Maggie Cochran Photography - Blog

Spring are you there?

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:37:12 GMT

It's April. We've had a lot of colder days than I'd like to admit. Weather in VA is kinda nuts. You never really know what you're going to get. When my parents come to visit in the fall and winter, I always tell them to pack for three seasons, it's probably going to rain, it will probably be cold and then it *might* be sunny. In the summer forget it, humidity is the queen here. Living on the coast it's just the like that, unpredictable and you never put away your rain coat and rain boots: you're going to need them!

Recently we had a crazy snow storm sneak up on us in the early evening and dump 5 inches on us. The snow flakes were huge, fluffy and quickly covered everything. On days like that I like to make sure I take some photos, we've been here on the East Coast for a decade and I'm grateful our winters aren't too severe, but we do get a few beautiful snow days. These photos were from such a day, I'm lucky to have such cute subjects in my life.

Virginia Hampton Roads Family, Newborn and Wedding Photographer
#snowdays #snowdaysVA #crazyvirginiaweather #virginiaphotographer #hamptonroadsphotographer #familyphotographer #maggiecochranphotography

Being an Auntie (Personal)

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 21:13:54 GMT

Being an aunt is the best job ever. My amazing hubby took leave from work so that I could visit my sweet sister for a whole week in August and got to hold and love and photograph (!) my new little niece.

This baby was a long hoped for and prayed for baby: seven years they waited for her!

I LOVE everything about her sweet nursery. Pinks, gold, and vintage pieces of furniture from our childhood. My sister is an elementary school teacher and wanted to put a set up together with some of her children's books. I think it turned out super cute. My favorite images of babies are when they are in their homes, in their parents' arms. To me this session is everything it should be: details, lots of love and baby goodness. <3

End of Summer (Personal)

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 19:47:38 GMT

I'm always a little conflicted when summer ends. I love the warmth and freedom we enjoy all season long, sleeping in, swimming, later nights, not as much routine. I adore having my kids around me, even when they act up I think about how blessed I am to have each one of them, and how they are so unique and wonderful in their own ways. This summer flew by! We had so much fun, trips and friends and memories. Here's a few of my favorite end of summer moments, we went to visit friends up in northern Virginia and I fell in love with the countryside there, it was absolutely stunning. One evening we saw a sunset that is emblazoned into my memory: the colors and landscape defy anything I've ever seen before. I wanted to take a picture but the photos would not have come close to depicting its glory. Thankfully I have it in my mind and can relive it over and over. These photos were taken that day: in a sunflower field as a summer storm rolled in on top of us as we literally snapped the photos before they kicked us out of the field, with little rain drops falling around us! The next day we took these photos in the most golden gorgeous light-it was the perfect setting. It was the best little trip!! Summer may have faded, but my memories won't and I'm so glad I have these captures to remember them by.

Ella: Newborn

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:14:15 GMT

Meeting fresh baby souls and being able to capture their tiny new beginnings is a precious opportunity. I had the honor of meeting little Ella a couple of weeks ago, and I immediately fell in love with her sweet calm demeanor. She was the easiest baby! We had a lot of fun with her, but my favorite shots are the lifestyle fresh moments with her parents and family. I'm so happy for this new little family. This baby was long prayed for, her family welcomes her with great joy.

Lawrence Family

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 21:26:12 GMT

More blog catch up from my busy holiday! Here's the Lawrence family, we had such a great time- the weather was perfect, 70 degrees at the beginning of December, crazy good weather. We caught the last of a great streak of warm and rain free days the next day it was 40 degrees and grey and it rained that weekend. We had our session at a new location to me, Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield. It was perfect! I loved the barns and old vineyard, and there's a fantastic dock that overlooks little creek. Little John was so funny, charming and happy. We all took turns chasing after him. I'm glad we explored a new location; I loved creating these warm sunny images in a new place. I definitely plan to go back.

Happy New Year!

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 15:42:04 GMT

2017! How is it here already! I am playing catch up after a very busy holiday season. Time to share a family from that wonderful busy-ness. Mario contacted me after he saw a friend's photos on Facebook. He was so warm and friendly on the phone, and was very excited about working together. I warned him that the weather for family photos in December could be very cold, but he said his family would be prepared! We had a fabulous time together. We went to Yorktown, one of my favorite places to shoot. I love living in an area so full of history, and as you can see the cold weather didn't bother this family at all!

Yoder Family

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 18:12:32 GMT

The busy season is here and I'm really trying to get caught up. Having a little business means juggling family and your creative passions, and I really strive to do both with grace and joy. Here is a session I did last weekend with one of the happiest most joyful families I know. They are so full of love-we didn't stop smiling and laughing during their session. I have known Cyndi, Austin and their kids since we started medical school seven years ago. As I type the number SEVEN I can't believe we have been on that path together for this long. Austin graduates from his Emergency Room Residency this summer and we will be here one more year while my hubby finishes up his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. I'm so glad I know the Yoders and I'm excited to share their family with you!

Nikki and Chris' VA Beach Wedding

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 17:59:19 GMT

A little wind and rain didn't keep the smiles and love from overflowing during this beautiful wedding day for Chris and Nikki. When I arrived the family was in the process of deciding whether or not to move the ceremony off the beach, indoors due to the threat of rain. My graceful beautiful bride Nikki didn't let it phase her one bit, didn't bat an eye at the change to her perfect beach wedding: they moved all the tables and chairs indoors and we watched Chris and Nikki celebrate their love with the most beautiful ceremony. Both families traveled from PA, and they really enjoyed visiting the beach here in Virginia. The venue, a gorgeous beach rental smack dab on the water at the Sandbridge area of VA beach was perfect. After the rain stopped, we went out side to find sunny skies and took some beautiful photos of the bride and groom and friends and family. Weddings really are my favorite thing, I LOVE being a part of such a momentous day in the lives of happy couples. Congratulations Nikki and Chris!

Happy Wedding Week Nikki and Chris!

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 19:39:16 GMT

Oh my goodness! It's wedding week. I'm so excited for Nikki and Chris' wedding this weekend in Virginia Beach. Their engagement session was a delight, The two of them were so easy going, fun and relaxed. That night the light was pink, no lie, you can ask Nikki- I was gaga, so excited by how beautiful it was, and how lovely they both looked that night. I was like a crazy person the whole time, it was so fun. I loved every minute of it. I love Nikki's style and vision, she and Chris are such sweethearts, they are so fun the love oozes out of them. I can't wait to see what they have planned for their intimate beach wedding. Weddings are my absolute favorite thing to photograph. Sharing in the beginning of a lifetime together is amazingly special.