Cocoa Bean Photography Blog

One of my Favorite Vendors

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Join Ashe Design for their 12 Days of Christmas Celebration
and win thousands of dollars in photography-related prizes
now through Dec. 12

http://www.facebook.com/AsheDesignLLC?sk=app_204684816209053

Special Offer for Veteran's Day to Support our Troops

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:02:00 +0000

As I sit here thinking how thankful I am for my freedom and all the sacrifices the veteran and current military soldiers and families have made I was struck with the thought that, "Hey, I can do something!" I want to offer money toward care packages. For this weekend only and *ending on Sunday, November, 13th, 2011 at midnight (EST) I will be donating a portion of all new Session Fees that are purchased through this link specially added for this promotion. (For every session booked $50 dollars will be donated to the USO to make care packages for military and their families. Hopefully through a portion of session fees we can make the lives a little brighter with these care packages. Sessions are priced at ($135) and include a 1 hr session at location of our choosing around the Hampton Roads area.

The USO offers this message:

Our troops make impossible sacrifices every day. They leave behind their homes, friends and family to put their lives on the line to defend America. And it’s not just our servicemen who sacrifice – their mothers, husbands, wives, and children must hold strong until their brave family members return home.
That’s why the USO works every day to support our troops and their families. From morale-boosting care packages, phone cards, and even care for our wounded warriors, the USO brings a touch of home to our deployed troops and brings them closer to their families.
This Veterans Day, honor the service of our military by helping our active duty troops on the front lines. Donate now to the USO.

*Sessions can be scheduled between December and June of 2012. These are for single person or family sessions. I believe there is a place to leave a note, if you could leave the date you prefer for your session or leave a note to determine at a later time.

Monica Martin
www.CocoaBeanPhoto.com
https://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeanPhoto
757 692-8138

Making a Difference with Light

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:36:00 +0000

The moment you take the leap of understanding to realize you are not photographing a subject

but are photographing light is when you have control over the medium.- Daryl Benson - Alberta (2004)

In the age of social media with great images popping up everywhere, I have always found myself wanting to really be noticed as the photographer who doesn't just take a great portrait just because I have an expensive camera and gear, but has some degree of artistic intent behind doing what I do with these tools. Since I believe it is important to never stop learning I have been delving into working on one of the most important factors in photography this last year. *LIGHT.* Many have argued it is the only factor, that you are only interpreting light which results in depth, color, and space within the photograph.

I believe in the photographer's magic — the ability to stir the soul with light and shape and colour. -Amyn Nasser

I am by far from perfect at capturing light but I do hate stumbling upon what could be what I call "wall worthy" portraits out there and my heart sinks when I see the photographer has totally denied the use of light available to them. Whether it be using strobes, a speedlight/flash, or even that huge #1 source of light, the sun. This is one reason as I evolve in my work I want to make sure I am doing what I can to capture light and find my own talent with it. While shooting sessions it's great when I am lost in the moment of what I am "seeing," especially when there is dynamic lighting involved. As I shoot I also visualize images of what I feel the end result becoming. Yes, and sometimes I talk to myself, but I promise I am not too crazy. I do have 4 boys after all, and at home I find I'm talking to myself there too about end results and nobody listens. ;o)

Only recently did the opportunity come up that I was able to attend a great lighting workshop by Will King. His images are dynamic and dimensional all because he has an amazing understanding of light and he uses it enthusiastically. This particular workshop was focused on balancing ambient light with flash in outdoor locations.

These are just a few of the images that I was able to capture while at his workshop. Now, these models are already beautiful, but when we added the right touches of light it was amazing the transformation from flat dull images to ones that are full of definition, depth, and beautiful color. A beautiful balancing act of light! I think the results are definitely more stunning! Be sure to check out more images on my FaceBook Page! As always, feel free to comment!

Shopping for Mom with a Cause! Check it out!!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:32:00 +0000

Head on over and check out the great items. Please come by and say hi, pick up a gift certificate for photography and you will earn extra certificates.

