two roads diverged | dc metro area and nyc photographer

A few months back - well more than a few months now - Me Ra Koh posted a photography exercise on the Soar blog for a self portrait and a photograph of something that represented where you were at this point in your journey. 

While I knew what represented me, I wasn't sure of it's exact meaning at the time.  Here is what I chose...

I feel certain that I am on the correct path, but I also feel as if I am standing at a point of divergence.  It is not just important, but imperative, that I now make mindful choices and decisions.  I have come to the realization that while I have specific instances in my past of setting clear intentions and seeing results, I have spent so very much of my life simply "reacting" to the world around me. 

Listen, I get it, you have to be flexible in your life - you have to receive feedback of all kinds and respond and move accordingly, but having your own clear intentions allows you to do that within a framework that works uniquely for you.

I am compelled to move my life, my relationships, my work and my artistry to the next level.  I can't tell you what exactly has prompted this in me - perhaps an accumulation of beginning to approach a "mid-point", still striving for fulfillment or maybe the earth literally being thrown off it's axis? :-)... who knows. 

I throw this out into this stratesphere of technology for connection and accountability.

I have spent the past couple of years gathering information from a number of teachers and sources and it's time to start down the path of my own making and create clear visions of where I want to go - knowing that those visions will morph and grow as I do - defining what success means for me and finding peace and prosperity in that.

It's exciting and it will make all the difference. 

Lisa

always jump in puddles | washington dc area family photographer

Always jump in the puddles! Always skip alongside the flowers.

~Terri Guilleme

I was so honored when my dear friend, Christine Barker (who is also a fellow photog) asked if I would come up to Baltimore to take family photos this past week.  

Christine has a genuine entrepreneurial spirit and it is accompanied by a huge heart for including and helping other people - I just love this gal.  Her husband, Cary, is mega-smart, a good conversationalist and one of those great hands-on dads.  And then there is Liam - ohhh what a great kid he is - full of imagination, curiosity and energy that often just radiates from his little body.  Her father and brother were also in town visiting from out West and I had a lovely time meeting and talking with them. 

Here are a few peeks from our session. 

There are sooo many more, Christine!  Can't wait for you to see them.
 
Happy Mother's Day to all tomorrow.
 
Lisa

what you do speaks so loud | lifestyle and portrait photographer

"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last Friday, I had the pleasure and the honor of observing at an amazing workshop - Listen Beyond Words.  I was there to take photographs of the workshop and do some portraiture of one of the workshop's leaders, Diane Hunter.  Diane partnered with Koelle Simpson on this workshop and I can truly say that even the experience of witnessing this work is transforming - I can only imagine what the visceral experience of participation must have been.  I am determined to find out for myself at my next opportunity. 

This particular workshop was focused around the issues of parenting, but the nature of this work with the horses throws a much wider net and encourages you to make instant adjustments that will result in a much more centered and clarified self.   I understand why some have described this work as "magical", but there are no smoke and mirrors, you can see and experience the practical applications immediately if you are willing.

I have always believed that words were powerful tools but, of late, the lessons that are coming to me include the extreme power of intention and action and of opening myself up to see and receive feedback from all aspects of my life...and then take that glorious leap of faith.  

If this sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to click on the links above to learn more about the work these women are doing.  There is so much "light" around this.

Lisa

there is more, much more... | alexandria va family child portrait photographer

"There is more, much more, to being a redhead than the color of ones hair"

_ G. Adam Stanislav

Over the weekend, I met three very lovely ladies.  Mom, Teresa, and her girls, Emma and Lilly.  They chose Mason Neck State Park near Lorton for the location of their session.  It's a beautiful park, if you haven't been there, with walkways near the water and through the woods.  It was a great place to explore.

Teresa is highly intelligent and personable and I loved watching her interact with her daughters.  Emma is a natural model, does not mind the camera one bit and knows exactly what to do in front of it and Lilly, has a light about her that comes through in her smile and playfulness. 

Here are the peeks...

It was a really nice way to spend the afternoon.

Gotta love that red hair!  

Lisa

pretty is something you're born with | northern va portrait photographer

"Pretty is something you're born with.

But beautiful, that's an equal opportunity adjective"

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you are a mom who works both for your home and for someone else, you may find yourself in the position of having to place the care of your child in the hands of someone else for a portion of the workday.  The leap of faith that this requires is pretty huge, and when you are fortunate to find someone that you and your children adore...that is a gift.  I was lucky enough to place my daughter in the arms of some amazing daycare workers when she was a pre-schooler and I was extremely grateful for them.

Last week, I took photos of a young woman named Caro.  She is an au pair from Germany who has become an integral part of one of my dear friend's family this year.  Smart and funny and kind - she's  pretty (as you will see below), but she is also quite, quite beautiful.

The peek...

It is my privilege to know her.

Lisa