Category Archives: Photography

Summer Girls

As I mentioned in this post,  I’ve been organizing a “just for fun” photo shoot over the last few weeks. I wanted to do something like it for awhile and since I found myself with some extra time this summer, it was all the more reason to make it happen. The concept was simple:  a farewell to summer.  […]

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August 31, 2011 - 4:18 am

Leovi - Wonderful, with those colors and delicious lights, I love them all.

August 31, 2011 - 6:14 am

Leia - How fun! What a gorgeous photoshoot! And stunning models, too :)

August 31, 2011 - 8:42 am

Pam D - Love them all.. but the one with the house in the background sort of takes my breath away….

August 31, 2011 - 8:53 am

Sarah - Dodeline Design - This is gorgeous Maddy!

August 31, 2011 - 8:58 am

Maegan - Such beautiful photos! Totally magazine quality, I thought they were from a mag & reread, really lovely! Feels like I’m at the picnik with them.

August 31, 2011 - 9:07 am

urban muser - these photos are so fun!

August 31, 2011 - 9:09 am

Emily - This is so fabulous and fun!! I love everything about it. You did such a great job Maddy. I hope you will do more shoots like this.

August 31, 2011 - 9:14 am

Cafe Fashionista - This is truly one of the most incredible shoots ever, Maddy – the colors are so vibrant…they just leap off the screen. Start submitting your pictures somewhere – anywhere – they need to be swooned over by the world! Seriously. :)

August 31, 2011 - 9:23 am

Mindy - how adorable! my phriend, you are really rocking your nikon!

August 31, 2011 - 9:24 am

Life with Kaishon - It looks like so much fun! I wasn’t able to leave a comment this morning and I couldn’t wait to get to a computer to tell you how grand it looks!

August 31, 2011 - 9:53 am

Elle sees - So freaking adorable. I want to go to there! But I’m rather clumsy on a bike.

August 31, 2011 - 10:17 am

Michaela - I love this idea Maddy, it looks like so much fun! Beautiful shots and you never cease to amaze me with how talented you are!

August 31, 2011 - 10:33 am

Lee Oliveira - Summer, picnic, catching up with the girls should be like this always.
Lovely shot
lee x

August 31, 2011 - 10:51 am

Hannah B - OMG! I’m in love with this shoot. It totally says “summer!”

Btw, I just looked back at the photo you posted yesterday and I love the canvas texture you put in the background. Gorgeous!

August 31, 2011 - 10:55 am

Pradeepa - Amazing shots. The models are gorgeous and the location is fantastic.

August 31, 2011 - 11:01 am

Gloria - This looks like so much fun!! And the styling is so spot on – love their outfits :-)

August 31, 2011 - 12:41 pm

Rosie - Those are fabulous! You guys really did an amazing job.

August 31, 2011 - 1:23 pm

Vanessa - Absolutely beautiful. Props, location, n models. Looks very scenic. U did well once again. 2 thumbs up, Maddie. What a better way to end the summer :(

August 31, 2011 - 1:36 pm

Christina Lee - Perfect (esp. with the bike added in)!!!

August 31, 2011 - 1:41 pm

christina Klas - These are all lovely! You must be so pleased with the way it turn out (as the girls should be too!) Love your blog and your work :)

August 31, 2011 - 3:43 pm

Kristin - Your models are seriously fabulous! Dying over that tribal top!

August 31, 2011 - 3:54 pm

The Guilty Hyena - Maddy you set up your very own editorial summer picnic shoot!! :) what a wonderful way to say farewell to the summer. Location is pictorial, as well as the lovely lanterns your sis Charlotte and her friends look like naturals in front of the camera, one of my fave photos is of the floral wayfarers and the colorful reflection captured on the lenses.

September 1, 2011 - 9:58 am

Piper - Maddy these are gorgeous!! I so need you to do a photo shoot for me!! I could go for a relaxing picnic right about now – looks like you guys had a blast!

September 1, 2011 - 2:48 pm

Home Girl - Love, love, LOVE the colors!!! What a great idea and the way it was all staged, you made it look so festive and “unstaged” if that makes sense?? I am always amazed at your talent girlie!! You are seriously awesome.

September 1, 2011 - 2:48 pm

Haute World - What a beautiful setting and I’m so in love with the way you captured the vibrant colors. All you girls look fab by the way. Looks like you had a lot of fun (and I love the red camera!).

September 1, 2011 - 3:15 pm

Camila Faria - Very summery indeed! So beautiful and fun! Love this photoshoot Maddy!

September 1, 2011 - 8:31 pm

camille - those pics seem like so much fun! you’re an awesome photographer! love the light in these shots!

