Posted by jennifer on February 7th, 2010 — Posted in Around Town, Art?, Nature, The Hood, The Smuteks
Well, here we are, the start of 2010, and I am spending the weekend blissfully trapped in my house. The great blizzard of 2010 has descended on Baltimore, and while the average snow fall is about 2′, with the wind, we have about 5′ of snow in our back yard!
Here is my husband conquering the snow mountain in our backyard…
Now as many of you know, I am not a big fan of winter or the cold. Snow is certainly not on my list of favorites! I did, however, venture out to the front yard yesterday to get a peak of just how much snow is surrounding our house. There is so much snow, that I wasn’t even able to leave my front walk!
Getting out of the door was a feat in itself. Mr. Nelson, our big fat cat, didn’t even want to venture outside.
I did manage to make my way outside (for all of about 15 minutes) - Goodness, snow is cold, wet and quite unpleasant! I did manage to grab these few quick shots before my toes froze and I retreated inside for warmth.
This is my ornery dog, Nyles. Usually, he can not be trusted off lead, but well, where would he go? So, we left him off to run in the snow for a few minutes. We were worried we might loose him!
I am safely back inside where I belong. I guess I’ll be spending the rest of the day, and possibly the better part of the week, editing photos!
Posted by jennifer on October 10th, 2009 — Posted in Wedding Resources
Tags: baltimore bride, baltimore wedding photographer, baltimore wedding planning, photojournalist wedding photographer, wedding photography
Yes, yes, I know- this is not a photographic post. Wait, wait, allow me to explain…
As a wedding photographer, I am often approached by my clients about different aspects of planning a wedding. After all, this is one of the most important days in a couple’s life; there are tons of decisions to be made and sometimes, it seems, just too many options from which to choose.
Having worked in the wedding industry for several years, and also having been a bride myself, I can totally relate. It can sometimes just seem so overwhelming. So, I have decided to use my blog as a little resource for all of you perspective brides to be.
I am going to kick this off by introducing you to this nifty blog by Charm City Bride. This awesome blog is geared specifically for all of you charming Baltimore brides. From advice on wedding planners to florists and color schemes Charm City Bride is a great resource for all things local.
Don’t worry though, I will be sure to keep posting my toy-camera adventures. In the mean-time, happy planning!
(click the logo to visit Charm City Bride)
Posted by jennifer on September 19th, 2009 — Posted in Around Town, The Hood, The Smuteks
Tags: baltimore maryland photographer, dundalk, dundalk flood photos, dundalk water main break maryland, water main break
So here it is, the inevitable end of summer. Sigh. It has been a great summer, I have met lots of great couples and photographed some really neat events. And, as I am sure you can tell by my ‘ghost town’ of a blog, I have been a little too busy to be taking many photos ‘just for fun’. Sadly though, yesterday, I allowed myself a break from editing to walk a few blocks down the road and document my neighborhood- sinking under water.
As I am sure many of you may have seen on the news, Dundalk was the unlucky recipient of a 72″ water main break. Entire blocks were submerged under waist-deep water and many family homes and businesses were destroyed. Rescue workers had the areas that were most affected blocked off, but thanks to my really big camera (apparently, size does matter) I was able to get a little closer than the rest of the residents that were there to assess the damage.
Several residents initially thought that I was with the press, (again, with the big camera) and even after explaining my motive for documenting, I was still invited into their yards, homes and a little bit of their lives as they shared their stories with me.
This is what I love about being a photographer.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak with me, share your story and invite me in your home. I wish you all the best in salvaging your possessions and homes.
Rescue workers were already on the scene when I arrived and many people had been evacuated from their homes.
Here is a women watching the water recede from her parent’s yard. Initially, the water was much higher and water filled their basement to the ceiling. Literally, all the way to the ceiling. I simply couldn’t believe my eyes.
A view of the block…
Some neighbors watched all of the commotion from the safety of their roof-tops…
A few hours later, the water finally started to recede enough for residents to re-enter their homes…
Dundalk and its residents often get a bad rap around Baltimore. But I’ll tell you, I was not the least bit surprised to witness the level of community displayed by our neighbors. Everyone came together to help each other assess the damage and relocate their cars, pets and valuable belongings. Those who were evacuated were able to wait out the flood in the safety of a neighbors home, and everyone seemed notably more concerned about their neighbors than themselves.
Say what you will about Dundalk, but it is this type of neighborhood that I am grateful to live in.
Posted by jennifer on July 25th, 2009 — Posted in Around Town, Promotions
Tags: baltimore wedding photographer, maryland photojournalist, portrait photographer
On facebook of course!
Just click the button and become a fan. Stay on top of the latest happenings and promotions of Jennifer Smutek Photography LLC!
I will be offering a different promotion each month just for facebook users!
Posted by jennifer on July 17th, 2009 — Posted in Art?, Kids, The Hood, The Smuteks
Well, Jimmy and I have returned, and finally settled back in, from our vacation in NC. We had a great time catching up with some old friends and visiting the many beaches that NC has to offer! Surprisingly, I did not spend much time taking photos on this trip… something that is quite out of character for me! I did, however, take some fun photos the night before we left for our vacation (which happened to be the 4th of July)!
The 4th of July is somewhat of a big thing in our neighborhood. Everyone around town seems to go all out for the holiday. It seems that the week before, the entire neighborhood spends every moment primping their yards and decorating their houses in preparation for a weekend of celebration. We have an annual parade, a three day fair, and top the night of the 4th off with some amazing fireworks.
