An Incredible Book

Call me old fashioned but books are still my favorite gifts. They are always the right size and color, inspirational and classic. My sister and I are bibliophiles, as is my husband. All of us have always been surrounded by books, and I’m so glad this characteristic has been passed down to my daughter.

As soon as my sister learned that my daughter loves to read, she wanted to give her a book. But not just any book, but a memorable page-turned she could cherish for her life.

Aunt Aysun was so excited when she discovered the Lost My Name Book Company she called me in the middle of the night to let me in on her idea. What could be better than a personalized book that puts Damla in the starring role?

Lost My Name books offer several story lines that personalize each adventure with a kid’s real name. Aysun settled on "The Incredible Intergalactic Journey Home”, a space adventure that perfectly complemented Damla's interests and personality. 

The book is about a girl who doesn't want to sleep so she decides to explore space with her robotic companion named Hubble. These two travel to space for adventures with fun creatures.

The book is delivered in a lovely colorful envelope, and I have to admit I was giddy to open it! Of course the story is fantastic, but I’m equally impressed with the exceptional quality of their products. Lost My Name books lure the eye with vibrant colors printed on gorgeous,environmentally-friendly paper.

It has a beautiful dedication page where Damla's Aunt Aysun, Uncle Mutlu and Cousin Cagan wrote lovely sentiments.

Here is the main character, Damla, who doesn't like to go to bed. This story really is personalized!

One of the most wonderful aspects about this book is how a kid's name is used on almost every page, drawing a young reader right into the story. Damla is especially happy to see her name printed because it is not so common in the US. 

D A M L A

Other colorful and fun characters in the book are as interesting as Damla and Hubble, her robotic partner throughout the adventure.

And, here it is! A real satellite image of Damla's neighborhood. How cool is that!

Lost My Name uses high quality Mohawk Paper, an eco-sensitive and socially conscious US-based paper company. Check them out at www.mohawkpaper.com

I am so happy that somebody somewhere came up with this clever idea. Thank you Aunt Aysun, Uncle Mutlu and Cousin Cagan. We LOVE you, guys!

Interested in a unique Christmas gift that puts your little ones into the action? Check out the Lost Name Book Company atwww.lostmy.name/en-US.

Maternity Photo Shoot-Ashburn, VA

Ok! I admit it. I am a little late to write this post about this gorgeous lady since she already met her little bundle of joy. However, this tardy reality doesn't make these photos any less adorable. Since I was going back and looking at those wonderful images again and again, I decided to share photos with the world…late though I am.

I met Safak when she was a newlywed. Her energy and contagious hapiness captured my attention the moment we met. She is one of those people who finds solutions for any problem. If she wants something, she gets it, no matter what. Getting preganant didn't change this characteristic about her at all. She was still full of energy with lots of great ideas about her baby. She thought out every little detail about this little boy, from his clothes to nursery, from the meaning of his name to his blanket.

We both were so busy with our work and lives, we didn't even realize how close she was getting to her due date. We had to do her photo shoot as soon as possible. We arranged a date and hammered out the details for a successful photo shoot.

At home, while downloading images popped up one by one, I was overcome with emotion.  I felt so privileged one more time to be there with people and document the most important moments of their lives.


Safak was one of the best looking pregnant ladies I have ever seen.

I love when dads-in-waiting join in the photos!

I love to see happy smiles on couples' faces when they look at each other.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Pepper is ready for his baby brother.

How can a pregnant woman look gorgeous in a simple tank top?

I always love B&W photos more!

Curious!

A classic! " What to Expect"

Beautiful room! Safak took care of all the details all by herself!

Northern Virginia New Born Photography-Molina Family

I met Seda at a friend's daughter's birthday party. I got so excited to learn that she ran a home-based baking business, Wholly Sweets Bake Shop. My daughter's birthday was coming and I wanted to surprise her with a Frozen-themed cake. I needed one on short notice, and luckily Seda, already six months pregnant, accepted my request. I really wanted to photograph her newborn. I knew her daughter would be as beautiful as she was, and as delightful as her cakes.

I was busy with a couple projects and she was super busy with a three year old toddler and her newborn. We took Leah's newborn photos when she was 4 weeks old. Even though the first week is ideal for a newborn photo session, we still ended up with great shots. She was very alert and smart during the shoot. I loved how she looked right into my camera, as if she knew exactly what was happening.

Her three year old big brother was super helpful during the session also. He helped me carry my props and soothed his little sister when she was fussy. He proved to his mommy and daddy that he had already become a proud big brother.

Look at that hair! When my daughter had that much hair, she was two years old!

Seda is one of the most beautiful moms I have ever seen.

Brother love!

She was looking right into my lens!

My favorite family photo.