James & Katrina's Engagement Session | Maryland Engagement Photographer
A few weeks ago I had the honor of capturing the engagement session for James & Katrina featuring their daughter Serenity. They both decided on having the session at Pendleton King Park. I had shot an engagement session there before, but I had never notice the lovely garden there that is just perfect for taking photos! I really love working with couples prior to their big wedding day. It gives me an opportunity to not only get to know them better but work with them and gain their trust and confidence.
As we began conversing and walking to our first shot location I asked Katrina where her engagement ring was? The next few moments were of utter shock as Katrina had realized she had forgotten to put on her engagement ring and had accidentally left it home. I really care about giving the best images and care to my clients. So I told her I would wait for her to go back home and get her engagement ring. In the meantime, I would warm up my photo taking skills on her youngest sister (who was there to chaperon) and daughter. When Katrina came back we were ready to go. The rest of the engagement shoot was fun and relaxing. James & Katrina were really fun to be around and had no objections trying out any photo ideas I might have had whether they worked out or not.
I can’t wait for September when I capture their wedding at The Red Oak Manor in Harlem, GA. In the meantime, check out a few images from their engagement session!
Cyber School Graduation Photo Story | Maryland Graduation Photography
Three months ago I get a call from a Soldier who says he has a special request for a group photo. That this group photo will be historic because it’s the first of its kind. Was my interest piqued? You bet
I began to ask the Soldier more details about this photo he envisioned. It turns out this shot would be no easy task. I didn’t quite understand until I scheduled time to see exactly what he was talking about. He told me to meet him at Signal Tower located in Fort Gordon. I’ve heard about Signal Tower many times and I had imagined security would be as tight as it goes.
Upon my arrival, I checked myself into the lobby where I waited to be escorted inside. Within a few minutes I was greeted by the Soldier and building security. I was escorted to the 10th floor and shown the balcony. “Here is where the shot needs to take place” the Soldier said. What I saw was no more than 5-7 feet from the balcony rails to a wall of windows. I immediately got nervous, as you can imagine. “How many students will be in the shot?” I asked. His reply….21 Sir.
I began taking test shots with my iPhone, which is equivalent to a 35mm lens, or so that’s what I've read. I knew from the start that I would need to use my 24mm lens, but would that even be enough? It had to be this location, no other you see. The Soldier’s mind was made up and this is where it had to be -- no ifs, ands or buts. Suddenly, the security guard who had followed us all the way up had a fantastic idea that I wished I had thought of myself! Only windows separated the balcony where the shot had to take place and the elevator waiting area. The security guard suggested I setup and take the photo from inside the windows looking out toward the balcony. I thought at first, this might work. The Soldier said he would even try to lift the window up on the day of the shoot. But I knew I could not count on that so I started to think about how would I take the shot through the window and defeat reflection? When I got home that day the solution of how to defeat reflection popped into my head like a bullet. I could use a polarizer!
The morning of the shoot
The night before the group shot, I did a thorough check of all my equipment and of course a prayer that all things would go well! I had to be at the Signal Tower at 6:30am to take the photo by 7:00am. Timing was everything because the sun would start to peek through the balcony and cast sunlight on the students' faces. When I got to the security desk I saw all 21 cyber students waiting on me. We marched ourselves to the 10th floor. I bought along two soft boxes to which I attached my 600 ex-rt flashes. What I didn’t account for was wind. I didn’t bring any sand bags or weights to hold those soft boxes down. I was now praying the wind outside would not cause them to fall down. As I began setting up outside I saw the students could not raise the window as it was locked by a bar holding it down. Luckily, I had thought to bring some good ol' Windex and microfiber cloths. I actually had the nerve to ask a First Sergeant to clean the window! As he cleaned the window he said he would be putting this in his new job description with the Army -- I chuckled. So, as I feared at this point, the soft boxes were falling with the little wind that was coming through. The 1SG and captain escorting the students to the balcony were kind enough to be my assistants to hold the soft boxes -- how awesome is that! The students were all in position for me to take the shot and the sun was not waiting on me. It would be just a matter of minutes before that sun would make its presence known. Now, I knew from talking with the Soldier who hired me to do this that getting some of the background in the shot was preferred. So I knew I had to use the soft boxes to cast light on their faces but underexpose my shot to get the background. I of course shot RAW like I always do. I knew I would be able to get back more detail this way, especially if I were to underexpose the shots.