For as long as I can remember, July 4th was spent with my entire family, watching the parade and eating my grandparent’s awesome Italian dishes. We would then end the evening, huddled together under my grandparent’s awning, watching the fireworks. That tradition still goes on today, except now, many of us grandchildren now have children of our own.
My cousin Greg’s youngest daughter, Sophie, got the biggest kick out of the sparklers this year. Just days before her 4th birthday, she was all smiles and giggles parading her magic, firey wand around the yard. In fact, she couldn’t wait until the real fireworks ended so that she could go back to playing with her fireworks!
Here she is, along side her father, drawing hearts in the night with sparklers…
She then attempted her night art all by herself…
Hopefully everyone had a safe and wonderful 4th!
-J
Posted by jennifer on July 5th, 2009 — Posted in Promotions, Weddings
Book a “Signature Series” wedding package with Jennifer Smutek Photography before August 1, 2009 and receive a free duplicate, mini wedding album!
Contact Jennifer for more information details!
Posted by jennifer on July 4th, 2009 — Posted in The Smuteks
I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July weekend! Jimmy and I had the pleasure of spending this beautiful holiday morning watching the parade with friends and family. We relaxed a bit and prepared for our upcoming vacation.
Jimmy and I will be spending the next week in sunny North Carolina! We are looking forward to a week of relaxing with some old friends. Don’t worry though, even while on vacation I will still be checking my email whenever possible… just please allow a day or two for a response as I am not sure how often I will be able to check in :)
I will be returning on Monday, July 13th and promise to return all emails by the 14th!
Now off to see the fireworks!!!!!!!!
Happy 4th Everyone!
-Jennifer
Posted by jennifer on June 29th, 2009 — Posted in Promotions
As many of you know, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. To celebrate, I am offering a sale on all 8×10 print orders!
Order 8×10 prints between now and July 4th 2009 and receive a 25% discount! What better way to kick off summer than with some new family photos for the walls?
There is no limit on quantity, but hurry, this offer can not be extended.
I hope you have a safe and wonderful 4th!
-Jennifer
Posted by jennifer on June 14th, 2009 — Posted in Around Town, Baltimore AMP, Kids, Non-Profit, The Hood
Tags: baltimore art and music project, baltimore photographer, Creativity, Family, Health, Instruments, Kids, Kids and Art, Music, O'Donnell Heights, photojournalism
First a little update:
Well, I know it has been a ridiculously long time since I have posted to the blog. The last few months have been crazy busy- I didn’t know just how little sleep the human body is capable of running on! However, I am super grateful that Jennifer Smutek Photography is having such a great year. I have met some of the most amazing people this year and I am having a blast working with all of them. I am booking heavy for 2010 and, judging by the recent engagement shoots, 2010 looks like it is going to be a super fun year!
How lucky am I to have such an awesome job?
If you haven’t checked out the website recently, I have updated it with some of the recent client work I have been doing over the last few months. I may eventually have to break down and start posting client work to the blog… but I am trying to keep the blog more on the personal side and not so business oriented. That being said….
Now onto a Baltimore Art and Music Project update:
The Baltimore AMP has had plenty of great events this year, I have just been so busy I haven’t been able to blog about them. Yesterday’s event, however, is a must blog!
Yesterday, the Baltimore AMP set up a table at the O’Donnell Heights Family Health Fair. Now, some of you may remember last October when we participated in the O’Donnell Heights Family Fun Day. We had set up a rhythm circle and art table for the kids… that event was a blast so I knew I was in for a treat with yesterday’s health fair.
This year, we expanded the rhythm circle include handmade instruments to get the kids more involved in the process. First we had the kids decorate bags so they would have a place to keep their handmade music projects…
Then, using all sort of neat noise-making elements, the kids decorated and filled recycled plastic bottles to make their own, personal instruments…
After the kids made their personalized instruments, they headed over to the rhythm circle to test out their musical talents. Baltimore AMP staff played guitar, bass and percussion to get a base rhythm going for the kids. It didn’t take long for the kids to join in and get in the rhythm…
While some played their handmade instruments, many opted to test out the arsenal of more traditional noise makers that we brought…
Recognizing the musical talents of these kids, our director, Carla, promised the kids that if they played loud enough that something ‘BIG’ would happen. Carla had a special treat in store for the kids. She arranged, through the Baltimore Police Department, for a BPD Helicopter to land in O’Donnell Heights! Talk about a ‘BIG’ treat!
The chopper and its crew made a few circles above us and even joined in our rhythm with its siren!
The chopper could barely land before the kids (and many adults) were lined up to get on board. What an awesome crew to take time out of their day allow these kids a chance to sit in a real helicopter!
The crew was even nice enough to pose for a quick photo with the kids…
What a fun day! Thanks so much to the O’Donnell Heights Community for inviting us to participate in the health fair and to the Baltimore Police Department for treating us, err, I mean the kids to a real-life chopper tour!
And thank you Carla for allowing me to work with the Baltimore Art and Music Project on so many of the awesome-tastic events. Who woulda thought that my childhood interest in photography would lead to so many neat opportunities and allow me to meet and work with such great people?
Did I mention that I love my job?
Posted by jennifer on April 30th, 2009 — Posted in Around Town
Okay, so I had to put “work” in quotation marks because even though I was technically, ahem, “working”, it was more like goofing off with a good friend. I have been wanting to scout out some new locations for engagement shoots and I managed to convince my good friend, David Spade, err, I mean Rob, to come along for the ride.
It was a super nice day out, with awesome lighting. We grabbed some yummy breakfast at the One World Cafe and then headed out for a ‘grueling’ morning of scouting out locations. While I had no intention of posting any of these photos, I just couldn’t help myself.
