Andrea Ream Photography Photoblog

Baby Cooper :: Virginia newborn portrait photographer

2012-01-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Don't even tell me there is anything much better than a newborn baby because you are absolutely wrong. ;)

I got to spend just about two full hours with brand new little baby Cooper but can I just tell you that I could have easily done hours more and not even thought to try and notice?

Such an easy going guy little Cooper was! So easy going, in fact, that he slept the entire way through the session. Still, he didn't spare me any of the sweet little baby noises that I am so very fond of. Nothing better than being able to work to a soundtrack of tiny little baby noises like that. *sigh*

Cooper's daddy just happened to have a brand new tie from his alma mater on hand (dad's college and not Cooper's... yet!) and it was hard not look at him and not make any Harry Potter comparison with the print of the tie itself. Give this little guy a wand and a cap and he looks absolutely Hogwarts bound!

What a joy and honor it was to do this session of baby Cooper. Mom and dad were talking of a possible relocation far from here in the coming months but they said they would love to come back to the area and settle down here so perhaps this won't be the last that I'll get to see of sweet Cooper.

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up I wanted to be an artist. Trouble with it is that the word starving too often precedes the title of artist. Well, I'm happy to report that I think at this point I qualify as being "grown up" and I made it to being an artist but I'm much more a WORKING artist than a starving one.

The type of artwork I do is not necessarily the stuff that hangs in fine art galleries. (Well... I hope that someday my studio art endeavors will take me to a place like that!) Just the same, my artwork is still hanging on walls all across the country. The images I help create are beloved family portraits taken just in time for holiday send outs, snapshots of those tender moments right after a couple betroths themselves to one another or just before a mother delivers her beautiful baby, and preservations of the incredible bliss that is being completely in love and newly engaged. I absolutely L-O-V-E doing the work I do because it's the kind of stuff that even after it does get changed out to make room for the next year's portraits, it always stays in the hearts and memories as a thing of beauty to be cherished and treasured.

This time of year is just about my favorite not just for the obvious reasons of the Christmas season but also because I get to see the fruit of my investment in creating images of true beauty come back to me in the way of seeing it pop up in the profile spots of facebook pages OR within annual holiday send outs. Nothing gives me quite a joy like that of opening up some good ol' fashioned snail mail to see my own handiwork staring back at me with well wishes for a merry Christmas and happy New Year from my wonderful clients.

This portrait was taken in the Baltimore area in the Fall of this year! What better way to wish someone a warm holiday than with the beautifully warm color palette that an autumn color palette offers.

Something unique I offer that goes far beyond photography is graphic design expertise! I can snap gorgeous pictures of you and your loved ones just as much as I can pair them up with tasteful and polished graphic elements that make them more than suitable for holiday cards, birth announcements, save-the-dates, and invitations. I walk you through the design process from start to finish and provide you with an image ready for printing and MUCH cheaper than some of the big names out there that have only a catalog of templated designs that everyone else has. Just as the portrait work I do is commissioned artwork to me, the graphic design pieces are also ART in my book. I love using the gifts that the Lord has blessed me with to the fullest extent and you need only ask me how we go about creating something unique and wonderful for YOU and your needs.

Today puts us just barely 10 days from Christmas but don't let that deter you from dropping me an inquiry to get your annual family portraits done at the tail end of this year or at the tip top of next year. Ever heard of happy New Year cards? We can get your portraits done and then wish your friends and family a beautiful start to their 2012 with your gorgeous portraits!

Featured today on Captiol Romance!

2011-12-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Last week it was Bayside Bride and this week it's Capitol Romance!

Just received word that Jamie and Colin's Union Station engagement session from early November is being featured on Capitol Romance wedding blog today. I submitted their images and Jamie and Colin's engagement story and wedding planning details a couple of weeks back and have been waiting to hear confirmation of its publication. The wonderful Bree (editor of Capitol Romance) sent me an email with a heads-up that it went live this afternoon.

Hope on over to Capitol Romance and check it out!!!

Featured today on Bayside Bride!

2011-12-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted to share a wonderful collective of unique engagement and wedding ring designs presented by Bayside Bride...

The ring shot I contributed is toward the end of the feature and showcases a ring shot I did of my own engagement and wedding ring set. Here is the picture featured on the page:

I'm actually not a huge fan of jewelry (plus for my husband!) and I'm much more a lover of a beautiful piece of artwork (not good for husband since these are typically more expensive than lots of pieces of jewelry). I love my ring set because it's something that takes the symbolism that is a beautiful piece of jewelry and infuses it with the integrity of an amazing piece of sculptural artwork. If you can believe it, this is actually an "upgrade" from my original engagement and wedding set that I got last year around the time of my third wedding anniversary. Why the upgrade so soon? Well, my original ring set was vintage in style and had a tremendous amount of filigree and engraving within the design that I had pretty much destroyed because I am so hard on my jewelry. My regular dayjob is working in high school art education classroom and all of the different types of art media I might have deal with just plain whittled the designs down to almost nothing. Not good. Not good at all. The solution to this? Well, my husband indulged me with picking something new to replace it!

I searched probably almost six months until I finally found the perfect ring and wedding set for me on Etsy via an incredible artisan jeweler named Elizabeth Scott. Her inspirations are of the botanical sort and the specific inspiration for my ring came from a sapling branch that she found when she was hiking around the area where she lives and works in her home studio. One of the best things about my set is that Elizabeth really helped me to take her design and customize it to very precise specifications (like down to measurements in the millimeters!) so that it could be as structurally sound as a piece of jewelry that would take the beating it would end up taking like my old set. Elizabeth also allowed me to use a stone called a moissanite in lieu of a diamond because I am not keen on diamonds anyway though I like the look of them . Moissanite was a stone that was a great alternative because of it's hardness and look - most people seem my ring and think it's a diamond!

So that's it. That's the story of my ring and just wanted to share a little background about it because Bayside Bride was so kind of include it in the collective that they shared today.

Jamie + Colin :: Washington DC Engagement Photographer

2011-12-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

I have known Jamie for over 20 years now. We first met each other in the 6th grade and attended the same middle school together. It's weird to think about that type of thing now since we are both at stages of our lives that are so far from our middle school student government years. For the most part we've not done the greatest job keeping in touch with one another (unless you count keeping tabs via Facebook) but when she recently became engaged, I was honored to be called upon to document the bliss of her engagement.

Spending the late afternoon and early evening hours with Colin and Jamie was so much fun for me. It was like time fell away and we were able to pick up with conversation just as easily as we used to have it on the four square blocks at the school recess we once had. It was also wonderful to meet Colin and witness first hand the romance and adoration they obviously have for only each other. It's never too hard for me to cajole newly engaged couples into liplocking for the camera but for Colin and Jamie? I hardly had to mention the idea. Colin just couldn't get enough of showering Jamie with just a little more affection.

When Jamie made it "Facebook official" and announced her engagement, she did so in a very lighthearted and fun way - with a picture of her new ring and a caption that said just this, "It's pretty."

But even all of the sparkle of her engagement ring couldn't come close to the shine of being freshly engaged and deeply in love with one another the way Jamie and Colin are. They easily glow when they are anywhere near each other or are talking about each other and it's just the sweetest thing to witness.

Despite the fact that they are both actual transplants to the DC and NoVA regions, they are staying true to the place they have since found to be home to them and planning a wedding just outside of the district lines in Alexandria, Virginia. The chose Union Station's downtown location for the setting of the start of their engagement session and then we finished at the extension train stop in Alexandria where Colin used to catch all of his trains to travel back home to Philly.

They both share a love for ice hockey (though they root for different teams!) and also a love for the romanticism that is a good train ride so the train stations were the perfect place for them to bask in their newly engaged bliss!

Their wedding will be held at the temple pictured here in the background and though they still have a number of details to work out just yet, I have a feeling it's going to be quite a grand affair since Jamie is a master at things like event planning.

No doubt that Jamie and Colin are well on their way to their very own happily ever after. Congratulations to them both for a life that is only more richly blessed with every day that God gives them together.

The new guy in town :: Pittsburgh Baby Photography

2011-11-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

I don't believe there is anything quite like a new little baby. This past Thanksgiving allowed for me to take a road trip up north to PA and finally meet my newest nephew. He was born at the beginning of November and despite the fact that his mama says that he is quite a bit bigger than he was when he was born and doesn't feel like a newborn to her anymore, he sure seemed and looked like just about like a newborn to me!

I had a marvelous time doing a quick portrait session for him - his first professional quality one(!) - and my whole family left me to do as I saw fit. I'm not the type of baby photographer who likes doing staged composites of infants suspended in cloth hammocks, swaddled in special blankets, or bedecked in shiny satin bows and I prefer cleaner images that show clearly all of their teeny tiny details.

Some of my favorite images of babies/children are the ones that really allow you to look into their eyes because they are always so bright and curious and full of wonder. It's the type of thing we easily lose as we get older because our lives become too busy to stop and look long enough for someone to be able to look back at us. There's an old adage that the eyes are the windows to the souls and I firmly believe that no matter what our age, that's always the case.

God has not blessed me to have a newborn again just yet but until then I will relish in the opportunities that I get like this one to appreciate the beauty that is a newborn baby. I'm so honored that I was able to capture these first portraits for my nephew and I'm looking forward to more opportunities that I will have to keep documenting the way he grows up to be an upstanding and handsome young gentleman the way I know he will.

Hot off the presses!

2011-11-17T09:06:00.001-08:00

When I'm not posting things here, it's sometimes because I'm posting things elsewhere. I write for the Fuel Brand network's photography division. My aim with my articles has been to instruct photographers how to use elements of art and design within the photographic medium. So many photographers out there (nowadays) are self-taught (and I don't begrudge a nontraditional start of a career in the least) but could have much stronger bodies of work if they considered how essential classic art teachings are for visual art itself.

I've already published articles addressing using visual texture to make photographs feel more dimensional and also touched on color theory and some of the ways that it can visually balance an image. This month's article highlights the importance of visual branding and how it can be done effectively with typography.

Getting here from there

2011-11-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, I have been a workaholic. I had my first job at 15 years old and by 18 I had doubled up with work and have pretty much working like that since. To date I've probably worked over 30 different jobs in the following fields: restaurant/food/hospitality service, acute care within the clinical psychology and psychiatric field, health insurance management, quality assurance for retail sales, and classroom education and instruction. I've also successfully freelanced for both visual art and marketing/branding. What can I say? I LOVE to work. I really do.

