Dine Diaspora - Maryland Photographer

I was recently contacted to come on board as a feature photographer for an event known as Dine Diaspora.  It was an interesting event where the three ladies that put on these quarterly events, bring together leaders in the community and they discuss issues to specific to their groups and how to interact and share ideas and ultimately to network and build with each other.  The also bring in a guest chef that specializes in Diaspora type cuisine.  I was very impressed with everything from the table settings to the Chef and his menu presentation and the stories that made up the menu.  These ladies are on to something and I hope they keep it going and grow.

DC Fashion Week 2016 - Maryland Photographer

Being in the DMV for two years has been an eye opening experience in many ways.  One way was to be able to discover the local fashion scene here in the city and it only took two years to find out that DC has a fashion week.  I was fortunate enough to be able to cover three of the events they had starting with the mens fashion show on the first night.  The second event I covered was the emerging designers of the area and eight designers were featured.  The finale night, which was my favorite, showcased a lot of the international designers that live here in the DMV area.  Below are just a few of the images I was able to show on this blog but believe me there were plenty of amazing designs this year!  I can't wait to see what the next season will bring for this DC designers.

The Shade Family - Maryland Photographer

While I was in Alabama a great friend and old boss of mine needed updated photos to document her family and there time in the south.  So while there we had this mini session at a nearby park and got these great shots.  I even got my little Calvin Klein model for the day to give me some interesting faces while we were out.  It was so good to see them and hang out for the few moments we had.

Introducing Miss Maria - Maryland Photographer

I had the great pleasure of traveling to Alabama to capture the newborn photos for this little princess.  She was so small and cuddly it was hard for me to put her down and get these few shots.  Her big sister Aurora even got in on a couple even though she wasn't feeling the greatest on this day.  Then to pull out the final photo...a baby that has Texas roots has to represent and that Miss Maria did.  Huge thanks to her mother and father for trusting me to take spend this time with them.

California Bohemian Session - Maryland Photographer

I met Ms. Ivy online and we sent text back and forth for a couple of days and then met up for this session.  We clicked right away and we had an amazing time on our shoot.  Ivy was such a sweet person to work with and we vibed on everything from yoga to tattoos.  She recently just started her own yoga studio and you can find her on IG and YouTube to see her words of inspiration and daily poses. I will definitely look her up when I head back to Cali!

Neborn Portraits w/ Mr. Andrew - Maryland Photographer

BABY ALERT!!!!  11 days old and Andrew was in from of my camera!  He has a special blanket that he loves and without it...he doesn't stay asleep very long.  His mother and I had a time trying to keep him cozy and comfy.  As you can see even swaddled he was wide awake, but as soon as you put the magic blanket on him he would go to sleep.  He was adorable and can't wait to see him in 3 months!

Dance from Within - Maryland Photographer

Whose is a dancer at heart?  ME!!!  I love everything about dance and being able to express yourself.  I always want to photograph dancers and their movement and how they express themselves.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lindey and we had a great time in the photo studio and listened to some great music.  Her strength and love for this art form was great to watch and I wish her the best in her budding career.

Indian Engagement Ceremony - Maryland Photographer

Anyone who knows me can tell you that cultural ceremonies are where I feel the most comfortable.  I love learning about and getting to know different dynamics of families and the traditions which they hold dear to them.  I have been to several Indian ceremonies but each one is different depending on the families involved and the religion they follow.  This particular ceremony was an engagement party which involved exchanging of rings and the meeting of the two families.  There were gifts present to the soon to be bride and groom from the family members as well as blessings with money and the giving of sweets.  They were all so welcoming and I can't wait to cover their future wedding.

Editor-In-Chief Session - Maryland Photographer

Recently I was contacted by an amazingly talented women to photograph her Editor-In-Chief portraits for her upcoming magazine launch.  We had one brief conversation and I knew we would be a perfect combo.  Upon arriving at the location and meeting her glam squad things just came together.  Little did I know everything I was going to learn that day nor the connections to come.  God is always on time!

Fashion Blog Session - Maryland Photographer

Fashion, fashion, fashion!!!  This lady has the look as well as the wardrobe to match.  We met on IG and from there I knew we would work well together.  Love Joy Styles writes a blog and puts her own twist on fashion by breaking the rules and creating her own looks with a mix of vintage and new.  It is so much fun working with someone that is so creative and allows you to be creative as well.  Check out her blog here: http://bit.ly/1S0Irv6

Climbing the Ranks w/ Jas Boothe - Maryland Photographer

When you look around you see women in the military all the time!  It is not often that you see women that have gone through as much as MAJ Jaspen Boothe and have survived to tell her story.  Jaspen has made it her mission to tell her story and other women vets stories that cannot tell their own.  MAJ Boothe has organized countless resources for veterans across America and continues to do so through her organization Final Salute.  I am glad that she asked me to capture her moments as she pinned on the rank of MAJ in the US Army.  It was a joyous day for her and her family.  Please enjoy, like and SHARE.

NYC Model Series (Aaron Bryant) - Maryland Photographer

Meeting new people is what I love to do.  On a recent trip to NYC to attend a class I had the opportunity to photograph NYC/Miami model Aaron Bryant.  He was a cool guy and we all had an amazing time at the session and capturing some memorable images.  Please enjoy, like and share!  You can also follow me on IG @catherineraephotography.

Mr. Rayshawn - Maryland Photographer

Meeting people is what I do and I love when I meet people that like to be in front of my camera.  A few weeks ago I was contact by Rayshawn that wanted to update his photos to update his online presence.  He recently became a spokesperson for a supplement company and is on his way to doing big things.  I look forward to working with him again in the future.

Ms. Natalie Senior High Session - Maryland Photographer

Who doesn't remember their Senior year and all the excitement of getting ready to graduate? Senior sessions always take me back to my senior portraits and the fun I had having my own portraits taken.  I recently had the opportunity to meet this young lady and she was so sweet.  Just calm and wanted photos with her guitar and nothing to fancy.  Her gorgeous blue eyes and wonderful smile were such a delight to capture so she will have these photos for years to come.

Twins Malia & Joseph - Maryland Photographer

Babies are amazing and when you get to photograph two of them it is a wonderful thing!  I met these two little ones at 11 days old and they were just gorgeous.  Malia with her calm demeanor and Joseph, who is the feisty one already, brought such a joy.  Once both were asleep, because one would be awake and the other would snuggle, we were able to snap a couple of portraits.

I have learned so much through newborn photography and the number one thing is PATIENCE!!  I had a totally different vision for this session but you have to always be flexible when it comes to little ones.  I can't wait to see them grow and develop their personalities to see if they stay calm and feisty! :-)

Male Model Session - Maryland Photographer

New models that are trying to grow their portfolios are awesome to work with.  Theo was no exception.  We have had the opportunity to work together twice and try some different looks.  He is an awesome guy and being Asian brings a different flavor to the industry.  I hope that he is able to pick up some work in this ever changing industry.  Enjoy, Like and Share!  

Boudoir Photography - Maryland Photographer

I recently met this young lady through her fiancé and she and I are both from California and clicked immediately.  She wanted to do a session for him to surprise him and also to have a professional session done for herself....for once.  We had an amazing time as we customized her session to include his guitar and to accent her awesome tattoos.  Boudoir can be tastefully done, but the key is to find the photographer that makes you feel comfortable.