Whitney: Senior

Whitney is a super fun, bubbly senior with a big personality. She had a lot of great ideas and I think we got some nice shots at Hollins Mill. Let me tell you though, it was hard to get a straight face out of her~she was really enjoying her photo shoot!

I love when I'm able to capture laughter~and laughter definitely fits Whitney!

Ella V: Senior

Meet Ella V! This girl is very cool and down to earth- I think if I could rewind time back to high school, Ella would definitely be one of my favorites to hang out with. We met up downtown and headed out to get a funky, urban look for her senior pictures. She was open to pretty much anything, plus the weather cooperated beautifully...nice combination. Take a look.

She looks gorgeous here...classic.

I knew this one would be a keeper when I took it...love the mix of textures.

Several of these places are within a block of my new studio...there will be so many options!

Elizabeth: Senior

Let me introduce you to Elizabeth, a cute senior with a contagious laugh. I had a hard time getting this cross country runner to give me a serious face, especially when her mom kept her laughing. I'll start you off with my two favorites...I can't decide which one I like better.

Very fun...easygoing.

I think she looks like a model here!

Love the retro look the black and white gives off.
Last one for now!

Sloans: Brotherly Love

What a gorgeous family...the Sloans wanted to get some portraits of little Spencer to go along with those they had done for big brother Ryan at the same age. Spencer and I had a chance to play before Ryan came home from breakfast with his grandparents. Take a look at their sneak peek...

Isn't he adorable?

Big brother Ryan...I love his curls!

The family together~I think Ryan may have secretly known he had a Thomas the Train bribe on the way!

Olivia: Miss Independent

Little Olivia, it turns out, loves waterfalls, sticks, and telling me no! She is absolutely adorable with her super-long hair and big blue eyes, and wanted nothing to do with me during our session yesterday. Her mom admitted to having very few photographs of Olivia for this same reason, so our goal was to finally get some before she got much older. It looks like we did okay! Here are some of my favorites so far...

Those lashes are to die for! (and I love the pigtails)

We had finally convinced her to go to this spot (granted she had a fabulous view), and she stood still!

One happy camper...
Isn't she beautiful? I love how this portrays the innocence of a two year old.
That's it for now! I've been busy, busy, busy with portrait sessions so there will be plenty of blogs to come!

Sniders: School Days

So these three kids are not only cuties but they're family! My two nephews and niece belong to my husband's sister, who wanted to forgo traditional school portraits for something a bit more unique. We did a quick mini-session downtown...here's a sneak peek for you.

Miss Cailyn, the oldest...just began middle school! You could never tell from looking at her, or at least I couldn't, but then again I come from a family of giants. Yep, I'm six feet barefoot...okay, rambling now.

The middle child, Brian...I've always said he is going to be a heartbreaker. It's the quiet ones that you have to watch out for!

And lastly, Brandon. What can I say about Brandon? He is fun-loving, wildly outgoing, and loves to have the attention. If only I could show you all of his shots, you would get a better idea!

Ariel: Senior

Take a look at this stunning senior! Ariel was a total natural and seemed perfectly at ease in front of the camera. It was sooo hot (isn't it supposed to be September?), but you would never know. She is pumped about graduating in June and wanted to get some shots to celebrate. What do you think?

Her eyes really are that blue!

Exciting News!

I love arriving home to find a package waiting on my porch, especially if I've been expecting something and it comes early! Today was no exception. For the bridal show on Sunday, I wanted an updated sample album for brides and grooms to look through. I recently switched to a new company (appropriately named KISS) for my leather books...check out this baby!

This one is a fabulous green leather, but it's not just available in green-wait till you see the colors! The smooth, flat pages and square design, combined with a rad cover (sorry, didn't find this until after I had taken the pictures) make it absolutely delightful. I guess you'll just have to take a look (and feel) for yourself!


And for more exciting news...look very closely...can you see it?
If you can see "LEASE", you're right! I signed today and will be moving in November to my new studio in downtown Lynchburg. Everything has just fallen into place with the whole process~it is the perfect space and I can't wait to get in and get everything set up. I'll be posting my progress as I go; also be on the lookout for Grand Opening information. You know I'll want everyone to come by and check it out!

Business: Updates

Business is a funny thing~a balance between doing what is comfortable and doing what you know will push you to succeed. Lately I have had a million ideas running through my head about where to take Simple Reflections and even more so, praying for direction and guidance. Just being able to do what I'm doing is a blessing, more than I could have asked for. Despite the late hours (for those of you who don't know, I am a special education teacher during the day, but am getting ready to phase that out), the worries about the future, and wanting to buy fun new equipment all the time, I love every minute of capturing these priceless memories for people. Even though the children you see on the blog aren't my own, there is something about the camera that allows me to learn who they are, amazing me every time I catch a twinkle in the eye or a mischievous grin.

There are so many new things transpiring lately, and I cannot wait to tell you all about them. I'll be "unveiling" a few ideas within the next couple of weeks, and then more as we progress toward the new year. (Hint: baby faces, new spaces, and interesting places)

Saturday night I had the great opportunity to see Colorado photographer Sam Puc' in Richmond. Not only did the seminar confirm the questions I had in my mind, but gave me new information to run with. It was a fabulous opportunity~aptly named "Babies & Bellies" because of the emphasis on maternity and newborn sessions. Sam has created gorgeous work and you would never believe she started out shooting in her bedroom!

I'll be busy this week preparing for a bridal show I have on Sunday. Lots of details to finalize! Shoot me an email if you need more information.

Alexis + Harrison: Video

Click here to access their online gallery.

Alexis + Harrison: Family Time

I badly wanted to post these last night, but my internet was so sloooowwww. I got the chance to spend a couple of hours with Alexis and little brother Harrison yesterday afternoon. These two are absolutely adorable and have some of the prettiest eyes I've seen. Normally I have one or two definite favorites from each session, but I honestly had a hard time choosing which ones to blog. I'll start you off with a cute one of both kids.

I asked Alexis if she could twirl her dress for me, and boy did she twirl...all over the yard! This is my "artsy" fix for the day.

Doesn't this melt your heart? They were so sweet together.
I guess if I really have to pick just one, this would be it...the eyes do me in. Don't you want to just eat him up? You'll be seeing more of this family next week. I have a mini-session with all of them at their home in Midlothian on Saturday!

Kyle: Video

Click here if you have his gallery password.

Kyle: Senior

This is Kyle, one of Jefferson Forest High School's newest seniors. Having met Kyle already, I knew the perfect place to take him and sure enough, we got some fabulous shots. They were perfect for an edgy look.

This is my favorite! I'm digging the old school bus...

A classic~I think this will be his Mom's favorite. You can even see a hint of a smile!

Lynchburg: Babies!

So if you live in the Lynchburg, there's probably not much chance you've missed the baby boom going on here. I swear everywhere I turn there are babies! Bert and I are in a small group with four other couples from church, and three of them had babies this summer. We finally got together and I decided it was time for a mini-shoot of the little ones (plus big sister Charlotte, the resident small group kid).

JJ was the first one born, and is the "big boy".

Next came Anna!

This one cracks me up! She's just hanging out.

The baby is little Jocelyn, the younger sister of Charlotte.

I think Charlotte is thinking..."I wish this baby would grow up already so we can paint our nails and play dress up!"

Her new school shoes! I love the vintage feel of this one.
And just for fun...my little guy Franklin. Yes, he does have a t-shirt on...it says Alpha Dog!