Wonderful cause and Mother's Day shopping is done! So excited to see what's there.

Summer Days are Family Days at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:04:00 +0000

So much to blog about! I am so thankful to be as busy as I am, but I am getting behind on the blogging! If I could just get this thing to read my mind as I try to go to sleep! I guess I should be careful for what I wish for. You never know what technology is popping up these days. ;o)

Now back to the purpose here, FAMILY PORTRAITS! Yes, I love the feeling of creating a beautiful family portrait. That type of portrait you are excited from the moment you order until long after it is hanging on the wall proudly. I have had the pleasure of working with some great clients who have that excitment! I worked with this family a little over a week ago and I can't wait to see their wall portraits come in!

I was so excited to process these that I posted a few on facebook but have been waiting to get a moment to post them here on my blog. Love the spot we shot at to get this awesome reflection in the water.

I love this image with the grandparents and the grandkids. They seemed to really adore these kids! It was very sweet!

We got so many great shots that day. The kids were wonderful to work with!

I hope you all enjoy your portraits!

To book your family session call 757-692-8138 or email:

Monica Martin
http://www.cocoabeanphoto.com/
monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com
Facebook Page

Summer Beach time fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:13:00 +0000

New preview today! Starring the beautiful Cassi and her cute as a button daughter Mackenzie. It was an absolutely gorgeous day at the beach but wow, that wind really made it a challenge.

These two faced that challenge with big smiles. Of course, I took out the ones where we were laughing so hard because Cassi’s hair was completely in front of her.

If you are a “fan” on my facebook page you may have read my post about them putting a little gift together for Cassi’s husband who is deployed right now. I know he will love it!

ADORABLE!

Hope you all enjoy the preview as much as Mackenzie’s Daddy will!

Thanks Cassi!

Monica Martin

http://www.cocoabeanphoto.com/
monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com
757 692-8138
Facebook Page

Winner of the Cocoa Bean Photography session and gift card!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Congratulations to Eve and her family!

Eve signed up in hopes of winning the free session and a gift certificate in the silent auction at the “Race for Autism” a few weeks ago. I’m so excited that Eve and her family won and took advantage of the session! She quickly got her family together for a beautiful afternoon at the beach with her husband, children and luckily we were able to include her mother and brother into the shoot as well.

I so enjoy capturing moments like this, you could tell there is a lot of love shared freely in thier family.

Nothing beats Grandma hugs!

You have a gorgeous family Eve! It was a pleasure to take these. I hope you enjoy the sneak preview! Best wishes and prayers for your family.

Ashley and Gerry at Smithfield Station

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:56:00 +0000

Beautiful location with a beautiful couple.

I have a suspicion they like traveling to beautiful locations. Once headed out to Smithfield Station I met up with Ashley and her fiancé Gerry who just happened to be leaving on deployment a few days after. My heart goes out to them as they had to put up with me in their cherished moments together.

I love what I do though and glad I got the chance to meet you both.

(One of my favorites!)

I had an idea that it would be more personable to hear from those I photograph. Here is their story of how they met in Ashley’s words.

"Our story" isn't the most glamorous, but we actually met when we were both down at the Outer Banks for the weekend. He was on a training trip and was supposed to leave on Friday Morning to return to VA. We met on Thursday night and instead of going back to VA to spend his birthday weekend with his friends, he and a couple of the other guys decided to stay in the Outer Banks to celebrate and to spend the weekend there instead. We hung out every day and night that weekend and have been inseparable ever since! One of the guys he was with actually ended up marrying one of the girls I was with for the weekend that I've known since elementary school.

He asked me to marry him in February when we were in Salt Lake City for the weekend. We are getting married next April in the Bahamas....
One joke we had going for a while is that we'd never met anyone with the "same eyes" which I guess you could say is what drew us together in the first place...