A little more than a decade ago I was crazy enough to start my photography business. Nowadays everybody has a photography business but way back when? It wasn't so easy to just start such a business. Digital photography wasn't nearly so affordable OR technologically advanced, photoshop was but a funny sounding word, and you had to know film and the actual functions of manual cameras and periphery equipment in order to create an even halfway decent image much less one that someone might be willing to pay you for. Still? I had a gut feeling that venturing into the world of professional photography was something I was supposed to do. I believed that I didn't need an actual studio in order to produce professionally recognized work. I believed that my skill and artistic voice could, should, and would be heard and I just needed to let it rise above the whisper it had been within myself.

Today I am amazed by the trajectory of my career path. I just did an update on my official website and at this point my body of work and portfolio representation is so immense that I can't possibly even think about including half of it because there are just so many images. I am really having to pick and choose what should be cut out and replaced with newer images and it's awesome to look at the "throw away" pile and see that all of them are still really great pieces of work and are only being put out because they just aren't current enough.

I wish I could have a conversation with my younger self while she was in her school-age and college years and reassure her that telling people she wants to be an artist when she grows up will be something that really actually can happen and absolutely and honestly WILL happen. I wish I could tell her to not let others take the wind from her sails and call her endeavors lofty or pipedreams. I wish I could let her in on the seemingly secret thing that seems like the greatest key to success and happiness (but really it isn't) that if you truly do go forth and do what God has called you to do, He will provide every provision to catapult you forward and straighten every path you will find yourself walking. Even the ways that seem like they are taking you away from your dreams? Sometimes the road not taken by everyone else is actually a bit of a shortcut to the place that you couldn't believe actually existed.

Today I'm so happy to not have to "fake it until I make it" and also to know better when it comes to boldly and confidently going in the direction of my dreams. I'm still classically a workaholic with plenty of irons in the fire...

I write for Fuel Your Photography

I founded and maintain an art enrichment blog that provides lesson plan ideas and also an archive of my fine art pieces.

My precious creative endeavor that might be one of the greatest career risks for me ever but one that I cannot bear to give up despite the naysayers and accusations of pipedreaming.

When I was working a thankless office job without windows and going to meetings that seemed neverending, I dreamed of a life that was being a working artist and my art mentor encouraged to me do the things I felt and the money would follow. I did just that and I will tell you that I am STILL doing exactly that. It's the one and only sure thing I know no matter how many people might tell me I'm crazy.

The Erdmans :: Baltimore Family Photography

2011-11-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

I've done portraits for this family for a little more than half a decade now. I've had the great blessing and joy to document the engagement of their parents, their very first ever family holiday portrait (with their "furbaby" additions), then two more family holiday portraits (here is last year's), and a visit to the hospital for a "special delivery" newborn session of the youngest son. Not sure if you have bothered counting but ll of those milestones have made it so I have been able to photograph them just about every single year for the past five years! Does that make me their official family photographer? Hmmm... I don't know but I will tell you that I sure have enjoyed being able to watch their family grow.

Anyway, here is their this year's holiday portraits. In the past we have done them a lot closer to Christmas for their holiday send outs but this year we were very well organized and got them in my schedule book early in order to beat some of the holiday hustle and bustle. If you haven't already gotten your family's portraits squared away like the Erdmans, I suggest you take a tip from them and book your holiday session with me while you can!

Jamie + Colin :: Washington DC Engagement Photographer

2011-11-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today I capped off an already awesome weekend with an incredible engagement session for Jamie and Colin. We started at Union Station in downtown DC and then finished things off in Alexandria, Virginia. Here are a few teasers of Jamie and Colin basking in some serious bliss of being newly engaged.

Tovah + Dean :: Silver Spring Wedding Photographer

2011-10-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tovah and Dean are two of the most in love people I believe I have ever photographed and I was so honored to witness them take their vows at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland just outside of DC. This isn't to say that other brides and grooms aren't in love but more that Tovah and Dean have a love that is nothing less than palpable. You can absolutely feel it when you are around them and you can definitely see it in the way they look at one another. What is even more amazing than all of this is that what they've got? It's nonstop. Seriously. I bet if the world just started crumbling around them they would hardly notice. Also? It wouldn't matter since, truly, they are all that matter to each other in the world anyway. There's really something to be said about unabashed love like that. There really is.

Thank you, Tovah and Dean for being a TRUE picture of love. There needs to be more love in this world like what you two have together! Perhaps you will inspire others and they will take notes from you.

Rhys & Luca :: Northern Virginia Family Photographer

2011-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am the mother of a lovely little girly girl but I'll tell you what, I have a special place in my heart for the sons in this world.

This evening I got to spend time with a very old friend and meet her two handsome little men, Rhys and Luca. We met up at a wonderfully delightful rose garden park tucked in amongst the neighborhoods of Arlington, Virginia. It's fair to say that after this session I am even more delighted by the joy of sons and brotherly love.

Class of 2012 teaser :: Southern Maryland Senior Portrait Photography

2011-09-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Had the great blessing to photograph some of this year's Class of 2012 by way of the Senior Portrait promotional I'm running for this school year last evening in southern Maryland. All three girls were picture-perfect with gorgeous smiles, incredible energy, and infectious spirit of pure fun to be around. I'm officially convinced that the way to go with senior portraits from here on out is to make it an event where best friendship is not only celebrated but also photographed - by me, of course! *wink*

There are plenty more coming but here is a select few of too many that I have to choose from...

Thank you, ladies for being so gorgeous, easy to photograph, and fun to be around. You make me love my job that much more!

Cassidy Sneak Peek :: Berks County Senior Portrait Photographer

2011-09-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I had the great blessing of spending time with a gorgeous high school senior gal named Cassidy over the weekend in Berks County, Pennsylvania. We've been trying to coordinate schedules to get her senior portraits done for the entire (now gone) summer but because she is such a serious athlete who plays sports every season of the year, it's very difficult to find a time when she's not on a court or field and in a uniform of some sort. And if scheduling wasn't enough of a challenge to manage, inclement weather also played a factor when we finally were able to make the shoot happen. It's true what they say about putting up with the rain if you want the beautiful rainbow at the end. Here's just a few teasers (for now) of beautiful Cassidy.

Thanks for letting me hang out with you Cassidy! Have a great senior year!!!

Tovah + Dean :: College Park Engagement Photography

2011-08-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

This evening I had the great blessing shooting Tovah and Dean's E-session at College Park, Maryland. They are actually Northern Virginians but we bridged the distance between the two of us by figuring out that College Park was a good (and beautiful) setting right in between where we both live. We met at the College Park IKEA and then walked about the University of Maryland campus during the wonderful time that is "golden hour."

I took a TON of portraits of them being absolutely and totally and completely head-over-feet in love with one another but here are just a few sneak peeks of some of their session...

Can't wait for your "double-header" wedding, Tovah and Dean!

Nicole + Adam :: Washington DC Engagement Photography

2011-08-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Would love to post more than just these teasers of my day in DC with Nicole and Adam for their engagement session but I'm battling hayfever (like a champ!) and I've got my first day back for teachers week at my school tomorrow.

I've got nearly half a dozen other shoots I'm editing as well so I'm hoping to not have to wait too long to get the rest of Nicole and Adam's session up here for you all to see. They were a gorgeous pair of lovebirds that gladly indulged my every request for a quick kiss all over our nations capitol! I documented some serious "snogging" at the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, by the Reagen building, and right outside the Capitol building. They were both AWESOME at being BEAUTIFUL for their engagement session. I seriously cannot wait for their wedding next summer out at St. Michael's on the Eastern Shore.

Thank you so much, Nicole and Adam, for being so in-love and just plain lovely to hang out with during our day trekking about DC!

Kupcakes & Co :: Maryland Food Photography

2011-08-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I had what might easily be my SWEETEST shoot ever! (And I mean that both literally and figuratively.) I teamed up with the amazing "krew" of Kupcakes & Co. in Elkridge, Maryland and spent a whole day with these beauties...

Kupcakes & Co. is an up and coming gourmet cupcakery located conveniently between Washington, DC and Baltimore. Michelle Kupiec is the owner and fearless leader of the amazing entrepreneurial venture and she and her family founded it because of their longtime love (we're talking generations, folks!) of all things sweet, tasty, and beautiful.

Their brick and mortar location is understated but incredibly charming and conveniently located just off of 100 in the shopping center of Meadowridge Center Drive in Elkridge. Despite the fact that they just opened their doors at the very tail end of Spring 2011, they have a constant stream of customers, many daily regulars, and new fans who are constantly discovering their incredible prowess for the delightful confections that are their signature "kupcakes."

I got to spend nearly a whole day literally IN their kitchen and was given my own counter space to set up my mobile product studio (complete with backdrops, lights, and tripod). All in all I photographed over 35 uniquely composed flavors of cupcakes and let me just tell you, even though I was there witnessing it all, I could hardly tell you the true secrets behind what makes each and every one of them so amazingly delicious. There was some serious hustle and bustle going on around me CONSTANTLY and I could hardly keep up with any of it at any given time. The one thing I was able to take note of? Their signature pink commercial grade mixers. These babies were created especially for them.

Another element of creative mastermind behind this incredible operation is the head baker, Anne Blossom. I've known her personally for a few years now in a different capacity and though she's always been known for her unabashed passion and love for cupcakes, I had never seen her really make them happen. As a creative type myself? I really enjoyed watching her work and figure out the unique and genius flavor combinations and fusions that will be debuting soon enough on the Kupcakes & Co. menu. Anybody who thinks you can "just make" an incredible cupcake is very VERY sadly mistaken.

Anne works very closely with the owner, Michelle Kupiec (pictured below), to really push the palette and menu of Kupcakes & Co. to something that tackles the challenge that is doing something like making the perfect lemon cupcake.

One of their customers came in while I was there and offered them a wonderful compliment about it! I had no idea but apparently it's very hard to make a decent lemon cupcake but Kupcakes & Co. haven't done just that because what they've come up with and mastered is a lemon cupcake that is truly exceptional per the rave reviews of their growing number of kupcake fans. I loved being able to be there to overhear this feedback from their customers because when it comes to things that are food and especially food that is so special and near and dear to people like cupcakes, people will never lie. They will always give their honest opinion. And the repeated raves I heard from people were such great endorsements for why Kupcakes & Co. aren't just getting it right as a genuine boutique cupcakery but who are blowing everyone else out of the game because of how much better at it they are and continue to be.

Surely cupcakes might have seemed like just a passing trend years ago when they came on the scene but Kupcakes & Co. will be the reason why they become a very beloved mainstay in the realm of everyday treats and sweets with their over 36 flavor menu that they offer.

