Regardless of branch of service, with every military promotion comes greater responsibility and an immense sense of pride for not only the military member, but their family as well.  I am always honored when other families (fellow veterans) contact me for various events, and a promotion ceremony is no exception.  Unlike many military bases and installations, Washington D.C. is fills with countless different famous monuments and museums to hold a memorable promotion or retirement ceremony.  One of the most popular locations is The National Archives.     

Welcome back to my “What’s In Your Bag?” series where I talk about my equipment! In my previous post, I discussed an overall view of my equipment and today I’ll be focusing on one of my favorite lens: the Canon 50mm 1.4. When I purchased this lens two years ago I fell in love with it right away! Even though it’s a prime lens, it’s really versatile.  I’ll be showing a few photographs to illustrate why I love and enjoy using this lens as a family photographer.

Even if you have an amazing DSLR, you’d definitely agree with me when I say that carrying that big beauty around with you everywhere can be a somewhat of a hassle sometimes.
You find yourself facing a dilemma:

This post will introduce you to my equipment and subsequent posts will spotlight individual pieces of my equipment arsenal.  Maybe you’re into photography, or maybe you’re just curious about what I photograph with.

Valentine's Day, the biggest day of love for the entire year.  No matter where you turn there are hearts, candy, and teddy bears galore.  As I was going to pick up our ice cream cake, I even notice vendors selling red roses along the sides of the street.

A lot of people don't mind the crowds and enjoy going out to dinner on holidays.  Here is a short list of some of my favorite restaurants:
Famous Dave's (BBQ)
On-The-Border (Mexican)
Ruth Chris (Steakhouse)

If you're like me, I avoid eating out because of the extremely long lines, especially on Valentine's Day.  I rather just cook at home.  I usually purchase an ice cream cake from Baskin and Robbins or Cold Stone Creamery.    Tonight's valentine meal will consist of breakfast items.  On the menu tonight:  Homemade biscuits (with apple pie syrup), bacon, honey baked ham, eggs, and oatmeal.

Whether you decide to eat your meat at your favorite restaurant or home, I hope you have a wonderful and love filled Valentine's Day.

As a professional photographer, I consistently hear this comment from my clients; "wow, thank you so much for taking the time to process and edit my images professionally".  Do you have children in school?  Have you every received their prints back and wondered "why didn't that take this spot off their shirt or their face"?  I know I have!  Especially if they have their school pictures taken after lunch.  That was one of the major reasons I stop purchasing school portraits.  The attention to detail was lacking. 

If you've ever worked with me, you'll know I take special care in the final images for my clients.  I want to ensure all of the lint, acne, scrapes on children knees and razor bumps are cleared up.  These are temporary things and why should they become permanent in the most important things we value? 

Once I finish photographing a family portrait session or an event, I head to my office and begin working on processing the images for delivery.  On average, I spend approximately 30 to 45 minutes (per image) ensuring your portraits look their very best.  I strive to present you - my client with the very best work and products you'll be proud to give to family members and have install and hanging in on the walls of your home.

The image below is an excellent example.  When I begin the process of editing, I always look to see what I can remove and fix.  How can I create something you will adore and want to pass on to your future generations?

Looking at the before and after example below, you can see the detail, I place in each image to ensure they look their best.

Yesterday, I had the honor of photographing a Marine being promoted to Warrant Officer in Quantico, VA.  Many Marines on Marine Corps Base Quantico were thrilled it was promotion day.   For the family I was photographing, it was an extra special ceremony not only because of the military member being promoted, but because he was being pinned on by his sister and Grandfather. 

When we arrived, the halls of the Marine Corp Museum were filled with several happy and excited Marines and their families.  There were smiles all around.  We had a quick opportunity to look at some of the exhibits in the Museum prior to the start of the promotion ceremony.  While waiting their son, was able to be carefree and explore the museum.