Monday, December 7, 2009

Exciting, BIG, Announcement!!!

I just signed up to be a part of the 2010 Hagerstown Bridal and Prom Expo.

I LOVE love...I LOVE shooting weddings....I can't believe I am even saying that. When I first started out, I said, I would NEVER do a wedding...but the truth is, they are my favorite!! Don't get me wrong, I love all aspects of photography and portraiture, but, there is just something about weddings.

So, come on out and say HI!! January 10th, 2010 between 11am until 4pm, Center Court, Valley Mall, Hagerstown!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Christmas Portrait Open House

With the opening of my studio, I am doing a Christmas Portrait Open House. Some of you may know that I recently had foot surgery done about 4 weeks ago which has put me out of commission for formal Christmas portraits.

So, instead, I will be doing 30 minute mini sessions, without a sitting fee. One new and exciting addition to my website is that you can order your Christmas cards with envelopes directly from my site!!! Prices start at 19.95.

So...without further ado.....here are dates and times for you to make your appointment!! Why fight the crowds and the mall...come out to the country!!!

Sunday, November 22nd, 3pm - 7pm

Friday, December 4th, 5pm - 9pm

Saturday, December 5th, 10am - 2pm

Call today to book your time!!!

717-765-4565

Sunday, October 18, 2009

It Takes More than Skill

I came across this article while researching some new equipment (okay..we will call it research...let me just get the drool off of the keyboard).

This is an article that talks about "famous" photographs of history and how there were other photographers there but only one "got the shot". Sometimes it is luck, sometimes experience, sometimes...even accidental.

So, here it is...happy reading!! Click HERE to read. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!


Thursday, October 8, 2009

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah....I know....

Okay, so it's been like, forever...as usual...but that usually means that I am busy...and I have been!!

Let's see...There was the previous wedding before vacation, a wedding that I 2nd shot for the week after vacation, a maternity session, another wedding (my dad's..does that count?? I did the pics), a Christening, Taste of The Town, and I have another event coming up this Saturday...a women's conference titled "My Good Black Pants"....whew....no wonder I am tired!!!

Images will be coming...stay tuned!!!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Filip-Lupu Wedding


Every wedding I do is beautiful...but this wedding...wow! Where do I start????

First, the Bride and Groom are Romanian, the entire ceremony was spoken in Romanian. I have no idea what was being said, but it was beautiful. The ceremony lasted 2 1/2 hours...yes...that is hours...There was traditional music, 3 sermons, prayers said...just beautiful. They were married at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Hagerstown which has AMAZING stained glass windows. The light and reflections were, again, just beautiful!!! On to the sneak peek...because words can not describe it....











Friday, August 7, 2009

A Unique, Shabby-Chic Studio

I think the title best describes my style and my new studio. The studio is almost completely finished. It is useable; however, there is still some work to be done. The ceiling needs to be hung, overhead lighting needs to be added, and the bathroom needs to be finished.

So now that leads me to ask this question: Why would someone want to come to a little "shabby-chic" studio in the country instead of running to Walmart, Sears, The Picture People, etc?

I have been brainstorming, researching, using my own personal experience to come up with some pros and cons.

Immediate Gratification -- Most studios will allow (force) you to pick your prints at the end of your session. You are still on that high, you can't wait to get your prints, because let's face it, that is why you went there in the first place, right??

Now, while this can be a pro for going to the mall, it can also be a con as well. Picture this in your mind, if you will ... You are trying to proof your session with your dear children -- as they are terrorizing the store because they have just been forced to sit, stand, smile and do something cute all because we want good pictures! Can we say performance anxiety? So you end up ordering whatever just to get out of there. Now, $300.00 later you have sheets and sheets of prints that -- hopefully -- you will know exactly where you want to hang and have enough family members to hand out all of the prints to. While I can not offer prints in an hour, I can have them within 1 to 2 business days of ordering.

No Session Fees! -- Ever seen this advertised?? I sure have. So where do you think they are making their money? Print Sales of course! This then leads me to ask the next question, are their photographers true "photographers" or are they "sales people" or maybe a little bit of both?

