Adrian & Jasmine | Washington, DC Lifestyle Photographer

I was going to wait to blog this tomorrow but at the urging of Adrian I will today :) It actually works out though because I’ll be on the road tomorrow heading up to NY… so think of this as you guys’ early anniversary present  lol.

Last month I got together with Adrian & Jasmine on a beautiful spring day for their 1 year anniversary session and we had a blast! I tried all sorts of ideas I’ve had in mind for some time and I think I can safely say this is one of- if not THE favorite couple session I’ve shot so far. I LOVE love and these two exude it! Their session is what I think of when I think of 2 people in love- having fun, being silly together, sharing quiet moments… All of that and more is here for your viewing pleasure :) 

With special guest Cody! Lol can’t forget about him :) Makeup was cared for by the always fabulous Denyelle.

Sidenote before I get into the pictures: You can expect a similar beautiful gallery of images… only when you allow enough TIME. A lot of folks look to duplicate this kind of thing with a mini session, when in reality, that’s just not possible. Booking a standard session is the only way to ensure you end up with a nice diverse gallery. That way you have time to relax and have fun with your significant other/family members and I can capture the best images. This ends my public service announcement lol :)

Now on to Adrian & Jasmine- Happy Anniversary you two!!

Their one year anniversary is on Saturday- help wish them a happy anniversary and many more to come :)

Interested in your own session? Email me and schedule yours today!

Artist Spotlight: Stephen Leon

It’s time for the next installment of our Artist Spotlight!

Today we will get to know a local illustrator- Stephen a little better. I’ve been knowing Stephen for quite a few years now- since elementary school! Can you believe that? Through social media we got back in touch and were happy to see each other pursuing artistic endeavors!

What is your name?
Stephen Leon… Some folks also know me as MastaMind Dj

Where are you located?
Prince Georges County, MD

What do you do?
I marry colorful shapes and mix them with different sized lines going in all types of different directions… also known as art, but technically I am a Digital Illustrator.

How long have you been an illustrator?
Illustrator? Hmm… probably about the last 6 years. But before that, I always kept my hands busy with the arts whether it was graffiti as a teenager or creating my own cartoons and painting them on shirts in middle school. Honestly I can say I’ve always been an illustrator at heart.

How did you become interested in digital art and when did you know illustration was for you?

I guess it all started with my background in Graphic Design, I mean essentially they both go hand in hand, but one can be more fun than the other. i love the freedom that comes with being an illustrator. Being able to create a mood solely based on the usage of color is a great feeling as well.

Who are some of your design influences/inspirations?

I admire the works of Jon Contino, Erik Parker, Apex, and past artist like Roland Topor and Rene Laloux. But honestly i don’t have anyone or anything specifically that sparks inspiration… Who knows where it comes from? Because i sure don’t! haha

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?

A project called “The kids of the Ayahuasca” its a collection of works based off a dream. i still have some pieces to complete but stay tuned to StephenLeon.me- more will be posted there. I had a lot of fun with this one!

What other types of creative work do you do?
I like to work with my hands so everything i do must incorporate that. Besides art, I Dj. I’ve been Djing since the age of 12 and found that my personal recipe for happiness consists of both. Color and art can have the same affect music has on people. So i can’t have one without the other.

What inspires you?
Anything really, a movie, a certain sound in a song, anything that causes me to think and want to discover more.

What keeps you motivated?
The need to want to create something new everyday.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
I have a weakness for dusty records, dogs especially the bully breeds and Honda motors! I try to always keep busy in all 3 of those categories along with my art.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?
Just work hard. Although everyone says that, honestly its the only proven method to work. Longevity should be key and your main concern. Don’t allow any time to slip by without you working harder than yesterday.  Stay humble and come original.

 

Where can we find you online?
website: http://www.stephenleon.me
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephenleon1987
twitter: @StephenMMDJleon
instagram: @mastaminddj

If you’d like to see more of Stephen’s work, check out his website linked above and his society 6 shop to have any of his illustrations as an art print, made into iPhone cases, t-shirts/hoodies, etc. I hope you enjoyed meeting and getting to know Stephen a little better! If you are in need of an illustrator for your next project, please get in touch with him as I’m sure he’d love to bring your vision to life!

‘Til next time!

