Summer Camp. Those two words conjure up memories for so many people. Going on adventures, learning new skills, and sitting around a fire while sharing stories and singing songs to name a few. It’s a place that you meet people and quickly become friends, possibly staying in touch for years to come. Keegan and Lynda became such friends, but can now look back at their first summer working as staff together as the place they first met.

It wasn’t hard to get to know each other, as everyone quickly does at a camp, but deciding to give their relationship a go was. She was Australian, he Canadian. Many others had started dating but found it too difficult to maintain after everyone packed up, went home, and tried to deal with the time difference. What it meant for Keegan and Lynda was a lot of commitment and perseverance, and they knew they would quickly see if what they had would withstand the challenges of distance and time.

It did.

Not only did they make the effort to stay up late and talk until the wee hours of the morning, they invested in seeing each other. When the next summer came Lynda felt called to go back to Canada and they worked at the same camp, and then Keegan was accepted to study abroad for a year is Australia, giving them even more time together. Gradually the distance didn’t seem like an obstacle, and a day came when Keegan asked Lynda to marry him. She ecstatically said yes and they began to map out their lives together, no matter what continent they were on.

When Lynda came to Canada this January they both made the trip down to Rochester for some engagements photos. It was a chilly winter day with just enough flurries to prove there really was snow, and satisfy any Australian. For having only emailed before our shoot I felt like fast friends and didn’t want the shoot to end. Keegan + Lynda I’m so happy I was able to document one part of your story and hope you enjoy the images! Enjoy

I guess when you know, you know. I don’t think it’s always love at first sight when it comes to the client / photographer relationship… but it can be. It takes a while to build trust with a photographer, but when you have a previous connection – for example and the recommendation of a friend – it can happen more quickly.

That’s exactly how Lynda and Keegan found me – through their friends Shannon and Devin’s who I photographed last winter. We sat and talked over coffee before getting started and I got to hear more about their engagement party this past weekend, how they met working at a Christian camp, their long distance relationship between Canada and Australia, and what it was like to be in a place with snow. Even though we had emailed back and forth to plan the session, sitting to talk allowed us to ease in to the session and build more trust before we started. We continued the conversation as I photographed them, and directed them so I could take the best pictures possible and allow them to be themselves in the process. When we ended, I wanted to ask if we could do it again tomorrow… or if they had any friends getting married.

Having a network of people that believe in your business is probably the best asset of any small business owner. That network often starts with family and friends but grows as you reach out and gain experience. However, that network is not really about you, your business or even how great your product is… it’s about everyone else. You grow more by being interested in other people than just hoping for them to be interested in you.

Thanks for a fun afternoon yesterday Lynda and Keegan… and for the delicious macarons and sweets you baked, Lynda – you have serious talent! To all of my other clients I can’t wait to continue to work with you, build a relationship, and see how that network of people changes and grows. If you haven’t started, I’d love for you to join the daily conversation here, twitter, facebook, or through email (hello at marydougherty dot net). Lastly, to all of the family, friends, soon to be clients, acquaintances, casual blog readers, friends of friends of friends, and blog stalkers… thanks for reading and being a part of what I do.

In the stacks at the University of Rochester library. A fun place to shoot just on part of this fabulous engagement session. I love finding interesting locations to work in and the winter weather either challenges you to deal with the elements (although they aren’t very present these days) or head inside. I’ll be sharing more photos from this shoot in between the holiday travel schedule we’ve cooked up. It begins today, as Matt and I are heading up to Vermont to photograph Meghan + Ian’s wedding on Saturday. After that it’s a few days a home with a visit from family (and a chance to see my niece for the first time!) and then a trip to Michigan. Look for some updates from the road and safe travels to all of you as well!

Fall. It’s a season that doesn’t exist – at least not in the same way – in Florida. It’s a change of pace, color and way of life much like the changes that occur when planning a wedding. Victoria and Frank moved up to Rochester after school in Florida and fell in love with the seasons. They had already fallen in love with each other, it was back in that first psychology class was where it all started. Frank made excuses to sit close to Victoria and they exchanged subtle glances as they learned… about each other. Now after learning so much more and testing their relationship through the challenges life brings Frank asked Victoria a question. He said “Will you marry me? and she said “yes!”

I was excited to shoot their engagement session in northern Rochester in a little orchard and on the edge of lake Ontario. It was a perfect fall day, and after a few minutes in front of the camera they warmed right up and stole the show. As they get ready for their April wedding they have these images to remind them that winter doesn’t last forever in New York, it just seems like it.

the lake was absolutely gorgeous – with soft and simple colors and a brilliant sunset that bathed Victoria and Frank in warm light as they sat on the bench and watched it.

These signs were made by Margaret and were the perfect addition to this session

Victoria and Frank requested a jumping picture which they pulled off perfectly; since pioneered by Halsman in the 50′s it’s become a classic

You two are so good together! The sunset was brilliant as I mentioned and the perfect opportunity for some silhouettes to emphasize the dramatic light.

I don’t know if Mylee and Leo’s lives are normally serendipitous but since I’ve met them things seem to keep falling in to place. Sure, it’s been the little things, but it’s just another reason that makes their relationship feel right. We started their engagement session on East Ave in downtown Rochester and were stopped in our tracks when we saw the word love scrawled on a brick wall near us. Yes, it’s simple and easily replicated, but there it was just waiting for us. I love each chance to explore and document a part of the city and work with all of the different textures and colors that come with it. Mylee and Leo fit in perfectly in bright and bold blue and they shared different sides of their relationship as we talked, walked, and took some pictures. As they plan for a day that will bring family and friends together and start their lives as husband and wife I’m excited to join them on this journey. I am looking forward to next August, but until then enjoy a more natural and everyday look at the relationship of Mylee and Leo in what we call an engagement session.

