It was a cloudy evening, and dusk was falling fast. I love that this location has the best of both worlds- dark and moody pine forest, and well-lit, sandy shoreline. It's perfect almost any time of day, any weather. Lindsay's white calico dress provided such an understated and classic softness out in the open and a beautiful contrast against the rich green foliage of the woods.
It didn't take much to get these two giggling, and Adam was ALL for being affectionate in front of the camera. Sometimes guys are hesitant to loosen up, but I hope these photos prove how beautiful vulnerability can be and inspire someone else to just go for it. I think Lindsay was a little taken aback at how comfortable he was too, and her smile just glowed the entire time because of him!
Since it was overcast and quickly becoming dark, we started the session in the the woods to take advantage of what little light there was left. Adam and Lindsay danced, cried, and sang to each other through laughter. If you zoom in on one of these photographs, you can see a sweet little tear rolling down her face. She instinctively wiped it away, but I'm such a sucker for emotion and begged her not to. I'd asked them to reflect back on the first years of their relationship and that's certainly something to tear up over! I mean, you've been with this other human being for years, and now you're choosing to spend the rest of your lives together! It's kind of a big deal. I honestly get a little welled up just typing these words!
That's part of why engagement photos are so special. They represent this pause before the next chapter. It can feel like such a long wait, but 30 years from now, it'll feel like the blink of an eye. I want my couples to have photos from their wedding day in addition to a visual of the time before forever. That moment when you were just two friends, completely and madly in love with one another.
Timeless Newborn Session at Home
Dominique wanted relaxed photos to remember that hot summer baby Ina was born. She didn’t wear clothes (except for a diaper) until fall, and the days were slow and peaceful.
Backyard First Birthday Party with Bunting
Mama walked a homemade strawberry cake out to her strawberry-loving girl, tears were held back, and wishes made.
Kat and Cris asked me to document their baby girl's first birthday, right in their Maryland backyard. I sometimes look back on the few photos from my own first birthday party. Everyone's wearing those cone hats, there's a cake with one flickering candle, a huge teddy bear, and everyone is staring at me with the same eyes everyone's staring at Thea with. I hope someday she looks back at these photos and feels the same love I do looking at mine.
Kat took care to hang paper flowers from every tree, linen buntings were draped between them, and a tiny play theater was definitely the main toddler attraction! Older children crafted owl masks for each other, and everyone looked sweet as can be, hooting around. Mama walked a homemade strawberry cake out to her strawberry-loving gir, tears were held back, and wishes made.
Fall Elopement at Parts & Labor
I met Kylie and Jason at The Wilson House in Baltimore, Maryland where they were leisurely spending the morning getting ready for their wedding ceremony. They said vows in a city median and then joined family for dinner at a farm to table restaurant.
I met Kylie and Jason at The Wilson House in Baltimore, Maryland where they were leisurely spending the morning getting ready for their ceremony. Kylie's best friend took care of hair and makeup and Jason simply pulled on his suit and ate delivery pizza downstairs with Kylie's dad.
The Wilson House doubles as the owners' residence, so it's filled with personal photos, collections, trinkets, and all the vintage textiles one could ask for. It really feels like home and made taking pictures even more fun!
When everyone was sufficiently dolled up, we took a walk down the street and found an empty city median where vows were exchanged, papers signed, and pictures taken. Family and friends headed back to the inn for a rest while Kylie, Jason, and I darted off on an adventure. They took me to their old block- the one they lived on when they first moved in together- and we visited their favorite neighborhood coffee shop. They admired the way their hands looked with gold wedding rings and how her silk skirt shimmered in the autumn light. And just before sunset, we headed to Parts & Labor for charcuterie and drinks with all the people they loved the most.
Heirloom Portrait Session with Grandma
When you have the opportunity to meet a bride to talk wedding timeline and meet her grandma in the process, you take it! It was the perfect opportunity to capture some photographs of the two since Dolly wasn't able to attend her granddaughter's wedding.
When you have the opportunity to meet a bride to talk wedding timeline and meet her grandma in the process, you take it! It was the perfect opportunity to capture some photographs of the two since Dolly wasn't able to attend her granddaughter's wedding. Phoebe wrote a little about her grandma:
Dorothy "Dolly" Cochran, 95 years old. A true remaining doll of the 1920's era. Dolly was the apple of her fathers eye, and was particularly close to her sister Alice, traveling to numerous countries together in their youth. Dolly stated that in order to go downtown, "one must always wear a hat, and gloves." Married at the age of 25 to a U.S. Navy sailor, together they adopted two children from Germany whilst stationed in Holland. Dolly had dreams of becoming a nurse, but ultimately stayed home to raise her children. Dolly has since become a deeply beloved mother, grandmother, and now great-grandmother.
Baltimore Newborn Session with Brother and Sister
Everyone piled on mom and dad's bed, baby nursed, dad read a few picture books, and we all marvelled at how much their family had changed in just a few years!