The official motto of Kupcakes & Co. is "Keep calm and have a cupcake" and it is printed on the wall of their working and baking kitchen and also on the backs of their official uniform shirts. Honestly? I can't think of anything better than a place that not only reminds you of the importance of cupcakes in a daily diet but also keeps you in a constant flow of fresh and absolutely delicious goodies like gourmet cupcakes.

Thank you so much, Kupcakes & Co. for being exactly who and what you are!! You all are amazing and the world is officially a better and SWEETER place because of you.

Handy dandy "To Do" List for my awesome Seniors

2011-07-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I don't have to tell my wonderful high school senior crowd that we are now less than a month away from their last hurrah of high school!! Here's a quick list of things that might help you be better prepared for going out with the BANG I know you want to go out with...

( ) Make your wishlist of colleges and/or entry-level jobs you want to go into and start requesting applications!

( ) Get your calendars ready by blocking off the dates of all of the things you don't want to miss this year - your LAST homecoming, your LAST prom, your first and LAST day of high school

( ) And THIS is the most important of all - Grab two of your BFFs and book your Senior portrait session with me, Andrea Ream Photography!!! Sure you can get your portraits through the service offered by the school but if you do that you won't get the awesome pricing special I have going on this year OR portraits that are so much more uniquely YOURS instead of the same thing that everyone else is getting done probably on the stage of the auditorium in your school. (Seriously? Boooo-oring!)

Here's a rundown of the special pricing I'm running for Senior portraits this year. It's good for the whole school year!

::Click on the image below to view it larger!::

Chris + Brandy :: Northern Virginia Maternity Photography

2011-07-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's not fair for me to say this but I'm one of those types who is never afraid to "shake things up" a little so I'm just gonna - I wanna take pictures of Chris and Brandy ALL. THE. TIME! I'm absolutely serious.

I met Chris and Brandy by way of electronic networking. I put some feelers out looking for a photographer to take pictures of me with my daughter - a sort of "mommy & me" session - and Chris and Brandy of Gronde Photography reached out to me to help make it happen. As it so happened they were looking for a photographer as well because they are (as you will see) expecting their first little blessing and joy.

I just love Chris and Brandy for so many reasons. For one? They are photographers/visual artists like me! They "speak" the language I most love to speak. They also are the type of people who are absolutely what and who they say they are without reservations and they love each other unabashedly. I wish I had actually met them sooner than just weeks ago because I would have loved to have been able to have a stab at their engagement and/or wedding photography! I mean just look at the images below. Their adoration for each other is so visceral and palpable and it only makes photographing them that much more incredible for me as an photographic artist.

But enough of my blathering on, right? Here's just a smattering of the portraits we collaborated and turned out together during one of the most beautiful golden hour sessions EVER...

Thank you, Chris and Brandy, for giving me the honor to capture you at this incredibly momentous time of your life together. You have my number for when the baby arrives and you need someone else to hold the camera (again) since I'm sure you will have your hands plenty full with your sweet bundle of love.

Feast your eyes on this! :: Maryland Food Photographer

2011-07-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

You'll have to pardon me a moment. I'm on a bit of a sugar high because I'm doing something that I always dreamed I would be able to do "when I was a grown-up." I am eating cupcakes for lunch.

Yes. You read that correctly. I AM EATING CUPCAKES FOR LUNCH TODAY.

*happy sigh*

I'm in the middle of wedding edits but I just had to plug a new business I was able to visit today. It's a new boutique-style gourmet cupcakery located in Elkridge, Maryland called Kupcakes & Co. It is a family owned and operated business by the amazing Kupiec family that is fast finding it's feet and gaining serious following in this region. They've got all of the usual favorites that any good cupcakery should have - the vanillas and chocolates topped with the trusty and delicious buttercreams and red velvets - as well as some truly adventurous, unique, and fun flavors like Cotton Candy and (if I had to pick a new favorite) Pancakes & Bacon. (Yes. That's right! A CUPCAKE WITH BACON!!! *swoon*)

Here is a quick picture of one of the cupcakes I took home with me today. It's a red velvet and it photographed beautifully...

If that's not a portrait of pure deliciousness and absolute YUM then I don't know what is. And I'll have you know I ate it very soon after I took the picture. Jealous?

Anyway, I'm happy to report that this will not be the last you will see of these gorgeous cupcakes... I mean, KUPCAKES. I am teaming up with the cupcakery within the next few weeks to document more of their incredibly delectable culinary confections. LONG LIVE KUPCAKES!!! Pardon me while I eat just one more. *wink*

Wintergreen Avenue for New Focus Realty :: Washington DC Real Estate Photographer

2011-07-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just finished up another one for New Focus Realty of Crofton. I'm happy to report that they were very pleased and impressed with the previous images I captured for another one of their listings and we're both talking about teaming up like this even more often now.

This listing is located on Wintergreen Avenue in District Heights, Maryland. It's a very charming little rancher-style house with some terrific recent upgrades. Will try and post a link to the MLS listings when they are up and running with the rest of the images I took but in the meanwhile if you want to see more please contact Charlie Hudson at New Focus Realty directly. He and Larry will take excellent care of you! Seriously... I'm talking white-glove type service. ;)

A GOOD picture is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars :: Maryland Real Estate Photography

2011-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Just photographed this amazing and gorgeous piece of real estate today for the Bowie-based company called New Focus Realty. The team of Larry and Charlie Hudson of New Focus and I are now working together to bring you BETTER images of the beautiful homes that YOU can call "home sweet home."

Larry and Charlie Hudson of New Focus Realty are incredible professionals of the real estate industry and they know the value of outstanding quality images of the properties they list. It is their priority to not just have well listed and shown properties but it's important to them to ensure that every interested buyer be able to see all of their options as fully as possible. I'm certain that the local real estate market will be clamoring to step up their games after they see the way better quality images help move properties that much faster. A picture might be worth a thousand words to some but to a real estate company? Well, an amazing picture of the company they are trying to sell can easily be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!!!

If I weren't already a homeowner, you better believe I would have refused to take more pictures of this property, gone straight to the bank, and forced the listing agent Mr. Charlie Hudson to not show it to any other people so that I could have it all for myself!!! I have over 20 more beautiful interior shots that will be included in the MLS listing in addition to this gorgeous curb shot. I would show you all of the rest of the pictures but honestly? For as beautifully as it photographs, I urge you to contact Charlie at New Focus and arrange for a personal showing of it. Just don't forget your wallet to buy it as soon as you see it because it really is THAT AWESOME!!!

Contact New Focus Realty directly at (410) 721-7625 and ask for Charlie Hudson for more information about this amazing house on Cowan Avenue in Bowie, Maryland. It's going to go fast so don't delay!

Heaven on Earth :: Maryland portrait photographer

2011-06-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Something you might not know of me is this: I am adopted.

Now, I don't come out with this the first time I tell people. I mean it's not like it's so much a conversation starter so much as I just feel like it's unnecessary to mention. I mean really? What does it matter? My family is my family is my family. *shrug* But I won't deny that it has made me and the way I think about my own life different than someone elses. I don't look like any of my family members. (Well... maybe my dad I do because he just happens to be Asian too but he's from a whole different country than I'm from and despite the argument that might exist that "we" all look alike. WE DON'T. But I digress.) I also don't have many things that so many others do - the stories of their origins like what it was like when they were born or even the rundown of what their first five months of their life was like. *shrug* I won't lie, it used to bother me but it doesn't anymore. Why? Because, as I said before, my family is who they are and that is my family and I'm not a person that gets easily bogged down by the messy details. Also? I feel like my life has really come full circle (so to speak) and now that I have my own child...

Well? I guess the fact that I've been able to give her so much of what I never had? Well... I feel like I don't miss all of that so much anymore. Just the same, I've not forgotten what it was like before now.

Family is so important. I was raised to obey some very solid family values with regard to the correct and appropriate way to be towards your family (it's an Asian thing) and it's something that I believe I will raise my daughter to have as well. Yesterday I had both the joy and the honor to photograph a family for their first ever family portrait. I can only show you this one image though.

And why is it the only one? Well, because they are a family of the adopted sort as well. And per their request and my own belief and understanding of the situation, it's best this way. Right now they are at the beginning stages of being a family. Similar to what I experienced as an adopted child, they all have spent some huge chunks of time missing from each others lives. They need this time right now to live in their own private world together and make up for all of the lost time and stolen moments that we all have had and can remember of our own families - this includes me as well since I have had the great redemption of being able to have my own sweet little girl right from the very beginning.

I hope I get the opportunity for more portrait sessions for adoptive families. I have such a special place in my heart for them and I know that I will be able to capture the beauty that they have within them that usually transcends everyone else's eyes because I know what it's like to be there among them, I know what to take note of, and I love being reminded of all it myself. It only makes me love my own family that much more. You can never have enough love, you know?

Daddy's little girl :: Maryland Wedding Photography

2011-06-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Will be delivering the final print wedding package of over 400 images to Chelsea and Brendan within the next couple of days. God bless them for being so patient!! And God bless Chelsea and her wonderful father, Larry. Here is one of my absolute favorite images I turned out of the whole wedding. I snapped this during the traditional father-daughter dance...

And also, I have a bit of a father's day story of my own to go along with it.

I didn't broadcast this before but on the night of Chelsea and Brendan's wedding, after I had taken my last shots and I was leaving, I ended up getting a flat tire on probably one of the most deserted country roads that might be. Because I'm a take charge type, I don't flinch at things like flat tires so I immediately pulled over, jumped out of the car and began to change out the flat myself - just the way my dad taught me how(!) - with only the light of the moon and the screen of my blackberry to help me see in the dark. Even when it started to pour down rain, I kept at it because I knew it would only take me a couple of minutes to just finish and be back in the car for the hours of driving I had ahead of me. When I got to the last lug nut I hit a wall. The nut was just about completely stripped (cheap scrap metal nuts!!) and the tire iron I had wasn't coming even close to being able to get it off the bolt. The only thing that would get it off would be pliers at this point.

In the midst of me figuring out what my options were, I tried to flag down the few cars that were traveling the road I was pulled over on. Each one stopped but didn't have any assistance to offer me in the way that I really needed. It continued to rain and despite the fact that I could have gotten very mad and discouraged, I didn't. Number one: I'm not the type who gets easily mad or discouraged AT ALL and number two: I've always been taught (by my dad, no less) to always be prepared and aware of the resources you do have even before you need to employ them.

As it happened, Chelsea's dad, Larry, ended up pulling over to assist me. He determined the same thing I did - I had a VERY stripped cheap scrap metal lug nut that just wasn't coming off even with brute force and I needed some decent pliers instead of the tire iron. He, being the man of slightly greater and more immediate resources than I, called in some help in the way of a very experienced wedding guest who was an Eagle scout. Fifteen minutes later, the lug nut was off, the spare was put on, and I was adhering to the 50 mph/50 miles to go in the direction of home.

