Jody McKitrick http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog ody McKitrick is a lifestyle portrait family and child photographer located in Northern Virginia. Sat, 19 May 2012 02:48:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 soulmates and clown noses http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/05/soulmates-and-clown-noses/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/05/soulmates-and-clown-noses/#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 02:48:20 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2796 Middleburg Wedding
Exactly one month ago, I spent a day I will truly never forget with this beautiful couple who are proof positive that soul mates exist. I have no doubt. I have so much to say about this session, I hope I can find the words when it’s time, but not yet… lots more to come soon.

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A few quick photos of my niece Charlie playing in her backyard. While the rest of the cousins were inside playing video games, Charlie was outside playing by herself for probably an hour… swinging, hula-hooping, and exploring, so of course I had to run out and take a few quick photos. I love her independence.

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/charlie/feed/ 0 Letters to Our Daughters | April 2012 http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/letters-to-our-daughters-april-2012/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/letters-to-our-daughters-april-2012/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:00:09 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2664 Letters to DaughtersLetters to Our DaughtersLetter to Our DaughtersLetters to DaughtersLetters to Daughters

Stella-Bella,

Here’s a bit of advice; when you are in a class and your instructor asks you to sit in a circle, never ever sit right next to the instructor. Inevitably, the teacher will ask a question and will want everyone to go around the circle and give an answer. If you are sitting right next to her, then you are either going to be first or last. If you are first, you’ll find yourself caught off-guard and struggling to come up with an answer that doesn’t make you sound like a bafoon. If you are last, by the time it’s your turn, all of the good answers will have already been taken and really, no one is listening to you at that point anyway. I know this from experience. Being the goodie-goodie that I am, at your father’s and my first parenting class, I, of course, sat right next to our instructor (apparently I hadn’t learned my lesson). Sure enough, she begins the session by asking, “What trait of your spouse, do you most want your child to have?” Panicking (because I was first) I blurted out “His lips!”…

Really?

His lips?

That was the best I could come up? I’m sure at that point all the other parents-to-be were thrilled because, come on, any answer after that had to better than mine. To be fair, your daddy has very nice lips, but there are so many other qualities your father has that I hoped you would have. For example, his ability to always know the location of his car keys and iPhone (unlike your mother who will lose them 30 seconds after frantically tearing apart the house looking for them). His dedication to exercising regularly no matter how late he stayed up watching Archer and eating Thin Mints. His grammar skills (minus his tendency to correct me—unless I’m asking him to proofread this and then yes, please correct me). His pro-activeness; when your dad makes up his mind to do something, he GETS.IT.DONE. This can drive me crazy but it’s a good balance to my procrastinating ways. He would have had this letter written weeks ago and the next one already drafted. I hope you have his brains (but my common-sense please), his idealism, his dance moves (definitely not mine!), and his laugh… well not exactly HIS laugh because that would be weird coming out of your tiny body but how about his love to laugh?

Mostly though, I hope you inherit your dad’s love of family. I realize that this isn’t exactly a trait, but when I watch your dad with you, I want this for you and your children too. We had no idea at this parenting class what we were getting ourselves into. How you would change our lives. How you would make us better. And no idea of the amazing person you would become—how could we ever?

I guess if I could go back to the parenting class I would say the exact same thing: “His lips!” because I wouldn’t want you any different than you are today.

♥
Mom

P.S. I think you may have gotten your Dad’s lips after all.

 

Please click over to the next blog to follow the circle of blogs starting with the magical work of Jess Sandager and read her birthday letter to her daughter. Do yourself a favor and grab box of tissues first: Olive Avenue Photography by Jess Sandager | Minneapolis Photographer.

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So, you may be wondering, “What’s with the letter Jody?” I was thrilled (and lets just say… a wee-bit-nervous) to be invited to participate in a blog project called “Letters to Our Daughters” with a talented and beautiful group of photographers. Each month we will be writing a letter to our daughters and posting them on our blog. While I am nervous about my photography, I am most nervous about my writing. There is a reason I listed this quote as my favorite on my Facebook page: “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera.” ~ Lewis Hine. However, I could not turn down the opportunity to be a part of this. I am awful at writing down anything for my kiddos (I think Stella’s baby book stopped at year one and let’s not talk about the other two) and I know as time passes these posts will mean more and more to our family regardless of my writing skills. Please take a look at the stunning work and beautifully written letters of the other photographers. I’ve admired their work from afar; some for months and some for years. To be included in this group makes my heart swell.

