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NOT SO AWKWARD AFTER ALL

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These two. See how snuggly they are? And how beautifully it translates on camera? When we first started Liz & Tom’s engagement session, they didn’t believe they could make that happen. I remember smiling to myself as they nervously complied with my direction from behind the camera — a nuzzle here, a tender look there. They were convinced that they looked incurably awkward, but of course, that wasn’t at all the case.

What they learned, and what I am sure to explain to all of my filled-with-butterflies couples, is that engagement sessions are critical for building trust with your photographer–for giving you peace of mind that what feels so cheesy to you is actually rather lovely when it all comes together with gorgeous glowy light and just-so framing. It’s a practice run, of sorts, for all parties involved. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to canoodle with your sweetie for two straight hours, sooo…win-win, am-I-right? xo
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3 year old Thiago doesn’t yet speak English — 3 year old Thiago doesn’t yet speak English — his native languages are Spanish and Portuguese. When I first learned this I was nervous as to how I might engage him during our session.

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. He radiates joy. He ADORES his parents. Amidst all the snuggles, if he got distracted by sticks or leaves (great! even better!), all I had to say was “hola, lente!” (hello, lens!) and he would repeat it in his sweet little voice and flash the most exuberant smile in my direction.

At the end of the evening, Thiago ran up and hugged me. I feel the same, little guy; I feel the same. You are just the sweetest.
I love fall on the east coast—the crunch crunch I love fall on the east coast—the crunch crunch crunch of the leaves, the vibrancy of the colors, the brisk air. But some mornings I wake up aching for California. Today was one of those days. What a trip to think we lived in this stunning place for even a second of our lives.​​​​​​​​
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Just sitting here musing over the notion that we can be so happy in one place, all the while missing another so hard…a bittersweet coexistence of emotions. Sometimes life is so beautiful it hurts.
ALBUM-WORTHY. And absolutely, positively worth eve ALBUM-WORTHY. And absolutely, positively worth every m&m we gave him. 🍬 👼 ​​​​​​​​🍬
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Drop a 🍬 below if you agree! xo
When your client’s just a little too busy to pul When your client’s just a little too busy to pull together a wardrobe for their daughters’ session…​​​​​​​​
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and you only ever get to shop for little boys…​​​​​​​​
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maaaaybe you volunteer to do it yourself? ​​​​​​​​
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Happy clients, happy photographer. Happy fall! (But really, how sweet are these sweaters??)​​​​​​​​
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#photographerturnedpersonalshopper
Copyright © 2023 Chantal Lavine Photography
Portrait Photographer Serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia
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