September 2, 2011 - 12:01 am

Pink Ronnie - Maddy, what an awesome concept! I love the setting, the girls and their outfits – all nicely chosen! The lanterns add such a lovely touch and that house in the background looks like it’s out of a fairytale. I almost always fail at shooting at midday so I take my hat off to you! What new technique did you use?
Ronnie xo

September 2, 2011 - 4:14 am

Sabine - What a wonderful summer atmosphere! The girls are gorgeous and the styling really works. Seeing good old Holga makes me smile!

September 2, 2011 - 11:20 am

dana - So much fun! looks like they could be found in a mag! Love that Holga too :)

September 4, 2011 - 10:06 am

Buckeroomama - Maddy, you have outdone yourself! Looking through the photos felt like me flicking through the pages of a lifestyle magazine (wait, have I mentioned this before?)… Seriously. That shot of the bicycle, LOVE to the MAX! I sound like my teenage self (ugh!), but really, these photos are absolutely gush-worthy! =)

September 6, 2011 - 10:58 pm

Nadette - I LOVE it!! I’m really wishing you had been there for my picnic in July, my pics just don’t hold a candle to these. For my photography homework, I’m supposed to be working on portraits in various types of light, but I blew my weekend and it’s going to rain the rest of the week, I’m so sad. But on the upside, at least I know the concepts for taking great pictures in bright sunlight. I feel so accomplished :)

September 7, 2011 - 3:56 pm

Tiera - Oh, how fun! I’ve gotta get my girlfriends to do something like this so I can practice my photography skills!

September 9, 2011 - 2:05 pm

Cathy - Gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant! And I’d love to pluck a strawberry out of the picnic basket.

{What I Learned…} Everything Ain’t For Everybody

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity photograph my niece’s newborn photos. Because I was away on vacation and my sister-in-law was in  the process of moving, we couldn’t schedule the session until a month after (a big no-no for newborn photography, which usually takes place within the first few days after the baby […]

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August 15, 2011 - 12:58 am

Life with Kaishon - Amen!
AMEN!
AMEN.AMEN.AMEN.AMEN! : )
I had the nicest lady contact me this week. She said she LOVED my pictures : ) Loved them and she wanted me to shoot her family. But then : ) she sent me lots of links to photographers she liked. And they were all prop happy. I used to do props, because I thought it was cool and everyone and their brother did it, but I don’t like that look too much. I don’t like staging too much. I like real : ) Maybe 10% staged and 90% candid would be my style. I told the very, very nice lady I didn’t think I was what she was looking for and gave her 3 names of people that would love to do a stylized shoot with her. I hope she is happy in the end.
I love that you discovered this about yourself Maddy and most of all, I LOVE these pictures.
Sensational to the max.
Just like you.

August 15, 2011 - 7:32 am

Sabine - They are adorable, these photos! I guess it’s part of the process – finding out what kind of photographer you are, how and in which categories you prefer to work. I like to challenge myself, but when it’s too far from my comfort zone I get very nervous that the results will be dreadful. Something that really interests me – and I find much more difficult than I thought – is interior design photography.
Can’t wait to see your pictures, Maddy!

August 15, 2011 - 7:33 am

dana - Love this!!! I actually, (sorry but) am very tired of all those posed, props pictures! I love the “moment” photos! mix between planned and candid. and that is what I want to do. what I find myself most comfortable doing!
I love this photo Maddy!

August 15, 2011 - 7:49 am

Sarah - Dodeline Design - That would be a HUGE task – love this & can’t wait to see more!

August 15, 2011 - 7:52 am

Amy - What a sweet photo! And I’m with you … I love pictures that capture life, most of all!

August 15, 2011 - 8:28 am

Terri - So simple and oh so beautiful! Love it Maddy!

August 15, 2011 - 8:33 am

The Guilty Hyena - I feel both types of photography are equally wonderful, look forward to seeing the rest of the photo’s.

August 15, 2011 - 8:33 am

Keeley - I like your style and I think you do a fantastic job without using props. When I look at your photo shoots (and others) I realize that I don’t document enough of the important stuff in my life. I have tons of photos of my cooking and baking, but almost NONE of my family. The next time I have a milestone, I’m hiring a professional photographer… will you come to Delaware? :)

August 15, 2011 - 9:08 am

Cafe Fashionista - Kids are known for their playfulness. Sometimes posed pictures, full of props, seem so unnatural when it involves children – it’s nice to see that you are staying true to their nature and “real” behavior. Love this shot! :)

August 15, 2011 - 9:45 am

Mindy - i never sweat as much as I do when I photograph a baby. it is hard work!!! This shots is adorable and evokes emotion…great shot!

