Kelly Heck Photography

Hanging the Show at The Delaplaine

2012-01-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

On the way to Frederick to hang my show yesterday, I couldn't help but pull a u-turn and run out to a field to take a quick shot. My patient mom waited in the warm car and Andy, my boyfriend, slid down a driveway after me like a surfer on ice!

We got the show up in a few hours, touched up some scuffs and old holes in the walls and now it's ready to view for your pleasure! We took a few photos and so did The Delaplaine. You can view Delaplaine's photos on Flickr - they told me they will add photos throughout the show, so you should be able to see shots from the opening night as well. Here's a shot we took after we finished. Thanks to my mom and Andy for all the help and support. :-)

Personal Enrichment at Carroll Community College

2012-01-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know, about a year ago I became an adjunct faculty member at Carroll Community College. My first class in the Continuing Education department... and it was quite a learning experience and I wasn't sure if I would talk on the challenge again. But this past fall I was requested to teach two more classes in Cont. Ed. (Web Design & Photoshop Elements) and it went SO great. I really enjoyed it and my students did too. I was so flattered by the compliments I received in my reviews.

Now that I have been approved to teach in the Personal Enrichment department and I have some of my first photography courses coming up:

Introduction to Wedding Photography
Wedding photography is a huge responsibility. As a budding entrepreneur, emerging photographers must prepare themselves and their clients for the wedding event. Experience, a strong portfolio, attractive marketing materials, solid contracts, quality equipment, insurance, an organized approach and a professional mindset are a must and will be discussed in class. Students are welcome to bring their equipment and questions for open discussion. Must have experience with film or digital SLR camera. Instructor: Kelly Heck
Cost: $33 (MD Senior Adults: $33)
Course #: XXZ-104-A3
Sat., Jan. 28, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Washington Road Campus, Rm. T317

Beyond the Snapshot
Point! Shoot! And Presto!...great pictures! Or so you thought. Operating your camera was supposed be easy, but you need help. Learn the difference between the Auto and Program settings and why the photo turned out too dark. Examples of everyday photo situations are given to show how to use the automatic settings. Bring your digital camera and manual to this hands-on class. Prerequisite: Operating a Digital Camera Instructor: Kelly Heck
Cost: $79 (MD Senior Adults: $79)
Course #: XXZ-477-A3P
Wed., Feb. 8 - 29, 7:00 - 9:00 PM (4 sessions)
Washington Road Campus, Rm.T317

I will be teaching Beyond the Snapshot again in May of this year.

Click here to download the full Personal Enrichment class schedule for Winter/Spring, 2012.

Register by Phone, Fax, Mail, or on the Web · 410-386-8100 · www.carrollcc.edu

You can LIKE Personal Enrichment on Facebook - I was thankful to see that they posted a status update about my upcoming exhibit opening, "Beautiful Silence" - click to RSVP for on Facebook.

Gunpowder Falls, Catoctin, Kilgore Falls & Rock State Park

2012-01-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

In between getting ready for the show, I've been on a few photo adventures to beautiful local areas! Though it's been cold out, I'm enjoying hiking and spending time outdoors in general. I hope you enjoy!

First are shots of and around Kilgore Falls in Hardford County as well as the nearby Rock State Park.

Below is a view standing on the edge of the King & Queen Seat at Rock State Park. The macro shot is of a tree that I just LOVE!

Some photos at Catoctin Falls and some macro shots of moss along the Appalachian Trail near High Rock in Waynesboro, PA ...

And to end this post, here are a few shots on the trails around Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County.

I'll be adding a selection of these image to my online store at kellyheckphotography.storenvy.com.

Come check out the exhibit, "Beautiful Silence", by Kelly Heck - Feb 4 2012

2011-12-28T17:23:00.003-05:00

In exactly one month, the reception for my solo show opens! I hope to see many of my local friends and community out to enjoy the show.

Guests will also enjoy shows in the center’s other gallery spaces when stopping by. Other February shows include Michael Langley, Brooklyn NY based painter, the Baltimore Watercolor Society juried show, Richard Weiblinger macro photography and Cardew Evans, mixed media wall sculpture.

For more details about the show (date/time/location), please continue reading the invitation, below! Thanks!

You are invited to attend a photographic exhibition at The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, 40 S. Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. Meet the artist, Kelly Heck, on February 4, 2012 from 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm and enjoy the Beautiful Silence series, which features winter landscapes in and around Carroll County, Maryland. If you cannot attend the reception, please consider stopping by during the show from January 28th till March 25th.

If you could, please RSVP! I would love to know who's able to attend. You can RSVP on Facebook or LinkedIn:
RSVP on Facebook
RSVP on LinkedIn

CAN’T MAKE IT? CONNECT WITH KELLY ONLINE:
PORTFOLIO: www.kellyheckphotography.cm
SHOP: kellyheckphotography.storenvy.com
BLOG: kellyheckphotography.blogspot.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/kellyheckphotography
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/KellyHeckPhoto

If you have any questions feel free to contact me (Kelly) or contact The Delaplaine directly at 301.698.0656.
Thanks so much, and hope to see you soon!

Halloween is Welcomed by SNOW!

2011-11-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

On Saturday my neighbor and I ventured out around the Westminster area to keep me busy photographing the snow. It was impressive, as most of you saw! Here are some preferred shots...

These first few of the field, shack and geese are on a farm just off Kate Wagner Road in Westminster, MD.

My neighbor Liz and I headed over to Morgan Run and hiked around the rocks a little.

... and here we are, Liz and I, after our adventure.

Reasons Why Professional Photographers Cannot Work for Free

2011-10-15T20:37:00.001-04:00

The link below will take you to an excellent article / reusable letter by Tony Wu that respectfully explains why photographers (and artists in general) cannot provide free services nearly as often as we are asked to by the business and non-profit community:

photoprofessionals.wordpress.com

If you have a moment to read it, I think it is meaningful for everyone, whether or not you are an artist. I hope you gain some perspective/encouragement from Tony's thoughts.

I also love that Tony touches on the fact that in many instances, there is poor communication. Yes, further communication takes time, but it is disheartening when you do not receive at least a brief "thanks but no thanks". It's scary to say no, to possibly hurt one's feelings, but trust me, it is so very much appreciated and preferred.

Assateague Island Adventure

2011-09-17T15:41:00.004-04:00

I had a great time chasing some wildlife at the Assateague Island National Seashore this past week and following are some shots of the wildlife and landscapes I enjoyed.

I met a nice lady who found a piece of wood washed up on the beach, and attached to it were about a dozen of these white and orange clams, still alive.

I went out on the beach for a few sunrises and this little bird, called a Sanderling, was very friendly, occupied with snacking on a nearby horseshoe crab and then resting in the sunlight.

This is one of my favorite images from the set. I was trying to capture a calm, relaxing wave. Waves at Assateague are fairly small, but with Hurricane Irene having just passed, there was a little more oomph to capture.

This is the view of the marsh you have as you cross the bridge onto the island. I was headed out for lunch and several horses were dozing out in the grasses (on the other side), and I really liked the setting on the other side of the road. I find it funny how the nice scene is usually the one you don't notice.

And then one morning, I finally caught a couple ponies out on the beach. Each morning I had gotten up to go out to the beach for the sunrise, I saw fresh tracks on the dunes, so I decided to walk out a bit earlier, about 6:20 am. This mother pony and her foal seemed a bit sleepy, or perhaps just enjoying the cool ocean breeze.

This sunrise on this particular morning was beautiful. The sun was hidden behind some low clouds and began to peak through as a few minutes passed. It reminds me of cotton candy. Mmmm...

On the last full day, a dark storm swept out over the ocean. I was sure it would hit us, but it stayed out and a following storm brought a little rain and a lot of wind, followed by a cold front. What we came to find out was that this was the storm that swept back to Ocean City the evening of September 15th causing a tornado! And we slept through it... or at least I did. :-)

Bumbles, Bees & Moths

2011-09-08T21:59:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more photos I enjoyed from this past weekend.

The first bee is kicking her back leg to wipe the pollen off of her body onto her leg.

Does anyone know the name of this moth? They are so interesting looking, but pretty small. The largest one I saw was probably only 1/2 inch long.

This Bumble Bee must have gotten caught out in the rain.
She was clinging onto the Zinnia, just waiting to dry out and fly off.

Taneytown Band Lead Singer Edwin Jongedijk Releases Solo Album, As Ik De Kaans Zol Kriegen

2011-09-07T20:21:00.001-04:00

Edwin Jongedijk, the lead singer of the Taneytown Band, released his solo album, As Ik De Kaans Zol Kriegen. Back in the summer of 2008, I had a session with the Netherlands based band in Westminster, MD. Holy cow, it was hot, we were sweating like crazy, but we captured some cool images, one of which is featured on Edwin's album cover (woot!). The album is ranked in the top 100 albums in the Netherlands, and one of the songs has reached #1 and another #3!

This album is not yet available for purchase online, but you can check out the band's other albums on Amazon.com.

Here are more images from our photo session way back when... prints are currently available for purchase from my online store in the 'Musicians' section.

