Pretty Petal Studio

Pretty Petal Studio - Outdoor Decor - Mason Jars on Tree Stumps

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:36:00 +0000

I recently saw an idea on Pinterest that inspired me to do this in my own backyard. A couple of years ago lighting hit one of our trees. My husband, Brian, and my dad cut the tree down and the stumps were left where they lay in the very back of our heavily wooded yard. We were going to get rid of them this spring...until I saw the idea of placing them in a cluster like little tables and placing mason jars on them with tea light candles! I just love this idea and can't wait to have a fire pit gathering with this little nook lit and oozing cozy romance. I'll especially love it more when our trees and shrubs are in bloom and we can't see a neighbor's house in the distance and the fence.

Pretty Petal Studio - Maternity Session

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:03:00 +0000

On Saturday I got to meet up with a previous wedding client of Brian's to do their maternity session. Their wedding was one of my favorites...a gorgeous couple with beautiful taste. So I knew the maternity session would be magical as well. Whitney didn't disappoint. Isn't she stunning!? And I loved her idea to use big white balloons. Right up my alley!

Congratulations Whitney and Tim!

Fine Art Gifs - "Cinemagraphs"

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Okay...so I recently became obsessed with animated gifs and I've been trying to make a few of my own from recent sessions. I can't wait to share them!
The photo that I posted here isn't quite a "gif"...this is something called a Cinemagraph - "A Cinemagraph is an image that contains within itself a living moment that allows a glimpse of time to be experienced and preserved endlessly." Masters of this art are Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg. They have some amazing work on their site Cinemagraph (I especially love the NYC set!) and on their other site, From Me to You.

Ruche - Spring Sneak Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:12:00 +0000

I love Ruche and their new video sneak peak. Oh the beauty and simplicity. It makes me want to run out and shoot mini videos, which my camera can do, but I have no idea how to begin. I've tried video editing before and it was a failure. I think it's time to try and figure it out!

Pretty Petal Studio - Clothesline Wall Hanging

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Something simple...clothesline wall hanging. This is the beach collection that hangs in my bedroom. Five 5x5 prints of photos from the beach hang from twine and mini clothespins. It's such an easy way to showcase some of your favorite photos/art...and change them often to suit your mood or season!

Pretty Petal Studio - Valentine Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:27:00 +0000

I'm giving away my recent shot of the red barn in snow. I had this photo framed for my own home and I thought it turned out so sweet, so I wanted to do a giveaway. The giveaway is for an 8x12 print of this image (matting and frame not included).

I change out my art according to the season (especially in small spaces like my bathrooms)...so why not consider the same. It's a small change with such a big impact. If you'd like to enter to win the print, just go to my Facebook biz page and tell me what was your most memorable Valentine's Day.

Pretty Petal Studio - Robot Valentines via Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:46:00 +0000

So I consider myself pretty crafty and artsy and all that good fun stuff...so...Aidan and I decided to make his Valentine "cards" this year. I once again went to the beloved Pinterest (if you don't know about Pinterest, you really should...it's fabulous!) and I found some really unique ideas. Aidan loves robots and when I showed him this idea...that was it.

We bought all the supplies and laid everything out on our kitchen table (last night...nothing like procrastination), only to discover that we bought tic-tac boxes that were the big size, not the little adorable size that they should have been. So what that they have tiny Starburst heads and the paper doesn't really cover their body...right?! Oh and owl googly eyes, since I thought that Aidan had the smaller ones in his craft box and didn't think to check and buy smaller ones for this project. Oh well! We made it our own and I think his classmates will get a kick out of them!

Next year...store bought Valentines with tattoos or lollipops already included. Did I say that!? Good thing Aidan doesn't read my blog!

