Danny Douglas Photography

World Photography Day

2011-08-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Happy World Photography Day!!!

What is World Photography Day? It's all about celebrating photography and remembering how special a photograph can be. Phototography captures a precious moment, a memory that will last a lifetime. Memories that can be printed, uploaded and shared.

Today, I wanted to spend a few minutes with my favorite models, my daughters. Yep, making some memories with my favorite peeps!.

Meghan and Josh - The Wedding

2010-12-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

Although I was not the "official" photographer at the wedding of Meghan and Josh, I just could not help bringing my camera and passion for taking photos with me. The wedding was beautiful and my day was made special by spending it with family and friends.

Sunrise Yoga (09-19-2010)

2010-12-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

I love photographing Sunrise Yoga at the local beach. Most of the participants arrive way befor the sun comes up. What a wonderful bunch of people.

Meghan - Bridal Portrait

2010-12-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

Meghan had asked me to take some photos of her in her wedding dress 2 weeks before her wedding. So, we went out to several location, being very carful not to get the dress dirty, and did some shooting. Here are a few of my favorite images.

The Faulkner's - Family Portraits

2010-12-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

A Little Bundle of Joy

2010-12-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Rachael - Senior Pics

2010-12-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

Meet high school senior Rachael.

The Labash's - Family Portraits

2010-12-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

We shot these images as a birthday present for Mr. Labash!!

Lindsay and Matt - The Wedding (May 2010)

2010-12-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

Angie and Rick Payne - The Wedding

2010-12-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

The Meaher's - Family Portraits

2010-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Prom Season (May 2010)

2010-12-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

Sandy Hudson's 40th Birthday Party (April 2010)

2010-12-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

I love photographing family events. This is my cousin Sandy's 40th birthday party!!

Colleen and Bob Muretta - The Wedding (April 2010)

2010-12-26T14:53:00.001-08:00

The Rosario's - Family Portraits

2010-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Rosario family.

Bridget and Charles (March 2010)

2010-12-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

This was taken at the wedding of Bridget and Charles Cranford. I love first kiss photos!

Baby J (March 2010)

2010-12-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

Photos from a newborn session. Meet Baby J!!

Alana Labash's Birthday Bash (January 9, 2010)

2010-12-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

It's always fun photographing events, especially birthday parties!!

Body Combat, Tiffiany Style

2010-01-30T14:44:00.001-08:00

At the local World Gym, they have Les Mills Body Combat classes. Every 3 month Les Mills sends out a new class routine to keep things fresh. Tiffiany and the other group exercise trainers work 3-4 weeks learning the routine before teaching it to the class. Tiffiany asked me to shoot a few photos for the upcoming Body Combat launch. These are some of the images we shot for the launch poster.

This is the final launch poster created by Tara Larrimore.

The new Body Combat launch is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010. Call World Gym (410-286-7575) for more details.

Tiffiany is a group fitness instructor (teaching Spinning, Les Mills Body Pump, and Les Mills Combat) and personal trainer at World Gym in Owings and Prince Frederick, Maryland. To take one of her classes or to hire her as a personal trainer, please call World Gym (410-286-7575) or e-mail her at navyfitness@yahoo.com.

From the Les Mills Web Site: BODYCOMBAT™ is the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed. This fiercely energetic program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi and Muay Thai. Supported by driving music and powerful role model instructors strike, punch, kick and kata your way through calories to superior cardio fitness.

BODYCOMBAT™ is a non-combat, martial arts-based fitness program with moves drawn from Karate, Tae Kwan Do, Kung Fu, kickboxing, Muay Thai and Tai Chi. Each 55-minute BODYCOMBAT™ class is choreographed to 10 tracks of the latest music, providing an exhilarating exercise experience that delivers ultra-fast fitness results.

Click Here to visit the Les Mills Web Site.

Kristin and Darrin - December 19, 2009

2010-01-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

Balinda and Mark - October 19, 2009

2010-01-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Barbara and Dennis - April 18, 2009

2010-01-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Photo Walk - Washington, D.C.

2009-07-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

On July 18, 2009, I packed my camera bag and headed down to Washington, D.C. for Scott Kelby's Second Annual World Wide Photo Walk. About 40 photographers gathered to walk the street around the Verizon Center (Chinatown to the locals).

Along for the ride was my good friend, blogger, photographer Puna (check out her site for some good stuff). Special thanks to Woody Machalek for snapping the above photo for us.

As we walked the streets we took photographs of pretty much anything and everything.

I found lots of "textures" (i.e. peeling paint)

Some really cool old buildings with hand painted numbers.

Of course there were memorials and statues....

But my favorite part of the walk were the people we ran into along the way. I didn't run across anyone who didn't want to have there picture taken (all you had to do was ask!).

I met this guy at the car wash.

This guy was really interested in what we were doing.

Here is Puna shooting.

And my favorite photo was of this guy I met at Fuddruckers. I saw him in the line to fix his burger and on my way out I asked him if I could take his picture. I gotta tell you, he was the most gracious, well mannered person I met that day. He told me after that he was in a rock band. I'm just sorry I didn't ask for the name of the group. If any one knows, please pass it along.

