A Championship Decades in the Making

The McNamara Mustangs Boys team captured its first outright WCAC championship title since 1972, making the 2025 season one that will be remembered for generations. The championship came down to the very final event; the 4x400m relay; where the Mustangs delivered under pressure to clinch the title by a razor-thin 2.5-point margin.

As photographers, moments like these are rare and powerful. The tension at the starting line, the handoffs, and the eruption of celebration at the finish made this one of the most electrifying events we’ve had the privilege to capture.

The Relay That Sealed the Title

The championship-clinching 4x400m relay team embodied focus, teamwork, and heart. A special shout-out to:

• Messiah McKinley (Senior)
• Kingston Nkanu (Senior)
• Jayden A. Smith (Sophomore)
• Terrence Dorsey (Freshman)

Their performance not only secured the relay victory but sealed the Mustangs’ place in WCAC history.

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Leadership Behind the Win

This historic achievement would not have been possible without exceptional leadership. Congratulations to Coach Sonny Hicks, named Coach of the Year, and sincere recognition to the entire McNamara coaching staff for their dedication, preparation, and belief in their athletes throughout the season.

From strategy to execution, the coaching staff played a vital role in guiding the team to this long-awaited championship.

Capturing Championship Moments That Matter

From the intensity of competition to the emotion of victory, Bird’s Eye Photography was proud to document every moment of the McNamara Mustangs’ WCAC 2025 Boys Championship run. These images serve as a lasting tribute to the athletes, coaches, and community that made this achievement possible.

Why Bird’s Eye Photography for DMV Sports Coverage

Bird’s Eye Photography provides professional sports and event photography across the DMV, offering:

• High-resolution action sports photography
• Championship and relay event coverage
• Editorial-style storytelling images
• Online galleries for teams, schools, and families
• Reliable coverage for milestone athletic moments

We are proud to capture moments that define seasons, celebrate legacy, and preserve history.

The post Capturing History: WCAC 2025 McNamara Mustangs Boys Champions | DMV Sports Photography appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

The perfect outfit depends on what you have, what you’re comfortable in, and what you’re looking for. Here are some tips for your fall shoot decisions that might just come in handy even outside the season:

1. Lean into the natural backdrop: The natural backdrop for an outdoor fall shoot is ‘leafy’ and primarily orange. So, choose colour palettes that go with the general color and weather. Go for greys, oranges, plums, etc. and layer up with chunks of knitted wear and jackets.

2. Choose muted shades and earthy colors: Muted shades of colors go well with fall’s esthetic. For example, instead of fushia pink, dusty pink is a better alternative. You may want to stay away from too dark colours because of their contrast against very bright colours. Still with an aim to accommodate the season with accents that blend in, brownish tones are a perfect touch. A touch of brown through jackets, scarves, hats, and shoes is an excellent idea for a fall shoot without oversaturating the combination.

3. Three-quarter length hack: There’s a lot of layers with fall outfits, so it’s key not to look overladen or chunky with clothes. Outfits with three-quarter sleeves and length have a slimming effect on the arms and body. You can play around with sleeve length as you layer with jackets, blazers or cardigans.

4. Mix, but not necessarily match: For the feel of the season, wearing only one shade may look dull. Instead, use a neutral base and add  pops of bright colour. Also, when planning for a family shoot, it’s safer to start with the girls’ outfits to set the leading tone, then build other outfits around it – using different shades and colour pops.

5. Plan for comfort: Wearing what you feel confident in has a significant impact on the outcome of your pictures. If you feel warm, at ease and like your outfit, it shows in the images. So, please don’t wear a dress you don’t feel great in or one that would leave you tugging and pulling constantly.

6. Choose shoes to compliment: Wearing heels is a fashionable way for women to elongate their legs while looking fabulous, but fall gives you more options in boots, sneakers and other covered footwear. If you’re going for open-toe heels, having a pedicure session before the photoshoot is a great idea.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Feel free to comment below! If you’re looking for affordable photography services in Washington, D.C. Maryland, and Virginia, we would love to create magic with you and your loved ones in a photo session, so don’t hesitate to book a slot!

