Turkey Vacation 2015

As most of you know we went to Turkey in September. It was a twelve days vacation which was packed with lots of fun, food, travel and excitement. It was so exhausting but very fun at the same time. 

 I attended my cousin's wedding and was honored to take their wedding portrait photos. He was always like a big brother to me, so it was the way I thanked to him for all the wonderful things he did for me. The wedding was a great opportunity to see all of my relatives and old friends of my mom. I hadn't seen some of them over 20 years. We all hugged and lied each other about how we hadn't changed at all:) 

We went to Istanbul and took Damla with us too. I was so excited to show her the city where I was born and lived the first fifteen years of my life. We went to some touristic sides. And I took LOTS of photos. It felt so good and right to be in a big city. I miss that feeling every single day.  Even though I enjoy my quite suburb life in Virginia, I enjoy big city visits every once in a while.

You can see graffiti art everywhere in Beyoglu/Istanbul!

   This city is like a heaven for photographers. You never run out of interesting backdrop!

Giant green grass-hopers!

Damla wanted to sit and pose in front of every old looking door!

We had a boat ride to cross the Bosporus!

Haydarpasa train station is full of memories!

Galata Tower is beautiful from every angle!

And of course we went to Ortakoy and ate Kumpir and smoked Nargile!

My beautiful sister!

I also enjoyed Izmit, my hometown more this time. Izmit and I was always broken to each other since we moved there in 1990. I never wanted to move from Istanbul. I never liked Izmit. I lived there only for four years and moved to Ankara to go to college, and never went back. 

But this time, I decided not to be prejudice. It is very surprising to realize that when you change your perspective, everything starts to look different. Izmit looked much more beautiful this time. Damla loved sitting in the coffee houses and eating ice cream at the sea side. 

Just a regular restaurant in Masukiye/Izmit!

Damla thought it was the funnest swing ever!

I think I have the most handsome nephew! Your aunt loves and misses you so much Cagan!

I had some Turkish tea and watched the gulf of Izmit in a cloudy afternoon!

My dear husband had many cups of Turkish coffee cooking on coal ember!

And another beautiful scenery from a nice restaurant in Izmit, hometown!

These twelve days passed way too fast. We already started to plan our next trip to Turkey next year. Seeing Damla feeling excited doubles my happiness. I have a feeling that Damla is going to be my favorite travel buddy soon!

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.