52 Frames, January 2014, Frederick County, Maryland Photographer

The "52 Frames" project is a collaboration of artists from around the world, sharing the best of their weekly-work, according to different themes.  Below are my first several weeks in the project, with the theme listed as the title.  I received a photo critique as well for my Black and White image.  

Week 1 "Self-Portrait"

Week 2 "In the beginning…."

Week 3 "Black & White"
Photo Critique about this image may be viewed here (at the 4:00 mark).

Week 4 "Greetings from…."

Week 5 "Out of MY Comfort Zone"

At the Creek, Frederick Maryland Photographer

This past weekend I was able to share several of these images at Art at the Point.  I received a lot of wonderful feedback and enjoyed sharing the work.  My husband thinks it is my strongest work yet.  I have entered several of these images into two juried exhibits and hope to win a ribbon at The Waterford Fair this weekend and placement in the upcoming Delaplaine Juried Photo Exhibit.

While creating these images my friend was inspired by the thought of "boudoir photography" without all the fussiness of lingerie, makeup and high heels. She simply wanted me to capture her as herself and be able to present it as a gift to her husband and as a memory of this chapter in her life.  Knowing that she practices yoga on a regular basis I asked her to demonstrate some postures.  This is the outcome of an afternoon at the creek with our boys (two each) playing somewhere behind me.  Who would have known that this woman once gave birth to twins!

Below is an example of one of the gifts her husband received.  The mini accordion album is fun to spread out on a desk or can slide easily into a purse or luggage.

An example of a small metal accordion album perfect for a desk or nightstand.  The metal represents their ten year anniversary.

On side can hold four images.

The other side can hold up to six images or in this case a spread of three.

Holiday Cards, Frederick MD Photographer

It's not too early to think about this year's holiday cards.  Here is what I created for my family last year.

Front of our 2011 Tri-fold Holiday Card, Cover photo by our friend Erin

Inside of the 2011 Tri-fold card

Back Flap of the 2011 Tri-fold Card

Back and Front of the 2011 Tri-fold Card

Each year I enjoy designing our holiday cards.  From an early age I sent out my own cards to my pen-pals and relatives.  As a young woman I went through a phase of hand making all the cards, but that was pre-children and our list was only half the size as it is now.  Of course this is a wonderful way for me to share some of our memories from the last year as well as highlight my photography.  The front family photo was taken by my friend Erin but all the others were taken by me. I received a lot of accolades from my friends and family and each year I feel as if I need to top the card from the year before.  If you like this, I have similar cards to choose from and have flat and notecard style templates as well.  Happy Holidays (in September!).

Other card styles plus new cards this 2012 Holiday Season!  Here is my Pinterest Board with some other ideas and card templates I can purchase.

Recreating a Family Photo, Frederick Maryland Photographer

End of Summer with Cousins

End of Summer in Blue Jeans

Above you will see two of my favorite shots of the young cousins which is a sneak peek from the extended family photo session.

Yesterday I was asked to re-create a family photo before Grammy moved from her house on the water.  We gathered by her dock with members of her extended family to capture some other moments as well, but we had fun re-capturing this moment pictured below.  The original photo captures the children about six years ago and it was fun to see how their personalities have come out since.  They were a great group to work and play with.  Help me decide which is the best (in regards to the poses, but also color or B&W).

Original Photo (scanned version)

B&W version--white shirts

Color Version-white shirts

B&W version of one in Red, White and Blue

A color version of another in Red, White and Blue

Details of 1879 Home and Property, Frederick Maryland Photographer

Below you will find a sample page from a book I am making for a client.  She loved all the photos from a recent session of her descendant's stone house and property.  We are making three copies for her family members (husband and two children) as surprise birthday gifts.  For more views of this historic property, which was originally bought and owned by an emancipated slave in Loudoun County, Virginia please see my website.  Music by Micheal LaRue, "I Just Come from the Fountain" Songs of American Negro Slaves 

He was a trained stonemason, who was later set free.  The plantation owner sold him this piece of land in which he built a house and the stone wall surrounding the property.  Other buildings include a small stone barn, and detached garage.

The family plans to renovate the buildings and wanted to have photos created before construction began.  What an honor to be chosen to capture this important part of American history.

Part 2 of Sculpting with Paul Rhymer, Frederick MD Photographer

Part 2 of sculpting bronze figures with Paul Rhymer. 

Step 1: Sculpt in wax (1st photo with new iPhone)

Step 2: Dress up in funny outfits 

Step 3: Wait for mom to finish covering wax figures with ceramic

Step 4: Burn out wax

Detail of wax melting

Step 5: Have Paul pour with 2000 degree melted bronze

Step 6: Crack Ceramic off bronze figure

Step 7: Admire figure

Luke cracking ceramic

Luke enjoyed this aspect

Hanging out at Paul & Carolyn's pond looking at fish, tadpoles and frogs...notice his sculptures in the background.

Stonemasons's Home from 1879. Frederick Maryland Photographer

A recent commission that will be a surprise gift.  Before photos of a home and property that was built by an emancipated slave in 1879.  He was a stonemason and the stone fence surrounding the property still stands.  

The House from the back, side side and front

Vignettes include a tea kettle planter, garage window and soda bottle in the garage.

The Barn

Products include Metal Prints and iPhone cases, Frederick County Photographer

Metal prints with hanging kit.  This can be made with as many prints as you wish.   I can also create freestanding frameless metal prints without hangers that can float on your wall.  Images taken for the Frederick County Barnstormers Tour by Andrea Bagdy Williams.

Example of a personalized iPhone case.  Photo by Ryan Williams.

Vote on the Best Photo from my Frederick County Barnstormers Tour, Frederick MD Photographer

As some of you may know I participated in the Annual Frederick County Maryland Barnstormers Tour.  This year 15 photographers were invited to photograph all ten farms/barns.  I need to pick the best image to appear in a photo exhibit featuring pieces from each photographer.  Help me by leaving a comment below, on Facebook, or in an email.  Many thanks! To see more of my images taken that day please visit:  Barnstormers Gallery  The "Amusement Ride" I tossed in for fun, but since it is not part of a building/barn I won't submit it for this exhibit.  And yes, I have a favorite (or three!).

Tuscarora Manor

"Cathedral" taken at Milo Chick Barn

White Rock View Horse Farm

"Needle in a Haystack" at White Rock View Horse Farm

"Looking up at the Skyscrapers"  White Horse View Horse Farm

"Lines" at Moreland Farm

"Amusement Ride?"  Moreland Farm

"Hydrangeas" at Chartreuse and Company

"Door" at Carrollton Manor Farm

Carrollton Manor Farm