journal

I could photograph Marcella and Jamie all day long. These two were naturals in front of the camera. We woke up at 6am to be among the first at the Jefferson Memorial during peak cherry blossom bloom in Washington, D.C. It was actually about 40 degrees but you would never know with how amazing Marcella was in the cold (even in a dress)! Planning a photography session during “peak bloom” can be extremely challenging. The forecast this year had falsely placed the blooms a month early! They can bloom anytime between mid-March and early April so this requires a lot of flexibility on the part of both the clients and photographer! We definitely got lucky with our timing.

May 1, 2018

DC Cherry Blossom Engagement | District of Columbia Wedding Photographer | Marcella and Jamie

Allison and Dave are one of the most laid back couples I have worked with. The two met in DC and have lived in the city for years around Logan Circle so it stands to reason that we would snap engagement photos around the place they call home. We started at The Coffee Bar and got super lucky with an early blooming tree nearby!

April 18, 2018

Logan Circle DC Engagement | Springtime Coffee Shop Engagement | Allison and Dave

Avantika contacted me a few months back to snap some classic DC engagement photos. When picking dates, I didn’t realize that her and her fiancee Felipe would need to fly in just for the occasion! The two met while getting their MBAs at Georgetown University and had since moved to Dallas to start their professional lived together. 

April 2, 2018

Georgetown Engagement Session | Washington DC Engagement Photos | Avantika and Felipe

As you may (or may not) know, I have officially launched my photography workshop called The Real Talk Workshop. We get it Kir… you’re hosting a workshop. So why then am I writing a blog post about it? Well, I don’t really think a landing page on my site is doing this event justice. I want to really dive in and explain the passion behind this project. 

March 23, 2018

My Workshop Why | Real Talk Workshop Details | DC Photography Workshop

Ah yes, the age-old question: Do I need a wedding planner? The answer is an overwhelming YES. What most brides don’t realize is that, no matter what, you will have a wedding planner. If you don’t hire a professional, this job will either fall to you, your photographer, your mother, or a team of drunken bridesmaids. This is not to say that any of these people can do this job or are in the least bit qualified for it… but one way or another, your wedding will go on. Whether you want it to run smoothly without stress is up to you. 

February 12, 2018

Should I Hire a Wedding Planner? | DC Wedding Planning | Couples’ Education

When I first Skyped with Ashley & Michael, the first thing I heard was their pupper in the background! You know I am immediately going to love a couple that loves animals as much as I do! Ashley and Michael will be tying the knot in October on a plot of stunning Virginia family land.

February 5, 2018

Bear’s Den Engagement | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer | Ashley and Michael

When Kathy sent me inspiration photos for this shoot, I happily referred her to studio photographers in the area. Kathy would not take “I don’t shoot studio” for an answer and oh, man am I so happy she didn’t! I LOVE trying new forms of photography and am thrilled that she put her trust in me to nail this studio session. 

January 27, 2018

Washington DC Studio Engagement Session | DC Engagement Photos | Kathy and Paul

2017 will forever be the year I remember building my ideal business. I shot 19 weddings, 5 styled shoots, took on 3 second shooting gigs, 52 engagements, 3 proposals and 12 lifestyle shoots. I rebranded, hired an associate and (fun fact) still was tutoring full time.

January 7, 2018

Destination Wedding Photographer | 2017 A Year in Review | Personal Post

It’s our second Christmas as husband and wife and good news… we’re still married! This year has been filled with travels, family time and good old fashion couch time.

December 24, 2017

Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Merry Christmas From the Tubens

I had the most wonderful morning in the city with Melissa and Calvin. After tons of location chatting, we decided to take a few snaps at the Capitol & Union Station! These two have lived all over so I loved that they chose locations that represented their new home together in DC!

December 20, 2017

Union Station Engagement | DC Wedding Photographer | Melissa and Calvin