Emily and Martin reached out to me before their first baby was born because they wanted casual, in-home photographs documenting their time as new parents. We hung out with the family cats, fawned over Louisa's tiny fingernails, and took a walk down the city block, crunchy leaves underfoot
When Morris was born, our session had an entirely different dynamic- that of a toddler big sister exploring what it means to welcome a tiny human into the family! Louisa gave him a few cuddles and was off to play just as fast. Everyone piled on mom and dad's bed, baby nursed, dad read a few picture books, and we all marveled at how much their family had changed in just a few years!
Intimate Mother and Child Photo Session
Kat and Thea came to my meadow for a mother-daughter mini session when the buttercups were in full bloom. Our time together was quiet and reflective.
Kat and Thea came to my meadow for a mother-daughter mini session when the buttercups were in full bloom. Our time together was quiet, reflective, and I think we both couldn't stop thinking about how this darling baby would be an amazing woman in the blink of an eye. Kat is a doula and I think her years of helping mamas welcome their own babes made her even more sensitive to her own journey being a mother. These two have such a remarkable bond. Thea is a content baby- she's smiley, curious, flirtatious, and looking into her eyes is like looking into that of a wise old soul's. It was an honor to document this moment in their journey together.
Folksy First Birthday Portraits in Hunt Valley
Dominique and Ina joined me at dusk in a field of buttercups to document her first trip around the sun. Ina was still getting a feel for her walking feet and those little fingers wrapped around mama's fingers were so precious and trusting.
Dominique and Ina joined me at dusk in a field of buttercups to document her first trip around the sun. Ina was still getting a feel for her walking feet and those little fingers wrapped around mama's fingers were so precious and trusting. It's such a privilege getting to photograph the bond between a mother and baby at this specific time. I cherish the pictures of my mom and tiny-baby-me, and always like to imagine the babies I photograph finding these images twenty or thirty years down the road.
Musician Portraits with Marian McLaughlin
Every once in awhile, I take a break from shooting weddings and families and get to do something completely off the beaten path. It's creatively refreshing and playing with pure portraiture is so much fun.
Every once in awhile, I take a break from shooting weddings and families and get to do something completely off the beaten path. It's creatively refreshing and playing with pure portraiture is so much fun. This time it was photographing my friend Marian McLaughlin, folk singer-songwriter in Baltimore. She has a hauntingly beautiful voice and her lyrics touch on the environment, what it means to be a woman, a human, a living being, in this time and place. Listen to her NPR Tiny Desk Concert here and find her music here.
Sunny Summer Woodland Family Photos
We found a magical grassy spot tucked away in the forest and played in the dirt, spotted a beautiful opening into a neighboring meadow, and eventually made our way down to the creek where the kids had a blast cooling off in the water.
My first photo session with this sweet family was when Charlotte turned one and Ethan wasn't even a speck on the horizon. She walked around her bedroom with her little baby belly sticking out and nothing but frilly bloomers on, showing me her books and toys. It's an honor to have watched this family grow and change, so you can imagine how sad I was that after photographing them almost every six months since Charlotte's babyhood, I learned they were moving hundreds of miles away. I'm sure we'll cross paths again someday, and our time together will be all the more special!
Erica is such a free-spirited, calm, and affectionate mama. We met on a summer morning when the sun was high and everything just glowed green and yellow against the blue sky. Ethan had just learned to walk (with a little hand-holding) and Charlotte entertained us by spinning around in circles. We found a magical grassy spot tucked away in the forest and played in the dirt, spotted a beautiful opening into a neighboring meadow, and eventually made our way down to the creek where the kids had a blast cooling off in the water. Sessions like these make my heart sing!
Magical Forest Massage Portrait Session
Forest massage with Laura Kalman from Metta Wellness is relaxing and entirely unique.
Father's Day Family Portrait Session at Home
This is a casual and authentic father’s day celebration with family and friends in Hunt Valley.
In Home Lifestyle Newborn Session with Finn
Adrienne and Greg actually hired me to photograph their wedding several years ago, and when I learned about little Finn, I could hardly contain myself!! It was so fun catching up and seeing them in their new roles as mom and dad.
Nothing quite compares to in-home newborn photography, and it's always such a calming treat in between documenting the hustle and bustle of weddings. Adrienne and Greg actually hired me to photograph their wedding several years ago, and when I learned about little Finn, I could hardly contain myself!! It was so fun catching up and seeing them in their new roles as mom and dad.
It was a rainy morning, so we moved a big comfortable chair near the brightest window and fawned over the baby. His perfect little fingers, toes, peach fuzz, button nose... newborn babies are just pure magic! Little Finlay wanted nothing to do with not being held, so Adrienne and Greg took turns cradling him. Sometimes it's nice to take photos of baby solo, but I'm never going to advocate for forcing a baby into that position. If they need to be held, they need to be held!
Looking back on your newborn photos, I imagine that's the exact feeling you'll be hoping to summon anyway- what it was like having your tiny curled up baby on your chest. The way their little head smelled sweet and milky, their fingers curled around yours, their wrinkly newborn legs, and itty bitty fingernails, and dreamtime puckering lips.
Mini Session at the Jarrettsville Sunflower Field
It’s not easy to schedule sunflower field sessions. There’s only about a week of prime blooming! I met this family to take photos at the perfect time on the most perfect day.
