Erin J. Photography| Northern Virginia Photographer, Washington, DC Photographer

NEW BLOG! Make sure to transfer your subscription

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to remind you all that I have a new blog! You'll need to transfer your blog reader address OR go directly to my Blog by clicking HERE and enter your email address to subscribe by email. Make sure you only fill out the left hand side under subscribe by email, you do not need to fill out the contact form. Just put in your email address and then click "subscribe"! I found it confusing at first so I wanted to clarify.

I will no longer be posting from this blog so hopefully I'll see you over at the newer, bigger & better blog!

And for my final blog post here I leave you with two of my favorite images from my most recent sessions.

Until next time!

Erin

BIG NEWS! | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:22:00 +0000

So, after MUCH procrastination I have FINALLY gotten a brand new blog! It's so much prettier and the pictures are GIGANTIC! Many thanks go to David Dewese, who creatively designed it and put up with my many, many changes. Now, make sure, if you are subscribed to this blog on a blog reader that you change the link. You can also go to the contact section of my new blog and subscribe there. I hope you all will follow me over now to my fancy new BLOG!

And here's a teaser picture from last Saturday's wedding! If you want to see more click above on "BLOG".

Love & Laughter | Washington, D.C. Maternity Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:35:00 +0000

This weekend I met up with the most delightful, sweet family who is expecting a baby girl very, very soon (3 weeks to be exact)! This is going to be one lucky little girl! Mom and dad are so much fun and full of laughter and she will automatically have a brother & sister (2 beautiful golden retrievers) who are ready to care for & protect her!

K & K, thanks for allowing me into your home to help celebrate the upcoming arrival of your first baby! I can't wait to meet her!

They're just so adorable! Like newlyweds!
I just love how a husband looks at his wife when she's pregnant.

Baby Girl "A": 12 Days Old | Alexandria, VA Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:10:00 +0000

Yesterday I got to visit one of my Baby Club families, but not to photograph the twins, who are in the baby club, but to photograph the newest addition! Baby girl "A" arrived just a little less than a year after her older sisters! Mom and dad surely have their hands full but are as relaxed as any parents I've seen! "A" is just as beautiful as her sisters were and nearly the same size, weighing in at just under 6 lbs. She was a dream to work with, hardly waking at all! I kept thinking that I must have missed something because I just didn't feel like I worked hard enough! But, lucky for me, and more so for her parents, she sleeps like a rock and was so easy! And I'll be back in less than a month to finish up the year for "L" & "J", although I have a sneaking suspicion they're going to make me work a lot harder! :-)

See you all then, hopefully it will be warmer for us!

Hannah turns 5! | Alexandria, VA Children's Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:30:00 +0000

This past weekend I was able to attend one of my favorite client's 5th birthday party! I've been working with this family for almost 3 years now and have so enjoyed getting to know them. Hannah has grown into a BEAUTIFUL little girl and is equally as sweet! The kids who attended all had a blast jumping in the bounce house & eating ice cream & cake. They also had an AMAZING artist who did face painting for the kids! Her work was just beautiful and so much more than any face painting I've ever seen before! So, Hannah, I hope you had a blast and enjoy the next year of life to the fullest!

Cake: Christina Hoffman of Simply Sweet Bakery

Face Painting: Sweet Cheeks Face Painting by Erica Exline

Baby Girl "S" Turns 1! | Maryland Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Today was bittersweet! After spending a wonderful year photographing this family we've come to our final session! Our girls were born just days apart & I have been so blessed to be able to watch this sweet girl grow and get to know her parents this year. We've been able to talk about how are girls are growing and changing at the exact same rate! I've also loved having their great, historic house as a backdrop this year as well! Such great light and wonderful character in this house! So, thanks for letting me be apart of your first year as a family!

And as always, we'll do a little recap of this past year!

Expecting! One of my favorite maternity sessions!

And here she is! Just a little over a week old!
6 months old...
9 months old...
And today!

check out those adorable dimples!

and that booty! :-)
tickle-time!
and more tickle-time!

I was so proud of them for venturing out into the snowy tundra that is now our home!

