I recently had the pleasure of photographing Jennifer Wakefield, Mrs Maryland 2019 at our studio, Visual Concepts Photography located in the Greater Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Such a great opportunity and honor to get to know her and to photograph her. Jennifer is an inspiration to me and all that know her.  She’s the REAL DEAL!!  In her own words:

Jennifer is the reigning Mrs. Maryland International 2019, having been crowned by her husband and Mrs. Maryland International 2018 on March 2, 2019…25 years and 14 pageants is what it took before finally being crowned!! She placed 1st runner up at IJM Mom, 2nd runner up to Mrs. Maryland United States 2018 and 3rd Runner up and Mrs. Photogenic at Mrs. Maryland International 2017. She is a pageant mom to her two daughters who have both won state/regional titles, she has coached, judged and is an avid pageant enthusiast.
Community Involvement/platform: As a 6 year breast cancer survivor Jennifer’s platform is Life after treatment…breast cancer is not the end. Jennifer lends her time to the American Cancer Society volunteering weekly with their Moving Forward Together 3 and Reach to Recovery programs. Jennifer volunteers for and donated $1K to the local Central MD charity For 3 Sisters and will be speaking at their annual fundraiser the end of April 2019. Jennifer appeared on and spoke at the USA television Channel 9 in October 2018 for their inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness day. Jennifer had the distinct honor of speaking at the National Press Club in May 2018 about her journey and now volunteer with breast cancer. Jennifer is passionate about giving back to the community that was there for her during her treatment and attributes pageantry for the many opportunities given to her to reach out to the public.
Professional accomplishments: Jennifer is an Administrative Assistant for a world wide non-profit where she plans and organizes her office events.
Hobbies: Jennifer enjoys exercising with her mini goldendoodle, is excited to have been personally invited to audition for DC Fashion Week 2018, Shopping, watching Netflix, going out to eat, spending time with her husband and teenage daughters.
Family: Jennifer has been married to her husband Scott for 16 years, they have two teenage daughter’s who are 15 and 19, they live in Laurel, MD with their dog Cali and cat Bella.

As of this writing, Jennifer is competing in the 2019 Mrs. International Pageant.  To watch the competition on July 19 and 20, please see below:

Internationalpageants.tv
Purchase on devise you watch on
Available an hour b4 show time
$20 each night
Prelims. And finals 730 pm
July 19 and 20

Congratulations, Jennifer! Know that Maryland is rooting for you all the way!! xxx

Have you ever wondered whether you need a headshot photo session or a branding photo session? Let us tell you the difference between the two.

You own your own business and need a headshot for social media. Or do you? In order to separate yourself from your competition, you need to see your business from your prospective client’s point of view. Headshots are photos of head and shoulders only and used for business cards, social media, etc. It certainly has its place. However, I am finding that more and more small business owners need to express themselves more so that their prospective client can get a feel for who they are and their personality.

For example, here is a sample of a headshot that typcially shows the subject in a flattering pose. Great for business cards and social media profile pics.

Now lets take this same subject and shoot branding portraits for her. She wanted to portray who she was and what she does so that through these images that show body language, personality and strong connection, the viewer will resonate with her.

Image of Kathrin Shenk of Free Your Space Organizing organizes people’s homes. Can’t  you tell? Don’t these images tell a great story?

Images like this are great for organizers, home stagers, yoga instructors, health coaches, musicians, real estate agents. Let’s look at a few different ones I’ve taken over the years:

Image of Gail Nyman Group of Remax United Real Estate and her team.  I particularly love this image. Why? Because they are connecting with each other. When I view this image I see a team that is committed, professional and passionate about what they do. Isn’t that the message you would want to get across to your prospective client?

Image of a Deb Goode, A Goode Start Decorating. Again, a branding session in an environmental location can go a long way, especially when you have multiple images to choose from to use for your marketing purposes.

When looking for a service, I want to be drawn into the story. Headshots have their place; however, a branding photo session shows body language, connection and pulls the viewer in to want to know more.

Marketing dollars are best invested in stellar branding portraits because it is the very first impression you will make when a prospective client is looking for your services.

How do you want to be photographed? Headshot or branding? How do you want to represent you you are and what you do?

For more information on our services, Visual Concepts Photography, located in Annapolis, MD and serving D.C. as well as Baltimore, click here.

When was the last time you had a professional photograph taken? With your children? Your mother? Or just you? We are currently conducting mother/daughter photo sessions in time for Mother’s Day in our beautiful farmhouse studio located in the Greater Annapolis area.