Pretty Petal Studio - Hygge Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Bedroom in the day

Bedroom at night...with sleeping Aidan

Have you heard of the word Hygge before? The first time I did was many years ago when I stumbled upon a blog called "Alex the Girl." I got swept away into Alex's world of making everything ordinary, extraordinary. Hygge is the Danish word for "cozy, comfortable, simple, lovely, charming"...loosely translated. While Alex doesn't blog on "Alex the Girl" anymore, she has another wonderful blog called, Hygge House.

So now that I defined Hygge...I can move on to why I blogged photos of my bedroom. Recently I became "obsessed" with origami and from gathering ideas on Pinterest , I decided to make origami cranes and hang them from our four post bed. I love adding whimsical, bohemian style elements to my room and I think this exudes Hygge! Even my son Aidan wanted to sleep in my room tonight because he thought it looked so cozy. Who knew that adding little flying birds would be such a treat. Ooooh, and you should have seen his face when I turned on the fan for a while. We just laid on the bed and pointed out which ones were our favorites as they gently swayed back and forth. (Aidan pointed out each one.) :)

Pretty Petal Studio - 50% off Sale in my Etsy Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:37:00 +0000

I'm having a 50% off sale in my Etsy shop today! It's my Etsy anniversary month, as well as my birthday month! Enter coupon code prettybirthday at checkout to receive your discount!

Pretty Petal Studio - Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Appalachian Trail, Maryland

I like to call this "Hugs and Kisses" (Pond Reflections)

My trusty stead, waiting

...and waiting again

South Mountain Tree Farm

Dahlgren Chapel (where I got married!)

No more apologies. I'll just write when I can. Over the weekend we had an unexpected snow storm and so on Sunday morning, I woke up early and headed out. I truly believe God gives us gifts when we're ready to receive them. And this was one of those days.

Pretty Petal Studio - Artistic Portrait and Wedding Photography - Launch of New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0000

I have a really good excuse for being a bad blogger and not posting the last couple weeks...I've been working on my new website! I really wanted to launch it this month and I made it by the hair of my chinny chin chin! I hope you like it! With the launch of my new site, I am offering 50% off my session fee if you book now through February 14th. (You can book for anytime this year.)

Also new for this year - I will be taking on small intimate weddings! I am currently partnered with Brian McEntire of B Scott Photography and will continue to work with Brian on big weddings, but if you're planning a smaller scale wedding, I might be the wedding photographer for you! Take a look at my site and see if our styles match and feel free to contact me for more information on availability and pricing.

I want to thank all my clients for a wonderful 2011 and here's hoping for an even better 2012!

Pretty Petal Studio - Custom Albums

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Most of my clients order a high-res CD of their images after the session and decide to put together their own album using Snapfish, Costco, Shutterfly, etc. While those options are very inexpensive, there is nothing like a quality album from a professional print lab.

I LOVE this recent album that came in for a client. This particular album is a square 8x8, printed on Art Watercolor paper. Each page (spread) is designed to lay flat with a thick look and feel. It's truly a wonderful presentation of your session.

Pretty Petal Studio - Pretty Products Every Girl Must Have!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Postcard Tins

Memo Mouse Pad

Accessory Pouch

Calendar Journal

I have no idea why I didn't know about Papaya Art Products before now. A wonderful friend came over yesterday and we were chatting about schedules and she pulled this gorgeous calendar out of her handbag and my jaw dropped. It was so beautiful and inspiring! It calls to be written in! So she told me about Papaya. I went to the site and discovered they have all kinds of amazing goodies! I want everything in their shop...

Fine Art Photography - Photo Excursion Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Ivy Flower Box

Red Bricks

January Firewood

Happy New Year! One of my goals for the year is to start carrying my camera with me wherever I go...every day! I used to do this and the habit fell by the wayside when I had my second son, Finn. But I decided Finn and I can have mini adventures after we drop his older brother Aidan off to school. This series is called, "photography through my car window!" I drive around looking for things that inspire me or strike my fancy. Then I pull over and take a few shots. I was thinking I might post one of my shots daily...to keep myself in line. But you might get bored of that, so I'm going for Photo Excursion Mondays. Let me know what you think!

