Heart And Soul Photography

Project:Love | Help for Haiti

2010-01-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentines Day, come and have portraits done with the Love of your Life...no session fee...all print proceeds will go directly to Haiti.

Our church sponsors a pastor in Haiti who has many churches and orphanages. Proceeds from print sales will go directly to him. If you are a member of FCF, I will send it there to go to Luc St. Felix. I read an article on MSNBC that I found quite interesting. It basically says, don't send "stuff", send cash...and if you can send it directly, that is the best way to help. So, come on out and have some fun "love themed" photos done...order some prints and send money to Haiti!!! Together, we can help spread love throughout our families and Haiti!!

Call to schedule your session today!!

2010 Hagerstown Bridal and Prom Expo

2010-01-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who stopped by!!! I had a wonderful time meeting all of the brides and those who are planning to renew their vows.

If you are a bride stopping by, please leave a comment so that I know you were here!

And the winners are..........(drum roll please...)

Stephanie Reynard and Kyle Reese

Sarah Hardin and Michael Kendrick

Lance and Jess Turner

Christopher and Kimberley Jackson

And, what did they win??? A free portrait session that includes an 8x10 print and 2 5x7 prints. Winners will be contacted today!!!

Again, thank you for stopping by and I can't wait to meet with you to discuss your photography needs!!

Exciting, BIG, Announcement!!!

2009-12-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

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!!

Christmas Portrait Open House

2009-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

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

It Takes More than Skill

2009-10-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2009-10-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Filip-Lupu Wedding

2009-09-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

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....

A Unique, Shabby-Chic Studio

2009-08-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Women of Valor Headshots

2009-07-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

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!!

Check out The Herald Mail-TODAY!

2009-07-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

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"

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2009-06-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

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!

New Studio Opening

2009-05-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

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!!!

Father's Day Portraits

2009-05-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

Samantha and Tom Kline

2009-05-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

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!!

Introducing Miss Hayden!

2009-04-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

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!!

Portrait Parties-Take 2!

2009-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

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!

New Logo!!! Finally!

2009-04-16T11:53:00.001-07:00

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!!

Some Portraits from the Party.

2009-03-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-03-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

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.

First Portrait Party this Saturday

2009-03-04T21:34:00.001-08:00

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!!!!

A most awesome Maternity session!

2009-02-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

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...

Portrait Parties are HERE!!!

2009-02-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

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....

Broadfording Christian Academy Auction!

2009-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

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!!!

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

2009-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

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!!!

Flickr Explore!

2009-01-13T09:28:00.001-08:00

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!

http://tamron.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-4282

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

Valentine's Day Portait Special!

2009-01-09T07:32:00.001-08:00

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!

Attention Chattertons and Marshall's!!

2008-11-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am uploading some of the pics to my site now...I still have some from the end of the evening that I need to put up, but you can check out most of them now!!! www.heartandsoulphotos.net

I'll have the rest up tonight...Thanksgiving kind of snuck up on me...how did that happen????

Because I know you can't wait....Chatterton's and Marshall's Christmas Pics!

2008-11-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a random sneek peak......the rest should be up on my site later on tonight.

Dexter

2008-11-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well...I finally had a chance to pull out the studio lights and do a studio session. I am enjoying finding new ways to manipulate light and create different lighting effects.

So...without further ado....here is Dexter....

Workshops Coming!

2008-11-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching a workshop at Beans in the Belfry in Brunswick, MD titled "Taking Better Photographs of Your Kids".

This is a great opportunity for me and for you!! A 5.00 donation is requested and you get to hang out at a VERY cool coffee shop!!

Topics include:

Angles that are most flattering for children
To flash or not to flash
Say Cheese! To pose or not to pose
Basic camera settings

You do not need to have a fancy camera...just come with what you have and get some great pointers!

We are waiting to hear back to confirm the dates and times, but it will be a Saturday in January and February!

The Most Beautiful Family, EVER!

2008-10-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a family that I met at The Good Shepherd Ministries. We met at 10am on a very chilly Saturday morning...the coldest morning it has been so far, I believe. I could go on and on about this family and how wonderful and beautiful they are, both inside and out. I just hope that I captured that on "film". That is my goal and purpose...I walked away from this session feeling great and very accomplished.

