Rick is a fabulous, creative photographer, who also happens to be affordable. I use him for company…read moreevents all the time, and I refer him for weddings quite a lot. I get permission from him to use his pictures on my professional FB pages, and he is just the best. He also knows how to stay out of the way. Very gentlemanly and very talented!

My husband jokes that we should get the family discount next time we use Rick Martin Photography…read more We first hired Rick for our own wedding on January 6, 1996. Needless to say his film photography was stunning. Two of our friends hired Rick in the following years. When Rick transitioned to digital photography he gave his clients the opportunity to acquire the negatives. In 2004 another dear friend hired Rick--I was a bridesmaid and my oldest daughter was a flower girl. Seeing Rick's digital work made we wish I could do a redo on my own wedding to get more of his amazing photos. He was kind enough to take a set of photos of myself and my daughters in the church. In 2015 my husband's brother planned his wedding and of course hiring Rick was a no brainer. As he works, Rick is always quietly looking for the "moment" and his photos of their engagement and wedding are full of artistry and special memories. Seeing Rick at each wedding is like welcoming an old friend. And that's important--that your wedding photographer is friendly, professional, beyond talented, blends in with the setting of the moment. When our oldest daughter announced her engagement and began planning her dream wedding I thought it would be a long-shot that Rick would still be working weddings but I reached out to him to be able to give the young couple a choice, especially considering the wedding was a destination wedding. My daughter explained picking Rick because "He's more my aesthetic and I know him. I know how he works and feeling comfortable is important to me." Her choice was the right one. Rehearsal moments, getting ready, every moment of the ceremony and reception, and letting me handle getting every family grouping made it so comfortable for me and the bride. Sharing the special moment of putting my veil on my daughter knowing Rick was there when I wore it was captured perfectly. I would 100 percent hire Rick every time.

I got my maternity shoot by reflectionsbyph…read more Outdoor and Instudio shoot was awesome. The Couple was awesome and patiently chose our outfits and did a great job. The pictures came out really beautiful Thanks hethal and team for the memorable shoot

Simply the best bridal boutique ever and the owner Lee Ann makes you feel your best. Forever…read moregrateful. Thanks for making memories that will last a lifetime!

Amazing! The owner went above and beyond to help. Wow - just wow!…read more Forever grateful -

I brought a framed Virginia Tech football print in that had a cracked plexiglass cover. The…read moregentleman running the shop recommended replacing it with glass. For $20.00 and change - I got a brand new cover, and had them add some hardware to the back so that I can hang it on the wall. Great service - turned it around one one day! The shop can do any kind of framing and matting. They also sell framed artwork, including a number of pieces by famed Virginia artist P. Buckley Moss. Check out Framecraft!

Framecraft took in this artwork which had peeled off a tabletop. The piece was torn/ripped and…read moreraggetty when I brought it in the door. After a consultation they agreed to trim it back a bit and frame it as best they could. I am very pleased with the outstanding job they did.

I cannot recommend Gallery by Michael enough! I was quite nervous about being in front of the…read morecamera, but Michael has a wonderful, calming energy and an amazing sense of humor that instantly put me and my husband at ease. They were patient, incredibly creative with the location, and knew exactly how to capture our genuine personalities. The turnaround time for the gallery was surprisingly fast, and every single photo is stunning. Our favorite is definitely one he caught of our dog jumping for a stick. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience and beautiful photos we will hang in our home for years!

Just as I almost forgot how to use my 35mm SLR film camera (remember those??), I signed up for a…read moreBlack and White Darkroom class at the Reston Community Center Photo Lab with my boyfriend. I have had darkroom experience in the past, but my boyfriend was a complete newbie. As a resident of Reston (small district #5), the 4-session course was only $40 and included all chemicals and 4 additional hours of darkroom time. We had to purchase our own paper, film sleeves and provide our own cameras and film. The class was a great introduction to darkroom techniques, from developing your film, making/developing prints, and how to improve your final print. It did not, however, include instruction on proper exposure of your film or field techniques (though the RCC periodically offers such courses separately). The instructor, Sandra, was a sweetheart and did a fantastic job getting everyone started. I do have to warn all of you digital camera converts... you can only take 24-36 shots on a single roll of film... so point and shoot with care!!!! As for the lab, it's a great secret in Reston... Although tiny and beginning to show its age, it has everything you need to develop and print your BW and Color negatives. The Open Lab has hours on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (Color processing is not offered every day)... check out the website for an exact schedule. You must call ahead to make a reservation to ensure that Sandra is around and to make sure that it doesn't get too crowded. I've never had a problem reserving a spot for the same day. So here's what earned the lab a 5-star rating in my book... 4 hours at the open lab will only set you back $7!!!! That's less than a breakfast at starbucks!!!! Do note that if you don't live or work in small district #5 (Reston), the fees are a little more... $10. Still not bad!!! Happy printing!

I've shopped in this small gallery twice, both times for the beautiful and unique jewelry from…read morelocal artists. This last time the owners, Bill and Susan, were hosting a jewelry show featuring local artists of course. I will admit I probably spent more than I should have, but I came away with some truly unique and lovely items to include a Christmas gift for my mom who also loves jewelry. From this write up you might think the gallery features only jewelry, but that is not the case. I noticed art on the walls and sculptures/gifts throughout the store. The one commonality being unique local art. The owners of this lovely store were kind and helpful. I was able to try on the jewelry and wander about the store as I browsed around some more. When it came time to check out, I was even offered a small discount - maybe because I had decided to purchase 4 items. At any rate, it was greatly appreciated as was the glass of wine to enjoy during the art show. This shop is a class act and I will return.

The Byrne Gallery is a gem in the middle of Middleburg. Susan Byrne is knowledgeable and friendly…read moreand is a joy to know. I have purchased several pieces of art, as well as some beautiful jewelry. I highly recommend her gallery. Middleburg is a quaint town and a fun place to spend a day.

In simple terms Framing Outlet continuously exceeds my expectations with quality, timeliness, and…read moreprice! I have had them do everything from re-framing 30-40-year-old prints to creating shadow boxes with unusual size items in them. The ownership is engaging and friendly while being efficient in their execution of my orders. I find myself there every few months with the next project I am working on.

I came to the Framing Outlet to order two frames with engravings to give as gifts. Ozzie was…read moreextremely helpful and gave good suggestions to the colors of the frame and the mat that would go around the image. He was also responsive whenever I emailed him. The turnaround time for my project was about a week and I was very happy with the product. Framing is always pretty expensive, but I thought Ozzie's prices were reasonable and I'd ask to see if he has any promotions going on. TLDR: Ozzie has great customer service!