UTOPIAS: National Juried Exhibition Opportunity

2011-09-06T10:12:00.002-04:00

UTOPIAS

new visions and better places in contemporary art

National Juried Show
Cade Center for Fine Arts Gallery
Exhibit November 10 - December 9, 2011

Juror: Jeffrey Cudlin

Professor of Curatorial Studies, Md. Institute, College of Art

freelance writer for the Washington Post and the Washington City Paper

Curator, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, VA

STATEMENT

This all-media juried exhibit seeks artwork that offer utopias, new visions, or better places.

Click here to learn more.

Thank you to Vestal Abbot for sharing this opportunity!

Met someone cute (on the farm) today!

2011-09-05T19:19:00.000-04:00

I went over to my friend Karen's to check out her 3-day old baby lama. I kept worrying that the adults would spit on me or something (especially baby lama Beanie's mom), but apparently they just spit at each other, a territorial thing.

And then the chickens, haha, they were so funny, they kept chatting at us while we were talking nearby so I gave them some camera love too.

What an odd assortment of photos these last few days! I used to shoot a lot around the yard, flowers and bugs and animals. Avoiding it for several years now, I feel this is a habit I might pick back up.

Zinnias

2011-09-05T10:59:00.000-04:00

I had some fun this holiday weekend photographing Zinnias around the yard. I love the range of vibrant colors and odd organic patterns these flowers create.

OMG Honey Bees!

2011-09-03T22:14:00.002-04:00

Beekeeping in Taneytown, Maryland. It was amazing how close I could get (just a few inches) and only a couple bees gave me trouble. They could have cared less that I was there. The only caution I was given was not to block the entrance to the hive, then we might have had trouble. I learned today that all worker bees (foragers, nurse bees, guard bees) are girls, and the drones, who hang out and eat, are guys. Hmmm... interesting. Following are all the fine ladies of the hive... oh, and Mr. Beekeeper.

These were all taken outside with natural light around 4:00pm today. I handheld my camera, using my new Canon 100mm F/2.8 L-Series lens. <3

I have to thank my mom for taking some photos of the shoot in progress. I don't often see photos of myself working. How do I look in my Bee Suit?

Mt. Airy Photo Session (Final Post)

2011-09-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

More shots from the Mt. Airy / New Market Shoot with Aaren King of MADE Make-Up.

Autumn Photos!

2011-09-01T21:23:00.000-04:00

As Autumn approaches, I felt these two photos were well suited to share. Cool weather approaching makes me think of leaves changing colors and baking! Recently I've enjoyed baking bread, a fairly new interest of mine. The veins in the leaf are a similar organic pattern to the cracks in the crust.

It was so yummy! With a little help from my neighbors (but not much) it was devoured by the next day. It was a ciabatta recipe by Jim Lahey.

Mount Airy MD Shoot

2011-08-23T19:27:00.002-04:00

Following the indoor studio shoot where we created shots from the mmmm... LIPS post, the girls and I headed to downtown Mt. Airy, Maryland to wrap up our fun day with a little on-location photography. Make-up was provided by Aaren King of MADE Make-Up.

This first image and the third were shot with natural light. The middle shot included a 50"x50" soft box with strobe.

I also have to note the most significant accessory in this final shot. The gorgeous exotic feather earrings in the final image are handcrafted creations by Sonia Lub. You can check out more of her jewelry at www.volveravolar.com. My sister Valerie Heck, jeweler was the first to show me Sonia's work. <3

Soon I'll post more photos from the indoor shoot. Thanks for visiting!

mmmm.... LIPS

2011-08-17T18:30:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday I collaborated with Make-Up Artist Aaren King to create some new work. Aaren took care of make up and together we styled 5 models. The shoot took place in New Market and Mt. Airy Maryland. Following is a "taste" of the final images. I hope you find them delicious!

More work from this weekend to come...

You can learn more about Aaren on her website at www.mademakeup.com.

3rd Featured Artist Jessica Flax

2011-08-09T21:41:00.001-04:00

Jessica and I have known each other for a couple of years. Our friendship began when she contacted me for an internship opportunity while a student Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Jessica was earning her BFA in Photography (completed and earned!), eager for experience in the field. I unfortunately could not offer her an internship, but was able to hire her on as a second shooter for a rather large wedding! Following the event, Jessica and I shot together a couple of times for personal growth and have stayed in touch ever since.

Featured at www.kellyheckphotography.com is Jessica's photographic series "Of What Remains", which expresses the dark allure and beauty of urban decay. Please take a moment to view it and contact Jessica for prints and other photographic needs! You can also view the series and more of her work on her portfolio website at www.jessicaflaxphotography.com and you can buy her book, "Of What Remains" at Blurb Online.

Jessica will be featured through September 10th, 2011.

If you're interested in a feature with Kelly Heck Photo,
download the Featured Artist Guidelines PDF document and
contact Kelly with any questions you may have. Thank you!

Matt & Kim Concert at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD

2011-06-29T21:14:00.005-04:00

Rams Head Live provided me with a press pass so I was able to take photographs during the first 3 songs of Matt & Kim's performance! It was an amazing concert and I highly recommend you see them if you are a fan! Soon you can purchase limited edition prints from the show at Kelly's online store! ENJOY!

Showing work at Off Track Art, Westminster MD

2011-06-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

If you missed the exhibition at Off Track Art, you can still view my work at InfoPathways. I will also be having a solo show this winter in Frederick, Maryland. I will be showing the same body of work, but more! The reception is currently scheduled for February 4th, 3:00pm - 5:00pm. I hope you can make it! Put it on your calendars! :-)

Thank you so much to Off Track Art for inviting me to show in their gallery. It was a wonderful experience and so nice to have a show so close to home.

2nd Featured Artist Doug Land.

2011-05-06T10:29:00.000-04:00

Today is a big day! A few moments ago, we launched the exhibition of my 2nd featured artist, Doug Land. on Kelly Heck Photography Online! And tonight I (Kelly Heck) have work going up at a local gallery, Off Track Art, in downtown historic Westminster, MD.

Doug Land. is one of my best friends! We met while attending Savannah College of Art & Design. Doug earned his Bachelor's Degree in Illustration in March of 2009. Doug works in several mediums from paper and paints to drawing tools and Munny's! Exhibited is a selection of Doug's "drawings with scissors" which will be on display starting today, May 6th and running through June 30th, 2011.

Check it out at www.kellyheckphotography.com/featured-artist.asp and support the arts!

Click here to learn more about Doug, to contact and/or connect with him or to inquire about a purchase.

Visit Doug Land.'s website at www.deadastrology.com.

Photographs of Kelly Heck on display in Westminster

2011-05-05T20:37:00.002-04:00

http://tinyurl.com/3oouxfq

Local Westminster Maryland artist Kelly Heck to feature her photographic series “Beautiful Silence,” at an exhibition at Off Track Art in Westminster

by Kevin Dayhoff

May 5, 2011
http://www.scribd.com/doc/54690484/Photographs-of-Kelly-Heck-on-display-in-Westminster
http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2011/05/photographs-of-kelly-heck-on-display-in.html

“Beautiful Silence”. a photo-essay by local Westminster award-winning artist, photographer, and web designer Kelly Heck, is the subject of an exhibition at Off Track Art in historic downtown Westminster during the months of May and June.

According to Heck, the photographic series “is about experiencing true peace, illustrated through landscapes taken in and around the Carroll County, Maryland area.”

Heck’s carefully structured photographs in the exhibition belie a strong classical foundation in the artistic fundamentals of the marriage of art and photography

Featuring stark contrasts found in winter the snow-covered landscape scenes and natural still-lifes are certainly wordless, but anything but silent. The images of snow and winter paradoxically and softly tell a warm story in their own voices, without words, using their quiet, soft – inside voices – if you will…

In one photograph, a snow-covered field is bisected by a fence line that features the winter-lined silhouette of a tree. The tree almost appears animated as it speaks, on behalf of the fence, to the audience of the crop field in the foreground.

Heck, according to her website, http://www.kellyheckphotography.com/, “is most passionate about creative portraiture and shooting on location. Her goal is to create scenes that are unnatural by intensifying vibrant colors and textures from the environment and her subjects…”

Heck has received a number of awards for her art and photography. In 2007, Heck’s “Bird Series” won second place in the PDNedu Competition and was published in PDNedu Magazine. It also won third place in the 62nd CPOY, College Photographer Of The Year, and was published on the cover of SCAD’s annual Silver & Ink publication.

In an explanation of “Beautiful Silence,” Heck explains in her artist statement, “If you haven’t tried it yet, venture outside during the next snowfall. Wait until a few inches have settled on the ground. You will have to remove yourself from noise. Escape from civilization; voices, home, business, traffic, machinery, phones, music ‐ any human sound.

“Surround yourself with nature. Find a spot with the snow falling around you. A wooded area is especially perfect, removing you from harsh, cool winds that whistle by your ears. Stand motionless and breathe deeply. Quietly. Allow the tranquility to fill you up. Close your eyes, if you wish, and enjoy being removed from it all.

“Slowly and surely, you will find that even though you have escaped the sound of humanity, it is not silent. Everyone is at home, safe and warm from the dangers of icy roads.

