Susan Solo – Photographer | Traveler | Adventurer

Blog

  • Stopping for Photo Ops

    People ask me all the time if I just carry a camera with me everywhere because of some of the things I photograph (inside grocery stores, things on the side of the road, random moments, etc.), and if I’m afraid of looking like a tourist. The answer is yes, I do have a camera with me most of the time. And no, I’m not afraid of looking like a tourist. It’s a part of me – I’m a photographer. That said, if you’re ever driving around with me, you’ll probably be witness to the fact that I will pull my car over at any given moment if I see something I want to shoot! Thank goodness Chris is used to this and doesn’t mind, even when we pulled over along a scary winding path on a cliff in St. John. And no matter how many times I gasp and say, for example, “Look at that cool tree!” (or door, or puffy cloud, or whatever) he humors me with, “yes, that’s a cool tree.” Speaking of which, I was driving home yesterday when I saw this cool tree, so I hopped out in traffic, got my shot, and hopped back in.

    I so don’t care if I look like a tourist. 🙂

  • Leslie & Bill – Engaged!

    I’m going to try to be light on the words and get right to the images, because I’m trying to get this posted asap for Leslie and Bill. I know they’re anxious to see the pictures and I’m so excited to show them! I met Leslie and Bill today at Chrysalis Vineyards for their engagement session. We had so much fun exploring the property and enjoying the perfect fall weather. There were tons of great spots to shoot, with lots of good textures and amazing scenery. The fabulous Tasting Room Manager, Ron, even opened up the barrel room to us as a special treat for our session.

     Okay…onto the pictures of this gorgeous couple! We started out in the barrel room (love this one!):



    And then we headed back outside…you guys look stunning.

    We spent a good amount of time wandering in  and around the vines. So cute:



    Leslie, thanks for letting me (carefully) dangle your ring from these grapes! I love this shot.



    It’s hard to pick an absolute favorite of mine because I love a lot of them, but this one is definitely at the top:

    I hope you guys had as much fun as I did! Thanks for spending the afternoon with me. It was fun getting to know you better, and I am super excited about your wedding in June!

  • Anika & Amit

    This is Anika.

    When she’s not busy being an artist…

    I’m pretty sure she wants to be a supermodel.

    She couldn’t get enough of me taking her picture. And check out this couture pose (executed completely on her own with no coaching):

    Again, expertly showing off the garment. She would make any designer proud.

    This is Amit.

    He really wasn’t interested at all in having his picture taken.

    He’d rather be behind the camera. I get that, Amit. Trust me.

    So together I think they make a great team!

  • Lacy & Jessie – 10.05.08

    This wedding that I second-shot for Kate a few weekends ago made me forget sometimes that I was actually at a wedding. At the reception I honestly felt like I was on the set of a high-energy dance movie or watching a fun musical instead! On the dance floor, Lacy and Jessie and their guests were the most talented and entertaining bunch I’ve seen so far. (A lot of them were in show choir together.) First I’ll start with photos of the beautiful ceremony though, and this fabulous dress and bouquet. I spotted this window at the end of the hall in the church and loved the light and shadows, and was hoping it would be just high enough to hang the dress. Kate and I confirmed…it was!



    It was my pleasure to get to hang out with the guys that day – they were so fun to shoot.





    Just so there’s no confusion as to their true personalities, they high-fived at the end of the ceremony. It’s so them.

    The details at the reception were just really elegant and classy.

    Lacy’s dad had everyone cracking up during his toast.

    I love the oh-no-he-didn’t look on Lacy’s face here.

    I am so totally fascinated by people with amazing dance skills (one of my favorite shows is So You Think You Can Dance), so I absolutely loved watching Jessie and the guys do an entire routine to N’Sync’s It’s Gonna Be Me. And if I’m not mistaken, it was most of or even all of the original choreography from the video.


    Everyone showed off their own best moves.

    Best dive for the bouquet, ever.

    Lacy and Jessie – best wishes for a long life of happiness together! I’m so glad I was able to celebrate with you and help Kate capture the day.

  • Tracey & Maurice – 10.18.08

    To say that I love fall is a complete understatement, and to say that Tracey and Maurice’s wedding yesterday was beautiful on such a perfect fall day would also be a huge understatement. It was a cool, crisp day typical of fall in Northern Virginia, but the warmth among Tracey and Maurice’s friends and family filled the air. It was a team effort to bring together the fall-themed day; friends and family lovingly helped out with the creation and set-up of the decorations. But I have to give special mention to Becky Wortman for filling the Day-Of Coordinator role. She did such a great job of ensuring that things ran smoothly and effortlessly, and I really appreciated her cheerful easy-going demeanor!

    I have so many favorite images from this day, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to a few dozen for this post! Chris and I were scheduled to arrive at the Hendry House at Fort C. F. Smith Park in Arlington just as Tracey’s girls were helping her with her dress and the final details.


    Her dress had such amazing intricate details.



    Tracey, you look absolutely gorgeous.

    Tracey and her girls.

    The dashing groom, Maurice…

    And the guys…(love this one that Chris got from his angle):

    The ceremony took place out on the lawn. Maurice sees Tracey for the first time…

    And Tracey sees Maurice for the first time.



    Mini-paparazzi!


    Tracey and Maurice chose a clear-top (heated!) tent for their reception dinner, which was such a nice touch for their location. The guests were able to enjoy the view of the park, the trees with autumn-colored leaves, and eventually the starry-sky into the evening.


    Some additional fall-inspired details of the day. Note that there’s a lottery ticket inside the “Lucky in Love” cards!

    Their first dance was a beautifully executed waltz that impressed the crowd.

    Love this one!

    Tracey and Maurice, Chris and I wish all the joy and happiness in the world to you both. Thank you for sharing your day with us!