You are the center of the family. Celebrate who you are and put yourself first! Create images that will make you feel and look beautiful. Everyone loves a great photo of themselves. I can hear you say, “Nah, not me, I am too ________(fill in the blank)” You are not too curvy, too old, too tall, too thin, etc. You are beautiful just the way you are!!! Take my word for it!!

If not for you, do it for them. Your tribe. The people who look up to you and depend you on every.single.day. They deserve a beautiful portrait of their mom for one day this will become their most valued treasure for it is here they will say, “this is my mother,” “this is your grandmother” and look at her. Isn’t she beautiful? Isn’t she strong?

Once you have a glamour session in our Annapolis area studio, you will leave empowered, beautiful and you will greet the world with a renewed sense of spirit?

Our mother/daughter $99 session in time for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day includes the following:

-a complimentary consultation where we will review your portrait needs, go over our investment guide and give you a tour of our studio and gardens (we have a beautiful tree swing just waiting for you; think Jane Austen romantic)
-makeup artistry/hair styling
-bubbly and strawberries
-access to our beautiful wardrobe including a long romantic tulle skirt that will make you feel so beautiful and glamorous!
-a full portrait session that includes both studio and outdoor locations as well as multiple changes of clothing (add family members at no extra cost!!)
-a private viewing of your images via slideshow on our 60” plasma screen

-$100 gift voucher towards any of your prints

Total Value: $350 all for just $99

Click here for more information or call 410 353 3702! See you in the studio!!! Let’s glam it up and rock your session!!

Meet Bridget, a breast cancer survivor who answered the call for a glamour session at our studio in Greater Annapolis area. Bridget came in for her consultation and told me the story about her Royal Cloak. I knew that we had to have it in our photo session. Here in her own words is what she had to say:

“What Queen doesn’t have a Royal Cloak?  I am fortunate enough to have a Cloak of Many Colors.  Several years ago (prior to my Breast Cancer diagnosis) my friends started referring to me as “Queen Bridget”.  I would love to speak in a British accent while I was sipping on a glass of wine. They said I sounded just like the “Queen”.  On one of my visits to the Eastern Shore at my sister-in-law’s home where I am always surrounded by an amazing group of friends, I was given the gift of a lifetime.  My sister-in-law had arranged for a coronation for me to make it official. (Official in the sense that we say it is). There was a scroll that declared that on that day I was officially to be known as “Queen Bridget”. I was presented with a scepter and a homemade crown. But the greatest and most precious gift was my cloak.  What I didn’t know was that several months prior my friends were asked to donate an article of clothing to one of the ladies in our group who is the most talented seamstress.  She worked her magic and created a cloak with the names embroidered on their respective fabric. It is truly a work of art and a keepsake to be cherished for the rest of my life. When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer I already knew that I was going to have the best support group a “Queen” could ask for.  They are forever my royal family”

I am reminded of the movie, “Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood” a movie of 4 women who remained true and loyal to each other throughout their lives. What better gift than the gift of oneself to another friend. A girl who has many loyal and loving friends as Bridget does is wealthy beyond measure. But then again, I could see why! She literally lives up to her name. (I looked it up!)

Bridget or Brigid is a Gaelic/Irish female name derived from the noun brígh, meaning “power, strength, vigor, virtue”. An alternate meaning of the name is “exalted one”.

If you are a breast cancer survivor or know of a breast cancer survivor who would like to join our growing family of having beautiful images that will forever be cherished by loved ones, please click here for more information. We are looking for breast cancer survivors to be considered for a book project that will lift and inspire others who are traveling the same path.

by: Guest Blogger: Victoria Ronan of Natural Looks By Victoria

1. A STRESS FREE DAY!  

Of all the reasons why you should hire a professional  makeup artist for your wedding, this may be the top reason.  Your wedding day is going to be busy and you’re sure to have a few unexpected bumps in the road, so don’t let your look suffer.  Hiring a makeup artist will allow you to sit back and relax and let someone else pamper you on your special day (at least while your #makeup is being applied)! Most makeup artists will meet with you prior to your wedding day to do a trial run of the makeup #look you want. Doing so will let you get your makeup done just how you want it in a timely manner on your #wedding day.

photo by: Catalina Devor

1. COLOR COLOR COLOR 

Makeup artists are trained on the art and proper selection of colors. From your lips to your eyes to your foundation -makeup artists exactly how to pick the colors that best suit you and your coloring.  You’ll probably never be photographed as much as you will on your #wedding day so you want your makeup to be flawless & beautiful.  Not to mention flattering!

