Smashing Pumpkins!

I'm so excited to post this b/c I'm not one for being totally wowed by celebrity but I had the distinct pleasure to see the Smashing Pumpkins at XM last week -- for those of you who don't know, my husband is the Director of the Performance Studio and consequently, I am able to sneak in and attend any and all shows which I don't do nearly enough. The Studio is tiny so it's always a great, intimate show -- with music and in-depth interviews. I have been a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins since their Adore and Siamese Dream days -- early 90s or so -- and finally saw them live. They are touring for their latest release "Zeitgeist". It has received mixed reviews but I love their style and they are keeping with their normal SP sound while staying fresh.

In this photo, I joined the photo at the last minute and there was NO more room for me to stand next to Jack so I was placed in front of him and seem to be hogging the camera space and appear a foot taller which I'm not!

4th of July and Jackson's 7th birthday

Here are some photos from this week -- special reptile visitors to our home, Jackson's birthday, and 4th of July celebrations!
(click on any image to see it larger)





This is Georgie the kitten whom we had for the weekend. Harry attended a camp that allows kids to take pets home for the night or weekend. This one clearly doesn't like being held!



Happy 7th Birthday to Jackson!




It's all about the popsicles in the summertime around here.



Happy 4th!

Our Family Vacation -- Virgin Gorda, BVI

I have literally been putting this posting off for more than a week b/c i wanted to scan my, oh, 1000 or so images, for the best ones to post here. But i cannot decide and I keep putting this off so I'm just going to post some of my favorites for the time being.

My husband and 2 boys and I took a 10 day trip down to Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. We flew thru San Juan and took a smaller plane (25 minute flight) into Tortolla (the Capital/main island of the BVI) and then ferried over to Virgin Gorda. I cannot express what a paradise this little island is. The natural surroundings, the birds, vegetation, flora, water, fish, etc were just eye candy. We stayed in a 2 bedroom house in Spring Bay on the southern part of the island next to the infamous Baths. The island is about 8 miles north to south and about 1/4 mile wide on the smallest part and 1 or 2 miles wide on the widest (I think). We spent every day snorkling on our beach and one day chartered a boat for 8 hours to see about 3 other islands. It was truly a great experience for us and the boys. I highly recommend it.

So here are a select group of images since several of my friends have been asking......and click on an image to see a larger version.

Baby Campbell

This afternoon I had the pleasure of shooting 7 month old Baby Campbell and his parents! I met Campbell's mom thru Junior Friends, a local charity we volunteer with. We had a great time and while Campbell was 180% fascinated with the grass he was sitting on rather than looking at the photographer (wink, wink) or his parents -- believe me, we tried -- we did manage to get some sweet shots of his gorgeous face along with some great ones of his fun parents playing with him. He has an infectious laugh and responded to his mom's awesome fake laugh best!

Cathy & Mike

What a great time I had at Cathy and Mike's wedding. Middleburg was the location for both the ceremony and the reception and it was picture perfect. Cathy was able to get permission to do some wedding photos at the local Swedenburg Estate Vineyard which proved picturesque! Yes, it was 90 degrees but they were great sports for these photos -- no thanks to a good bottle of wine given to them by the owner! The reception was at the local Community Center which was beautiful with wonderful high ceilings and nice architectural accents. They are off to the Western part of the US for a driving tour on their honeymoon! Have a great time guys!

Be sure to click on an image to see a larger version!

Caroline and Grace

A few weeks ago I traveled to Illinois to attend a fabulous photography workshop hosted by PPA (Professional Photographers of America). I learned loads and met some amazing friends and photographers! I stayed with my sister-in-law and her wonderful husband and 2 gorgeous little girls in Peoria for several days while attending the workshop. Shortly before I left, we went outside and did a spontaneous shoot with the girls. The lighting was ideal and the girls were in great spirits in the spring air.

Heather and Gary at River Farm Gardens

Heather and Gary tied the knot at the historic Alexandria River Farm Gardens on the Potomac Memorial Day weekend. This was my first wedding there and I was totally excited to take advantage of the flowers in full bloom as well as the beautifully landscaped gardens. Despite the crazy heat, everyone made it thru the day. Heather was a radiant bride and Gary was equally handsome! I love when I am hired by a wonderful couple who has extra wonderful families and friends.