The post 6 Tips To Choose Outfits For a Fall Shoot appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

Photography as an artform, changes fast, and photographers have to keep up with what’s new while still staying true to the art. It’s impossible to know the future, so we have predictions and trends to guide us!

Keeping up with the latest trends allows you to stay on top of technologies, techniques, and styles.

On the other hand, trends can be overwhelming to follow if you don’t know what you want out of your photography sessions, which is why it’s best to have a clear vision before making a booking.

Some trends are constant, and some are influenced by global incidents (you know the one). With rapid changes in technology and better cameras, 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for photographers and photography lovers.

Take a look at some of these top photography trends for 2022 you can try out for your next shoot:

1. Highlighting mixed generations

We can all agree on the importance and relevance of diversity to today’s society. Aging is a natural process that affects everyone, and more and more people are beginning to embrace the beauty in aging.

To jump in on this trend, you can capture moments highlighting different generations in a family. The workplace is another environment that you can use to highlight age diversity. It can also be through pictures of people of different ages having fun together in commercial photography.

2. Showing up masked up

2020 ushered in a new look that came with masked up, half-covered faces. While we’re now gradually dropping our masks, it still looks odd to see a group of people not wearing masks when everyone else around them is wearing masks. Photographers and models are jumping on this photography trend in 2022 to capture a time that shook humanity and send social messages.

3. Self-care and mindfulness

Self-love focuses on supporting mental health. It is about taking time for yourself, so pictures that depict relaxation and self-care are popular in this trend. You can take photos of people spending quality time with themselves, looking relaxed and happy in their own company.

Photos of people taking soothing baths, reading, lounging, meditating, etc highlight the concept of this mindfulness trend – with an emphasis on body positivity, healthy living, feeding, etc.

4. Mobile phone photography

Smartphone camera technology is quickly evolving. We’ve gone from pixelated, blurry pictures to quality high-definition images. The era of mobile phone photography and videography is upon us – with apps that do everything from editing to grading to even animating.

Photographers can now build a career with nothing but their skills, a smartphone with a quality camera, and the right app knowledge. As phones having better camera quality, mobile phone photography is definitely a trend to stay.

5. Lean into retro colors

From Harry Styles to Olivia Rodrigo, vintage is back in and there’s retro color everywhere

This trend may be tricky for photographers who prefer subtle images, but bold designs are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor settings. Vibrant colors grab your eye and make a statement, so photographers need to have an eye for balance.

6. Silhouette photography

The subtlety and minimality of silhouette photography will never go out of style. They can show various focus areas at once without particularly highlighting anything.

Sometimes, a closeup puts all the focus on a person with the subject in light. The background is more important at other times, and the silhouetted people serve as accents in those images.

There are various ways to jump on the trend, from shooting architectural pieces to wedding pictures to birthday shoots.

7. Road trip and motion photos

After being cooped up indoors for quite some time, the idea of a journey that is constantly changing direction is captivating artists, photographers, and wanderers-at-heart everywhere. The next few years will likely have us seeing trends of outdoor travel pictures, road trips, etc – from long winding roads to mountainsides to open landscapes showing the vast horizon.

As bumper-to-bumper traffic dissipates, roads and byways offer photographers and models a chance to capture the scenery.

8. Soft focus and blur

Plying around with depth and focus is a trend that keeps coming back around. These photography techniques make the subject stand out. Keep a sharp eye on your camera work or blur the background manually during or after the photoshoot to achieve this effect.

9. The environment as the subject

In 2021, fires and floods followed one another on the heels of hurricanes and tornadoes. After a year of disasters, it’s no surprise that climate change is becoming the focus of public concern.

As more people pay attention to environmental issues in their purchasing decisions—products labeled eco-friendly, fair trade, cruelty-free, etc., major brands are listening and trying to key in.

So, this photography trend in 2022 will usher the appreciation of nature back into the picture. Photographers can lean into this trend with nature shots like landscapes, plants, and water bodies.

10. Raw and realism vibes

Maybe it’s the pandemic, maybe it’s the way the world is grim right now, but a lot of photographers are leaning into raw, unpolished, realism, and rustic vibes that capture the wistfulness of the times and freeze memories in time.