“Even the wildlife has somewhat settled. All you hear is the gentle clicking of snow falling to the ground. It is an elegant, comforting noise, a retreat from days filled with commotion. Breathe softly. This beautiful silence can so easily soothe your mind into a meditative state of utter relaxation.

“In this moment, you can forget your worries and focus only on your center of gravity. This is true peace, and the most genuine I have ever found.”

Heck earned her BFA in photography as a result of her studies at the Savannah College of Art & Design, in Savannah, Georgia. Her interest in fine art grew into a concentration of photography at an early age, and she has practiced it as a career ever since.

She currently applies her artistic training and has put her education to work at InfoPathways Inc. at the corner of Green and Liberty Street, in Westminster.

This is certainly convenient for Heck for showing at Off Track Art, a local artist cooperative which is located in the same block, at the side entrance of 11 Liberty Street, right beside the railroad tracks off the Sentinel parking lot.

An opening night reception for Heck and her work will be held this Friday May 6th, 2011, from 5:30-7:30 p.m at 11 Liberty Street, in Westminster.

The show will remain on exhibition through June 25th. Off Track Art is open Wednesday through Friday 12:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00-5:00 p.m. For more information call 443 340 6317.

Other exhibiting artists at Off Track Art include Mary Decker, Kevin Dayhoff, Gail Elwell, Linda Van Hart, Judy Goodyear, Charlotte Laslo, Cathy Sawdey, Gordon Wickes, Robert Waddell, Pamela Zappardino, Phil Grout, and Carolyn Seabolt. Off Track Art may be found online at http://www.offtrackart.org/.

The writer, Kevin Dayhoff, along with photojournalist Phil Grout, also exhibit their work at Off Track Art and work for the Carroll Eagle http://www.explorecarroll.com/ and Patuxent Publishing Company.

Group Exhibition at Off Track Art in Westminster MD

2011-04-21T08:36:00.003-04:00

You are invited to Off Track Art to enjoy an exhibition with guest artist, Kelly Heck. A selection of photography from the series “Beautiful Silence” will be on display. The series is about experiencing true peace, illustrated through landscapes taken in and around the Carroll County, Maryland area. Visit Kelly’s website at www.kellyheckphotography.com/!

Opening Night: * May 6th, 5:30-7:30 *
Exhibition on View: May 6th - June 25th
HOP: W-F 12:00-6:00pm & Saturday 10:00-5:00pm
Location: Off Track Art - Artists’ Co-Op
Address: 11 Liberty Street, Westminster MD 21157
Questions? Call 443 340 6317

Other exhibiting artists include Mary Decker, Kevin Dayhoff, Gail Elwell, Linda Van Hart, Judy Goodyear, Charlotte Laslo, Cathy Sawdwy, Gordon Wickes, Robert Waddell, Pamala Zappardino, Phil Grout, Carolyn Seabolt and Nancy Schmitt. Visit Off Track Art Online at www.offtrackart.org.

The Facebook Event is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204015392961604

Visiting Arizona

2011-03-21T20:46:00.002-04:00

Acting as tour guides, models, light stands and reflector holders, my family was very supportive in this photo-venture. My Aunt Janice showed us around the Santan Mountains on the Gila River Indian Reservation near her home in Phoenix, looking for interesting settings to photograph. I really couldn't PICK a spot because everything looked great, so upon returning, we just stopped somewhere and jumped out of the car to get started. The above photographs are of my lovely model, Emilee, and can also be viewed on kellyheckphotography.com.

Situated along Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix, Gila (pronounced "heela") River Indian Community is readily accessible from either destination. The reservation comprises 372,00 acres south of Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler Arizona and was established in 1859 by an Act of Congress. The reservation is the homeland of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and the Pee-Posh (Maricopa) Indian tribes.

*Thank you to my Aunt Janice, my cousim Emilee and my parents, Doug and Susie, for all the help!

Seeing Now: Photography Since 1960

2011-02-26T22:53:00.004-05:00

My friend Will Abbott and I went to the BMA today for a lecture with photographers Philip-Lorca diCorcia and Robin Rhode. And while we were there, we were able to see the current exhibition, "Seeing Now: Photography Since 1960". I highly recommend it. The work will be on exhibit through May 15th and included is a selection of Philip and Robin's work.

It's always fun to hear a well-known artists' thoughts on and meanings of their own work. I find it gives me a level of appreciation I could not have gotten otherwise.

Robin's photos are really more of a representation of his work. The process is what's important. Many of his works are multiple, sequential shots. He began this style of painting and using chalk on walls from light hazing in high school. They used to draw on the walls and have younger, new students interact with the drawings. His example was drawing a bike and having them 'ride' the bike or drawing a candle and having them 'blow it out'. You really just have to hear his explanations and see his photography in person, from the man himself. However, to the left is one representation to give you a feel; this image is titled "Juggla", and as a juggler, of course I would like it! So imagine the sequence - Robin would paint over these two balls for the next image and place them in new locations. If you look closely, you can see the juggler's hands are on the balls rather than his arms!

Philip had interesting comments and insights into his work as well... but I suggest you attend a lecture to hear about it! Here are a couple of his pieces:

Love Shooting Kids

2011-02-21T10:41:00.017-05:00

Mom, why do you want a boring photo with the kids sitting perfectly, hands crossed on their laps? Ugh, it's been done. It's not a true image of their personality and energy. Isn't this kid cute? I would hang this 100 times over the standard shot. While packing up from a professional headshot shoot, he hopped up on my stool without a word.

     Me: "Want to take some pictures?"
     Kid: "Uh-huh!"
     Me: "Show me your best silly face little man!"

What I also like about a shoot like this is that HE had fun. A lot of times, kids get upset at a photo shoot. Having to sit still, smile nicely, put their hands down, look at the camera... there are just too many rules to follow. In this case, there were no comfort barriers to break down. He was in control doing what he wanted when he wanted... I just led him down the path of silliness! This is the kind of photography I like to do when it comes to families and kids. And in the mix, I was able to sneak in one sweet smile to make grandma happy - see that real smile with the twinkling eyes? Finally, a real smile, not some stiff fake, cheesy grin. We got these shots and others in about 2 minutes.

Upcoming Events not to be missed by Photographers!!!

2011-02-11T23:13:00.003-05:00

Two events are coming up. First, at the Baltimore Museum of Art...

Artist Talk: Philip-Lorca diCorcia & Robin Rhode
Saturday, February 26, 2:00 PM

Internationally renowned photographers Philip-Lorca diCorcia and Robin Rhode come to the BMA for a thought-provoking discussion on contemporary photography moderated by Curator Kristen Hileman. Learn more in the Adult Program section of http://www.artbma.org/.

SECOND: Flash Bus Tour 2011
with David Hobby (Strobist) and Joe McNally (blog) (website)

It's only $100 and they are meeting in several major cities to teach their lighting techniques and for Q&A. For my local chicks, the Washington DC class is April 4th. Click here to see the full schedule starting March 11, 2011 and going through April 18, 2011.

30's Film-Themed Wedding

2011-02-10T23:01:00.004-05:00

On New Years Eve, I was asked to photograph a 1930's film themed wedding, a small intimate day with their closest friends and family. It was perfect - plenty of people to celebrate with but not so many that the bride and groom are overwhelmed. Following are a selection of images that I feel show how much I enjoyed the day!

Suzannah Hoover - Featured Artist Feb 1st - Mar 31st

2011-02-01T00:00:00.006-05:00

Suzannah Hoover is one of my most favorite friends! We met while going to school at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. She was a graduate student and I an undergrad at the time. We we both worked in the "cave" which was the equipment check-out for darkroom supplies in Bergen, the photography department. From that moment on, a lasting friendship was formed.

I am so lucky to have Suzannah as my first featured artist! Every two months, starting today, February 1st, I will be featuring an artist on the Kelly Heck Photography website. Each will be given a 2-month 'virtual' exhibition. As of now, future featured artists will, for the most part, be selected by invitation. However, if you are interested in showing a concise body of work, 10-20 or so images, please ask! Even if I have someone for next month or the next 6 months, I would be happy to consider submissions.

So now, please let me introduce you to the first Featured Artist at Kelly Heck Photography online! I'll start you off at Suzannah's exhibition. From there you can learn more about the body of work, focusing on SIDA near Haiti, by clicking the links to her artist statement, bio and contact info (located at the bottom of the left-hand menu). Please share with friends!

Snow Blankets a Beautiful Farm

2011-01-30T12:00:00.007-05:00

There is a beautiful farm off Rt. 27 between Westminster and Mt. Airy. I hope to go back some time while it is snowing. This amazing tree caught my eye a while back...

Beautiful Silence Series is now ONLINE!

2011-01-19T16:08:00.005-05:00

Along with working on my blog design and giving my website an updated look and new logo, I've decided to exhibit my snow series online. You can view the body of work entitled "Beautiful Silence" on my portoflio website. Below is the artist statement, which you can also download from my website.

