Snow day! | Lynchburg Landscape Photographer

Snow! The truth is, I love it. The last big snow I remember disrupting our lives so much was the "Blizzard of '96." And that was a long, long time ago. I always say I absolutely love living in Virginia because we get it all: snowy winters, green springs, too-hot summers, beautiful fall colors, the beach, the mountains, the valleys, the country and the city. It's all here in our wonderful commonwealth. Except... lately we've been missing out on some snow. Lately, as in, a lot of years have passed since there was enough snow for me to build a snowman with and enjoy it for more than one day.

Well I am not sure if you got the memo - but we aren't missing snow anymore!! :) I don't know if I attribute my love for the snow to snowy traditions and excitement that I grew up with - or the cozyness of a snow day in the middle of adult life. Probably both. Gosh... it makes me giddy. So, this is what, the third snow of the year? The first snow I got caught in and was no where near a camera to capture it. The second snow, I was in FL far, far away from it. But this one? Oh I got it this time.

I've spent most of my time yesterday and today cozied up in my home, hot drink in hand, with snow falling outside of my window onto the white landscape. Romantic, isn't it?  Today I finally went out and played with my camera. I pulled out my new film and dusted off my film camera and only had the guts to take about 5 frames. Hah. Ah there's something about film that seems so permanent... and scary! And delayed - now I have to wait until I finish the roll (at this rate it could be a year before that happens) and have it developed to see those shots! Of course, I also had my DSLR with me that kept me plenty entertained while I was out there. Here are some of my favorite captures from today.

my protector | unravelling project

I have a lot of Gratituesday ideas stirring in my head, but today's has been at the forefront of my mind for the past few days. Today I am grateful for creativity. I am thankful that I was given the gift of a creative mind (passed down from my extremely talented Grandmother, no doubt) and that I was encouraged to nurture and exercise my creativity by both my family and friends. I am thankful that exercising my creativity can be a healthy outlet for me during stressful times.

The Unravelling course started yesterday and my mind has been stirring since I read the opening message. I am LOVING the project already! This week Tommy is packing and then we're saying goodbye... so bear with me guys, I know you're probably so tired of hearing about his departure. But it's been right in our faces for the past few weeks and it's all we're thinking, breathing, and dreaming about. Naturally, my work is going to reflect all that is going on, right?

Week one of the Unravelling course is a focus on our feet. Where do they take us? What do they say about our lives? I have a few ideas in my head to further explore this area of my life I've never thought twice about - but this was the first one that came to mind.

My husband. My protector. Here we stand on our front steps. This photo says so much to me. It says that he is the guardian of both me and our home. It says that he is strong and trained well. It says that I trust him with my safety and my security.

This actually says so much more than just those few things. The last year of our marriage has been a crazy rollercoaster ride and we are both looking forward to the growth this deployment will bring. So without going too far into detail... I just want to say that this photo stirs up many emotions with me and I love it. I l.o.v.e. it.

I am so grateful for my creativity and that I have been encouraged to exercise and nurture it.

always - sometimes - never

I always: want to travel. wear mascara. pray. leave later than I should. wish my life were more organized. wake up early. keep sleep a priority.

I sometimes:

let the dishes pile up. want to sell everything I own and travel the country in an RV. talk to my puppies like they are real people. spend too much money at the spa. wish I could have been a professional dancer. allow a walk through Target to make me feel discontent with my life.

I never:

pass up a spoonful of cookie dough. want to forget my purpose here on earth. miss an episode of Grey's Anatomy. go a day without checking my email. throw away bags. I toss everything else (way too easily) - but I can't let go of my bags! have had every room in my house clean at the same time.

a little more about me | Virginia Wedding Photographer

I'm Liz and I... … love, love my job.

… am a wife, big sister, little sister, aunt, daughter, grand daughter and dear friend.

… dream of adding “mother” to that list sooner than later.

… actually enjoy the cha-cha slide during your reception and I love getting shots of you all clapping your hands! “clap, clap, clap your hands!”

… love road trips (preferably the winding back roads) so please don’t let my location stop your inquiry!

… was born/raised a Navy brat and am now a happily married Army wife. I don’t think I need to say that our servicemen have a special place in my heart.

… have two boston terriers and a weimaraner/vizsla mix that keep me company everyday in my home office.

… wish I could be BFFs with every bride who hires me. It’s way more fun to share a wedding day with a FRIEND!

… think I should have been born in the 20’s or 30’s because I dream every day of being a 50’s housewife.

… strive to give you timeless images that you will still love ten or twenty years down the road.

… love ALL kinds of music from bluegrass to go-go (my ghetto roots shining through) to blues… if I know the lyrics, I like the song!

… absolutely adore and cherish my family. They are the most important people in the world to me and I always strive to keep them first.

… truly enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients and having the opportunity to capture different events in their lives.

… currently have an unhealthy obsession with twitter. You should follow me!

… am a proud member of the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) and the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI).

… will be on a high for about 3-4 days following a birth session. Birth is simply. breathtakingly. amazing.

… have a college degree in graphic design.

… love, love to travel. Not just around the state, but around the world. I went to Nepal in 2009 and look forward to a trip to Africa sometime in the next few years.

… believe I was born to dance. You may or may not catch me dancing at your reception while simultaneously taking pictures.

… can’t remember if I already said that I love my job? Have I mentioned that?