Bring this into your photo portfolio by exploring different themes and adding spice with historical role play.

Photography documents history, transcend cultural barriers, and unite people across the globe.

As with any art form, photography is constantly evolving. We hope this list has inspired a few themed photoshoots or even some photo projects. However, as long as you’re finding a creative outlet, there is no wrong way to take pictures and tell a story.

What trends will inspire your portfolio or photoshoots this year?

The post Top 10 Photography Trends To Try In 2022 appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

The fall is a very popular season for people to plan pictures and photoshoots. Something about the weather and aesthetic makes people want to document the time. autumn leaves on the trees and blanketed on the ground serve as the perfect backdrop for striking (and Instagrammable) photos.

When it comes to planning a photoshoot, choosing themes, locations, photographers, and outfits are not enough. In fact, inappropriate outfit choices can put a lot more pressure on you and you will look uncomfortable in photos.

For fall, your outfit choices have to be interesting enough to stand out, while also being weather appropriate and fitting your theme. That can be a difficult balance to strike.

It is important to dress comfortably and to feel your best, so we have some outfit ideas to get you started:

1. Tones of burnt orange with dark colours

We all know that burnt orange is the official color of fall, and it is such a great color to pair with darker colors. You can experiment with the colour and go as bright or as dark as you want.

Source: Pop Sugar –https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/44500619/image/44500638/Bold-Orange-Coat

2. Trendy monochrome

Don’t be afraid to play around with a monochrome theme while keeping it classy, comfy and edgy. Monochrome is usually left for winter shoots, but we’re here for it as a fall theme. Think beyond black and white to shades of other colors (like orange and brown).

Source: Lil Miss JB Style-  http://www.lilmissjbstyle.com/brown-monochrome-outfit-idea

3. Reddish tones

Adding reddish tones to your shoot is another fun way to say ‘fall’ without saying ‘fall’. Deep shades of red such as burgundy and maroon can offset a neutral base for a striking effect and not look out of place in a natural or studio fall setting.

Source: Visco.k

4. Neutral and breezy

More casual photoshoots, especially in groups, should highlight the individuality in every member of the group but still have a unifying factor. That’s why you can’t go wrong with a neutral base for everyone to start with, then build on to their own style. Accessorizing is a great idea for fall; scarves, shawls, breathable jackets, etc.

Source: goodnightmacaroon.co – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437485446777/

5. Shades of golden

Break out the gold outfits for fall, autumn colors offset gold well, so it doesn’t look overly common or stuffed like it would in winter. Browns, ivory, creams, and golds suit all skin tones and can be used together without clashing.

Source: jesse salter photography – http://www.jessesalter.photography/

6. Floral in fall

Floral is most often used in summer and spring, however, the right floral shade can complement a fall shoot perfectly. A darker floral blends well with the feel of the season, but be careful not to overdo it. Stick to one print for groups and add variety by wearing different outfit styles.

Source: HunterPremo – https://hunterpremo.com/

7. Denim on denim

Our all time fave, saved for the last. If you’re ever in doubt, throw on denim and blend in.

Source: Bresheppard.com – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5066618318363252/

Looking for tips on how to choose outfits for fall photoshoots that make you feel and look your best? Whether it’s for fall or any other season, Bird’s Eye Photography has key tips to maximize your outfits for every shoot.

The post Outfit Themes for a Fall Photoshoot appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

1. Dress appropriately. Summer means hot and humid weather, which can lead to sticky bodies. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics that don’t weigh you down. As for shoes, flats or loafers are a great option.

2. Think about your hair. If you or a family member’s hair reacts to humidity in a negative way, opt for a hairstyle that won’t leave you feeling insecure. For example, a pretty braid or an updo is a good choice. Or you can wear a headscarf, or use a little extra product to keep the frizz away. 

3. Pack necessities. When packing your photo shoot necessities, we recommend bringing the following items: Lots of water for all, a towel, a snack, sunscreen, umbrella for shade, water mister, makeup touchup.

4. Get creative with session ideas. Summer offers a host of activities that lend themselves to amazing photo sessions. For example, there’s parks, the fair, the circus, festivals, and plenty more. Bird’s Eye Photography would more than happy to shoot a really creative session with you.

