I received my first (film) camera as a gift for my 15th birthday (thanks, dad!) and have been in love with photography ever since. I couldn’t wait to have my rolls of film developed, and that’s why I eventually learned to develop them myself. The darkroom at college became my sanctuary, and I learned how to mix chemicals, develop film, and create contact sheets and enlargements. I still recall the excitement of watching an image appear on the blank paper and the acrid smell of fixer in the air.
I grew up in Cumberland, Maryland, a small town nestled in a valley of the Appalachian Mountains. Photography was (and still is) a therapeutic outlet for me, a way to process my life and experiences. Much of my identity was formed at this time, and my camera was constantly slung on my shoulder.
After pausing my college path to have my eldest son, I was accepted into the Corcoran College of Art + Design in D.C. in 2011, where I learned not only photojournalism (my BFA degree), but how to transform an image into art whether it be film, alternative processes, tintypes/ambrotypes or digital, I love it all! I’ve displayed my photography at the Corcoran Museum of Art and other galleries in D.C. and Maryland.
fAST FORWARD TO NOW...
After working at The Capital, Maryland Gazette and Baltimore Sun for 7 years as a photojournalist and columnist, I decided to switch lanes into weddings and portraiture following the horrific shooting at our office in June 2018. Thankfully I worked remotely, but the experience made me reevaluate my career path and choose a career that I always wanted, but was too affraid to try.
I love being able to incorporate my art school & photojournalism background into my work, I just wish I’d started this part of my photographic journey sooner!
IT ALL STARTED WHEN...
About Me
My Love Story
I believe in “happily ever afters” because I’ve found mine with my husband of 20 years, Jared. We kinda met when we were kids, as we discovered later, we both rode the same school bus for a period of time, but were formerly introduced by my older brother as teens.
We eloped a few years later at the courthouse in Annapolis. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful, just the two of us, but it went undocumented. Neither of us brought a camera to the nuptials--20 years later those memories are fuzzy at best and a huge regret for my husband and I.
What I have learned over the past two decades is marriage has its periods of challenges, but it has always been worth it. I love Jared more now than I ever thought possible, we have a rhythm that's beautiful and have created the life we've always dreamed of: stable, loving, healthy, and fulfilling.
I have vowed to give each of my clients what I don’t have: wedding photos that they will love and cherish forevermore.
Started 21 years ago...
Going the extra mile to please clients; from the initial meeting to the wedding day and after the delivery of the gallery, I vow to be the artist, resource, friend and documentarian you so deserve.
Weddings are the pinnacle of any romantic relationship, I don’t take it lightly when clients choose me to capture their beautiful day. I am confident that I can and will incorporate all of my artistic talent and technological prowess to create a wedding gallery you will cherish forevermore.
In happily-ever-afters, soul-mates and fairytale love! I celebrate couples who have found what my husband and I have: love that endures.
I Believe...
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
My husband of 20 years, Jared, and our babies…Ezra (20), Ellie (9) and Jasper (6) are my world! We also have a grandson named Dean and daughter-in-law, Alyssa! I love spending time with my family, trying out new restaurants (we’re foodies!), gardening, hiking and cuddling on the couch.
My Family
I’m the most down-to-earth, non-judgmental Christian you’re likely to ever meet. I believe in being the "light of the world," and the Biblical principle of loving others as I love myself. Using my gift to glorify God is an amazing feeling.
Jesus
I started kickboxing when I was 18 years old, and reignited the flame when I was about 30. It helps me release pent-up anxiety and become a more “chill” mom. This is how I spend my “me” time.
Kickboxing
When I’m not with my kids or photographing clients (or kickboxing) I love grabbing my paddleboard and taking it out on the Severn River. It’s a soothing way to become one with nature and appreciate some peace and quiet (yes, my kids are those kids).
Paddleboarding
Many of my ancestors were farmers, so digging in the dirt comes natually to me. Some of my best memories from childhood are the times I spent in my grandparents garden. They loved growing their own fruits and vegetables, and raised the most beautiful Sunflowers I've ever seen!
Gardening
I grew up in a little town called Cumberland in Western Maryland, so I love the mountains (but I also equally love the beach…go figure) and am totally up for hiking to a remote location for an engagement session, wedding or elopement!
The Mountains
My husband and I love to travel, most often we tote the little ones around with us. One of our favorite places to visit is the beach, literally 'any' beach! But, the Gulf Coast of Florida is one of our favs, especially if it includes scuba diving from a boat or paddleboarding with manatees!
Travelling
My Favorite Things
I can’t recommend Atalie enough!!! She is unbelievable! Not only does she take the most gorgeous photos, but she is also an absolute delight to work with. She truly goes above and beyond for her clients! She is such a lovely person, a truly calming presence. She made our wedding day so special for my husband and I. Everyone who has seen our photos has been asking for her name. Do not sleep on Atalie. Book her right away!!! I promise, you will not regret it!
-Megan C.
"She is unbelievable."
Atalie’s light and fun style caught our attention, and from the first few minutes of talking with her, we knew she would be a great fit for us. She listened to what we wanted and helped us plan a perfectly photographed day. She eased any worries we had about posing for photos, during our initial engagement shoot. We have received so many compliments on our wedding photos, and everyone she came in contact with at the wedding raves about her and her team. My husband and I cannot recommend her enough!
-Elizabeth C.
"My husband and I cannot recommend her enough!"
Atalie is the best!!! We could not be happier with the decision to hire Atalie to photograph our wedding day! As we look through our preview gallery, every photo is beautiful and exceptional. Her skilled eye and creative direction yield magical photos that perfectly captured our day. But beyond her talent behind the camera, she also is an incredibly lovely, kind person and brings a calming energy that makes working with her feel so natural and easy. We absolutely recommend Atalie to anyone seeking a photographer for their special day!
-Margette Y.
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"Atalie is the best!!!"
Atalie is so incredibly attentive, professional, and TALENTED!!!! Our pictures still have me in tears. I created a shot inspiration deck and she made sure we captured every moment. Not only did Atalie get all of the traditional shots, but she also caught SO many candids that are honestly my favorite!!! Thank you Atalie for doing us the honor of shooting the best day of our lives!
-Beth & John
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"Our pictures still have me in tears"
Are we a match made in heaven? I sure hope so. I’m really trying to get better at this social media thing, and I’d love to connect with you!