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Time FLIES!

WOW!  Where has the time gone?  I can hardly believe that February is more than half over, and as hard as it is to believe considering we are expecting even more snow today… spring WILL be here very very soon.  And then graduation and summer and college and and and!

For our family, the “and” includes a move to the west coast.  We are excited to be moving to the Whidbey Island, Washington area, but also sad to leave Fredericksburg, which has been our home for the past five years.  So if you’ve been waiting to have your senior pictures done when the spring flowers and weather have arrived – NOW is the time to book your session.  I’ve created a calendar showing which dates will be best for spring sessions.  Please note that being green, does NOT mean the date is still available, just that these are the dates that I am still WORKING, in Virginia.

Notice that May 1st is the LAST day that I will be SHOOTING… this way I can be sure to have your images processed, printed and delivered before I depart.  Of course, should the house not sell in a timely manner and I expect to be here longer, I will amend this calendar – but as of right now… this is IT!  All sessions will be booked, first come – first served.  So get your calendar, and call today to book your session.  540-207-1404

Oh, and if you want snow pics – I’m booking now too… the green is just when the flowers SHOULD be starting to show their pretty faces and the trees will start to green.

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L.. Smith - I am so sad to see you go but wow - will Washington be thrilled to have you!!!! :o)

And the winner is…

Miss Kali!  (Balloons fall from the ceiling as she’s covered in shiny confetti!)

Thanks for being a fan!  I know these pins will look beautiful in your hair!  Maybe even for Extravaganza?

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Hello! Hello! Is this thing on?

OK blog readers, I know you’re there!  My statcounter tells me so!  But still not commenting?  Don’t know if I’m boring you (it’s ok, you can tell me that too!), you’re shy or maybe even your keyboards are broken. So just a reminder for those interested in a free 5×7 print from my etsy shoppe, comments on this blog count too! *click the link if you are feeling a bit lost*

peacock hair pins

But for the young whippersnappers (I don’t actually think you are whippersnappers, I just love that word!) reading – a special offer just for you!  I’m feeling very needy so, if you help me grow my facebook fan base, you’ll be entered to win these adorable poppy hair clips that I highlighted yesterday.

Here’s what you need to do… Become a fan of willowdawn photography on facebook.  Really.  It’s that simple.  But to know that you’ve become a fan, I will need you do come back and leave a comment with your name (be sure it matches your facebook name so I know who is who) and telling me you are a fan.  It’s as simple as that!  Invite your friends to become fans as well.  The more the merrier.  And for the guys reading, I’m looking for something cool for you… just still looking.

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admin - Oh and I'll be drawing the name to win the hair pins on February 14th...

Simon - I'm a fan on Facebook and think Poppy hair clips will suit me !!!!!

admin - Good thing I wasn't drinking anything or you would be buying me a new keyboard! I literally LOLed. You'll look smashing with the hair pins!

Kali - I'm a fan =)

admin - Whew! I was thinking Simon was going to have some explaining to do when he showed up to a wedding wearing the hair pins!!! Now there a bit of competition. :o)

aimee - they will look lovely with my sunflower eyes... please, send them to NY!

kiersten hoy camacho - I'm a fan! I love the hair clips!!

Brian Mietus - Are the actual clips removable and maybe interchangeable with some sort of adhesive strips perhaps? :)

admin - Um, should you win, you do what ever you wish with them, lol. Just don't show/tell me!

Elizabeth - Beautiful photos, beautiful. Do you have any ocean photos? Beach? Oh, and I'm a fan. :p

admin - See you found your way over! YES, I'll be listing a beach/sunset photo tomorrow or the next day... (can't remember what size(s) I ordered!

I know it’s only January, but….

Prom will be here before you know it!  I’ve been scouring Etsy.com for wonderful accessories for the upcoming prom season.  If you don’t know what Etsy is, I HIGHLY recommend checking it out!  Bajillions of handmade items that you buy from the person who actually makes them!  And because they are handmade, the likelihood of another girl showing up wearing the same accessories or dress – well, is pretty slim.  So if you like to be unique, stand out from the crowd and have your own personal style – definitely head over to Etsy and poke around.  Scarves, mittens, t-shirts, jewelry, bags, belts, lip balm and body lotions!  You name it, you’ll find it one Etsy. Anyway, I digress!  Prom!  Imagine walking into your prom wearing this dress!

tie gown

I can pretty much guarantee NO other girl will be wearing one like it!  Seriously, how incredibly awesome is this dress??  Check it and others like it (including some shorter lengths and different colours) out at Glamarita’s Etsy Shop!

OK, so the tie dress is  little too avant garde for your tastes and you prefer a more traditional look, no worries.  While you may have purchase your dress from a more traditional retailer, Etsy still has tons of beautiful accessories to go with your more traditional gown.  Lovely head bands like this one from dashley designs.

grey headbandOr these lovely hair pins – also from dashley designs…

peacock hair pinsAnd if you spend hours pouring over the Urban Outfitters catalogs, here’s a shop that is perfect for you.  Check out the vintage styled feather fascinators from It’s the Little Things – again, no one else will have your accessories when you get something handmade!

ivory fascinatorEach of these shops are filled with wonderful handmade treasures and there are thousands more jewels to be discovered on Etsy… so come Friday, when the snow starts falling and you’re stuck indoors – surf over to Etsy and see if you can’t find THE perfect accessories for your Prom.  Oh, I almost forgot – Etsy sells VINTAGE items too – so be sure to browse around the vintage section – you are sure to find some funky  and fun items there!