5. Think about head to toe details. For example, if you’re wearing flip-flops or open toed shoes, you want to have manicured feet. If it’s really breezy, a hat or scarf can keep things under control.

6. Relax. Rest assured knowing I won’t let you overheat. Sometimes it’s hard just to walk outside when it’s scorching outside, but know that we’re going to have an amazing shoot. We’ll spend lots of time in the shade, dive into the cool A/C when we can, and I will never push your family into staying longer than they can or want.

7. Incorporate props. Outdoor summer shoots are loaded with imagery as is, but we can always incorporate a few props into the mix. Vintage step stools in a field look gorgeous, as do blankets, balloons, and even visually striking treats (lollipops, ice cream, etc.).

The post 7 Tips for Preparing for Your Summer Photoshoot Session appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

Your photography session with Bird’s Eye Photography is right around the corner! Are you ready? We’ve prepared a checklist of things for you to remember in order to make make sure your child is prepared for their big day!

1. Don’t forget to feed your child before the session. Also, pack snacks just in case hunger strikes again while we’re shooting. I personally detest the feeling of being ‘hangry’ so your little one is probably no different.
2. Bring more than one outfit. Make sure you always have backup clothes just in case. And we suggest that you don’t change your child into their session clothing until after you have fed him. Also, be very careful with drinks, as well – only clear liquids in a safe cup.
3. Let your child help when picking out their clothes for the session (unless they have a hideous sense of fashion.) By letting your child wear his favorite shirt or shoes, etc. this will help him feel more comfortable. If his choice of clothing is awful or doesn’t match, see if you can use that shirt as an undershirt or tell him he can put it on for a couple of shots at the end of the session.
4. If you have a young child, try to schedule the session around his naptime he will be well–rested and happy for photos.
5. Have a bribe in place. Bring fruit snacks, candy, a toy, etc. and let him know that if he cooperates he will get said bribery. Some parents have bribed their children by telling them if they are good, they can watch Netflix on Mommy or Daddy’s phone. Use whatever you think will work for your child to motivate him to cooperate.
6. Bring along his favorite toy or blanket. This will help your child be comfortable in a new, unfamiliar surrounding. Just be aware that this will probably become a prop in some of the photos, so bring something that is pleasing to the eyes or has sentimental value and you’d be okay with photos of it.
7. Talk to your child about the session and explain what’s going to happen. If your child is informed about the situation, it will be less scary for him when he comes to the session. Tell him that he is going to meet a new friend who is going to take some pictures of him. Let him know that you’ll be there with him and that we are going to have lots of fun. We might change his clothes once or twice and ask him to sit a certain way. During the session, we can show him a couple of the photos so he can put two and two together.
8. Bring Grandma (or someone else your child loves). Bringing along reinforcements is always a good plan. If grandma lives close by, or if your child’s favorite uncle has the day off of work, bring him or her with you. You can use this family member to help get your child to relax and laugh.
9. Wear sturdy shoes. It is a good idea to wear good, sturdy shoes to a session like this, as it is challenging to chase a little one around in flip-flops or heels. During the session, I may ask you to grab your child if he keeps running out of the frame. Or I may have us walking around exploring, so we need to be prepared to keep our feet safe and comfortable.

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1. Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some of the most gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won’t work, so you’ll instead want to book on a shorter notice.

2. Really play up the winter accessories when planning outfits. Think cozy knit scarves, colorful coats, adorable boots, mittens and more.

3. Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way. Also make sure that everyone’s dressed warmly.

4. Don’t be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun.

5. Choose colors and prints that pop. An all white background is absolutely beautiful, but having that pop of red or that flash of gingham can really make for a gorgeous photograph.

6. Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot.

7. Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone’s still warm and spirits are particularly high.

The post Preparing for Your Winter Session with Bird’s Eye Photography appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

Bird’s Eye Photography is one of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia’s most sought after Wedding Photographers.  There may be a laundry list of questions couples have while in the planning process and while selecting vendors.  One of our most frequently asked questions prior to booking is: How long should I book my wedding photographer?

What do you want covered?