1. ONLY THE BEST PRODUCTS

Makeup artists apply make up for a living, so our kits are stocked with the best, high quality & sometimes the most expensive products that are designed for durability, breath-ability and longevity that you may not own or be able to afford yourself. As a makeup artist myself, I keep my kit ready with makeup designed to #look amazing when photographed with high definition cameras as most brides are on their wedding days. Hiring a makeup artist for your #wedding day will give you access to products that you may not have otherwise, not to mention they will be professionally applied for you

1. MAKEUP APPLICATION — DONE PROPERLY!  

Experienced makeup artists practice the art of makeup every single day. They were taught proper makeup application techniques and have worked on hundreds of different faces. If you’re not a makeup artist and you haven’t studied proper #makeup application then you may not be getting the best final result. Hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day will allow you to #look flawless while still looking like your normal self!

To contact Victoria:
Victoria Ronan
victoriaronan@yahoo.com
(410) 474-7620

We are celebrating 25 years in the business

Do you want a glamour photo session? This coming May, Visual Concepts Photography will be celebrating 25 years in the business!! As a result, I am offering 25 lucky women a complimentary glamour photo session in our studio, located in the Annapolis, MD area plus an 8×10 of your choice and special pricing for additional prints! This offer is valued at $350!

Our Mission

It is my mission to create the most beautiful portraits you have ever had. I want to show you how beautiful you truly are and in turn you will fall in love with yourself all over again and greet the world with love of self, confidence and a renewed sense of energy. A glamour photo session at Visual Concepts Photography in greater Annapolis area is waiting for you!

What does it include:

Take advantage of this glamour photo session giveaway special made for YOU. Here is what is included in your session:

• a complimentary consultation where we will review your portrait needs my portfolio, investment guide as well as a guided tour of the studio and outdoor locations.
• a full portrait session to incude 3-5 different outfits and custom-designed backgrounds
• a professional makeup artist
• lite fare and bubbly
• a private viewing of your images in the comfort of our farmhouse/studio
• a $100 gift voucher towards products (you are under no obligation to purchase anything) However, a special price list will be available.

If you want your family to be included in your portrait session, we can make sure to designate time towards the end of your session to join you and celebrate the woman who is at the center of their lives! And, don’t forget to make a date afterwards. You will look and feel beautiful!

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PHOTO SESSION!!!

To claim your glamour photo session giveaway, all you have to do is:

• like my facebook page (if you haven’t already done so)
• leave a comment at the end of this blog post and tell us why you should receive this fabulous gift! Include your e-mail so we can contact you!! (comments will not be made public)
• share this post with a friend!

Exist in portraits for your loved ones for one day they will become their most valued treasure!

P.S. Did I mention that one LUCKY WINNER will receive an 11×14 canvas of their choice..a $700 value!!!

Expires: February 14, 2019 (session must be completed before July 31, 2019. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or used for cash value)

About Visual Concepts Photography

Visual Concepts Photography has been in business since 1994 upon completion of my associate degree in Communications with a major in photography at Anne Arundel Community College. My first paying job was my small business management class professor. His wife showed the images to a co-worker who insisted on hiring me for a wedding shortly thereafter. Visual Concepts was born! Within 25 years, I have photographed over 300 weddings, families, newborns, and children. A little known fact was that I photographed Tom Clancy’s family every Christmas at his home in Hungtingtown, MD. Upon retiring from weddings, I decided to concentrate mainly on educating women on the importance of professional photographs for their loved ones. Those images will one day became their most valued treasure. To view our work click here.

Voice of America

Voice of America video titled, “Shooting Back at Breast Cancer”

This past year, I put out a model call for breast cancer survivor photos for an art project to raise money for the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. We produced the photo sessions at Visual Concepts Photography studio in Annapolis, Maryland. Word of our project got out, and, as as result, our breast cancer survivor photos art project was featured on the front page of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, MD, last October.

Voice of America, a U.S. government-funded international multimedia Agency , also picked up the story. Last November, they came to my home/studio and interviewed Cheryl Listman, a breast cancer survivor, my makeup artist, Victoria Ronan of Natural Looks by Victoria, and me.

This video is now on the front page of their website. VOA reaches an audience of more than 236.8 million people around the world and is translated into 45 languages.

