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Emily the Kindest Photographer You’ll Ever Meet!

It’s time for my Cool Woman for September!! This beautiful lady and I met at a workshop in May of 2017. There was an instant connection, like the one you get when you meet someone for the first time, but it feels like you have known them your whole life. I love her answer to what inspires her — I will tell you that she IS one of the kindest people I have ever met!! When we first met at that workshop, I had a broken wrist and was having trouble navigating with my cast. Emily was so helpful and kind to me. After the workshop, we then became accountability partners, sharing our goals and dreams for our photography businesses! It has been a short friendship, but we are just getting started!! We are already talking about our next photography adventure!! (And her photo is a self-portrait) Please check out her work at Moonfly Photography!

Dugda DG – What led you into becoming a photographer?
 irreducibly EM– Growing up, photography was an important part of my life.  Our family would watch home movies on Sundays and it was always such a treat!  I will never forget the sound the projector made.  Pictures were a way our family came together.  Well,  fast forward to having children and I was addicted.  Photography was a way of documenting their lives and my creative outlet.  As I took photographs, I learned more about myself and what I value.

DG– Pick three words to describe your work?
EM– Passion, Service, Giving

DG– What kinds of things do you like to do outside of your work?
EM– Spending time with my family and being present in my life.  Calling my girlfriends. Taking time for my self care and renewal.

DG– What is your favorite place that you have traveled to?
EM– San Francisco has my heart.  The most beautiful place and so much to see.

DG– What is something that inspires you?
EM– Kindness inspires me,  it is my true joy.

DG– If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self what would it be?
EM– I am enough.

DG– What is it that you want your work/art to do?
EM– Connect with people in a way that touches their hearts.  To bring you into a space that takes you back into a moment that will hold it’s place in time.

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Desert Shoot in Phoenix | Outdoor Portrait Photographer

While out on my trip to the Portrait Masters, my friend and fellow photographer Emily MacPherson of Moonfly Photography set up a portrait shoot in a park in Phoenix that had beautiful desert landscapes. It was such an amazing time. These two ladies were gracious and modeled for us — it was such a beautiful location.  I loved the colors, textures and foliage. It made for a very dramatic backdrop!! Who wants to take a trip with me and go back to Phoenix??

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Portrait Session at the Arizona Grand Hotel | Portrait Photographer

While attending the Portrait Masters in Phoenix, I did some portrait shoots. This lovely lady is a fellow photographer and just a beautiful person. It was hot on the day we had our session, but Ewa was ready for adventure!! She said she wanted glamorous, so … I created a session that feels like a spread in VOGUE magazine – I think we accomplished that. It was my honor to photograph her!!

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Portrait Masters | Award Winning Photography

What can I say about The Portrait Masters it was an incredible experience!!! Four days of world renowned photographers lecturing on their journey as photographers and more importantly their journey as people. Platon moved me to tears; Joyce Tenneson is challenging me to do more personal projects; Richard Wood, oh my gosh the creativity that he has is mind blowing… Parker Pfister took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, such a talent!! Felix, the other Richard, Zack and Lola were incredible as well!! And then there was our host Sue Bryce –I would have to write a whole another blog post about this lady!! She is my mentor and an incredible business woman, but Sue Bryce, the human, shines so bright you need protective eyewear!! I thank her for her beautiful candor at her farewell Portrait Masters speech; she keeps it real and propels me to LEVEL UP in my craft!!! Not only did the conference have these amazing speakers, the ballroom was filled with 25 shooting bays with models  (see my two shooting bay images ) the bays were draped with Oliphant Backdrops (one day I WILL own one of these backdrops!!) there was ton of gear there to look at and purchase… AND …the fellow photographers!! What a beautiful community of people!! I miss it already– but already dreaming about next year!!

One of my favorite quotes from Platon: “I have failed more than the younger generation has even tried.” My friends whether you are a photographer or not, this quote is for you. It is okay to fail. Failing is where you learn, where you grow and where the strength of your success is BORN. Be brave and put yourself/your work out there. The world needs YOU!! So, with that– I submitted 15 images into the Portrait Masters this time around (compared to my first submission of 5). These images are judged by 5 of these world renowned photographers and there were nearly 7,000 images submitted. I feel very happy about these images — but I am ready to grow, I am ready to fail and I am ready for a Silver, or maybe even a Gold : )

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Professional Branding Photography | Manassas Photographer

Branding images are critical for your success!! Not only do I help you decide what to wear and guide you on what to bring, I am mindful of all the little details. Colors, backgrounds , the way you place your hands are just a few things that I am watching out for. All of these details add to the finished feeling of the image. The little details build on each other to convey your larger story!! This guy right here come in for a multi-purpose shoot. He is going places, I just know!! I would love to help YOU with your brand. I was a graphic designer for many years before becoming a full time photographer– let’s chat about getting you and your brand to the next LEVEL!!

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