So I recently developed the film from Jeremy & Vanessa's photo shoot, and I'm actually more pleased with these photos than the others. What is it with me? Am I just completely wedded to film, forever destined to be better at this than digital? Am I hallucinating here? What do y'all think?
taken with my Nikon FM10
taken with a HOLGA
I particularly love the vingetting with the HOLGA--it's so perfect for a willow tree and a couple photo.
One day, Brian proposed to Kristi, and she said yes!
The two of them contacted me about photography for their wedding day, and also asked for an engagement session. Friendly, down-to-earth people, they requested that we take photos in Patapsco State Park, because they loved the woods and being in the outdoors.
I love photographing in the outdoors, of course; the natural beauty of the world can so easily enhance the romance of a couple! When we went for our session, it was very hot, but Kristi and Brian bore the heat like real troopers, and we all had a phenomenal time.
Above, one of my favorite shots of the two of them enjoying the forest and each other.
And here, my favorite intimate moment.
I want to offer thanks to the couple for letting me photograph them, and kudos to my pal Jim, who assisted in some of the expert post-production of the shoot. The whole session can be viewed here.
Alex and Jay are getting hitched on June 14th! We planned an engagement session just weeks prior to the busy day, on a balmy afternoon in downtown Baltimore by the Washington Monument.
After having rescheduled due to rain quite a few times, the light proved to be absolutely perfect for the occasion.
They enjoy each others' company so much; they have even taken dance classes together so they can perform a little bit during their reception. Here they are, practicing some elegant moves in the plaza area:
And here's one of my favorites: a sweet moment when Jay (who nearly completely ignored the camera the whole time) stole a kiss from Alex.
They were such great subjects: very relaxed, open to direction, while being unselfconscious and genuine all at once. I'm so excited to photograph their wedding!
Alex and Jay are getting hitched on June 14th! We planned an engagement session just weeks prior to the busy day, on a balmy afternoon in downtown Baltimore by the Washington Monument.
After having rescheduled due to rain quite a few times, the light proved to be absolutely perfect for the occasion.
They enjoy each others' company so much; they have even taken dance classes together so they can perform a little bit during their reception. Here they are, practicing some elegant moves in the plaza area:
And here's one of my favorites: a sweet moment when Jay (who nearly completely ignored the camera the whole time) stole a kiss from Alex.
They were such great subjects: very relaxed, open to direction, while being unselfconscious and genuine all at once. I'm so excited to photograph their wedding!
Angela and Phillip recently got engaged, and we wandered around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Federal Hill together for some fun in the chilly weather.
It may not look that cold in the pictures, but that's because these two were very brave, removing their coats for a few key shots, and humoring me as I directed them.
These sweethearts have been dating for years, and it's plain to see that they have the affection and friendship to show for it.
Here they stand proudly at the prow!
And the romance of a kiss...
I wish them both happiness and warmth that lasts through the seasons!
Shauna and Mark are getting married this October! They love movies, old architecture, and looking sharp. It was only appropriate to do an engagement session at the amazing Senator Theatre in downtown Baltimore.
Mark and Shauna describe themselves as "camera shy," but I tell you, I don't think I've had a more willing and pliable couple; they were up for almost anything I suggested, including lying down on the frigid pavement in below-freezing weather!
For this shoot, I kept my lighting limited and simple. I wanted something that would feel very dramatic... at times harsh as well, to reflect the paparazzi city feel, and add a little glamor.
We also found some old movie reels and had a little fun.
What would the movies be without popcorn?
Or, perhaps, a kiss?
I had a fabulous time with these two, and The Senator was an amazing location. It's a travesty, therefore, that a "jewel of Baltimore" might not be able to stay running. After "cramming 1,000 people into its theater" to show the live coverage of the Inauguration, the Senator will host a press conference today at 10:30 AM to discuss how the theater is in danger of shutting down.
So please, show The Senator some love. Show up at the press conference, tell your friends, or better yet, call Gayle at 410-323-1989 and ask what you can do to help.
Tara and Jeremy are getting married in the D.C. area later this year, in the fall. We met up this spring as soon as the weather started turning warm to take some engagement photos, spending some time on their rooftop garden and hanging out in the funky stairwells where they live!
They were great sports for this shot; I was wriggling around on the floor and adjusting my off-camera flash while they chatted with each other.
Plus, the two of them were so naturally affectionate; it wasn't hard to take a good picture of them together!
And that rooftop garden rocked; we had great shadows and architecture.
Such a sweet moment, no?
I wish Tara and Jeremy the best when they tie the knot this September! They have a whole summer stretching ahead of them of anticipation and beautiful weather; blessings to you both!
Nathalie and Cory braved the misty rain in Baltimore this past Saturday to join me for an engagement session that spanned up and down Howard Street, went to Lexington Market, and into the Inner Harbor for a stop at Rita's Italian Ice. It was quite the afternoon!
Nathalie and Cory are artists; Cory, a painter, and Nathalie, a designer. The two of them have been working very hard to make their wedding as green and DIY as possible, in some of the most beautiful ways. That yellow flower pin Nat's wearing? That was a find on Etsy. Nathalie designed their save the dates and invitations, even letterpress printing them herself. They have a great list on their wedding website of all the ways their wedding is going green.
