Dodging raindrops is a challenge, but a downpour is cause for Plan B. A bit tough getting outdoor shots when the weather doesn’t cooperate, so you quickly take advantage of those windows of opportunity and keeps a towel handy to mop up the equipment. Weddings are full of beautiful things and all your friends and family, none of which require sunshine to enjoy and celebrate with anyway.

Michele and Dan were troopers when the skies started to cloud up. Not a complaint one. Nothing much to fear since all the plans were indoors anyway, but by the end of the day, the skies were blue, the sun was bright and they were headed for a fantastic extended honeymoon that I was pretty envious of.

Best Wishes Michele and Dan as you settle in to a new Life together! May a little rain on your wedding day provide all the fortune that fable promises.

 A little over a month ago we went to see our friends Liz and Mackie and stay at their place out in the wild hillsides of Albermarle Co. Jack was making his first overnight visit doggie style and there was less anxiety knowing that we were being hosted by a forgiving animal lover. So all went well and we had a great time. But I’m not sure that Max and Bill, their two dogs, ever really got to lovin’ some Jack. Especially Bill, who laid down the line and dared Jack to cross it. It really was hilarious watching Bill defend his territory for most of the weekend. Max of course, being the older and wiser of the two was much less bothered by the young pup invading his space. He was more or less a spectator to the standoff between Jack and Bill, just enjoying the day and probably saying things like “Bill, Bill, Bill….why are you so uptight, dude”.

Sadly, we learned just a couple of weeks ago that Max died suddenly just a couple of weeks after our visit. Apparently he had a seizure and was unable to recover from it. Liz and Mackie are of course heart broken, what else can you expect when you lose a constant companion who was nothing but a joy. But apparently Bill is taking things even harder. It is indeed sad to watch a dog pine for someone they loved and cared about.

While I was up there, I did get a few shots of the dogs as they hung out with us. Liz called and said that she really appreciated the prints I sent her because they didn’t really have many good ones of Max in his old age. I was looking at some shots that I have taken of Jack over the last few months and my mind couldn’t help but wander to the future which will most likely see me watch Jack get older and eventually leave us. I really don’t want to dwell on that, but I looked at the shots of him when he was just a pup, barely able to climb the stairs, so stocky and cute.

I wouldn’t trade those for a million dollars.

So here’s to Max, a loyal and dear friend.

And Bill…….hope you get to feeling like your old self soon.

Hey, I’m diggin’ that awesome sky and trippy shadow action for Kim and Brett’s esession. It was really kind of a fluke cloud cause the evening was pretty wide open sky for the most part. You never know when some background lovin’ will come your way.

This is a great couple and I’m really excited about their wedding ’cause the reception is right downtown on Market St and we can just trip out any time we want to for a mini-shoot. Maybe we can even get a little penthouse view for a few! It will be a blast.

Just a few from the little car show they have at Festival in the Park. Love me some shiny old cars! The burnt organge paint job was the most beautiful I had ever seen. Flawless and delicious!

Exciting things are ahead for Courtney and Chris! Just graduating from JMU and moving to Alexandria to start out Life.

So let’s see….what would make a nice wedding gift for these two? Perhaps a free months rent for those who might want to lavish them a bit (really, really, really lavish them!). Or, for their peeps just getting out of school, perhaps a Metro card and dinner for two at Jaleo would be a nice gesture. Or there’s always the IKEA gift card where they can get those really cool things that help you fit 1200 sq ft of stuff in 750 sq ft of space.

Despite the price tag on Life inside the beltway, you really can’t beat DC Living when you’re young…… and the world is yours…..and all you really have….are your dreams.

I had a great time with you guys and I hope you have a fantastic summer. See you soon!

Kemper

Here’s a little slide shizzo to celebrate the first eSession of the year with Lindsay and Josh. I always give a little “kissing lesson” before we hit the road and I do believe that Lindsay and Josh were very good students. A+ for both of you!

Everyone’s usually a little nervous at first, I think. Except for me:) It’s a little scary being in front of the camera and not really knowing what to expect. But, after a few minutes, everyone is in the groove and having fun. Sometimes, after a little chimp (chimping in photog speak for looking at the lcd to check the shot) I’m loving what I see. Sometimes what I see isn’t at all what is in the LCD. I think you can see what I mean as there is a little before and after that will be evident in the show.

Also, check out that last shot. I really think that is one of my faves ever. We were racing to get to my secret spot and were just a few minutes too late to get the sunset. So we worked the twilight and I really think we got some cool stuff.

Good times…good times!!!

I kept kidding Lindsay that I may have to just barter out the wedding photography for some tax assistance. But, I did manage to complete my taxes just in the nick of time, so I’m safe from that scariness and drudgery for another year. Of course I have made a commitment to self….be more organized! Maybe I can still work out a deal. Hmmmm.

This is a great couple, very much in love, so made for each other, and WAY easy going. Josh the musician and artist, Lindsay the CPA. Amazing how the right people find each other in this great big world!

We had originally scheduled this session for March, but the weather was just not right (although you can do some cool stuff in the winter months). So here we are a little over a month later and the weather is beautiful, the leaves are coming out, the grass is green (wow is it ever!) and there is still just enough of winter left to make for one of the most beautifully colored shots I’ve done.

Thanks for coming out and playing with me guys, I had a great time!

Now……. where’s MY CPA?

When rain threatens the wedding day I always think about the possibility of a break in the clouds with just enough light to make everything soft and beautiful. That is exactly what Dana and Lloyd got for their intimate little ceremony at Natural Bridge just a few weeks ago. Not a drop fell the entire time and what rain we had gotten earlier in the week and morning of left the lichen, moss and stone with brilliant shades of greens, blues, and browns. Those colors are a little extra bonus that you don’t find at every wedding venue.

Dana and Lloyd, we totally enjoyed being a part of your day and here’s to a perfect start to the rest of a beautiful Life together.

Cheers!

Kemper