Just a quick post today, inspired by this video. When I am talking to clients, before I ever take the first photo, I often ask "What do you not like about yourself in photos?" I do this because I've learned over and over that people see themselves differently than the rest of the world does. The responses range from bumps on noses to large foreheads to "everything." I'm almost always surprised by what they say. I ask so that I know what I need to do to minimize something with lighting, posing or editing. If I don't ask, and I make my own assumptions, I'm almost always wrong. Most people ask me to "use a lot of Photoshop" to make them look their best. It makes me sad, but then I realize I do the same thing to myself. We get so caught up in our perceived flaws that we fail to see how beautifully it all comes together. I believe that expression and "the smile in your eyes" (my head shot clients know this phrase!) are what makes the true beauty shine through. My ultimate goal is to take the best photo of someone so that they truly look like themselves, but the best version of themselves. Also, don't forget my grand opening party next weekend! Details and RSVP HERE.(Oh, and in my dream world, I would build a studio that would look a lot like that amazing space in the video! But in the meantime, the one I have is pretty awesome.)
It's been a little while since I've posted a session, so today I'm going to share a sweet little newborn. Newborn photography has become extremely popular over the past several years. It used to be that 'newborn baby picture' meant the one you got at the hospital. Now you can choose anything from dressing up your baby like a mermaid to having professional photos of the birth itself. I prefer to keep things simple and sweet -- some wonderful individual images of baby, usually color-coordinated with mom's preferences or to match the nursery, and then some with the parents, both posed and candid. Depending on the family's preference, I'll take even more of a photojournalist approach and document the details of their new daily life. I personally love tasteful breastfeeding photos, but I understand they aren't for everybody.
This family kept things simple for their little girl to make sure the images are about her and their family at this point in their lives. These pictures are timeless.
 If you're like most people, you put off getting a new head shot and it remains near the bottom of your priority list. I'm here to remind you that a current, professional and true-to-you head shot photo is extremely important to your business! Potential clients do judge you by the quality of the image they see. If your business relies on relationships and trust, you NEED a great headshot photo. Don't forget about your profile pictures on social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter. (Don't need it for business, but want to make a great impression on Facebook or online dating? No problem. I can do that, too!) So to make this easy, I'm scheduling a day in my new studio for you to come on in and get it done. I promise it won't be painful. I take my time with each client to make sure we showcase the features you love best and minimize the ones you don't. Whether you need a serious suit-and-tie photo or a relaxed casual look, I can make it happen! The date for this head shot event is April 24 in my studio at 4112 George Washington Memorial Hwy in Yorktown, VA. I have openings as early as 7:30am. You'll receive three fully-retouched high-resolution images to be used for internet or print. As always, I guarantee my work! Price is $100, which is the lowest price I ever offer for head shots. Contact me today to reserve your preferred appointment time.
Hello friends! After months of searching, I finally found a fantastic location to open my studio! What does this mean to you? It means more options! It also means fun and exclusive events for my clients. I'll roll out more details as we get closer to the grand opening, which should happen in late April. I don't have a sign up yet, but keep an eye out for it on Highway 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway) in between Victory and Lakeside/Oriana. I can't wait to share sneak peeks of the space once we get some work done
10. Winter clothing makes it easier to hide the few extra pounds you keep meaning to lose.
9. Colder weather gives everyone an excuse to get closer and more cuddly.
8. Winter light is absolutely gorgeous and very flattering. 7. Your face won't be sweaty and your hair won't go flat from the humidity.
6. You are more likely to get the session date you want because I'm not as busy as I am in the fall. I can also be flexible to change the date when we see a day of awesome weather in the forecast.
5. Fall is too busy! Back to school, the holidays, etc.
4. My first sale in a long time will be on Thursday, February 7.
3. You could always have an indoor session...
2. Always struggling with what to get your mom for Mother's Day? (Every mom loves photos.)
1. It doesn't have to look like winter in the pictures!
(Okay, so this photo was actually taken at the end of October. But I promise, it doesn't matter.)