Congratulations to you both! My prayers are with you until you are together again.

A few other images can be found on my facebook page. To check them out click here. http://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeanPhoto

Race 4 Autism Fundraising Event

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:58:00 +0000

Last Wednesday, I was invited by a friend to participate in a fundraising event for Autism. Thank you Tami! I found it a privilege to participate in an event that is so worthwhile. I offered up a gift certificate for photography for their silent auction. This is particularly near and dear to my heart as my son is effected by Asperger's Syndrome, a milder form within the Autism Spectrum disorders.

American Indoor Karting & Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia held the “Race For Autism.” It was put on at American Indoor Karting on Lynnhaven in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This race helped raise awareness and a percentage of the proceeds were given to the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia. There are so many ways to get involved and help out. This was a great one!

As I was there, I of course had my camera that we affectionately have named "The Duchess." The duchess and I captured a lot of great people who helped out with the cause that night. I believe there were 8 teams participating including Tami's husband John with the T-Mobile team. The other teams included Valdez Family Team Justin, BB&T, Best Buy, Mythics, Just for People, Hooters, and Team Hunter. Congratulations to Best Buy who had a great race beating the other teams out. Yes, even T-Mobile, sorry Tami! Overall, it was quite impressive to see these businesses and all the people there supporting a great cause.

My litle buddy JT getting sweet the Hooter's team.

More of the images can be viewed on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeanPhoto. If you participated in the event and would like a digital copy, please let me know.

For more information about the Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia. Call 757-461-4474 or visit http://www.tidewaterasa.org/.

New Senior Blogsite

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:52:00 +0000

It's Senior time and to celebrate that I have put together my new site for Cocoa Bean Seniors!
It has information on pricing, blogs, specials, and my new program called Cocoa Bean SpokesModels! Check it out! I am so excited to have something specifically for teens and to offer that "look" that oon to be High School graduates are searching for. This product line offers a trendy, unique, fashionable photographic look that matches the Seniors personalities that come to me for it!

If you know a High School junior, or even those seniors waiting until the last minute for poraits, send them this link!! If you are a junior or senior take a look! Then don't hesitate to contact me!

Cocoa Bean Seniors-Check it out!

Welcoming the warm spring days!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:25:00 +0000

I have been so excited to see the blooms come out on the trees and in my garden! I am not one to be locked up inside! Although I do admit to staying locked up on my computer a little too long and little too often.

I miss playing in the sun, getting my feet wet at the beach, and of course my warm outdoor sessions. It's really is not quite as much fun telling people to smile and relax when it's too cold to unfreeze! I can't think of a better way to hit off spring break than having 80 degree days! In the spirit, here are a few fun, artistic shots just for the season! Enjoy!

Make sure you do get out and enjoy the spring!

Bundles of Cute-ness! The Trent Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:27:00 +0000

Mary sent me a message a while back. She wanted to have Izzie's portrait taken as well as including her two older twins, Micayla ad Megan. I was so excited! I have know Mary for a few years now through church and our Mom's group. She is an amazing mother and has such a spirit full of grace that I was lookin forward to spending time with Mary and her girls, especially if I get to have girly time! And when Mary said I could get as creaive as I wanted, I was in heaven.

And Izzie, Megan and Micayla thankfully didn't mind too much either!

It's a joy working with such happy girls!

So adorable in the Longaberger baskets that I borrowed! Love these baskets!

Even in the not so happy moments she was adorable. I LOVE this one below

...and it didn't take her long to change her tears into giggles! I don't know who was giggling more though, her or me watching her talk into the shells!

In the end we even got mom in on a few shots when Izzie was warn out!

Thanks Mary, for allowing me the joy of photographing you and the girls! I hope you enjoy!
BTW to givea little love to my wonderful friend who let me borrow her Longaberger baskets, please check her website out at www.longaberger.com/tamidicken
Thanks Tami!