I had my MacBook Pro tethered to my camera, so that I could see how the shots were panning out. I wanted to make sure the images were tack sharp. I felt as though I had my shot, but I wouldn’t be 100% certain until I could work on the photo in Adobe Lightroom. To my shock, the students who did see some of the photos from my laptop LOVED what they saw. I mean, I couldn’t believe it because the shots were definitely underexposed. But, I’ll admit it took my nerves down a few notches. I got home and began work on the photos immediately. This had the highest priority since it needed to get its way onto a plaque that will eventually be on display at the Army Cyber School. The final product -- the shot you see above -- was the most challenging post-processed job I have ever done. If I only showed you the original shot I am sure your jaws would drop. But I won’t show that image! Hahaha. Just take my word for it!
I couldn’t be more proud of an image that I took. Everything I have been working for in terms of my art, my photography has led me to this point. I am honored to have taken a photo that has lasting importance for a noble organization. I finally get a small glimpse into what great photographers like Neil Leifer felt when capturing a historic photo that transcends time.
As for what the photo on the plaque looks like? Take a look for yourself!
Maryland Wedding Photography | Rob & Chelsee’s Wedding
Rob & Chelsee married on September 24th at the Court Street Livery. The town had a wonderful historic and rustic feel to it. The day was absolutely beautiful too. Here in GA, the weather can be extremely hot and humid. But on their wedding day the weather couldn't be more perfect! Throughout my time getting to know Rob and Chelsee, I have come to see a beautiful and caring couple who supported and trusted me with capturing the start of their marriage. I hope to continue to be in the lives of Rob and Chelsee in the future and wish them years of happiness. I want to close with Chelsee's wish for the start of their new lives together: "When you need a helping hand, you will always have mine. Because from this day forward, you do not walk alone. My arms will be your shelter, my heart will be your home and you will have my love forever and always."
Art in The Park 2016 | Maryland Concert Photography
Hello ya'll! I guess I should start saying "Ya'll" now that I have been living in the South for almost 2 years.....maybe not? hahaha. I am still a Northern City boy at heart, always will be!
So almost a year ago I volunteered my photography services for a yearly event called "Art in The Park". It is hosted by the amazing people over at the Columbia County Arts Counsel. Why am I blogging about this now? Well, I never got a chance to and I took so many photos that day that I found it so hard to pick which I would ever show. But, as I type this we are getting hit with a massive storm and for some reason I found it fitting to blog about it. So I bunkered down and chose which photos I would share with you all.
The good news, I have been asked to volunteer again for "Art in The Park" 2017! Like most photographers out there; we love getting paid to do what we love. However, I must admit there is nothing better than volunteering! I can't wait to capture this years event and hopefully I don't take a full year to blog about it! As my favorite NFL Insiders at ESPN would say "C'mon MAAAAAAN!"
Kelley Family Portrait Session | Maryland Family Photographer
The Kelley family portrait session was a relaxed and fun experience capturing genuine moments and natural connections. As a Maryland family photographer, I focus on creating timeless images that feel authentic and emotional, whether we’re shooting in Odenton, Annapolis, or the greater Washington DC area.
Heather had contacted me just days into the new year asking if I was available to capture her maternity/family portraits. She was 34 weeks into her pregnancy and really wanted some memorable photos she can cherish with her family. I was honored to be asked and was excited to capture this special time in all of their lives.
We began our photoshoot at the nature filled Brick Pond Park, I really love having photoshoots there! It has such a rustic feel to it and I always come up with new ideas, it’s never a dull moment there. Heather bought along her husband and her two energetic and well behaved sons. We all had so much fun during the shoot and her sons agreed to take any type of portraits their mother requested as long as they could take some fun silly shots. As you will see below they are quite funny! I especially like the “Bieber” impression photo hahaha.
In closing, I want to wish the Kelley family many blessings during this time and hope to capture their new addition to the family when the time comes.
Here are some of the photos we captured that day!
Art In The Park 2017 | Maryland Concert Photography
This year I was re-invited back to photograph Art in The Park 2017 for the Columbia County Arts Counsil. Sadly, the festivities were cut short by a massive thunderstorm that followed shortly after the morning performances had finished. Photographing Art in The Park is completely volunteer work and is my way of giving back to the community. I was just informed today that an official rain-date has been announced for Oct 14th and again, I have been asked to photograph the event. In the meantime, have a look at some of the photos from the performances that day!
