hi there!

So, this is the spot where you'll find my latest photography work, my news, adventures, travels, and random thoughts. I'm a professional photographer living in Northern Virginia and I specialize in creative and modern lifestyle portraits and event photography. I love trying new things and have had many hobbies, but photography is the one thing I've stuck with for years and years. I absolutely positively love it.

Other things I love: I adore my husband, family and friends. I love animals, reading, reality TV, pretty much any kind of music, and chocolate. On the other side of the coin, I hate bugs, mayonnaise, and super early mornings. I'm creative, silly, friendly, sensitive, expressive, talkative and curious. There - that's me in a paragraph. To get to know me a little better beyond a blog bio, read on. And if you have something to say, please feel free to leave me a comment or send me a note!

casey & lawson

October 9, 2008 – 11:01 pm

Of all my friends, Casey holds the record for the one I’ve known and kept in touch with the longest. She and I met and hit it off right away in Texas when we were in middle school. Our friendship was solidly formed over a common inclination for getting the giggles, a mutual love for a certain boy band, and gossip about pretty much anything found in Bop magazine. And even though we’ve both moved all over the place since then, we’ve remained dear friends. We even ended up living in the same state together again when she moved out here to Virginia. Alas, she’s moving again, but before she left she was able to visit last night with her baby Lawson, who makes me understand what it means to want to just squeeze and pinch someone’s little face all the live-long day. He also makes me realize what an insane amount of energy it takes to keep up with a 12 month-old. I have been dying to get him in front of my camera for months now, and finally had the chance, and whew! He wore me out. I slept so well last night! Casey explained to me what a challenge it is to photograph Lawson, and I admit to thinking gosh…he’s little and only started walking just recently, how fast can he be?

Yeah. He’s fast.

I chased and chased, and managed to snap a few shots when he’d topple over, or find something that held his interest for ten seconds. Meet Lawson and Casey (who looks amazing):



Lawson is such a typical boy…it only took him a few minutes to get into the dirt and bark:

This pause in action lasted, oh, about 30 seconds: 

That’s not a Photoshop trick, my friends, those are Lawson’s true baby blues:

I think Casey was keeping his interest for this one…

And then I managed to make a few interesting animal noises to catch his interest in this one. I usually like to let the kiddos do their own thing and I just work around them, but I can be pretty entertaining, too I think. I have no shame whatsoever in making a complete fool out of myself to get a shot. (Yeah, there was some droolage going on in this next one…it’s hard work getting new teeth!)


Oh that face! Those cheeks!

Casey, I’m going to miss you! I hope we get to visit each other often, and I already can’t wait to photograph your little munchkin again. Best of luck to you with the move and everything, and I know we’ll talk soon. Love to you both!

By susan | Posted in little ones | 4 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Casey   -  

    Oh, Susan! These turned out great! Thank you so much - you’re amazing.

  2. Jenn   -  

    As Always Susan these photos are terrific.. I noticed his eyes right away.. BEAUTIFUL.. he will definately break a lot of girls hearts.. My Fav Photo is the first one with his momma. Great Job!!!

  3. emily   -  

    love baby blues… what a cutie with that blonde hair! cute cute cute

  4. Brittni (Casey's friend)   -  

    Very good pictures of Lawson! He’s such a cutie!!

one year

October 6, 2008 – 11:00 am

One year ago today, I was incredibly lucky enough to marry my very best friend. While he knows I love him dearly, I know I don’t tell him thank you enough, so I thought I’d shout it to the world (or at least my little blog world) here for the things that I’m so very grateful. Chris, thank you for…

