Michelle Lindsay Photography

05/10/2020

Motherhood is HARD. It’s complicated, messy, guilt-ridden, overwhelming, noisy, painful and at times, all consuming. Yes, it of course comes with a balance of joy and love too 😊
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Today, I just want to acknowledge all the women out there who carry the weight of their worlds on their shoulders. This includes all you moms, moms-to-be, mommas in waiting, those fighting to become moms, doggie moms and mom figures - you are amazing. You’ve got this.
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Happy Mother’s Day.

05/06/2020

When I started photographing moms well over a decade ago, I had no idea the incredible stories of resilience I would encounter. As time has passed, and more and more stories have come my way, my desire to share these amazing women's voices has grown stronger.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This Mother's Day, as a continuation of my MOMS WHO INSPIRE series, I'll be bringing you 3 very different stories of Motherhood and how these strong women are navigating their unique circumstances, from adoption, to single parenting, to autism. It is through our shared experiences and stories that we can find comfort, peace, strength and hope.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I cannot wait to share these beautiful stories with you. And if you missed last year's series of 6 incredible moms, PLEASE check them out in the highlights! You can read about this superwomen and how she balances running a powerhouse design company while being a mom of 2 spirited young boys!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#happymothersday #motherhoodrising #momswhoinspire #mothersday #momlife #momofboys #mompreneur

04/27/2020

As a new week begins, I want to take a moment to personally thank you for listening last week during #NIAW. My story is only one in hundreds of thousands.
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Every time a family steps in front of my camera, a piece of that goes back into helping form a new one with a 1% donation of our annual sales to @resolveorg. It's something I'm personally proud of and something I'm committed to doing, even during difficult times like now.
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In honor of all the women out there fighting to become moms, I've upped the ante for Mother's Day. Between now and May 10th, $100 will be donated from all Motherhood Sessions purchased. If you have yet to see what these special sessions are, please visit the link in profile to learn more and book directly online. Sessions may be gifted for Mother's Day and photographed anytime through the end of 2020.

My first Mother’s Day was a day I never thought I’d get the chance to experience. This Mother’s Day, I want to give that gift to someone else.
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04/20/2020

2 years ago, during #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek, I shared my story for the very first time. It was a story I had held tightly to my chest for so long. It was painful. I wasn't ready to let it go. But then the strangest thing happened. When I finally gained the courage to share it with the world, I instantly felt lighter. Yes, the pain was still there. In fact, it always will be (fun fact - just because you "beat" infertility doesn't mean that scars don't remain). Somehow, by sharing that piece of myself that had caused so much shame for so long released me.

Since that day 2 years ago, I've continued to share pieces of my infertility story and IVF journey. Sometimes, it's therapy for myself. Most of the time though, its hope. Hope that I'm putting out into the universe for all those other #1in8 couples that are experiencing this incredibly painful and emotionally draining journey.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS.
THIS WILL NOT DEFINE YOU.
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These are the things I want you to know and remember. You don't need to share your story until you're ready. In the meantime, know that there is an entire community ready to lift you up, support you and guide you through this.
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This entire week I'll be sharing more about my IVF journey as part of @resolveorg #NIAW2020 to change the conversation about infertility and educate the public. If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility and they need someone to talk to, please PLEASE have them reach out to me if they feel comfortable. We are stronger together. 🧡
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#myinfertilitystory #infertilityawareness #imchangingtheconversation #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #PCOS #miscarriage #NIAW

04/14/2020

Motherhood Sessions

"I wish my mom knew how beautiful she was and saw herself the way we see her...”
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Now, more than ever, it's time to make sure the incredible women in our lives have their story told. These special sessions are designed to celebrate the women in our lives who inspire us and give moms a chance to let go of some of the control (and stress) of getting their family ready for photos and instead, focus on themselves for a change.
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Since I'm only doing a handful of these sessions, I want you to have the piece of mind to reserve your spot (and in time for Mother's Day!) and know that you can schedule the session later in the year.

YUP. Your session will be good anytime until the end of 2020. RESERVE NOW. SCHEDULE LATER.
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More information and pricing is available via the link in profile so tap away above on BOOK NOW.

Oh. And I almost forgot to mention the coolest part! Since our Studio is dedicated to helping struggling couples trying to become parents, for every session booked, $100 will be donated to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

Motherhood is such an incredible journey and it deserves to be celebrated and documented. It's time we wake up and see ourselves the way our kids do...