I LOVE the 1 year old toddle!
Ok, this HAS to be one of my favorite shots ever! Make sure to click on this one to make it bigger because it's sooo stinking cute!

Thanks again guys! I'll miss seeing you every 3 months! :-)

Happy Birthday Harper! | Alexandria, Virginia Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:24:00 +0000

I wanted to say Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl! It's so hard for me to believe that she is 1 year old today (I'm getting weepy)! I feel like it was yesterday that I was sitting out on my front porch, having a leisurely lunch (enjoying my doctor induced bed rest) on an unseasonably warm day, unlike the weather we are currently experiencing (I can barely get out my front door due to 3-5 feet snow drifts)! My doctor called me at noon and said "Today's the day! Come to the hospital!" By 9pm that evening, 2 weeks early, Harper Katherine had arrived! All 8 lbs 5oz's of her, our little butterball!

She's been such a blessing this year, adored by everyone who meets her! She greets every single person with a huge grin and draws people to her like I've never seen before, it continues to amaze me. She is the spitting image of her dad and aunt Bethany, the complete opposite of me & Haley. We also like to affectionately call her "destructo-baby" because she is in to EVERYTHING! Luckily she's cute so we continue to put up with her antics! :-) So, here's a little overview of how she's grown over the past year.

Just 5 days old and grinning already! (ok, ok, I know she's not really smiling but such a cute baby sleep smile!) Thanks to Beth again for taking these!

Just about 6 weeks old...

10 weeks old
4 months old, thanks Rashmi for these!

How lucky am I to know all of these wonderful photographers???
6 months old
They adore each other! Haley had never once acted jealous of Harper. I hope they remain as close as they are now.

9 months old

We just love those round cheeks and pouty pink lips!
Her first Christmas, 11 months old
Her birthday party!
Happy Birthday!

She wasn't too sure about the cake, but I'm sure it won't take her long to realize how much she loves it! And I'm sure you're all dying to know who made this hat so head over to my friend Jamie's website to see more!
Harper, we can't wait to see how much you will grow and change this year! We can't imagine life without you!

Baby Boy "G": 3 months old | Northern Virginia Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:45:00 +0000

I visited another one of my Baby Club babies this week! Baby girl "C" from my last post and "G" were born just days apart from each other so you'll be seeing them side by side at least for the next 2 sessions. Unfortunately this family is moving this summer so we'll only have one more session. :-(

"G" is the second baby I've done for this family and from what I remember he's looking a lot like his older sister! You can see her HERE at the same ago about 2 years ago! He's such a sweet little guy with 2 sisters who love to smother him with love! And he's still got that cute spiky hair from his newborn session! So, enjoy seeing how baby boy "G" has changed over the last 3 months!

This is his favorite look! :-)

I know, kind of pointless to call this post Baby Boy "G" only to then show his name but I couldn't hep but post this picture! It's just too cute!

Thanks again "S" family! It was great seeing you again!

Baby Girl "C": 3 Months Old | Northern Virginia Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:41:00 +0000

"C" is a Baby Club Baby so I was excited to get back and see how much she's changed since the last time I saw her she was only 5 days old! She's a sweet, blue-eyed red head! She already loves to watch her older sisters and I can tell she is ready to jump into the mix as soon as she figures out how to move. The oldest sister, also a "C", just turned 4 so I also did a mini photo session with her. Unfortunately it was pretty chilly that day so we were stuck inside but luckily they have a gorgeous home which makes for a beautiful setting! Thanks again for having me back!
Here are a few of my favorites!

A group shot! Yea, we did it!

Always tricky with little ones.
4 going on 16!

Check out this beautiful Christening gown!

Expecting! | Northern Virginia Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:31:00 +0000

I have been so grateful for our warm weather this past week! We actually had a day or two that was in the 50's, woowhoo! Compared to the 20 & 30-something temps we have had this has felt down-right balmy, like spring is just around the corner! Luckily, Friday was one of those days because I met up with this adorable couple who is expecting baby #1 in late February to do an outdoor session. Baby girl Olivia is due right around the time my Harper was due last year, so I'm a little partial to February babies. ;-)

We strolled around Old Town Alexandria, her cute belly leading the way, enjoying the nice afternoon. This couple truly makes me smile, they've been married 10 years but by the way they look at each other and laugh together, they make it seem like they're newlyweds! They already love this little girl so much and I can tell they are going to make wonderful parents! Thanks for letting me document the beginning of a new chapter in your lives! It was a pleasure meeting you both!

