Category Archives: Dogs
Marker Family
It has been a joy photographing this family since their son was just a wee one, swaddled tightly in his blankie. All previous sessions have been before he could walk or talk and I’m certain this ball of energy is making up for lost time. On the evening of our shoot, he thought my camera was the most hilarious thing in all of life. Every click of the shutter brought on contagious giggles. I’ve watched him grow through my lens along with the love this family shares. And what a beautiful thing that is.
Godshall Family
The Godshall Family invited me to their home for a summer evening family session. And by ‘family’ I mean their son, two daughters, two dogs, new kitten, and two very-well-loved horses. Surely the grass was greener on this particular evening as golden light poured through flickering leaves of the trees. Below are a few of my favorite shots of this super sweet family.
Swartzendruber/Jenner Family
Hartsell Wedding
I arrived at Barren Ridge Vineyards a few moments before the bride and groom. And I’m glad I did. Otherwise, I would have missed the arrival of the soon-to-be-wed couple who casually strolled in the back door, wedding dress in hand, wind blown hair and beaming, relaxed contentment settled into their eyes. At first sight of their freshly decorated tables they both became vocally excited and thrilled that it was here. Their wedding day was finally here.  They rushed to different rooms to change and in a few short moments they were embracing and celebrating once again. The wind carried the time away as we wandered around the hills and vines of the vineyards with a Dalmatian in tow. Their family joined and later their friends and before we knew it the sun left the sky and guests enjoyed an epic first dance, a wonderful gourmet meal, smooth wine, toasts, stories, and lots of dancing. Congrats and cheers to you both, Amy and Kelly!
Cupcakes & Cake: The Cupcake Company | Dress: Kathleen Temple, Tailor | Custom knitted shaw: Knitting Savant |Caterer: TASTE. | Florist: Joy Shank Coakley of The Weekend Florist | Venue: Barren Ridge Vineyards
Blosser Family
On my way to the Blosser’s home for their family session, I got lost. And right after that, I lost cell service. And soon, I would lose daylight. After zigzagging around Fulks Run, Virginia for nearly thirty minutes, I found their home tucked away on a beautiful patch of land. As the sun began to settle in for the night, their three dogs greeted me with barks while darting circles around me. The baby, Harper, stared at me for a few minutes…then fell asleep, right on her daddy’s chest. The whole evening was perfectly imperfect, just the way I like. What a sweet little growing family!
Ellison Family {mini}
Not only did the world gain a precious child…but the family pup gained a baby sister. And now it is his sole duty to watch her every move and raise an ear to her every whimper. Delissa Ana, or Dela, was a quiet, sweet babe on the evening I met her. But I was not fooled…I could sense a depth of personality in those stare-a-hole-right-through-me eyes. This girl will do great things. Thanks for spending an evening of your life with me, Ashley & Mahan!
Copyright © 2014 · Photos by Brandy Somers. All Rights Reserved · friendlycitylens.com & brandysomersphotography.com. This material may not be copied, downloaded, altered, cropped, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting my creative property.
Sims Family
I spent one chilly Saturday morning with the Sims family and their precious new baby girl. Their house reminded me so much of my childhood home. This darling little lady filled my lens with cuteness and lots of yawns. What a joyous way to spend a morning. 
Jenner Family {mini}
When I asked Rachel to say something to make Andrew laugh, she uttered “explosive diarrhea” without skipping a beat. Ok, it’s like that. And it worked – we all laughed. Except for Alexander who sat comfortably in his freshly changed outfit with a look of guilt across his face. What a sweet little laundry maker.
Rachel and Andrew invited me into their home to spend some time with them, their sweet dog, Foster, and their new baby boy, Alexander.  I love love holding a session in someone’s home. I’ve been a guest in the Jenner house many times but never for the purpose of photography…and that changes things.  I love seeing the way people live, unapologetically, on a day-to-day basis. I love the way coats rest and dish towels hang and blankets are tossed and plants bask in the sun. I love the smells. The sounds. The light. And on this particular occasion, the baby and his furry big brother were pretty easy on the eyes too.
Kimberly, Justin, Echo {mini}
If dogs are family then Echo is my nephew. My spoiled little turd of a nephew. I met with Kimmy and Justin and my turd of a…I mean, Echo, on what was probably the coldest day of this year so far. I exaggerate. They were up for anything so we wandered to this rundown nook in New Market. It made a great stale backdrop for their fun-loving personalities to shine through.
Brandy Somers Photography 