Emily and Blake knew they wanted their engagement photos shot at the National Arboretum. I had never been there but quickly realized why upon seeing the old Corinthian columns from the Capital building. It was like visiting the Parthenon in Athens Greece. Blake’s tuxedo and Emily’s dress added another degree of elegance to the event.
The Jefferson Memorial is a great place to shoot an engagement session, but its even better if you can catch some Fall foliage. Caitlin and Adam timed their session just right. We got some amazing shots with gorgeous leaves, but the reality is that it is hard to take a bad picture of these two. As I was showing my wife the finished images she proclaimed “Wow! They are a good looking couple!” I could not agree more.
Julie and Howard met while playing co-ed touch football. So naturally we went back to the scene of the crime for their engagement photos. (The first image below is a “Heisman Trophy pose” while wearing their team uniform.) We had a great time exploring Meadowbrook Park and I had a front row seat to witness the amazing chemistry that they share.
Fall engagement shoots are very popular with my clients. Crisp weather, gorgeous foliage, and a low sun angle are a few elements which make them special. Suzanne and Seamus met me at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD and we took advantage of all three to make some wonderful images.
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut that had its fair share of farms. The smell of cows or horses always brings me back to my childhood. Thoughts of playing Little League or riding my bike with friends on a warm summer day fill my head. What does this have to do with photography? I am constantly amazed by the creative process. What elements help create a great image? Even if you start with a fabulous location and beautiful models that does not mean you will come out with a fabulous or beautiful image. I propose that your frame of mind has as much to do with it as any other variable. So I am saying that horse poop helped me while shooting Laura and Chris and was responsible for my best engagement shoot of the year. We shot on the family farm and I loved it!
When I moved my business from Los Angeles to Virginia I encountered many differences. Hip and cool LA vs conservative and traditional Virginia. Beaches vs rolling hills. Year round gorgeous weather outdoor venues vs save us from the heat indoor facilities. The most important aspect of my business I brought with me was my philosophy on how to treat my customers. I like to think of my clients as part of the RHP family. When someone recommends their friends to me I feel a sense of responsibility to take care of them. I consider a referral to be gold. I shot Jessica and Joey’s wedding in July of ’09. Alison was one of the bride’s maids and I was thrilled when Jessica suggested me. She and Seamus were married at Blessed Sacrament church in DC with a reception at Columbia Country Club. This is my second time at Columbia and I honestly believe it is the finest country club in the greater DC area. Of course Alison and Seamus made everything easy for me. They are a handsome couple with a warm and friendly manner. Being crazy in love always helps too!!
To all brides who have not booked their venue yet; If you are considering Northern Virginia you must pay a visit to Rosemont Manor in Berryville. Only open to the public for about a year it is a charming 1800′s classic Virginia Mansion. The house is elegant and stylish and the grounds are remarkable. Peggy and Rob were married there a few weeks ago on a perfect fall day. Their ceremony was held on the lawn below the magnificent columns of the back porch. After the ceremony we spent some time exploring the grounds and creating some timeless images. The guests retreated to the Carriage House where Jake from Dream Day DJ’s kept the party going all night.
This has been one of the strangest weather years I can remember. Andrea and Mark’s wedding was no different. The first week in October should provide a beautiful day, not freezing cold rain. The DACOR Bacon House in DC has a wonderful courtyard which could not be used. We made due inside and an elegant wedding and reception followed.
