Trash the Formal! Say what?
Yeah, I see all the Moms out there saying that! A dip into the ocean on a gorgeous day….in your formal gown. Call it odd or weird – I call it a ton of fun and I think our models would too! Alex, Ashley, Caroline, Michelle, and Sara did their model thing with the waves crashing around them and we came up with some really unique shots. We provided the gowns and they provided the “glam”. Summer is a great time to do this with the water warm and the sun setting is just the right spot for some killer shots. Thanks to our models for really getting into it and putting their makeup on and promptly getting it all washed off…
Norm & Oksana – Aruba Destination Wedding Pre-Shoot
Have Jeep, cameras, awesome looking couple and will travel! That’s all I really need. That and a Caribbean island kinda like, say Aruba maybe? Oh yeah, throw some caves and white sandy beaches. I’m not asking for too much am I? Well, we had all that and more on our recent travels to the fine island of Aruba. Norm & Oksana joined us there for their wedding but before we shot their wedding we jumped in our Jeeps and found a few hidden gems around the island. It’s only 19 mile long but it is just packed with the coolest places! Our first stop was the Alto Vista Chapel which is an icon of the island along with the cactus and rocks (did I say Caribbean?). We hopped back in our Jeeps and bumped our way down the windward coast to the Natural Bridge and the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins. Aruba managed to squeeze in a national park (Arikok) onto their island so we headed off in that direction to find the Guadiriki caves and they did not disappoint! Guadiriki and Fontein caves are fabulous spots for photography alone but add Norm & Oksana and you get something really special. We ended up back at Eagle Beach for a roll in the white sands and blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Aruba just keeps coming up with the most amazing locations for photography so we can’t wait for our next trip back! Stay tuned for a couple of more weddings that we shot there recently along with Norm & Oksana’s fabulous Manchebo Beach Resort wedding.
Meredith – Senior Photography for the Vintage at Heart…..
A 2011 Senior model that is a photographers dream. Need I say more? She’s just that good! She had a vintage vibe to her so we worked that into our shoot with a 1920’s Amelia Earhart kinda look. It was a surprise to all of our models when we arrived at our various locations but when we ended up at the Military Aviation Museum she was thrilled. But wait there’s more – Out came the 1941 Stearman and it was a little bit of heaven for Meredith. We splurge a bit on our senior models but it’s so worth it since they are our ambassadors in all the local high schools. We are always on the look out for unique and exciting locations for our photo shoots and this was a homerun for both us and for Meredith! Check her out for yourselves!
Destination Wedding Aruba Bucuti Resort – Ryan & Leanne
Bucuti Beach resort in Aruba was the backdrop for Ryan & Leanne’s wedding last week in Aruba. A sunset on Eagle Beach is God’s little idea of perfection and they grabbed a little piece of it for themselves. All the way from the UK they winged it over to the tiny Caribbean island of Aruba for a simple but classy wedding. We spent the afternoon with them and watched the sunset dip into the Caribbean Sea. Of course some photography was on tap and Ryan & Leanne were stunning as they strolled Manchebo Beach toward a dinner on the grounds of the Bucuti Beach Resort. There are days (a whole bunch of them!) when I love being a photographer and this was one for sure! A little bit ‘o heaven in Aruba courtesy of our fav resort – Bucuti Beach! Cheers Ryan & Leanne!
Kaiya
We found the most amazing baby the other day at Botanical Gardens….bizarre how that happens! Actually it was all planned and Kaiya put on a show for us with all her cuteness. While baby photography is quite a departure from my normal stuff – I sure don’t mind doing it, especially with such a incredibly cute and well-behaved little one like Kaiya. I do too many of these and Adina starts getting the “bug”. Just say no! For now I just take pictures of babies….that’s it. Really. Here’s Kaiya!
Aruba Wedding Pre-Shoot (Jeff & Jing) – Destination Wedding
“One Happy Island”, that’s what they call Aruba. I can see why with so many things to see it is just a phenomenal place to photograph. Aruba really is unique as a Caribbean island with cactus, ruins, Divi trees and white sandy beaches – a combination you will find nowhere else! I would go to Aruba just to photograph the ruins, the crashing waves on the windward side and the white beaches of Eagle Beach. Now, give me a couple of beautiful people and that is just the cherry on top! We joined Jeff & Jing in Aruba for their wedding at the Westin where their wedding was going to be right on Palm Beach. Before their wedding though we headed out to photograph all around the tiny 19 mile island of Aruba. Our first stop was at the Alto Vista Chapel that sits high on a mountain top that gives a tremendous view of the entire island. After photographing there for a bit we headed down the dirt roads toward the rough side of Aruba where the waves constantly pound the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Jeff & Jing were willing to do about anything as we perched them on the edge of cliffs with waves crashing all around them. The Natural Bridge provided a quiet place for a few shots as we continued our 4-wheel drive trek through the outback of Aruba. The Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins gave us a great view of the Atlantic and the crumbling rocks of the ruins provided a very unique backdrop. Before we left we made sure to build a wishing rock tower in island tradition. While there was much to see on the windward side of Aruba we raced the sun back to the other side for some shots with the white sand beaches that Aruba is known for. Jeff & Jing were up for a roll in the surf so we kicked off our shoes for an Aruban “trash the dress” shoot! Before we dove in though we made sure to find the famous Divi trees on Eagle Beach for a couple of photographs. Destination wedding photography can be a real challenge with the travel and logistical issues but people like Jeff & Jing and locations like Aruba make it so worth while. All in all the day of photography was a boatload of fun as we explored Aruba with our good friends and got to know them and the island a whole lot better! Stay tuned for wedding pics!
