Sleepy Mountain: Product Photography

I love photographing fun products like Sleepy Mountain’s line of laser-cut earrings.

When discussing the company’s vision for the shoot, we focused on color and fun.

And so, armed with my trusty camera, I set out to roam the streets of Atlanta with two talented models in search of funky street art and ice cream. Somewhat unrelated side note: the Thai Iced Tea flavor at Queen of Cream in Atlanta is DELICIOUS. Go try it. Now.

If you’re a fan of fun, quirky jewelry, definitely check out Sleepy Mountain’s site.

Earrings: Sleepy Mountain

Models: Soyun, Sachi

Britt | Atlanta Senior Photographer

18.

Such an exciting age. You stand at the edge of adolescence, eagerly leaning into adulthood and all its promised freedoms and privileges and responsibilities. It’s a time to stretch your wings and explore. And it’s very much a journey.

We decided to photograph Britt’s senior session at a local train museum near Atlanta as a nod to the idea of journeying forth into adulthood. But also, it’s a cool spot full of long-defunct buses and railway cars. Let’s be real: I love rusty, dusty antiques.

I absolutely love it when clients choose a creative location and trust me to give them something a little bit out of the ordinary. Britt’s senior session gave me exactly that with a sprinkling of edgy cool and a dash of dreamy boho romance. Every outfit choice was styled to perfection. She hardly needed any direction, but when I did give her weird poses to try, she didn’t hesitate. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see her on America’s Next Top Model, smizing her way to the final runway.

Of course, we wrapped the session with some cap and gown images. After all, it’s not every day you graduate high school!

Congratulations, Britt! I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek, and I can’t wait to finish editing your full senior photo gallery.

Ruby Beach: Seattle Photographer

I took the opportunity of extending my recent trip to Seattle for Veronica and Joshua’s karaoke wedding to go explore.

I’d long wanted to visit the Washington coast, so I put out a model call and found someone willing to go for a loooong drive for the sake of breathtaking scenery. Rachel was the definition of a good sport, and she rocked this session in spite of the cold and in spite of the unplanned sacrifice of her down jacket to Poseidon.

It’s always fun to get together with other creatives just for the sake of creating something beautiful. The wind whipped at Rachel’s hair, and I loved the wild, untamed beachy vibe of it all.

Model: Rachel Luoto

Veronica and Joshua: A Seattle Wedding Sneak Peek

I love any excuse to go back to Seattle, even for just a few days, and I had the pleasure of returning just last week to photograph Joshua and Veronica’s wedding in Maple Valley.

Now before I dive right into the photos, I have to say that Joshua and Veronica are some of the coolest, funniest, sweetest people I’ve ever had the fortune of meeting. From the first time I photographed their lifestyle engagement session at their apartment, I could tell that this was going to be a wonderful wedding.

I was right. Wedding day was full of happy tears, the floofiest dress, heartfelt toasts, endless laughter, and (mostly-on-key) karaoke. By the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from smiling.

Congratulations, you two! I hope you enjoy this little sneak peek of your first look, and I can’t wait to deliver your full gallery.

Also, if anyone has ever waffled on the idea of a first look, here’s a photographic argument in its favor:

Sleeping Beauty: A Child Portrait Session

Occasionally, I find myself needing to justify a weird purchase…. like, say, an old spinning wheel for instance.

What can I say? I love antiques.

Rather than learn a useful skill, like spinning fiber into yarn, I pulled together a dreamy, fairytale child portrait shoot in North Georgia centered around the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

But in this version, the princess saves her own damn self, and I get to keep my spinning wheel.

So, once upon a time….

Sweet Like Candy

It’s no secret that I have a major sweet tooth. In fact, I’m pretty sure Nutella runs through my veins, and I’m one bubble tea away from becoming a sentient tapioca ball.

So, when I heard that Candytopia was coming to Atlanta, I immediately snagged a couple of tickets and begged my bestie to model for me.

While it was surprisingly busy for a Monday, I have to say that it was everything I thought it would be! The candy sculptures were pretty neat, but let’s be honest, we were there for the free candy and photo ops.

At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to sit smugly in a pit of marshmallows, and I think my model excelled in this respect.

