Photography: Art, Hobby and Profession

To me, the cell phone camera is one of the greatest inventions ever! Why? Because it makes it so easy for everyone, including me, to capture our everyday lives. Am I worried about my business? Not at all! If anything, the expansion of everyday “hobby” photography reinforces the value and need for a professional photographer.

Why? Because my clients understand the difference between a snap shot and photographic art. By hiring a professional, you are guaranteeing these present-day moments are captured beautifully - in a session that is easy and fun; with pictures that are well lit and composed; and edited to bring out the light and color and texture of the environment.

I want to take today’s moments and capture them forever. When you look back at your pictures, you will remember your time in Germany, the love of your family and even our session as great times.

Photography: A Family Affair

Photography has always been a family affair.My step-father, George, was a wedding photographer. As a teenager, I shot weddings with him and developed negatives and prints in our kitchen-pantry-darkroom. I learned the value of good composition and proper exposure on film. While he was “old school” everything, he had a way with people. He understood how to pose large bridal parties, give directions where they were needed and waited (mostly patiently) for the perfect shot.

I paid my way through college as a photographer, taking pictures at high school reunions. I also ran the college dark room and video editing studio too. It was during these years that photography was a means to an end - a college degree. I applied the lessons learned at weddings to many situations. I also grew as an artist in college, with steady access to the darkroom I was free to explore.

After college, I met my husband as a part of my part-time photography work. At the time, he, too, was a photographer who specialized in digital imagery collection at work. By hobby, he explored landscape photography. To this day, he remains the patient technical guru of my operation. He’ll troubleshoot anything, carry my bags and provide technical direction when I need it. He is fond of telling people that he takes pictures of mountains (that don’t move). I do people (who move a lot).

Our oldest, Shannon, has her own successful photography business, Shannon Ensor Photography. She picked up a camera during her college years to meet her financial needs. Since, she has created a thriving wedding and boudoir venture in Carroll County, Maryland.

And during our travels, Bob and I have explored both landscape and family photography for both business and pleasure. Our youngest, Ana, also joins us with her own unique eye for macro photography.