Northern Virginia Photographer - Snowmaggedon!

We have had snow, snow and more snow around here. Two blizzards in one week has crippled the Metropolitan DC area. The kids haven't been in school for two weeks and moms are going CRAZY!!!! Luckily for me it has been pretty much life as usual around here. Except for the bonus of having a husband that gets to stay home when the Federal Government is closed, we are doing fine.

AND who knew that we would have a little one that absolutely LOVES going out in the snow? As soon as we go out she greets it like a long lost friend. Literally falling down into it as if to give it a big hug, kiss and an occasional lick. I mean isn't that how we all great our long lost friends. :)

Here are some pictures that I have taken over the past two weeks. I hope you are staying nice and warm wherever you are.

This is the snow on the railing of our deck as it was starting to fall off. We measured almost 30 inches of snow out there at one point and that was before approximately another 6-8 inches fell.

This is a tree that I could not stop looking at. I love the harsh look of all the snow caked on the branches.

Our Snow Bunny! These were taken last week when the snow was much easier to walk through.

Next time we will hopefully get her to open her eyes on the toboggan.

And Finally, The SUN!!!

Remember, Spring is just around the corner and the calendar for sessions is starting to fill up. Please give me a call to book your Mother's Day, Easter, Spring or Birthday session.

Northern Virginia Photographer - So New

Today I had the pleasure of having this little guy in my studio. Now I have to admit, I am not usually one to do too many sessions in my studio. I love the idea of capturing a family in their own environment. It makes for a nice relaxed atmosphere where people can be themselves and I can catch those great candid moments that just don't happen anywhere else. Well, not sure if you have heard, but we are having quite the weather around here and we had to squeeze this in between snow storms before this sweet little guy got to old.

So mom and dad where troopers and bundled him up and drove over to my house where I have my little studio in the basement. He arrived ready to sleep and was such a good sport about us moving him around into different positions. We discovered that as long as he was kept nice and warm, he really didn't let anything bother him. You see, newborns like it warm, very warm. Usually for these sessions I am wearing shorts and a t-shirt because the heat is cranked up HIGH. This was no exception. Add to that studio lights, and in no time at all the baby was comfy as can be but we were all about to fall over from the heat. I'm glad to report that all the adults survived and I was able to capture some sweet shots of Mr. "O".





Thanks for making the trip out to see me today "C" Family. He is just too sweet!

Northern Virginia Photographer - LIttle Heroes

I am excited to announce that I have been chosen as a photographer for The Littlest Heroes Project. This is a non-profit group of photographers that provides photo sessions for families who have a child from infant to age 18 with a disability, serious illness or organizations serving these children. More information can be found on the website for the project.

If you are someone who would qualify for such a session or you know of someone who would, please refer them to this website. There are many wonderful photographers who are volunteering their time and talents to this cause.

I am very excited about this and am looking forward to meeting many of the Little Heroes!

Northern Virginia Photographer - Sweet One

Oh a year flies by so quickly. Can you believe that this little one is almost a year old? This is the fourth session of her Baby Plan and I think this is the one that shows the most change. She can crawl FAST now! So fast that I had a hard time getting her to stay still. She is just entirely too busy to sit still for pictures these days. But I managed to get a few good ones. I have already ordered my track shoes in preparation of her One Year session. I am tired just thinking about it!

It was great seeing you again Miss "C". Can't wait to do it again in a couple months!

Northern Virginia Photographer - Helping Hearts for Haiti

Much like when Katrina happened, watching the news covering the horrible situation in Haiti saddens and frustrate me. There are so many brave men and women helping on the front lines that simply writing a check seems inadequate. I want to pick up all those kids on the streets, bring them home, give them a warm place to stay, some clothes and a big huge hug and tell them that it will all be ok, somehow. But I can't do that, so I am limited to using what I have to try and make a difference from my part of the world.

You may notice a theme in my blog. Not only do I want to use my camera to take pictures of families, but I also want to use it to help. Whether it be a family who has fallen upon hard times, soliciting votes for a disabled little boy or helping out in the Lincoln Heights area of Washington DC. Providing pictures is a way that I can give back and hopefully provide something for someone that they wouldn't have otherwise. I thought long and hard about how I could use my camera to help the victims of the tragic earthquake in Haiti. As a result, I am choosing to team up with photographers all over the world in an effort to raise funds for Haiti and here is what is in it for you:

You could win a photo session at a location of your choice:

-The winner will receive 15 fully processed, high resolution images on CD. Print them out to your hearts content.

How to win:
- For every $10 you donate to a relief organization of your choice, you will get one entry toward this prize.
- Each entry will be given a number based on when it comes in and the winning number will be picked by random.org
- The deadline is December 31st.


Other details:
- Session participants must sign a model release
- If the winner does not claim their prize by Feb. 5th or cannot claim their prize, another winner will be chosen.

At what other time can you contribute to a great cause and get a gift in return valued at $950?

Even if you are not interested, please spread the word.

Northern Virginia Photographer - Headshots

Recently I opened a small studio in my home. I am loving this new space and the opportunity that I have to photograph my clients in a new way. One area that I am really enjoying are the headshot sessions that I have with adults. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE working with children but it is a nice break working with adults.

This is a repeat client of mine who is taking a brave new step in her life. After working downtown at some large law firms she is opening up her own Law firm. I have great admiration for people who take take that leap of faith and decide to go into business for themselves. I wish Aimee all the best and know that she is going to have a thriving business in no time.

If you need legal help Aimee can be reached at attorneydoyle at comcast dot net

Thanks Aimee, it was great seeing you again!

Northern Virginia Photographer - Superman!

Superman, the man of steal, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... We all know the words, for many of us of they will be ingrained in our brains forever. I want to introduce you to my little Superman. Meet Dakin! Dakin was born the same month as my little girl in 2007. I met his mom on a Community Forum that consisted of moms that were all expecting babies in October of 2007. We called ourselves the Pumpkin Patch and we hit it off right away.

When Dakin was born everything seemed normal until he started having some issues right around 3 months old. It took FOREVER to get a diagnosis as to what was causing Dakin's problems and when the diagnosis was finally discovered, it was devastating. Dakin was diagnosed with SMARD, Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress. I am sure that would have knocked the wind out of any of us as it did Dakin's parents. If you are unfamiliar with SMA or SMARD, it is the number one genetic killer of children. Children are born healthy but within short order their bodies gradually begin to fail them. They can't walk, eat or breathe without some sort of assistance. 90% of children diagnosed with SMA die before their second birthday.

This has been quite the journey for Dakin and his parents. If you want to read more about his daily life and the struggles that they encounter, please check out their blog at www.ventsuperman.blogspot.com. The great news is that Dakin is now 2 years and three months old. See? Superman.

When I hear stories of children like that I want to help but don't often know how. Well, I have good news for you! It just so happens I have a very easy way for you to help Dakin and all his friends. Chase, as in Chase the big huge bank, has what they call Chase Community Giving. They are giving away 5 million dollars to five different charities and all you have to do is vote for one.

UPDATE: The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation came in 6th place so they were not awarded 1 million dollars. However they did receive $100,000 for the contest and we are very happy about that. Thank you to all of you who voted for Dakin and his friends who are fighting this tragic disease.

It just so happens I have some pictures of Dakin for you. He had his very own Professional Photosession done in his home town in Texas. BJane Photography came and took his pictures as a volunteer through the Littlest Heroes Project. Isn't he just so handsome?

And if you are heading over to Facebook, Why not become a Fan of Dorie Howell Photography at the same time?