Two of my favorites!

I love a girl who will do crazy stuff for me!

Thanks you guys! Best of luck, can't wait to meet Olivia!

The "D" Family: Northern Virginia Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Yesterday I headed over to National Harbor to meet the "D" family for some INDOOR photos! It is still pretty darn cold here in Virginia so they came up with this great idea, which I of course loved! The less time spent outside the better these days. We met at the Gaylord National hotel which has a fabulous indoor setup that feels like the outdoors. If you haven't been there yet I suggest checking it out! So, we let the kids explore while tricking them into having their picture taken and it worked out pretty well. So, here are a few of my favorites!

I love the interaction between brothers & sisters!
Tickle time!

We braved the cold for a few mintues & headed outside!

Thanks guys! It was great to finally meet you!

Nashville Baby! | Alexandria, Virginia Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:44:00 +0000

As I mentioned in my last blog I went to Nashville this week for a business workshop. I was hoping to warm up some while I was down there but it was just as cold as it has been here in D.C.! In spite of the frigid temps I learned sooo much great stuff and plan on spending the next month implementing what I learned into my business. This info will create a better business for both you and me! I'm so excited and ready to get to work!

I also got to visit 2 of my college roommates who now live there! One of which has had 2 children since they last time I saw her. So, of course we had to do a little photo shoot and I wanted to show off how gorgeous her kids are! Myles was a Thanksgiving baby, just about 6 weeks old now. Molly is almost 2 and Master is 9 (almost 1o)! They are a great family and I only wish we lived closer to each other! Thanks again for having me, miss you guys lots!

Baby Boy Myles!

Sweet big sister!

Master is such a great kid and a great big brother! So polite and well behaved, I can only hope my kids are this great when they get to be his age.

Such a little man!
She looks sweet (and she is) but she's also a spit-fire just like her mama! :-)

Thanks again guys! Hope to see you again soon!

Ringing in the new year with Baby Boy "R": 6 months Old | Old Town Alexandria Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:36:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great time with family and friends during the holiday season. I'm headed down to Nashville in the morning for a photographers business course but before I left I wanted to share some of my favorites from this morning's session.

Today I met up with this adorable baby boy with the biggest blue eyes! He was such a doll and so fun to photograph along with his big brother who popped in for a few as well. We even braved the cold for a few minutes and headed outdoors! All in all, a great session with a great family! Thanks for having me!

Didn't like being on the floor so much, but such a cute sad face!

I lied, one more for 2009! Baby Boy C: 2 months old | Northern Virginia Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:33:00 +0000

So, my previous post was going to be the last one for this year BUT one of my closest friends from college came through town and stopped by for a visit with her brand new baby boy! I of course just HAD to be the first to take pictures of him! So, after dinner we set up a mini photo shoot before they had to head out.

My friend is one of the most joyful people I know, she always has a smile on her face and a sincere laugh no matter what the situation and I am so blessed to have been able to call her a friend for the past 10 years! And now, I'm so excited to see her enter this new phase in her life. I just know she is going to be an amazing mom and her husband is super sweet and will also be a wonderful dad! Her little guy is just like her, even at 2 months old he is the smiliest little thing I've ever seen. They make an adorable little family! So, here is an early Christmas present for you! Merry Christmas!

Check out that handsome boy!
Sweet grin!

Some of my favorite images or of dad's with their babies.

Look how excited he is! He loves his mama!

Again, Merry Christmas!