…letting me talk on and on, even when you’re so tired and ready to go to sleep, or when you’re watching the game.
…actually listening.
…always being up for any of my crazy ideas, and for not making me feel like they’re so crazy.
…being so supportive and encouraging. I love how you cheer me on in everything that I do, and whether or not I succeed, it just feels good knowing that you’re behind me 100%.
…making me laugh so hard! You’re hilarious, and this is one of my favorite things about you.
…restocking the Diet Coke in the fridge when I forget.
…watching TV shows and movies with me that I know are probably pretty unbearable for dudes.
…being so quiet on the mornings that you get up before me (okay, all mornings) so that I can keep sleeping.
…(speaking of sleeping) helping me to locate a fan on our trips and vacations because I need the white noise to sleep.
…holding onto me when I walk in heels along tricky terrain like ice and cobblestones because you know I’m so clumsy.
…leaving post-it notes for me of things that I need/want to remember.
…carrying heavy stuff. I love when you greet me after a shoot to help me get my gear upstairs.
…properly disposing of the six-legged and the dreaded eight-legged creatures that find their way into the house (and knowing that “proper” means not just in the trash…it means FLUSH).
…taking such good care of me. I know I’m a bit of a princess sometimes, but just know that the wonderful little things you do for me don’t go unnoticed.

What some of you may not know is that Chris and I have actually been together for a little over ten years! So for fun, I dug up a picture of us (badly scanned from a print) from early on in our relationship. I think this was taken in 1999. I love you (so much), Chris! Happy anniversary.

By susan | Posted in my life | 10 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Jenn   -  

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY YOU GUYS!!!!

    I hope (well I know) in a year I will feel and be as much in love with my new Hubby as you too are with each other. You both are such positive people and you are both lucky to have found each other. I hope I know you both 10 more years from now.

  2. marlene   -  

    :) this post gave me warm fuzzies!

  3. marlene   -  

    and i’m sure it gave Chris the fuzzies too! (i got eager and accidentally pressed Enter LOL)

    Here’s to many many years of wedded bliss!

  4. Angela Anderson   -  

    Congrats!!!!

  5. Sarah Hodzic   -  

    Yay! What a great blog post!
    Happy Happy Anniversary!

  6. Eileen Broderick   -  

    Best. Post. Ever.

    susan–you sound like you hit the jackpot, but Chris did, too. You are one of the sweetest, truest, nicest, happiest people to be around. I wish I could meet chris; he sounds like a Keeper. (As my Grandpa would say.) Hey–maybe I will meet him! Visiting D.C. is on my list of 101.

  7. Eileen Broderick   -  

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

  8. emily   -  

    Happy Anniversary!!!! so cute - and I hope it was fantastic!

  9. Chantal   -  

    Aww….Happy Anniversary….what a cute photo :)

  10. Julia   -  

    Happy Anniversary my friend! No more newlywed status! What a sweet posting.

bummer!

October 2, 2008 – 11:30 am

Well, darn. The Fratellis concert at the 9:30 Club that I was so excited about was cancelled for tonight. I can’t be that upset about it though because the cancellation is due to bereavement, and I totally understand. They’re based out of Scotland (where my brother lives!) and I know it would be hard to perform with that kind of a distraction and distance. Maybe I’ll just have to go visit Michael in order to see them?

But on a happy note, Chris and I will be seeing Smashing Pumpkins at DAR Constitution Hall next month. Chris is a big fan, and we didn’t have any luck getting tickets the last time they were in town. So, yay to that!

By susan | Posted in my life | no comments         Add a Comment

a week on oahu

September 30, 2008 – 9:01 pm

And now for just a few fun/personal Hawaii pictures! Since Chris and I were out in Hawaii specifically to shoot a wedding, I was feeling a little over-cautious about things and didn’t want to put myself in any situation where I might not be 100% for the Big Day. Meaning, I didn’t want to get sunburned, sick, sore, stung, kidnapped, lost, etc., so Chris and I just hung out around Waikiki most of the time relaxing and taking it easy. Which was totally nice and not a bad time at all. We had been to Oahu a few years ago and did a lot of the must-see stuff, so we didn’t feel like we were missing out. And both of us really needed some time just to rest. (That said, I don’t have a ton of super exciting look-what-we-did-all-over-the-island photos. I have those from our first trip.)

We ended up staying at the Sheraton Waikiki right on Waikiki beach, where we stayed the last time we were in Hawaii. I especially love their pool right off of the beach with the amazing view, so it was an easy decision to book there.