Oh, and I promise to be a better blogger this year. My word for the year is "vulnerable" and I'm going to try and open up more. (I'm usually a really private person...introvert with savvy extrovert skills!)

Fine Art Photographer - Etsy Shop Pretty Petal Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Wow, I have a lot to catch up on...I've been bad and not keeping up with my blog. I want to be better in 2012!

For those that might still stop by and see if I've updated, I'm running an "after the holiday" sale in my Etsy shop. Receive 50% off of everything in my shop. Just enter coupon code pretty50 at checkout! Lots of new items are being added weekly. www.prettypetalstudio.etsy.com

Frederick MD Photographer - Senior Session

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:05:00 +0000

I had so much fun hanging out with Devyn and her mom and capturing this special time in Devyn's life. We got lucky with a beautiful autumn day and warm weather. Congrats Devyn on your senior year!

Boxer puppy cuteness!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Boxer puppy cuteness!, a photo by Pretty Petal Studio on Flickr.

I thought I'd share one of my own. We're welcoming a new Boxer puppy into our home in a few weeks and this was a recent trip to visit the litter.
My son Finn was so excited to play with the puppies...he had to be in all the pictures!

Frederick MD Newborn Photographer - Woodland Baby Bella

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:00 +0000

I've been waiting and waiting to do an outdoor newborn session and finally was able to have the perfect opportunity with Baby Bella. I call her my woodland baby. Congratulations Melissa and Josh on your sweet baby girl!

Frederick MD Photographer - An Engagement E&C

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0000

I love when I walk away from a session truly inspired...which is what happened after this engagement session. Beautiful couple, wonderful farm, pretty light. Couldn't ask for anything more. Congratulations on your engagement Elissa and Chris!

Frederick MD Wedding Photographer . Mont Alto, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:51:00 +0000

B Scott Photography and I had the pleasure of photographing this simply elegant wedding in Mont Alto, PA. Congratulations to Jen and Michael!

Frederick MD Newborn Photographer - Baby Girl A

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:04:00 +0000

I had the recent pleasure of photographing sweet baby A before I went on vacation. She was a dream baby...slept for the first half of her session and was alert and full of wonder about the world during the second part of her session. I just love her eyes and that dark hair! Isn't she gorgeous!?

Frederick MD Wedding Photographer . Bluemont Vineyard, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:21:00 +0000

I loved everything about this wedding at Bluemont Vineyard. It was a gorgeous summer day with a beautiful bride and groom. Lovely details sprinkled everywhere and many, many touching moments that made me tear up as well! Congratulations Aly and Nick!

Frederick MD Maternity Photographer - Kevin and Alisa

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Frederick MD Photographer - Sexy Boudoir

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:11:00 +0000

This is one of my most favorite people, so I needed to make sure she felt comfortable and pretty in front of the camera. She was up for anything and has so many different looks that it was hard to choose my favorite photos from the session. In some she looks soft and romantic and in others a sexy vixen! Ooh la la! The really sexy shots will be for her husband's eyes only...lucky man.

Pretty Petal Studio - Bridal Portraits and Tea Party

noreply@blogger.com (Susan O'Connor - Frederick, MD Photographer) — Thu, 26 May 2011 01:31:00 +0000

So, I believe this is my longest post in the history of my blog! I had an amazing time with Stacy and her bridesmaids last weekend. With a week of rainy weather we lucked out with a beautiful Saturday afternoon. This bride-to-be is stunning and elegant...and the location of the shoot is her fiance's parent's 200 year old house nestled in the woods of Frederick, MD. It was picture perfect. And I was ooohing and ahhhing with each room that was shown to me. We took Stacy's portraits inside and then headed outside for a whimsical tea party with her bridesmaids. Such creative and fun women! I was in session heaven. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding Stacy! May your life be filled with love, laughter and romance!