Y'know? Even though I was there getting things done and working things out, I cannot tell you how good it felt being in the situation that was completely under control from the beginning. Yeah, I'm a real can-do type but ultimately? I know that the situation worked out the way it did because of the dads - my dad and Chelsea's dad, Larry. Had my dad never taken all the time to patiently teach me how to change flat tires "just in case," I would have easily freaked out standing there in the dark on that country road while the rain just poured down on me. And had Chelsea's dad Larry never pulled over? Well, I suppose I could have been OK but really? It was just so nice to have him there being the dad he is and in the way I know my dad would have been as well in just that situation. If you ask me, dads are the greatest. And I thank God every day for a heavenly father who knew from the beginning what an essential blessing they are in this life.

Happy Father's day, to YOU! Hope you're spending the day celebrating not just your dad, but ALL of the dads out there who are nothing less than awesome.

Now offering professional real estate photography services for DC, Maryland, and Virginia

2011-06-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

This is just for the SENIORS!! [Don't you wish you were 1-2] :: Maryland Senior Portrait Photography

2011-06-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Click the image below for a full-size version of this year's senior portrait promotional. Thanks so much!!

Still at it! :: Eastern Shore Wedding Photographer

2011-06-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm just about halfway done with this wedding because it might be one of the most total images I've ever tried to turn out. I shared this teaser on my FB fan page and both the bride and groom offered a lot of praise for it so thought I'd share it here as well. They are almost to their one month anniversary and I confirm that they are indeed still just this much in love...

I've got answers!

2011-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recently I was invited to present at a Career day event for some local middle schoolers about what it's like to be a professional photographer. Surprisingly (to me, at least) I was the only professional photographer there! (I don't know, it just seems like the market is so flooded these days that just about everybody is a photographer? Maybe I'm the only one who thinks/feels like this.)

Anyway, whether I'm at a career day or not, I'm constantly fielding questions about my line of work so I decided to (finally) put together a listing of inquiries I'm most often ask. There is a link over there =====> at the top of the right sidebar called F.A.Q. but for your own convenience, HERE IS A LINK directly to it.

Hope this answers some of the questions YOU might have.

Always camera ready :: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

2011-06-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

Between yesterday and today, I have spent more time in the car driving across state lines than I have been doing anything else. It was all for a wedding but this time around it was because I am a guest and NOT the photographer. Still? I will always be armed with my trusty camera.

And even when I break a lens (let's NOT even talk about this and focus on the fact that I am finally being forced to upgrade a lens) and there is strobe lighting changing constantly in a venue that has super high ceilings because what it really is is a converted barn and if I really want to get the shot that I want I have to climb from my comfortable and safe seat in the loft out onto the rafters and I also refuse to use any flash because I don't want to destroy the gorgeous ambiance created by the crystal chandeliers *catching my breath*... well? I can still turn out a shot like this and that makes me SO happy!

People? People, people, PEOPLE! I will not go to a wedding and NOT try to snag at least one amazing shot of the bride and groom even if I am supposed to be just a guest AND all of the aforementioned stuff happens. It's just not gonna happen. I will always ALWAYS be there with camera at the ready.

Congrats to you, Mary Rae and Derek! I had a marvelous time at your wedding and wish you a lifetime of wedded bliss filled with only the richest of the Lord's blessings.

I should be sleeping

2011-06-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm in the throws of multiple wedding edits and after that I have some major marketing leg work that needs to be attended to - for a new photography venture I'm taking on as well as for my other business that I'm trying to formally lift off the ground (now, a decade after the idea was hatched *sigh*) (It's called Make and Take Masterpieces if you were wondering.) Earlier today I was ordering copious amounts of art supplies and studio furniture, closing my school studio/classroom for the summer, and "producing" my now three year old daughter's "Ocean" birthday party. Truth be told, I'm not a happy camper unless I'm working, working, and working. And now when I really and truly should be sleeping because I've got another big day ahead of me tomorrow, I'm still awake, I mean I'm just barely awake and I could probably fall asleep while typing this up but still? I'm fighting it. Because in the midst of my wedding edits I churned out the image you see below. And now I cannot stop sitting here, fighting my fatigue, just to look at it for a little bit longer.

It's certainly not the most ideal or classic or traditional shot from a wedding but I'm not concerned with that. I think it's beautiful. I love the visual texture and the values and the contrasts and the composition and they way it looks like a place that just couldn't really exist - but it does indeed because I was there and I took the picture to prove it!!!

Other photographers might pride themselves on taking good pictures but I'm here to tell you that too many of them have to stop there. A good photographer, a real ARTIST won't take anything - they will CREATE something out of what could otherwise be completely insignificant or even nothing at all.

Know this: when YOU team up with me and I've got my camera in hand. We're going to do more than just get a good shot. We're going to create beauty. And it's going to come in the way of elements of art and design that go far beyond a picture. I promise you that. I absolutely pledge that to you with the highest level of confidence.

I've been waiting for you summer!

2011-06-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

By this point in my life I have learned that I am a terrible gardener. I might even fall in the category of having a "gray thumb." (Does that even exist?) But I always appreciate beautifully designed and composed gardens and home landscaping just the same.

Last year my husband and I tried our hand at flower gardening and landscaping. We went to our favorite local greenhouse, talked up the sales associates, and figured out some flowering bushes and flowers that seemed like they would work for us. We plunked down a lot (for us!) of money to do this. And by the end of the summer, we had maybe three (all the same kind) of flowering bushes that made it. Everything else was scorched by the sun and died a very sad and painful death. It was a disheartening experience to say the least.

As a last ditch effort, we went and bought one of those big bags of seeds of the wildflower and butterfly sort that you are only supposed to sprinkle and rake into a patch of dirt and then wait for them to grow so our toddler toddler would have a little something to pick from. Amazingly, our wildflower butterfly garden took off! And this year we added some more varied wildflower seeds to the mix and we have a flower picking garden that is - though not classically manicured and pretty - is at least a little ethereal in its own fashion and definitely pretty to look like. And within just the past few weeks, it's really REALLY taken off and burst into bloom so everyday - no matter how many flowers our little toddler lady picks - there are at least a dozen more in bloom the next morning.

This morning I took some time by myself to poke around the flowers and capture some of my favorite ones. I just love poppies and prefer the red ones but the pink ones seem a whole lot more abundant. Some of the other flowers just have such great colors and the visual texture in the images is terrific. And, of course, I always love the fat little bumblebees that buzz around...

Baby N :: DC Baby Portrait Photographer

2011-06-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

There is little that brings me greater joy than doing baby portraits. I love marveling (through my camera viewfinder) at how big their eyes get with curiosity. Their squeals and squeaks of finding their voices is one of the most pleasant soundtracks to work to and you just can't beat the sweet smell that all babies seem to have.

Little Miss N is the daughter of a childhood best friend of mine who I have known for over 20 years now. Her mama came in town to go to a college reunion. As it turns out, sweet baby N had portraits done a week after she was born but they've still not been delivered. Well, to me, that kind of thing is completely unacceptable and since this IS my best friend in the whole wide world, I just had to take care of the issue in my own way.

So here are the fruits of the hard work done by both myself and gorgeous baby N. I know I've got some decent skills, but seriously? N is such a precious beauty, I know that she's the one making ME look good.

Oh, sweet little baby N! Come back and visit me any ol' time you like. Can't wait for our next visit together.

So much sparkle! :: Gaithersburg Wedding Photographer

2011-05-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the extreme honor of witnessing a long awaited celebration for a very special bride and groom. They married each other abroad and then had a reception locally for their family and friends. The amazing thing is that despite the fact that there was no ceremony for me to photograph, that didn't mean that the event was any less special or festive. This event had more sparkle, shine, and fancy elements than most any I have had the honor to behold with my camera. I mean, just check out the bride's shoes...

And this image is the only one that I will be sharing of the event. Why? Well, per special request, images will be shared only directly between me and the lovely Mr. & Mrs. and their family and friends. And though this is different for me, I have a great deal of respect for their intent of doing things this way. For as much as I really like to share the amazing images I get to capture with my camera, I have a great deal of respect for those who choose to keep their likenesses off of the web. In a world like now when we are wired by connections that barely give us a moment to breathe, it's always refreshing to me to meet folks who do things differently and spend their lives unplugged a lot more often than I do.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this one shot of such fancy and pretty shoes. I've got to get back to editing. I'm working on two weddings right now! No rest for the weary.

[Teaser] Chelsea + Brendan :: Easton Wedding Photographer

2011-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

As I post this, Chelsea and Brendan are "leaving on a jet plane" to their honeymoon in Hawaii. Their wedding at Wye Island National Park on the Eastern Shore of Maryland was one of the most romantic I have ever had the honor of witnessing and photographing. Here are just a few teasers of what I captured of their amazing day.

Gear review: Built NY Medium Cargo Camera Bag

2011-05-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of the school of thought that your camera doesn't matter. Whether you are a good photographer, great photographer, or AMAZING photographer, I FIRMLY believe that your camera doesn't matter. Ken Rockwell does a great job at explaining what I believe here, But the gist of all of this soapboxing on my part is that a visual artist can be and will be as good as they are no matter what media/equipment/materials they have on hand. That being said? Appropriate materials certainly do make the job of making any kind of visual art a lot easier and more enjoyable no matter what. (I'm aware that now I've sort of contradicted myself. *sigh* Who's counting?)

Anyway, I must tell you about my new shooting bag from Built NY. Here's what it looks like. Thank you Adorama.com... (for the image AND giving me a really good price on the bag)...

As a professional photographer who does work exclusively onsite - weddings, food, portraits, scenics, etc. - and NOT in the studio (mind you I am not a natural-light photographer alone the way many these days are) I need to have the capability to be (essentially) completely mobile.

I have to have certain lenses on me to have the flexibility of offering different perspectives shot from one spot. (Because that's what it's about - offering my unique perspective, right?)
I must have my flashes at hand to snap on or off when I feel they are appropriate or not.
I need to have a place to stow away my memory cards and/or film and extra batteries.

The go-to shooting bag of the industry (specifically for wedding photography) has been the ever popular Shootsac. It's made of neoprene and was designed by a photographer for photographers for the very purpose of carting around the list of items I mentioned above. It gets rave reviews but it's also pricey to the point that you might have to put off buying that lens that you've been eyeing even longer than you already were. How pricey? Try $200 minimum. (Yeah. Not happenin' here and now or ever for that matter.) I like the things that make the Shootsac special - the neoprene, the fact that it's lightweight, that it can be collapsed and stowed away without issue when it's not in active use, etc. - but I have never been convinced that another bag couldn't be, do, and serve the same purpose as a Shootsac for a much lesser price tag.

