On Location Senior Portraits in Cecil County, Maryland

We had a lot of fun putting together ideas for this senior portrait session in Port Deposit, Maryland. One of the reasons I ask those questions about hobbies and interests when booking a session is so we can pull together props to do fun styled images that mean something to the senior. This is part of a recent session with one of my favorite clients - a very talented and sweet young woman who enjoys books:

 

 

  

Grace and Dave - Edgewood Wedding - Harford County, Maryland

I really enjoyed creating wedding portraits of one of my favorite people and her groom this fall! The wedding ceremony was in a lovely little country church and the reception was held at the Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood, Maryland. It was a nice, relaxed venue with a very attentive staff.

Some images from their save the date/bridal portrait session:

(I really encourage my clients to consider a bridal or post wedding session. It is a fun way to get some lovely portraits without worrying about holding up the wedding guests and a chance to put on that spectacular wedding gown again before you send it to be dry cleaned and stored away.)

At the church in Churchville, Maryland:

At the Richlin Ballroom in Edgewood, Maryland:

 

Claudia and Jonathan - Elk Manor Winery - North East - Cecil County, Maryland Wedding Photographer

If you are looking for a venue in the North East, Maryland area, be sure to check out Elk Manor Winery. This lovely spot has gorgeous buildings, a vineyard, a beach and a very nice tented pavilion. It is a perfect spot for outdoor weddings and the pavilion will keep you dry if the weather doesn't cooperate.

I was honored to photograph Claudia and Jonathan's wedding this month at the winery. They are such an amazing couple and the day was so special!

Be Still Week 4 - Light

I love natural light. Natural light early in the morning. 5 or 6 am and all is serene... I actually found this basket in the bathroom at the condo I was staying in at Rehoboth Beach. I took it to a few spots before I found the light I wanted.

Be Still Week 3 - Peony Awakened

I put together a whole series of styled still life photos with a peony, a shabby green children's chair and a gauze scarf I hand dyed with eco-friendly natural dyes. At the last minute, I pulled out my iPad and took this shot. It ended up being my favorite and I processed the photo completely with apps. Here's Peony Awakened:

A close second? Consider the Lilies. (Referencing the Sermon on the Mount. Many scholars think that the lilies in the famous verse actually were anemones or poppies.) For this one, I used a rustic crate and burlap as styling elements.

 

 

Be Still 52 Week 2

This week's assignment for Be Still 52 reminded me of the importance of taking time to simply be alone. I don't know about you, but there's not much I like better than curling up with a book and a cup of tea and just watching the birds swooping about in utter silence. The image is one I've been wanting to make for awhile, so I'm happy this week was the time it finally got to leave that vague "some day..." region in my head and get captured with the camera!

Awaiting a New Beginning - Be Still 52

I'm taking a new class through the talented Kim Klassen. It is primarily for still life photographers. Since I create a lot of still life sets during weddings, parties, etc., I am sure it will come in handy! I am really enjoying it so far. Here is my first week's image:

Fashion Edge Prom Portraits - Cecil County, Maryland

Prom and homecoming dances are such a huge milestone. You spend hours getting everything just right - finding that amazing gown, doing makeup...While you'll be getting a quick portrait at the event, it won't be about highlighting all the details. I love when clients find some time to book a prom session before the dance. We can really create some amazing images with a great fashion edge that are completely different from the formal shot they'll get at the dance that evening. Here are a few of my favorites from a recent prom portrait session in Cecil County, Maryland.

 

 

Winter Birds in Maryland - The Epic Snow of February 2014

When you're snowed in and feeling bored, there are two things to do - go out and play in it or stay inside and huddle by the fire with a cup of cocoa. I did both - set up a bird feeding station outside my studio window and then set up a bird blind inside at the window to get some photos. It was a ton of fun and the birds appreciated it since all the berries and whatnot were under over a foot of snow.

Want to get some great bird photos of your own? Prep a yard area near a window so that there aren't a lot of things like deck chairs, etc. nearby and set up a feeding station. Create a bird blind in the open window (I used cardboard) and set up your tripod and camera. I used a 75-300 mm lens. Keep your shutter speed high. Anything below 250 will mean a ton of blurred photos. Those little birds are constantly in motion. Ideally, you'll want to be much higher than that, but definitely don't go lower. Bump up your ISO a hair instead of lowering the shutter speed to get correctly exposed photos.

Have fun!