Find a professional on Thumbtack!

Getting seen on the internet seems like a never ending process for a busy small business owner.  I spend hours each week responding to new clients, answering questions and making sure my website and social media sites are up to date.  Sometimes I do well, other weeks (months?) can go by and I don't have enough hours in the day.

One service I recently joined has created some leads and has been useful to my business.  Thumbtack is a free service helping customers looking for a proscribed job or professional with the professionals in their area who may be able to do the job.  I have met new business head shot clients and families looking for photographers through Thumbtack.  It's not a sure-fire and sometimes the fit is not there, but it's worth a shot for the time you spend filing out the online profile. 

Check it out and let me know about your experience and any other online profiles you have found to be useful!

Images of Sommer on Thumbtack

Photo Gallery of Images of Sommer

High School Senior Portraits

High School Senior Portraits

There are times in one's life that photography marks a transition

 from one era to another.  Leaving high school for the world and a future beyond is one of those times!

I often  photograph really young children, right down to babies only a few days old, but you might not know I am just as happy to photograph high school seniors! 

 I loved my college experience at Towson University and University of Virginia and it is exciting to me to find out where my H.S. Seniors are heading!  I have photographed many of my seniors since they were babies and it has been truly an honor and a pleasure, as well as, a professional accomplishment to work with a young person that long!

 

Many high schools today permit outside photographers to submit portraits for the yearbook, often including additional casual portraits for pages in the yearbook reserved for the seniors.  

 

Here's a time line for high school seniors to consider! 

Formal Yearbook Portrait:

 Have your formal portrait taken in school generally in the spring of your junior year, with make ups often in the fall of senior year.  If you like the result, great!  If not, or if you want more personalized attention during this important session, consider scheduling your high school session during the summer and we will include the formal drape shot (black and midnight blue drapes are supplied).  Please be aware that the guys have to supply their own tux or suit.   

  

Your Portrait Session 

 

Most area schools need all photography for the yearbook in by Thanksgiving break, so you have time through out the summer and early fall for your portrait session!

  

Where?  At your home or any location in the area!  We have beautiful natural resources and cool urban settings which could make your portrait session a reflection of what you like to do and where you like to be!

Clothing?  You can choose to wear several outfits during your session.  We will discuss this during our initial consultation.

Props?  Yes!  Cars, sports gear, your guitar, etc.  We will discuss this at your initial consultation as well.

Style of Photography?  I use my artistry to reflect your personality; who the real "you" might be.  That is my goal and I work to get to know you during our time together.  I photograph in color, but often create images in black and white or use other photo art techniques in final production.

 

 

 

Liriodendrin Mansion goes Hawaiian!

On a sunny, warm summer day at Liriodendrin Mansion, Peggy and Mark brought the charm of the islands to Bel Air! This small wedding was a perfect celebration with family and friends at the palladian style mansion that was the summer home of one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Peggy's dress was handmade in Hawaii, perfect for the summertime tone of their wedding. Mark wore a beautiful Kukui Nut Lei, the first prayer beads of the Hawaiian people, and often worn during wedding ceremonies.  The bride and groom were meticulous in their planning, from the amazing flowers by Nancy Smith to the food selected and created by Dean and Brown caterers. The couple exchanged vows at the two centuries old St. Ignatius Church.  The guests were encouraged to join in with light and summery beach attire.  Mark created wonderful table cards, a lava rock display, among many other touches that brought Hawaii to Bel Air in July!

Small Weddings are Big in my book!

Danielle and Justin's Backyard wedding

I love the intimacy of a smaller wedding.  The focus is on the family and the bride and groom can spend so much more time with each of their guests.  This backyard was transformed into a beautiful venue for the perfect wedding at home with all the touches important to the couple's aesthetic style.