About 18 months ago, I photographed Ashley and Chris‘s wedding just north of Charleston – it was a fun, relaxed event surrounded by family and friends. Ashley’s sister, Heather, contacted me not too long afterward to photograph her wedding to Curtis. I was – of course – honored. Heather and Curtis are kind, loving, and totally crazy about each other. Their wedding at Emmanuel Baptist in Charleston was short, sweet and simple – and it was evident they are well loved by their family and friends that attended. That much must run in the family.

Curtis and Heather – thank you so very much for trusting me with your images. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

It’s been so long since I’ve blogged a baby session. I loooove newborns. They’re so tiny and cuddly and – typically – sleepy. But Ms. Maya would have none of the sleeping for her session. She was bright-eyed and alert, which was just fine with me. And because this was last week, she probably doesn’t even look like this anymore, which is why doing newborn photos is so very special.

The view from my window the morning we were leaving.

Each February, several thousand photographers from around the world join in Las Vegas for WPPI, a wedding an portrait photography convention and trade show. I had been hoping to go for the past couple years, but – alas – I have these children with nobody available to watch them until this year. So I packed my bags and headed to Vegas. I was fortunate that my friend Lillian was attending, otherwise I probably would have been holed up in my room watching Food Network unless there was a class to attend.

I went to several classes, but my favorites were:

Zach & Jody‘s session, which focused on building relationships with their clients. I already practice this philosophy, I think, but was able to take some very practical tips away on how to do a better job at that. Plus, they are fun, and inspiring, and just plain good folks. Or at least they appear to be.

Jerry Ghionis did a presentation on lighting, which blew. my. mind. It pretty much went like this: Here’s a terrible lighting situation in a sub-par location, and here’s how I posed the subjects and where I put the light. And here’s the photo I got. (Then up on the screen would appear the most incredible photo you’ve ever seen, which looked like it was taken with thousands of dollars worth of studio lights with elaborately set up backdrops, when in reality it was likely a window in an ugly bedroom.) I absolutely cannot wait to put some of these tips into use.

Jeremy Cowart is a photographer I’ve followed through social media for the past couple years, and his commercial work is incredible. But what I’m more interested in is his personal and humanitarian efforts, which is what he spoke about in his class. He had to be the most humble, likable presenter I heard, and at least half the room had puffy eyes and snotty noses from all the crying we did during the presentation. I even gave the 65-year-old man behind me a hug afterward because, well, we were both crying like kids. Jeremy Cowart is simply inspiring, both from the quality and type of work he is doing, and you should check him out even if you aren’t a photographer.

Finally, a big thanks to Blu Domain for hosting an amazing dinner for a few dozen very lucky guests, of which I was one. That was probably the highlight of my trip. Lillian and I got to sit across from the aforementioned Jerry Ghionis and his lovely wife Melissa. We also got to meet Jesh de Rox, who is like the Ghandi of photography. LOVED it.

For the record, I do not like Vegas. When I visited with my husband a few years back, I didn’t think I’d ever return. It’s like a smoky, bloated, sensory overload. But WPPI was so very good I think I’ll have to return. At least I found a good chocolate croissant to help me drown my Vegas frustrations in butter and chocolate.

Dear women I have photographed,

I understand that some of you have feelings of trepidation as I lift my oversized camera to my eye to click the shutter. You’ve had enough “bad” photos of yourself to feel that the odds are against you. Not to mention your arms are too fat/legs are too skinny/eyes are too big or little/teeth are crooked/hair is frizzy/lips are thin/neck is drooping/chin(s?) are bulging/booty is too round/booty is nonexistent/fill-in-your-own-neuroses here and you’re worried might have applied just a little too much eyeliner. I get that. I really do. Why do you think I’m always behind the camera.

But if any of that sounds at all familiar to you, I wanted to tell you what it looks like on my end of the camera. I’ve learned a few things about lighting and posing, and even do my best to encourage you so that you might – for at least a couple seconds – feel good about yourself. But the truth is when I am looking at you through my camera lens, I think you are absolutely beautiful. Cross my heart.

If you’ve just had a baby, and you’re note quite fitting into your pre-pregnancy jeans yet – first of all – who would? And secondly, you just carried a life inside you for months. You are feeling exhausted and a least a little overwhelmed. But you are stunning. Truly.

If it’s your wedding day, you’ve probably spent hours getting ready and (over)thinking every. little. detail. You probably feel pretty – beautiful even. As you should. The man you are in love with has chosen you from among every other woman he’s ever known to promise to spend the rest of his living days with. Even if you were in sweats and your hair in a ponytail, that fact alone should make you feel incredible.

If you’re having a photo taken because you’ve gotten a new job, or you want a new job, you may be excited and a little nervous. You may be wondering if you chose the right shirt. But I think it takes alot of courage to look for and then start a new job, and that is beautiful.

If you are having family photos taken, and you’d really rather stick this one out but it is your family after all, so you hide yourself behind your three kids in hopes that they’ll minimize that part you’re convinced is too big, what I’m seeing is a mom who is working her tail off trying to raise decent little people, all while managing to orchestrate coordinated clothing and combed hair, and promising dinner at a favorite restaurant if the kids would JUST SMILE. I think you’re absolutely lovely, and your kids are never as badly behaved as you think they are.

If you’re a high school senior, you are incredibly full of life and potential. It’s like you’re a ball of walking opportunity. And even though you don’t feel like it somedays, you are breathtaking. Believe it or not, you’ll get even more pretty as the years go by – even if you gain a few pounds, even if (when) you get crow’s feet, even if life doesn’t feel like it went as planned. You are and will be gorgeous.

Whatever the reason you’ve come me, I promise you if I’ve ever taken your photo, I think you’re beautiful. My hope is that after seeing your photos, maybe you’ll start to believe it, too.

Despite the stereotypes, in my experience, mothers of the bride are typically a delight. They’re helpful, excited, and fun. And thanks to the mother of this bride, I was chosen to do their wedding photos. I’ve worked with this mother of the bride, Donna, for at least seven years doing design work for Alex Alexa Medispa in Teays Valley, where she is the spa manager. When her daughter Casey got engaged, she contacted me immediately to set up a meeting. Not only was I able to finally get to know Casey a bit better, but enjoyed seeing all the details of this wedding come together. Casey and Donna have an incredible support system of family and friends who pulled together to make the wedding really stunning. And I equally enjoyed getting to know Chip, a hard-working, quiet, kind man who I am certain will make sure his wife is well provided for.

A few things that really stand out to me about this wedding were attention to detail. The decor was seamless from ceremony to reception, and was vintage-inspired, wispy, and totally romantic. There was greenery everywhere you looked, but it was more like a warm winter wonderland than a holiday extravaganza. And the WHOLE THING was done by friends. Friends, guys! I was blown away. Also, pay attention to the ring shots – Chip made his wedding band. He even beveled the inside so it would fit comfortably. Who knew you could make your own wedding ring? The wedding party and family was so helpful and cooperative, and I honestly felt like part of the family by the end of the day.

Casey and Chip (and Donna!) – I cannot thank you enough for trusting me to photograph your wedding day. I hope you can look back for many years on these photos and remember how well loved you are – by your friends and family, and by me.