Recently caught up with my forever friends at Gilded Bridal to work on updating some store photos and to grab some headshots of Susan’s new girls, Jensen and Makenzie. It’s no secret that Gilded is one of my favorite places to photograph not only because it is ALWAYS FUN to photograph fancy dresses, but because Susan is a ridiculously fun person. This is quite evident in everything she does, but also evident in how happy her staff is. Everyone is relaxed and incredibly silly, and they all make my job easy just by being themselves. I had already worked with Jensen at another shoot, so I was aware that she’s a super chill and funny person, but I hadn’t yet met Makenzie until this shoot, and SURPRISE: she is also a super chill and funny person. I don’t think Susan would hire anyone who wasn’t, but still. I love how much I always love her staff. I don’t work at Gilded but I kinda wish I did because look at them!

I’m so happy to have Dr. Judy Brangman back for a second year of branding photos for her business, The Plant Based MD. I worked with her first back in 2018 and am so glad she’s kept in touch ever since! Judy is absolutely delightful – a thoughtful woman who’s passionate about health and wellness via an entirely plant-based diet. She might know more about fruits and vegetables than anyone I know, and she certainly knows how to prepare them in all sorts of different ways. Judy’s been looking to shoot inside her kitchen for a while and we finally got our schedules together to make it happen. She showed up with 2 entirely full bags of fruits and vegetables and we got to work! It’s fun to listen to her talk about different recipes she makes (she has an easy tofu marinating recipe) and how different veggies impact your health directly. To learn more, please visit her site and follow her on social media! Judy is always posting new tips and info.

Linda comes to me by way of Kristen Lee and is just awesome (with the added awesomeness of having a South African accent). Linda and Kristen knew each other from their days in New York City, but are still friends here in the south while running dog-based businesses. Kristen recommended me to Linda because, in addition to Linda’s dog business, she’s also a Chief Risk Officer and Audit Executive (!) who was looking for more than the standard headshot. She wanted a bit of personality incorporated into her portraits, as well as the ability to put her hobbies and background on display, all while maintaining a professional aura that could still be used to represent her at board meetings and for public speaking events. And Linda has a ton of interesting hobbies! She’s been riding motorcycles since she was a teenager, and also knits, does cross-fit, and has a husband, kids, dogs, cats, and a parrot. She spends a lot of days at board meetings and is a pro at negotiation and conflict management. She’s an incredible woman and I absolutely loved getting to know her and learn more about South Africa, parrots, and motorcycles! Hair Creds: Synquis at @kawaiistyles_u. Makeup Creds: Shatara at @justfaceitmua