woodbridge virginia photographer

Lauren and Don

Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer

Alright, guys. Clear your mind. Done? Okay. Now, when I say the words "backyard wedding", what are you picturing? I absolutely guarantee it won't look like what you are about to see! When I stepped on the property belonging to my bride Lauren's family, I was in awe of its waterfront views, weeping willow trees, and the eventual evening sunset. Sharing some of my favorites from their summer wedding below!

Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer
Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer
Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer

Corinne's Senior Session


Just an hour before our session, we were piecing together outfit options for Corinne. When the mustard shirt was placed before me, you guys know me well enough by now to know I said THAT'S IT. I love the way Corinne's images pop, from more than just her styling. She has the most gorgeous smile and infectious laugh that while you can't hear it, I know you guys can feel it. I had such an amazing trip to Mason, Ohio to photograph Corinne just a few weeks before she closed the books on high school and graduated with the Class of 2019. Here's to bigger and better things for this sweet girl!















Introducing Baby Caroline


A couple of years ago, I was struggling with deciding whether or not my husband and I were finished adding to our family. I'd always pictured myself having a larger family. Four was my number, and then I'd see where to go from there. Now, here I was at "just two", debating on whether or not our family was meant to be larger than a party of 4. Ultimately, we found our family complete. 

I've always been confident in my decision, but that doesn't mean I don't love to hold and cuddle sweet little babies. Working with newborns and their families is the best of both worlds - I can get my baby fix but pass the baby back when it comes to diapers, feeding in the middle of the night... all that "other" stuff! How wonderful to get my baby fix, but also see how much my former newborns have grown into such sweet, chatty, beautiful big sisters!











Why a Happy Client is my Best Advertisement

Noel Grace Photography


Recently one of my neighbors had some work done on the front of their home. We're talking brand spanking new wood and trim, new paint, and some good 'ol power washing. The home looks almost brand new, despite being over 20 years old. Unfortunately, there's no yard sign advertising the company that's done the work, as we often see with home projects that are a large undertaking. It's made me think about knocking on her door to get the name of the company, should I decide to invest in upgrades for our home as well.

Photography - whether it's posted on social media or displayed in the home - works very much like the story of my neighbor's exterior work. A happy client is my best advertisement. When someone changes their profile or timeline picture to one that I took? It still makes me giddy after all these years. At the end of the year when I open up a holiday card and I see a shot I took with gold embossing and a personalized note from a client? I proudly display it in my kitchen, probably a little too far into the next year. (As I also often do with my outdoor Christmas lights...)

Last year I spent less than $100 on advertising for the entire year. That sounds kind of crazy right? How can a successful business still bring in income with such a small advertising budget! That's because most of my clients come to me purely by word of mouth or seeing my work.

There's a good chance I will never knock on my neighbor's door, simply because it requires more effort than if the company's sign had been on their lawn. (Is that admitting to the world I am lazy?) As consumers, we're more likely to buy something with brand recognition because that recognition creates a sense of safety and assurance about our investment and the outcome of our purchase. Ever wonder why Nike and Coca-Cola continue advertising even though they're already billion-dollar powerhouses? Whether we realize it or not, equating a brand with a quality product (in this case the flawless Cherry Coke) makes us more likely to choose that product on recognition alone.

Combining a great photo with the photographer that took it creates a brand, creates recognition, and creates a sense of security for a prospective client. That truly is the best form of advertising that I could hope for - and the greatest thank you I receive from my clients.




Jaclyn and Brad's Great Falls Engagements


Does anyone else take for granted their local landmarks? Whether you live in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, New York City or here at home in the Washington DC area, do you take advantage of nearby landmarks or do you avoid them (and tourists) like the plague? 

Raises hand. 

Guilty. Absolutely guilty. I've lived in this area over 20 years, and not once have I ever visited Great Falls National Park. Then, one of my best clients Jaclyn got engaged to Brad and suggested the spot for her engagement session. I went into it with all of these preconceived notions of what the popular attraction would be like; I'd have to navigate huge crowds and leave extra early because parking would most surely be tough and 495 traffic is a beast. Well, basically none of those things happened. When I wasn't making constant references to how "this looks just like The Last of the Mohicans", I managed to capture these insanely cool images for Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.