Scott, Patty and Blake

I first met Scott, Patty and little Blake a couple years ago when we moved into our neighborhood. Over the years, we have watched Blake sprout and become the super funny and bright kid that he is today. I can't and probably won't ever get enough of Blake. A few weeks ago, Blake and a few of the neighborhood kids were playing at Brayden's sand table and Blake looks at me and says, "Hey, I love Brayden's tractors and excavators. They are so awesome and cool!" I tell him, "Well, thanks!". He looks at me again and says "My parents bought me a skateboard when I was 10". I start laughing and say "Oh, 10 years old huh? I didn't know you were that old!". He proceeds to say, "I can't get anymore toys until Christmas. Christmas is in 2 Sundays from now." I tell Blake, "Oh man. I guess I need to get my shopping started ASAP." I could go on and on about our conversation that day, but would end up writing a book. So onto the details of the shoot. I met up with Scott, Patty and Blake at The Deep Creek Lock Park and we had some good times. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and thankfully there was no humidity. There were some great "Momma's little boy" moments and some hilarious "daddy's little joker" moments as well. Overall, it was a great family session and an enjoyable experience! Thanks Patty and Scott for hanging out until the sun practically set. I hope you enjoy your photos! Check out a preview of our day below:

Mason and Avery

So I live in an AWESOME up and coming neighborhood with lots of families and people who I consider to be great friends of mine. I offered to do a shoot for one of the families in my neighborhood and I was glad they accepted the offer - they have two awesome kids :) We took Mason and Avery to Oak Grove Park in Chesapeake (which by the way is a good place for a peaceful run/walk) and had some fun. From silly faces to karate poses to big brother back-rides - it was good times! Thanks to Katie for giving us the opportunity to do a photoshoot with Mason and Avery and we hope you enjoyed your breakfast after! Check out a preview of their shoot below....

The Vu Family

For those of you who follow me, you all know the Vu's are family. My older sister, Jen, came to me with a special request a few weeks ago. Her oldest kid was going off to college and she wanted one more family shoot. I have two boys and I couldn't imagine the nervous feelings I would have when the big "college" day comes. So without hesitation, I had to do this one. We were off to Botanical Gardens for the shoot and boy was it a humid day. Despite the sweat dripping down my body, it was an awesome shoot! It's always great to see the kids grow up - it's just a reminder of how much older I am getting :)

Special thanks to Brent Ruffy for his assist on this one. Brent is an aspiring photographer who has some great talent. We sweated together on this one and I think at one point I might have sweated on him :) Thanks Brent!!

I'm Baaaaccckkkkkk!!!! :)

About a year and 1/2 ago, I left the photography business behind. There comes a time in everyone's life where you learn to focus on what is important. When Nicole and I had out first son, we realized that nothing was about us anymore. Everything was about our family. I don't ever regret putting my addiction to photography on hold for my family. There was something about putting my son to bed at night and watching episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that was more fulfilling than photography.

Well, it is 2013 and I now have another son - Tristan Justin Calma. Adding a second kid to the picture CHANGES THE WHOLE GAME. We thought we had Brayden figured out (and we did) but we surely don't have Brayden AND Tristan figured out at the same time. So what I am doing blogging rather than sleeping? I just wanted to let everyone know that "I'm Back!". So what's different? What happened to the family focus? Nothing changed in regards to family time and its importance. Cole and I have gotten better at balancing everything and I've realized that I just couldn't put photography away forever. I am easing back into this photography thing and will take it from there. It is an exciting time for me as I have had the photography itch for a looonnngg time. I can't wait to get up and running again!!

We will post our work on this blog until we can get the website back up. If you are interested in a photo session, email me at jcalm002@gmail.com

Kelly and Adam's Wedding

Kelly and Adam (of course with the help of their parents, friends, Digital Dreamworks and Emily Weddings) put together one of the grandest weddings! Their day started off with wedding day preparations at the Oceanfront Sheraton and then it was off to the Little Creek Chapel. After exchanging rings and the big first kiss, it was off to the Sheraton for some interesting yet fun pictures at the beach. When Cole and I entered the ballroom, we were blown away. The tables, flowers, lighting, food, cake - basically everything - looked awesome! The night was filled with some boom'n music from Kurt of Astro DJs and everyone shook the floor all night long! Highlight of the night - Kelly's dad winning the dance competition trophy. :) If ever there was a way to close out the wedding season, this was it. We were so glad to be a part of this wedding and would like to thank everyone involved. Congrats Kelly and Adam!