I couldn’t resist posting a few more photos from this awesomely fun family session! We had such a blast at the Gaylord National Hotel at the National Harbor…The last photo cracks me up! I love my clients! They are truly a kick to capture!
“H” Family Session ~ Maryland Family and Child Portrait Photographer
The weather can be frightful this time of year..and for us here in DC, we’ve had our fair (or unfair!) share of cold, blustery, wintery weather, eh? So when planning for this family session, I thought…hmmm….where might there be an indoor oasis that takes us completely out of this dreary day? A-ha — the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center at the National Harbor! Perfect! And it was a beautiful escape….if you haven’t been there yet, you MUST check it out! It’s like a great atrium with fountains, bridges, plants and trees, shops, cafes, and restaurants as well…gorgeous. And it didn’t disappoint! This family was a total blast to photograph…the kids were full of energy and character (check out the super-cool attitudes in the 3rd photo!) and the mother, absolutely stunning. The grandmother is fascinating….a strong, proud Romanian woman who’s warmth shines as she speaks and uses her hands as emphasis. I loved this session….have a look!
March 4, 2010 - 1:49 pm - As you know your blog is one of my favorite places to visit, absolutely love all that you've been up to, and I'm uplifted every time I come here....mwah!
503 Online Photography Workshop ~ Maryland Wedding and Portrait Photographer
When I started this dreamy adventure of mine last year, my friend Jennifer Burns told me about an online workshop that looked pretty interesting. Now, it’s true that workshops can often be either amazing, leaving you energized and inspired, or a total waste of time and money, leaving you frustrated and down. Well, ever since I completed the 503 Workshop I’ve been telling everyone I know about this course and now I want to reach even more aspiring photographers by posting it on my blog. Jessica Cudzilo designs and leads this comprehensive, dynamic, inspiring, and simply brilliant online course that encouraged me to expand and advance my skills in ways I never thought possible! To say that it was exciting is an understatement….she has organized the lessons by clearly defining the objectives, each of which perfectly integrates and builds on one skill after another….and you’re left with visible proof of your growth and accomplishments. That proof gave me a feeling which is indescribable. Not to mention, I’m telling you…I could literally feel and hear Jessica’s enthusiasm and support through the monitor when I would read her response to my work!!! I swear it’s true.
For some assignments I chose to use uninteresting, inanimate objects simply to demonstrate the objective (such as depth of field) but for most of my assignments I practiced on my awesome boys who were not only willing to help, but wanted to make it FUN too! You can see this clearly in the first example of my youngest as I practiced different light metering techniques. By the way, this is just a fraction of all the work I did but these examples illustrate the progression of my practice and understanding. And I was often not concerned about the beauty and composition of the photos when concentrating on a particular objective, so these are not the photos I would frame for my walls! Still, my favorite objective, by far, was nailing the exposure when composing with back lighting:
Then I also practiced metering the light and freezing motion by adjusting the shutter speed (See? These “practice” photos, while not beautiful at all, still illustrated my ability to adjust my settings so that I could end up with different effects!):
Jessica even had an entire lesson on editing. This is just one of my favorite photos from that particular lesson:
If you’re at all interested or thinking about doing a workshop, please take the time to check out Jessica Cudzilo’s 503 Workshop. It is truly one of the best things I’ve done to improve and enhance my skills, and it was worth every penny and every second of my valuable time. Doing this workshop online worked perfectly with my schedule and my life…because I have a family I am not able to simply run out the door and off to class, so this workshop allowed me to work at home, on MY time. I learned MORE than I thought I would, and it was a blast! The forums were amazing and all of the students worked together to help and encourage each other. But I have to say the best part was Jessica herself. She sincerely cares about each one of her students and from the moment you take your first step into her 503 World, she is with you all the way, cheering you on.
You know you want to check out this workshop…so….don’t just sit there….DO IT! You’ll be so glad you did!!!
March 2, 2010 - 12:09 pm - Kerry! I'm equal parts elated & humbled. You are much too kind to me. Thank you for such a rave review. You are a student I will always remember. I'm so happy to see that you are living out your dream and taking leaps & bounds that scare you. Keep risking yourself. You will never regret it. Lots of love!
March 5, 2010 - 2:06 pm - Aggghhhhh...I just missed reading this by a couple of days! I went to the site to sign up & March just started & April is already sold out! :(((( Thanks for the great info on this!!