August 15, 2011 - 9:58 am

Buckeroomama - I used to want stylized pics of my kids –especially when I first had Josh. We did one session and while I thought it was nice and all, it just didn’t feel like me, like us.

I love the photos you take, Maddy. Don’t ever be who you’re not comfortable being. :)

August 15, 2011 - 10:26 am

Lee Oliveira - I love this photo sooo much. I love the connection between mother/daughter..
There is so much life into this picture..
Lee x

August 15, 2011 - 10:42 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - I agree! Challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone is important with any profession, especially photography. But it’s also just as important to figure out your own style because you don’t want to necessarily be the jack of all trades and master of none. It’s like any fashion trend, you can embrace it, make it your own or you can pass on it altogether. Newborn photography is something I’m still deeply interested in, but I also want to approach it in a way that’s true to my artistic style.

August 15, 2011 - 11:44 am

Camila Faria - I must be soooo hard Maddy. But I adore this photo. I’m so ready for my niece’s birth (in just a few more days)! So excited!

August 15, 2011 - 12:04 pm

Jacquie V - You are an excellent photographer and you have to do what makes you as a photographer happy. I still have to contact you by the way to see when we could meet up, I can’t wait for our first shooting :)

August 15, 2011 - 12:34 pm

DITA - You have a style all your own that says oodles and oodles more with one photo than a book of Anne Geddes images.
Congratulations on the birth of yet ANOTHER beautiful niece.

I can’t wait to see the shots…..I miss you, my friend!

xoxoxoxo
Love you tons,
Dita

August 15, 2011 - 12:45 pm

Christina Lee - I am in love with that photo, M!! And good for you for understanding your niche! And you are wonderful at it, my dear!

August 15, 2011 - 1:39 pm

katrina - i prefer your baby photo, maddy. the photos in the link you provided are beautiful, no doubt. however, most of them looked a bit awkward. your photos are natural — how can they get any better than that?

August 15, 2011 - 2:04 pm

savvy gal - I agree with you that it is rather difficult.

August 15, 2011 - 2:25 pm

Rachel @ The Redhead Fashionista - This photo is great, Maddy! I’m sure all the photos came out fantastic!

August 15, 2011 - 3:08 pm

Haute World - Fantastic! I agree with your take on capturing emotion rather than something that is too styled. I feel the same way about wedding photography – the overly posed fake shots always bore me. Give me a good candid anytime!

August 16, 2011 - 2:16 am

Kristin - I’ve gone the props and non proms route…I prefer the more natural photos in the end!

August 16, 2011 - 8:55 am

Angelia Sims - Gorgeous photograph Maddy! I just love the emotion in this one. And I hear ya on newborns, I have never sweat so much in my life as when doing them. :-) It looks so sweet and easy, but it’s sooo not. Love newborns though, they are very special angels.

August 16, 2011 - 10:12 am

fhenny - the photo is amazing dear! love the candid style of photographs rather than too artificial props for baby shoot.
i have never done a baby shoot before, but would love to do sometime!
xoxo

August 16, 2011 - 10:23 am

emily - I couldn’t imagine a newborn shoot being anything but difficult, totally cute and worth it, but like you said, patience is very necessary. Love this!

August 16, 2011 - 10:35 am

Sadee - I love this. The softness of the moment, the dreamy whites and grays, and the lovely contrast brought in by the dark hair and the sweet tattoo…just gorgeous!!!

August 16, 2011 - 2:23 pm

Keepie DaNiece - Well, hard work or no, I’d say you have BEAUTIFUL results. Precious.

August 16, 2011 - 2:29 pm

tinajo - This is very soft, tender and precious – love it. :-)

August 16, 2011 - 7:26 pm

Jennifer - And you so such an *amazing* job at capturing LOVE Maddy! Props and setups are not needed when you can capture the beauty of love! :) This photo is beautiful.

August 18, 2011 - 10:22 am

Sana, So Does Estella - Maddy I’ve missed you! Too cute. You did wonderful! I can only imagine the process behind it. I have a hard enough time working with flowers in stills. :)

August 20, 2011 - 6:28 pm

Nadette - The above picture is beautiful, and I’m like you, I like natural photos rather than posed/styled, and in all honesty, posed newborn pics kinda creep me out, lol.

{What I Learned…} How to Get Natural Smiles

When I started doing client sessions, one of my biggest challenges was getting natural smiles from my subjects, especially from the adults.  You see I’m not very funny by nature.  And if you’ve met me in person, you can attest that my personality tends to run  a little on the “dry side”, so getting my clients to […]

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August 10, 2011 - 2:47 am

Tiera - Such good tips! My little brother’s the same way — Pretty much avoids the camera unless he can be funny!

