Jennifer Rotz Photography: April 2014

The Studio | Hagerstown, MD Children Photographer

Our one-year-anniversary with the studio has officially came and went! As I reflect over the past year, I definitely learned a lot about my business and who I am as a photographer. When I first started, I photographed children primarily outside in the beautiful, natural light. Well, lets be realistic, the weather is not always beautiful and sometimes it's just downright miserable (hello winter 2014). I know first hand it effects the session; if children are cold or unhappy outside it WILL reflect in the photos.

When I thought about a studio, I pictured a small, dark space with bright off camera lighting rigs. Scary. And the typical studio photos. You guys know what I mean :) But the more I imagined what I would want in a studio and how it could reflect my business, the more I began to want one. My image was a bright, neutral space with high ceilings, nice flooring and simple backgrounds/props. I found exactly that in my studio at Mulberry Lofts in Hagerstown, MD. The best part is I can meet with potential wedding clients there as well as photograph children's sessions, cake smashes, maternity, and boudoir. Now, it's hard for me to imagine my business without it! I still love photographing children, families, and, of course, couples in the beautiful sun, but I'm so thankful to have an alternative on those cold winter days.

This is an iPhone picture of when I first moved in and we finished the floors. It looks a little different now, but this gives you an idea of the amazing light that pours through the windows.

Here's our most recent session. Rylee is the best one year old and photographing her was such an enjoyable task :)

She brought her favorite chair from home for the session

Love this half smirk ;)

Julie + Brian: Engaged | Harrisburg, PA Wedding Photographer

Julie and Brian live in Harrisburg, PA so it made perfect sense to photograph their engagement session there as well. I always urge my couples to think outside the box and choose locations that are important to them and in some way portray who they are as a couple. Instead of just the basic outside photos, they thought WAY outside the box and we hit up a few of the most amazing spots in the city.

Not only are Julie and Brian the perfect couple, but they are so interesting and full of life (and completely gorgeous!!). I am counting down the days until their September wedding when we get to work together again in Harrisburg.

Their session started out at Midtown Scholar Bookstore; the quintessential used bookstore complete with a coffee shop, dusty old books, and interesting people :)

We then braved the cold to get a few shots around the area Brian used to live.

Our next stop was The State Museum of Pennsylvania. I loved being able to make so many creative photos here.

And finally the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

I love this photo because the church they'll be married in is in the background.

Brigid + Mike: Married | Wilmington, DE Wedding Photographer

In front of all their closest friends and family, Brigid and Mike were married on March 21, 2014 at Arden Gild Hall in Wilmington, Delaware. It was a beautiful spring day, especially after the dreary winter the northeast endured this year. Brigid and Mike are such a special couple and I truly believe God blessed them with this incredible day :)

"This is so surreal" Brigid would say throughout the getting ready portion of the day with this huge smile stretched across her face. You could see and feel the pure joy radiating from her. A few times her and Mike had contact over the phone regarding the reception room and one time she squealed, "I get to see you soon!" I couldn't help but join in on her smile.

Although their courtship was short, Brigid and Mike have this deep, profound love. During the bride and groom portraits, I didn't even have to say a word - these two were just so smitten with each other I was able to capture the real them. I feel so lucky to have photographed their wedding and I know this is merely the beginning of a life long love.

Brigid and Mike, thank you for allowing us to document your amazing love story. We feel so blessed to have witnessed what you share and wish you all the best in your lives together.

The wedding day preparations began at Currie Day Salon