Cory has impeccable taste; he picked out Nat's engagement ring with a topaz in the center. It's a deliciously wonderful teardrop shape, and the two of them were more than happy to do a few zany things with it for the camera.
I can't wait to shoot their wedding at Woodend Sanctuary at the end of April. It's sure to be a gorgeous, joyous affair! Nat and Cory have told me that instead of traveling for their honeymoon, they're setting aside a week to do all the touristy things in Baltimore that they've never done as residents; sure to be fun! I hope they find a new, delicious restaurant for me to try.
Remember Nathalie and Cory who wandered around with me down Howard Street in Baltimore that rainy afternoon? Well, I have more delectable photos from that outing; I couldn't resist posting more, since we found so many interesting little nooks and crannies throughout the city.
After visiting Lexington Market, Nathalie and I spotted these fascinating phrases painted on some of the boarded-up buildings nearby. I love the one with them hidden behind the umbrella; like I snuck up on them somehow.
Also further down Howard Street from Lexington Market, a mysteriously beautiful painting on plywood:
A tender distracted moment...
Enjoying delicious Italian ice:
And finally, holding hands, with another close-up of that fabulous ring.
Major kudos to both Nathalie and Cory for braving the chilly rain, and a big thank-you for treating me to my first-ever Italian ice in quite a long time!
Sometimes you can find love in unexpected places... and even in your own backyard. This is exactly what happened to Robert and Krissy not too long ago. Having searched--quite literally--the world over for the lady of his dreams, Robert found Krissy waiting for him on his doorstep.
We took a little trip to Downs Park the other day as the rain was clearing and the sun just began to peek through the horizon. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.
Or a more perfect location--a deliciously old wisteria arbor.
And what with spring in the air, it's the perfect time of year for cherry blossoms, and perhaps a few kisses along the way.
Congratulations to Robert and Krissy--I very much look forward to your wedding!
These two lovebirds had a short-but-sweet session with me in the ever-lush and immense grounds at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland. After gazing at the map for quite awhile, we decided to wander, first, down by the Japanese teahouse...
And then among the formal gardens near the Conservatory, where Kurt and Lily were really able to loosen up and enjoy each other. It was hot, but the overcast day made the gardens thoroughly enjoyable... they almost dripped with a tropical energy.
Lastly, we walked among the roses, enjoying the sights and scents all around us.
What a lovely location and fun couple! You guys were a great pair and awfully fun to photograph!
My session with Zack and Leslie began in their artfully-decorated apartment. To start, Zack showed off his juggling skills using a nearby bowl of clementines.
And when I say that their apartment was "artfully-decorated" I truly mean it: Jim Dine, Alex Katz, the works, folks. Famous artists' works graced the walls all over. I used the Dine drawing by the kitchen for the shot below.
So romantic; Zack and Leslie were so at ease with each other, and graceful in front of the camera!
Not to mention playful...
...AND willing to put up with an odd posing/location request or two!
Later on we walked through the downtown streets and found a wonderfully-textured alleyway.
Zack and Leslie, best wishes to you both! I had a blast.
It starts with two people and a ring...
Jeff and Mariko met me down by the water in Fell's Point in Baltimore for a little delightful dancing.
Later, we walked around the neighborhoods, creeping through every nook and cranny looking to have a good time.
We even stopped to have a game of Connect Four at Mr. Yogato!
I won't tell you who won. Instead, I'll show you my favorite pictures from the session, involving a blue door.
I loved that they weren't afraid to make faces for the camera, too.
At the lemonade stand, Jeff made his moves.
And as the sun set, they held each other close.
I can't wait to photograph their wedding this spring!
Congratulations, you're engaged! If your wedding date is set far into the future, you just might be hankering to take some portraits of you and your spouse-to-be. Here are ideas for locations, activities, and extra touches to add to your engagement portrait session.
An engagement session location needn't be exotic or expensive to create excellent portraits and lend a bit of lightness to the mood. Here are some suggestions for cheap (if not free) possible locations. Keep in mind that you (or your photographer) may need to contact the venue or location in order to obtain permission to take photographs, and pay any applicable fees. Do your research: planning ahead is key!
Ask your photographer for location suggestions if you're stumped. More often than not they've been scouting location ideas for future sessions or other projects, and may have a few fabulous tricks up their sleeve!
Having an activity to do while you're being photographed can help get those candid, relaxed moments that you like to capture. It puts you at ease and gives you something to enjoy or joke about with your loved one.
Of course, some of these are outdoorsy/messy, so be sure to have a few costume changes planned!
Using props can be another way to add action or something interesting to a photograph. Something unusual, or using something everyday in an unusual way, can make the photograph intriguing, and add personality.
Oh, and always remember to enjoy yourselves and relax!
E-mail me if you have an idea you'd like to share, too! I love hearing them.
There's been a semi-secret contest going on. For those who follow me on Twitter or joined my Facebook fan page, it's no big secret.
Last night, I gave away a free engagement session on Facebook.