Walking around Old Town Alexandria makes you feel at home. The cobbled streets, brownstones, and hidden pieces of history invite you in to stay and explore. When I was in DC a few weeks ago I had a chance to visit – even just for a little while – and loved the morning I spent with Meghan and Ian. They call the area home and as we walked around the neighborhood I heard stories of their lives, how they met and their progress on the destination wedding they are having this winter in Vermont.

After seeing each other here and there at events and parties, Meghan suggested Ian ask her out. He took her advice. It was just a few years ago during one of the crazy Virginia snowstorms that they planned their first date. Determined to make it happen, they discovered that they need not venture across town to get together, since they lived in the same neighborhood. The rest–as they say–is history, and they grew into a relationship that was inexplicably right. Of course, there are many reasons that Meghan and Ian complement each other – besides the fact that they can finish each others sentences. They are a balance of creativity and logic, and use different ways of thinking yet arrive at the same conclusions.

Their Vermont wedding is going to be an intimate and inviting event, altogether unique and I can’t wait to document it. Before we welcome the snow, let’s look at life in Alexandria…

there were so many alleyways, interesting textures and hidden gems of buildings like this historic ice house…

Ian played rugby for many years so he brought along a ball to toss around and end the session with… and even though Meghan’s athletic career has stayed within the realm of non-contact sports, she jumped in and showed she has what it takes. They both have what it takes. Can’t wait for winter!

They enjoyed the adventure of navigating around the busy city and made their way to both the Zoo and the Capitol. After spending a full day on their feet and enjoying each others company, it was time to say good bye. Almost a year later, they followed in the footsteps of their first adventure only this time things were different. Blair had taken a new job and re-located to the district, and with an absolutely packed day full of everything they loved he took Jacqueline around the city and asked her to marry him. She said yes.

It was only natural that for their engagement photos we visit the two spots that became most significant to them, so we started at the Zoo before heading over to the Capitol. The usually calm Zoo was bustling with activity, sounds, and sights as it celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an event named “Fiesta Musical.” Once I heard about their first date, it was ironic. Once we got over the fact that the crowds of people felt like an unintended audience, we found a few quite spots in the zoo and had a great time taking pictures. Jacqueline looked fierce – and I don’t usually break out that kind of Top Model terminology, but it’s true. I love the colors they wore and how they stood out in the lush green environments we hid away in.

Next we went to the capitol, where Blair proposed! It was beautiful and the overcast skies made it easy to photograph. I encourage couples to make the session personal by choosing locations + activities that are significant to them. It was fun to shoot in such a historic location and I think we made all the tourists jealous.

After seeing the sights from several different angles we ended on the steps overlooking the mall. Each time I visit DC I think “I could live here” and then I drive home and remember how much I love not having traffic (never mind that I live far from everything). Jacqueline + Blair I’m so glad we were able to meet up for these photos and I can’t wait for your wedding next summer! Enjoy the city life for me.

I have been saving these photos up. When I photographed Peter + Sophie’s engagement session we had an adventure. I was in DC for another engagement session, was able to also meet up with them to photograph the one that they won from the free session I gave away last spring. Long story short, one broken car and a rental mustang later we were back in business and ready to treat ourselves to a delicious lunch. Peter had first suggested Ted’s Bulletin because of their homemade poptarts, and it was enough to lure us in. When we walked through the door I was immediately impressed by the overall feel of the restaurant. I had a clear voice, one that I couldn’t stop listening to. The cozy booths and old-fashioned counter harkened back a few decades but a clean and modern feel kept things from becoming overly nostalgic. Classic black and white films played on a big screen in the main dining room and the familiar lines of Casablanca made it feel like home. It reminded me vaguely of Sanders (which you Michiganders may know) and I couldn’t help but order one, maybe two – okay three poptarts. for the road. I immediately thought of the potential to take pictures there and after the last of the busy lunch crowd departed we went for it – after asking the manager’s permission of course. It was too good of a location to pass up. I photographed Peter and Sophie’s date at Ted’s Bulletin and ended my adventure with them in DC there. Since they are getting married on Saturday it’s the perfect time to share these and I hope you enjoy. I think I need to do more of these kinds of shoots, especially when it means good food is involved!

With so much emphasis placed on wedding day photography, people often go years without having pictures taken again. They look back on those pictures which capture a specific and very special day, but they have grown and changed, learned more about each other and fallen deeper in love. That is where anniversary sessions come in, and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy shooting these. All of the fun but none of the pressure of a wedding day situation. No time line, family or decorations to worry about, just an opportunity to get together and document where your lives are now.

For Sarah and John, that came about one day before their third anniversary. She recently finished her masters and he found his way to nursing school after working in a different field and they have grown and changed together since their wedding day. Their lives are intertwined more deeply, and I have to say it generally makes my job a lot easier. Since I like to document real life they didn’t have to do anything but be together and be in love. They were naturals.

Whenever a couple asks, “can we bring our dog along?” I say yes! without hesitation. Having two dogs myself I know how much a part of the family they become and they always have so much personality to capture. Pongo was patient when we shot without him and quite photogenic for the pictures! 

We met in Ellison Park in Rochester, New York since I love a natural setting. Sepia seemed to fit this wide shot below with the tall trees and soft light peeking through.

Sarah you’re gorgeous and John you bring that out in her. We ended the session by flying kites. It was a success and it’s always fun to incorporate an activity into the mix. I had fun photographing you two and congratulations on three years!