I say “ended up” because we were originally booked at the Aqua Palms, which I selected because it was the closest hotel to the military hotel, Hale Koa, where Jenn and Stephen (the bride and groom) were staying. However, when we checked into the Aqua Palms and went to our room, I discovered that it was a room above the street that was a little noisier than I could handle. To be fair, I’m a super light sleeper, and very sensitive to noise. No other rooms were available, and I never fell asleep that night! So in my exhausted state, I blearily hopped onto the Internet kiosk in the lobby and booked a room at the Sheraton for the remainder of the week. (I have to mention though, that the staff at Aqua Palms were really sweet and very accommodating for the night we were there. And it’s a good value for a hotel right in the heart of Waikiki.)

The vacation gods were smiling upon us as we checked into the Sheraton, because they upgraded us two levels to a luxury suite! Check out the amazing ocean view from our lanai, looking right at Diamondhead:


And this was our view further to the right:

Self-portrait via point-and-shoot:

We took this cute trolley around the city when things were beyond walking distance. $2 each way…can’t beat it.

Waikiki is pretty touristy, but is kept really clean and manicured, and still has a good bit of lush tropical flora amongst the high-rises.

And one last random photo - one of our fresh flower leis. Jenn and Stephen gave one to everyone in attendance at their wedding!

So, all-in-all the trip was a nice mix of resting and working, and really…how can you really call a wedding in Hawaii “work?”

By susan | Posted in my life, travel | 3 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Coelle   -  

    You look so beautiful in your self portrait!! :) It looks like you had gorgeous weather and I can’t wait to hear more about it!

  2. Sarah Hodzic   -  

    mmmm delicious scenery! looks like you had a great time!!

  3. Eileen Broderick   -  

    Wow! Beautiful. You know–it was probably a blessing that you felt obliged to rest and take it easy. Sometimes vacations are not restful enough b/c we feel this weird compulsion to “do everything” and “see everything” while we’re there and when it’s over we have some fun memories but sometimes we never stop to decompress and just BE. So it sounds like you had a chance to do that and that must pretty nice. Especially in Hawaii.

jennifer & stephen - 09.25.08

September 27, 2008 – 5:32 pm

As some of you may know, Chris and I were away this week with the honor of photographing one of my dearest friend’s wedding in Oahu, Hawaii! We returned safely this morning, and we’re a little jet-lagged but I just couldn’t wait to get a few photos on the blog for Jenn and Stephen.

Gosh, what do I even say about Jenn and Stephen? I’ve known Jenn for about ten years now and I just adore her. And as one of Jenn’s matrons-of-honor, Rosa, said in her toast to the bride and groom, “Jenn has had her share of frogs.” But she has certainly found her prince in Stephen, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.

So Jenn and Stephen planned an intimate celebration week for friends and family on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Chris and I arrived on Saturday evening to get ready for the big week. On Monday, Jenn set aside some time to do a makeup and hair trial, and we took the opportunity to take some pictures of course. This is just one of my favorites (I think she looks positively stunning here, but wait until you see her on the wedding day!):


A few of her day-of details like the dress…

And shoes…

And flowers! I wish you could smell these plumerias, because they were so fragrant and heavenly. Sadie of Picket Fence Florist provided Jenn and Stephen with the amazing bouquets and leis for all of the family members and guests!

I know in this next photo it looks like Jenn is doing all the work, but her fabulous hair and makeup are courtesy of her Aunt Susie who has her own salon on Oahu. Susie also did Jenn’s trial hair and makeup earlier in the week. She also did the hair and makeup of the entire bridal party, mother-of-the-bride and grandmother-of-the-bride. How she did all of that this week so quickly and so expertly without showing a hint of stress or fatigue is beyond me!


This absolutely adorable shot of the flower girl, Jenn’s niece, is courtesy of Chris, who was my second-shooter:

Stephen’s reaction as Jenn walks down the garden path (I think he likes what he sees!):


The Maile Garden at the Hale Koa was lush, cozy and private, and simply beautiful.

Another great shot by Chris (isn’t he so good at this?!):


Mr. & Mrs! Yeah!

We had to race against the clock right after the ceremony because we were rapidly losing light, but we managed to get a few portraits of the happy couple and of the families.

Jenn and Stephen’s dinner reception was also at the Hale Koa, and it included tons of creative DIY touches.

The placecards were also a DIY touch, and they made for a perfect “fun” ring shot:


I especially liked the part of Tracy’s (sister/matron-of-honor) speech where she referenced my favorite show, Friends, and how Jenn has “found her lobster.”