Twelve couples entered--which was more than I expected, actually! And hey, a one in twelve chance to win something is better than most odds.
And here are the results, folks!
I look forward to working with Lisa & Rob!
Back in January, I gave away a free engagement session to a lucky couple on Facebook. Just last weekend, Lisa and Rob had their session with me in Cromwell Valley Park and at the Loch Raven dam.
It's full-blown spring down in Baltimore, and you can tell by how lush everything is. My friend Mindy came along for the ride; she took the lovely shot of the couple by the frog pond you see below.
And oh, the beautiful simplicity of their ring.
Rob and Lisa were real troopers, slugging it through underbrush, bugs, and my weird whims.
My favorite shots ended up being in black and white--the ones below seem to highlight to me their salt-of-the-earthness and simple joy when with each other.
Congratulations to Lisa and Rob! Here's to you both! *clink*
The cherry blossoms were blooming around Jamaica Pond--part of Boston's beautiful Emerald Necklace. Christina and Daniel met with me to create beautiful photographs for their engagement.
What an affectionate couple!
Oh, and they're also pretty silly too.
We traipsed around Jamaica Plain, enjoying the textures and colors of the city buildings.
A few quiet moments in City Feed gave them time for some coffee and conversation.
And as we settled into the greenery again, they cuddled and danced.
I couldn't resist putting these two images together; I feel as though they give the best sense of what these two lovebirds are like.
Daniel and Christina, may your wedding be just as dreamy
This week I have a little delightful slideshow for you; my favorites from Christina & Daniel's session in Jamaica Plain. Some of my absolute favorites were taken in and around City Feed, where we bought wonderful coffee and enjoyed the bright, sunny cafe windows.
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(Music by The Woodlands.)
Philip and Sarah--two loving and caring people. My husband is a fellow seminarian with Philip, and they've found great friendship with each other in their first year of study. It just so happens that Sarah, too, found great friendship... and something more.
So naturally, as a wedding gift (and because seminarians are notoriously poor in pocket but wealthy in spirit), I'm giving them these photos for their engagement: a record of a romantic and goofy romp around Copley Square in Boston!
Tucking away in a little corner by a giant skyscraper can create an instant feeling of intimacy.
And the historic architecture around Boston is a gold mine of texture.
It began to rain while we photographed, but that didn't stop the fun.
We just took refuge under the awning at Trinity Church and made faces.
Finally, courtesy of a friend, we snuck in to the sanctuary. Although it was too dark to take natural light photos without a tripod, I sat the two of them down together against the black marble, and caught this shot with an off-camera flash. Mysterious, eh?
Dropping by here to share Erica, licking cotton candy off her engagement ring (it was my idea to put it in the sticky stuff), and enjoying a ride in a giant monkey. That's right, a GIANT MONKEY.
Awesome. So excited to photograph their wedding next April!
Erica & Tony bring you more excitement today, from the Celebrate Fairfax Festival in Virginia.
Get it? Kissing in front of Kiss? Har har.
I don't have enough words of admiration for Tony going upside down in that contraption.
Just a few wonderful ambiance shots.
Love the monkey!
A carnival worker poked his head out to give us a piece of his mind.
And as we walked home, the sun set over the horizon and gave me this fabulously lit green spot. Perfect for a snuggle!
Joanna and Justin wanted their engagement portraits taken at a library. We snuck in to the Enoch Pratt Free Library and took to the book stacks.
Then we wandered around the Mt. Vernon area to take in some scenery.
Mmm, kisses.
Justin & Joanna were willing to do just about anything spontaneous for me!
Fun trivia: They're wearing the same outfit as when Justin proposed at the MET in New York! SO sweet.
Mike and Stella had me come out to their family's farm in western Maryland, in the haze and heat of a summer afternoon. The two of them will be married in the "party barn" on the property, and wanted to have their down-to-earth engagement session in the scenic, quirky, and homey spots all around.
A small collection of rusty sawblades only hints at the interesting (and highly organized) outdoor museum hidden in the woods there.
It's so hard not to love photographing around sunset and wildflowers. The luxurious stems turn into a golden, disorganized beauty.
Stella's skirt was such a funky pattern, I had trouble not fixating too much on it.
As with many couples, being in front of the camera is a new experience until you announce your love to the world. Towards the end of the session, they seemed to let out a breath of air and just slipped away into their own little world, drinking in the cooling summer air.
Congratulations, you two! May your wedding be filled with as much golden light and joy as our afternoon together.
I'm going to warn you: this is really such a sweet, romantic story.
Katie & Robbie asked me to do their engagement session in the delicately landscaped Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. The $5 admission fee is well worth it; this is a quiet haven of magnificently kept grounds. The three of us seemed to have the entire place to ourselves!
As we chatted, I soon discovered something Katie had left out of the details. Not only were they planning on getting married there, but Rob proposed to her there too!
What a hopeless romantic, eh? The two of them are huge sports fans--Redskins, Braves, Steelers--and brought along some props with them in honor of their fandom.
Thank you, Katie & Rob, for suffering through the sweltering near-100-degree heat and being such wonderful subjects!