Enter the beauty you see above that is the Built NY Medium Cargo Camera Bag. It's the shooting bag I've looked for for months now and finally can call my own! Yay!!!!

Now, this bag is no Shootsac but it's also not supposed to be. It's my understanding that it's supposed to be more of a camera bag than a shooting bag. Still? It does a great job as a shooting bag. It's all of the things I noted I liked of the Shootsac but a small fraction of the price - only $40 or so!! Not bad. Not bad at all.

The bag is a little larger in profile than the Shootsac but it's collapsible and the neoprene material makes it something that naturally doesn't get so much in the way enough for it to be a bother. It's possible to get the large version of this bag but I am about 5'2"-ish in size (petite by most standards) and the medium suits me very well. I carry this bag messenger style and I can fit my huge full-frame camera body in it (about the size of a large DSLR body WITH a grip) and then three of my favorite lenses and a flash. It's a snug fit but not so much that I can't pull things in and out of the bag with major issues the way I would if I were having to carry the Slingshot bag I've had for years but is (honestly) kind of a pain to deal with when time is of the essence and the ability to "shoot from the hip" is completely necessary.

My verdict: Built NY Medium Cargo camera bag isn't just a good alternative to the pricey Shootsac, it's a GREAT alternative.

Gearing up for senior portrait season

2011-05-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

The more I work with high school-aged folks, the more I love them! This year I will be doing some senior portrait package specials for the first time ever. Stay tuned so you can be the first to hear about them!

Sisters FOREVER :: Annapolis family photographer

2011-05-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Interesting fact: My degree is in Sociology and Anthropology and NOT photography.

Surprised?

Well, I definitely took a much longer route to get to where I am than what might be expected. However... I feel like my intensive studies in the Social Sciences coupled with extensive work experience working in clinical and behavioral psychology has made me a better visual artist - of ANY kind of media and not just photography as you see here - and also art teacher. (Didn't know I was an Art teacher? Yes. I am.) All of my education and professional experience helps me to be a better observer and visual record keeper. I'm also much better at seeing who people truly are. A long time friend of mine (also a visual artist) once told me that I have the ability and know-how to give people the most appropriate gifts EVER because I inherently can sense what they really want or would most appreciate. *shrug* It all goes back to my inability to really focus in on what's around me more than on myself. And being a photographer? Specifically a portrait and wedding photographer? Well... it works out well since I can capture the most intimate and beloved moments shared between folks that they always wish they had a picture of to remember better.

I had the extreme honor to photograph Rebecca and Leah last weekend in downtown Annapolis. Rebecca is the eldest of the two. She is one year out of high school, finishing up her first year of college (nursing is what she is studying), and she is about three weeks out from leaving her home sweet home to tour the country with an amazing professional singing company called Re-Creation. This is her first big move into adulthood that will take her away from her family - and this includes her little sister, Leah. Leah is in the midst of her high school years and spends her time doing karate, hanging out with her church youth group, and working hard in a talented and gifted program specifically designed for those who have great mathematics and engineering abilities. If you hadn't already concluded that these two girls are AMAZING young people, well, perhaps that's because you were in awe of all of the incredible things that they both do and are.

This portrait session was a surprise gift from Rebecca to Leah intended to them in this stage of their young and spry sisterhood before their future plans set them on separate paths. And I'm not going to lie, before this session I was a little nervous. Despite all of the experience that I do have as a photographer and natural people watcher, could I really capture the essence of their beautiful sisterhood? Well... see for yourself. But, I think I nailed it pretty well.

Thank YOU (BOTH of you), Rebecca and Leah, for letting me experience that is the joy of family and the immense gift that is sisterhood. You two seriously make me look better than I ever could by myself.

[Teaser] Sisters forever :: Annapolis family photographer

2011-05-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm all about the sisterly love after this session with these two sweet sisters. More to come from our day in downtown Annapolis! Check back within the week!!

The art of living

2011-04-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm still here! I'm just all over the place these days. The school year is wrapping up for me. (Did you know I'm a high school art teacher during regular business hours?) And there's always so much to be done in this time when you pair the aforementioned up with the start of wedding season for me.

I've also kicked off a new business venture called Make and Take Masterpieces that will provide painting parties and traveling art instruction for artists as young as toddlers clear up to those who are the youngest at heart! Another business? Sure it sucks up a little more of my time but it's doing something that I love which is MAKE ART and help other people learn to make art and that's what I'm all about! I'm all about the art. But don't go thinking I don't have time for photography or my beloved family. No way... my life is full of those things I love as well. In fact, here's a beautiful portrait of my tiny little lady who will soon be turning three! My how the years fly when you don't sit around fretting about how little you have left of them...

I took this impromptu portrait of my sweet little girl at Easter time so despite the fact that it looks as if she's in the starring role of a sweet and cherubic flower girl, not the case! She simply picked this dress as the one she should wear for Easter Sunday. She's all fancy and girly like that!

Anyway, just wanted to check in on things here and let you know that I've got a wedding right around the corner! It will kick off wedding season for me this year and I'm really excited about it. Stay tuned!

Shhhhh! Don't tell ANYONE.

2011-03-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Technically I shouldn't even be showing these to you. Why? Well, because I wasn't supposed to take them in the first place because I was asked to be at this wedding as a bridesmaid and NOT the photographer. But, well... you can't tell me not to take pictures! Telling a visual artist/professional wedding photographer "Don't take pictures" is like saying to a fish, "Please. Try NOT to swim!" I gotta get some shots in. I HAVE TO capture and preserve the moments that are placed before me. It's what I do!

Still, as God insisted and he knows best, after I took these pictures, my memory card filled itself to max capacity and I had to stop. *shrug* Good thing because I would easily have ended up trying to stuff my full-frame into a little evening bag for the rest of the festivities. Little black bridesmaid dress and awkwardly stuffed purse? Uh... NO. Well, at least I got some of the lovely details...

Congratulations, Alyson! The "Once upon a time..." you wished for on stars and the "Happily Ever after" you've dreamed of all of your life has finally arrived. May the Lord bless you and your holy covenant with Jorge with only the richest life has to offer.

Alyson is expecting :: Dallas Maternity Photographer

2011-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Alyson is one of those women who looks beautiful without a lick of make-up. Add the pregnancy glow to that she goes beyond the beyonds of gorgeous! See for yourself...

I love doing portrait photography work but I especially love doing maternity shoots because I have found that pregnant ladies are easily the most beautiful subjects to photograph! I mean, I don't like playing favorites but it's hard not to when it comes to "baby bumps."

[Teaser] Alyson :: Dallas Maternity Photographer

2011-03-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here's just a tiny sneak peek of an amazing portrait job I snuck in during a recent whirlwind trip to Dallas, Texas...

No rest for the weary when it comes to full circle

2011-01-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

Good morning to you! Well... at least it's a good morning to ME since the current time is almost 2AM where I am!

Way back when I started my photography business (about a full decade now - woo!) websites were a far cry from what they are now. To put it mildly back then people/businesses didn't really have them unless they were 1) very important, 2) very well established, and/or 3) so tech savvy and code literate (read: geeky) that they coded websites just for fine. Nowadays? Having a virtual a virtual place to call home is just about as important as having a literal one. If someone starts talking up their business, it's standard that they provide you with some kind of contact information that you can access electronically. And because of this, it's very important to have a website that doesn't just work well but it also has to look good!

I have a distinct advantage over most photographers because experience in the visual arts isn't just of the photographic medium. I am well-versed in classic and contemporary studio art, graphic design, AND web based visual design! Since the beginning, way back when every one else was clamoring to design official websites for their business, I was visually designing, coding, and publishing things all by myself! And though my website has gone through about three major overhauls since websites become such a "thing" to have, I have to say that my latest has to be the snazziest I've ever done. You can find a link for it over on the left sidebar via hyperlink but here's a clickable screenshot for convenience...

My new website has been completely redesigned to feature something I've never used before and actually always railed against - flash animation! (I'm a bit of a geeky fan of things of the analog times. What can I say?) And though I've tried to stick with good ol' fashioned html for the most part (that's the stuff without all of the animation or blinking this or that), I started designing this flash renovation months ago and I'm happy to say that I'm not only done with it but I'm also very pleased with the results.

So, pop on over to my official website to check out my new digs and even say hello via the new contact section. I love when people say hello so please don't be shy!!!

New year, new Dot com!

2011-01-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Just wanted to give you a heads up that my official dot com (linked over there on <------- the left) is currently down for maintenance. Don't fret though because I'm in the process of bringing you a newly redesigned site!!! I'm having some technical difficulties and I'm waiting to hear back from my "help desk" but the site should be back up and running soon enough. In the meanwhile you can find info about prices/rates and booking over there --------> on the right sidebar. In the meanwhile, hang tight! And remember... good things come to those who wait. *wink*

Matt :: Southern Maryland portrait photographer

2011-01-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

Meet Matt. He's one of the most easy-going, laid back, aims-to-please, and nicest guys I've ever met. And this is a very good thing since he just happens to be my little sister's boyfriend.

(Did I just hear some hearts breaking when I mentioned he's taken, ladies? Those are the breaks sometimes. *wink*)

You need to thank my little sister anyway though since it's because of her that he's even portraits done anyway. My little sister is one of the hardest people to buy a present for and this year for Christmas I racked my brain to figure out what would be the perfect gift for her. The girl really does have everything a girl could ever need or want - INCLUDING an awesome boyfriend (as pictured). But what it comes down to is he's really all she wants anyway. So that's what I decided to give her. And since he hasn't had his portraits taken probably since he graduated from high school, I thought it might be a nice thing to do for him to bring him up to date AND my little sister (and his family) would benefit just as much by having some nice pictures of him right now when he's at the point of his life when he's got the world at his finger tips. Pictures are worth a thousand words afterall. Here's a couple of the best shots Matt and I turned out together...

Thanks, Matt for lending me your smile, sense of humor, and spirited good nature for an afternoon. You know where to find me when you need your next portrait fix.

Happy New Year... how 'bout a fresh start?