If you haven’t tried it yet, venture outside during the next snow fall. Wait until a few inches have settled on the ground. You will have to remove yourself from noise. Escape from civilization; voices, home, business, traffic, machinery, phones, music - any human sound. Surround yourself with nature. Find a spot with the snow falling around you. A wooded area is especially perfect, removing you from harsh, cool winds that whistle by your ears. Stand motionless and breathe deeply. Quietly. Allow the tranquility to fill you up. Close your eyes, if you wish, and enjoy being removed from it all.

Slowly and surely, you will find that even though you have escaped the sound of humanity, it is not silent. Everyone is at home, safe and warm from the dangers of icy roads. Even the wildlife has somewhat settled. All you hear is the gentle clicking of snow falling to the ground. It is an elegant, comforting noise, a retreat from days filled with commotion. Breathe softly. This beautiful silence can so easily soothe your mind into a meditative state of utter relaxation. In this moment, you can forget your worries and focus only on your center of gravity. This is true peace, and the most genuine I have ever found.

Snow Shots - 01-08-2011, Westminster MD

2011-01-08T15:42:00.004-05:00

When I woke up this morning, too early, it was still snowing so I ventured out and walked a few miles to take some local photos. I seemed to be attracted to more man made object than nature this time - why? I do not know, but here are some of the shots I liked.

This last one I was thinking The Last Supper. Recently went to see the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) and one of his bodies of work centers around The Last Supper. I've got dinner on my mind.

Art Kitchen Exhibition "I Like Birds" Newark NJ

2010-12-22T15:20:00.004-05:00

Three of my pieces were featured at the exhibition "I Like Birds" at Art Kitchen in Newark NJ, which opened this past Friday and will be on display through February 1st. I went up for the night so I could meet the young women in charge of the show. It was really fun and there was a great turn out of talented people!

Member's Show at The Delaplaine

2010-12-06T20:37:00.002-05:00

My photo is currently hanging at The Delaplaine in Frederick MD and should be hanging just past the new year. It is a piece from my series "Beautiful Silence" and this particular photograph is entitled "Natural Gradation". My gradfather helped me build the frame!

"I Like Birds" at Art Kitchen Gallery

2010-12-06T15:43:00.004-05:00

Three of my pieces from "It's Not Because I'm Beautiful" were accepted into the upcoming exhibition, "I Like Birds" at Art Kitchen. Below is the front (my image!) and back of the mailer. The space is in Newark, NJ, and opens Friday December 17th from 6-9pm. I hope to make it up for the show and I hope you can too! The show will be up through the 1st of February.

The Delaplaine Juried Photography Exhibition

2010-10-07T22:37:00.005-04:00

This past weekend my piece "Dust at Dusk" from the series Beautiful Silence was included in the first Juried Photography Exhibition at The Delaplaine in Frederick, MD. They have two categories, professional (the category I am in) and emerging (which opens around 10/14).

Following is an image of me with my piece and an image of the gallery space. I love the look of The Delaplaine; it is a really beautiful and artistic facility.

And this past Monday, I attended the Carroll Camera Club for the second time. This meeting was a workshop and Al Arnold was kind enough to prepare three set-ups. I took advantage of his funky martini glass with fake ice-cubes (which I will attempt to make once life slows down). Fake cubes, the professional grade, are normally $40!!! They are totally awesome though, but to dish out $40 a piece, and you need at least three... well, it's hard to justify. I could justify it... "because I wanna".

This set up consisted of a small translucent white piece of plastic curved for the backdrop back lit by two hot lights with 5000 kelvin temp bulbs (which by the way, only last 8 hours!!) We were given the freedom to move the lights around. Many of the participants were bringing a light out front, however, I'm very fond of back lighting for glass objects. There was an annoying gradation affect occurring with just one back light.... the background was bright then there was a darker line in the middle and then the flattening surface under the martini glass was just slightly lighter. I brought a light slightly underneath to eliminate this line. WALA! Anyway, here's one of my shots.

The In-Between Moments

2010-10-07T22:18:00.002-04:00

Kids, what a mysterious subject. I wish I could remember thoughts from when I was 2 or 3 years old. I do remember once saving my little bucket of tub people from the other kids that my mom watched in day care because a lot of the others drooled and put my toys in their mouth. Gross.

I had fun this past weekend with an almost-3-year-old and a newborn. Both of them were magnificently behaved and the elder even posed for me. She was so calm and it was a really lovely shoot. One of my favorite images, however, is one of her in a daze, inside her own world. I still fall into this daze as a young adult, but I wonder what is she thinking? I'm so curious.

PDN Conference & Expo 2010

2010-09-29T20:38:00.001-04:00

Last year I attended the PND Conference & Expo in New York City. It was really fun and educational and I met photographers that I look up to! I took 4 classes and walked around the expo for hours. I'm not attending this year, but wanted to share that it is coming up, October 28-30th. If you register before October 15th, you can save quite a bit. You can register online at http://www.photoplusexpo.com/.

Here's a photo of my fried Zachary Tarrant and I. It's a cute mini Polaroid - LOVE IT! We went to school together in Savannah GA and ran into each other last year at the expo. Very fun to catch up!

Juried Photography Show at The Delaplaine

2010-09-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

This Saturday, the juried photography show opens at The Delaplaine. The opening reception is from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. I'll be there with family, let me know if you plan to stop by! I will have someone take a photo of me with my piece on the wall so I can share it with you!

ROCK THE RUNWAY / Face of FUSION - Photo Shoot

2010-09-28T09:12:00.002-04:00

I photographed 3 contestants in the ROCK THE RUNWAY / Face of FUSION modeling competition two weekends ago. I'm so excited for all three models - they were all great to work with and ready for this experience! Below are some of my favorite images from our sessions.

Please view more on my photography website, I just updated it. Now the thumbnails are larger and there is only one portrait gallery. Let me know what you all think! Check out FUSION Model Management online.

Erin James - SINGER • SONGWRITER • MUSICIAN - Nashville, TN

2010-09-28T08:59:00.001-04:00

About one month ago I had a promo photo shoot with Erin James, a talented young woman from Nashville, TN. Her Industry Showcase is just around the corner, October 11th at The Rutledge in downtown Nashville. Below are some images from our shoot together:

Erin is now pursuing a solo career with show dates throughout the country. Erin has recently toured the United States as part of the girl trio that included an American Idol finalist. Erin has opened shows for Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Keith Anderson, Jason Aldean, Cowboy Troy and more. A talented singer and songwriter, Erin James has even appeared on Storme Warren's Headline Country on GAC-TV.

Check out Erin's website (which we are working on, so check it out now and then check it out after October 11th, our launch date!!!!)!

Competitions & Limited Editions

2010-09-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

Recently found out I was accepted into the juried professional photography exhibit with The Delaplaine in Frederick, MD. I will be preparing one piece to hang in the show from my "Beautiful Silence" series. I'm very excited about starting to show this body of work because it is going to be my first limited edition.

After researching best practicies when creating limited editions, I found there isn't much information out there. I found little articles and reference, but no solid set of suggestions to really set one at ease (at least one that is very much into detail). I contacted Lisa Robinson, well know for her work "Snowbound", and she was so kind and helpful in her response, sharing what she has learned and what practices she follows when preparing her limited editions. I think with her input and other professionals, I might consider putting a general but still detailed reference together covering the many trends of photography limited editions.

I've also entered my Bird Series and 5 individual portraits into FotoWeek DC.
If you would like to vote for my images, click the link below:
http://www.fotoweekdcawards.org/bin/Rate?searchphotographer=kelly+heck&search=photographer

FotoWeek DC Competition - CHECK!

2010-09-03T13:31:00.000-04:00

I just entered work onto the FotoWeek DC 2010 Competition and am very excited. There are several awards and one of them is People's Choice, so if you like my work and my style, consider voting for me!

Vote for me at http://www.fotoweekdcawards.org/ and search for my name, Kelly Heck, under INT'L AWARDS COMPETITION under People's Choice. You get one vote per email!

I entered my Bird Series, three seperate Phobias (Dentists, Ventriloquist Dummies and Sharks) and 2 of my favorite portriats.

Session with Emily

2010-08-30T21:44:00.002-04:00

Emily joined me this past Sunday for a sunset shoot in Westminster, MD. She asked that I locate a meadow and I chose a lovely one just outside of downtown Westminster. It was just behind private property, so I asked permission earlier in the week and when we pulled up on Sunday, there was much more family there. One of them looked so familiar, a woman that lived there, and I find out she is a Baugher! It's significant to me because I used to work at Baugher's Bakery/Orchard back when I was in high school. To make a long story short, it's a small world and there are connections everywhere. Use them!

I feel like my style is always slowly morphing. There are so many photographers I look up to. When shooting, I am following my heart. When I'm post processing, I am thinking about the many artists I look up to. I think it is a great combination for growth and experimentation.

Ramble ramble ramble... here is one of my faves, I hope you enjoy! :-)

The Delaplaine Arts Center - JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

2010-08-18T16:18:00.000-04:00

Call for Entries

Juried Photography exhibit in three galleries
october 2010 - January 2011

During the month of October the Delaplaine Center will host a juried photography show in three galleries.

