Damaris : The Multi-Talented Sister-in-Law

I'm not a professed senior photographer, but when you've heard "you are doing my senior photos!" since she was in 9th grade and she's your husband's sister... well, that solidifies it. I kinda love her. :)

Damaris is one of the sweetest and most talented young ladies I know. She played violin at our wedding, she can tickle those piano ivories like awesome, and she can kick some mean butt in most Wii games. (I refuse to play anymore unless it's Mario Party... she and Rusty duke it out now. lol)

She has a genuine heart for others, a spirited love for friends, and is beautiful-- inside and out. We need more people like her in the upcoming generations (that's clearly my inner 80-year-old woman talking. lol). Proud to call her family!

Through the Rose-Colored Lens (the SEQUEL!) Workshop.

Back in June, I hosted my first workshop which was all about learning the art behind photography. What makes something art? How do the elements of art and principles of design play into everything? And who are some master artists and how do they even apply to photography?!

Well, two weeks ago, I hosted the SEQUEL! and it was about how to transform photos through post-processing via Lightroom (an amazing program that makes for better understanding what happens when editing a photo, in my humble opinion). It was so great to see familiar faces again and to see things through their eyes. That's what I've always loved about being a teacher. You give a simple assignment (i.e. shoot the model!) and the different avenues of angles, lighting, positions are endless. I hope I'm always in the position to be able to teach in some capacity (or my student loan debt from my master's program really is pitiful!! hahaha).

One thing I regret from the last workshop is not taking the time to really take photos and then sharing them... because even though the blog is part of my business, it's also very much a digital scrapbook for me. :)

Without further ado, I introduce you to our workshop! ... and my beautiful little sister, Lindsea, who was our model. I admit I get a little emotional about these... it was a difficult summer for my family and me as there were a few times when I didn't know if my sister would even be here today. It just makes me really grateful for little things like her being there and even mocking me for asking her to hold a teacup (lol). She is such a big part of my life (and in my business with her support). I love you, Linds.





(Channeling a bit of Audrey Hepburn and classic cafe scenes!)









And the color scheme this time was gray, red, and white... and a workshop is just not a workshop without cake pops! I used a dessert stand typically reserved for cupcakes... and bam! These super yummy cake pops came from Kimberley of Hansel and Gretel's.





We also had a little visitor. Here is Clint, the owner of 757 Creative Space (where we had the workshop!), and his new daughter.






- Chelsea :)

Victoria : The Young Reporter Who Will Leave No Stone Unturned | Norfolk Portrait Photography

She's leaving in less than two weeks to move to Louisiana to be a news reporter. Not many people can do that, so when a girl has a dream, she owes it to herself to pursue it when the opportunity presents itself! And when she tells you she wants to be the "running after someone with a camera and mic" kind of reporter, well, break out the megaphone and cheer her on! :D

I actually met Victoria earlier this year when we were collaborating on some mutual weddings of ours. You see, Victoria is a news reporter, but she's also the wedding videographer behind Victoria Shirley Productions. It's always a ton of fun working with people who just are in sync with you!

So when I got the email that she was hoping I could squeeze her in for some quick headshots for the new chapter in her life, I was honored! It was fun working on a different type of assignment... and Victoria is crazy beautiful in front of the camera. She chose her news journalist career well!

I wish you the best of all blessings, my friend! You will be missed and come back to Hampton Roads sometime! I can't wait to see what you accomplish this next year! :)













- Chelsea :)