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April, travel and education | Workshop in New Haven, CT

May 12, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Do you think some things are meant to be? It seems to be the case for me. When I first got a newsletter from Justin and Mary about their Walk Through A Wedding Workshop, I was curious and excited. I would love to do that! But New Haven CT is quite a bit away from Virginia, then add my husband’s military schedule, kids spring break…. Yeah, that was not going to work… I added that to my wish list and moved on. With family matters happening in Maine and spring break for my girls, we decided to head up north… And then I came across the reminder about the workshop. I talked to my husband and there I was – all signed up for the workshop!! Timing really worked out! Sure, it required way more travel, but that didn’t really matter – I love to travel, plus we used to live in CT. It was so nice to catch up with many of our close friends!

The workshop
We started with a beautifully styled dinner at Justin and Mary’s house – the food, music, and company was wonderful! We had lots of fun playing ‘Heads Up!’ And then two full days of learning, photographing, sharing ideas, and digging deeper into our souls.

Erin and Peter, Becca and Analisa, our models, were graciously following directions from many photographers, while Justin and Mary were there to help out and offer advice as we worked through different scenarios. The Chamard Vinyeard in Clinton, CT was a beautiful place for us to photograph (with cake, beautifully set tables, invitations and flowers set up in a barn) and despite the pouring rain, we were able to explore this beautiful venue. The attending photographers, at different stages of their businesses, became friends. Learning from each other was just an additional benefit from the workshop.

On the second day, we headed to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven to photograph in harsh light. We discussed so many aspects of being a photographer and business owners during those two amazing days. I’ve learned so much and I am excited to put that all into practice during upcoming weddings and family sessions.

Thank you Justin and Mary for your hospitality, generosity, and knowledge. It was an unforgettable experience!

Check out our hosts’ work on Instagram!
@marymarantz @justinmarantz @cwfloraldesign @Chamardvineyards @Hairdaydreamer @alittlesomethingwhite @lovelycakesct @abbeytent @latavolalinen @daphneanddeanphoto @beccabliss_ @RME_hairdesign @partypartyfairfield

Industrial garden meets historic plantation | Styled Shoot in Providence Forge, VA

March 14, 2017 · 6 Comments

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I challenged myself in my photography and business this year. It was going to be about stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things and learning even more.

Styled shoot at Jasmine Plantation was definitely fitting into this goal. It was something I have never done before.

It was a sunny and warm spring-like day in February at the Historic Jasmine Plantation in Providence Forge, VA.

A wonderful group of creatives and small business owners from Hampton Roads area came up with a vision of Industrial Garden styled shoot and I was thrilled to be invited to be a part of it. Industrial decor and gorgeous arrangement designed by Annette were a contrasting, yet complimenting element at this historic venue.

Not only the theme was beautifully executed, but also we all made the day about having fun, supporting each other, building relationships and creating an amazing production.

Let me introduce these wonderful friends!

Industrial Garden Styled Shoot Team

One of my goals was not only the capture beautiful results, I also wanted to capture the high energy, friendships and collaboration. Check out our behind the scenes here.

Charles captured the whole event on video.

It was a pleasure working side by side with Lindsey Lyons and watching her in action. Check out her take on this here.

Thank you everyone for this amazing experience!

Our vendors:
Venue – Historic Jasmine Plantation
Coordination – Chelsea Cottle Moring – Illumination Events Studio and Stacy Krick – Colonial Heritage
Lead Photography – Lindsey Lyons –Lindsay Lyons Photography
Photography – Ola Ingram – Ola Ingram Photography
Videography – Charles Townsend – Brian Charles Films
Entertainment and Lighting – Liz Daley – Liz Daley Events
Design and Florals – Annette Lindsey – I Do Weddings with Love
Makeup – Kirsty Wingfield – Richmond Make Up Artist
Hair – Victoria G – Madison Salon
Models – Katie Cominsky and Jose Colon
Cake – Kadi Spruill – Kadi Bakes
Sweets – Cari Mezick – It’s All Sugar To Me
Caterer – Ernie LaBrecque – Divine
Rentals – Sharon Royster – Chic Unique Vintage Rentals
Stationary – Lindsey Lyons
Floral Paper Garlands – Sweet Pear Paper
Hair Accessories – Sassy Jones Boutique
Bridal Gown and Menswear – Celebrity Bridal and Formals
Linens – Splendid Seating
Rings – Diamond Direct
Transportation – Stacy Krick

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My reason why

December 28, 2016 · 2 Comments

2016-12-27_0034 Recently I started a course to learn even more about photography and light. One of the first assignments made us dig deep inside to figure out why we are photographers, why we do what we do. It was quite amazing to peel the layers of my why.

Yes, I love photography. I love capturing those special moments that we want to remember forever – the first look on the wedding day, the ring on her finger, the first kiss, dance, family together, children growing up. And I promise, I will do anything I can to make them beautiful and special. But there is something more. A deeper reason for why I am a photographer.

I treasure the photographs that show you not only how you and your family look, but how you are together. The ones that show the emotion, relationship, and connection you have. The ones that fill your heart with that moment… The groom looking lovingly at his new wife, the unexpected giggle on a daughter’s face when her dad says something silly to make her laugh, siblings goofing and playing together or a grandpa teaching his grandchild how to make his special pancakes…

Those every day special moments, that we remember vividly years later, but sometimes find hard to describe because of how much they mean to us… Those moments, they often are not caught on the camera, but stay etched in our memories. They become a treasure because they are so unique, created only by your family and often impossible to repeat.

I have lots of photos of my daughters and special people in my life. I am finding ways to have more photos with them, not only of them. I want my daughters to have photos they will show their children and tell the stories about what was happening when that picture was taken and what makes it special. And I want your photos to be just like that – for you.

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