Gift Cards Now available!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Years ago before I opened my own studio my husband gave me a birthday surprise by setting up a family photo shoot on the beach. I was so excited! (Sorry Honey, I appreciate the file cabinet) ...but, finally he got me exactly what I wanted, a beautiful framed family portrait to hang on my wall above my fireplace.

You did great Jon, and it will forever be a great idea for any family. I just recently made it easier to take advantage of doing just that. *GIFT CERTIFICATES*

Good for

Birthdays
Anniversaries
Maternity
Baby Shower
Graduations
Weddings
Engagement/ Bridal Parties
Donations

Any time that photography would make an impact or maybe you want to give a more than subtle hint.

Call or email and order in any amount.
Monica Martin
http://www.cocoabeanphoto.com/
Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com
757-692-8138

Facebook

Beautiful Baby "A" and Big Brothers Portrait Day

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Photographing this session was so fun! Little baby "A" was just so unbelievably adorable that the best thing to do is show you and let them tell the story!

Couldn't forget this little gem!

I couldn't help but post this.

Reminds me of how I was when my older brother was around.

Having a baby or know someone who is? Call me to set up a beautiful and unique portrait session of your little one! No other time in the world like it!

Also doing maternity sessions.

757-692-8138

Monica Martin

Cocoa Bean Photography

Kaela- Missing her Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:17:00 +0000

This is a look back at a very special session I did last year of a beautiful young girl, Kaela who had an equally beautiful personality. It was about this time of year and it was chilly. Carla, her grandmother, recently contacted me and I thought I would show off the portrait session we had at the beach. I also wanted to share the touching note Carla wrote:

Kaela is a 9 yr. old child of Autism, she is bright, loving, and funny in her own kind of way. Her Mother is in the Navy, and at the time the photos were taken she was in Bahrain and had been for almost a year. I wanted these photos taken and made into an album to be given to her Mother for not only Mother's Day, but as a Homecoming Gift as well.

Monica,

I really appreciate what you do for the Military, it is such a Wonderful way of giving back to them.

THANK YOU!!

Carla

Carla, thank you for allowing me to capture these moments!

"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera."

-Dorthea Lange

One Cold Homecoming that Warmed the Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:18:00 +0000

I met with Karen, her two beautiful daughters, and her mother for her husband, David's, homecoming in December. It was a very cold morning, so we were all bundled up as we waited for the approach of the USS Fort McHenry. All reunions are so special but Karen was about to introduce one little bundle of joy to her new Daddy for the very first time. A meeting I was so excited to capture!

Even bundled up we got some great shots of these girls! The baby was so happy since was cuddled up with her mommy. As the little one got more sleepy her big sister got more excited to see the long awaited passenger she wanted most, her Daddy!

I appreciate you calling to have me capture your special day. I truely do have the best job!

To whom much is given, much is required... Prayers to Edwine and her family and school.

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:24:00 +0000

This was written to me by Campassion International- Please take a moment to read!! http://www.compassion.com/

Choose any organization that speaks to your heart- this one spoke to mine. ~Monica Martin

Haitian Children and Families Devastated by Massive Earthquake

Dear Friends,
The catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday has resulted in unfathomable chaos and devastation for hundreds of thousands of children and families.

Compassion sponsors and donors serve more than 65,000 children in Haiti. At least a third of them live in the areas that were hardest hit.

Monica, we know that you sponsor Edwine and that you must be very concerned. Be assured that we are working to locate your child and determine her specific situation as quickly as possible. We will share this personal update with you as soon as we have that information.

I am asking you to please send a generous gift today to help all the precious Compassion-assisted children and their families who have been affected by this crisis.

We are working rapidly to assess the situation and determine the full extent of damage:
• Sadly, we anticipate there will be many deaths.
• We anticipate thousands of children and families will have lost everything.
• We anticipate many of our church-based child development centers will have been destroyed.

Without a doubt, the children we serve in Haiti are in shock and face immediate needs for food, water, medical care, shelter, and counseling. We have teams prepared to respond, and we are deeply committed to helping each child.