My session fee is $75.00. This includes a $25.00 print credit -- you choose which prints and sizes you want. Which leads me to my next point ...

Print Packages -- Most places have print packages with specific sizes or a certain number of sheets where you get to pick the sizes ... and then you get to cut them out.

I do not believe in print packages. You know what you want or need and I want to save you money! I do not ever want to make someone buy a whole package only to have most of them hidden away in a drawer somewhere. Guess what -- even I have a drawer with prints in them from a package I had to buy.

Length of Sessions – My experience has been short and sweet. They got the “one pose” for your package and that’s it. My session lengths are usually 1 to 2 hours. I do not want parents to feel rushed or pressured to get their kids to “behave”. And, if we are on a creative roll, I do not want to be held to a “time limit”.

Now, to be completely fair, I can see why people would choose to head to the mall…a coupon, you NEED prints right now, and the “that’s just they way we have always done it”. They are all perfectly legitimate reasons.

The one thing I feel that I can offer that no other “mall studio” can offer is personal service. I want to be the photographer that is able to photograph all of the milestones in your life…your wedding, your little ones, your little one’s sr. pictures, and your little one’s wedding… My goal is to establish a life long relationship with my clients to where they are not just clients but friends.

If this sounds like something you are looking for in a photographer, I would love to sit down and show you what I can offer.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Women of Valor Headshots

I had the most awesome opportunity to meet with some of the speakers that will be speaking for an upcoming Women of Valor Women's Conferece. The conference is titled, "My Good Black Pants" and you can find out more here.

Without further ado, here are some very beautiful ladies, inside and out!!











Sunday, July 19, 2009

Check out The Herald Mail-TODAY!

My flag and canon photo that I submitted almost a year ago has finally been selected to be in today's Herald Mail. You can view it here.

I am super excited about this!!! I really wanted to get this post posted earlier in the week when I found out about it, but, I have been very busy with lots of editing, proofing, and order filling this week.

Studio Update: The drywall is being hung this week...painting should happen the latter part of this week and it is move in time!!! Woo Hoo!!!!! So, now...I just have to pick a date for the "Grand Opening"

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy....

but that is GOOD!!!

Wow...what a fun couple of weeks....first...waaaaay back on May 24th, I got to 2nd shoot a wedding with fellow friend and photographer, Chris Vigliotti. It was a great outdoor wedding and a great time!!!

Next up was Heidi Shaull's portrait party. That was a fun bunch of families!!! There were great times throughout the day and their neighbors graciously offered up their farm for pictures!! It was great! The coolest thing...I got to photograph a celebrity!!! Remember when Extreme Home Makeover came to Waynesboro??? Well, Heidi's brother, Craig, plays on the team that the family helps to run! He was on TV with Ty Pennington!!! Here is Heidi's blog about it. Craig is so cool and a lot of fun!!!


This is inside the cool (and a little creepy) barn.
(Lots of birds flying around and I don't care too much for birds!)


And Craig....hanging out on the farm!

In this picture, I asked Craig to show me his "tough guy" face...too cool!

Friday, May 22, 2009

New Studio Opening

I am super excited to announce that I will finally have an actual studio and office space!!!

My studio is being built as I type this!!  I'll now be located on Iron Bridges Road in Waynesboro...so still close to home.

I can't wait to have my first session out there....that won't happen until around July 1st when everything is finished.

I'll be posting pics soon!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Father's Day Portraits

Since I totally missed Mother's Day, I have a couple ideas for Father's Day!!

Whether you have a Daddy's Little Girl or a little boy who can't wait to fill Daddy's shoes, I've got some great ideas!!!

I even have an idea or two for the mommies!!

Now is a GREAT time for family portraits!!

Call me today to schedule your session!!!

717-765-4565

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Samantha and Tom Kline


First of all...what a great couple...they are young and in love...just way too sweet!  They were so wonderful to allow me to shoot the engagement pics and their wedding.  It was a great day!  Perfect sunny day in April!  Her mom and grandmother made all of the bridesmaids dresses and they were just way too adorable! 


This is one of my faves so far!!


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Introducing Miss Hayden!

