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On the same day that I shot yellow, I noticed the afternoon light hitting my neighborhood just right, and ran outside to shoot brown.
I have walked by this spot many times, and always loved the way the sun moves across everyone's tiny fenced yard. Most of all, the telephone polls all line up together in a graphically interesting way. I like that all lines lead to the center, and that the center is brown and faded, or earthy. Earth as the center.
This past October was full of beautiful weddings; Betsy & Whitney was just the beginning. As things got busier, I neglected to blog the other wonderful couples who I had the privilege of working with. They kept me on my toes, to say the least!
So, in order to properly feature and thank the couples from each day, this week will be completely wedding-themed--each day will feature a different wedding.
Get ready for an (awesome) onslaught!
Matt and Lauren had their ceremony and celebration at The Baltimore Museum of Art on October 12, 2008!
Lauren and her bridesmaids got ready all together at a nearby hotel.
As a graphic designer and great appreciator of art, Lauren had chosen meaningful and elegant vintage clothing and jewelry. Matt's wedding ring had beautiful inlaid wood, and hers was a lovely heirloom piece with tiny diamonds.
Of course, in spite of her serious attention to detail, Lauren knows how to have a good time.
A lovely ceremony under the tents at Gertrude's provided an elegant backdrop. The sculpture garden had a timeless and serene quality.
And what's a Jewish wedding without enthusiastic dancing?
Or a little tossing of the bride?
As the evening wound down, Matt and Lauren gave me the privilege of some time alone with them as they danced to classy tunes by The Swingin' Swamis.
I wish Lauren and Matt many years of happiness!
I would like to thank Jim Nee of Evlogia Design for his excellent post-processing work.
Will and Janet tied the knot on October 18th, 2008 at the simply gorgeous St. Alphonsus Church in downtown Baltimore.
I started photographing at her parents' house, where Janet pinned necklace from her grandmother into her wedding gown.
At the church, she needed some help with her lengthy veil, which left her relatives puzzled--in the end their hard work paid off.
The service was tranquil and beautiful. I don't think there's church architecture that could get much more beautiful than this.
After a roaring reception outside the church, Will and Janet took a few moments together. (I told you her veil was long!)
At the reception, they likewise took a break from the party and let me walk around near the Baltimore Symphony! It was a balmy night, full of cloudy atmosphere.
The old townhouse buildings around town afford some interesting lighting opportunities, too. As an artist and designer, Janet was up for trying a lot of different things, and Will was eager for some casual non-traditional pictures together. We roamed until the light started to fade beyond the hills.
Back at the reception, the party was still going strong at Preston Hall.
One of my favorite things about dancing at weddings is that the theatrics can get quite impressive.
It's always flattering to have a fellow artist choose me to photograph their special event. Thank you, Janet (and Will!) for the opportunity!
Again, I owe thanks to Evlogia Design for excellent post-production work.
Under the chuppah on October 19th, 2008, Naomi and JT were married at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD. The sky was amazingly clear and blue, the leaves just beginning to turn. The weather had the slight nip of autumn chill, and the stage was set for a beautiful event.
When I arrived, Naomi and JT were unloading the last-minute gear for the wedding. We spent some time together getting ready, and then before family or guests arrived, walked around the Sanctuary grounds, taking in the fresh air.
Simple elegance ruled the day--a pair of cranes held a pair of plain wedding bands.
At Woodend, the grove of trees surrounding the ceremony site loomed tall and airy.
As the sun set and the day cooled, everyone warmed themselves up with hot cocoa and cider.
Tucked away indoors were quiet moments of laughter.
And raucous celebration!
A week later, Naomi and JT donned their wedding garb again for an excursion into D.C. We toured the monuments together on a fabulous sunny day. The light hitting the steps of the Jefferson Memorial was simply gorgeous.
The Hirshorn's fountain gave us a cooling soak.
Outside the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, we found a spot to rest for a bit.
And on the way home, off came JT's shoes!
My congratulations go to Naomi and JT! Thank you for having me.