The Juror: J.D. Talasek, Director of Exhibitions and Cultural Programs, National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC
Deadline to submit: August 20, 2010

Awards: Best in Show $1000.
First Place $500 for both professional and emerging photographers
Second Place $250 for both professional and emerging photographers
Third Place: $125 for both professional and emerging photographers

http://www.delaplaine.org/Exhibits.aspx
Juried Show Entry Form (PDF)

For Solo Exhibitions...
Solo Exhibition Entry Form (PDF)

Silvereye Center for Photography International Photography Competition

2010-08-17T16:03:00.001-04:00

Deadline: 08/27/2010

http://www.silvereye.org/exhibitions_opportunities.htm

Thanks to http://marketingphotos.wordpress.com/ for posting this contest on her blog!

Energizer Photo Contest 2010 - VOTING

2010-08-17T15:59:00.001-04:00

I entered my work into the 2010 Energizer Photo Contest... I am not in the final running, but the last 12 images are pretty awesome. Check them out and vote if you want!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/energizer/vote/

SANTA FE Photographic Workshops 1st Photo Contest

2010-08-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

Early Submission Deadline: 07/22/2010
Deadline: 09/15/2010

http://www.santafeworkshops.com/contest/

Thanks Ashley Craig for posting this on Facebook!

World In Focus PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

2010-08-17T15:25:00.001-04:00

Deadline: 8/23/2010

http://www.worldinfocuscontest.com/

Thanks Ashley Craig for posting this on Facebook!

FOTOWEEK DC - International Photography Competition

2010-08-17T15:24:00.000-04:00

Deadline: 9/15/2010
Extended Deadline: 9/20/2010

http://www.fotoweekdcawards.org/

Thanks Tara Parekh for posting this on Facebook!

Nicole Loher - Fashion Forcaster

2010-08-09T15:34:00.002-04:00

A photo shoot with Nicole Loher took place this past Saturday. The goal was to work on white seamless and to wrap up by catching the sunset. It was great meeting Nicole, she is a stunning young woman that knows style, fashion and exactly how to move to flatter the body and the attire! She is headed off to college in just two weeks to become the next big FASHION FORCASTER! Watch out for her, she's going to be taking fashion by storm!

It was such a pleasure working with Nicole. She is very nice and we had lots to talk about since we had only briefly met once. Thanks so much for an amazing shoot and hang-out session!

White seamless shooting consisted of three lights, two with reflectors on the backdrop and one on Nicole with a medium softbox. The shots outside were lit with natural light and a medium softbox.

By the way, there are a lot more photos! Check them out on my website at http://www.kellyheckphotography.com/. Hair and make-up were done by Nicole and clothing was also her selection. Bravo!

Cape Cod

2010-08-03T10:20:00.001-04:00

Didn't take a ton of photos while at the Cape. I did shoot some photos of my lovely hosts though. I had a great time relaxing and checking out the area. We saw seals in the ocean up near Providence and went to Cape Lighthouse late one night - so beautiful!

So here you see Karlynn (beauty to the left), Douglas (pale man in the water) holding Listerfeind (cute black pug) and Gurdy further down, Doug's tortoise. And at the bottom, the lovely pair together.

Thank you both for a great vacation!

So many lenses to decide between!

2010-07-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

I am always looking into buying another L-Series Lens. I have a Canon 24-70mm L-Series and love it. But I want to see YOUR WORK! What lens do you use and why do you love it so? Post a link to one of your favorite images and say why that lens was just the perfect choice.

I love the 24-70 because it's right in the middle of the ranges I like most. It also makes me get close to my subjects - at 24mm I can get so close and still capture so much in the image. I do however feel sometimes that I want a lens especially for portraiture.

So share your images and your experiences with favorite lenses!

OneLight Mixer in Washington DC

2010-07-02T23:00:00.002-04:00

Last Tuesday I found out about a get-together in Washington DC that was last night, thanks to my friend, Tara Parekh. Zack Arias is traveling with his family teaching his OneLight Workshop in major cities. This weekend he's sharing his knowledge in DC. Fortunately for me, I was able to make it to the mixer, which was open to the public. Tara and I went together and I had the pleasure of meeting Zack and his talented wife, Meghan (who is an excellent singer and pianist).

It was so fun hanging out with all these great photographers and the many friends I ran into. Two excellent performances, including Meghan (you can find her music under the name Meghan Coffee) sweetened the air.

Meeting Zack was personally exciting because his work motivated me to create the body of portraiture on my website, the same type of work I continue to pursue personally and professionally. I wonder what I would be working on if I had not invested in the OneLight DVD because I had always been hesitant to shoot people... now it is all I want to do!

To view Zack's work, you can go to his website at http://www.zackarias.com/ or to his blog at http://www.zarias.com/.

Amendment to the Constitution

2010-06-30T09:11:00.001-04:00

In preparing my copyright paperwork to protect my images, I wanted to share snapshot of the amendment to the constitution to include the copyright of photographs and negatives on March 3, 1865, my new favorite date. :-)

Jan von Holleben

2010-06-24T14:11:00.000-04:00

Jan von Holleben's work and portfolio galleries are such a blast to look through, check him out: http://www.janvonholleben.com/. In the portfolio secsion, there are lots of different subjects and often he plays with mirrors - I love how that ties a lot of his bodies of work together.

Among my favorites are "Dreams of Flying", "Journey to Everywhere", "Mystery of Monsters", "Lateral Thinking", "Wonderflowers", "Metropolis" and "You Count 10, I Run", if that's not enough!

Erin James Performance

2010-06-03T14:30:00.001-04:00

I met the beautiful and vastly talented Erin James this past Monday night at her performance during a local carnival fundraiser. Erin can pretty much play any instrument and you can see how into it she is by all the violin bow hair's flapping around. Check out Erin's website!

Death In Photography

2010-05-21T12:39:00.006-04:00

Friends who know me are familiar with my many images involving death. I was surprised in college when a friend brought to my attention how many things in my portfolio were dead. It started with the dead birds, then dead sea creatures... and I've always been fascinated with such things. The birds and sea creatures, however, were more of an artistic adventure. The birds were colorful and textured and when combined with my artist statement, it meant so much. The sea creatures (most were real, some were toys) were more of objects used to recreate a scene, and in the scenes, my intention was to make them look alive. I always wanted to do underwater photography... and since I haven't taken the opportunity, I decided to fake it. It worked quite well too!

At times I may see roadkill and think about that animals life and what it felt like to die in such a traumatic event. It's amazing me to how an animal can sit on the side of the road for days, dead and rotting, uncared for. And people just pass it by, looking away. The other interest is documenting it - death is gross/sad/lonely/ugly, but why? It's the last journey, the final step, the inevitable! In some cultures it is a celebration. I think it is beautiful. I took a photo of this fox and if you can see see past the pain and suffering in his face, you see his elegance.

I also love photos of death. One of my favorite images is by Joel-Peter Witkin of a disected and severed human head (left). It's gorgeous; the man looks so at peace and angelic. I could stare at it all day. It makes me feel free and uplifted - how does it make you feel?

People turn the other cheek when death confronts them, making it somewhat taboo. Death is not often observed closely by the general person. When I started looking for dead birds, they were everywhere! I think people have situated themselves to ignore it, in a way.

Share your thoughts on death. Death in life, death in art...

The topic of "Death In Photography" was suggested by Malia Moss. Always looking for your input! Give me an appropriate topic of interest and I'll write a photography post about it.

Jill Greenberg :: The Manipulator

2010-05-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Jill Greenberg is an amazing photographer focused in commercial and editorial photography. I love all of her work, but am especially dazed by her many photos of animal celebrities! Please click here to look at her work, it is amazing.

Here are a couple of her bear photographs from her series entitled Ursine - just spectacular! I think I would pee my pants from the combination of excitement and fear. In an interview I found online Jill says "It’s a lot of sitting and waiting. Waiting for them to make a face. Taking tons of shots, whether it’s film or digital, and picking one that looks like they’re saying something funny." (Click here to read more of the interview.) This is my kinda girl - looking for an interesting, quality shot.

The topic of "bears" was suggested by Scott Davis. Always looking for your input! Give me an appropriate topic of interest and I'll write a photography post about it.

H&M Summer Flats

2010-05-15T15:35:00.001-04:00

I fell in love with these shoes and had to shoot and share! I hope you love them too! I wonder how long they will last? Day one starts now.

Taken at F/2.8 in shade with sun in the background. Used green foliage to offset the bright shrimp color.

Bob Swaim Bicyles!

2010-05-14T12:55:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I Attended the 18th Annual Maryland Juggling Convention. I took lots of photos and had the opportunity to ride some of Bob Swaim's bikes! They are so exciting and relaxing to ride... well, at least the first one was. That is me on the front seat trying to juggle 5 balls, Bob Swaim is in the middle and his daughter is on the back, successfully juggling 5 balls. The second is my sister Valerie and I, and that ride was really really wobbly, but we couldn't stop laughing with the thought of how silly we must look.

Band Shoot - CD Release Party Tonight!

2010-05-14T08:33:00.002-04:00

Back in February I photographed YDOUASK, now F.T. Blindman. Here's a shot they used in their CD art. They are a really fun group and are very excited about their first album.