Model: Soyun Park

Ostara: A Spring Portrait Session

There’s still a chill in the air, but spring has been edging her way into the scene for some time now.

A bloom here, tender green leaves just beginning to unfurl there, quiet explosions of color and birdsong where winter left bare branches not so long ago.

The cycle of birth and rebirth moves on, and untamed Ostara breathes new life into even the most barren of surroundings once again.

Model: Tiffany Mayfield

Cassidy + Garrett: An Atlanta Anniversary Session

It’s always flattering to know that your work is appreciated.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of photographing Cassidy when she was a bridesmaid at one of the very first weddings I ever shot. Over the years, as my skills and style developed and grew, Cassidy followed my progress on Facebook and always had something positive to say. Imagine, then, how great it felt when Cassidy reacted to the news that I’d be moving back to Atlanta by immediately requesting a quote for a portrait session with her husband! We wasted no time in getting her on the calendar for an anniversary session celebrating one year of marriage.

As Cassidy and Garrett’s Piedmont Park anniversary session photographer, I was thrilled to finally see the sunshine in Atlanta after so many consecutive days of cold and rain.

And what better place to commemorate an Atlanta love story than Piedmont Park, arguably THE quintessential Atlanta landmark with great views of the city skyline and proximity to the beautiful murals on the Beltline?

If anyone wants to know the key to a successful marriage, I think that Cassidy and Garrett may have at least part of answer. Simply put, couples that have fun together, stay together. Throughout their anniversary session, these two joked and laughed, and their easy chemistry shines through in each photograph. Their enthusiasm and total willingness to go with the flow made them a joy to photograph, and I hope they look back on these anniversary photos for years to come.

Love is love

This week, the wedding community witnessed yet another hurtful, hateful encounter between a loving LGBTQ+ couple and a vendor who decided not to take them on as clients due to their sexual orientation.

Suffice it to say that discriminatory actions have consequences, and a screenshot of this vendor’s e-mail (and subsequent “apology”) has been shared and re-shared on social media.

But this post is not about them.

I want to make it abundantly clear that Starglass Photography will always, always support LGBTQ+ couples. Love is love, and there is simply no room for hate in the wedding industry.

So to all the couples who have encountered this kind of hatred while planning your wedding, I am so, so deeply sorry that you’ve had to experience that while planning what should be a happy event.

Know that there are many of us in the wedding industry that support you and love you. We’ve got your back, and we would be proud to serve you on the happiest day of your life, lending our skills and talents to make sure your wedding is a beautiful celebration of your love.

Love and hugs,

Mana

Appalachian Elopement: Styled Shoot

After moving back to Atlanta, I needed to find my creative spark again. I was so used to the gorgeous, broody vistas of the Pacific Northwest that I really had trouble rediscovering the beauty in my old Georgia haunts.

But then autumn descended upon the Blue Ridge mountains, draping its golden cloak atop the hills and valleys, and I remembered a small log chapel nestled by a quiet pond that would make a perfect location for a styled elopement.

Armed with my trusty vintage peacock chair and a stunning Reclamation gown, I brought this boho elopement daydream to life.

Models: SoYun Park and Drew

Dress: Reclamation

Florals: Starglass Photography

Vintage rentals: Starglass Photography

Cake: Starglass Photography

Elena + Alex: A Tacoma Wedding

So many happy tears. So much laughter.

Alex and Elena’s wedding day in Tacoma was full to bursting with love and joy, and I’m so happy they chose me to photograph their big day.

After meeting their family and friends, I understand why these two are such warm and loving people. And can we talk about the bridal party? Because they are seriously #squadgoals.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect. From getting ready, to a tearful first look, to a pair of perfectly timed photobombing skateboarders, the day was a beautiful manifestation of Alex and Elena’s love for each other.

Congratulations, you two!

So long, 2018!

Happy New Year!

As we head into 2019, what better way to start the year than by looking back on some of my favorite photos from 2018?

From waterfall elopements to an edgy, styled winter shoot to a blast of color and whimsy, I had so much fun in 2018 and met so many wonderful, interesting people along the way.

Here’s to another year of adventures in love, creativity, and new experiences!

Kelsey + Matt: A Winter Wedding

Remember this snowy engagement session at Franklin Falls? Nearly a year later, I had the pleasure of returning to Seattle to celebrate and capture Kelsey and Matt’s wedding day.

