Josi was the winner of February’s portrait session giveaway and she choose to share her session with her partner Amy.
Thanks for braving the crazy crosswinds on the way to the island! There are lots more but you’ll have to come see me! 
Sometimes thing just don’t work out the way you want - I was already commissioned for their date when this couple found out about me. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to shoot an engagement session with them, and, as promised Alison, here’s a sneak peek!
Hope y’all had a great dinner and a safe drive back to Roanoke!
I had to turn this job around super fast so I didn’t really get a chance to look through the images for blog picks during the holiday rush. It was a complete honor to be invited to be one of two official Kennedy Center photographers for this event; shout out to Joseph Allen for referring me! One of the very fun parts of this particular job was all the famous celebrities and politicians. I started off photographing folks with a full on portrait set up as they first came in. Later, I was photographing a number of people as in a “camera aware” style during the dinner at the specific request of the Kennedy Center; by the end of the evening, I was able to add in some of my personal favorite style images, capturing the moments as they happened! I’ve done my best to identify those in the pictures so let me know if I’ve goofed anywhere!
I’m going to start off with some of the amazing decor, lighting and florals:
And now on to the shameless name dropping! (I must admit, I was quite star struck!!)
Newt Gingrich and friends
Vanessa Williams
Caroline Kennedy and her husband Edwin Schlossberg
Christine Baranski and her daughter
Kristin Chenoweth and Nancy Pulosi
Honoree Diana Ross, Honoree Martin Scorsese, Diana’s son, Evan Olav Ross, and her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross
Honoree Martin Scorsese and opera singer Maria (?Last name)
Honoree Brian Wilson surrounded by lovely Kennedy Center supporters
Martin Short and his wife, Nancy Dolman
Honoree Steve Martin
I just want to add a quick note. I have always been a fan of Steve Martin’s acting and comedic prowess. While at the Honors, I was absolutely charmed by his gentlemanly behavior and kindness. Kudos to a man who wears his fame so well.
Ted Kennedy
General Colin Powell
Aretha Franklin
Another note to add. This lady had PRESENCE with a capital! It was amazing to watch her walk through a crowd and see the ripples of reaction that followed her wake! WOW!
Steve Carell
and some more grab shots from the rest of the evening - no names…
I loved this lady’s look! You know she was a firecracker in her day!!
The dancing had just started when I had to pack it up.
The amazing Kennedy Center Staff
Another happy couple! Angela and Chris are getting married this June at a lovely vineyard - we won’t be short gorgeous locations that’s for sure! But locations are what you make of them - can anyone guess where this first image was taken?
and this one just for fun!
Thanks for letting me have some fun today (and I hope you didn’t get too cold!)
I have some more catch up to do (two weddings from last year that didn’t get blogged plus the Kennedy Center Honors) but this morning I had #3 of a four part baby plan. This mom and daughter have just been so fantastic - mom comes up with the most amazing ideas and challenges me to execute my version of them! I love it! More than my standard portrait preview but to be perfectly frank, we did go over our time just a wee bit too!
in a departure from my usual picture posting, I wanted to show some of the holiday card options that we have in house! I’ve used some of my favorite images from this little guy’s session this morning.
and helping out with my have a heart project….
I have an almost three year old. TRUST me, I know how it is!
Sometimes, we have to start off slowly…
sloooowly…
but they usually end up enjoying themselves!
it IS a playdate after all!!
I love photographing couples! There is just such a neat dynamic between them - and how much better can it get than to capture that vibe in the city that never sleeps!
in front of the Flat Iron Building
Kristen discovered this great little bar/restaurant that kindly allowed us to use their space for some great “old timey” pictures. I could have photographed in there all day long! Thank you to the folks at Sala One Nine!
I like having contests and the following couple was on of the lucky winners of a free engagement session. Ask me how you can win one too! Enjoy!
One of the great things about my job is I’m always doing something different! Witness the fun that I had with Dudley around town! oh thanks to her dad for all his help!!