On October 24th--a cold, overcast day--Chris and Christine made their way to a grove by the river in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to say their vows to each other.
My assistant and I split up and caught Chris and Christine getting ready separately--they were not to see each other before the ceremony. The guys were fussing with each other's hair after abandoning a little pre-wedding card game.
The ladies were fussing with Christine's dress and in various stages of make-up. When Christine put on her veil, everyone gasped.
Chris took a last-minute look at his vows...
...then the ceremony began.
What moments; more than one person was brought to tears. Afterwards, my assistant and I split up with the bridal party to have some fun portrait time.
They were all wonderful sports, and then proceeded to dance the night away!
Chris and Christine fed each other their cake nicely, and then things got a little messy.
But they kissed and made up soon afterwards.
Being at Riverdale Manor was quite relaxing and beautiful, and I was blessed to be in the presence of Chris and Christine's families.
Many thanks to Adam Reuter of Baltimore Digital Studios for assisting me on this wedding.
It's a pretty rainy and miserable day here in Baltimore, with misty skies drizzling all over my stoop. It seems as though the folds of winter are just starting to cover us over. But not a few days ago, I noticed that we still had some brilliant colors in the last vestiges of leaves on the trees in our neighborhood.
Oh autumn, how I will miss you, with your crisp air, bright blue sky, and crunchy leaves.
Some of you may or may not know that I have an online storefront where clients can go to purchase prints and other delightful keepsakes.
Well, here I am to tell you all about some exciting changes, complete with awesome-but-unnecessary photos from fellow Flickr users to illustrate!
Flat Rate Shipping & Studio Pick-Up!
Get it? Shipping, ha ha.
I'm happy to say that I now offer local customers the option to pick up prints directly from me! Want to save a little money on shipping? Come on by. I'd love to shake your hand and give you your prints in person.
Also, shipping rates have changed. While the lowest rate has gone up to $15, no longer do you have to pay extra if you order larger prints! And for just $5 extra, you can get next day shipping! Not bad, not bad.
More DVD Options
Before, I offered a single option for purchasing all the photos from your portrait session or wedding on DVD. Now, you can choose between three different resolutions (low, medium, or high) that cater to your real-life needs and fit your budget!
By the way, that's not what your DVD will look like! That's actually what a CD looks like after you microwave it. It was too interesting not to post.
Instant Image Downloads
by Josh Russell
This is by far the coolest thing I have yet to offer--while browsing, you have the option to select images to download for juicy prints up to 5"x7". This gives people the option of choosing just a few of their favorites, instead of buying all the photographs on DVD. Plus, it's instantly there on your computer, for sharing with friends and family, or adding to a D.I.Y. home project!
Well, that's all for now. I look forward to hearing my customer's feedback on these new changes, hoping that they make live a little easier and convenient.
On Thursday evening I visited the lovely Gilah Press, a letterpress design firm in Hampden. The lovely Nathalie Wilson gave me the heads-up (I'm shooting her wedding in April, hooray!), and I headed over for a little liquid refreshment.
Lo, and behold, I arrived somewhat late, but Whitney gave me a personal demonstration of one of the presses, to my extreme delight. I came away with this beautiful coaster:
The ladies at Gilah Press do absolutely fantastic work. I'd encourage anyone interested in unique wedding invitations to visit their portfolio and see how simple and elegant letterpress can be.
And not to mention that in December, Gilah is hosting BINGE: an open studio event and holiday sale! Handmade goods and beautiful art will be there for purchase (think unique gifts, everyone). Oh, and I'll be there too for another press demonstration and shmoozing.
Hope to see some new faces there!
Oh how I love the internet. I am blogging to you all from my Grandparent's home in Texas. I'm the photographer who never sleeps, I tell you! I can't stand to leave you all hanging for too long, so I'm sharing with you lovely photos of the Lewis family.
When we went outside to shoot on Sunday, it was cold. Real cold.. Julia, Stephanie, and Joe braved the weather and posed for me outdoors before the light disappeared.
We then snuck inside to warm up, for a diaper change and bedtime! Julia loves diaper time.
She's such a doll!