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Some years ago, I introduced the idea of New Years mailings to some photography clients of mine. (Didn't know I was a professional photographer? Check out that link on the right sidebar.) As the winter holiday season happens, it's festive and fun but in order for it to be all of that way, it's a lot of work. Many of my clients were particularly stressed with the fuss of getting their portraits together in order to send them out "in time" for the holidays. In the midst of a conversation with one of them it dawned on me that the holidays don't stop with Christmas because New Years is right around the corner from it and sometimes it's about that time when you can really sit back, take a deep breath, and relax. With this in mind, I encouraged them to use that extension of the holidays, that is already there to begin with, to start a new trend and tradition - New Years cards!!

As the years have passed us by, it seems that other businesses have taken a hold of the trend that I recognized could always be there and some of the biggest online businesses that offer holiday card lines have now started to include New Years greetings as a major part of their design lines - minted, Shutterfly, and tiny prints are ones that I have noticed recently. But because I am as well-versed at photography as I am with graphic design and I really like to try and practice what I preach, I give you my own family's New Years custom-designed mailings...

The photographic work is of a photographer friend of mine (featured on the blog in November, I believe?) but I did all of the graphic work that you see. Grey and yellow is my current favorite color palette but aside from that my husband is a diehard Pittsburgher and he loves all things black and gold so though the above colors are definitely nontraditional, they work for our family just beautifully. And it's also a glorious thing to be able to have taken care of this and done it all AFTER the holiday rush because I was able to focus on the things that I believe are the most important this season - the celebration of the birth of Christ himself and being with my family - and less on trying to race others to the post office and other such defeating tasks.

So are you convinced that New Years mailings are the way to go yet? There's still time to get your portraits done and mailings custom-designed if you're interested. Drop me an email at andreareamphotography::AT::gmail.com for more information. And may God bless you and yours richly in this wonderful new year!

Baby Eloise :: Pittsburgh baby photographer

2010-12-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

Is there anything quite like a newborn baby? I really don't think so. Meet baby Eloise...

Isn't she breathtaking? I feel like that's one of the best ways to describe her. The other ways include the following: adorable, beautiful, and the sweetest sweetness your eyes could behold. *sigh* Little Miss Eloise is only a month old and doing her portraits yesterday was a gift for me as much as anything else could be. (YES. On Christmas day!!! That's how much I love doing what I do. I'm willing to do it any time, anywhere, and any how.)

Babies are very special to me because, as it's been said, They are "...such a nice way to start people." (This was once said by Don Herold.) For me though? It really reminded me of the fragility of life and the magnificence that was the Christ child when He was born. Life is such a precious gift and when that gift also asserts faith and hope and love, well, I think it makes the gift of a precious baby even more amazing.

Welcome to you, Baby Eloise, for coming into the world and THANK YOU for bringing all of the hope, joy, and sweet baby-ness with you when you came. You are a blessing and a precious gift for all who have the honor to know you.

Just a tad early

2010-12-22T02:03:00.000-08:00

I know. Christmas is still days away! But the thing is, we've celebrated Christmas peeked into stockings and opened gifts already. *shrug*

Merry Christmas
and bless you and yours this season!

May you be filled with love, joy, and peace in celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

The Erdmans :: Baltimore family portrait photographer

2010-12-22T01:54:00.000-08:00

I have known the Erdmans for quite sometime now. Lisa (the Mrs.) and I actually graduated from high school together but we never really become friends until long after graduation happened one summer when we both worked at the legendary Mattapany Day Camp together. Since that summer I have counted Lisa as one of my dearest and most cherished friendships. It's been well over ten years since we first came to know one another and oh how time has changed things! Nowadays she's happily married (to THE guy predicted she would end up with - I actually did their engagement pictures long ago!) and she is an adoring and doting mother to two handsome little boys.

I got together with all of the Erdmans the other day and we all had a grand ol' time laughing and carrying on despite the frigid temperatures. They are such troopers that you can barely tell how cold it was to be outside on the day we were...

Eventually we took the operation inside by the fire were it was much more reasonably warm and with the addition of lollipops into the mix, everybody was in much better spirits.

As an extra bonus to help minimize the holiday schedule crunch, Lisa enlisted me to do a customized graphic design for their holiday mailings this year to be sent out as New Year's greetings instead of Christmas ones. (New Year's greetings are a personal favorite of mine and I always encourage my customers to do them instead of rushing to get them out before Christmas making the holiday season more of a headache than the joy that it can be.) Didn't know I was a graphic designer in addition to being a photographer? Check it out. Can't beat one-stop-shopping with me and I'm much cheaper than most of the retailers out there who use templates and just make you and yours look like everybody else and theirs...

Didn't get your holiday greetings out? Let's do a New Year session and we can take care of a custom-designed New Year's mailing for you, too!

The Reams :: Massachusetts family portrait photographer

2010-11-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't know, I am my family's official photographer. I'm usually never anywhere without my camera somewhere within reach (and it's always been that way) so it works out well. I don't mind it in the least though. The gift of capturing beautiful images of people is a gift that I know I've been blessed with and I absolutely love sharing it with people.

These two handsome young gentlemen are my nephews and every time I see them they just got taller and more dashing looking. The taller of the two was the first grandchild of the family and my first nephew and I still remember holding him at the hospital when he was first born. With his younger brother, they are the only boy grandchildren of the whole crew of grandkids and I'm continually reminded of the fact that my next child would be a great blessing especially if it is a boy. For the record: If and when God blesses me with another bundle of joy, I'll be happy with whichever it is. In the meanwhile I will just live vicariously through my brother and sister-in-law and their beautiful sons...

This might be one of my top five favorite portraits I've ever captured. I love how my oldest nephew is standing there all big brother-like as if to say, "If you want to get to him? You WILL go through ME."

We took these portraits over my Thanksgiving vacation (one of the many advantages to having a day-job that is teaching) and as I've been editing them and getting them ready for proofing and printing on (this) my last day of break, I'm still reveling in the gratitude I have of being a part of such a beautiful and amazing family.

The Osbornes :: Pennsylvania family portrait photographer

2010-11-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite kinds of photography to do is portraits. I started out doing this kind of photography and every time I return to it, I just like it more. Doing portraits always makes me feel like I'm giving people very I special gifts to treasure for years and generations to come.

A new trend in portrait photography is called lifestyle portrait photography where people use mostly natural light to illuminate their subjects. I like the style very much but for as much as I try, I tend more toward a style that is much closer to heirloom, I think. I feel like it has a more timeless quality to it and though it's more challenging because you don't use natural light and have to understand how to do flash photography, I enjoy it very much. And it always helps when your customers have beautiful homes that lend themselves to classic settings.

This past weekend I did some portraits for a childhood friend of mine (all the way Pennsylvania!) and her portraits turned out gorgeous. She is surprising her hard-working husband who (conveniently) was working during her portrait appointment but I think the next portrait session he will get to be in the pictures as well as she is already talking about scheduling another session!

Thank you, Jenny, for opening your home to me and for providing such a beautiful family of subjects for me to photograph. Such a blessing to me to be able to spend time with you! I look forward to our next portrait session.

The Reams :: Richmond family portrait photographer

2010-11-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

I am celebrating the day by giving thanks for the beautiful family I have been so blessed to be a part of. Want proof of just how beautiful they are? See below...

My eldest niece

My middle niece (and goddaughter)

My youngest niece

The whole gang of nieces together

My older brother, sis-in-law, and their gang (of my nieces)

I love taking pictures of my family but I don't get to do it often enough because they live so far away from me in Maryland. The beauty part is there are major holidays throughout the year that draw us together so that we have great excuses to spend time with one another. Who needs an excuse to see your family? Sadly... I do because I'm such a workaholic like that. *shamed* I'm grateful for them loving me despite my own ridiculous nature to work even during the holidays - like how I finagled to do now on Thanksgiving! Well, at least they got some gorgeous portraits out of it, right? There's always something to be thankful for. *wink*

The Ganns :: Bowie portrait photographer

2010-11-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Portraiture is and will always be one of my favorite things to do. People are always telling me that they aren't photogenic enough to look decent in pictures and I just love proving them wrong! God has given me both the heart and the eye to see others as truly beautiful in the way He created them in His likeness and I love being able to provide tangible evidence to show others that they aren't just photogenic but they're also really beautiful.

With November here (and, let's face it, almost gone now), wedding season is over and portrait season is in full swing. I had the great blessing last evening to create some portraits for the lovely Gann family and we all had a great time trying to get the timing right for everybody to look at the camera and smile at the same time. I'd say from what we got below, they're pretty set in the way of family portraits for the season, wouldn't you?

Always a joy and a blessing to create your portraits, Ganns. (Especially the littlest Gann folks) See you next year for your annual portrait session!

A view by Sher :: DC artist portrait photographer

2010-11-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, you can call me a photographer. But if you don't mind, please call me a visual artist. Because I don't believe in just taking someone's picture. Rather, I insist on creating an image that is elevated to a level of visual artistry.

This past Sunday I had the great honor to spend some time with and create a portrait for another of my kind. She's a photographer as well and she's been working diligently and tirelessly to perfect her craft. She will be graduating next month from the amazing Art Institute located in Arlington, Virginia and she is also preparing to make her mark on the interwebs soon with a launch of her photography business website. To say that she is amazingly talented would be a ridiculous understatement. And I would link to her website here but I think she's still working on it - though I know it's going to be any moment now. The good thing of it is that we were able to take care of her artist portrait for the "about me" section that most any good visual artist should have to explain themselves a little better...

We scouted and trekked all over Georgetown to find a location for the above and we almost missed this setting because it was literally down a little grassy knolls and almost under a bridge. *shrug* (Visual artists will go just about anywhere and do just about anything for the shot they need and want.) The vision for the picture was to have something with a colorful background ala what's found in Philadelphia more than DC but the best we could do was some monotone graffiti tags. Oh... what's that? The graffiti isn't monotone? Hmmm... that's right! That's because I used my "mad skillz" (as my high school students like to call them) in Photoshop and I tweaked them so they looked colorful as if they were meant to be that way. The power of Photoshop is amazing sometimes and though I prefer using it only for minor adjustments, the situation called for such a major "tweak" so that it was more accurately illustrative of how colorful and dynamic Sher is to begin with - nevermind her amazing visual artwork!

Spending time with Sher and being able to create her artist portrait was both a treat and an honor for me. We talked plenty about visual art and how powerful it can be as well as just getting to know each other a little better on a personal level. Always a joy meeting someone like Sher who has the same type of passion for visual art as I do! Can't wait to see where Sher will go with all the talent she's got going on for herself because I guarantee that she's going to blow people's minds with whatever she will do.

Best of luck, Sher! You've come quite a ways but I'm certain you have yet to surpass everyone with the miles you have yet to go.