Their release party is tonight at Micho's in Reisterstown, MD.

FotoWeek DC Competition

2010-05-13T12:28:00.000-04:00

http://www.fotoweekdc.org/

Entry Fees:

Single image $35
Series (up to 6 images) $85
Multimedia piece $60

Deadlines:

Submissions are due no later than September 20th, 2009 at 11:59 PM PDT.
Entries submitted before July 26, 2009 at 11:59 PM PDT will receive a 20% discount.

Winners Recognition
Podesta Prize Spirit of Washington:

Cash Totaling $21,500
$1,500 Award of Excellence to Winners in 11 Categories
$5,000 Podesta Prize "Spirit of Washington" Winner
Distinction, Merit and Student Award of Excellence
National Geographic Society Awards Ceremony Nov 5, 2009
Work displayed at FotoWeek DC Festival Nov 7-14, 2009
Published in Limited Edition 2010 FotoWeek DC Book
Media & Online exposure at fotoweekdc.org

Mark Laita Photography

2010-04-29T08:09:00.000-04:00

I love the photography by Mark Laita, and LA based photographer. I will spend more time after work drooling over his portfolios, but the reason he was brought to my attention (thanks Valerie!) is his Amaranthine portfolio (bird specimens!). The specimens he had access to are flipping incredible - I found some pretty awesome birds for just looking around Savannah GA and Carroll County MD, but he kicks my butt. Of course, it's not just the specimens he shoots, but the simplicity of his images and the vivid colors and crispness. All of his images are divine and it all inspires me to play. Here is a link to the Amaranthine portfolio, but check it all out.

Artists Wanted - Photography Competition

2010-04-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

I read a post about the Artists Wanted Photography Contest by SCAD Photo that I would like to share with everyone. They are looking for all types of photography including portrait, self-portrait, fashion, digitally manipulated, photojournalism, nature, erotic, candid and toy camera. Anything that is photographic is eligible.

Here is an excerpt from the Artists Wanted website:

"Your images hold power. Every time you pick up the camera, you have an opportunity to make art, to ask questions, to share beauty, to expose truth. You are invited to participate in an international competition for photographers of all types. This is your moment to be discovered.

Our goal is simple: we want to find amazing photographic talents and expose them to the world in the most potent way possible. Rewards and benefits will be given to all who participate. One grand prize winner will be awarded an art-star New York City gallery reception, international publicity and their choice of $10,000 cash1 year living rent free in a $1.2 million apartment provided by The Edge in New York City."

$10 per photo
$88 per 9-15 photos

DEADLINE - May 28, 2010

Energizer Photo Contest

2010-04-26T09:23:00.003-04:00

I just entered three photos in the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest with National Geographic. A grand prize winner will win a 2-person trip to Greece and the winning photo will be used in an ad in the 2010 December issue of National Geographic. There are 6 categories, and the winner of each category will get a variety of prizes, one of which is a Nikon camera. The judging will begin July 31st and then public voting begins August 17-ish until September 15-ish, so vote for me! The categories I entered are as follows, starting with the first:

Animals / Wildlife : "Hummer"

Nature: "Migration"

Weather: "Untitled"

Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest

2010-04-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/energizer/

"No prized scrapbook photo or National Geographic cover shot has ever come from a camera with dead batteries. So it's with weekend warriors like you in mind—as well as award-winning professional photographers like Jim Richardson—that Energizer invented Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries. Energizer® Ultimate Lithium AA and AAA batteries last up to eight times longer vs. Energizer® MAX® in digital cameras (results vary by camera). That means you can take your mind off of your batteries and focus on taking great shots. Enter your best photos in the 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. You could win the grand prize, a National Geographic Expeditions trip for two to Greece and your photo published in an Energizer ad in National Geographic magazine."

Wedding Photography Tips: The Perfect Day

2010-04-22T14:41:00.001-04:00

The concept of the wedding day is that everything needs to be perfect... but brides, realize that nothing is perfect, so don’t stress over it! You've got to go with the flow and just enjoy the day. One big downer for weddings is bad weather. However, what is more spontaneous and sexy that dancing in the rain?

What prompted this idea for me was how much I love to photograph in inclement weather. Light rain produces a great overcast sky which results in no harsh shadows! Rain also saturates colors so everything will pop so much more. Heavy rain, though difficult (and dangerous for fear of damaging equipment) to shoot in, gives you the opportunity to let all your worries go and you can get lots of great textures and depth. You can also consider props – if you are getting married in a rainy season, buy cute umbrellas for you and your wedding party just in case. If it doesn’t rain, it’s just an extra little gift they get (or better yet, save the receipt and return them after the honeymoon!).

Now I want a rainy wedding!

Google Analytics

2010-04-22T14:15:00.000-04:00

If you don't know about Google Analytics yet and you have a business or blog, well TISK TISK on you. Just joking - but really, if you don't know, you need to look into it. InfoPathways, the IT-company I work for, can of course help you set it up if it's not something you want to tackle. But it's fairly simple and Google Analytics is a free service!

Here is an excerpt from the Google Analytics webpage:
"Google Analytics is the enterprise-class web analytics solution that gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way. With Google Analytics, you're more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites."

Today I finally added Google Analytics to the three Blogs I maintain and I'm so excited to see the tracking results over the next week and month! Adding Google Analytics to your blog is also very easy to do. Click to customize your blog and you can go to the html code view and you just paste the Google Analytics code (which they generate) between < /body > the < /html > and tags.

Try it and email us if you need help. kelly@infopathways.com

Wedding Photography Tips: Gramercy Mansion Bed & Breakfast

2010-04-22T10:04:00.001-04:00

Last night I attended an event at the Gramercy Mansion in Stevenson, Maryland. What a gorgeous venue! I didn't participate in the garden tours because it was raining but I could see from inside it is just amazing. The building is immaculate (something I truly loved was the front door – huge and half of it was a solid piece of glass) and the interior design is just as impressive (in fact I learned that everything inside is for sale - so if you want something as a keepsake, there you go!) (Image to left is borrowed from the Gramercy Mansion website.)

Here is an excerpt from their website’s home page:

“Plan a romantic getaway, corporate retreat or seminar, wedding, party or special celebration at Gramercy Mansion B&B and the Carriage House at Gramercy. Just minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, museums, art galleries and fine dining and an hour from Washington D.C., the secluded location is even more treasured for its convenience!

Elegant bed and breakfast rooms and suites feature antiques and artwork, whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Guests enjoy a bountiful breakfast served from a menu each morning, featuring culinary herbs from Koinonia Farm, Maryland’s oldest certified organic farm located on the property.

Gramercy’s extensive landscaped gardens set the scene for romantic wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Mansion and grounds as well as a charming Carriage House may be reserved for corporate and private events year round.”

I would just love to shoot an event here and I’m looking forward to it! ;-)

CCBC "Mission Possible" Gala

2010-04-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

Watch your back - their might be a 007 agent on your tail!

Saturday was the Community College of Baltimore County's Annual Gala to thank sponsors and raise funds to help students attend college. Their theme this year was "Mission Possible" and they did an incredible job. Guests were pulled to the side as they entered the building to be scanned, measured, and questioned by agents dressed in black suits and all in sunglasses. One of the auction items for the night was a delorean! And even CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis got in on the fun!

Marie A. - Flower Theme

2010-04-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

This past weekend I shot with a good friend of mine, Marie A. We went to three different settings and made sure the spring blossoms were an important subject in each shot. This was a very colorful session - I wish this stuff lasted longer!

In the first shot (below) we used natural light and a medium soft box set on the ground above the subjects. Post production involved some select exposure adjustments and light color enahncements. I did this shot because I've never done a "girl in the grass" type shot and I figured it was about time for me to join the party... of course, mine is "Girl in the Flowers". :-D

If you notice her cheek is glowing, almost sparkling. We used a creamy bronzer make-up on Marie's cheeks to catch the sunlight more

Finally, in this shot (below) we used some fill light with the medium softbox and the sun as a highlight from behind. Similar post production with select hue luminosity adjustments to darken the sky.

New Network at the Taneytown MD Police Department

2010-04-01T14:33:00.000-04:00

I've beem bummed recently because there is not much exciting shooting going on in my life. With the combination of work and house hunting taking up the majority of my time, I have a small remainder to recoup on my couch or to fix myself a nice dinner. SOOOOO, that means I'm going to start posting the less exciting photos (but still exciting events)! I made the photo above MORE exciting with affects - (audience: oooooooo, aaaaahhhhhh!).

Today our network team installed (is that the right term?) 4 new computers and a new server at the Taneytown, MD police station and they wanted to make sure we captured some good photos for a press release. It will in part advertise the upgrade for the police station, advertise InfoPathways for their outstanding services, and finally, advertise the Francis Scott Key High School internship program (since Emily, second from left, is filling an internship position with us currently).

Pictured from left to right are Chief Tyler (Taneytown Police), Emily Thompson (Intern), Jovan Nikolovski (Network Engineer) and Jennifer Adcock (FSK High).

Headshots!

