Changing the Face of Beauty: Crazy Kukla Boutique

Have you heard of Changing the Face of Beauty?

Their goal is inclusive advertising, or encouraging companies to use models who reflect the real world, including people with disabilities.

The Crazy Kukla Boutique is one of the participating companies, committed to using differently-abled models.

It was my pleasure to provide a photo shoot for The Crazy Kukla.  Our three models, all with disabilities were hot and tired but they were troopers.

Full disclosure: One of the models is my four year old.  Ellie has Down syndrome and was also born with a heart defect, and is wearing a beautiful dress that shows off her zipper!  She was also the model who followed directions the least.

The other two models are two of Ellie's best friends.  Their parents started their family by adopting Charlotte and Louisa, both of whom have Down syndrome.  I've had the joy of photographing their first two adoptions and I cannot wait to photograph their next homecoming.  You can read more of their story here.







Three more sessions available before Fall, and booking for October 26 and beyond at the current rates for a few more weeks.  Prices go up if you book after Labor Day, so plan now for holiday cards, senior photos, fall leaves.... and baby bumps!  Limited maternity sessions coming in October!

Changed Lives.

These are two of my favorite girls.



Charlotte and Louisa are sisters.  They were both adopted from Eastern Europe and they both have Down syndrome.  They are also two of Ellie's best friends.


It's been my pleasure to photograph two adoption homecomings so far, and to watch these girls grow with the love of a mama and papa.


Sweet Lu (pictured above) has some big changes soon, though!  Her parents are adding TWO more little girls to the family.

You can learn more about their third adoption journey here.

Fairlington: Some Family Fun.

Last week, I had the opportunity to photograph one of the most fun families I've met.  How many dads can you convince to climb on the jungle gym with their tween daughters to get some fun shots?

I love the neighborhood that's been home to my family for the last five years, and I loved sharing the neighborhood with these new neighbors.







You can check out the full session here or on Facebook.  I love the coordinated Converse.  I hope you all have some good time to play this weekend.  Keep an eye on this space next week and the following week... I have some fun announcements coming up!

Fun and Laughter: Old Town Alexandria, Va

My favorite thing about my job (both my teaching job and my photography job) is the people I meet.

No exception with this family, who I've gotten to know over the past year.

I could not have asked for a more energetic or entertaining model.  Or a model who loves bright colors more.

B, thank you for always providing some laughter in my day.

Family Session: Home.

One of my favorite and least favorite things about my neighborhood is that everyone knows each other, but people are constantly moving in and out.  We have a huge military community, and this is my second session in just a few weeks for a family headed to their next home base!

This boy has the best facial expressions.



The gallery can be seen here.

Like this?  Come visit on Facebook.

Sisters: Arlington, VA.

When this mom asked me to photograph her girls in their Indian clothes, I was excited.  The girls are lovely and made me excited that my own little girl will have a sister in a couple months.  

You can see their whole session here or on Facebook.  Sessions for August are filling up, but I have some availability in early September.