We need your donation today. Please reach out in the name of Jesus to bring relief, comfort, love and restoration to precious children and families whose lives have been devastated by this crisis.

Thank you for caring,

Dr. Wess Stafford

President, USA
P.S. If you would like to give by phone, please call us at (800) 336-7676. Check donations can be mailed to: Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997. http://www.compassion.com/

Homecoming of the Roosevelt and the "S" Family

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:38:00 +0000

There are several sessions that I have not posted over this last year. This was taken a few months ago and I just fell in love with this adorable cutie pie!

I meet with sweet little "V" and her mom, Johanna and freinds to all welcome home David, her Daddy. The last time he had seen Little "V" she was just born so this was a particularly special treat. You can only imagine what must go through a baby's mind. I tried my best to capture her and her beautiful Mom's feeling as we finally got Dad off his big boat! ;o)

Look at that face! Poor Dad! This must happen so often to these guys.

Granted, she was waiting several hours on the pier with thousands of other people in the crowd. I had to post this one, I loved it! Luckily she did decide that Dad really was the good guy, as you can see below!

Thanks for allowing me to show off your special day!

Joanna and Derrick at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Loved this session! I had to post immeadiately when I realized I hadn't shown off any of these images. Yes, sometimes I have devoured myself in my shoots so much that I think everyone has seen them! ;o)

Anyway, here is a cheers to you Joanna and Derrick! You two are such a wonderful couple and it was a pure pleasure to photograph you both! I can't wait for you to see your package you picked out as well as your photobook! Your going to love them. In fact here are a few of my favorites!! Windy hairblown look and all!!

Derrick serves in the Navy and I always have to give a big thanks to those that serve!! He came back recently from deployment and as may be leaving again soon. Please send him and his family a prayer as well as one for all those who are deployed.

Loved this image! The look on his face is totally priceless!

Making the Most of Deployment Day

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:23:00 +0000

I hear absence make the heart grow fonder but in the military, families that deal with deployment really take that whole idea to a new level. This session was taken a few months back but I wanted to backtrack and post this session to show light on this great family. I met them on the day they were facing their Husband, son and father, Byron, who was leaving to serve in Iraq. Lisa and Byron, thank you for calling me to record your day together on Byron's deployment day. It was great to be able to photograph you, your children and parents. Here is a review of some of my favorite images.

I went with them and many of the other families to attend the deployment ceremony

I took the time to photograph many of the other families around me as well. Watching everyone get in their last good-bye's and hugs.

Afterwards we went to a spot near were they were staying as they spent their last few hours together before the departure.

It was a great session Lisa and Byron. You have an amazing family full of strength and peace. My prayers are with you all!! I hope you enjoyed your session as well as the images here!

Can you believe it? Christmas Card Time!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:53:00 +0000

I know, barely past Labor Day and some of you may not want to hear that in three short months we will be smack dab in the middle of the Christmas Holiday season. Since portraits are not something you want to wait until the last minute to take care of I want to get this post out to show off some of the great 5x7 folded cards I have available.

These are great if you are looking for something better than the same old "Slim line" photo card. The colors are bright, modern and look amazing!

You'll see you can order the card so that your images can fit perfectly with horizonal or vertical cards.

Also, what makes these great are that we can customize the text on the inside for a personal message.

Can't decide on your favorite portrait? There are some you can choose with 1 image or several images!

What a great variety!

Call soon to get those holiday pictures scheduled and tell me your favorite style!!

Here are a few samples:

Monica

757 692-8138

or email

These show the outside of the card as well as the inside of the card with the fold down the middle. The dotted line is there to show the fold for demonstration purposes only!

Weekly Photo Tips blogs about my self portrait work! Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:58:00 +0000

How FUN is this? I was interviewed by Scott over at http://weeklyphototips.blogspot.com/ He has great bitesized tips, information and interviews on his blog.

