Jennifer Rotz Photography: February 2013

A Little Bit of This + That | Business/Personal Musings

This time of year always feels the same: cold/dreary/rainy/snowy/whatever. We're really not indoor people, so the winter can be so stifling. Thankfully for some good friends, we nabbed an invite to Florida for some warmth and relaxation. That text couldn't have come at a better time, especially since it was snowing the day we left. We road tripped it down in Aaron's new car. I know road trips aren't for everyone, but it gives us time to catch up on life and business.

Late afternoon Florida light is amazing, by the way.

Like all vacations though, they must end. We felt completely energized and ready to face the rest of the winter :) It could be spring any day now, however. And we couldn't wait to see Keira. We came back to a nice and clean pup with less hair. Oh, and the adorable scarf is compliments of her groomer :)

And it's a good thing we feel energized because we have 750 sq. ft. of flooring to lay before our sessions start at our new studio. I love our clients and their trust in us. The first photos I uploaded to Facebook may not have been very pretty, but you guys were able to see what we did..lots of potential. We already have an (almost) full two day mini-session event and 2 boudoir sessions scheduled (brides...this is an amazing space for it!!).

The space couldn't have been more perfect. My must haves were big windows, open concept, brick, wood floors, and an overall industrial feel. Well, it doesn't get any more industrial than an old manufacturing facility. So I'd say it worked out perfect.

The space is located downtown Hagerstown, MD and there are other artsy types in the building such as an interior designer, dance/acting studio, advertising company, and a Jiu Jitsu academy in the basement, who I hear may be doing CrossFit there as well. Hopefully more will be joining us soon :)

We're tackling the floors ourselves. If that fails, we will barter photos for floor help :)

Aaron has been (as usual) amazingly supportive of this new venture. I love that he loves...well, at least doesn't hate...my sometimes crazy ideas.

And the reason for all this.

I received this amazing note in the mail today from one of our favorite families and it stopped me. I just feel so blessed to do what I do and to feel true appreciation for it. Yes, photography is amazing and a dream career, but it's not always as dreamy as we make it appear, especially when it comes to running a business. So THANK YOU to our wonderful clients...without YOU, we wouldn't be here.

Amy + Zane | Longwood Gardens Engagement Photographer

When Amy suggested shooting their engagement session at Longwood Gardens, I was thrilled. I love gardening, flowers, and everything that goes along with it. In fact, many years ago when I bought my very first DSLR camera, Aaron and I went to Longwood Gardens to test it out and practice. So, for me, this session really gave me that 'full circle' feeling.

I always encourage my couples to choose a location that is not necessarily beautiful, but meaningful to them. Longwood is extremely meaningful to Amy + Zane because it was the location of their first date. I know - pretty meaningful, right? And even further, they are both involved with and studying in the horticulture industry. We shot this session right after Christmas when Longwood still had their decorations up. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

As a couple, Amy + Zane are amazing. They live out of state and booked me for their wedding completely over the internet. This always makes me a teeny bit nervous since a photographer/client relationship is so important to me, but Amy seemed so genuine and sweet over email - I was pretty sure it would work out fine. And I was right. The instant I met them I felt like we had been friends for a while. I can't ask for a better relationship than that to have with my clients. Especially when we spend 10+ hours together on the most important day of their life :) The friendship, support, and bond between Amy + Zane is another attribute that I noticed immediately. Recently, Amy had a difficult situation occur to a very close family member of hers and it was so obvious to me that Zane is and has been her support system.

Couples like Amy + Zane make me so thankful to do what I do and I feel absolutely blessed to be documenting their wedding this July.

Seriously, how gorgeous is Amy?

Amy is actually a research assistant in a greenhouse.

One of my absolute faves.

We went from super warm and steamy in the conservatory to super cold and blustery outside. But the light was amazing and, really, blustery helps couples snuggle up more which is great for me.

Amy's ring is a family heirloom.

The Mummert Family | Waynesboro, PA Photographer

I love photographing this family! They are so fun to be around and are always laughing and loving. This is a two part session with the first half focused on Lucas and the second half is all about their growing family :) Because we shot this during the Christmas season, we decided a Christmas tree farm would be the perfect backdrop.

He would rather push the sled than sit in it. Boys will be boys!!

Hannah is absolutely gorgeous, especially with that pregnancy glow :)

The Shives Family | McConnellsburg, PA Family Photographer

I have been photographing this family since the very beginning of my business. And I'm beyond grateful to continue to see them every year! There is nothing I love more than seeing a family grow up right before my lens. Each year, Mom comes up with great ideas for the session. Giving young children something to do (preferably something they enjoy!) during the session distracts them from the fact that I have a huge camera and am trying to capture the perfect photo. What results is a session with beautiful, natural portraits as well as a memory of what they loved at that point in their young lives. It's a win/win :)

When they were babies, their Mom used to sing this song to them. Now, they can sing along with her and I was lucky to be serenaded during our session!