Cortney and Jason - Love shoot

Every so often, in the glamorous world of beginner's photography, you get to shoot something that really makes your heart feel good. I thought that my "heart happy" shoot quota for the next few months or so was going to be filled with the Snapshots for Soldiers project, so imagine my delight when a wonderfully silly and playful couple danced right into my life this Sunday for a couples shoot!

These two sweet little lovers are Cortney and Jason.

Cortney and Jason have been dating for a few years, but looking at them, you'd never know it. These two have those cartoon lovey eyes for each other like they've only been dating for a few weeks. They are so lighthearted, cheerful, and fun that our afternoon felt more like play than anything else!

Although, to be fair, that might have been because we shot on a playground.

Aren't they precious? If you're not convinced, check out the sequence below. (Which was, by the way, all Jason's idea!)

 

I dare you not to feel all warm and squishy inside after looking at that.

I asked the pair to bring some props with them that described their relationship. Here's what they brought:

Both big basketball fans, they cheer for rival teams! Luckily, the rivalry doesn't hurt their relationship too much.

Thank you so much for shooting with me, Courtney and Jason. I had a blast. You two are fantastic!

Snapshots for Soldiers - Janelle

Introducing:

SNAPSHOTS FOR SOLDIERS

Do you or someone you know have a friend or loved one in the troops, stationed overseas? Do you want to do something special to let them know that you love them and miss them? Through Snapshots for Soldiers, Motography is happy to offer free mini-shoots to those with a loved one overseas for the purpose of putting a smile on some faces.

Simply contact me through the blog, Facebook page, or email at Motography2@gmail.com to schedule your free mini-shoot. Feel free to bring any props that will make your special someone smile – do you have a dog that your Marine adores? Does your Army soldier really miss his golf clubs? Maybe your kids desperately want to let their active Air Force father know that they love him and think about him every day. Whatever you think will make your patriot smile is welcome in front of the camera. (Don't worry - I love kids, animals, and homemade props. The louder and messier, the better!)

There is no need to release any sensitive information to Motography. I will never ask you for private information about your loved one, their location, or anything else. When we schedule, I will ask you for your email address. Within a few days, your fully edited photo files will be sent to you through email, and the rest is up to you! Send them as digital files, put together a book of photo prints, or send over a calendar designed through an online site like Snapfish. The photos belong to you and you can use them however you want!

You're probably thinking... how does this work, exactly? Take a look.

To kick off Snapshots for Soldiers, I asked one of my closest friends to give me a hand. Janelle is a true military gal – she has done active duty as an Officer in the US Public Health Service, and works full time for a government agency. But the real reason that she supports the troops is her fiancé, Scott, a Sergeant who is currently out of the country on his third tour in Iraq. Scott received his most recent order to be stationed in Iraq shortly after he and Janelle were engaged, and won’t return until a week or two before the wedding. These two communicate solely through email, Skype, letters, care packages, and rare phone calls. And now, photographs.

Janelle had a special message for Scott.

Janelle wears Scott's dog tags everyday, and shows her support with her military spouse pins on her jacket. The Snapshots for Soldiers "official photo", which you also saw above, features her holding Scott's tags along with her engagement ring - the two items she never leaves home without.

 If you know a member of the US troops that could use an extra reason to smile, please contact Motography through our Facebook page or through Motography2@gmail.com. The shoots are free, and I would love to meet you!

Raven and Amanda

I am very happy to introduce you all to Raven.

You'd never know it, but this beautiful little lady is terribly camera shy. When her owner, Amanda, contacted me, she was a little concerned. "I'm just not sure if she would behave for pictures," she said. "Any ideas?"

As it turns out, there was no problem! Although Raven was a little timid at first, she warmed up quickly and didn't mind the camera nearly as much as we'd expected. Before long, she was showing me around the apartment, pointing out all of her favorite toys and places to sit, and even showing off some of the love she has for Amanda.

(It helps that Amanda is gorgeous, too. I love shooting pretty pairs of girls like this. Makes me look oh so talented! And for the record, this is definitely my favorite shot of the day.)

Raven even let me get some close-ups of that lovely little face.

Finally, Amanda suggested a W-A-L-K (not that Raven was at all fooled by us trying to discuss it stealthily) and we all headed outside. Raven is one of the most active walkers I've ever seen! Poor Amanda pretty much just holds on for dear life while Raven explores everything within a fifteen foot radius!

By this time, little Raven was all worn out. We snagged a few of her looking very sleepy in mama's arms and then headed back home, so she could take her favorite post at the window.

Thank you for shooting with me, Amanda and Raven! I had a blast. It's not very often I get to work with two lovely models at once!