Love,

Erin

I lied, one more for 2009! Baby Boy C: 2 months old

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:33:00 +0000

I lied, one more for 2009! Baby Boy C: 2 months old

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:33:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! | Alexandria, VA Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:11:00 +0000

Earlier this fall I decided that I would take the month of December off! So, as people were calling and wanting to schedule sessions in December I had to decide, over and over, to stick to my guns and just say no. Saying no to business is very hard to do, especially when you run your own business and each client, in a way, keeps your business alive! Last year I had a big Christmas party for all of my current clients and it was a huge success and I so hoped to do it again this year but I knew, amidst trying to get our house ready to sell, having a second little one in the house and the older one in school, that I would put myself over the edge! As this month has ticked by so quickly I am so grateful that, amidst all of the busyness that comes with the holidays, I have been able to keep it manageable! Although I've still been fulfilling Christmas orders, maintaining client relationships & working on some changes for 2010, I have been able to focus on what's most important, my family & friends. We've spent time baking, going to Christmas concerts, playing in the snow and just hanging out! It has been wonderful! Recently I've found that you'll never regret saying no to things and just slowing down! I've been working hard at it all year since adding baby #2 and I hope I've found a balance that I can maintain. Being a mom and a great wife are my priorities and they can so easily be shoved down to the bottom when you do something you love like I do! This also means taking on fewer clients each month, so, if you know you want to book a session contact me NOW! I'm already completely booked for January, February March & April, less because I'm the most popular photographer or the best and more because I'm only taking on what I can handle which will then allow me to be a better mom and wife. So, feel free to contact me and I'm glad to put you on a waiting list for the spring or to book you for a future date.

I hope you are making time for the important things in your life and looking around you to see what others might need. Anything from helping someone carry their bags to adopting a family in need and giving them the Christmas of their dreams! Absolutely nothing has made me feel more fulfilled than surprising someone with a completely unexpected gift!

I hope to be hosting a BIG Christmas party at our new house next year to show you all how much I have appreciated your business, your support and your loyalty! In the meantime, I hope you all know how much it has meant to me this past year. My business would be nothing without all of your beautiful faces!

So, Merry Christmas everyone!

Until 2010!

Erin

Blizzard December 2009!

Bundles of Energy! | Alexandria, VA Children's Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:52:00 +0000

As you know, I have 2 girls and for the most part have recently taken pictures mostly of girls for some reason. Well, that just changed! I've had sessions with one boy before but 2, wow, I could hardly keep up! I so admire mothers of boys, they are so different than girls, so much energy! But, these 2 were also so sweet, especially with each other. And we even managed to get a few of them together!

I love how bored they look! Cracks me up!

How sweet is this?

sweet, sweet brotherly love!

Until next time!

Baby Girl G: 10 Days Old | Old Town Alexandria Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:52:00 +0000

This morning I got to meet the newest addition to this lovely family! You may remember mom from her maternity pictures with her 2 year old at Fort Ward Park about a month ago. Well, "G" arrived just before Thanksgiving weighing just under 7 lbs, so tiny! She looks just like her very proud, older sister too! She was nice and sleep when I got there and after I kept complimenting her on being such a good sleeper she decided to challenge me and stay awake for quite some time! But, we waited her out and wore her down until she finally gave in and we got some very sweet shots!

Thanks "M" family for having me back! And if you know this sweet family then SHHH! This, along with the maternity session are both surprises for dad's upcoming birthday! They've done a great job of keeping a secret so far, hopefully they can make it a few more weeks!

I had so many favorites from this one!

Just look at their faces side by side... sooo much alike!

Mama and her girls!

You can tell how new she is by her skin! Love that newborn skin!

One of my favorites!
Check out that gorgeous mouth!
Until next time!

Christmas Deadline Reminder! | Northern Virginia Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I hope you all have had a wonderful start to the holiday season! I just wanted to remind everyone that ALL orders for the remainder of 2009 are due this Saturday, Dec. 5th! Canvas's & prints make great gifts if you're looking for something special for your husband, wife or grandparents! Also, I am no longer taking any sessions for the rest of this year and January is also booked. I am now taking clients for February and beyond so get in touch and get on the list if you are interested in spring pictures! April is already almost gone!

And, because I can't go without posting some sort of photo here are a few pictures of my little cutie-pies from our recent trip to Boston! If you've never been it is a great place to visit!

Baby Girl "H" turns 1! | Washington, DC Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and hopefully some relaxation!