 My Valentine baby, almost four years later. Ahhhh, the pressure of coming up with something meaningful to give on Valentine's Day. My husband and I decided years ago not to celebrate. It's only a week after my birthday, so it seemed silly. Turns out, my son ended up being born on Feb 14 so that sealed the deal! Before he was born, I did sort of secretly wish my husband would do something sweet for me. It didn't need to be anything elaborate, just something he knew I would like. One of my favorite gifts from him was completely unexpected -- he bought me a leather-bound journal with my name on the front because he knew my current one was almost full. I never even asked him. It was classy and thoughtful and perfect.
As the years go on, we often forget to surprise and delight the people we care about most. It doesn't have to just be our spouses. Meaningful acts and words can have dramatic effects on anybody -- significant others, our children of ANY age, sisters, brothers, parents, close friends and neighbors. I have one good friend who is amazing at this. Every so often, I'll get a small gift in the mail with a note that says "I saw this, and thought of you." It's the sweetest thing!
 Married 30 years and hadn't had photos taken since the kids were little. This year, consider Valentine's Day gifts for anyone... or everyone! We could all use a reminder that we are loved and appreciated. I'll probably bring some baked goods to a neighbor, send a card to my sister, and take my kids to Great Wolf Lodge for my son's birthday (wait... does that still count?) Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't remind you of the emotional impact of a photograph. Whether you give to your mother that family photo she has been begging for, or you surprise your wife by splurging on newborn photos for the baby you'll soon have together, or you reward your best friend for all of the hard work she's put into her weight loss with a session just for the two of you. Women LOVE photos. The gift of photography lasts forever. (Which is far longer than overpriced roses, by the way.)
Happy Valentine's Day to you all! <3 Timorah
 The photo both mother and daughter will love even more as the years go by.
Many people have a tough time planning ahead for how they will arrange photos on their walls. They buy a few prints now, not paying much attention to the size other than what 'feels' right. What often ends up happening is that over the years they have a pile of prints or a series of haphazard-looking displays on their walls.
Recently, one of my returning clients had their second child. By evaluating what they currently have on the wall and how much space they have, I was able to provide them several options for what to do now, and then how to expand that in the future. The image below on the left show how we are incorporating the first and second child's photos together. The image on the right shows how we will expand that to aesthetically fill the space over the time using images from each session along the way. (Please keep in mind that spacing is not precise and this is meant to give them a visual representation of what is possible. Exact spacing will depend on frame/mat selection.)
The funny part about all of this is that I find it MUCH easier to do for someone else than to do it for myself! I think sometimes we just need reassurance from an objective party. Would you like to see more of these? Leave me a comment or a note in my Contact Form.
My daughter is not a girly girl. She's a tomboy for sure. But I still like to dress her in the occasional cute outfit. For Christmas, my mom got her several totally adorable dresses that she'll grow into this next year. I posted this image on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, but I just love it... probably because it's my own kids, but also because it is probably going to give me plenty of excuses to dress her in a cute outfit.
"Tell me the story of your family," I asked. A simple question, but one that I knew the answer to which would make my heart smile. This dual military couple met early in their careers, traveled together, went to school together, even deployed together, and they desperately wanted a baby together. The call came in September. A birth mother in Utah chose them for a baby boy due just before Christmas. Unexpectedly, this sweet soul couldn't wait to meet his parents and instead arrived in November. They frantically dropped everything to fly out there and meet their son, stayed with him for a few days in the NICU, and then took their first family, trip by train, 55 hours back to Virginia. Mama got a lot of comments from strangers about how good she looked for having a newborn!
Years ago, her mother made this blanket for a friend's baby. Her mother has since passed away, and upon the news of this miracle baby, the friend gave her the blanket. Such a special gift!
He wouldn't let her put him down. He is so content in her arms.
He knows who his mama is. So perfect together, making silly faces at each other.
Proud daddy is so gentle and sweet.
The best Christmas gift ever. Congratulations to the three of you!
For information on a session in your home, click HERE.
Recently, a friend gave me a hard time for not updating my website. She's right. I probably should. So here it is :) This is a sweet family and local small business owner of Soaring Pride Designs. The parents pour so much love into their family and my guess is that is why this kid is so dang cute and full of personality. (The good kind of personality.) Like me, they are new to the area but plan on making it their permanent home. So what better place for their first family photos here than the center of their new hometown? I love shooting at the Yorktown battlefields and will also occasionally make my way down to the waterfront. So much variety, yet close to home so I have a lot of opportunities to explore some of the hidden locations. Enjoy the photos! Like what you see? See these family photos HERE.
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