♥ Participating Photographers ♥

Stephanie Beaty :: Sarah Lynn Cornish :: Kirsty Larmour :: Amy Lockheart
Rashmi Pappu :: Jess Sandager :: Valeria Spring :: Julia Rodgers Stotlar :: Emma Wood

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/letters-to-our-daughters-april-2012/feed/ 14 “This” continued… http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/this-continued/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/this-continued/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:08:13 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2622 Arlington Child PhotographerArlington Virginia Child PhotographerLifestyle PhotographyArlington Virginia Lifestyle PhotographyChild Photographer Northern VirginiaPhotographer North ArlingtonWestover PhotographerLacey Woods Arlington PhotographerArlington PhotographerWashington DC PhotographerArlington PhotographerArlington Candid PhotographerLifestyle Arlington PhotographyFamily Photographer Arlington VirginiaChild Photographer Arlington VirginiaMother Child Photographer Arlington Virginia

I did a sneak preview of this session a few months back and titled it “This”. Why This? Because THIS is the type of family photography that I really love to do. THIS is they type of photography where I think I do my best. This session was done in the midst of the craziness of my fall sessions. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fall sessions but I was so happy when Leah wanted to do a relaxed and fun in-home session with her and her kiddos (Dad was away on business travel). And who wouldn’t love a session like this? Gorgeous Mom, adorable sweet kids (did you see those curls?!) and a beautiful light-filled home. I didn’t want to leave! Seriously. If you ask me to do a session like this with you, you’ll probably have to kick me out.

 

 

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/04/this-continued/feed/ 6 i know this post is too big. http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/03/i-know-this-post-is-too-big/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/03/i-know-this-post-is-too-big/#comments Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:21:11 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2572 Arlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Maternity PhotographerArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity PhotosArlington Virginia Maternity Photos

I know this post is probably too big and yes, I realize some of my processing is inconsistent, but I couldn’t help myself. As I was editing these (last Fall!) I felt like the mood of a few of the photos needed something a little different. This was the third time I photographed this beautiful mamma and I’ve photographed her two more times since this session. Eventually I’ll get those up on my blog too and explain why I’m lucky enough to be able to do this with her (hint: she is a very talented interior designer). And why so many? I simply couldn’t choose! I wish I was this beautiful and relaxed when I was pregnant.

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/03/i-know-this-post-is-too-big/feed/ 6 Summer Afternoon at the Nature Center http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/summer-afternoon-at-the-nature-center/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/summer-afternoon-at-the-nature-center/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:25:52 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2539 Arlington Virginia Children Film PhotographyArlington Virginia Children Film PhotographyChild Photographer Arlington Nature Center

(Summer 2011 | Contax 645)

This winter has been mild, but I’m still looking forward to warmer days when I can get out and explore with my babies.

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/summer-afternoon-at-the-nature-center/feed/ 1 Reflections and Fun in Great Falls http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/reflections-and-fun-in-great-falls/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/reflections-and-fun-in-great-falls/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:51:58 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2499 great falls family photographerGreat Falls Family PhotosChild Photographer Great Falls VirginiaGreat Falls PhotographyChild Photographer VirginiaFamily Photography Great Falls
Great Falls Photography LakePhotographer Great Falls VirginiaFather and Son Family PhotographerGreat Falls Virginia Photography

This is another session from last Fall. As you’ve probably noticed, I have a lot of family sessions at the lake in my neighborhood. This however is not in my neighborhood, but it’s another private lake in a neighborhood in Great Falls. It’s smaller, but you can swim, fish, and boat in it just like ours. The reflections on the lake and the Fall leaves were crazy beautiful and cast this very golden light over everything. This family was SO much fun. Many of my clients have very young children and the parents and I spend a lot of time during our sessions trying to get their attention, keeping them from getting too dirty or out of harms way. With this family it was just all fun sprinkled with some very sweet moments. I feel like I am in a “sweet spot” with my own family right now; things are much easier than they were even a year ago, but looking at these photos and remembering how much fun they were having and how close they all are is making me look forward to a few years down the road with my own kiddos.

