I'm a big fan of local small businesses. What a lot of people don't realize is that the people who start small businesses are literally pouring their hearts and souls into it. The courage and fortitude it takes is astounding. And the amount of work that goes into running one of the best new spots in Darien is immense to say the least.

It has been my honor to work with some of the best local businesses in Fairfield County. One of my favorites is Stella M'Lia, a tween- and teen-centric brand of special occasion dresses based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Stella M'Lia dresses are absolutely gorgeous. They're high-quality fashionable designer pieces that any girl would love to wear.. and it was such a pleasure to photograph five incredible young girls doing just that (some are professional models, while others have never modeled before)...

Every fall and spring, Ella and Henry showcases their new kids fashions for the season during a Fashion Show at the store in New Canaan. This is also when I get to take super quick fashion portraits on the kids.

I photographed Emma last year. She was just about to move to Washington DC and join a ballet dance company for a year of learning and dancing. We created dance portraits for her that showcased her graceful movements but also focused on her as a person first (because, let's face it, most photographers just focus on the dancing).

Creative photo sessions hold a special place in my heart. They also demand an immense amount of effort and preparation. This photoshoot with Ava-Jeanette took about 6 hours from start to finish.. that included child-appropriate makeup and hair styling (with various looks) by the talented Susan Donoghue, fresh flowers, gorgeous white dresses by Stella M'Lia (based in Greenwich), and necklace accessories from Ella & Henry (New Canaan).

Working with local women-led businesses is definitely a passion of mine. It's safe to say that I know what they're going through.. and creating beautiful photographs that can be used to promote their business is one of the most important pursuits in my photography.

Ella & Henry's Spring 2017 fashion show was a wonderful showcase of latest kids and tween fashion trends, including outfits from Steiff, bellybutton, Stella M'Lia, and Papermoon, and beautiful flower crowns by BOW&ROSE. I have the distinct pleasure of photographing the fashion show, but I also set up a mini-studio downstairs and take fashion portraits of the kids before and after the big event.