We can't remember the last time either of us took a nap...

But this kid... this kid is good a naps. And thank God, otherwise we'd be up even later, working wayyy past what's acceptable.

Maggie is the main post processor/photo editor and a lot of time during our "days" is devoted to finishing final collections of images for our clients. In order for this to happen, someone must oversee Sweet Cheeks, ensuring he doesn't drown one of the cats in the toilet. Betty or "Lou Lou" as he calls her (in reality he calls her nothing, just a grunt with arms reaching up and we get it) is the official, in house baby wrangler. So while Maggie bangs out editing, Betty gets to spend some quality "Turner and Lou Lou" time and we don't have to pay for a sitter. Win win!

But there are so many more things to do, other than just shooting and editing. The business side of things requires a lot of research to be done, decisions to be made, and errands to be run. These things call for both of us to be focused on whatever it is we're doing, and since we're still not paying for a sitter (ha!) we do them when Sweet Cheeks takes his nap. Ahhh, the daily *almost* two hours we get to sit down at the table together, and work on what needs our attention. Payments, contracts, scheduling (Lordy), website, blog, design, networking, and emails to name a few. We work like mad women, never getting it all done, but always more than we expected to. The rest gets saved for after dinner, to be finished over text messages, from one house to another.

So today we're giving a shout out to Sweet Cheeks. Thank you, you sweet, adorable, hysterical little child for laying your butt down, closing your eyes and taking those much needed naps. One day, maybe we'll join you ;)

Diet Coke and Coffee

We're sitting here in our newly decorated home office/consultation space (yay!) going over our super long checklist of things to accomplish by Christmas. As we begin to have simultaneous panic attacks we each grab for our caffeine fix of choice, take a swig and feel better. We can do this. Yes, there is a lot to do. Yes, we will pull a few all nighters. Yes, it will all get done.

The blog will start to feel left out in the next couple of weeks. Poor thing. It will be ok, we'll be back in December with a wedding to feature, a couple of engagement sessions, an array of business announcements and a couple glimpses into our personal lives to boot. But for now, we will be drinking our caffeine and getting to work on all the behind the scenes, less glamorous tasks... like album design, pricing, magazine layout, and decorating our bridal show booth display (that's fun!).

In case you're wondering which drink belongs to which photographer... Betty has a serious Diet Coke problem, and Maggie's the one drinking a pot of coffee a day (milk, no sugar).

Fun fact: Betty can pour Diet Coke from a two liter bottle, directly into a smaller bottle without missing a drop. We're going to see if she can do it with her eyes closed one of these days.

Another fun fact: Maggie must drink her coffee from seasonal mugs. Like... has to. And an entire cabinet in her kitchen is full of them.

Ok, back to work! We'll talk to ya'll soon!

Nicole and Mike :: Southern Maryland Engagement Photography

Yes. They are this adorable the entire time.

Ahh! Nicole... so pretty!

Yay wind!

Favorite.

They're so darn attractive.

Love.

Beautiful ring.

Beautiful girl.

He's pretty cute too.

Caught a little sun!

You can feel it with these two. They are meant to be together. The love and connection is obvious. We are excited to see what their wedding day will look like, because we know it's going to be amazing. 

Thank you, Nicole and Mike, for bringing us on board. We are beyond thrilled.

Cold Weather Engagements :: What to wear

Well... our busy season is coming to an end and although we have just a couple of "fall" engagement sessions left we are looking forward to slowing down a bit for the holidays. Of course, we won't really slow down at all. Instead we'll be working on an entirely new website and blog, designing albums from our amazing new line, and prepping for engagement season and bridal shows. But there are a few couples out there who plan on braving the cold for winter themed weddings and engagement sessions. These... we love. There's something about photographing a couple when the air is chilly. They stand a little closer. They hug a little longer. Their red noses touch more frequently. We get to capture moments in these winter sessions that don't really come up when the breeze is warm. So although we may not do as many winter sessions as we do summer or fall, we love them just as much if not a little more.

We've given some advice on what to wear during an engagement session before, you can read a blog post about it here. But we realized the examples we gave were all geared towards more comfortable climates. So we decided to play stylist again, but this time for a cold weather engagement.

We worked our way from casual to fancy.

We'll start with our most casual and laid back idea. Lots of knits, comfortable bottoms like jeans or cords, boots of course, and hats. Hats hats hats! We included some nice coats as well. Because it's COLD! Bundle up in your winter engagement photos! That being said, we also recommend the coats come off so we can see your "real" outfits in some of the photos. Yes, it will be chilly. Yes, it will look good ;)

Now onto a little more of a "styled" look. It's hard to pick a favorite, but this might be it. Don't be afraid to use lots of bright colors in the winter. Without any leaves on the trees and sometimes cloudy skies, your clothes will be what add the pops of color in your photos. 

Then, for the couple who wants to go all magazine ad on us... we recommend something like this. You will probably freeze your tails off, but man you'll look good. We promise to buy you hot chocolate after your session to warm you up! (Again, lots of color)

So there you have a few ideas of outfits we would love to see our brave, warm blooded couples wear for their winter engagement sessions. 

Check back tomorrow for one of our last 2012 engagement sessions! It was a great way to go out!

Nicole and Mike :: Sneak Peek

Brooke and Sams :: Southern Maryland Engagement Photography

Sams is a Firefighter, and Brooke herself has spent a lot of time running with volunteer fire and rescue squads. Naturally, they wanted some photos at a station near and dear to their hearts. We loved this idea.

Hey Sams... lookin' good ;)

They also love the Nationals and all things baseball, so we did a few shots in their Nats gear.

LOVE this save the date!

Then it was time for some romantic shots in the orange, glowing sun. Mmmmmm yes.

Favorite!

Brooke... please tell us you know how stunning you are. And Sams... you are a goof ball.

Ahhh! Seriously!

Now that's adorable.

Another favorite

Brooke said "what about that old swing?". Thank goodness you saw it Brooke! These were literally the last 3 frames of the day. Yay!

Brooke and Sams... you get us. You're from our neck of the woods, and we're lucky to be brought into your wedding circle. We appreciate how much trust you put into us and we hope you love your photos. We're counting down the days until we can do this again... on your wedding day! xoxo