In the Navy

{Dress: ASOS, Coat: Express, Hat and ring: H&M, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Sunglasses: Thierry Lasry}

photos by Monique Dolbin

If you're stalking me on Facebook like a good reader would, you would have seen a sneak preview of these amazing photos Monique Dolbin from Life in Focus took of me. Is that narcissistic to say about pictures of yourself? That they're "amazing?" Regardless, that's what they are...and it's not at all because I'm so incredibly bloggery-modelesque. Well, not entirely, anyway. They're amazing because Monique has an amazing eye for composition, lighting, and color.

I used to work with Monique a few years ago. Since then, she's taken up photography, at first as a hobby, and more recently, as a professional. She's still building her business (complete with a package tailor-made for those of us who have gone/are still going through our quarter-life crisis), so she asked me if I'd like to take a few pictures in D.C. to round out her portfolio. And who am I to say no to the chance to have my picture taken?? Not Melissa, that's for sure!

You always hear people say that such-and-such photographer was "so great" to shoot with. Listen. I've shot with a few photographers in my day, and for the most part, they fall into one of two categories: bored out of their mind or creepy and inappropriate. I couldn't be happier to report that Monique is neither of things, and truly was SO GREAT to work with. She sat down with me first to chat about the day and what we would accomplish (and gossip about a few former coworkers, nbd). She gave great direction and immediately made me feel comfortable, which, btw, is key when it comes to getting your picture taken, whether it's engagement pictures or, ya know, narcissistic solo photos!

 Let's face it: you gotta be comfortable to let someone get this close to your face.

You can check out more of my shoot with Monique here and here. 

P.S. More pictures from my shoot with Monique to come later, along with an exclusive offer for CupcakesOMG! readers!!