Dabney and Carlton

Saturday I had the opportunity and pleasure of photographing Dabney and Carlton in downtown Annapolis. Unfortunately, we were stuck with some pretty nasty and FREEZING weather to contend with- but Dabney and Carlton made the best of the situation by staying close together.  Due to the fact Carlton, an officer in the Air Force, is currently stationed in New Mexico- we had to work with the precious time we had.

Right off the bat these two showed me that they weren’t going to have any problems showing off how much they loved one another – they were ready to be close and I often had to remind them to stop being so cute when I wasn’t ready with to take the shot. All kidding aside, these two were a dream to work with and made the freezing cold shoot a whole lot easier. 

Our mutual friend Laura, who also happens to be the one who told Dabney about me, brought along a bright green umbrella in case the rain/snow didn't stop. Luckily it did, but also lucky she brought it because it made a fun, bright spot on a rather gray day.

These two had such great chemistry, it was hard to believe they had only been dating a year!                                  

So happy for these two and wish them all the best!

"I'm Gonna Live Forever!"

Over the past few months I have been fortunate enough to photograph my schools production of Fame Jr. 

I have to say, I was very impressed with the progression of the show and how well everyone worked together to make it come together.  I was also pretty excited to have the opportunity to photograph something new. The light inside where the production was taking place proved to be difficult at times, especially when the stage lights came on.  However, the more I practiced, the better I was able to adjust and capture some pretty cool moments on and off the stage. The photographs will be put on the DVD with the recording of the show, and parents/students can print the ones they choose.
It's my hope that perhaps one of these parents will like the pictures enough to seek me out to do some family shots.... but even if they don't - it was fun and great practice (even when I fell in front of the whole cast when the chair I was standing on collapsed!)
                           
                                           
I wish I could post more of the pictures I took- but since my subjects are minors and some are my students, there are some confidentiality issues.

Soaking it all in...

So last week I began a DSLR class with the talented Kory Chase of Twist photography (go check her out on Facebook or her website www.seethetwist.com ! She is super talented!) 

At first I have to admit that I was a little overwhelmed and a little inadequate - in fact- I think I had lens envy. However, I got talked out of forking over a lot of money for a new lens and instead, decided to learn everything I could about what I already have. (No dear husband, that doesn't mean I won't ever want a new lens... :p )

   

                                        

                                                     Took this with one of Kory's lenses....LOVE!

The first assignment was to focus on learning about what our cameras/lenses could do in terms of aperture. So I dragged Sean off on one our freakishly warm days this past week and headed to the park. He quickly cautioned me to not  get any of the children in my shots by accident as the community may think I was somewhat of a creeper. I ended up playing around with this ball game at the park.

The rest of the week was spent capturing yet another moment with my cat, Lucky, my very loyal photo subject!

                                                         

This weeks homework is all about shutter speed and movement. I'm excited to continue to learn new things- but watch out- I may come steal your child for an hour or two :p

Scouting out the shots....

Today my friend Krista and I took advantage of having the day off school, and wandered around Annapolis in preparation for my first client's engagement shoot in February.  It was bitterly cold and windy, but we were determined to make the best of it. 

We started at the parking garage and made our way down main street towards the docks. We passed a favorite spot of my husband and mine - the Boston Shoe Repair painting above the newspaper stands. While I won't take pictures of my client here, I agreed to take a few shots of Krista since she likes the spot so much (and since they recently re-painted it too!).

Photo by Meaghan Elliott

We made our way down to the docks where families were feeding the seagulls. It was fun to watch the little kids enjoy the attention from the birds, and it made me think it would lead to some cute action shots too. Must remember to bring some bread crumbs to get the seagulls to gather around....  

                      

Then we headed further down the docks. There were a lot of boats still on "Ego Alley" so it allowed a lot of chances to play with the boats as backgrounds and props. I'm hoping they will still be there next month when it is time to shoot because I don't think there will be a lot of greenery around for my couple. 

         

                                         

I think the benches down by the water will provide a cute spot too- perhaps a few shots from the back with their arms around each other, or at an angle while they cuddle and smooch....

My client's fiance is in the Air Force, so Krista and I decided to head to the Naval Academy. This was a new experience for me, because I hadn't walked around on the grounds before. There were a few ideas there- like the bench below with the word "commitment" on it...perfect for marriage right?? 

Then we had to go thaw out in the visitors center.... Soon we headed up some of the side streets towards State Circle and found a few other photo gems....I took pictures of places to remember, but no need to put those yucky ones up :p

Here is yet another cute one of Krista in a neat spot....

Needless to say, I think I will be able to fill the 2 hours of shooting time with lots of ideas and TONS of photos....I can hardly wait!

   

It's all in the name...

So, why the name "Wrapped in Clover"? Well, there are many reasons.

1st of all- My wedding song was "At last" by Etta James...     
                           "...my heart was wrapped up in clover, the night I looked at you..."  
    

Photo Credit: Meaghan Elliott

2nd of all...
According to some wiki/Google research, "wrapped in clover" means to be surrounded by prosperity, happiness and love.
    And to be honest- all of those things are wonderful ideas and not only do I wish those
    things for myself and my loved ones, but I wish all of my future clients these things too!

3rd- My last name is Paddy...so it seemed fitting!

A little bit about me...

Hi there! I have toyed with the idea of starting a blog for a while now. Just seemed like a natural fit for me - somewhere to express my creative side, in both writing and through my photography.

As we begin the year 2013, I have decided to take the action. I have to admit- having my first booking for a photography gig was really the push I needed.

So for anyone who reads this, here is a little bit about me.
I have been married to my best friend since April 25, 2010.                                                                               

                                                                                                                 (photocredit to Meaghan Elliott)
I am a teacher by profession, but my other passion is photography.  I have always enjoyed being in front of the camera...

But have also really enjoyed being behind the camera, often being the one to pull out the camera for the "arm" photo in college, and the one to be caught off to myself at family gatherings playing with my camera. My parents always told me I had a good eye and bought me cameras as I was growing up. My husband also  saw potential in me, and ended up indulging me with a new small Canon for our wedding.

                    

 Then he took it one step farther and bought me my first DSLR- the Nikon D7000.