Heidi Ritter Photography

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Pregnant Self Portraits

I am now in week 30 of my pregnancy and I am actually feeling pretty good! I am not in the swollen uncomfortable stage yet, so I decided to capture a few photos of my pregnant self on a beautiful Maryland spring day. With my trusty Nikon, tripod, and remote, I took to the backyard and snapped a few memories of baby #2. :)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pam and Andrew - Oct. in MD

I had the pleasure of taking some pictures of this sweet, young Coast Guard couple last week. Pam's wishes were to get a few good Christmas card photos, but it looks like we got a few more than just Christmas pics! I was very motivated to do a lot of poses with them in Burba Park at the Fort Meade army base and they were willing to let me shuffle them around! (THANKS guys!!!) After about an hour of shooting, I am really pleased with the finished product! They are gorgeous and, like Pam told me, she's going to have to send out a Christmas BOOK instead of a card! :)

The lighting at 5:00-6:00 PM in Maryland, this time of year, is perfection! The shadows are dark and crisp where they need to be and the sunlight is bright and glowing. What a great time to get some beautiful shots!

Here are a few that I wanted to share...

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I have never been more aware of breast cancer than now. The idea of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the PINK PINK PINK push was nice before. I never gave it much thought. I have aquaintances who have been affected by breast cancer, but it didn't affect me like it does having my own mother fighting it today.

It's so easy for me to show my support for the spread of awareness. It's so easy for me to be like, "Hey friends! Pink ribbons mean breast cancer! Let's get aware!" I can even wear pink every day of October. I can do everything that I can, but I'm not fighting the fight. My mom is and I wish I could do something more. So many good women have fought it and are fighting along with her. I can never imagine what it must be like to get diagnosed or go through a bilateral mastectomy or go through chemo treatments or go weeks without an appetite or lose all my hair... But, the very least I can do is talk about it and help so many others across the country spread the word about awareness.

I do know that I need to be more aware of this cancer. It's heart breaking for those who know what "breast cancer awareness" really means. For them, it's more than October. They are AWARE of breast cancer every day of every month of every year.

WE LOVE YOU, MOM!!! You are a warrior and you will see victory very soon! In honor of her, I put a few pictures together.

Friday, August 24, 2012

From the Great Lakes to the Outer Banks...

With the unfortunate news about my mom's recent diagnosis of lobular carcinoma (aggressive breast cancer), my daughter and I were able to fly home to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit for seven days. I guess the whole situation made me feel particularly nostalgic. I couldn't get enough pictures of what used to bore me! Now that my visits to the UP are so few and I was feeling super reflective about life, I think I captured some great images.

After a week up north, we headed down to North Carolina and spent some time at the beach and one day with Jeff's grandma in her garden. The second leg of my trip apparently didn't yield as many photo op moments. However, I know I'll be down there again soon and I'll have you know, my next obsession is going to be taking pictures of dilapidated houses and barns. If NC had a nickel for every one of those, they'd be a rich state! Lucky for me, I'm fascinated with them! Stay tuned.

Well, please enjoy some images from the Great Lakes to the Outer Banks... I like the sound of that! It could be the title of the story of my life!

© Heidi Ritter Photography
An exciting find while driving the streets of Escanaba, MI after landing at the tiny speck of an airport.

This is indeed the place that the Coast Guard named the USCGC Escanaba(s) after. Fun USCG fact of the day!

© Heidi Ritter Photography
A railroad track somewhere between Esky and Ish. My parents were so patient with me and my need to stop the car to take random pictures.

Echinacea in Mom's garden.

© Heidi Ritter Photography
A once hopping town that had a booming undergarment factory. There was even an academy award winning movie filmed here during it's glory days.

Let's head south, shall we?

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Now presenting...

I have been known to wear many hats - wife, mother, friend, volunteer, teacher, soldier, traveler, dreamer... and on and on. I have recently become fascinated with another calling and thus, this page is born! I've discovered many hobbies and talents (I use that word loosely) through the years.  My passion is art. Painting, building, creating. This time, I think I could be onto something. Photography is something I really LOVE doing and am so proud of myself when I capture an awesome moment.

As a military wife, I am shuffled across the country from year to year and moments are so fleeting. When I can have permanent evidence of the images in my head, it really helps me reflect on my life experiences. I'd like to help others treasure those special moments in their lives...

Now, I know very well that having a camera does not make me a photographer. I've always felt like I have been blessed with the artistic gene that runs in my dad's family. I have MANY exceptional artists in my family.  In fact, I am kin to a famous sculptor, many painters, and fabulous creators of different mediums.   I don't claim to be up to par with any of them, but I am learning my craft and hope to really become a true photographer. This will be a place for me to share my work with the world and hopefully build a portfolio worth showing off.

Until next time...

                                                                              Your friend,

                                                                              Heidi Ritter