I'm so looking forward to the 3rd Annual World Wide Photo Walk. I had a blast on this one. Thanks to Jeff Revell for being our group leader and organizing our walk. Thanks Jeff!

You can also see loads of photos (by me and the other photographers) at the Flickr group. Check them out.

Scott Kelby's Second-Annual Worldwide Photo Walk

2009-07-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Q. What is a Photo Walk?

A. It’s a social photography event where photographers get together, usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town, to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.

More pictures from todays walk coming soon. Thanks to our leader Jeff Revell for trekking us through the streets and buildings around Washington, DC.

Sports in Action

2009-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

This past June the gym my daughter has attended for 4 years closed their doors (in part to the economy). On her last day we were told we could photograph and watch their final practice. This image is of my baby girl, leaping off the balance beam (onto a cushy mat). I just love her grace and style! Fly Baby, Fly!!

Be sure to head on over to www.iheartfaces.com to check out all of the beautiful face entries this week!

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

Meet Lilly

2009-05-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

(Thanks to Leanne for the following write up.)

The Douglas family proudly introduces the newest member of the family. Lilly is our brand new baby sugar glider. She is between 8 and 12 weeks old. Most people don't know what these cute little critters are, so I'll tell you. She is a marsupial, (NOT a rodent) sort of a cross between a koala bear and a flying squirrel. Fully grown she will only be about 5" long not including her tail.

Lilly will be spending the next two days alone in her cage....de-stressing from her long trip and getting used to the smells and sounds of her new home. After that, we will all be loving her MANY hours a day so that she will bond with her new family and come to trust and love us. We plan to take her everywhere with us once she is fully trained. We have small travel pouches that we can carry like a purse to keep her with us but safe and secure.

Everyone (maybe not me so much....I really wanted a dog) is so excited to finally have a pet.

Class of 2009!

2009-05-28T14:26:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Amy! You Rock.

JJ Heller

2009-03-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Meet JJ Heller. She and her husband David filled in and lead our church in worship this past Sunday. It is always great to support and welcome Christian artists to our church. JJ and David sang several songs (a few originals) and I feel in love with them. You can visit JJ's website and and give them a listen. You may just like what you hear.

David Ziser's Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009

2009-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know David Ziser, he is a popular photography instructor at Photoshop World and Kelby Training, a daily blogger (Digital Talk Pro), and a leader in wedding and event photography. David has taught tens of thousands around the world, and he's ready to teach you.

On March 30, 2009 (in Jacksonville, FL), David Ziser's "Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009 - A New Dawn" will be kicking off a 58 city tour. (Link Here) I am sure he is coming to a city near you!

Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009 - A New Dawn will focus on 3 areas:

1. Master You Lighting - Master Your Market

David will present an intensive session on creative lighting and exciting composition. Considered by many to be a "master of lighting", David will demonstrate just how easily and quickly you can light your images beautifully and dramatically, making them stand out from the crowd. Watch how he uses on-camera flash, off-camera flash, filtered flash, bounce flash, and many other lighting techniques to create images that really rise above the crowd in a wedding market that has been diluted with so much flat, one dimensional photography.

In This Lighting and Photography Segment David Will Show You:

32 ways to make the best use of your on-camera and off-camera flash for creative and dramatic effects;
Composition - the secret ingredient of a great photograph; lens selection and camera settings for the best possible results with your gear;
How to get the best results out of the new ISO cameras;
And lastly, how the new video capabilities of these new cameras can transform your product offerings.

Don't shoot weddings - no problem. David's techniques work equally well for the portrait and senior photographer seeking to differentiate their creative look and style from the "rest of the pack."

2. "Magic Bullet" Techniques to Make Your Production Headaches Disappear.

Are you tired of hearing the term "workflow-this" and "workflow-that" everywhere? Well, it's about time we move beyond mundane digital production processes and open our eyes to new, streamlined methods of running our digital studios efficiently, effectively, and profitably. David will be discussing 5 major software "Magic Bullets" in the course of his presentation.

Lightroom 2.0 - 5 Wedding/Portrait specific techniques guaranteed to shorten your time at the computer and make your images sing.
How to use other software "magic bullets" to add pizzazz to your wedding/portrait images and make digital workflow nearly effortless, highly efficient, and fun.
David will discuss and demonstrate one today's software best kept secrets. He will show you how to design an album with only one mouse click and then "fine-tune" it to perfection with only a few more clicks.
He will discuss album design - good and bad, but concentrating mostly on how to make your albums become a reflection of your studio's identity.

3. Making Your Business More Profitable

Whether you are a seasoned pro, or part time professional, or just getting started in your business, David will point you to creative, profit building strategies for growing your business. Digital has changed the rules for many photographers. David will discuss and suggest how "digital" opens doors to new possibilities for all of us wanting to grow our business.

He will share with you his very successful marketing strategies that have enabled his studio to reach the best clients in his market and deliver his highly profitable and most beautiful products ever.

David's discussion will include 20 new products and solid marketing ideas to increase your sales using today's digital technologies. These products and marketing ideas are targeted to today's customers and work for any photographer - aspiring pro to seasoned professional - and will add substantially to your bottom line.