Video Footage by:
Whitney Bowen and Bowen Films

04/10/2020

Some amazing news came through my inbox and I HAD to share it! On April 1st, the state of Colorado passed The Colorado Building Families Act, which will provide insurance coverage for infertility treatments, including IVF and fertility preservation for cancer patients, starting January 2022. The historic legislation makes Colorado the 12th state to provide IVF coverage and the 10th state to provide fertility preservation. 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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THIS. IS. HUGE. It's a win for the infertility community when we need it most, especially now that the community is struggling with cancelled procedures, delayed adoptions and additional financial strain. After already waiting years to hold that little baby in their arms, couples are now being told to wait even longer, and trust me. Time feels like a weighted blanket when you are going through all of this.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The passing of this landmark legislation is a ray of light and came from a lot of hard work and lobbying by different groups, including @resolveorg, an organization that our Studio supports annual with 1% donation of our sales. If you or anyone you know is struggling with infertility, I would encourage you to learn more about this organization and all the wonderful work they do to move things forward for the infertility community. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It's a good day guys 😁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#infertility #infertilityawareness #IVF #adoption #infertilitytreatment #infertilitylegislation #adoption #ivfjourney #pregnancy #resolve #weareRESOLVE #IFsupport #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek #1in8

03/20/2020

“What good is livin’ this life you’ve been given if all you do is stand in one place?” - @lordhuron
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This has always been a favorite quote of mine by a favorite musician. I’ve tried to live my life by it in small ways. Kinda hard to do right now in the literal sense, but I got to thinking about it today in a different way.

This image was taken 5 years ago and a world away on the 2nd happiest day of my life (Eva's birth is 1st). Compared to a lot of couples out there, Brian and I are still in the infancy of our marriage, and we still have a LOT to learn. But if the past 5 years has taught me anything, it's that sometimes you have to have to let go of the control, have blind faith and just follow your partner. If you're constantly pulling each other in different directions, you'll end up standing still. This feels especially relevant right now. I have no idea where the next year will take us, but I gotta just hope that if we stay on the same trail together, we'll make it outta the woods, better and stronger.
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@novamac, I think we are officially owed a proper anniversary next year! 3rd anniversary snowstorm. 4th home with sick baby. And today, anniversary #5 - quarantined while the world hangs in limbo.
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Lucky #6??
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Photo by @davinaplusdaniel
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#weddinganniversary #5yearsandcounting #marriage #couples #weddingphotography #portraitphotography #couplesphotography #lordhuron

03/19/2020

It's officially the first day of Spring; a season of regrowth and bloom. Today of all days, I wanted to share something bright and beautiful with you! May it serve as a reminder that seasons come to an end and new ones begin. At the end of the drab, dark winter, there is spring, full of color and light.
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Flower nest by the amazingly talented @hollychapple , created with ❤️ for her sweet baby granddaughter.
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#spring #firstdayofspring #springflowers #blooms #springblooms #daliahs#flowernest #hollyish #newbornposes #newbornphotography #newbornsession #babybumps #maternityphotographer #newbornphotographer #vanewbornphotographer #virginiaportraitphotographer#newbornstudio #babyphotographer #baby #newborngirl #babywhisperer #bestnewbornphotographer #newmomlife #dcnewbornphotographer #realbabies #reallife #newbornmoments #loveva #loudounphotographer

03/19/2020

Better together.
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I’ve been trying to keep it in - the anxiety, the fear, the “what ifs.” This morning, it all just washed over me.
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Luckily, I was able to end the day on a high note, thanks to @meganpollard and a group of talented, smart entrepreneurs from all walks of industry putting their heads together to help each other out with the uncertainties that lie ahead.
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It was the reminder and the kick in the butt I needed. We’re in this together and we’ll weather this together.
All we can do right now is the next right thing (and yes, I just quoted Frozen 2. I’m a mom of a toddler who keeps that soundtrack on repeat alllllll day long!)
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So what is that next right thing? Well, for starters, go out and support your community if you can. Go grab a growler from your local brewery instead of the grocery store. Take that $20 you were going to spend on your 50th pack of toilet paper and instead, order a meal to go from a local restaurant that’s offering take-out. Instead of turning to big online retailers for your kids’ Easter outfits, call up our friends at @ashbymaeboutique and have them ship one of their gorgeous dresses to you. If you need to brighten a relative’s day who’s all alone, call up @greenmansionsdesigns and let Rima ship the most thoughtful care package they’ll ever receive. Consider buying some personalized makeup from @mfranklinstudioandboutique. Your community is bursting with bright, talented and thoughtful entrepreneurs who need your help now.
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Our county was built on hardworking business owners. I, for one, want to ensure it stays that way.
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#savesmallbusiness #shoplocal #shoploudoun