Water Baby! ~ Maryland Baby and Family Photographer
This adorable baby boy and his family were the amazing people I photographed for an entire day, documenting every moment of his miraculous water birth! That day was unforgettable…sun shining, birds singing, and a feeling of love all around, like a warm breeze that goes right through your soul. What struck me was the peacefulness and unity that Mom and Dad conveyed throughout the day, alongside a quiet excitement in anticipation. I had the opportunity to photograph them again and feel that joy for a second time. How lucky am I? Big sister is a spirited girl, full to the brim with energy and tons of love for her brother! Funny though, the one thing that calmed her was a rooster my brother-in-law had sent to me from Canada! The result was a fun series of photos of her and the rooster! And that baby…just pure sweetness. I so loved seeing this family again and I know we’ll stay in touch forever. I hope you enjoy a little peek into this beautiful family.
Whitney Thompson Review ~ Maryland Wedding and Engagement Photographer
I’m so excited to post more photos of the bridal shoot I was blessed to take part in at Scarlett Lillian’s workshop… I had such fun this day getting these amazing shots of Whitney Thompson and using off-camera lighting and pocket wizards for some of the photos, while using natural light for others. I would love your thoughts ~ make sure to leave a comment at the end of the post! Enjoy!
Julia and Matt ~ Engaged! Maryland Wedding and Portrait Photographer
These two sweet and stunning people were the amazing couple we were fortunate enough to shoot during Scarlett Lillian’s workshop. While we all shuffled around them, dragging them from the city streets to the cold and windy beach and back, their cheerfulness and smiles remained the entire time! Clearly these two are so in love, and when you are blessed enough to experience such a feeling, happiness and boundless energy simply shine through! I had a really hard time narrowing down the number of photos to post, so here are a LOT of them. I just had so much fun with these two and love the result! I hope you do too!
February 16, 2010 - 9:20 am - LOVE the black/white one, the first one & the last one..those are my faves! Great work!!
The fabulous friends I made at Scarlett Lillian’s workshop – Maryland Portrait Photographer
I really wanted to take a moment to introduce you all to some of the amazing women I met at Scarlett Lillian’s workshop this past weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. These ladies are unique and amazing on so many levels, and I consider myself extremely blessed and honored to have worked alongside them. In a very short period of time, we shared experiences that have made us into the people and photographers we are today, and in the process found a depth of understanding and common ground to stand on and support each other… All the while shooting to our heart’s desire and creating images that made us proud! Thank you all! This has been an experience I will never forget and I hope to stay in touch with every one of you!
First up is our fearless, fabulous leader herself, Miss Scarlett!
Next is my adorable Canadian roommate, Erin Campbell:
And then there’s the super-cool Jess McCrea:
Also the super-smart Leeann Marie: (Photo by Lydia Shannon)
And the awesomely funny Lydia Shannon: (Photo by Lan Bui)
Also the sweet Kayla Mercedes:
Here’s down-to-earth Heather Caudill:
Easy-going and sweet Susan Justice: (Website in the works!)
And last, but certainly not least, the Bui Brothers…We are so fortunate to have met and hung out with these guys while they filmed us for Scarlett during the workshop. They are well-established leaders in this industry but have not forgotten where they came from, and blessed us with kindness and graciousness as they willingly shared their experiences and gave us priceless advice. Thank you both! We are all so grateful!
First, Vu Bui:
And Lan Bui (with Stephen Knuth and his Starbucks in the background!):
In the coming days I will have more workshop photos and experiences to blog…. I SO loved every minute of this and look forward to hanging out with all the girls, Scarlett, Stephen Knuth, and the Bui Brothers again one day! Thank you all again for your intense hard work and brilliance in putting together this workshop for us. It was awesome!
February 13, 2010 - 12:39 am - You are awesome Kerry! Great behind the scenes look. I'm so thrilled that you got a lot out of the workshop! :-)
February 13, 2010 - 12:28 pm - Woohoo! You rock Kerry!
February 17, 2010 - 5:18 pm - Glad someone thinks I'm cool :)
Scarlett Lillian’s Workshop Teaser – Maryland Wedding and Engagement Photographer
I just got home tonight from an intense workshop led by the fabulous Scarlett Lillian in Jacksonville, Florida! It was a mind-blowing weekend of friendship, photos, and FUN…all of which I will blog more about when I get some much-needed shut-eye! For now, here are two photos I created of the stunning Whitney Thompson, winner of America’s Next Top Model season 10!! Don’t forget to leave me some love!!
February 8, 2010 - 10:21 pm - Kerry - these are absolutely beautiful. I love them! :)
February 8, 2010 - 10:54 pm - Just amazingly beautiful... Can't wait to see more pics. Great job!!!