David made a special offer for the folks who read DannyDouglas.com. Enter code (ZDDDWC09) to get in for $59 – a savings of $20. That’s an incredible deal considering that you’ll go home with materials worth $250 more than you paid to get in:

Tour Handbook including: program notes, photography, marketing and more
2 Hour DVD with extended program content
$100 Rebate from American Color Imaging
1 year membership to WPPI and Rangefinder magazine, a $99 value
FREE 3 month membership to DigitalProTalkPlus.com, a $45 value
FREE 3 month subscription to PPA Magazine, a $15 value
FREE PPA Indemnification (no-fault) insurance for all new PPA members, a $50 value
Over $2,500 in door prizes awarded each evening
And a chance to win 1 of 4 Grand Prizes worth over $5,000

Bonus For Canon Shooters: David is a Canon shooter too. His demos are based on Canon gear.

Dude, the economy is tight! Don't worry, I may be able to get you in for free!

Just enter the "Exciting Light" contest on Flickr.

DEADLINE: APRIL 15TH (yep, that April 15th, but this is a lot less painful than taxes).

The Digital WakeUp Call - A New Dawn tour is about exciting lighting and a lot more. The lucky reader selected by me who submits the most "Exciting Lighting" image made with portable flashes wins the free. Pretty easy, so enter today.

How to Enter...

1. You will need a Ficker Account. It's free to join and easy to use.

2. Join the Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009 - A New Dawn Group

3. Upload no more than 3 of your photos that represent "Exciting Light" (remember to use a portable flash or two) to your Flickr account.

4. Then tag your photos with "DWC2009" (How to tag).

5. Once the images are on your Flickr account and tagged, just "Send to Group" (it a link about you image). And select The Digital Wake Up Call Tour 2009 - A New Dawn Group. Please, no more than three entries per person.

6. Then promise to share and tell all your family, friends, strangers about www.DannyDouglas.com

Selection Process:

On or about the evening of April 15th, I will figure out a way to decide the winner. Remember, this is about exciting lighting, this is the key for my decision. I will notify the winner by email shortly after my decision has been made. Good luck!

Snow Day

2009-03-02T11:12:00.001-08:00

Last night a storm rolled through our area and dumped between 5" to 9" inches of snow (Snow drifts were a little higher). We also lost power in the middle of the night for a few "chilly" hours. When we woke up, this is what we saw...

Then I saw this. Could Spring be far behind?

UPDATE: My follower blogger, Puna, was smart enough to actually measure the snowfall! So, the un-official official total of snow fall is 10 INCHES!! Check out Puna's blog here. Thanks meteorologist Puna!

Fix it Friday #3

2009-02-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

The folks over at iheartfaces.com has a new Fix It Friday Post and this is what I came up with.

The above image is the original image for the "fix".

This is the image that I came up with. I basically blew out the luminosity of the image. Took a brush and got rid of the background and some of the subjects hood. Rotated the image just a bit and cropped. Thats it. pretty simple and quick. You can visit the folks at iheartfaces.com to see what they are up too.

Happy Valentines Day (Love Wins - Really!)

2009-02-14T11:21:00.001-08:00

My munchkins decided that our back door needed a little Valentines Day love. So they decided to make paper hearts and tape them to the glass on the doors. I thought they were very clever and colorful.

The oranges heart in this picture says "Be Fancy".

There is a lot of love going on in these hearts.

And a few hugs. So for Valentines Day, be fancy, love one another, and give someone a hug. Remember, love wins, always!

Fix-it-Friday #1 (The Redheaded Beauty)

2009-02-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

My buddy and fellow photog, Puna, sucked me into this Fix-it-Friday post. After reading her blog today, well, I just felt the challenge being laid down. The challenge is to make the image of the Redheaded Beauty look better than the one that came out of the camera. So, this is my attempt.

One the left you have the SOOC (Straight Out of the Camera) image. You can see its not a bad image. It's nicely composed, however, it feels a little flat. As a photographer, we don't want our clients feeling or looking flat. So, Photoshop CS3 to the rescue. The image on the right was "refined" in PS3. My first step, adjusting the levels (Command + L on a Mac, Control + L on a PC) a tad. Step 2: Getting rid of all the flaws (i.e. blemishes, stay hairs, etc) with either the Stamp Tool or Healing Brush. There is no reason for a beautiful model to have a zit when you can easily get rid of it. Step 3: Created a second layer and and gave it a "Screen" layer style. Then created a layer mask and painting back in the eyes. At this stage the eyes look really bad so I lowered that layers opacity to about 35% making the eye look bright and lively versus "evil". Then I flattened the image. Step 4: I duplicated the layer again and gave the new layer a a "Hard Light" layer style. Again, I made a mask and quickly painted back in her hair and face. Then I drop the opacity of that layer to about 40%. Step 5: Flatten the image one last time and "bam" done. Now, if you wanted to you could have kept all the layers and saved it as a Photoshop document. But for this exercise I just flattened mine.