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I’ve been a bad bad blogger!

YIKES!  It occurred to me the other day that I have utterly neglected my blogs.  Funny how the holidays can throw a big ol’ monkey wrench into the best laid plans.  So today is a two-for… as I had the privilege of shooting the senior portraits of one my daughter’s oldest friends.  The girls met in 5th grade and in spite of many military moves, have found themselves living in close proximity once again.  It’s one of the reasons we never say “good-bye” but rather… “see you later” in our dealings with other military families.

And as I was getting ready to post pics for Miss D, it occurred to me that I never even posted my own daughter’s portraits on the blog.  Not that she needed a sneak peak, but still!  So I’ll start with a fun pic of the girls many moons ago. Halloween, in Newport, Rhode Island.halloween newportSo that was before – and this is now!   Miss D…

Miss DAnd yes, my lucky daughter had her senior pics done in the UK… pics here are mostly done in London.

AJ seniorsAnd just because it’s fun – one of the two of them together when we were taking Miss D’s pics!

Price, D-0122-Edit

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Stephanie - Wow 2 gorgeous young women they have grown into!! And captured beautifully in their Senior portraits!! Love them all!

Black Friday SALE

ONE day only – THIS Friday, November 27th. Save 20% on all GIFT items as well as CANVASES. Items must be selected and paid for, on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27th. Consult the GIFT GUIDE and then head on over to the SHOPPING AREA to complete your purchase. Don’t worry about image numbers as this point – I’ll contact you to determine which image you wish use. Complimentary gift wrapping included!
BLACK FRIDAY BLOG copy

CLICK HERE if you are ready to start shopping -
but don’t forget your COUPON CODE: black

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Making Nice | FCHS Drama Presentation

I had the pleasure of attending the closing night of Making Nice, a play within a play – presented by the drama department at Fredericksburg Christian High School (with help from the middle school students and even a few alumni!) The kids did a great job and we thoroughly enjoyed the play! Of course I don’t go anywhere without a camera and since my own daughter was the stunning “wind woman”, Sarah – you know I was front and center to get those pics.
making nice
Making Nice (24 of 103)

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

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Miss {C} | Fredericksburg Virginia Senior Portrait Photographer

I have the honor of calling Miss {C} a friend – as she is one of my own daughter’s best friends. They met at the beginning of their freshman year and have been close friends ever since. Her session was originally scheduled in October but was rained out – twice! So in a desperate attempt to find a bit of fall colour we headed south to Richmond. First stop was to Hollywood Cemetery for some hauntingly beautiful images in her formal gown – as well as one HUGE laugh… ask either girl about it if you know them. Then back into the city proper to check out the fun colours painted on the walls in the fan district. The weather was gorgeous and we got some fun shots, that fully display Miss {C}’s quirky personality!
Miss J

There was fall colour to be found down south so if you are dreaming of portraits showcasing the season in all it’s glory, it’s not too late but time is running out – and you need to be willing to travel!

I LOVE comments on my blog! Please take a second to let Miss {C} know how beautiful she is – don’t worry, it won’t go to her head! Actually – all of my clients love a little bit of “blog love” – don’t be shy!

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Kali - =) Lovely pictures Mrs. Mietus! And my best friend looks awesome. Love you dear!

admin - Why thank you Miss Kali! Just you wait till you see how stunning Miss C is in the rest of her photos - I'd post them, but I'm making her wait! Yes, I'm mean that way - ask my girls!

Gift Giving Made Simple | Custom Photo Jewelry

I announced a few weeks ago that I was working with a new vendor to create jewelry works of art! I’m excited to say that my samples have arrived and WOW, they are gorgeous!!! Necklace in a few different styles, a bracelet, keyring and even an Christmas ornament! The best part – the turn around is FAST so even you shopping procrastinators will have time to order and receive these before December 25th! Though just to be safe and because I don’t wish to work like a crazy woman right up to the holidays, orders should be place no later than December 11th… that’s one month – so plenty of time. Each item will be presented in a gift box and complimentary gift wrapping, complete with a darling gift bag. I’ll post a follow up photo of the gift presentation once my wrapping paper arrives. As is my “crunchy” way – the gift boxes, paper and gift bag are all made from recycled paper and the ribbon is made from recycled soda bottles!!! How cool is that?


Bracelet has two images!

I wore the necklace with Miss C in it to a party last night and three MEN – exclaimed how gorgeous it was. So if the men are noticing – you KNOW it has to be beautiful, right!?!? Oh, and keep an eye on the blog – working on a “Black Friday” offer to include the jewelry!!!

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Simon - Looks Good

It’s my birthday!

willowdawn photography is TWO and to celebrate, I’ve put some specials on my main blog – but didn’t want those who only read the senior spotlight to miss out… so check out the ubiquitous blog for all the details!

And just because a post without a photo is just plain wrong…

graffiti by the artist Banksy | Nottinghill, London

graffiti by the artist Banksy | Nottinghill, London

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