To view the video, you can click here.

Our main aim with our breast cancer survivor photos project is to create beautiful images of beautiful women who happen to have breast cancer. We want to help these women exist in portraits for their loved ones. One day, these photos will become their most valued treasure.

At Visual Concepts, we are now working on a book that will feature our breast cancer survivor photos and their stories. We are currently conducting interviews for our breast cancer survivor photos book. Would you like to be a part of this very exciting project and our growing family? All photo sessions will be considered for the upcoming book on breast cancer survivors that will help those who are traveling the same path. If you are interested or know of someone who is, please click here for more information.

These breast cancer survivor photos couldn’t be done without my team. I have so many people to thank:

-Michael, my Ren Man, my supportive husband and partner. Without him, I would not be where I am today. He is my everything.

-Maggie, the Bald Ballerina who took a chance on me when I approached her to take photographs of her. She believed in me and my unexpected turn of events has created in me a love of my craft like none other. She is my hero, she is my inspiration behind all my breast cancer survivor photos.

-My sons, Rory and Shaun who have supported me throughout my journey and were my earliest models. I love them to the moon and back.

-My makeup artist, Victoria who is always there when I need her. She is the best partner I could ask for and her belief in me sustains me throughout my journey.

-And most importantly, my 20 breast cancer survivors who took a chance on me and let me photograph them so they could see what I see; beautiful women whose strength, tenacity and love of life sustains them each and every day. They are the heroes of this story and my love for them knows no bounds. I am so glad we found each other

-Finally, thank you to Selene San Felice of the Capital Gazette who reached out to me to create the article that forever changed my path. You are an amazing writer and your talents know no bounds. I am so grateful that you took a chance on me.

How We Met

I met Kathrin sometime ago at a networking function. She remembered me and came to my studio, Visual Concepts Photography, located in the Greater Annapolis area, for branding and headshot images for her marketing use. We spent an amazing afternoon creating fabulous photographs for marketing purposes. Kathrin is a no-nonsense kind of person, one you would want to hire to declutter your home. I was so taken with her and her business model that I am featuring her on my blog!

Kathrin Solves Your Problem

Too Much Stuff? No Worries.
“I bet my house is the worst you’ve ever seen.” “I am so overwhelmed!” “Will you make me throw everything away?” If Kathrin Shenk, Professional Organizer and owner of FreeYourSpace, LLC had a nickel for every time she’s heard those words she’d fill Scrooge McDuck’s money bin. “It’s a great privilege to be invited into a space that someone might be downright embarrassed about, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly” she says. “I am not there to pass judgment. I’m there to help you reach your goals, from an organized sock drawer to a whole-house purge. But I can only help you if you let me in.”

Kathrin’s Background

Kathrin’s passion for simplifying lives runs deep. Born and raised in Germany, she came to the US in the early nineties on an exclusive University scholarship for up-and-coming female scientists. She liked it here so much that she decided to stay. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and an MBA from the State University of New York at Albany. Her career path arced from laboratory bench to corporate office, where she led a team that kept employee information for a Fortune 500 company clutter-free, organized and up to date.

The Start of Free Your Space

However, why deal with data when you can be right there with people, help them manage their belongings, and enjoy the tales that flow along? Much more fun, and so much more satisfying! So, in 2015 Kathrin founded FreeYourSpace, LLC, which focuses on releasing overwhelmed clients from the dead weight of accumulated possessions that are long past their “expiration date.” From seniors moving into a retirement community to children liquidating a parent’s estate, Kathrin’s clients trust in her guidance, professionalism and hands-on expertise, and know that a weight will literally be lifted off their shoulders. And no, she won’t make you part with anything you really want to keep.

Kathrin serves Maryland and Washington, DC, and offers a free meet and greet at your home. She can be reached at 301-233-3885 or Kathrin@FreeYourSpaceOrganizing.com. Her website is http://freeyourspaceorganizing.com or you can click here:

Using Branding and Headshot Images

When thinking about updating your own website and marketing materials and wanting to separate yourself from your competition, you need to think deep about what it is that you want to portray to your audience, and find branding and headshot images which will speak to your potential clientele. Come in a discuss your needs with us. During our consultation, we will delve into what makes you stand out, and once we find it, we will create a vision board of branding and headshot images that speak to you and your brand.

Ready to take the next step? Click here for your complimentary consultation and we will get started on a new year, new you!