SWEET SERENDIPITY!

While co-instructing an Existing Light Portraiture workshop with my friend Philip, I happened to notice a young woman sitting on the rocks across the lake from us.  Her lovely red hair and flowing yellow skirt had caught my eye.  

I remarked that we should ask her to be a model.  Everyone agreed how striking she was, but laughed at my audacity.  Then she got up and started walking around the lake in our direction.  I approached her and asked if she would be interested and if she had the time to model for our workshop.  

She was flattered and definitely interested but had to ask her friends:  "Do I have time to be a model?"  She and her friends were on campus to watch a performance that would start soon.  Fortunately, Amanda had some time to spare, so I quickly arranged a short series of natural light portraits.  (Another 10-min portrait challenge anyone?)  

For Amanda, I decided to go for a glamorous butterfly-lighting look, in which soft light, approximately 45 degrees above and directly in front, illuminates the model's face.  It was a great choice!  

I was excited to capture close-up portraits highlighting her beautiful blue eyes and red hair as well as full-length portraits that showed off her fabulous style.  (Once the technical issues of lighting and pose are resolved, you can get a great variety of stellar portraits through slight variations of expression, gesture, and camera position!)  

The above featured image is one of my favorite portraits of Amanda.  I love the color harmony, how the soft background complements the richness of her hair.  I love the triangle formed by her jewelry and the flower in her hair.  Playing off the line of her glasses, the triangle creates a lovely "gentle soul" rhythm around Amanda's sparkling eyes.  

And, above all else, I love her expression and its honesty.  

It speaks to me of young adulthood.  

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I love creating beautiful and honest portraits.  To discuss your family or corporate portrait needs, call me today at 703-729-3780 or send me email.  I'd be happy to collaborate with you!

My Northern Virginia portrait studio is conveniently located in Ashburn, Virginia, just west of Dulles International Airport and north of the Brambleton shopping center.  I accept professional photography commissions throughout the greater metropolitan DC area.