Jenn and Stephen, it was our honor and pleasure to celebrate with you in Hawaii this week and to capture your wedding memories for you. Chris and I had a great time, and I’m just in awe of your grace as host and hostess amidst all of the wedding planning. I know it’s a tough job to plan a wedding, much less a destination wedding, and coordinating everyone’s travel and leisure on top of that. You both did a fabulous job and everything was beautiful and without a hitch. Well, except you two getting hitched! (Get it?) Congratulations and best wishes! I love you guys!

By susan | Posted in travel, weddings | 7 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Jill Myers   -  

    They look so happy…great pics!

  2. jessica del vecchio   -  

    Great job Susan! Love the one of them coming down the aisle! So full of joy!

  3. Eileen Broderick   -  

    Awesome shots! Such fun and colorful details! Looks like a great week.

  4. emily   -  

    susan, susan, susan… when can I come shoot with you!?!
    love these -

  5. Jennifer   -  

    LOVE them!!! I cannot wait to see the others. Susan and Chris thank you so much for being so professional and your details. We could not have asked for btter photogs. If someone wants to book with you they better hurry… your talent is amazing.

  6. Kim   -  

    I couldn’t agree more!! I can remember when our “bulbs” were only burning at 40 watts and now you’re lit up at full wattage. ;) I love these photos…so rich in color! They both look so happy and you captured the day beautifully!

  7. Susie Graeb   -  

    Susan, these photos from Jen & Stephen’s wedding are just beautiful! As a fellow artist I think you have a great eye and sense of composition. You really captured the colors and the mood of the occasion. It was nice meeting you and Chris in Hawaii!

kate & jeff - 08.13.08

September 23, 2008 – 3:11 pm

Two Saturdays ago I spent the day second-shooting for Jill Myers at Kate and Jeff’s wedding. I’m crazy short on time this week, so I’m also going to be short on words, but hopefully the photos will speak for themselves a little bit. I’ll even let this next photo give you a hint as to where the wedding was:  



The ceremony included stories about how Jeff and Kate first met.


Kate’s mom reaching out to Kate’s grandmother.

A teary-eyed flowergirl?

Lovely reception details:



Dancing away, late into the night:

By susan | Posted in weddings | 3 comments         Add a Comment
  1. marlene   -  

    love love love! these photos! especially that ring shot! :)

  2. Deanna   -  

    I second the ring shot comment! Awesome! But so are the rest… looks like an incredible wedding!

    Deanna

  3. Eileen Broderick   -  

    Love these! My favorite is the mother reaching out for the grandmother’s hand. Such an incredible moment for you to capture. Priceless.

ms ambassadors ball

September 17, 2008 – 8:28 pm

Last night I had the honor of participating in something different and very special. I attended the National MS Society Ambassadors Ball as a volunteer photographer and witnessed an amazing charitable event. The ballroom of the Hilton Washington was all decked out for the ball:


So many fabulous items were up for bid in a silent auction, and so many people opened their hearts and their wallets to try to win the items and to raise money for a great cause. I know what Chris would’ve wanted to win:

And I know what I really wanted to win! (Yes, that’s a real yellow lab - she’s 10 weeks old!)

A few international performances provided entertainment for the evening:

How cute is this little one?!


Once the dance floor was open, The Wright Touch had everyone out on the floor for the rest of the evening, showing off their best moves.


I’m thrilled to have been able to help out in some small way, so thank you to Sarah, Hilary and Abra for inviting me out! (And it was nice to meet you too, Emily! Please do email me anytime about photography. You’ve got a good eye, girl.)

By susan | Posted in volunteer work | 4 comments         Add a Comment
  1. Abra Frankel   -  

    Your pictures are amazing! I can’t wait to see the rest of them.

  2. Sarah   -  

    Thank you for sharing your talents with us- you captured the evening perfectly!

  3. Emily Goodstein   -  

    SUSAN! These photos are amazing. I have so much to learn from you! Here are mine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilygoodstein/sets/72157607375736469/?photo_deleted=2867681567

  4. Eileen Broderick   -  

    Nice shots, Susan. Looks like a great use of your time and talent.