August 10, 2011 - 3:03 am

Buckeroomama - You’re right about how people usually ‘relax’ a bit after the first click and the second one catches them unawares. With my kids, I don’t tell them to smile anymore, because when I do that, 9 times out of 10, they’d paste on this grimace-like smile…. I would just crack something silly, really ridiculous and then they’d protest that it’s not true and that’s when the natural smiles come. Capturing a natural smile is like hitting the mother lode for me. =)

August 10, 2011 - 4:56 am

elly - What a clever trick! Brilliant idea, hey :)

August 10, 2011 - 6:11 am

Life with Kaishon - : ) What great advice Maddy-licious.
Brilliant.

August 10, 2011 - 8:44 am

Terri - Great advice Maddy! These are fabulous shots!

I really need to dust of my camera and get busy! =)

August 10, 2011 - 8:48 am

Sarah - Dodeline Design - It’s so true! Posing with a smile is hard and the mark of a great photographer is bringing out those gorgeous smiles – which you definitely do!

August 10, 2011 - 9:21 am

Chavonne - ha ha, i was such a goofball. next time ill be prepared to make out, no problem!!!

August 10, 2011 - 9:32 am

Angelia Sims - Those are so cute! Fake-out, huh? I will definitely have to try that. I think I caught a few genuine moments by luck, but now I know the trick! :-)

August 10, 2011 - 9:55 am

Cafe Fashionista - What a fantastic tip, Maddy – and what a gorgeous collection of photographs! I find that if I’m not laughing in photographs, I always look as if I’m frozen or something. Haha! :P

August 10, 2011 - 10:21 am

Amy - Fabulous tips–thank you so!

And I definitely have to be faked-out; I don’t love my picture taken. 9 times out of 10, I have that look in the first picture. It’s my “there, are you happy now?” look. :)

August 10, 2011 - 11:18 am

Camila Faria - Love this trick Maddy. They really look more relaxed in the second pic. I have to try that!

August 10, 2011 - 12:22 pm

Nadette - You’re talent for getting the natural smile is what sets you apart from the bunch. Once again, I’m looking at my family portrait on my desk at work, and we look like a bunch of robots. Le sigh, if only I had known you three years ago!

August 10, 2011 - 12:22 pm

Hannah B - Awesome tips! I’m definitely keeping these in mind.

August 10, 2011 - 12:55 pm

Kristin - Genuine smiles just light up a photo!

August 10, 2011 - 2:20 pm

Christina Lee - You sneaky girl, you–but I totally get why you do that–perfect!

August 10, 2011 - 3:12 pm

PvdH - Really interesting! I think Ill give that one a shot next time I have my picture taken for my blog (yikes… I really dread those ‘photoshoots’ for my designs!)

PvdH

http://www.ThePvdHJournal.com

August 10, 2011 - 3:51 pm

Gloria - I love these photography “insider” tips :-) Everyone looks so relaxed in your photos!

August 10, 2011 - 10:09 pm

camille - what a cute post! you take some seriously amazing shots! i’m finding it hard to believe that your personality tends to be a little dry-ish!
you seem in your blog to be such a spontaneous outgoing person!

August 11, 2011 - 1:24 am

Maegan - Great tips! And beautiful photos, you’re so talented!

August 11, 2011 - 9:15 am

Sabine - Great tips! I often get my best shots when I say: That’s it, we’re done… and then I shoot a few more. It’s like with your double shots – suddenly the model is all relaxed and easy – it’s over, phew! Another big help is when Sarah assists me… I’m often so focussed on shooting, but she makes the poor model laugh.

August 11, 2011 - 11:39 am

Stephanie - That is such a great trick! My camera right now is pretty low quality and would take too long between pushing the snap button to capture a quick emotion, but I will DEF be using this tool for when I have a professional camera. Thanks for such great tips and advice!

Eternally yours,
Stephanie

August 11, 2011 - 12:42 pm

Mindy - big, colorful, lollipops work pretty well, too, right?! thanks for the tip, love getting new ideas to use :)

August 11, 2011 - 6:52 pm

savvy gal - wow….. i love those 2nd pictures….

August 13, 2011 - 12:26 pm

Leia - You are truly amazing! These tips are fabulous! And so are these photos, of course.

August 14, 2011 - 7:47 am

Lee Oliveira - I always take a bunch of photos at once. You can normally pick one or two that are natural. The relaxed look is so much better.

Lee
x