2010-03-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Today was a BEAUTIFUL DAY... in the sense it was good for photographs outside. It was kinda raining on and off all day and very overcast - for anyone that doesn't get what I'm saying... GIANT SOFTBOX SKY!

Anyway, I had a headshot session with the lovely Denise G. and we had a great time talking about life and laughing at my clumsiness. We just found some textures around the office I work at and WALAA, I provided her with a variety of backgrounds and options. To the left is my favorite image of Denise.

Event Photography: InfoPathways PM Connections LUAU!

2010-03-24T12:20:00.001-04:00

The office I work for, InfoPathways, threw a luau themed party / networking event with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. We went all out with a whole spread of foods related to the theme, provided by Greg Hutsell Catering. We had about 100 guests and all had a great time. We also created a custom frozen drink called "Pathways to Paradise" that was a huge hit.

Event Photography: Target Community Spring Gala

2010-03-16T21:20:00.001-04:00

On March 6th I photographed the Target Community & Educational Services 2010 Spring Gala. The Spring Gala is one of their 2 large fundraising events.

Since its inception in 1983, Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. (Target, Inc.) has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities through quality, community-based residential, educational, vocational, recreational, and family support services.

Target, Inc.’s dedicated employees conscientiously work to provide a safe, normalized, and high quality of life for all clients, now numbering over 265. Our goal is to assist these individuals to be active participants in our community and to live as independently as possible.

Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deducible to the fullest extent allowed by law. It is only through the dedicated commitment and support of caring people and businesses that Target, Inc. can continue to provide the highest quality of programs and services to assist children and adults with developmental and other disabilities to achieve full participation in our society.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO TARGET COMMUNITY VIA PAYPAL. They are a great Organization!

Is this getting anoying? Another Website Layout

2010-03-04T14:37:00.000-05:00

If you didn't already know, my dear friend, Doug L., has been working on a logo for me and I think he is finished (?? :-P) He is a brilliant illustrator whom I adore! I'm to be helping him with a website layout for his generosity, so I hope that my schedule and life will slow down soon so I can get to work on it!

Because of this decision to have a real logo designed, the completion of my website has been on hold. I've had a little trouble trying to fit the logo in just right - Doug L.'s accomplice, Karlynn, did some tinkering of her own to reduce the wing size. I like how I have overlaid the logo on the corner of the photograph. With the new theme, here's what I'm thinking:

And to accompany the website is this layout for a business card (and the reverse will feature different photographs from my portraiture portfolio, which has basically been built this past year). Now I think the yellow is probably the best choice for this. It is perfect for the pig's hat and I think it stands out. But someone (*coughs, MOM!) doesn't like the yellow at all. This yellow will need to be dulled down a little for the internet (like for the website), but in print it is easier to read.

Please share your thoughts!

In my world, pigs fly.

Recent Photo Shoot

2010-03-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

Last night I photographed the YDOUASK Band, soon to be named F.T. Blindman when their first album is released (which is super soon!), with Michael Connell (keyboards), Tommy Thunder (drums, background vocals), George Kleb (guitars, vocals, harmonica), Charlie Brown (bass, background vocals) and Q (guitars). But you don't get to see the photos yet - HAHA!

Instead I shall please your eyes with even MORE snow (I accidently wrote snot, which is probably how we feel about snow in Maryland right now) photos, which I took one evening on my way to visit family.

Lebow Clothing Factory

2010-02-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to the Lebow Clothing Factory in Baltimore, MD. It is an abandoned men’s clothing factory that has been unoccupied since the mid-80's.

I will start off by saying I’m sorry – I have no photos to share with you. This day was dedicated to exploration. I’m probably going to go back, but it was actually pretty dark everywhere we went so taking photos would be difficult to do and in few places. But despite that, I will have a camera next time. Most of the windows are boarded up, so light can’t get in. My exploring V-Day buddy, Jessica Flax, was taking photos the whole time and using her flashlight most of the time.

The factory is still quite full of inventory and other supplies; completed articles of clothing, machinery, bolts of fabric, spools of string, buttons, patterns, tables, clothing racks, hangers, and 1985 and ‘86 pay stubs scattered all over the floor with funny names like “Dorcas Washington”, if I’m remembering correctly. Many abandoned buildings are abused by immature kids and stripped clean by people looking to make a buck for copper or whatever they find, and it really destroys the appeal. Fortunately this building hasn't been taken to this level - it makes this building a very fun place to go because the spaces still have character. With lots of things sitting around and racks of clothing it makes you a little uneasy because you can’t see everything – especially in the dark! There are little bits here and there that you know haven't been touched since the doors were closed in 1986 (or so)... a bit of the essence is still intact. FYI - I was born in '86 - and that is getting to be a bit old.

The building is also in decent shape – there were some spaces on the floors I avoided and I was a little uneasy as I felt the floor boards sag under my weight – I’m not that big but I’m no feather either (like Jessica). I noticed that some kids must have tried to start a fire because there was a small section of burned coats and the floor was damaged a little.

I think the owners of the building or the city placed large boards over the steps of the first 2 floors to try and keep people from getting in… but if the razor topped fence didn’t stop us, why would some wood? We climbed, we scaled, we crawled our way in.

Note: Entering an abandoned building is trespassing. You should never trespass because it is dangerous and against the law – trespassing is Breaking & Entering (B&E). However, if you decide to take this risk, never ever EVER go alone.

Blizzards of February 2010 - Bliz#2 - I'm REALLY Cold

2010-02-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

Brrrrrr! I walked outside in the blizzard for about 1 1/2 hours to take some pictures around Riesterstown, Maryland. I think I walked a few miles and my legs were having some trouble with the last couple of blocks. About half a dozen guys stopped to offer me a ride and I took the last offer to get me a couple blocks closer to home - a short but nice (and very appreciated) rest.

It's still snowing hard and the wind has picked up so much that it's even more of a 'white-out' than earlier - I almost can't see my car in the parking lot! I got the shots I was out for, so I'm very happy and planning to stay indoors for the rest of the storm. I've been inside for over an hour and am still recovering. :-D

And the new profile photo was me after all the hiking around - my scarf was frozen in a curve and there was ice on my eye-lashes.

Blizzards of February 2010 - BliZ#2

2010-02-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

I took some photos on the way home from work last night to catch the beginning of this second Blizzard and below is one of my favorites. I'd love to get out before it ends today but it's so windy the snow is streaking up, down sideways, and diagonally - I think I might freeze if I go out.

This was my car after the first blizzard - some people still hadn't dug their cars out before this second storm began and I have a feeling they will be stuck until the sun melts the blocks of ice encasing them.

Blizzards of February 2010

2010-02-09T19:39:00.000-05:00

These are shots from almost the end of the first 2-foot blizzard. I walked down to Piney Creek in Taneytown to get them - the walk back up was rough. :-\

Blizzards of February 2010

2010-02-09T19:31:00.000-05:00

I'm excited for all this snow because it means more photos with lots of atmosphere! I wish it would snow more during the day rather than at night though - I'm hoping that if I can't get to work tomorrow I can get around to some local areas to take more photos. These images are from the beginning of the first 2-foot storm.

Wedding Photography Tips: Creative Idea

2010-02-06T18:18:00.001-05:00

If you've ever wanted a custom thank you card to send to everyone for coming to your wedding, make a sign to use after your group shots that says "Thank You!" or even have a blank poster that the photographer (or even you) could place your text on.

To go even further with this idea, you could, during your engagement session, have a piece of poster board around for some shots that you could use to make your "Save the Date" cards or wedding invitations. I have even seen this idea used where a variety of images were taken and each shot had a different number used on each tables at the wedding so everyone knows what table they are to sit at (if you have arranged seating). Doing this also gives your guests something to check out during the 30 minutes to one hour you are getting your group and couples photo taken.

WED.kellyheckphotography.com

2010-02-01T11:57:00.000-05:00

Please view my new website, WED.kellyheckphotography.com, just launched this morning. It features a handful of galleries, the majority of which exhibit weddings I shot in 2009. There are also two Asp.NET forms, a language/skill I just learned last month. This is the first form I have cusomized to match the styling of the website and I am very excited about it.

The site was developed under InfoPathways, Inc., an IT-Company in Westminster MD.

Make-Up for Photographers

2010-01-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

I was hoping people could give their input on what they have learned about make-up for photography. I am very interested in learning more about make-up but I do not know if I really need to find a class focused on photography based techniques or if I need a general make-up course for a basis knowledge and to learn further specifics (like applications for photography) from experience and research.

A friend recently suggested I look into Von Lee International School of Aesthetics Inc. They have a 5-week/40-hour Make-up Artistry course that I'm sure is brilliant, but a rep there let me know that none of it applies directly to professional photography make-up.

So if you are a photographer, make-up artist, or student in make-up or esthetics, what do you think?

B&H Photo Video ROCKS MY SOCKS!

2010-01-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

I usually don't make too much of a hype about companies, but B&H Photo totally kicks butt. They almost always have the lowest prices (and if not, they are darn close), always reliable, and shipping is incredibly fast.

True, I just spend a huge chunk of change on new equipment, but a little customer service goes a long, long way. I opened my package and what did I find? A free camera bag and TWO 4 GB memory cards to go with my new Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I was so excited I jumped online to write their customer service a thank you note.