Just for fun

2010-11-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've been stuck inside all day editing photos, getting caught up on blog and facebook posts, while my husband got to work outside and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather! Such is the life of a photographer. *shrug* Thankfully, I'm married to a man who will do just about anything to make me happy and will even go as far as bringing the outside IN to make me feel a little less cooped up.

Broke out the macro lens for these shots and it captured some amazing bokeh, and really gorgeous details and colors.

I can't agree that I'm wasting my best years of visual art doing portraiture, weddings, and food but I will tell you that my pipedream to be a photographer for National Geographic is still around enough. Granted, I took these pictures in the comfort of my own living room but I might be convinced to wade in a swamp and get eye-to-eye with a crocodile if I could be guaranteed more shots like the above.

Kristina Kumpel for Building Hope Ministries :: Maryland Event Photographer

2010-10-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Being a photographer has filled my life with some very unique opportunities. A couple of months ago, I had the great honor to participate in a project with a local non-profit (Building Hope Ministries) whose mission is to share the gospel by supporting orphans all the way on the other side of the world in India. They paired up with an up-and-coming vocal artist, Kristina Kumpel, to create a CD of music inspired by faith and the glory of the Lord. They asked me to join them in creating images to be used for the promotion of their project as well as provide them with some strong visuals for album art. I was delighted and humbled and I gladly accepted the invitation.

I worked with Kristina and Mike Callahan (of Building Hope Ministries) for months. We did multiple photo shoots - one that was hours long and went well past midnight on a weeknight/school night - and spent many more hours meeting, discussing, and figuring out the details of how everything should come together. Above all though? The most important thing that we did was pray. We prayed for inspiration to direct our steps, we prayed for wisdom to know exactly how and what should be done, and we (most importantly) prayed for endurance in times when it seemed like things were too daunting or things might not work out. And just like how the Lord always does, He provided and just this past Saturday, I joined Kristina and Mike at the concert that debuted their CD that was (only months ago) barely a wish of something that we couldn't even begin to imagine happening.

It's not often than I'm speechless, (Seriously. Ask any of the students I teach!) but being a part of this project with Kristina and Mike was nothing short of amazing. There were so many "hitches" with the overall project happening that I had to stop counting them because I started to become convinced that it wasn't just that it couldn't happen but it also wouldn't happen. Still, I prayed that all that I did would be to serve God. I prayed that I would (if nothing else) create a reflection of His glory that people could not stop themselves from looking at and experiencing.

Now that I'm at the end of the project, I've got a whole new appreciation for things that I never knew before...

Performing artists need visual artists and vice versa
If you think only one photo shoot will be enough, you're wrong
Album art and design will always require more hours (and people!) than you could ever project and plan for
Don't even think that God's plans won't be carried out... just pray about it, wait, and then watch and see what happens!

As we say in my church, "God is good all the time! All the time God is GOOD."

Pictures so good you want to eat them

2010-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I'm easily bribed with delicious food.

The ability to make delicious food is a talent I can't even begin to comprehend. I'm a visual person and trying to wrap my brain around one flavor and how that mixes and merges with other flavors is something I don't even have. And I can't even lie and say that I have a very refined palette either. On any given day, I am just as happy with Lobster Thermidor as I would be with a bowl of the ultimate in faux food dishes - Velveeta Shells and Cheese. But what about food that is just as amazing to look at as it is to taste? What about that?

One of my all-time favorite jobs ever was teaming up with an awesome catering company called My Thyme. They taught me to have a new appreciation for food because they specialize in making some of the best food you might ever taste! Now, the job itself was no "walk in the park" because though you'd think food is lifeless and should therefore be easy to photograph but it's not all that easy. You can't just set up a plate and snap a picture. There's so much more that goes into it! Not only does the food itself need to be "styled" so that you can take it's textures and angles at the most right perspective, you've also got to worry about keeping it fresh looking long after it's been prepared. And then when you finally get it looking so good that you just want to eat it, you can't! Because then you won't be able to take the picture!!

If you ever get the opportunity to try your hand at food photography, don't hesitate to try your hand at it. It's very creatively challenging and (if you're really lucky) you might get to enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of the things that you were told you could shoot but not eat.

Liz :: Baltimore Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-10-23T02:39:00.001-07:00

Liz is another member of this year's class of 2011. Take note of a few things you will NOT likely see in her senior portrait session: her incredible culinary skills and cooking prowess, barely a smidge of makeup, even a hint of "girly"-ness, and anything more than a hint of a smile.

Despite the fact that Liz might seem like the ultimate "tough girl," I'm here to confirm for you once and for all that she's a serious sweetheart with the biggest and softest heart of gold. She's also got an incredibly infectious laugh and she can get just about anybody to crack a smile with some of the funniest and silliest things I've ever heard. Makes no sense for someone who doesn't like to smile, right? Well... it's only because she has a kind of smile that's all her own and even though it's just barely there sometimes, that's how it's supposed to be and that's how Liz likes it best.

Someday you might cross paths with Liz (but hardly realize it) because Liz is headed off to be a classically trained culinarian at ECPI College in Virginia Beach. She has great aspirations of opening her own restaurant one day and - trust me on this one - you WILL want to be there when it finally opens its doors.

Congratulations on all you've accomplished, Liz! Have the best senior year EVER.

:: Locations for this session - Henryton, Patapsco State Park, Baltimore, Maryland, Annapolis Inner Harbor ::

LOVE this girl!

2010-10-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

You can call me biased but I think this little girl is easily the most adorable and precious little lady on the planet.

(OK. She IS my daughter and she IS an only child but pictures don't lie people! I mean LOOK at it!)

For as much as I love anything having to do with visual arts, the one thing in the world that will always trump that is the love I have for my sweet little girl. She's my shining star and one of my favorite muses and I thank God every day for making us mother and daughter.

Alexus :: Southern Maryland Senior Portrait Photographer

2010-09-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

If you've never met a girl who easily has the world by it's strings, please... allow me to introduce you to Alexus.

This young lady doesn't just do it all, she does it all very well AND with the most incredible grace. She's an accomplished athlete, an erudite young scholar, a gifted musician of vocal stylings, a caring volunteer to the local elderly community, a disciplined and driven member of ROTC and (most personal favorite) a follower of Christ and active member of her Church family. If you've lost count of the things she can do, I don't blame you! And now we're gonna have to add one more thing that she does so very well to her list of accomplishments. And that is, looking so modelesque in front of the camera that when we were shooting her senior session, people asked what agency represented her! In the words of so many seniors I know myself, Alexus's senior session was LEGIT.

What a way to kick off your senior year, Alexus. If your goal in life was to take the world by storm, I'd say you've more than arrived. Godspeed with all of your Naval Academy aspirations! I know that you will accomplish incredible things in life.

::Locations for this session: Annapolis Inner Harbor, Henryton, Patapsco Park, Grafitti Alley, Baltimore, Maryland::

Pardon the dust

2009-08-10T10:48:00.001-07:00

Hello! And thanks for dropping by the blog! Not sure if you dropped in via my official .com (andreareamphotography.com) or if you just happened by.

I'm just renovating and redecorating around these parts so please be patient with me while I work out all of the glitches and bugs. Please feel free to bookmark this page so that you can keep up with my happenings and doings! And if you'll excuse me, I gotta get back to work making sense of the mess...

Doors and Windows

2009-06-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

People who know me best will tell you that I'm always doing something else other than what it might appear that I'm doing - ALWAYS. Perhaps it's because I'm a very creatively charged individual but I don't know. I was once described as being an illustration of raw energy. I guess I could agree that I'm a bit of a live wire at times but I think it's more that I have a natural tendency to just go constantly and in multiple directions at once. But as it happens, operating like that doesn't always work out so well and even on the 7th day God himself took a rest!

The time has come for me to take another self-imposed sabbatical. No... it's not like the last one that happened because of my joining the ranks of motherhood - this time it's because I'm prepping myself for my next great creative ventures. That's right! If you didn't catch that I indicated that it was more than one direction that I was going in (as always). There was an 's' on the end of that!

I'm not sure how much photography that I'm going to be doing other than personal work but I'll try to post at least some of what I turn out from that. I've still got one more major job on the books that I will close out within the month but other than that? I'm free to answer to whatever God is calling me to do. I'll do my best to keep you all in the loop of the next big things to come. Until then.... here's another door closed and the next window being opened...

Baby Vincent :: Pittsburgh Infant Photographer

2009-04-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Heather - one of the cutest pregnant ladies in the world???

Well... GUESS WHAT! She's now got one of the cutest newborn BABIES in the world!!!

He's too precious for words if you ask me. I mean just LOOK at him!

Welcome to the world, baby Vincent! And congratulations and welcome to the ranks of motherhood, Heather!

I heart DC!

2009-04-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed to admit it but lately I've taken for granted how close I live to our nation's capitol. Hard to believe this has happened since just a couple of years ago, you could find me wandering about the city every free moment I had! It's not that I don't love DC but I think it's more that I've not had the time that I used to to devote to what I affectionately called "adventuring" about it.

This week is spring break for me and though I should have spent the most of today holed up inside and chained to my computer finalizing some of my latest jobs, I forced myself to get up and get out of the house because honestly? All I ever do is work. Ask anyone.

Today my husband and I took our daughter for her first day of DC adventuring and though we never made it as far as the cherry blossoms (our original destination) we had a grand ol' time riding the metro, visiting some of our favorite museums, teaching her the appreciation of urban landscapes, and eating at one of my favorite DC restaurants, Teaism.

There's absolutely no place like home - especially when your home is DC!

Attached at the hip

2009-03-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

These days it's just about impossible for me to get things done. Why? Well, here's why...

(Self-portrait of myself with my daughter)

My little one wants to be attached on my person as much as possible. But how can I say say no to a face like this anyway?

See? Now you see my dilemma. It's a no-brainer if you ask me.

Standby for album redesigns, drafts, and backlogged blog postings of "All Shook Up!" I'm working on re-learning the art of multi-tasking. It's amazing how much more challenging it becomes when you revert to becoming two people and not just one.

Eight days a week

2009-03-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

I owe you all pictures of "All Shook Up" after posting those teasers. I'm sorry that I've not done it yet!!! The problem is that I don't seem to have enough time in my life to do all of the things that I need to/want to do. The most of my time has been sucked up designing albums for clients and right now I've got TWO going on - a coffee-table style one for a wedding with over 300 images and a flush mount style one for a bat mitzvah (see below for a rough layout of one of 20 spreads). Many photographers outsource their album designing to others but I do it all myself - the graphic design, the layout, EVERYthing!!!

And in addition to all of that, I've got my normal everyday things that just can't be neglected OR shelved in any way but it's not like I would want to do that anyway because when it all comes down to it, I would ditch out on everything for her anyway. (Sorry, world! Being a mommy is more important to me than anything ever!!!)