Today I FINALLY got to catch up with this sweet family and their precious little girl who has just turned one. We were originally supposed to meet on Monday but the weather just wouldn't cooperate until today. Last time I saw "H" she was just 6 months old and nearly bald! Now, she has some beautiful golden blonde hair and is still flashing those big blue eyes. It was COLD today but she's a tough cookie and hung in there as we walked around the Episcopal High School, which has a beautiful campus! Thanks "E" family for coming back to visit me! It was so great seeing you all again!

These next 2 are my faves! I say, if you're having a cold weather session then just go with it and pull out those cute hats and fluffy coats! You can always wear cute outfits in the summer, just have some fun with accessories in the winter!

Until next time!

Kevin & Emily: Engagement Session | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:38:00 +0000

This weekend I met up with Emily & Kevin at Walney Park in Chantilly, Virginia to do their engagement photos. From the moment I met these two I really felt like we clicked and this session just proved it! We had a great time walking through the park, where they actually got engaged last February! They have been together for a long time and are just so perfect for each other! I know that they are just dying for the big day to get here & I am so looking forward to their June wedding as well! Thanks you two for being such good sports and laughing at my cheesy jokes all afternoon!

Enjoy!

I, of course, made them reenact their engagement!

I just loved this pond full of lilly pads! So.... "The Notebook". All we needed was a row boat!

Kevin & Emily, we'll see you again in June!

Baby Girl "S": 9 months old | Maryland Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:17:00 +0000

This weekend I got to visit one of my baby club babies again! I love seeing how much they grow and change each time I visit. "S" gets more adorable every time I see her and luckily she wasn't crawling quite yet so this was another easy session for me!

Since we've done all of the sessions in their home I wanted to find somewhere new to take the photos! I hate to get into a rut and try my best to challenge myself every time I meet with a family, especially families I see multiple times. So, since they just remodeled their bathroom we decided to venture in there for some fun pictures and I just love how they came out! We also recreated some of the pictures we did when mom was pregnant which was also fun to do. So, enjoy this second to last session of this sweet, little cutie! This family makes me look so good every time! They are just so photogenic, I love it!

Getting ready for a little bath! The first one by herself in the big tub!
I love a cuddly, post bath baby all wrapped up in a big fluffy towel!
Don't you just love this bathroom?
Acting all coy...
This is one we recreated from the maternity and newborn session...

One of my favorites!
Another recreation!

And of course we had to memorialize her first Halloween! Cutest little bee I've ever seen!
Until next time!

Friends! | Alexandria, VA Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

I always feel so honored when my friends trust me with photographing their families and I was so excited to meet with some of our good friends, Colleen, Jeff & their girls yesterday at Fort Ward Park. Their oldest daughter is one of my daughters best friends and their youngest was born just weeks before my youngest. In fact, I ended up going into the hospital the very same day I went to visit their newest addition and I texted Colleen from delivery to tell her I might be joining her! Fortunately, my little one decided to wait a few more weeks. One more fun fact, both of our girls share the same middle names! Sorry, I won't bore you all with anymore fun facts! :-) Oh, one more, happy birthday to Colleen today!!!

Anyway, it was a beautiful evening with just a little chill in the air & we had a great time playing in leaves and running around the park! Enjoy some of the final fall pictures as the leaves are pretty much going to be gone within the next week. :-(

Check out those beautiful eyes and that sweet face!
Again, I love the sister shots!

I think this one is my favorite family shot!

How cute is she???

Have a great weekend everyone!

Baby Boy "M": 2 weeks old | Old Town Alexandria Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Erin J. Photography Blog) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Yesterday I visited another one of my favorite families who have a new addition in the family! I love to see my clients families grow! This little guy is such a doll. I loved his hair and he had the sweetest little face and looked so great for a newborn! When I got there mom said "Oh, keeping him asleep will be NO problem. We can't even get him to wake up most of the time." Well, I think he took this as a challenge and proceeded to stay awake almost the entire time! But, I did manage to get some good stuff when he nodded off a couple of times. I also was able to get some pictures of his big sister "A" with her dad, who was in Iraq the last time I took her pictures. I'm so glad he is home safe and sound and he's a wonderful dad to these two precious kids! Thanks again for your sacrifice!

Welcome to the world "M"! It was so great to meet you!

It's a smile! (or at least we can pretend it is!)