Talia · One Year Old Birthday Party!

It has been such a blessing to shoot so many memorable moments for the Shah's.  I was able to to see how happy Rina and Todd were when they were expecting and be at their baby blessing and now little Talia is one! It is truly amazing to see their family grow from two to three and to also be able to document it. It was so fun to see Talia's reaction to the birthday cake, face painter/performer, and all of her family and friends in one place. I always wonder what a one year old is thinking with so much going on around them! Here are some of my favorites from this princess inspired event!

Vendors:

Catering & Cakes: Canapés

Clown: Kate McGlynn

NYC 2015

Last year I went to LA during my birthday and this year I went to NYC for a few days right before it. I think I'll have to make this traveling thing for my birthday a tradition. If you have the ability to travel anywhere that isn't home, you should take it. Experiencing a different way of life in a new place is so exciting and can really teach you a lot about people and the world we live in. This wasn't my first time to New York, but it was the first time I could explore a bit on my own. I met up with some family that were enjoying a mother-daughter trip with a couple of their friends and loved getting to visit them and the Big Apple with them. We went to places like the MET, SoHo, Little Italy and saw Aladdin and Lion King. It was amazing and I am so blessed to have been a part of their adventure for a couple days. Here are some pictures from the trip!


























A few from 2k14

It is so hard to pick my favorite images from my 2014 shoots last year because...
1. That's a lot of pictures to look through and...
2. Each image evokes a memory from one of these special days or moments.
So, instead I decided to just pick those that stick out to me. I feel connected to each one of the photos I take because each one is a deliberate composition and I get to remember the unique story within that picture. Yes, sometimes I snap an action shot at just the right time, but I am usually trying to document a personality or story by showing its simplistic beauty, quirky moments, and emotional depth. I think I tried to pick images based on composition, color, movement, and emotion. Here are some from the beginning to the end of my shoots from 2014!

Portraits



















Weddings












Rina · Henna Blessing

I have never seen a henna blessing before, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to photograph Rina's first one! Rachna is an amazing artist and used her own homemade mehndi to create a beautiful design. It can be so hectic when preparing for a new little one so this was a good time for Rina's family and friends gather around and relax together. I loved getting to know them and be able to watch Rachna create such an amazing work of art!












Fairuz & Daniel · Engagement Party

At Fairuz and Dani's engagement party friends and family gathered to celebrate these worldwide travelers joining together. As their boat cruised along the Potomac we took pictures, sometimes posing in front of the monuments to get the perfect backdrop. The fun began with brunch, and ended with dancing, with just enough time to visit loved ones in between. I have to say it was fun shooting while on a boat! I hope you two have an amazing time on the rest of your journey!







































RAINN & Tori Amos


While shooting an event for RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) I never thought I would leave feeling as inspired as I did. It was completely overwhelming. Tori Amos was the guest of honor and has been a spokesperson for RAINN from when it began in 1994. Towards the end of the event, sponsors, guests, and other attendees could come up and greet her. There was so much emotion behind the eyes of each person who walked up to get their moment with the celebrity. I'm talking tears, hugs, gifts, stories...it was amazing. What was even more amazing was how Tori had influenced each of those individuals lives and even though a line of at least 100+ people were waiting to see her she gave them all the same attention and listened to each person. ACTUALLY LISTENED to what they were saying whether it was how her music helped them through a specific time in their life, how they were affected by the organization, or how thankful they were for her support. Her passion to help others get through the struggles and difficulties of what she overcame was phenomenal and so amazing to witness. Thanks, RAINN for doing such a wonderful job setting up the event at the beautiful Anderson House.