First, you need to decide what important details you want covered. Do you want a lot of getting ready shots prior to the ceremony? Do you want us to stay for the entire reception? These details will affect the length of time you will need us there. If you want us to stay until your reception exit, and you want a lot of candid, getting ready shots, you will need full day coverage. If you just want a few getting ready shots, that will knock off some time. If you want us to stay for just the main events in the reception and not until the last guest leaves, then this will also shorten the day. By deciding on a start and/or end time, this is the first step to booking your package.

Ceremony Length

Next, you need to think about the ceremony length. For a Catholic wedding, the ceremonies tend to be longer, so you will need to allot more time for that. If you want us to cover you getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, I suggest 8-10 hours for Catholic weddings. If you have a shorter ceremony, you won’t need to take out as much time from your schedule.

Location Transfer

Now let’s talk about location. If you have a shorter ceremony and your reception is at the same venue as your ceremony, then you won’t need as much time because you can take out travel time. I would say something like this would be good for six to eight hours, depending on the formal photos.

On that same note, if your reception is at a different venue, you will need to include travel time into your schedule. Also incorporate the amount of time it takes to pack up all of your stuff to take to the reception. If you are going to take photos along the drive to the reception, more time will need to be added for that as well.

Formal Photo Requirements

For formal photos, you have to consider how many people are in your bridal party, and how many people are going to be in your family photos. If you have a small bridal party and a small number of family members having photos done, (and you’re at the same location the whole time), then six hours will suffice. If you have a larger family or bridal party, you will need closer to seven or maximum eight hours for offsite photos.

Special Exit

If you’re doing a special exit from the reception, like a sparkler exit, you’ll need to have full day coverage.

Some weddings can be covered in just four hours. If you’re having a backyard wedding or a courthouse wedding where your reception is short (for example, no dancing, etc.) and maybe just like a sit down dinner at a restaurant, then this could all be covered in four hours’ time.

Whatever you decide, Bird’s Eye Photography is able to accommodate you and make sure your special day is covered exquisitely and professionally!

The post How Many Hours Do I Need My Wedding Photographer? appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

So, here are a few simple tips to ensure that your day is stress free and flawless for your spring session.

1. Wear layers. Spring can be finicky in the sense that you can go from frigid to over heated in a matter of minutes. We suggest wearing layers — tank top, tee shirt, cardigan, scarf, etc. That way each family member can peel off, or add, a layer as they see fit and remain comfortable throughout the session.

2. Location is a big deal. This is a great time to full take advantage of the fresh, warm air and beautiful budding trees and flowers. If you have any favorite locations in the Maryland, Washington D.C. or Virginia area, let us know. We have a nice list on hand, ourselves.

3. Play into the colors of the season when choosing your family’s outfits. Fresh pops of green, blue, pink and yellow are always a hit in the springtime. We recommend choosing a color theme for the whole gang, then slightly deviating from that with accessories to keep things interesting.

4. Speaking of accessories: wear them! Choose jewelry, scarves, or prints that play into the spring theme. Butterflies, flowers, insects, etc, can make for some super adorable family pictures.

5. Time it right. Book a session too early and you may miss out on those spring buds. Book too late and you’ve already wandered into summer’s territory. Keep an eye on the weather and give your photographer a call when the time is right.

6. Incorporate props. Spring offers some beautiful backdrops where props blend in perfectly. For example, old wooden chairs look stunning in a sea of blooming rose bushes, and a quilted blanket is lovely on the fresh, green grass.

7. Really think about your footwear. Spring can often mean a soggy ground, so flip-flops or heels are not the best choice. Instead, wear something that’s comfortable and spring appropriate, like loafers, flats or boots.

The post 7 Tips for Preparing for Your Spring Session appeared first on Bird's Eye Photography.

Kierra is truly amazing! She’s sweet, fun, and so down to earth. Working with someone who is relatable, kind, and genuinely appreciative made the experience even more special. Moments like this are exactly why I don’t see my job as work.

Supporting and promoting independent artists and small business owners is incredibly rewarding, and experiences like this remind me how much I love what I do. I truly love my clients!

Check out the  Video clip.

And check out Eleven60’s website!

Until next time…

Whatever your creative vision is, pursue it and put it into action!  Be.

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