Stephen Lum ~ Portraits

Photographers should always continue learning, growing their craft, and shoot for fun. Yes, I said it, shoot for the fun of it! It is in these moments where we can once again find ourselves as an artist. I was smitten when Stephen agreed to be my subject for the weekend! For a few reasons – a) I don’t normally do portraits of guys – I would love to (come on dudes, where u at?) but haven’t really had the opportunity to do one-on-one portrait sessions with any males! So it’s awesome learning experience! b) Normally I’ve had to work with a range of different heights when working with couples. It’s fun to get a whole variety of different poses based on the varying heights when shooting couples. With portraits, you have one subject, so you have to work with your surroundings instead of another person. Oh and did I mention, Stephen is 6’8? Ummm, never have I ever photographed anyone this tall! I’ve known Stephen for a good amount of time, but not until I had a camera in my hands did I really have to think about how height plays a factor in portraits. c)  I learned this lesson from Lindsay Adler (fashion photog!) you need to go out and do shoots for fun to continue learning, be inspired, grow your portfolio, and think like a photographer. Many photographers will tell you, some of their favorite portfolio images have come out of sessions that were for fun. So thank you Stephen for allowing me to capture you -  for being such a calm soul, and singing/playing me songs along the way (he even writes his own – see video below!). As I mentioned, I’m continuing to grow my craft, so I tried different editing techniques to go along with the vintage feel of the shoot. What do u think?:-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I hope he doesn’t mind, I love his cover of “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”

Leave Some Love

Katie Nesbitt - So, I have been reading your blog for a while now, but I just had to say I am in LOVE with the processing in these…the vintage tones are so beautiful!

Katie - You go girl, these are perfect!!!

Vanessa - I love these! They look awesome. The top two are my favorite and I’m definitely digging the vintage-y feel. Great work per usual, Alicia!

Sarah Jane - Just found your blog, wanted to say these are gorgeous portraits!
Love the processing on them as well.

Glessner Family ~ Portraits

As I mentioned in the *Sneak Peek*, I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth while attending a conference in Atlanta a few months ago. It was such a wonderful bonding time with us girls -  giggling and writing each other notes (high school style) during the lectures and long heart-to-hearts in the car about “the definition of success” and exciting ventures in each of our lives/businesses. We got to know each other SUPER well during the few days together on so many levels. I can’t thank Ashley enough for inviting me to attend with such amazing girls as travel buddies and hotel roommates! So when Elizabeth contacted me about a holiday portrait session with she and her husband, of course I was excited!! These two are a fantastic photography duo and own Glessner Photography. They are SO adorable together and were naturals in front of the camera! It’s not easy being in front of the camera — especially when us photographers spend so much time BEHIND the lens! We chatted, laughed, and explored the area looking for fun places and magical light! Oh and did I mention they have the cutest dog ever? I think even he had fun! Thank you Elizabeth and Josh for allowing me to capture you two and your beautiful marriage  – it was/is such an honor (and I loved seeing this session on your Christmas Card!), I can’t wait for more sessions in the future! xoxo It was hard to narrow down, but here goes! Enjoy <3

 

 

 

 

Fav alerts! (the light was SO dreamy!)

 

 

Another fav!

 

 

I love his expressions!!!

 

Outfit/Location change! whoop!

 

Gah adorable!

 

 

French looks good on Monty don’t ya think?

Leave Some Love

Mary Marantz - Love! Her style is awesome!

M:)

Gabby / En Route Photography - AWESOME pics!!!! Really lovely!

Ashley Goodwin - These are gorgeous, especially the first one with that light flare!! I’m so thrilled I met all of you and everyone got along so well! We’re gonna do big things girl!! Xo. (miss you Elizabeth!)

Happy Holidays ~ Personal

Here it is, a personal post! My heart on my sleeve and a little glimpse into the past two crazy (but amazing) months of my life. Where to start. Between officially moving to Charlotte, traveling back and forth across the country for weddings, and seeing husband and some of the BEST friends/family a girl could ask for, these past few months have been a whirlwind. I’ve gotten to take a minute the past few days to slow down and really enjoy family during the Christmas holiday. My heart is feeling all sorts of warm and fuzzy and happy right now. Even though life never fully slows down, it’s been a beautiful ride. I left parts of my heart to friends I miss so very much in Virginia Beach – but it’s been great being able to visit during my travels and facetime (iphone!) with them. For the opportunity to keep such amazing communication, I am SO thankful and in awe of the internet and video chatting. It’s not the same as being able to give friends/family big ol’ hugs, but we can still sit bundled up in blankets sipping lattes and catch up from afar. I’ve been really blessed with some awesome friendships I’ve already made here in Charlotte. Who would have thought I’d meet another photographer friend who loves lattes, twilight, and laughing as much as I do? (see animal “hat” pics below) Seriously, if this is a dream, I hope I don’t get pinched any time soon. Looking through these images makes my eyes quickly tear up – it’s amazing how time passes us by so fast. I love that photography truly captures these moments and not only helps to remember, but feel like I’m there. Each of the images below tells a story, and a glimpse into my happenings *iphone style*

*Cheers to*…  huge plates of waffles before shooting the last wedding of the year, visits with friends and family and making the MOST of each trip, midnight showings of twilight with a new friend, unexpected birthday surprises that made the day perfect, eating dessert for dinner and week long adventures, seeing santa in a convertible, ALL things christmas, and being surrounded with SO much love my heart could burst.

I am so thankful. I hope the holidays have brought YOU all the love and happiness in the world. xoxo.

 

 

Leave Some Love

Mary Marantz - Love this post!!

M:)

Ashley Goodwin - What a fun post! I love the collection of instagrams, a great reminder of an amazing holiday season!
Even though I’m sad I don’t live there anymore (I will again one day!) I am SO HAPPY we met each other and am thankful to have you in my life! :) xo