(Side note to any photographers: I had a lot of sessions last fall (well for me–not compared to most of you I’m sure) and I was experimenting with different processing. Looking at these 5 months later, I am realizing how different they look from my norm!)

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/reflections-and-fun-in-great-falls/feed/ 2 January Project 2012 – That’s A Wrap http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/january-project-2012-thats-a-wrap/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/january-project-2012-thats-a-wrap/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:35:40 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2378 Jody McKitrick Photography January Project Jody McKitrick Photography January ProjectJody McKitrick Photography January ProjectJody McKitrick Photography January Project
I was reading an interview of my friend Jenna where she described herself as “a project starter (not usually a finisher)” and I thought, “Wow. That sounds just like me.” At least when it comes to personal projects. So it feels great to say that I actually finished my January project! I seriously don’t know how you 365ers (or 366ers for this year) do it. The most challenging aspect was having to shoot mostly indoors in a lot of low-light situations. This is often the type of photography I am most drawn to, so I think in the long run it was great practice. There are a few that I’m really proud of and some that I look at and wish I had tried a little harder. Regardless though, I am happy to have these and plan to make a coffee table book.

(Two Notes: First, all of the photos are of my three kiddos except for #21 which is my adorable niece and her grandfather at her birthday party and #22 has my other sweet niece in the middle of my girls. Second, this project was inspired by Jinky’s E-Book. If you are looking for inspiration, I can’t recommend it highly enough. I can’t wait to try another one from her book.)

jp_1 jp_2 jp_3 jp_4 jp_5 jp_6 jp_7 jp_8 jp_9 jp_10 jp_11 jp_12 jp_13 jp_14 jp_15 jp_16 jp_17 jp_18 jp_19 jp_20 jp_21 jp_22 jp_23 jp_24 jp_25 jp_26 jp_27 jp_28 jp_29 jp_30 jp_31 jp_31 jp_31

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/02/january-project-2012-thats-a-wrap/feed/ 11 wild and wonderful http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/01/wild-and-wonderful/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/01/wild-and-wonderful/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:55:56 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2323 Falls Church PhotographerFalls Church PhotographerFalls Church PhotographerChild PhotographerFairfax Virginia PhotographerMother and child photographerChild Photographer Falls Church VirginiaMother and child photographerFamily PhotosNorthern Virginia PhotographerFairfax Virginia Photographer
First, let me say I adore this family and you’ll probably be seeing them on my blog again. They moved to our neighborhood from England with two sweet (and active!) little boys and we became fast friends. When they said they wanted to do a session, I had all these images in my head of a fun laid back shoot with the boys running around with the stars and stripes and union jack flags in and out of a sunlit field. Oh the images I come up with while lying in bed at night. I should know by now that my sessions (especially with active little boys) never go quite as I planned. I spent the session furiously trying to keep up and most of my plans quickly fell by the wayside. You know what though? Now that I’m looking back on these images, these are even better than what I imagined. This is real. It’s not a commercial shoot with a list of required shots, professional models, and a child wrangler (not that I’m knocking that kind of shoot–that would be fun and hard work in a completely different way!). It’s me documenting these wild and wonderful little boys with their parents in an exhilarating, albeit exhausting, time in their lives. Now I can’t wait for our next shoot. Oh, the images I have in my head for that one!

]]> http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/01/wild-and-wonderful/feed/ 1 morning light and baby blues http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/01/morning-light-and-baby-blues/ http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/2012/01/morning-light-and-baby-blues/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:24:34 +0000 admin http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/?p=2293 Family PhotosFalls Church Child Photographer Black and WhiteFamily Photos Lake BarcroftFamily PhotographerFamily Photos Northern VirginiaMother Child PhotographFamily Photographer Falls Church Virginia
I’m going to blog some old sessions that I haven’t had a chance to post. I love the morning light and this beautiful baby’s blue blue eyes. We cut this session short because this poor sweetie was a little tired and teething, but it didn’t stop her cuteness from shining through one tiny bit.

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