*sigh*

My little girl is going to be nine months old in just about a week!!! Where has the time gone?! Oh yeah - album designing!

Seriously... a photographers work is NEVER done.

All Shook Up! :: Community Outreach Photogapher

2009-02-26T23:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not a novice anymore but I'll tell you, there's nothing like the challenges of theater lighting to make a pro feel like they are back to square one! Low lighting is one thing but low lighting that quickly changes to bright lighting and then changes color and THEN back to low lighting again? Whoa! WHOA!!! That is the only way to put it. Here is a sampling of what I did tonight - it was the LAST dress rehearsal before the show opens tomorrow night!

It's too late for me to post anymore than a few teasers but I don't want to ruin the show for you (if you're going and you really SHOULD go because it's going to be A-MA-ZING!) anyway. A photographer I am, but a talented actor like all of those in All Shook Up? I SO am not! Go see the show. Seriously! You don't want to miss it!

Heather is expecting! :: Grove City Maternity Portrait Photographer

2009-02-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

eather is due in a little more than a month and a half and she is seriously the most adorable pregnant lady I have ever seen. She's got the pregnancy glow down pat and shooting her maternity portraits yesterday was just way too much fun. I think maternity portraits are becoming my new favorite thing to do!

Congratulations, Heather! I know you're going to be a fantastic mom!!!

All Shook Up! :: Community Outreach Photogapher

2009-02-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing I like other than photography, it's a musical theater! I've always been a fan of music and I try to go to get to the theater AT LEAST once a year. But for as much as I like them, you will never catch me on stage performing. I've just always been one of the ones that prefers to remain behind the scenes - but, usually, more likely behind the CAMERA!

This past week I had the extreme pleasure to do some community outreach at a local high school. Their chorus is preparing for their upcoming musical production and this year it's a show that combines Elvis Presley with Shakespeare called "All Shook Up"!

The young ladies and gentlemen that have been cast are extraordinarily talented and I bet it's only a matter of time before you see many of their faces (and HEAR many of their voices) in some of the top ranking theaters in the country. I was so honored to be able to provide everyone with headshots for their printed program and I can't wait to return in a couple of weeks, when the set and costumes are closer to being finished, to do some candids!

Baby Carson :: Baltimore Newborn Photographer

2009-01-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Last evening I got a surprise text message from one of my best friends in the world. She had just delivered her beautiful son, Carson, almost a full week early!!!

Today I was able to steal some time away to drive over and visit them both in Baltimore. When I wasn't snapping pictures of the baby, I was lucky enough to hold him! He's certainly a sight to behold and quite the handsome little gentleman as you can see from the pictures.

Congratulations Lisa, Shaun, and big brother "Naters"!! And welcome to the world, beautiful baby Carson!!!

DO judge a book by its cover!

2009-01-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

The creation of a wedding album is a creatively exhaustive and tedious process IF you do it right! A wedding album should never be just a photo album. It should have the ability to take you back to your wedding day with all of the anticipation, excitement, and bliss that comes with that magical day where you merge your life with your beloved's.

The cover of your album is one of the most important elements of your book. Why? Because it should provide a sampling of the beautiful imagery that's inside. Would you be compelled to open this album?

Yvonne and Chris's album is my current album design project! Not a bad "Once upon a time" for a wedding story, eh?

Michal + Adam :: Pikesville Jewish Orthodox Wedding Photographer

2009-01-19T04:53:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced a Jewish Orthodox wedding? It's fast becoming one of my specialties and I can honestly tell you that I can't get enough of them!

Michal and Adam were married at Beth Tfiloh just outside of Baltimore in Pikesville. The sanctuary was an absolutely breathtaking feat of architecture and interior design and was easily the most beautiful venue I've ever photographed. How blessed Michal and Adam are to be able to take their vows and, essentially, start their life together in such an extraordinary place! The evening ended in grand style with Michal and Adam dancing amongst circles upon circles of their family and loved ones.

Thank you and MAZEL TOV, Michal and Adam! It was both a pleasure and an honor to be a part of your beautiful beginning together.

[Teaser] "With this ring... I thee wed... :: Kent Island Wedding Photographer

2009-01-08T04:51:00.000-08:00

I'm still working on Yvonne and Chris's pictures but this is one of my favorites so far that I thought I'd share. They are very committed to their faith and I shot their rings on an open bible while Yvonne was getting herself ready before heading to the church...

The Arvais :: Southern Maryland Family Portrait Photographer

2009-01-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

The Arvais and I have known each other for almost... 15 years now? (I just had to sit here and figure it out!) I met them when I was in middle school as they had just moved to town and I became fast friends with their daughter. They moved around a couple of years later but we've all been able to keep in touch no matter the distance. Old friendships like theirs are my favorites!

Mrs. Arvai's Christmas present this year was a family portrait session. I was lucky enough to be tapped to do the honors. We all had a great time today - catching up and reminscing - while I shot their portraits and even the dogs were able to make an impromptu appearance in some fun shots I got right at the end of their session! Some of the best (and most fun!) pictures always seem to turn out unplanned like that.

Ladies Night :: Rockville Maryland Portrait Photographer

2008-12-30T04:42:00.000-08:00

People often ask me why I don't do studio portrait work. My reason? I feel like portraits should be illustrations of who people are in the moment that they are in. This means that if you put people in settings of which they are unfamiliar, you might not get them in their best because they aren't as comfortable. Case in point: a portrait session booked to document a "Ladies Night" for a group of best friends...

Portraits can be done ANYWHERE. They don't have to just be limited to studios!

[Teaser] Yvonne + Chris :: Kent Island Wedding Photographer

2008-12-27T04:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the incredible honor to be a part of the most extraordinary wedding. It was easily the most romantic one that I have ever shot!

Yvonne and Chris were married earlier this evening on Kent Island. Their ceremony was woven with beautiful personal details and their reception afterwards was so much more like a grand ole party. Still, nothing outshined the love that they have found in one another. It's folks like Yvonne and Chris of which love stories are written...

Congratulations, Yvonne and Chris! Enjoy your honeymoon with all of it's newlywedded bliss!

Lonnie + David :: Bethesda Jewish Wedding Photographer

2008-11-16T04:31:00.000-08:00

It is rare that I am able to work with a bride like Lonnie who has such amazing presence in front of a camera. Lonnie has professional training in the dramatic arts and it sure does show. Lonnie and David are quite the gorgeous pair for sure...

Wedding Portfolio Slideshow :: DC, Maryland, Virginia Wedding Photographer

2008-11-15T04:28:00.000-08:00

This is a compilation of recent weddings and some of my favorites from the past. Turn your speakers up for a lovely accompaniment of one of my most favorite songs in the world.

Wedding portfolio slide show from Andrea Ream on Vimeo.

Music credit: Ella Fitzgerald - Cheek to cheek, and David Gray

Jessica :: Baltimore Bat Mitzvah Photographer

2008-01-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

Jessica's bat mitzvah brought me back to my old stomping grounds in Baltimore. I had a great time and my husband came along to assist me as I'm nearly five months pregnant. I've done plenty of Jewish Orthodox weddings, now I can add bat mitzvahs to my laundry list of photography experiences!

Alicia + Todd :: New England Wedding Photographer

2007-09-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

What a great day for a wedding! It wasn't too cold, not too hot, and there were plenty of drinks and LOBSTERS to go around for everyone. I was even lucky enough to get one for myself! Thanks for a great time, Alicia and Todd!

Andrea Ream Photography Photoblog

Baby Cooper :: Virginia newborn portrait photographer

The most wonderful time of the year

Featured today on Captiol Romance!

Featured today on Bayside Bride!

Jamie + Colin :: Washington DC Engagement Photographer

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Hot off the presses!

Getting here from there

The Erdmans :: Baltimore Family Photography

Jamie + Colin :: Washington DC Engagement Photographer

Tovah + Dean :: Silver Spring Wedding Photographer

Rhys & Luca :: Northern Virginia Family Photographer

Class of 2012 *teaser* :: Southern Maryland Senior Portrait Photography

Cassidy *Sneak Peek* :: Berks County Senior Portrait Photographer

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Nicole + Adam :: Washington DC Engagement Photography

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Handy dandy "To Do" List for my awesome Seniors

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Now offering professional real estate photography services for DC, Maryland, and Virginia

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I've got answers!

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I should be sleeping

I've been waiting for you summer!

Baby N :: DC Baby Portrait Photographer

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Gear review: Built NY Medium Cargo Camera Bag

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Sisters FOREVER :: Annapolis family photographer

[Teaser] Sisters forever :: Annapolis family photographer

The art of living

Shhhhh! Don't tell ANYONE.

Alyson is expecting :: Dallas Maternity Photographer

[Teaser] Alyson :: Dallas Maternity Photographer

No rest for the weary when it comes to full circle

New year, new Dot com!

Matt :: Southern Maryland portrait photographer

Happy New Year... how 'bout a fresh start?

Baby Eloise :: Pittsburgh baby photographer

Just a tad early

The Erdmans :: Baltimore family portrait photographer

The Reams :: Massachusetts family portrait photographer

The Osbornes :: Pennsylvania family portrait photographer

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Kristina Kumpel for Building Hope Ministries :: Maryland Event Photographer

Pictures so good you want to eat them

Liz :: Baltimore Senior Portrait Photographer

LOVE this girl!

Alexus :: Southern Maryland Senior Portrait Photographer

Pardon the dust

Doors and Windows

Baby Vincent :: Pittsburgh Infant Photographer

I *heart* DC!

Attached at the hip

Eight days a week

All Shook Up! :: Community Outreach Photogapher

Heather is expecting! :: Grove City Maternity Portrait Photographer

All Shook Up! :: Community Outreach Photogapher

Baby Carson :: Baltimore Newborn Photographer

DO judge a book by its cover!

Michal + Adam :: Pikesville Jewish Orthodox Wedding Photographer

[Teaser] "With this ring... I thee wed... :: Kent Island Wedding Photographer

The Arvais :: Southern Maryland Family Portrait Photographer

Ladies Night :: Rockville Maryland Portrait Photographer

[Teaser] Yvonne + Chris :: Kent Island Wedding Photographer

Lonnie + David :: Bethesda Jewish Wedding Photographer

Wedding Portfolio Slideshow :: DC, Maryland, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Jessica :: Baltimore Bat Mitzvah Photographer

Class of 2012 teaser :: Southern Maryland Senior Portrait Photography

Cassidy Sneak Peek :: Berks County Senior Portrait Photographer

I heart DC!