I think this is rare, and because of it I will always shop with them. <3 you guys!

Photo Shoot with Muriel Cruickshank

2010-01-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

This is what we started with...

... and this is how the studio lighting changed the scene!

The shoot took place near Reisterstown, Maryland. My inention was to show more of the landscape, which is littered with dead trees, many of which are broken off at odd places such as 2 feet above the ground. I've driven by this place a few times and I always have a difficult time paying attention to the road because it looks so different.

At this photo shoot, though, I was zooming in for a best shot. We started around 4 or 4:30 pm and I had intended to start around 3:30, so our light was fading fast and the landscape was too dark to really show off. I want to go back in the spring - maybe morning would be an interesting lighting.

Becuse we had limited time and because the wind was a bit unpredictable, I only used a medium softbox to reduce the risk of blowing over. I usually feel that a medium softbox is the best general choice anyway. :-D

Thank you Muriel - you rock for going out in the cold with me and lookin' fine!

Model Railroads by Lance Mindheim

2010-01-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

A client I met with for web work got into a photography conversation with me and he brought up a great photographer he knows that photographs something he makes - model railroads. He raved about these images and I wondered 'how good could they be?' Well, they're not good - they're incredible.

The models are made by Lance Mindheim and many images of different models can be viewed at www.lancemindheim.com. There isn't much 'about' information on his website unfortunately, but it sounds like Lance appreciates the little things that the typical person walks by every day - I LOVE THIS!!! Attention to detail these days is hard to find and Lance has hit it right on the head with his models and the images he captures of them.

I was scrolling thorugh images in his Progress Photos gallery and it's really difficult to tell if an image is real-life or a model. AMAZING. Check it all out.

Moo.com - Portfolio In Your Pocket

2010-01-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

While in New York for the PhotoPLUS expo I was checking out all the vendors and one that looked pretty cool was Moo USA. They print batches of business cards, postcards and note cards with different images on each. So, for example, you can get 20 postcards printed each with a different image and it's like carrying around a small portfolio. It's also a cool way to sell a series of work, perhaps. I am going to probably get some postcards and business cards printed by them in the next couple of months and am very excited about it.

The Meltdown of BLIZZARD '09

2009-12-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

All of the snow melting caused a day-long mist all over the place (at least where I was in Taneytown Maryland). This was nearly mid-day. I darkened down the image quite a bit so it would be more visible on the screen. This will be another image that is probably really interesting as an enlargement.

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

2009-12-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Possibly Settled...

2009-12-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

I know I've been everywhere with trying to pick a good font or settle on a logo. Today I think I've become more comfortable with this (above). It's a little different, funky, fun, and it reminds me very much of what I consider to be my signature image, my Phobia of Sharks (right).

The image should work well as a watermark and it should really pop on my simple business card layout (which is just a photo on one side and a solid color on the other with my name, website and maybe my phone number).

Somewhat off topic - people always look at my phobia series and say, "Are those really photographs?" Yes, they are. I did my own subtle version of HDR (high dynamic range) by adjusting the exposure in several layers and erasing layers. This shot, Phobia of Sharks or Selachophobia, probably took more time in post production than any of the other images while the shoot took less than 10 minutes! So for example, I took a layer and erased everything but the girl's eyes so that I could brighten her eyes only - this needed to be done because the mask was heavily shading her face.

The question I always get about this image is "So you put that together in Photoshop, right?" A lot of work was done in Photoshop, but NO, the majority of this image was captured in camera, as most (not all) photos should be captured. It was photographed in the ocean on Tybee Island, Georgia. The main light source was nearly mid-day sunlight and my secondary light source was a 5-foot reflector held just off to the right by a lovely assistant, Caryn Turgeon. The shark-fin was a prop toy that I purchased with this shoot in mind. My model, Suzannah Hoover, posed with her eye on the fin at all times and I directed her to show fear and surprise. Believe it or not there were small waves which made me nervous (for my cameras) but none of them are visible in the photo.

Above Right: Digital Capture - (the retired) Canon 10D
Above Left: Film Capture - RB67 Mamiya

Coolest New Bag by Mary Ledoux

2009-12-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

I just received a wonderful surprise in the mail from Mary Ledoux of Wolverine Construction. She made me this awesome bag after I told her how much I loved hers. It's so original and I love that it looks like a basket but moves and bends so freely (becuase it is made of.... GROCERY BAGS!!!) Mary said it took about 150 grocery bags to make my bag of bags! :-D So I am going to send the box back to her full of bags soon I hope, so she can continue to recycle. Talk about gonig green! I can't wait to sport this on Christmas Day!

Kyle Goodwin here at InfoPathways took this nice photo for me on his phone - this is a rare instance where you will see a camera phone picture on my blog - so enjoy it!

Project from the past - PHOTOSHOP GLORY!

2009-12-18T17:09:00.001-05:00

While going through my old photos to organize my files I ran across this project I did in early spring of 2007 for my Digital I class with Professor Melinda Hurst Frye. She was an awesome teacher in the photo department at Savannah College of Art and Design and now she lives in Washington.

Anyway, I wanted to share the project with you to show how much fun I have with Photoshop! The set above shows the original Son Of Man and the one I made from scratch. Everything I used started out as a photograph, all of which I took in Savannah. I put the images together in Photoshop and altered them with filters and the paint tool and many others to try and match the layout, colors and textures of the original piece of art.

And wow - this was over 2 years ago! Just IMAGINE what I could do now (I like to think I'm modest).

In this project (left) during the same course, we had to take a photo with multiples of the same person, so I used myself in my first dorm room. It was really fun and pretty easy to stitch together. (And yeah, I had hair back then.)

Real-Time Plant Monitor at P. Flanigan & Sons

2009-12-15T17:56:00.000-05:00

I had a great day today - my first major photo shoot through InfoPathways! Kyle Goodwin (network engineer at InfoPathways) went with me (actually, I went with him) to the various P. Flanigan Asphalt plants to take photos that would portray the uses and versatility of InfoPathways' data management program, the Real-Time Plant Monitor.

The shoot was scheduled yesterday because we found out that AsphaltPro Magazine will be writing an article on Real-Time Plant Monitor and Libra Systems' program Enterprise Information Server (EIS). InfoPathways is partnered with Libra Systems to bring these two integrated programs to asphalt plants all over the country. To learn more about these products, please contact InfoPathways and Libra Systems; you can also read "A Case For Integration", an article by Doug Heck and Thom Bethune of InfoPathways and you can visit the RTPM website.

Enough rambles on WHAT these images are about... so RTPM is supposed to be visible in all of these shots/views. Thom, Doug and I came up with three important perspectives which I captured today. I am pretty happy with myself. What I had so much fun with was whipping out all the equipment. I used multiple studio lights, mini tuck-in-the-corners lights (which you will just barely see under the counter in the photo of the control room), umbrellas, barn doors, grids, gels and more. It's been a long time since I used SO MUCH of my equipment and boy was it a rush!

Now, because LCD displays do not render so perfectly in photos, and the same with projector images, I decided to not bother with trying to get the lights perfect combined with the digital views of the laptop and projector. I dropped screen-shots of RTPM and EIS in the images for clarity and quality. I know many photographers are against this, but Real-Time Plant Monitor is the REAL subject here, so it's very important that it is as visible as possible, so DON'T JUDGE (please!!!).

Shoot with Jake Green

2009-12-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

My friend for many years, Jake Green (a videographer), posed for me this weekend. It was great to catch up with him and hang out. I reshot the one image in the construction tube that I took with Nikki Sleeth because I wanted it to feel more like a band/musician photograph. Then we went to find the best graffiti Westminster Maryland has to offer and my studio lights got too cold, so I was only able to capture a few shots, but I am happy with them. Jake's a funny face-maker, I have found. The image in the tube was taken with a bare-bulb behind a white sheet which I attached to the end of the construction tube. The second location I used a grid with barn doors to splash light on just his head and chest.

Rough Website Design

2009-12-12T21:47:00.001-05:00

Let me know your thoughts on this as a web design for my website. It will be a custom LiveBooks website (LiveBooks is a company that builds flash websites with database backends - it's very professional looking). Click on the image above to view a larger version. This would be an example of a gallery page, but it's practically the same look as the other pages. I have changed the logo, but generally like this layout. The thumbnail images may drop down out of view so the image size can be maximized.

Honl Photo 1/4 Speed Grid for Portable Flash

2009-12-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

My photo friend Ryan Long and I chat on AIM and he always throws lots of good ideas and links my way (I try to return the favor, but I always have less to share!) and recently he sent me this one: Honl Photo 1/4 Speed Grid for Portable Flash.

I think this flash accessory, as well as others (like gels/filters!) and snoots, look really fun to experiment with. I'm tempted to buy some of these toys and see how I like them for location shooting. Does anyone have experience with these or equipment like these?

Pets for Christmas

2009-12-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

There isn't much I can say, but I wanted to share one image from the photo shoot I had with Sherrie. She asked me to take photos as a present for her husband. What a cute pooch!