He sent me an email a couple weeks ago about my self portrait I use as my profile picture and said he saw it and loved it! Check out the blog and read about it there! Before I get a "big head" I want to thank Scott for the mention on your blog. I am honored that it was noticed. Especially pertaining to self portraits, which I find dreadful! I'll take my families and babies anytime to staring at my own portrait!

Weekly Photo Tips

For all my readers, Scott has a great site and the information is easy to read , but more importantly it hits directly and precisely to many great photogrphy topics.

Check out Scott and all his informative posts!

Family Celebrates A Golden Anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:51:00 +0000

New session review of this beautiful family who got together to celebrate their Parents/Grandparents 50th Anniversary. A big congratulations to you both of you. Here is a look at this gorgeous couple (love the choice of outfits and color), as well as the rest of the family that got to join them on their vacation.

Hope you enjoyed your Anniversary and I hope you all enjoy your portraits. I had a great time taking your session!

I love the way these two above turned out. Mom and Dad suggested it and they look great! It's a great way to cluster a few portraits together on a wall.

The color in the sunset was absolutely beautiful.

Kids were such good sports taking a few extra here and there. Great job to each of you!

Two Girls and 1 Mom - Missing Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:43:00 +0000

When I say too cute, I really mean it! Mom and these two girls were so fun to photograph. They called me to do a session so that they could send some portraits to Dad who is on a very long deployment. Although, to every military family facing this, what deployment isn't long?

I am so excited to get this beautiful wall portrait, that you see above, to mom. I just love how it turned out and makes a great example of a composite or collage.

We even got a little bit of a fun attitude showing up during the photo session! It's always welcomed and makes for a great shot! They both have one of Dads hats on. Makes me smile every time!

The older of the two was great at posing here. We did get quite a bit with her wearing the hat then we tried pulling it away from her for this sassy picture under the pier.

The younger sister had no problem posing for the camera either! She has such a beautiful innocent look with her adorable braided pigtails! I soooo love it! You know me, I have all boys, so all this cute girlyness is so much fun!

No beach photo session is complete with out a walk along the surf! They made it extra special by taking advantage as a moment to have fun together. I know their dad is going to truely adore these with so much of their personality showing through!

Full of giggles and grins!

And even mom joined in for the shoot! I'm so glad she did. Dad will appreciate it! I hope you enjoy your portraits and my prayers for you and your family will continue until he is home! Thank you for becoming a Cocoa Bean Customer!

Eisenhower Comes in for a great Homecoming!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica@CocoaBeanPhoto.com) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:02:00 +0000

As promised the update on The homecoming of the USS Eisenhower! Congratulations to all the sailors coming home to be with their family and loved ones. This time I got to snap up the reunion of Tyler to Lindsey. She has been counting down the days with so much enthusiasm it was a pleasure to see them together again.

I loved the shirts she and his whole family were wearing! Aren't they great?!

His family was excited to see him jump off that ship too. It's so hard to wait especially in the 95 degree heat and humidity. It is such a treasure to see thousands of families going through the same feelings of excitement and anticipation. Love it!

Couln't get away without a picture of his Mom and Dad looking on. Loved this one of the ship and family in the glasses.

It is great seeing the ship come around the bend of the Chesapeake Bay toward the pier. I was capturing this just under the bow of the USS Truman who I got to shoot Last year coming home. I'm sure Lindsey got some great shots too. She got to go up on the Truman with a few of the officer's wives to wait. At this point the crowd is starting to cheer and the exciment is building!

At one point I look up and had to capture this shot of Old Glory waving in the sky. I think they were waving in time to the music playing on the peir. I tell ya, it's a great experience.

And I never get tired of seeing the guys and gals come in lined up all around the deck.

I'm so happy for you two! I hope you enjoy these picture just as much as your last few sessions!

Thanks so much Tyler, for doing what you do! It's a pleasure shooting for you two!

The happy couple heading home!