Susan Solo – Photographer | Traveler | Adventurer

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  • Custom Flush Mount Album

    I have had quite a few albums coming in and out of the studio over the past several months and I keep forgetting to take pictures of them! Thankfully I took the time to grab a few quick shots of Leslie and Bill’s custom flush mount album before I sent it on its way to become a treasured heirloom. Our custom flush mount album starts as a 10×10 30-page album and then has literally hundreds of options from the size to the cover colors, fabrics, textures and treatment. (Note: These options are the biggest difference between our basic flush mount album, which just has the choice of seven solid cover colors.) Leslie and Bill chose a timeless black leather cover with silver stamping on the cover and spine, and it turned out just so classy and beautiful:








  • Family Photo Attempt

    Last weekend I met up with Jenn and Stephen to attempt to take a quick family picture with their two kitties. I say attempt, because the kitties didn’t end up being very cooperative. It turns out that because they don’t really like each other, they don’t really want to be in a group photo either. So rather then force them and end up with tons of scratches, we took a few pictures of just the human part of the family instead:




    Jenn and Stephen just recently celebrated their one-year anniversary, and this was Stephen’s anniversary gift to Jenn. (Nice job, Stephen!)

    And we couldn’t leave Max and Boney out of the photo session completely! We took a few individual pictures. Here is Mr. Max looking rather peeved still. And I don’t think he likes his outfit:

    And here is Boney, who doesn’t love the camera but I managed to sneak this one in anyway:

    For the record, I adore all animals and am super patient with them! I’ve had some successful people + pet photos in the past, including pictures of just Jenn and Max, but this was my first try with two cats that don’t get along really well and don’t want their picture taken. I guess you can win ’em all. 🙂

  • Killing Time Photos

    I was going to try to come up with some kind of deep significance or a cool story to tell you about these photos, but nope – they’re just random images I took while I was scouting/testing the light for Samantha’s headshots (shown in the post before this one). 🙂 I like to show up a little early when I’m meeting someone for a photo session, and I always end up snapping some frames. So I’ll call this series, “Images Taken Before My Photo Session with Samantha.”




  • Samantha – Headshots

    A very good friend of a very good friend of mine (and thus now my friend!), Samantha, is an actress and was in need of some updated headshots. When she asked me if it’s something I could do, I admitted that I had never tried! But in the interest of learning something new, I jumped at the chance to experiment with it. Here are just a few of my favorites (Samantha – you’re gorgeous and so much FUN!):







  • Renee & Natie – 11.07.09

    Yesterday was one of those dates that can be kind of unpredictable in Virginia weather-wise, but Renee and Natie really lucked out with a perfect fall day. Chris and I had such a great time – Renee and Natie are both so nice and their friends/families couldn’t have been sweeter. I am really eager to get straight to the images, so I’ll keep this short on words, long on photos! On to our favorites:

    Renee’s dress was amazing and she looked amazing in it.

    I couldn’t decide between these two shoe shots, so you’ll get to see both!


    I LOVE these colors in Renee’s bouquet.

    Renee and Natie chose to see each other before the ceremony, which was so great because we were able to spend some time doing lots of great portraits before everything started (and before it got dark!), plus I just love these moments (P.S. Renee, you are stunning!):





    Most of the leaves have already fallen, but Whitehall Manor is always beautiful no matter what time of year. I love shooting there!
    We really did have a totally gorgeous crisp, fall day with not even the slightest chance of rain!

    Renee and Natie’s ceremony started with a traditional exchange of vows…




    And then after a quick outfit change, the second part was a Thai water ceremony.

    Each of the guests are invited to approach the couple to offering their blessings. They pour water over the hands of the couple, and offer words of good luck.

    It was such a beautiful tradition and I was excited to witness and document it!

    After the two ceremonies, I stole Renee and Natie for just a few more quick portraits before the reception.


    SO super cute:

    I know I already said this, but I just really love Whitehall and I love the color palette that Renee and Natie used for the reception. So fall festive! Chris was on detail duty yesterday:




    First dance:


    And parent dances – I couldn’t decide between these two father-daughter dance photos of Chris’s, so again you get to see both!



    Some fun reactions to the toasts (love these):


    And then the party got started!



    Okay, just one more detail shot – I couldn’t resist:

    Sparklers! How great are their expressions?!

    I could have picked tons of other favorite moments, but I want to get this posted right away! Renee and Natie, Chris and I were so honored to spend the day with you yesterday. We had an amazing time, and wish you all the best!