I spent this past Labor Day weekend in Virginia with one of my best friends, Vessie. There was laughter, there was wine, there was sushi. There was sunbathing, dancing, and movie-watching. It was lovely. There’s nothing like a girls-only weekend.

We did a mini photo shoot on my last morning there, and here are some of my favorite pictures. I’m also happy to announce that after playing around in Photoshop, my color-to-black and white processing skills have greatly improved! Last week I posted some black and whites of my sister and cousins’ wives that I wasn’t 100% happy with–I wasn’t quite getting the effect I wanted. With these pictures, I am getting much closer. Aaaaah. I love progress.

 I loved using black and white to highlight the contrast between her pale skin and the dark lipstick and black dress. She has such a stunning profile–elegant but also slightly impish.

Look at the curve of her neck–beautiful!

 Of course, the pictures that I left in color highlight her blue eyes.

In the shot below the line of the shadow/light runs almost parallel to the neckline of her dress. I wish I could say it was intentional . . . but it was just a happy accident. Next time I’ll know to look for that effect.

There are so many shots I love I am completely paralized at the idea of choosing a favorite . . . how about the rest of you? Any that jump out?

Does this picture say “country singer” to anyone else?

 I especially love the pictures that capture her laugh. So natural and free! (and photogenic)

Happy Wednesday friends!