03/16/2020

Calm amongst the storm.
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We left last week as a family to relax and unwind and in less than 48 hours, all that unraveled.
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Uncertainty is scary. Which is why I always tend to be jealous of little ones during a time of crisis. Because while our adult brains start racing with possibilities, their developing brains remain focused on the immediate needs directly in front of them. Ignorance is bliss.
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I know that adulting means planning and preparing, but to keep my own sanity, I'm going to try to take a cue from these little ones as much as possible and focus on the here and now. #1 priority is keeping myself, my family and those around me safe and healthy.
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The Studio does continues to remain open by appointment only to control who is coming in and out of our space. My hours may be changing temporarily as I adjust to juggling childcare and work at the same time (thank you in advance for your patience with me on this). If you have a session coming up with us in April, we will personally be in touch this week to address any questions/concerns you may have.
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And, to help shine a little brightness in your days at home, I'll be sure to continuing posting photos of adorable babies because, come on...how can this photo of little Lettie NOT bring a smile to your face 😁

02/27/2020

THE WHY. Professional portrait photography isn’t just about capturing imagery. It's about breathing life into a particular moment; creating something that brings enjoyment. Great photographic artwork should ignite feelings of nostalgia so that when you walk by your gallery wall, glimpse the frame on your nightstand or turn the pages of your now screaming toddler's baby album, you smile and remember those simpler and slower days.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Our lives weren’t meant to be lived on our phones and our memories weren’t meant to be stored on them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#printyourphotos #portraitalbum #photographicartwork #photoalbum #babyalbum #newbornalbum #newbornportraits #artwork #newbornphotography #maternityphotography #newborns #baby #handcrafted #craftsmenship

02/26/2020

When nothing but custom will do...hand painted backdrop for our Mother’s Day promotional shoot this Friday. More BTS in stories!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#photographystudio #handpaintedbackdrop #diy #diyphotobackdrop #photobackdrop #photostudio #custommade #mothersdayportraits #momportraits #momswhoinspire

02/04/2020

SLOWING DOWN. Many of you followed my 365 project back in 2018. For those of you who aren't familiar, you can check it out on @evareymac. In the project, I documented the 1st year of my daughter's life with a photo a day. It was an incredible journey for me as a photographer and pushed me in ways I couldn't have imagined - how do you possibly photograph bath time for the 100th time, but from a different perspective?!?? More importantly, I now have this insanely beautiful and intimate collection of photographs of my daughter growing up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When Eva turned 1, I had to abandon the project due to time and stress. But as I reflected back on this past year, I realized I sorely missed searching for those little, yet oh so special moments. Too often, I was busy on my phone, distracted by work, or just plain not present.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Part of my mantra to slow down this year means savoring the in-between moments - the less flashy, less instagram-worthy, yet somehow more meaningful moments that make up a person's life. How Eva makes duckface when she's concentrating real hard. How she has a happy food dance when she really likes a meal. How she'll unprompted go up and snuggle with Nala. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And so, I'm ready again. Ready to slow down, be present and watch. Project 52 will be a collection of images from each week for the next year (see, I'm learning! More attainable goals = less stress!). I’ll be posting the first collection of images later this week on @evareymac. While these images will be strikingly different from what I post here, I hope you'll decide to slow down and join me for a year of finding the beauty in life’s raw, totally unscripted moments.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#personalproject #photoproject #project52 #familyphotojournalism #documentaryphotography #familyphotography #familylife #toddlerlife #lifewithatoddler #momlife #familyphotography #familyphotographer

01/14/2020

Stopping Time. Last week I celebrated another year around the sun and it reminded me just how incredibly fast the years go by. In 2020, my focus is on slowing down. At the heart, it means learning to live more in the moment and appreciate where I'm at instead of thinking about the never ending to do list, unanswered emails, dirty laundry, etc (I could go on forever). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In practice, it means physically saying "no," both personally and professionally. So while we absolutely love designing, executing and photographing our Styled Sets, we will be forgoing the Spring Styled Sessions this year and instead, focusing on something (VERY) special for the month of May with our "Moms who Inspire" series. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Of course, I'll still be photographing this spring as the buds pop out and everything turns green! Our regular spring sessions do usually fully book up so please reach out in the next few weeks if you are interested in getting on our calendar for March or April. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#virginiafamilyphotographer #familyphotographer #newbornfamily #newbornposes #newbornphotography #virginia #maryland #washingtondc #baltimore #annapolis #leesburgva #newbornsession #babybumps #maternityphotographer #newbornphotographer #vanewbornphotographer #virginiaportraitphotographer#newbornstudio #babyphotographer #baby #newbornboy #newborngirl #babywhisperer #bestnewbornphotographer #newmomlife #dcnewbornphotographer