From the bride’s custom, blinged out Disney shoes to the warmth and love that filled every corner of the space, every detail of this wedding was absolutely perfect.

It's Official!

Hey, Georgia!

Starglass Photography, LLC is officially official and open for business in Atlanta and surrounding areas. I’m excited for this next chapter, and what better way to celebrate than to frolic in a Reclamation gown and update my headshots???

Trick question. There is no better way.

By the pricking of my thumbs...

…Something wicked this way comes.

Hello, October. We meet again, you delightfully macabre vixen, you.

You know I’ve missed your crisp autumn kisses and apple cider breath. Why don’t you stay awhile? We’ll huddle by candlelight, telling tales of witches and specters and things that live in velvet shadows. We’ll jump at the sudden sound of fluttering wings or snapping twigs and delight in the terrified shivers that run down our spines.

I’ll start.

Once upon a time, there lived a witch…..

We're Moving!

I have a bittersweet announcement to make. It’s bittersweet because the last two years here have been absolutely wonderful, and I’ve loved every minute living in the PNW.

But…

I’m moving!

I’m headed back to the Southeast, where I spent much of my life and where most of my family and friends still live.

I’ll miss all the new friends I’ve made here, and I will absolutely be coming back to visit.

A sincere THANK YOU to all the folks who’ve touched my life and helped me create beautiful art here. I can’t wait to continue making more, wherever life takes me. I’m not going very far, so you can still keep tabs on me via social media or this blog.

See you around!

Photo by August Montgomery Norman.

Happy Birthday, Baby E!

One of the hazards of being a child and family photographer is that occasionally a session will leave me with a bad case of baby rabies.

This was one such session.

And can you blame me? Look at those baby blues! And the teeny weeny little moccasins. And the itsy bitsy bracelet. And the precious little pink bloomers. I was wholly unprepared for the cuteness levels.

We had an unseasonably chilly day, but little Miss E was a total trooper and graced us with adorable smiles.

More adorable families and all the PNW vibes, please!

Aruba Adventures

Conveniently located off the Venezuelan coast—and I say “conveniently” because much of my family lives in Venezuela—the island of Aruba holds a special place in my heart. Long before it became Insta famous for its flamingo beach and other gimmicky tourist attractions, I spent many childhood summers chasing wild goats and exploring limestone caves and pristine beaches.

Which is why I was so excited to fly down there recently for a family reunion of sorts.

It was nice to come back to this island as an adult. And because I’m #extraAF, I made sure to pack my camera and some pretty dresses for my kiddo. After all, if I’m going to travel 7+ hours to a gorgeous island paradise, it would be a crime not to snap pretty photos of my tiny muse.

But as much fun as I had photographing her, I couldn’t resist getting in on the action. I’m rarely on the other side of the lens, but I secretly love pretending I’m on America’s Next Top Model. So, with a little bribery and minimal begging, I convinced my brother to get a few snaps on my camera.

Elena + Alex: Seattle Engagement Photos

The first time I met Elena and Alex, our initial consult felt less like a client meeting and more like meeting up with old friends. We ended up laughing and chatting about much more than their upcoming wedding, and I knew that with this kind of chemistry, they would be a dream to photograph. 

Sure enough, I had the pleasure of photographing Alex and Elena's engagement session at Gasworks Park in Seattle just a couple short months later, and now I can't wait for their winter wedding. Congratulations, you two! 

Livia + Daniel: A Portland Elopement

I was in my hobbit hole...er...apartment, when an intriguing e-mail arrived in my inbox. An email that promised fellowship, adventure, and the possibility of second breakfast.

"...we were hoping to have sort of a Hobbit party, if that's okay?"

As a rabid Tolkien fan, I could hardly contain my excitement and read on. 

"Also, we'd like to bring our cat."

SAY NO MORE, FAM. 

Livia and Daniel's waterfall elopement, not too far from Portland, definitely lived up to my Lord of the Rings expectations, and I'm thrilled they chose me to be part of their day. 

Without further ado, I leave you with a Tolkien quote that I think nicely sums everything up. 

"'Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth,' he said, 'and here my heart dwells ever...Come with me!'" - Aragorn, J.R.R Tolkien