Here is little Miss Hayden.  She sure was a little wiggle worm, even at only 3 weeks old!!  She's so tiny and sweet...so without further ado....he she is!!


I think this is my favorite newborn shot!!  This was all Mommy's doing, too!!!


Welcome to the world, Baby Hayden!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Portrait Parties-Take 2!

Summer months are quickly approaching and why not have your friends over for an outside picnic while you get great portraits of you and your kids???

Here is how it works....

You provide the place and the people and we'll provide the photographs and the party!  We ask that you have a room or area that is large enough to be converted into a temporary photo studio (outdoors is acceptable and encouraged if weather permits). You will be required to confirm a minimum of 4 guests to participate in the event with a maximum of 12 guests for a 1 day party. I would recommend that as a hostess you provide some simple snacks and drinks for your guests. Please schedule your guests' sessions 30 minutes apart.  Please have the sessions scheduled consecutively so there aren't any gaps between sessions. (i.e. noon, 12:30, 1pm etc) Your guests are not required to stay for the duration of the party.   

  
 
Encourage your guests to bring multiple outfits, hats, and any other props that they would like to use to personalize their photographs. The photographer will bring some props too! Every image is available in color and black/white. As the host, you get to choose if you would like the photographer to bring a black or a white background for your Portrait Party! The choice is PER Portrait Party not per person photographed. Indoor AND outdoor photos can be taken per person/family. 

 

   There will be NO SALES at the party or orders taken during the party! All the images will be put on a secure website with a password for your guests to view within 24 hours of your party. They will then have 7 days to place their order.

 

As host/hostess you will receive your own 30 minute session before your guests arrive, 1)FRAMED 8 x 10 portrait PLUS 10% credit from the total portrait sales toward your portrait order. It is very possible to get all your portraits for free. If one of your guests schedule(and hold) their own Portrait Party within 1 month of your party, you will receive 5% CASH off their total orders from their party!! If one of your guests books their own Personal Photo Session you will receive another Free FRAMED 8 x 10 photo! I believe in "word of mouth" advertising and I'm good to my return customers!!!  I stand by my work and guarantee satisfaction or I do a FREE reshoot!  My testimonials speak for themselves!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

New Logo!!! Finally!

After trying to come up with something myself, I found a great designer, Marie!

I found one of her pre made logos to be just what I was looking for.  You can check her out here.  She does fabulous work and was really helpful and patient with me.  Even though it was a pre made logo, she still customized it to match my colors!!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Some Portraits from the Party.


Deep in thought
Gotta save this one for the 1st girlfriend he brings home to mom and dad!

Poser!!!  My favorite of Zach!

This is Zach and Tyler...I have been doing their portraits for almost 2 years now!!  Hard to believe!!!  Tyler, the younger one, wanted nothing to do with having his portraits done.  Zach, on the other hand, was somewhat of a ham!!  He is almost 4 and he is really showing his personality in front of the camera now.  

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Party is Over...the Portrait Party, that is...

Oh, my!! What a whirl wind day!!!  There are a couple things that I will definitely do different next time...like schedule 45 minute sessions on the hour, just to give that extra little bit of time to chat.  I really felt like I didn't have the time connect with the new people I was meeting....and I didn't like that.  It was great meeting 4 new families and their gorgeous kids!!!  I couldn't believe the cuteness that was ooozing out of these little kiddos!!!  

Anyway...I think that Portrait Parties are definitely worth the work that goes on behind the scenes...I took just about as many shots as I do at a wedding!!! 

As of right now, I have 2 more Portrait Parties waiting to be scheduled...just waiting on a final date.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

First Portrait Party this Saturday

I can't wait.  My good friend Melissa is hosting the first portrait party!  She has between 4 and 6 families coming!!  YAY!!!  Melissa is probably the driving force behind me even being in business so it is only fitting that she holds the first party!

I am so excited to see how this turns out...I think it will be good.  I actually like that she doesn't have a whole lot of people coming so that I can take my time and not feel rushed.

So....a great big THANK YOU to Melissa!!!!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

A most awesome Maternity session!