Thanks to Puna for making me "Play" a little today. I also want to give some props to the folks over at "I Heart Faces" for coming up with this idea. I hope they get a ton of responses. Here is thier link go check them out.

Happy Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

(designed by Shepard Fairey)

Best wishes to President Obama and his family. May the next 4 years in Washington, DC be memorable.

Portraits - The Carter Family

2009-01-14T17:55:00.001-08:00

The holidays are a great time to catch up with family you don't see very often. Trey and Julia stopped by our house for me to take their Christmas photos. Here are a couple of my favorites. They were great sports cause it was FREEZING outside!

This is their daughter. By that great smile she has, I believe that Mom and Dad will have their hands full.

Portraits - The Vinciguerra Family

2009-01-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

During Christmas I was asked to take a family portrait for my Aunt Linda and her girls. Angie, her middle daughter, now lives in Florida and was up for the holiday. Since all the girls were together, I grabbed my camera bag and headed to their house.

I think the Vinciguerra girls are absolutely beautiful (of course I am a little biased since they are related).

They make my job as a photographer very easy.

I love the above set of photos. Each individual image was captured with natural light. I hope my Aunt can find a photo or two to hang on her walls. Thank you girls for letting me take your pictures. I love you.

Giving is Awesome - Winner

2009-01-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

A special thanks to all of you who sent in nominations for the "Giving is Awesome". I am sorry for the delay in posting the winner (please forgive me).

The complimentary custom portraits goes to: Karen Schatz. Karen is a single mom who home schools her son Cody. She runs her own business and is an active part of her community and serves on several church ministries.

I can’t wait to work to work with Karen and her son. Thanks again and I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year!

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T16:39:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone. Life has been kinda crazy since Christmas eve and I haven't had a change to Blog or announce the winner of "Giving is Awesome" contest. But the new year is right around the corner and I plan on a little house cleaning. So, look for the "Giving is Awesome" winner to be announced on January 1, 2009.

Until then, I leave you with this very cute cartoon "What the Duck" (click here to visit their web site). Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

December Photo Project - Day 23

2008-12-23T18:58:00.001-08:00

My lovely wife got her very own Christmas Tree last year. This is her tree. Not the family tree. Hers. She decorates it the way she wants. It's a beautiful tree.

She wanted to display her gorgeous ornaments like this one. It's "5 Golden Rings". Get it?

Then there is this cute ornament that reminds her of her very own "heaven on earth". It's from Jekyll Island, GA. The perfect vacation spot for someone who loves the beach but not the crowds.

Then there is the family tree with all of Dad's Hallmark ornaments that he has collected over the years. Hey, every tree deserves a little pop culture and nothing says pop culture like Luke Skywalker and Barbie!

I'm sure that Superman has had enough of the Christmas rush and is flying south to Jekyll Island. Up, up, and away!

December Photo Project - Day 22

2008-12-22T20:03:00.001-08:00

3 days and counting...

December Photo Project - Day 21

2008-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

A "wintery mix" hit our small part of the world this morning leaving some ice on the bushes and trees in our front yard.

December Photo Project - Day 20

2008-12-20T15:15:00.001-08:00

5 days and counting...

December Photo Project - Day 19

2008-12-19T20:24:00.001-08:00

Nothing says Christmas like NBA Basketball. Thanks to my brother Jeff for taking me out to the ball game (wait, I think that's baseball). We watched our beloved Washington Wizards lose to the Philadelphia 76ers. The company was great, just wish the Wizards could have won.

December Photo Project - Day 18

2008-12-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Christmas like a toy train...

December Photo Project - Day 17

2008-12-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

December Photo Project - Day 16

2008-12-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

December Photo Project - Day 15

2008-12-15T16:40:00.001-08:00

Tonight Santa rolled through our neighborhood escorted by the Huntingtown Fire Department. (Man, that Santa really has some pull.) He passed out some goodies to all the kids along the street. The kids and parents had a great time, even if it only lasted 5 minutes. But hey, Santa is busy and really needs to get back to the North Pole. There is only 10 days left until Christmas, but who's counting?

December Photo Project - Day 14

2008-12-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

Check out all the colors of these poinsettias. So much for red.

Love Wins - Giving is Awesome

2008-12-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

I am joining with photographers worldwide in the “Giving is Awesome ” call to action to help make a difference for one deserving individual or family this holiday season.

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in the southern Maryland area (Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's, and Prince George's counties). Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : danny@studiodouglas.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve (or shortly after that) -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Love wins,

Danny

December Photo Project - Day 13

2008-12-13T06:52:00.001-08:00

What is Christmas without something sweet?

December Photo Project - Day 12

2008-12-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

Now I know how Santa does it...Starbucks coffee!!

December Photo Project - Day 11

2008-12-12T07:40:00.001-08:00

December Photo Project - Day 10

2008-12-10T19:49:00.001-08:00

The Larrimore family photo shoot continued...

Thank you Tara for inviting me in to shoot your beautiful family.

