Bringing the Value Back to Photography

Pilot Imaging put on an impressive seminar Wednesday at VisArts in Rockville, MD.  After making everyone stand up and dance to YMCA, Doug Gordon kicked off the morning with a presentation about dreams, passion and courage, during which he dared us all to be great at what we do.  He finished with an energetic demonstration of his flow posing technique.  The speed and efficiency in which he's able to work is astounding!

Following a short break (during which I grabbed a satisfying snickers bar as a healthy dessert to my twix breakfast - darn you, Pilot, for providing a table overflowing w/ snacks all day!), Vanessa Joy and Rob Adams presented PhVusion.  If you haven't checked out this software, it's a must see!  Rob is providing an easy way for photographers to fuse video and photography in this day's age of VDSLRs.  He and Vanessa demo'd a Living Album that blew me away, and I'm excited to incorporate this into my business in the future!

Clay Blackmore energized the after-lunch session with his new promo videos and discussion on lighting and posing.  I've said this before, but he is a master at his craft, and I'm amazed every single time I watch him work. 

Robert Isacson introduced and was one of the guest speakers during the roundtable discussion that closed out the evening.  Photographers from a wide range of experience levels asked questions and shared opinions on the current state of the photography industry and possible ways to bring value back to photography through pricing structures and educating our clients, among other topics.

It was wonderful being in the presence of some industry greats and so much talent.  A big thanks goes to Pilot Imaging for many long hours spent in putting this program together!

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The Scheuring Family

On top of being a full time mom of two and managing the household responsibilities, Kelly recently took on a part time staff position as Women's Ministry Intern at Centreville Baptist Church, the church where she and her husband Frank met and later married. Her beautiful voice contributes to the sweet sounds of the church choir on Sunday mornings, as well as CBC community events.


Frank is a Senior Mixer and Sound Designer at MVI Post. He has been responsible for the recording, editing and mixing of many popular and well-loved documentaries and programs, to include the Emmy Award winning "Planet Earth" series and the Emmy Award winning reality program "Dog Whisperer." His clients include The National Geographic Channel, the various Discovery Networks, PBS, Fox, and more.

I was super excited when Kelly wanted to do a family photo session. Having been several years since their last one, I didn't want any more time to pass before documenting this wonderful and extremely talented family. So we planned around busy work schedules and kid's activities, finding an afternoon to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Are Audrey and Dylan not the most adorable kids ever?!

Kelly, I could photograph your beautiful self ALL day long!

What a good lookin' bunch!!

Aren't these two just so dang cute?!

Kelly and Frank, thank you for a fun afternoon w/ your family!!  I loved spending time with you and the kids! Pin It

Sneak Peek: Scheuring Family

Kelly said it had been years since they took family photos, and there was no way I could let any more time pass without them being taken.  Here is a sneak peek at their family photo session in Manassas Battlefield Park!

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Sneak Peek: Katie and Jared

Here is a little sneak peek of Katie and Jared's wedding at the Naval Academy Chapel.  I had an amazing time shooting alongside Melissa Manzione that day!

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I'm Cool to a 2-Year-Old

It was the first word I taught my niece a few months ago, and I said it over and over again because it always elicited a smile or a giggle.  And it was the only word I could get her to repeat.  And I wanted her to talk to me, you know, like a one-and-a-half year old should.  "Coo'!  Cool.  Coooool...."

As my family spent time together on Easter Sunday, Claire had fun naming everything she knew.  At the dinner table she kept asking for more "keem," which, in her world, meant "sour cream," to go on her twice baked potatoes of course (or in her case, to eat by itself).  She said "cool" a couple of times, and I was very proud to have been the one to teach her the word (because "dog" and "book" are so overrated).  It took us a few seconds before we realized she was looking at ME, and, in fact, was calling me "Cool," as in my name.  And it took a couple more seconds to burst into laughter, followed by a giggling Claire.  So whenever she wanted something from me for the rest of the evening, she addressed me as "Cool," and when she plays on her Elmo phone at home she says, "Bye, Cool."  I told Chris that when my sister's next baby is born, I'm going to teach her the word "Awesome."

So today I want to wish the cutest niece in the world a very Happy 2nd Birthday, from "Uncle Kis and Aunt Cool!" 

What's this?!  Where's the chocolate BUNNY?!?

Right after doggy kisses...

(P.S. - To my horror, I found out last night that my sister is taking Claire to JC Penny(!!!) today for her 2nd year portraits!?!  I almost passed out on the phone.  I asked why on earth she would do that when she has a photographer in the family, and she said because she knew I was busy.  Aaaaand, worst aunt of the month award goes to me!) Pin It

Featured: The Photography Parlour

Someone had retweeted her post, and that's how I first came to connect with Rosie Parsons.  She is a sweet, fun and stylishly cool wedding photographer from the UK.  On top of that, she has also started a blog for photographers to come together to share advice and read about each other's experiences.  I love that she has created a space for photographers to learn from each other - it's such a wonderful way to give back!  So, if you haven't visited The Photography Parlour yet, I urge you to go there, hang out w/ a cup of Earl Grey, and leave a few comments for fellow photographers.

If you want to read about my first wedding experience, you can find it here!

Thank you, Rosie, for featuring me on your blog...I am humbled and blessed, and you are an absolute doll!!

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Happy Easter

I believed in the Easter Bunny long after I stopped believing in Santa Claus.  I mean, a basket full of chocolate and candy?!?  While my sister waited patiently for my parents to take pictures of us with our Easter baskets, brimming to the top with sweets, I would dig right in.  Why waste precious time when there was a big, solid chocolate bunny waiting to have its ears bitten off??  So, in honor of the Easter Bunny, last night I baked a homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to be enjoyed during tonight's dinner with my family.  I hope you all have a beautiful and blessed Easter (and that you have a chocolate bunny waiting in your Easter basket)!

Aaaaand, here I am, eating the first thing I could unwrap.  Look at those ham hocks!

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