Step #1: Setting a Vibe

Each and every person is different in their own way and it's crucial to find the vibe that really fits you. Here are some general categories to get you brainstorming and to help you decide what theme you want for your photo shoot:

Urban | Edgy

Floral | Chic | Rural

Elegant | Classy

Casual | Cozy

The next step is deciding the location that best matches the theme you chose. For Urban, I recommend parking lots, alleys, and rooftops (e.g. Fairfax Corner, Mosaic District, Reston Town Center, One Loudoun).

These pictures were taken at Fairfax corner- the parking garage there gave a really nice setting for an urban shoot.

Places like Georgetown, Charlottesville Downtown, and Old Town Alexandria are really great for chic photoshoots.

This cute best friends shoot was taking at the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville.

This photoshoot happened at Georgetown where there are so many beautiful canals and colorful streets that serve as great backgrounds.

Gardens and rural areas such as Manassas Battlefield Park, Willowsford, Dumbarton Oaks, the US Botanical Garden, and Carters Mountain are great for floral pics.

Carters Mountain in Charlottesville is perfect if you're looking for a fall aesthetic.

Also, feel completely free to suggest new locations! If you have a playlot near your house that’s really special to you or have a coffee shop that you adore, I’m down to take pictures in new locations :)

For the time, I almost always pick golden hour. Golden hour gives you these lovely halos around the person and a bright glow on your skin. Golden hour usually starts about 1 hour after sunrise or before sunset, which happens around 6 AM or 6 PM (except in the summers, when its near 8 PM). Although sunrise is a struggle because you have to get up early and get ready early, the pictures turn out the best because the sunlight is really light and warm. Sunset has a more golden tone and adds a very orange feel to the pictures.

Golden hour shooting can be quite hectic sometimes because the perfect beautiful golden light that works well with the camera only lasts about 20 minutes.

If you prefer night pictures, I’m willing to do that as well and have the equipment for it. But I would recommend pairing the night pictures with sunset just so you get some light pictures as well.

Night pictures do not always mean red eyes and unflattering glares. Feel free to let me know if you’re interested in night photos.