December Photo Project - Day 9 - Visit with Santa

2008-12-09T20:09:00.001-08:00

Tonight we made our annual trek to see Santa. We headed for the local Mall and when we got there, the man in red was on his dinner break (he needs to keep his jolly figure). So, the girls and I headed over to the brand new (open for 3 days) Cheesecake Factory to grab a bite to eat. The food was excellent (Note to Puna, I promise I will do extra cardio tomorrow to make up for the extra food I ate tonight).

We walked back into the Mall in the direction of Santa and made a detour into the BEST store in the whole world. The Apple Store! If your a Mac fanatic you "get it", if your not, well, you are missing out.

My girls had some leftover birthday cash stashed and they both wanted an iPod. Who am I to say no to such technological wonders?

They got different colors so they would know who's is who's. (thank you)

On the way out, I noticed that the display Santa was sporting an iPhone. Santa rocks!

Next we stood in a very short line. Here the girls are sitting in the on deck circle. Look at the anticipation on those little faces.

In the Santa Seat!

And what do you want for Christmas little girl?

Little girl 1: "A TV for our playroom!"

Little girl 2: "Everything!" (Oh, to be 6 years old again!)

Thanks Santa! There will be extra cookies waiting for you at our house.

December Photo Project - Day 8

2008-12-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

Sneak peek from the Larrimore family photo shoot.

December Photo Project - Day 7

2008-12-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this license plate while out Christmas shopping. No, it's not mine.

December Photo Project - Day 6

2008-12-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

I've Been Elf-ed

2008-12-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Check out our way cool dance moves...

December Photo Project - Day 5

2008-12-05T12:33:00.001-08:00

Wow, only 20 days till Christmas, but who's counting...

December Photo Project - Day 4

2008-12-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

December Photo Project - Day 3

2008-12-03T17:42:00.001-08:00

2008-12-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

My photo friend and work out mentor Puna told me about this photo project. I have decided to take the challenge of posting a new photo everyday until December 25th. I hope that you will stop by to see what's new and maybe even see something unusual.

Here is my first photo. It's one of my favorite mother-daughter images. You can't see it but this was taken in temperatures in the low 40's. They both were freezing but were great sports. Thanks Caroline and Amy!!

And the Winner Is....

2008-12-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend at "Festival of Trees" I was giving away an iPod Shuffle. Hundreds entered (thank you all), but only one could win. And the winner is...

Peg Likas

Thanks for stopping by my booth Peg. Your iPod is on its way. Have a great holiday season.

Festival of Trees

2008-11-29T04:35:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder, I will be at the Festival of Trees this weekend. Stop by to say hi and register for a chance to win an iPod Shuffle!!

Festival of Trees will be at Huntingtown High School in Huntingtown, Maryland.

Saturday, November 29: 9:00 a.m - 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 30: 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $2, Children ages 4-12 $1, (3 and under free)

Here is one of the MANY trees you will find at the festival. This one is called "Memories" and has a "Cats" (Broadway Musical) theme. There is over 70 vendors, food, and fun for the whole family. If your out this weekend, come by a support a great cause. I hope to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Give thanks in all things...

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

College Headbands and Festival of Trees

2008-11-25T19:11:00.001-08:00

This weekend (November 28-30), my wife and I will be attending the "Festival of Trees". We will be a part of over 70 vendors offering merchandise, art, photography, and unique crafts. All Festival proceeds benefit the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House.

Leanne will be bringing with her some new creations. Headbands and pony tail holders in popular college teams. If you are a fan of college football or basketball, this is a great way to show your team spirit. These are just in time for the holidays and make great stocking stuffers! She will also be bringing her travel tumblers, key fobs, scarves, and all things monogrammed!

Her is our daughter modeling a University of Maryland headband.

Our youngest daughter is sporting a University of Maryland pony tail holder.

I will be displaying some of my latest photography and will have some really cute handmade photo frames for sale. I hope you will stop by our booths at the Festival of Trees and say hi.

Festival of Trees will be at Huntingtown High School in Huntingtown, Maryland.

Friday, November 28: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 29: 9:00 a.m - 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 30: 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $2, Children ages 4-12 $1, (3 and under free)

For additional information of Festival of Trees, click here.

For information on Leanne, click here.

The Bowling Family

2008-11-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

I met the Bowlings a few years ago when I was the soccer coach for their middle son. Since then, I have taken several photos of their daughter Amy but was never able to get the family to sit still for their family portrait. Until now.

I arrived early and started taking pictures of the boys (the girls were still getting "dolled up"). Above is the youngest son. He wanted to sit on the very LARGE pumpkins in the front yard.

This is the middle son. The soccer player and over all great kid.

Dad was ready early so he hammed it up with the boys.

Here is Amy. She is a natural around the camera.

Another shot of the boys in the backyard. By this time they (the kids) had had enough of me and they went off to play with their friends. The parents on the other hand...

...wanted to take some picture of "just them". How long has it been since you took a picture with just your spouse? I don't know what John said by it must have been really funny.

John and Caroline took me on a tour of their (very large) back yard and this was one of the last photos we took during our session. I think it is my very favorite. What do you think? Thank you Bowling family for letting me be a part of your life and capturing these memories for you.

The Miller Family

2008-11-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Meet the Miller Family (they are really pets to Sophie).

Sometime back in late 2007, I was having a conversation with Puna. I learned that she was a yoga instructor. I then said something that changed my life, I said, "Maybe one day I'll take your class." (Note to all who read this, don't say these words to a fitness instructor). Puna replied, "You should, you would really like it." Fast forward to January 1, 2008 -- New Years resolution time -- a new gym opened up around the corner and I joined. Puna was teaching yoga classes there and I decided to "give it a try" and I have never looked back.

Over the last 11 months, I have yoga-ed, run, push-uped, spun, and weight-lifted 40 pounds off of my old body and gotten myself into better shape (round is a shape you know!). Puna and my wife Leanne (who pushes me out of bed in the mornings) have been the "gentle" forces in my change in lifestyle. Puna is now documenting my successes (and failures) on her new fitness blog for the whole world to see. For her patients, encouragement, and friendship I say "thanks". And to Puna's husband TJ for allowing me to be tortured, er, I mean, worked out by your wife, thank you too. And lastly, thank you Sophie for letting me photograph your family. I hope they will put their photo in your dog house.

Sophie

2008-11-10T18:23:00.001-08:00

This is Sophie. She is one of the beloved pets of my friend Puna. Tonight I had the privilege of photography Sophie and her family. Sophie enjoyed all the attention, didn't 'cha. So, while I process the family images in Photoshop, please admire the beauty that is Sophie. Sit girl. Good dog.

Vote

2008-11-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

Senior Portraits - Amy

2008-11-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Could Amy be any more GORGEOUS?!?! High school seniors are so much fun to shoot and Amy was no exception. Her personality really came through during our session. She was very easy to work with and loved to ham it up in front of (and away from) the camera. I think we captured her personality in each of our pictures. What do you think?

Bowling

2008-11-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Today I took my child to a birthday party at the local bowling alley. She's never bowled before in her young life. So, her first attempt at chucking an 8 pound ball, down a 60 foot lane, that is only 42 inches wide (please note the "bumpers" in the gutters) went something like this...

Walk very slowly up the approach...

drop ball...

watch ball roll...

still watching the ball roll...

still watching the ball roll...like 5 minutes later...

S-T-R-I-K-E!

First ball, first strike! The kid is a natural!

Watch out WPBA, here she comes!!

She gets her athleticism from her Dad!

Then on her next attempt, she got a 3.

She apparently got some of her Moms athleticism too.

Baby Eddie

2008-11-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Eddie.

Hi everyone!

My Mom, she loves me. Alright, quit the kissing!

Mothers and babies! What's not too like.

FYI, Cousin Xander wanted to join in the fun. I captured this image when he wasn't paying attention. Gotta love the candid pics!

Family

2008-10-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Family portraits are very popular this time of year. People are looking for gift ideas and of course photos for their Christmas Cards. I love the family portrait because it shows a snapshot in time. Last weekend I shot the C-W family. We did some work inside and outside their beautiful home. The weather cooperated, however, it was a tad windy. Here are some photos from the day I spent with them. I hope they have a hard time choosing a photo for their Christmas Card!

Random Photo Friday

2008-10-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

While out and about for work, I ran across this very old run down building. Yes it was in the middle of nowhere. Stopped for a few minutes and snapped a couple of pics. Enjoy.

Photo Contest Entry

2008-10-21T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have submitted this image into a monthly photo contest. Wish me luck.

UPDATE: Well, my photo didn't make the finals. But you should see the pictures that are in the finals. There are some great images to vote on, so please, go vote! Your country needs you!

Fall Days

2008-10-20T18:19:00.001-07:00

Today was a good hair day for my oldest and she wanted me to take her picture. So this afternoon we ventured to a couple of local beaches and the results are posted here in this blog. I love the photo above. Look at those blue eyes! Beautiful.

I did learn something new today. I usually shoot in a RAW format (translation Larger File size and information with each image) when out in the field and today was no exception. Well, we were in a hurry to get some of these printed and went to the local photo center. I popped in my compact flash card and "No Images Found" appeared. Holy Crap! There were some really great images (i thought). I returned home defeated, thinking I had lost everything we did. I popped the compact flash card in my computer and ALL the images appeared. After some thought and a "google" search, I discovered that the local photo center can not read a RAW format, they need a JPEG. So, we copied JPEG versions onto a CD-ROM and heading back to get our prints made. This made for a very happy girl.

If you have a child you would like photographed (high school seniors, toddlers, football players, etc.), and live in the Washington, DC area, please contact me at danny@studiodouglas.com

Ending Hunger

2008-10-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended a concert to bring awareness of the problem of hunger in Calvert County. You can find out more for yourself at End Hunger in Calvert County. The concert was headlined by the Robbie Seay Band. Here are some of the images from the concert.

Local teen artist, Liz Chambers.

Alli Rogers (www.allirogers.com).

The Robbie Seay Band.

Baby Face

2008-10-11T12:57:00.001-07:00

The photo was taken today at soccer. The baby was just way too cute. I mean look at those little baby blue's just beggin' to be photographed. I couldn't resist! Enjoy!

Third Eye Comics - Annapolis, MD

2008-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

In my last post you found out I am a Fan Boy. A person who reads comic books. Back when I first started this obsession, you could find your comic books on a spinning metal rack at the local 7-11 store. Those days are long gone. Now a Fan Boy has to find a "dealer". A local retailer that sells the books to the general public. The comic book store. Enter, Third Eye Comics. My dealer of choice for buying my books.

The store front may be small, but the service you will receive from Steve and Trish is HUGE. Steve is a great dealer who is willing to work with any customer (Read: you want back issues, he can get them.). I have been to many comic book shops in and around Maryland and I think Third Eye Comics is one of the best. Steve gets to know his customers from the minute they walk through the door. He's always energetic and willing to make recommendations.

He provides a free subscription service so you won't miss an issue of your favorite book(s). Steve also has graphic novels, toys, games, bags, boards, and boxes. Everything you need if your a Fan Boy (or Fan Girl). Third Eye Comics is located in Annapolis, MD and has plenty of free parking.

Do yourself a favor and check out Third Eye Comics the next time you are in Annapolis.

Third Eye Comics

Old Solomons Island Road,

Suite 102

Annapolis, MD 21401

Store Hours:

Monday-Friday 11AM to 9PM,

Saturday: 11AM to 8PM, and

Sunday 12PM to 5Pm.

Phone: 410-897-0322.

Web: www.thirdeyecomics.com

E-Mail: thirdeyecomics@gmail.com.

Steve and Trish of Third Eye Comics

'Nuff said.

Baltimore Comic Con 2008

2008-09-29T15:37:00.001-07:00

I'm a "Fan Boy". I said it. I love comic books. You know, Superman, Batman, Spider-man, Green Lantern, the Justice League to name a few. Well, on September 28 I took a trip to Baltimore to attend the Baltimore Comic Con. It's a once a year "fan boy" get-together. Thousand comic book fans ascended on the Baltimore Convention Center to meet our favorite publishers, writer, and artists. Above I'm standing with Dan DiDio, he runs DC Comics (my favorite publisher). He's the one all the Fan Boys complain to when DC Comics kills off a character. It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.

Here I got to pose with Jann Jones. She also works for DC Comics as a Coordinating Editor for"Johnny DC" a line of comics that are geared for younger readers. Some of the titles include "Tiny Titans", "Super Friends", and "Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam".

This is Amanda Conner. She is a great artist and she told me at the Con that she was working on a new ongoing "Powergirl" comic book for DC Comics. She's draw a ton of other characters including Batgirl, Supergirl, Catwoman, Black Canary, and Painkiller Jane.

The above Supergirl print was done by Amanda. She sold them at the Con. I loved it so much I purchased one for my office. She even signed it for me. Thanks Amanda!

This is Jimmy Palmiotti. He's a writer, artist, editor (jack of all trades). He is currently writing that "Powergirl" series with Amanda Conner. He is also writing "Johnah Hex" (with Justin Gray) for DC. (I think he and Amanda Conner are married but you can't believe everything you read on Wikipedia.)

This is Geoff Johns. He is one of the hottest writers in the business. Geoff has written "The Flash", "Teen Titans", and "JSA" for DC Comics, and "The Avengers" for Marvel Comics. Currently he is writing my favorite character Green Lantern. The stories so far have been amazing. He is also writing Action Comics which features Superman. It's a great read so pick it up. In 2009, Geoff will be focusing on the return of Barry Allen in "The Flash: Rebirth" which I am sure will be a fan-boy favorite.

Next years Con will be on October 10-11, 2009. I've already marked it in my calendar. I'm such a Fan-Boy.

Charlie's Angels

2008-09-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about shooting an event (like a wedding) is interacting with all the people in attendance. From time-to-time you run across a few that love to pose for the camera. Such was the case at the Flynn Wedding. While in between the wind, rain, and formalities, I found these three women huddled in a doorway. They began "mugging" for the camera when someone shouted, "You guys look like Charlie's Angels". Thank God for the classic 70's TV shows! Can't you just hear, "Good morning Angels"?

Sunrise Yoga

2008-09-24T19:26:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, September 21st, over 70 people descended on the North Beach Boardwalk to celebrate the Fall equinox with a (free) sunrise yoga class. The sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay was amazing and the weather was perfect!

The class was lead by yoga instructors Loretta Dove and Beth Cory.

For more information on the next Sunrise Yoga (or yoga in general), please visit Beth Cory at www.yogaall.com. She's planning another Sunrise Yoga class for the Summer. Hope to see you there.

The Flynn Wedding

2008-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 6, Hurricane Hannah (or what was left) made it's way through Maryland. This was the same day I was asked to shoot a wedding. For most of the day it poured rain and the winds gusted up to 50 miles per hour. Not ideal conditions for an outdoor wedding but a large tent was set up in the back yard (which overlooked the Chesapeake Bay) to keep everyone dry. The day was taken in stride by the bride Kara and her husband Thomas. During the ceremony, Pastor suggested to the couple, "If God blesses you with children, and that child happens to be a girl, perhaps you would name her Hannah".

Here is Kara being a good sport outside in the wind.

The Bride and her girls moments before making their way to the tent.

The Father of the Bride (Steve) walking Kara down the isle.

The first kiss at the reception.

The mother of the groom crying during the "Mother/Son" dance.

The bride and groom had a wonderful wedding and reception in spite of the weather conditions. Thank you Thomas and Kara for making me a part of your wedding day.

Mad Science

2008-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

I took my daughter to a birthday party (it seems to be the season for them) where we were entertained by a Mad Scientist! The Mad Scientist showed the kids how to make a vortex, a polymer, gave them a ride on a hover craft, and showed them how to use Mom's finger nail polish remover as an explosive device. Basically, they gave the little kids the knowledge to blow up my home with common household products! MacGyver would be proud! (Note: for those who said "Who's MacGyver?", google for the answer.)

I take my camera to most birthday parties to capture the children in a very candid setting. I can be sitting far away with a zoom lens and get the most amazing images. Sometimes I'm not so far away and I can still get a great image.

But my favorite images to capture are the ones with the parents and children. Can't ya just feel the love?

If you want a Mad Scientist for your party visit: www.madscience.org. (They were pretty cool!)

My Wife

2008-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Leanne, my wife, has told me in very specific term not to use a photo of her on my blog. She tells me it's a "woman thing" and I just nod my head like I have been trained to do. Since I can't post a photo of her, I'd like you to meet Stella.

Stella is a Brother PR-600II embroidery machine and man does this baby hum. She has 6 needles and has stitched over 22 million stitches in the last 2 years.

Just look at those needles! Gotta watch your fingers when they are moving.

Leanne owns her own business which she calls Lighthouse Embroidery. She is a very clever and talented woman that makes really cool things from left-over designer fabrics. She makes headbands, pony tail holders, key fobs (whatever that is), and other fun stuff with Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer fabrics.

One of her top selling items is a travel mug stuffed with designer fabrics. All these cool items (and many more!) can be found on her web site www.lighthouseembroidery.com (you can also find a photo of her there too).

Summer Sunset

2008-09-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days of the "Summer of 2008" comes to a close. This image was shot tonight along the Patuxent River.

The Tooth Fairy

2008-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for the 2nd daughter. You see, over the past few weeks one of her upper teeth had become loose. She has been wiggling that tooth everyday in hopes that it would come out and she would receive a visit from the tooth fairy. During our day in the pool she was playing with her little sister. While playing "Mermaids" little sis accidentally kicked big sis with her mermaid tail (read: right foot). The 2nd daughter caught the kick with her wiggling tooth, how lucky! She came over to me with a paper towel and for medical attention (this is a brave kid). The tooth area was red and bleeding and when I applied the paper towel that little tooth popped right out! I have never seen a child so happy to lose a tooth. Now, the tooth is safely tucked under her pillow for the tooth fairy to find.

I just hope the tooth fairy has some money left after filling up his/her gas tank!

This is the little sis with the wicked right kick. She's happy for big sis too!

Upward Soccer

2008-09-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today we began our new Upward Soccer season. Upward is an evangelistic sports ministry designed for boys and girls (K5 through 6th grade). Upward sports are designed to reveal the winner in every child. Every child play. Every child learns. Every child is a winner! Let's go girls!

Babies and Birthdays

2008-09-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

The family went to a birthday party over the weekend where I took this picture. I just love the look on the girls face, her eye peering through the curls of her hair (love the curly hair!), and the little pouting lips. I think she was about to say something when I clicked, perhaps she was thinking, get that camera outta my face. Babies and birthdays, gotta love 'em.

No Worries

2008-09-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

The other day I was hanging with my girls by the pool and I snapped this pic of my youngest. The more I look at it, the more I think I'm in big trouble (like I don't have enough gray hair now).

Puffy

2008-08-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

The other day I was sitting by the pool watching my youngest playing. I got so tickled watching her "puff" herself up by blowing air into her thumb. She did this routine several times and each time I laughed harder and harder. There was a point I was laughing so hard the rest of the folks around me began to laugh, but not at her, at me. Ahhh, it's good to have free, cheap, entertainment.

Lake Presidential

2008-08-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today I met my Dad and brother to concur the newest "upscale" golf course in the area, Lake Presidential (www.lakepresidential.com). It was overcast and raining, but a true golfer knows, "It never rains on the golf course". The day started out with the usual warming up on the driving range and ended with us laughing at our scorecard in the clubhouse. I have a question, how do you give yourself an 8 on a hole you don't finish? In between there were some awesome drives and long putts made. It made for a great time on a beautiful course. I'll venture back one day and I hope Mother Nature will let the sun shine.

My brother addresses the ball for a drive over the lake.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-08-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

On August 25, we sent our littlest girls back to school. Of course each new "first day of school" brings the "first day of school" photo. We love our little ones, and thank their wonderful teachers for filling their little brains with tons of knowledge. Enjoy the school year girls!

First Post

2008-07-04T18:05:00.001-07:00

Today American celebrated her anniversary. We spent it swimming and playing in the pool. I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!