This picture shows the true essence of their family. I had just finished up taking some shots of the mom and we turned around to see this...all the kids playing and horsing around....with the younger two ganging up on their big brother and he was just loving it. I told the mom that I wanted to come and hang out at their house as it seemed as though they have a lot of fun together. And her response was, yes, we do laugh a lot....there is a lot of laughter in our home. This may not be the most perfect portrait, technically speaking, but to me...this photograph is priceless! This is WHY I do what I do. I can not express in words at the moment what this family did for ME! I came home with a renewed sense of hope and peace.

REACH Caregivers- Taste of the Town

2008-10-13T20:22:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, October 5th, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Taste of the Town, a fundraiser for REACH Caregivers. Check them out Here.

I had a print in the silent auction that was sold for 70.00 (it's the flag with the cannon one) and 2 of my luminary prints sold as a set in the live auction for 150.00. It was neat to see the SMALL bidding war going on for my prints.

I am just grateful that I was able to use my talent to give back to the community.

Not the Bride of Frankenstein

2008-10-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome opportunity to do an E-Session (engagement session) for a super young (compared to me) couple!! They were so much fun and were willing to appease me and some of my quirkiness.

We lucked out before we left Renfrew and got to use a bus. To you and me, it's just a school bus, but to them...it's where it all began.

Here is an out take from the session...and it will explain the title of the post. I literally laughed out loud when I saw this pic!

And a few more serious ones....

Portrait Parties

2008-09-29T09:32:00.001-07:00

I have been toying with idea of doing portrait parties. What is a portrait party, you ask???

Well, you invite a few friends over, I come to you, set up a small portable studio in your home (or location that you choose) and every guest/family will get a 20 minute portrait session. As a host, you earn credit towards your own prints and for future bookings made by your guests.

It's a great way to combine a play date, Christmas party, or just a casual get together with your friends and get great portraits, too. AND...you don't have to fight the crowds or the rush, you get a photographer that is patient and knows what it is like to work with an active toddler/pre schooler, and you get to have fun!

I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this...especially as busy moms!!!

New Toys!

2008-09-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

I have upgraded cameras and some other equipment. I am super excited about this as I had "outgrew" my old camera. Don't get me wrong, it's a great camera, but with the work that I am doing now, I needed to upgrade.

Here's a snapshot of the new stuff....and it's really just a snapshot....

And, as you can see...I'm not the only one that is super excited!! LOL!!!

Jesson - Teets Wedding

2008-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

I am so sad that it rained this past Saturday, as the church has some beautiful landscaping behind it. The bridesmaids had the most beautiful dresses!!! Here are just a few tidbits from Saturday.

Another Wedding

2008-07-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

I am booking another wedding tomorrow for September and hopefully, I'll be getting another wedding booking for 2009.

I know with one of the couples, we will be doing some engagement photos...I can't wait, as it will truly tell their story!! Stay tuned!!

And I can't leave this post without a photo from the 4th of July. This was taken at Antietam during their fireworks celebration, before the rain!

More Wedding photos, just because

2008-06-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

June Wedding

2008-06-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

The Beautiful Bride

Her gorgeous bouquet

Two Thumbs Up!!! They did it!!

This couple is the most adorable couple I have ever met!! They were so much fun to work with! It was an absolutely perfect June Saturday.

Engagement Session

2008-04-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple from today's engagement session. This couple was so fun to work with and they are just so in love!! I can't wait to do their wedding!!

Chocolate Extravaganza!

2008-03-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

I just got a call tonight to photograph the Chocolate Extravaganza tomorrow night in Waynesboro! I'm very excited for this opportunity!! I can't wait to post pics!

A New Blog!

2008-03-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well...I decided to do a blog for my photography. A little intro on why I do what I do. I believe that parents deserve to get great pics of their kids being the kids that they are and not what a photographer has posed them to be. I really don't like posing people (except for tiny little newborns) and most of the time, I won't. What good is a portrait when you can't say anything about it. I want to capture that special moment, that special look, that laugh, the true personality of my clients. I want people to look back through their pics and say, "I remember we were doing this when that pic was taken".

So, here is a shameless plug for my website.....

http://www.heartandsoulphotos.net/

Here are a couple pics from my recent shoot with 2 very special little ones....