The ABCs

We're always tickled to get images published in a magazine. And this time, we've got pictures in a magazine made just for event professionals, Wedding Planner Magazine. It's a bi-monthly publication of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC - clever name right? :)

Last fall, Brittany and I photographed one day of the annual 3-day ABC Business of Brides Conference, organized by local planner Shelby Tuck-Horton and held in Baltimore at the Tremont Grand. We've shot a good number of weddings there over the years, but doing a conference packed with wedding planners was a totally different animal - and loads of fun.

Early in the day, we were honored to shoot the annual awards ceremony and make a group portrait of consultants who have achieved "Master" status in the ABC organization. This group of 12 men and women are at the top of their game - and came to Baltimore from all over the world - even from as far as Japan!

The rest of the day, we documented seminars, a trade show and a luncheon. Below, 2nd from the left, is one of Brittany's gorgeous details from the lunch decor.

The event finished up with the keynote speaker, Diann Valentine. Valentine is not only a well-known television personality - she's also inspiring and downright hilarious. We were both inspired by her success story and incredible business savvy.

Overall, it was a great day and we both learned a lot, even though we aren't wedding coordinators. Some known is universal.

And the biggest lesson of the day... well, we both already knew that. All brides should do themselves a solid and hire a professional wedding coordinator! It's the best gift you can hope for on your Big Day.

~ Rissa

Judgement Day

Last Thursday evening we were honored to be invited back to the Baltimore Camera Club to judge a print contest.

Rissa and Stephen from balance, along with a 3rd panelist from the club, acted as judges for 4 sets of prints: Novice Monochrome; Novice Color; Unlimited Monochrome and Unlimited Color. All the prints were mounted and matted - and looked very elegant. There were quite a few pieces that were so excellent, we had trouble picking a winner. I can think of one or two I loved so much, I'd hang them in our home.

Judging was done in a focused and professional way with lights-out. As judges, we were not allowed to discuss the images. We had a preview of entire collections, then silently voted using an electronic button attached to a score-keeping box. At the end of each round of images, we had to break a few ties, and select images for 1st through 5th places with one runner-up. Then we were encouraged to take the microphone and give feedback on the winning prints.

That's myself and Stephen on the right side of this picture. All photos in this blog taken by Jess Baligush- the newest member of the balance photo team!

Overall, we had a great time and were very impressed with the photographs produced by the Baltimore Camera Club. The Club has been around since 1884 and is the oldest Camera Club in the United States today.

They embrace all photographers - from absolute beginner to seasoned expert and offer something for everyone. Meetings are free to attend, however to enter competitions or attend lectures, there is a $50.00 membership fee per year. It's a steal, really! Check out their upcoming programs on their website schedule.

The Baltimore Camera Club meet every Thursday at Mount Washington United Methodist Church, 5800 Cottonworth Ave. Baltimore MD 21209. It's just near the Whole Foods in Mt. Washington and there's plenty of free parking.

We love the Baltimore Camera Club - it's exciting to see the passion other photographers have for our art form and encourage them to grow and keep learning more of their craft.

Thanks for having us back! ~ Rissa