-Danni

Pam & Her Boys | Washington, DC Lifestyle Senior & Family Photographer

Good Thursday morning beautiful people! I hope everyone has been enjoying the pleasant weather this week :) Lots of posts coming your way this week before I head to NY for the weekend with Stephanie! First up, Pam and her beautiful boys!

I met Pam last year when she asked me to participate in the Koils By Nature show and have been working with her ever since! Earlier in the year I did a mini engagement session with her and her fiance:

She loved her experience so much, she blogged about it!! I was (and continue to be) so blown away with her support!! I can’t even put into words how much it means to me when my clients appreciate everything that goes into providing them with not only a quality final product, but an enjoyable experience along the way.

Our most recent session together was no exception :) This time around, we did a combo session of senior photos for her son graduating in May and updated family photos with her sons.

It was a beautiful spring day and we had a blast! Here are a few highlights from their session-

Enjoy!

Interested in your own session? Email me and schedule yours today!

Yuliana | Washington, DC Fashion Lifestyle Photographer

I know I’m not the only one irritated by the weather lately… it’s officially spring and we are still having fall/winter weather! Good news is that it’s supposed to warm up this weekend so I’m definitely looking forward to that :)

In the meantime, I have a special session to share with you guys this afternoon! I got together with a few talented folks back in January because I had an idea for a fun cold-weather city shoot and these ladies rocked it! It was my first time working with model Yuliana and she was an absolute joy to work with! It was also my first time working with wardrobe stylist Erica Joi and she did a great job taking my rough ideas and transforming them into these looks you see here.

Hair was taken care of by the always fabulous Anastasia and the beautiful makeup looks were courtesy of Mischelle!

Aaand… Because I like naming things, I think I’ll call this set “Seeing Stars” lol.

Enjoy! 

Artist Spotlight: Denyelle

I am so thrilled to introduce to you guys a brand new feature on my blog today- Artist Spotlight! This has been on my mind for a few months now so I figured what better way to get it started than to feature the talented artists I work with!

First up is one of my favorite makeup artists- Denyelle! We have been working together for not even a year yet, and it feels like we’ve known each other forever. So happy that she’s on my team and her talent shines just as bright as her beautiful personality :)

What is your name?
Denyelle Duckett of Makeup Art by Denyelle

Where are you located?
Washington, DC Metro Area

What do you do?
Freelance Makeup Artistry and I also am a Makeup Artistry Teacher

How long have you been a makeup artist?
10 years!

How did you become interested in makeup and when did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist?
I became interested in makeup in high school… Friends always liked the way I applied my makeup, so they began asking me to do their makeup for all occasions! I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist when I started doing weddings and realized just how much of an impact my talent made on people. It felt great to make people feel good about themselves!

Who are some of your influences/inspirations?
God of course! Sam Fine (Celebrity MUA and Creative Director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics), the late great Kevyn Aucoin, and my wonderful makeup friends… everyday women also inspire me!

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
I recently showcased my work via a runway fashion show with RAW Artists DC, for designer Lyndora of Ekkleshia Clothing. I also love to travel so working with the DFinney Glam Squad in Atlanta has definitely been one of my favorite projects!

What other types of creative work do you do?
I am the Makeup Artistry teacher and Creative Makeup Director for Charles Flowers High School’s drama club- The Jaguar Players. I have been with the Jaguar Players for four years and this year’s big production is “The Wiz”!

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by beauty, life, love, and people.

What keeps you motivated?
The love and support that I receive from my family and very close friends motivate me every single day.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?
Stay humble, always be open to learn new things about your craft, and be kind to everyone you meet.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
I’m a single mom to my talented 17 year-old son- a future chef and restaurateur!  Having been single for some time, I’ve finally found that special love of my life :) I like cats but if I had to choose I’d have two dogs- one Pomeranian and a Golden Retriever. I love to cook, and I enjoy entertaining, if I wasn’t in the beauty industry I’d probably be a private chef!

Where can we find you online? 
website: http://www.makeupartbydenyelle.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/makeupartbydenyelle
twitter: @DenyelleDMUA
instagram: @DenyelleDMUA

I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know Denyelle a little better! To check out more of our work together, check out the “MAKEUP BY DENYELLE” category over there on the right menu bar (or the tag below this post :) Please don’t hesitate to contact Denyelle if you’re interested in having her do your makeup for a photo session, event, special occasion, or just because!

‘Til next time!

-Danni