Natalie’s Modeling Portfolio
It’s always awesome to see old friends come back for their photos. In this case it was a senior from 2008 – Natalie! We shot her senior pics a few years ago and now she is an aspiring model. We did a few shots in our studio for her model portfolio and I don’t think the world knows what they’re in for! Natalie has a bright future ahead of her and we can’t wait to see where this road takes her. Hang on Natalie!
Michelle – Senior Model 2010
An adventure was in store when we met Michelle. We toured the countryside with her and took a few pictures along the way. Michelle is such a free spirit and we had a great time photographing her! Biplanes, beaches, fashion shoot in the studio – you name it and she was up for it! Michelle is another one of our 2011 Senior Models so keep an eye out for her in your school next year! Here’s Michelle:
Jennifer and Cameron Got Married
A couple of cool people got married the other day in Yorktown. I like cool people so I took a few shots….then a few more. Gee, I guess we ended up staying all night at the Freight Shed in Yorktown for their wedding! A great location right on the York river with a couple of fabulous people – what more could you ask for? Congratulations, Jennifer and Cameron – you rock!
Caroline – Senior Model 2010
One of our 2011 Senior Models is now here for your viewing pleasure! The most amazing – Caroline! She brought some way cool dresses that just kept getting better as the day went on. Just when we thought she brought out her best one, she would top it with the next one! A harpist & a dancer all in one package! Be on the lookout for Caroline and our other models in a school near you! Here’s Caroline:
Olivia-Senior Model 2010
She is way smarter than you and way prettier than me. That about sums up our 2011 model, Olivia. So, just give up now and be happy with second place. She’s got first all wrapped up. Behold the awesomeness….
Alex Takes on the World! – Senior Model 2010
Meet Alex. She pulled off so many great looks that we just couldn’t get enough of her. She is one of our 2011 senior models so keep an eye out for her as she cruises the hallways! She worked out the whole ace fighter pilot look for sure. It was a joy to work with her and the day we spent with her was a highlight of our year. Take a peek at a few of my favs!
The “Big Reveal”
It was party time last week at the Senior Experience (our senior H.S. branch of the biz) and with the help of a few good friends we put on an event for our 2010 models. Our models are the advocates for us in their high schools as they show off their images, talk about their “Senior Experience”, and brag about some of the cool products that we offer! Daevid’s Bridal Flowers hosted us as we transformed a room into a swanky club for the evening complete with the services of Arch Entertainment “DJ-ing”, Blue Steel Lighting providing killer lighting, and a delicious feast from East Beach Catering, Pike Media Resource provided video services and RSVP Stationery designed the custom invitations. Antonia Christianson Events designed and coordinated the event from start to finish as well with furnishings from Daevid’s , and Distinctive Event rentals. That’s a whole lotta people coming together for one thing – make this a memorable night for our senior models! Here’s a few shots from the evening and be on the look out for our senior models in your school since they will have discount coupons for you! In upcoming posts we will be introducing you to our 2011 team so keep an eye out. For now, just a few shots of the evening – photobooth & video coming soon! The tasty treatsGoodies on display Revealing their images! Chatting with our models Blue Steel Lighting rockin’ our logo! The lounge… Photobooth & a bit ‘o excitement Lined up on the red carpet! Sweet stuff!
Jennifer’s Bridal
It’s just a real pain when we have to wait until after the wedding to post images from a bridal shoot. We’ve been sitting on these for a few weeks now but alas, Jennifer got married and now she can show off her dress for all to see! We took over Huber Court at the Chrysler Museum for about an hour and we came up with some great shots. Stay tuned for a few shots from their wedding! But, for now….it’s just Jennifer!
Courtney
Courtney is ready to hit the world running! She just graduated from Hampton University and from the sounds of it she is ready for anything. High School seniors are a big part of what we do but I could get used to shooting a few college grads! It’s a great time of their lives and it’s amazing to capture their excitement as they launch into a brave new world! Here’s Courtney: