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Author Archives: admin

Maryland Photography Workshop Followup

September 20, 2008 – 9:42 am

Closing this chapter.  We completed the last workshop for now.  I don’t forsee doing more in the future; however, I can’t say never.

A big thank you to all the attendees, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you!  I’m always humbled by how sweet and kind everyone is and how far you all travel!  wow! :)

Another HUMONGOUS thank you to Tracey for helping out - she is such a great friend to be there for me and I appreciate it so much!  Wish her a Happy Birthday today!  Yes, it’s her birthday! :)

Thanks to the models - we couldn’t have asked for sweeter models.  Here are a few images (although I don’t have my regular monitors hooked back up, so the color/contrast could look off here —>

child baby photography workshop

child baby photography workshop

child baby photography workshop

child baby photography workshop

child baby photography workshop

child baby photography workshop

A note to clients and anyone else trying to contact the studio — the phone I do business from needed to be replaced yesterday, so I am setting up the new situation and will be contacting you ASAP — you can also email me at theblackhorsestudio@verizon.net

 

Posted in photography workshop/seminar, photoshop actions for photographers | Tagged , , , , | Comments (3)

Coffee Table Books

August 22, 2008 – 6:16 am

Ahhh yes, the beautiful coffee table books! :)  I love these, and plan to design myself one of my family in Hatteras this year (the images that I share in the upcoming weeks will definitely be worked into a book for myself).  I get so busy with customers that I don’t get to take pictures of my kids nearly enough.

These books take quite a while to come back from the vendor, but well worth it to have these heirlooms!

How it works:  Customer will order one of these books.  I will then custom design as I feel the images flow throughout the book well.  I then show a preview in which gets approved before I send to print.

I took a few snaps of a recent one that I designed; however, I apologize for the first image - I should have taken the dust jacket off to get a picture without glare.  The hard cover book underneath has the same image but not as much glare.

Coffee Table Photography BookCoffee Table Photography Book

Coffee Table Photography BookCoffee Table Photography Book

coffee table photography book

Posted in The Studio and Monkton | Tagged | Comments (0)

Another newborn girl…

August 19, 2008 – 7:36 am

:)

*Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

 newborn photographer in Maryland

newborn photographer in Maryland

newborn photographer in Maryland

newborn photographer in Maryland

newborn photographer in Maryland

Posted in baby photography | Tagged | Comments (2)

Gallery Mounts and Sizing

August 18, 2008 – 6:10 am

I’m now adding something new to our product line - Gallery Mounts.  They are flush mounted and have this gorgeous bevelled edge - the edge may be white or black.  Storyboards are now going to also have this gallery mount - they will be white edge.

Here’s an example of black edge and an example of white edge…
Gallery Mount PortraitsGallery Mount Portraits

Gallery Mount PortraitsGallery Mount Portraits
 
While I am showing a few images I did for my kids’ rooms, I want to show some perspective.  I made a mistake ordering these in a 16×24.  I really think I could have gone quite a bit bigger on these walls.  I’m actually disappointed that I did not order larger.  I hear so many people say, “I want to buy a big one” and then order an 11×14.  Please keep your wall size in mind when you decide how you want to display wall prints.  My son’s room here has low ceilings and a “high bed” but still… the image is too small at a 16×24 to balance out…. at least in my opinion… wouldn’t it have had so much more impact had the image been double that size?

Gallery Mount Portraits

My daughter’s fits more for her wall size, but I still think they could have been larger. This is a 16×24 gallery mount on the right and a framed 11×14 on the left.

Gallery Mount Portraits

A good way to test for size is to cut a piece of newspaper in the size of the image you have in mind, and tape it to your wall.  Stand back and see if it balances out your room.

If you do not want very large sizes, think about doing some groupings.  Here is my guest room in my house - I took three of my landscape black and whites and put them side by side to create a larger focal point to balance the area above the bed.  These are 10×20s framed in simple black frames.

 Framed Landscapes

*Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. These blog posts are scheduled for publishing during this time. If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

Posted in The Studio and Monkton, child photography, personal/family | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

The Fun Show at Muddy Creek Meadows

August 17, 2008 – 1:56 am

This is our second year participating in the Muddy Creek Fun Show.  We’re proud to report that this year, there were no ambulances! ;)

At any rate, I have some pictures and hopefully a video to share… It was a very nice way to start off our vacation.

This is my daughter, Erynn, riding her horse, Stormy.  Stormy is a very good with Erynn and actually treats Erynn very gentle MOST of the time.  She does understand the difference between an adult rider and a child; however, she still gets wired up and ring sour when it’s time for any shows that require a fast time.  You can’t hold her back, or she will begin to rear and get very excitable.  Here’s Erynn and Stormy doing the 50-yard dash (and scurry race in the other one). And yes, folks, indeed, Erynn was at a full gallop – all four feet off the ground !!!  The smile on Erynn’s face is priceless!

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

and then Barrett…  He was riding his horse, Willow.  It has taken me a long time to realize that Willow is not my horse… she is Barrett’s horse… she really truly likes him and they work very well as a team.  She did throw a buck with his first race, and it didn’t phase him.   That is what amazes me, children are so tolerant and able to not have fear like us adults… I think Willow has come along well since last year… The last picture of Barrett with Willow - if you look, you can see this is about the moment when Barrett realized that riding a Percheron cross bareback is not the most comfortable situation for a boy… ;)

 Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

These are for Trish and Tim… Tim is riding Stormy’s baby - I do believe he got his rearing from his momma!

 Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Muddy Creek Meadows Fun Show

Here’s a video of Erynn and I completely bombing partner pickup…. but I had to laugh at my husband’s commentary… I am, however, very impressed at Erynn was able to stay in her seat with that rearing with no stirrups (she was in my saddle). The way it was supposed to go (our…err… plan…) - was she was supposed to use my saddle and ride down to the barrel. I was supposed to use the stirrups and get up on the saddle behind her, and we were supposed to canter back happily… nah, that’s not how it worked… lolol!

 

 Please understand, the studio is currently closed for vacation and will reopen August 27th.  If you have a newborn, please call 443-299-2752 and we will do our best to respond before that time.

 

 

 

 

Posted in animal photography, personal/family | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Busy, Busy Busy….

August 16, 2008 – 7:23 am

He was soooo busy, but so adorable!  I have been photographing him since he was a teeny tiny newborn - I feel so blessed to be able to watch these children grow…

*Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. These blog posts are scheduled for publishing during this time.  If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

children's photographer in Maryland

children's photographer in Maryland

children's photographer in Maryland

children's photographer in Maryland

children's photographer in Maryland
 

Posted in child photography | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

Fine art gallery-wrapped canvases…

August 15, 2008 – 7:26 am

Over the next week, I am going to discuss a few of the products that we offer at the Black Horse Studio.  Here is an image of two 24×30 canvases that are hanging on the wall at my studio.  These are of my own children - these will go in my home when I am ready to change out ;).   These canvases have a nice light texture and are gallery wrapped to where the image gets wrapped to the back of the stretcher frames so that framing is optional. 

fine art canvas

fine art canvas

 

I’ve been asked countless times what do I have hanging at my own house.  I have way too many pictures in my own house, but here’s what I have hanging in my formal living room.  On the right — these are around 20×30 - they are prints, just plain prints that I framed, same with the 28×36 that is on the antique easel on the left (keep in mind, this image is a little distorted due to the wide angle lens I used).

portraits on wall

 

and this is what I have in one of our family rooms - again, just simple prints.  These are all 11×14s.  Pardon the glare and the crooked images… groupings like this are a great way to use multiple smaller pictures to make one bigger focal point.

portrait wall

 

I also have prints that are mounted on styrene standing up all above my work area… A glimpse into my office chaos ;)

workspace

I do actually need to update pictures.  I have a lot of small prints all over the house, but I think I am ready to start designing some coffee table books for myself,  but I find that I don’t get to photograph my kids as often as I would like….  :)

 *Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

Posted in personal/family | Comments (2)

High Key…

August 14, 2008 – 7:08 am

Most all my images are low key or lean toward low key - Key is about the tones in an image.  I’ve always leaned toward deep dark rich tones…  But this session was all high key by request - very fun!

I will say, the last picture completely cracks me up…

*Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. These blog posts are scheduled for publishing during this time.  If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

 

 children's photography

children's photography

children's photography

children's photography

  children's photography

Posted in baby photography, child photography | Tagged , | Comments (3)

Pregnancy…

August 13, 2008 – 6:55 am

LOVED working with this family… so much fun, and so willing to try new things - my only wish is it wasn’t so hot and humid when we went outdoors - whew!  It’s so strange looking back on that with the absolute gorgeous beautiful breezy whether we have had this week!

*Please note, the studio is closed from August 13th until August 27th. If you have a newborn, please call 443.299.2752 All other emails and phone calls will be returned August 27th. Thanks!*

pregnancy in maryland

pregnancy in maryland

pregnancy in maryland

pregnancy in maryland

pregnancy in maryland
 

Posted in pregnancy, maternity photography | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Closing down the studio… temporarily

August 10, 2008 – 10:56 am

As stated previously, we are closing down the studio until the end of August.  A couple things I want to address so that this goes seamlessly :) 

  • CLIENTS — There are client galleries that are being sent out this week, the rest will be out at the end of August.  Many orders are being shipped out this week as well.

 

  • PHOTOGRAPHERS — If you are ordering a Studio Lighting Naturally Book, any orders received by Thursday, August 14th will be shipped immediately.  Any book orders received after August 14th, will be shipped at the end of August.  This holds true with any PhotoShop Actions that are purchased.

 

  • EVERYONE — Email access will be limited after August 13th.  You may call 443.299.2752 if there are any immediate concerns, but most all calls and emails will be returned at the end of August.   If you are wanting to book a session, please email or call and leave a message as to what type of session and what timeframe you are looking for.   If you have a newborn, please CALL, do not email, and I will do my best to return your call as soon as possible.

 

  • THE BLOG - - - - I have been asked if the blog will continue while the studio is shut down - absolutely! ;)  There are scheduled postings that will be up periodically during this time, sharing some more client work, nature work, and some family stuff.  Just because these posts come up, please do not think that means the studio is open or that emails will be returned right away.  I will be referencing this in every post that is scheduled to publish while the studio is closed.

Have a wonderful rest of summer!

Posted in The Studio and Monkton, child photography | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Little Gems… St. Michaels Revisited

August 9, 2008 – 6:26 am

Sometimes you have to go back through your images to see if there are any hidden gems… here are three I didn’t share in the prior post… and for the photogs - yes, the second one, I did two exposures for… that’s how the sky became blue ;)

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels MarylandSaint Michaels Maryland

Posted in personal/family | Tagged | Comments (0)

Dog.

August 8, 2008 – 8:39 pm

One of my dogs - this is Squiryl.  Um… yeah, we have two dogs - Moose and Squiryl…. thanks to my odd family ;)

At any rate, I am always working on new techniques and new plays on my photography… here’s one of the latest…

German Shorthair Pointer

Posted in animal photography, personal/family | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Speaking of pregnancy…

August 8, 2008 – 3:52 pm

Okay, I don’t share a ton of personal stuff on this blog, but what the heck, I’m going to right now, because this is too funny not to share.

I finished up a shoot at the studio today, and then headed over to the grocery store to get some stuff to pack as a lunch for tomorrow’s little adventure.

I went to leave the store, and one of the workers started walking with me to help me with my groceries.  He was way over zealous… and I was uncomfortable - I mean, it was only four bags, I could manage just fine…. but he persisted.  I said, “Thank you” and he said, “Have a nice day and congratulations!”

Huh?

I smiled and sat down in my car.  I looked around, puzzled.

Congratulations?  For what?

All of a sudden, I had a flashback of this morning, standing in front of my bedroom mirror.  I was wearing a pair of jeans that were huge on me and too high wasted for me but comfy, and I threw a big belt on and that did nothing but bulk up my mid section (I cannot wear normal rise jeans - they are always too high), but I was wearing my new top from American Eagle that would cover all that… I was out for comfort for shooting a toddler…

The top?  This one (but I had a white t-shirt underneath of it as it is a nice unseasonably cool, breezy day…)

 American Eagle Top

Yes, it all became very clear.  The guy at the store congratulated me on being pregnant!!!!!  I AM NOT PREGNANT!!!!  So I called and whined to my husband, who said, “Be careful driving home… I mean… in your condition and all….”

No, I am not going to live this down… but I am rethinking these pleated tops!

And now that he has arrived home, he asked me what I was going to name it…. *sigh*  Nothing like having a comedian for a husband… :p

Posted in personal/family | Tagged | Comments (6)

Baltimore Maryland Children’s Photographer *blushing* Famous?

August 8, 2008 – 8:27 am

Bediboo Children's Baby Boutique

I called Bediboo yesterday to confirm everything concerning the boutique mini sessions for tomorrow, and as soon as I said, “Hi, this is Jodie Otte”, I was met with a “Did you know you are famous?”

*Hiding*  No, I’m not famous… I’m shy, I talk too much when I am nervous, and despite my online persona, I like to fly under the radar…. I’m very emotional but mostly keep it hidden.  I’m too sensitive.  I’m a realist.  I’m an observer; I watch how people naturally connect with others or with this world, before I click the shutter….

I teeter on the edge of obsessive compulsive.  I’m in love.  I’m a hopeless romantic.  I’m an animal lover.

But famous, I am not.  But thank you :) *blushing*

Tracey and I will see you at Bediboo!!!!

Posted in The Studio and Monkton, baby photography, child photography, commercial photography, editorial photography, photography workshop/seminar, pregnancy, maternity photography | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Pregnancy.

August 7, 2008 – 8:17 pm

I wish that I had beautiful images of myself pregnant.  It really wasn’t “the thing” to do 12-13 years ago.  I like to live with no regrets whenever possible.  I’m at a place in my life where there will be no more pregnancies, no more babies for me - I can look back now and wish I would have gotten something more than snapshots of my pregnancy ;)  (vividly remembering handing my husband a camera and saying “hey Honey, take a picture of just my belly… ” only to have my film come back and realize that my husband didn’t even zoom the camera in, so there I was, old nasty t-shirt, ugly shorts, no makeup and hair everywhere…. not the best documentation of a pregnancy that you are proud to look back on!)

The pregnant form is so amazing - I would have loved to have had images of myself and my husband just . like . this.

maternity photography

pregnancy photography
 

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No more photography workshops / seminars!

August 7, 2008 – 7:17 am

Yes, you heard that right, no more photography workshops or seminars for me.  Well, we have the last one in September (which yes, still has two seats available - so if you are interested, please sign up right away as this is the LAST ONE Click here for Info).  In this one, we are going over both studio and natural lighting - it’s a two-day affair, and will include a “natural light” book as well as the Studio Lighting Naturally book.

Did you read that right?  Yep, we are doing a natural light book as well.  It will be made available end of September 2008.

I also have another exciting announcement to share…… hmmmm… but when should I share it?

Posted in photography workshop/seminar | Tagged , , | Comments (8)

Newborn Girl…

August 5, 2008 – 8:05 am

And what a surprise, another newborn girl ;) This time with proud big brother…

newborn photographer
 
newborn photographer

newborn photographer

newborn photographer
 

 

Posted in baby photography | Tagged | Comments (5)

To brighten up the day…

August 4, 2008 – 2:57 pm

I had to drive to my friend’s house early this morning to feed her horses while she is away… and I just had to stop on the side of the road for this…

 

maryland sunflower

Posted in nature photography, personal/family | Tagged | Comments (2)

Baby / Newborn photography in Black and White…

August 1, 2008 – 7:35 am

 After a string of 11 girl babies, I finally got a boy!!! Sweet, sweet newborn Evan…

(oh, and this is to the photogs out there - this is all studio lighting - who said you can’t make studio lighting look natural? That’s why my workshop was born… ;))  Note:  These may look a little too contrasty - was working on a different monitor.

baltimore baby

baltimore newborn

newborn

baby

maryland newborn

newborn

and one color…

baltimore baby

Posted in baby photography | Tagged , | Comments (4)

September Photography Workshop/Seminar News, etc.

July 31, 2008 – 12:29 pm

If you are attending the September Photography Workshop/Seminar, please check your email for travel information. We do have two seats remaining. Since this question has come up a lot - no, I have no information on any 2009 workshops. We have something going on right now, adding another branch to my photography as well as have something unrelated in the works, and once that all is completed, I will be able to make some decisions for 2009.

We have one Studio Lighting Naturally book left in stock and the reorder is going out now - if you wish to preorder, we can have the books in stock within two-three weeks but I cannot guarantee they will stay in stock ;) So if you wish to have them quickly, go ahead and preorder.

Thanks :)

Posted in photography workshop/seminar | Tagged , | Comments (0)

New Product for Child and Baby photography

July 31, 2008 – 7:29 am

While I was working with the lab yesterday, I decided to add another lab to my vendor list. I have had requests for the “standout” mount from my customers that I have at the studio but never felt they were a very substantial offering, so we never offered them “officially”.

I’m now adding “gallery mounts” to our product line. All storyboards will now automatically have this upgrade. The price for gallery mounts will be in between the regular prints and the fine art canvases. I’m currently having a sample printed for the studio for all customers to see, as well as two for my kids’ rooms - yes, that is how much I love them, I have to put them in my own house. I have a feeling, I’m going to want them all over my house. I plan to order at least four more.

Here are the two I have started with. I will share pictures of them up on the wall in the kids’ rooms as well as soon as they arrive as I am always asked about what I display at my own house - I need a 12-step program, I keep buying and buying… Sometimes my husband complains that the house is a shrine to our children all over the walls… *sigh*

But of course, I am ready to replace my standouts, and I’m working on composing an image of my kids with their horses walking them through a field at sunset…. hoping to pull that off this fall and oh yes, it will be big… very big in a high traffic area of my home ;)

Oh, and after much delay due to regular sessions, we are proceeding with booking equine sessions for fall. We are waiting for the weather to break. I have two reps, and I cannot wait to share!

equine photography, horse photography

equine photography, horse photography

Erynn will get a couple more in her room - smaller ones of her at her show this year. Barrett is starting football tomorrow night, so I will be doing more of these of him playing football later on… I’m finally going to be returning to a little sports photography - something I have missed out on for several years…

Posted in equine photography | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Themed Thursday - Water Photography

July 31, 2008 – 6:24 am

After the rain…. again, in my yard…

rabbits in the rain

rain drops on leaves

rain drops on leaves

rain drops on metal

rain drops on metal

 

 

Posted in nature photography, personal/family, photo themes | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Ordering from the lab today…

July 30, 2008 – 7:21 am

I will be sitting at this computer ALL DAY today answering emails and making orders with the lab… I’m working hard to get everything together and ready before we leave for Hatteras in approximately two weeks.

Here’s a few more pictures from 2006 down in Hatteras (I’ll share some 2007 again at another time…)… every year, I try to get better pictures than the previous year… so this will psych me up to work harder this year!

 

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras

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Saint Michaels, Maryland

July 27, 2008 – 8:02 am

We arrived home late last night from Saint Michaels, Maryland.  Whenever I travel, I love to take some snaps of the location, just to get the feel of it captured….

 

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Saint Michaels Maryland

Posted in personal/family | Tagged , | Comments (8)

Sisters - Children’s Photography

July 27, 2008 – 6:46 am

Beautiful sisters….

  sisters sisters

childrens photos

Posted in child photography | Comments (3)

Pregnancy

July 26, 2008 – 7:24 am

I’ll share two right now — I loved the way this couple looked at each other… so very in love….

maternity

pregnancy

Posted in pregnancy, maternity photography | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Newborn Photographer - Video From Photography Workshop / Seminar

July 25, 2008 – 12:28 pm

I have had requests to see a portion of the video taken at the May 08 workshop/seminar that I taught.  Here’s a little segment (below) with final picture…

I apologize, this was shot late in the workshop so my voice is half gone… but you can see basically how typical newborn sessions go, as well as the absolute disaster I make of my workspace ;)  (Oh, side note - two seats left for September Seminar/workshop - last for 2008).
 

newborn photographer

If you do not see the video above - CLICK HERE

and here is some MORE GOOD READING… http://jodieotte.com/?p=319

 

Edited to add —— Tech Info for the Photographers:

  • Nikon D200 (only because my software that I tether with during workshops won’t accept my D3)
  • Manual mode — 1/250, F3.2 (for shallower DOF as I usually shoot around F5 in studio), ISO 100.
  • Nikkor 60 mm/2.8
  • Auto White Balance in JPEG
  • 50 x 50 Westcott Apollo softbox camera left (quite beat up due to travel…).
  • Beautiful 2-3 week old sweet baby girl ;)
Posted in baby photography | Tagged , | Comments (10)

Themed Thursday - Purple Tones

July 24, 2008 – 8:00 am

Today’s subject - purple tones…

purple tones

This is interesting - these are little roots sticking out of the bottom of cornstalks…

purple tones

purple tones

purple tones

purple tones

purple tones

purple tones

Posted in nature photography, photo themes | Comments (4)

Identical Twins - Children’s Photography

July 24, 2008 – 7:56 am

Having two children of my own, ages 12 and 9, thinking back to when I had them, I could have never imagined the doctor saying you have multiples… let alone - Identical Twins - what an amazing experience this must be!  These two girls were precious!

children's photography children's photography 

children's photography

children's photography

Posted in child photography, twin, triplet photography | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Random Tuesday - Green

July 22, 2008 – 8:37 am

Today’s subject is Green. These were all taken in my backyard… randomly per the subject line… I’m going to try to post a “random” day as often as I can. I have had so many request everyday things like I used to post years ago….

I firmly believe nearly everything in this world is beautiful if you look at it the right way…

Black walnut…

Black Walnut

Dog kennel…

Green Photo

Green Photos

Green Photos

Green Photos

Green Photos

Corn with cornsilk.

Corn

Ant

Posted in nature photography | Tagged | Comments (3)
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