This morning I was lucky enough to meet a young gentleman at my favorite Virginia Beach grocery store -Harris Teeter- while I was shopping for items to make my Beef Bourguignonne. [Yum.] We started chatting as he helped me out to my car. He noticed my logo on my car and we started to discuss photography.

He said it was time for senior pictures and asked if I did those. [I do.] He mentioned that his Mom loved beach pictures of her children, but that he was looking for something a little different and edgier. I handed him my card and told him to think of what he’d like to do. [I can work in the client's back yard, at their church, at their favorite park, or downtown Norfolk.] Briefly we talked about my on-location urban sessions. He was sooo nice. What a great guy!

But, on my way home I started thinking that maybe explaining what “could” be done and how to explain it on my blog.

When photographing seniors, it really is important to capture who they are in the pictures. I can take pictures of them on their horse at their stables. I can take pictures of them with their surf boards at the beach. You name it. I’ve either done it or can do it. The sky is the limit. [Well, maybe not the sky. I'm deathly afraid of heights.] But, I always encourage people to think about what is important to them when we do our pre-session interview. Custom means customized to Y.O.U.

One of my favorite types of session is done wandering around downtown. Often urban settings provide the perfect edgy backdrop. Architectural elements set a different tone…hip, trendy, unique. Just like today’s teen!

If you’re a teen and you’re interested in hiring a custom photographer, give me a call. Let me help you decide what type of senior you are!!

Man, that Beef Bourguignonne smells good! I’ll go stir it once and then I need to get back to proofing!

Leslie

To this day Arleigh Burke is one of my favorite clients! He was just a young thing at our last session, but I remember that he was very prompt. Talk about being well-groomed. His hairstyle was impeccable. His outfit was devine. His face was clean. He was well behaved and much more eager to please than I’d expected. A photographer’s dream!

…He did lick his privates a couple of times, but I could see past that given his pedigree!

This week I got an email from an old client friend announcing that it was Arleigh Burke’s 5th birthday and requesting that his picture be placed on my blog in an effort to embarrass him! (Arleigh’s Daddy is the CO of a deployed ship right now so how could I say no?!)

So, Happy Birthday, Arleigh! I hope Mom gives you lots of treats this week!

Just a reminder….August, September and October are prime months for having portraits taken for Christmas. Call or email me and reserve your session today as space is limited and my calendar is filling up fast!

That’s all for now.
Leslie

Okay, so, I’m guilty of not updating my blog as often as I’d like, but I hope this makes up for it. Every once in a while you come across someone that makes your job SO easy you just have to blog about it!

Meet H!

This young lady from Norfolk has it all going on. She’s smart, down-to-earth, talented and beautiful beyond belief… inside and out! She was also so modest about setting multiple state track records that I had to pull it out of her. Her Italian is impeccable. This girl is the total package!

H is such a trooper that she even let me and another photographer practice some experimental lighting techniques…which is not for the faint hearted as she was contantly asked to perform tasks that would give most of us whiplash! ;-) What a joy to photograph/play with her.

Can I just adopt her? Would that be bad?

[Rats, I'll bet her proud parents would complain!]

Tah, tah for now.

Leslie