Mary + Sophie: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Pet Session

Mary and I met through Instagram because we share a love of two things: hiking and dogs.

Early one spring morning, I met the pair for some photos in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. We talked as Sophie had free reign of the trails since no one else was around.

Everyday Makers: Anne Rule-Thompson, Ceramicist

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“This is your ten-minute warning,” Anne shouts from downstairs at her two boys.

As the boys race from bedroom to bathroom to get ready for school, Anne and her husband make breakfast, feed the dog, and get the boys out the door.

The school-day scramble is in full swing and is the storm before the calm of Anne’s quiet downtown Bolivar, W.V., ceramics studio.

“There was a long time when the kids were little when I didn’t really have a place, and it was a struggle,” Anne said. “I guess that’s why I am here.”

Laurie & Jamie + Calvin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Family Session

If you go a little bit deeper into the blog, you’ll see that I did maternity photos for Laurie and Jamie. I loved that they asked me to come back and take photos for their life after bump, and I had a great time getting to know this baby boo.

It was a special session for me, at the time, because I was seven months pregnant, and I was anxiously awaiting my life after bump. It was great to see all the love and giggles that were in store for me.

Beyond the “About Me” Page: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Photographer

Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. Just kidding, but if you want a good laugh this comic still makes me giggle over a decade later. It was created in 2004. Which, happens to be the first time I picked up a camera with the purpose of storytelling.

Storytelling has been ingrained in my photography since the beginning because when I first started it was tied to journalism. Finding photos that could stand on their own, in a series, or expand on the story was a hunt I enjoyed. Everything I loved about journalism: interviewing, getting to know people, finding out their personal story and why a subject matter means so much to them is what I’ll bring to the table when I photograph you.

Laurie + Jamie: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maternity Session

I am a little late posting these pictures! Laurie had her cute baby boy late October, and I am finally getting around to blogging her maternity photos around Christmas time.

Laurie and I became fast friends at work the moment she joined my team at my day-job. We work closely together on a number of projects and use each other as a daily reminder that sometimes work is just work.

Shannon + Gilbert: Charleston, South Carolina, Pet Session

Shannon had been thinking of getting a dog for quite some time. Her and I discussed breeds, when she would walk him, who would take care of him if she ever was deployed (I volunteered, of course). Finally, she decided to go with a rescue dog.

Virginia Beach Engagement Photography: Michelle and Spencer

This Virginia Beach engagement is probably my favorite session so far. Granted, I am VERY biased since the lovely woman is my sister.

My sister is one of my best friends. There is no one else who understands our crazy family or gets every obscure Spongebob quote. Who remembers the turmoil of hearing Dad’s alarm clock in your dreams at five in the morning. I am so glad of our incredibly special relationship.