Brenley made a surprise and came (much) earlier than expected. I was planning to photograph his birth too, but plans had to change because of his early arrival.

Dear friend Anna was my first ever client. She was pregnant with baby #1 Amberlee at that time. I was brand new at photography and very nervous, but we had lots of fun. I was so excited and thankful for the opportunity. And after Amberlee was born I took her newborn photos. And the moment I took the photos, I knew newborn photography was going to be the most challenging but rewarding genre for me.

Anna was getting ready to come to my studio in South Riding. The day before the shoot I decided to go to her house, saving her a one hour forty five minute drive from her new house with two kids (one newborn). I thought it would be a nice opportunity to see her new home which she had moved into just weeks before Brenley's birth.

After a very long drive I arrived Anna's beautiful new home in Maryland. The huge windows in the living room made a perfect natural light studio, especially for photographers who shy away from studio lights.

I fell in love with Brenley as soon as I saw him. He was a perfect, tiny, little, happy man. He was still in good shape for little fellow who came three weeks early. He was a good boy during the photo shoot. He even gave me couple big smiles that stole my heart.


Happy:)

Serious!

Cute, cute, cute!

Watch out, world! A future football player has arrived:)

Most cutest lips!

That's why I love my job so much!

We had the same pose with the same prop with older sister Amberlee 2 and half years ago:)

Gorgeous momma, Anna! 

Even we had a minnie session with Amberlee.  

Daddy joined us later, too.

Maryland Birthday Party Photo Shoot with Kemal Atlas

Atlas in Greek mythology is a Titan and holds the sky on his shoulders. Therefore Kemal Atlas' "Up" inspired first birthday party was a perfect match to his name. The decoration, his outfit, the cake made by mommy, games, keepsakes, every detail was well crafted by mommy and daddy to complete the theme.

First birthdays are always so special, especially for parents. Little ones are usually not so aware of what is happening during their first birthday party, but they still like being at the center of attention. It was no different for Kemal Atlas.

When Kemal Atlas' family contacted me, I was honored to be there for them and document one of the very special events of human life, his first birthday. When I arrived at their house, I was so impressed by all that hard work of mom and dad to prepare that special event. Everything was a perfect reflection of their big love for their only child.

Kemal had a big Turkish family. His grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were happy to be a part of his big day. Everybody enjoyed the party and the the food including me, since "Up" is one of my favorite movies too.


Anndddd, Kemal turned 1!

    Mom thought every detail!

  Up! Up! Up! Little Explorer!

    One of my favorite photos!

    Kemal and Cool friends! Cutie pies:)

    That smile!

   Our little "smash the cake" photo.

Beautiful Family!

Everybody really really enjoyed the party!

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.