February 8, 2010 - 10:54 pm - YAYAYAY!Goreous shots Kerry! It was SUCH a pleasure to meet you and I'm so glad you got a lot out of the workshop! :-)
February 9, 2010 - 12:36 am - Kerry you are very talented girl!
February 9, 2010 - 7:36 am - Beautiful! Can't wait to hear all about it! Go to sleep!
February 9, 2010 - 1:17 pm - Love it!!!! Looks like a magazine! I'm excited for your return, too!
February 9, 2010 - 7:27 pm - Inspiring as always, and I just can't wait to hear all about the awesome experience you had! Just had the best time re-looking at all of your blog photos, LOVE LOVE LOVE! Mwah!
February 9, 2010 - 7:48 pm - Rockin photos!!! U are so brilliantly creative! How did it feel to shoot a famous model,?? So excited for u. So blessed to know u:)
February 12, 2010 - 12:42 am - Kerry! You are so incredibly talented. The second image BLOWS me away every time I look at it. Seriously the way you processed it, the way she looks, everything is perfection!
February 12, 2010 - 1:55 pm - Obviously I love the second one!! It's like a Chanel ad!
February 12, 2010 - 10:15 pm - Beautiful images- great to meet you and can't wait to see what's in store for the future!
February 12, 2010 - 11:40 pm - Absolutely gorgeous!!
February 13, 2010 - 2:42 am - These are just beautiful!
February 13, 2010 - 7:13 am - Beautiful, Kerry! How cool that you got to meet/shoot Whitney! (I'm a huge ANTM fan.)
February 16, 2010 - 11:16 pm - Kerry-You never cease to amaze me!
Textures — Maryland Portrait Photographer
Lately I’ve been experimenting with textures and different vintage effects with my photos, and I love the look! This gives such an interesting and unique feel to the image. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
January 30, 2010 - 12:42 pm - great job with the textures they look great
March 1, 2010 - 4:00 pm - I love the antique look to these photos, so classy and elegant.
Sweet Ben — Maryland Pet Portrait Photographer
I adore dogs….No surprise to anyone who knows me. In fact, it is safe to say that I am completely crazy about dogs! I really like most animals, but in my eyes and heart, dogs are unlike any other animal I know. As a kid who moved around a lot, I was reassured and encouraged as my dogs provided a sense of comfort, consistency, and friendship during those times when I felt most alone. Dogs have been loved and celebrated for centuries, and when you look….I mean, really look into a dog’s eyes, you understand the mutual admiration and devotion that exists between dogs and their humans… You see a soul full of love and intelligence and hope. I truly adore dogs.
Considering my great affection for dogs, this post is a difficult one for me to write. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to photograph a gorgeous yellow Lab named Ben who just before Christmas had been diagnosed with bone cancer. The family wanted to have some beautiful images made of Ben to remember his gentle spirit. Upon arrival I was greeted warmly by his owners AND Ben….tail wagging and big sweet eyes searching. Ben was happy and more energetic than I anticipated, and he made me smile despite the sadness I felt. He showed me his toys, where he sleeps, his faucet, and his sport — chasing and chewing his stick! His family is undeniably heartbroken…they are relishing this time that they have with him. I know that even with his photographs, they will still never forget the extraordinary creature that Ben was and the lovely warmth he brought to their home. I want to say thank you to Ben’s family for inviting me to photograph this great boy. I too will never forget him.
January 18, 2010 - 11:36 pm - Love these. I too am a dog lover, what nice pictures to remember their loving friend with....
January 19, 2010 - 10:58 am - Oh, so beautiful, and so sad, but what a beautiful way they will have to remember him.
January 19, 2010 - 7:39 pm - thank you, more than you will know
January 25, 2010 - 12:35 am - Kerry, was getting choked up reading this....what a tribute. Loved the images!
January 30, 2010 - 10:20 am - Choked up dog-lover over here, too. What a beautiful set of images to preserve his memory!
February 3, 2010 - 6:51 pm - LOVE the water one! So cute!
February 5, 2010 - 8:05 am - Kerry, Wow great pictures of Ben and I got choked up reading his story. I too found my love for dogs when I adopted Ty a few years ago. He has brought to my our lives. Love the pic with Ben and the faucet, that speaks volumes. :)
March 1, 2010 - 4:03 pm - These photos are so touching, you really brought out his sweet demeanor. These would also look beautiful on Hallmark cards. They have universal appeal to all animal lovers.
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