ALBUMS! Stacia & Fred at Ft. Belvoir

The light warm colors of this album make it one of my favorites this year.  The tan and orange go so well together and are complimented by the pale green of the bridesmaid dresses.  The overcast day gave the photos a nice soft white light and that theme is carried throughout the album.  

Fort Belvoir Chapel and Officers Club

ALBUMS! Katherine & David in Baltimore

I love the classic feel of this album.  Katie wanted to include a lot of  black and white photographs so we made sure to design several all black and white spreads.   The blue of the bridesmaid dresses is used as an accent throughout the album and is especially vibrant on the spread of the cake cutting.  

Ceremony: Loyola Chapel

Reception: Towson Golf and Country Club

Music: DJ Noozer

IDEAS! Bright ideas for dark spaces - Part 1: At the Church

I just recently met with a couple who was concerned about getting good photos in their dark church.  This is a common concern of clients and photographers alike.  Most churches do not allow flash during the ceremony and most photographers agree that direct flash can be a harsh way to light a portrait.  So what do you do when the ceiling is dark, the spotlights dim and that maroon carpet makes it seem like more of a cave than a place of celebration?  Here are a few examples of how to find the light in those dark spaces.

Outside light from the open doors at the back
of the church light the bride and her father
while a slow shutter speed brightens the
dim lighting in the church.

One little ray of light was coming in from a
solitary high window so I placed the bride
and groom directly in it's path.

Who says you have to have your portraits
taken on the alter?  I took the bride and groom
up to the balcony where the only windows
were located.  Natural light fills the foreground
while tungsten light fills the dome.

Don't be afraid of the grain.  Sometimes a
high contrast backlit image can give a
beautiful sense of place.

Most churches have spotlights over the alter.  As long as you slow
down the shutter to bring in the ambient light, you shouldn't lose
the details in the background.  

SPECIALS! Holiday Cards and Portrait Packages

It's not too early to schedule your holiday portrait.  December will be here before you know it so book now to get your holiday pictures in time.  I have packages that include holiday cards and albums as well as hi-res images on disc.  If you've already had wedding, engagement or family portraits taken with me in the last year, why not have one turned into a custom holiday card for friends and family? Call or email today to schedule your portrait session or inquire about our new holiday cards.

HOW TO...Get Your Kids to Sit Still For Photos

Don't.  That's right, I said don't.  You can't make a kid sit still if they don't want to and I'm not going to fight with a toddler.  I'll lose.  

My method for children's portraiture is simple.  Find a fun setting with room to run around and play, slip on some comfy shoes and give chase.  Occasionally I might say things like "Hey can I take your picture?" or "Can you give Mommy and Daddy a hug?" and I get brief interludes where I can take a somewhat posed portrait.  I also encourage parents to bring toys, blankets or treats for a job well done.  

At some point your child is going to be finished and that's when the session is over.  This could be 20 minutes in or after an hour and a half.  I let them determine the length of the shoot.  The last thing you want to do is push a cranky child or try to force them to keep going.   It only results in tears and screaming, yours and theirs.

The best photos happen when kids are just being themselves.  After awhile they forget I'm there and that's when I capture the best moments.

WEDDINGS! Karen & Jesse at the 1840's Plaza in Baltimore

This day was like a romantic wedding, fashion shoot and club party all rolled into one. I was really excited to photograph this wedding because I knew it was going to be awesome...and I was right.

Karen & Jesse

Saturday July 30, 2011

Setting courtesy of the 1840's Carrollton Inn and

1840's City Lites Room

Cuisine and decor provided by The Classic Catering People

Decor and planning by Karen Stott

Music and audio by Rock the Mike Entertainment

ALBUMS! Featuring the Brilliant Album

New this year is the Brilliant Album with a full wrap-around photographic cover.  It comes in a variety of square and rectangular sizes and features lay-flat custom designed pages.