Michelle is an employee with the National Down Syndrome Society who I’ve known for several years now. Her passion for what she does — educating people on the Buddy Walk program and helping to plan each year’s massive NYC Buddy Walk event — comes from a place of personal importance.

Michelle’s younger sister, Marie, has Down syndrome, and is a major inspiration to Michelle. Michelle inquired about doing a family photo shoot with me and we decided to meet in downtown Frederick, Maryland. Frederick is a gorgeous background for photos — incredible architecture, charming streets, bright colors and pockets of nature.

Although the day of our photo session was pretty chilly, this family of four plus one beloved four-legged pal, braved the cold and helped me to capture some beautiful images of them to cherish always. (Michelle’s dog passed away just a couple of days after this session and I am *so* glad that we were able to get her in the photos, too.)

Marie has such a fun personality — a little bit of sass and a lot of confidence — and I loved capturing not only that but her huge love for her family and their love of her. We explored the area and were able to capture a lovely variety of groups, moments and memories. I’m so grateful for Michelle and the work she does and it was such a joy to meet her family, too.

Enjoy these peeks!