I had the opportunity to photograph Audrey, who is having a baby in just a few short weeks.  This is her last baby and she wanted to capture the moment.  Now, Audrey is a fun and funky kind of girl.  She has lots of tatoos that all have a lot of meaning to her and we really wanted to show them off.  I loved the idea of the hard, edginess (is that a word??) of the tatoos with the softness of motherhood.  She is a great mom and her youngest got to hop in on a few of them, too!

Here are just a couple...
















Monday, February 16, 2009

Portrait Parties are HERE!!!

Portrait Parties are finally HERE!!  Why pay mall prices and fight the crowds when you can earn FREE portraits, hang out with your friends, and have your children happy and in an environment where they are comfortable????

Here is how it works....

You provide the place and the people and we'll provide the photographs and the party!  We ask that you have a room or area that is large enough to be converted into a temporary photo studio (outdoors is acceptable and encouraged if weather permits). You will be required to confirm a minimum of 4 guests to participate in the event with a maximum of 12 guests for a 1 day party. I would recommend that as a hostess you provide some simple snacks and drinks for your guests. Please schedule your guests' sessions 30 minutes apart.  Please have the sessions scheduled consecutively so there aren't any gaps between sessions. (i.e. noon, 12:30, 1pm etc) Your guests are not required to stay for the duration of the party.   

   
Encourage your guests to bring multiple outfits, hats, and any other props that they would like to use to personalize their photographs. The photographer will bring some props too! Every image is available in color and black/white. As the host, you get to choose if you would like the photographer to bring a black or a white background for your Portrait Party! The choice is PER Portrait Party not per person photographed. Indoor AND outdoor photos can be taken per person/family. 

 

   There will be NO SALES at the party or orders taken during the party! All the images will be put on a secure website with a password for your guests to view within 24 hours of your party. They will then have 7 days to place their order.

 

As host/hostess you will receive your own 30 minute session before your guests arrive, 1)FRAMED 8 x 10 portrait PLUS 10% credit from the total portrait sales toward your portrait order. It is very possible to get all your portraits for free. If one of your guests schedule(and hold) their own Portrait Party within 1 month of your party, you will receive 5% CASH off their total orders from their party!! If one of your guests books their own Personal Photo Session you will receive another Free FRAMED 8 x 10 photo! I believe in "word of mouth" advertising and I'm good to my return customers!!!  I stand by my work and guarantee satisfaction or I do a FREE reshoot!  My testimonials speak for themselves!

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Broadfording Christian Academy Auction!

I have a print to be auctioned off at Broadfording Christian Academy's auction and spaghetti dinner.  It's Friday, February 20th (snow date March 6th).  The cost of the spaghetti dinner is just $7.00.  The cool thing is, you don't have to attend the dinner to attend the auction.  The dinner is at 5pm with the live auction beginning at 7pm.

They have lots and lots of cool items such as 42" plasma tv and blu ray, Ipod, Marie Osmond Dolls, one week in Myrtle Beach.

Come and check it out!!  They will even have child care available during the auction!!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

In Case You Don't Know How You Got Here....

I updated a link on my website to make this my "home page".  If you were ordering prints, viewing your proofs, or perhaps just perusing and hit the "home" button, that is how you got here.  Click on the link in the upper right hand corner to go back to where you were.  Happy Viewing!!!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Flickr Explore!


Okay, so most probably won't care too much about this....but....it's pretty cool. This picture made Flickr's Explore! So, what is Flickr Explore??? Some goofy algorithim of how many groups it's in, favorited, and views that makes the people at flickr say "hey, that's a great photo...let's put it on the front page"...now this page is updated all day long, but it's still really cool!


I have also entered this in a Tamron photo competition...so far it's doing pretty well! Here is the link in case you want to vote!

Make sure that it is this pic, as sometimes it takes you to a different pic, not sure why!



Friday, January 9, 2009

Valentine's Day Portait Special!

Need something for that special someone?? Tired of chocolate and roses?? (okay, well...who could ever get tired of those?) Want to give Mommy or Daddy a cute photo of the kiddos??

I've got a lot of creative ideas roaming around in my head for this special day!!

Special package available for 65.00

1 hour session
1 8x10
4 5x7
4 4x6

Call today to schedule your session!