Portraits | Madison the Dancer

November 3, 2015

03 Nov 2015

Hey guys!

Today I have a real treat for you, which comes in the form of 8-year-old Madison. She’s a dancer, and her mom wanted to showcase her talent in the best way possible, especially since she’s beginning to dance more competitively.

You can tell from the pictures that this little girl is energetic–an important trait for a young dancer. She’s a constant performer and seems to enjoy herself…a lot!

We met up at a private studio in Fairfax, which I loved because of the range of indoor scenery. Madison’s mom, Monica, handled Madison’s hair and makeup herself.

Not only is Madison a talented dancer, she’s also received voice training from Shirley Ables, a member of the Grammy-award winning gospel group, Shirley Ables and the Joy Gospel Singers. As you can see, Madison’s parents have a lot to be proud of.

Her parents also did a really wonderful job choosing outfits for our session.

“We wanted her head shots to accent her natural look, and the dance shots to allow the focus on her dancing ability so we chose a bright pink shirt for the head shots, but a more muted color, simple leotard for her dance shots,” said Monica. I second that info!

Okay, moving on to what you’ve been waiting for. For your viewing pleasure, pictures of Madison, the dancer!

This family was just awesome to work with. I totally look forward to shooting with Madison in the future. “Overall, it was a great experience. Insana is very patient and kind and can really capture beauty with the lens,” said mom, Monica.

Until next time,

Insana

0 Comments/in african american, Children, Collins Photography, daughter, event, family, Insana, Insana Collins, Photographer, photography, Photos, portraits, Published, Washington DC /by Insana Collins

Fresh & New: DC Motobomb 2014

October 8, 2014

08 Oct 2014

The DC Motobomb 2014 photos are here! I’d like to thank everyone for participating this year and making this year’s motobomb even more fun than last year. It was a blast! Take a look at images and if you like them, leave a comment. If you really like them, you can order a 24×36 print, just by clicking the Buy Now button below each image. Questions? Want a gallery canvas print instead of a poster? Email me at insana@insanacollins.com.

DC Motobomb 2014 – National Harbor

24×36 Poster – National Harbor

DC Motobomb 2014 – Nats Stadium

24×36 Poster – Nationals Stadium

DC Motobomb 2014 – Nats Panoramic

**Custom orders only for Panoramic Prints. Email insana@insanacollins.com.

DC Motobomb 2014 – Gallery Place 1

24×36 Poster – Gallery Place 1

DC Motobomb – Gallery Place 2

24×36 Poster – Gallery Place 2

DC Motobomb 2014 – US Capitol 1

24×36 Poster – US Capitol 1

DC Motobomb 2014 – US Capitol 2

24×36 Poster – US Capitol 2

Will there be another one in 2015? Only time will tell…

-Insana

0 Comments/in Collins Photography, DC, District, Fun Stuff, Insana, Insana Collins, maryland, Motorcycle, national harbor, Photographer, photography, Photos, Published, Washington, Washington DC /by Insana Collins

Dear Elli | Gaithersburg, MD

February 6, 2014

06 Feb 2014

Welcome back!

I recently completed a commercial shoot for an online retailer, Laci Swann, owner of Dear Elli. When I first met Laci in 2013, Dear Elli only offered really cute hair accessories, but has since expanded the brand to jewelry and clothing. So, what inspired Laci to open Dear Elli?

“I wanted to be my own boss while pursuing my love for fashion, ” says Laci. “And I noticed that even though there are a lot of boutiques, there are few that offer unique hair accessories. I LOVE hair and beauty, so creating this boutique was a nice combination of my love for beauty and fashion.”

We shot in Dear Elli’s studio space in Gaithersburg, Maryland with the help of make-up artist Linda Terrie and four models. Laci had new inventory and hoped to boost sales and market her business with professional photos of her products.

“Photos are everything,” says Laci. “People are so reliant on their smart phones, but there is a huge difference between a professional photo shoot and an iPhone shot. Customers recognize that.”

Dear Elli has been really successful in the months since our shoot, and after photographing the merchandise, I had to have some of my own! I definitely suggest stopping by to take advantage of their amazing deals!

On to the pictures!

Laci Swann, Dear Elli owner

Until next time!

Insana

1 Comment/in Fashion, gold chain, Insana Collins, photography, Photos /by Insana Collins

Post-Wedding Portrait | Upper Marlboro, MD

January 22, 2014

22 Jan 2014

Today I’m featuring Monisha, an impressive young woman from Bangladesh, whom I photographed early this winter. She’s always wanted portraits of herself in a white dress, just not one as grand as her wedding gown. My objective: to help her feel as beautiful as she did on her big day.

We shot just outside of Washington, DC, in Upper Marlboro, MD, on a freakishly cold day for early winter, about 30 degrees. I supplied the dress and tiara; she brought the roses. Even though she was a little nervous before our shoot (who wouldn’t be?), Monisha was able to relax pretty quickly and we got some gorgeous shots. Since we had such an amazing shoot, I asked Monisha how she felt while shooting outdoors on such a cool day. Here’s what she had to say:

“It was a bit chilly, but you made me feel very comfortable and like I was the most beautiful, ethereal creature in all the world, as you always do!”

What a sweet thing to say! It just goes to show you that it doesn’t take much to make you look great. No more talking – let’s get to the pictures!