So, y’all remember those “front porch portraits” that were a thing soon after quarantine started? Well… I loved the idea, but I didn’t do them. Didn’t think it was a good idea to go around town, even if I were masked and keeping distant. We took shutdown pretty seriously, and still do. But last month, when Virginia first moved into Phase 2, I felt a little more comfortable going around my own neighborhood and taking some photos.

A little about my neighborhood: it’s kind of one of the most awesome communities I’ve ever lived in, and I am not sure I’d have known that as well without quarantine. Rivanna Village has been one of the silver linings of this awful time. The folks you see here, and many others, are new homeowners in this community that is only in phase 1 of its construction timeline; but - there’s a Facebook group! And there’s kids my little one’s age. And there’s just some really good, kind people who truly make us feel like we’re all in this together. We’ve all moved in here within the past several months, and all hit quarantine not long after moving in, so we’ve had more of a chance than usual to get to know each other.

I reached out in our group to see if anyone would be interested in portraits that would serve as a hopeful memory (new home!) in a difficult time (but pandemic!), and I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful new people, and getting to photograph people who had already become my friends, as well. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to just be able to start taking photos of people again, and I’m so thankful to be a part of this community and grateful these folks have helped me out in getting my portrait work up and running again.

Still doing quick front porch sessions in the Charlottesville area, if you’re interested, and full portrait sessions as well (outdoors and with me masked and at least 6 feet away) - let me know if you want to set something up!

Also - gratuitous pet photos at the bottom. That’s my Fury on the left, and sweet Juju on the right :)