Headshots with Dobby
Rev. Dr. Linda Barnes is the minister of Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Plymouth, New Hampshire. She’s been there four years, having moved from the mid-west. Recently, she needed to update her headshots – she couldn’t put it off any longer!
She brought her cleric robe, along with two handmade stoles. The first was made for her ordainment. The second was made by Judi Hall and given to her from the Starr King congregation. Each element of the stoles is significant. They are true works of art, and Rev. Linda wanted to include them in her headshot session.
On the inside of the stole made by Judi Hall is a screen print of a character named Dobby from the Harry Potter series. Dobby is a house elf who is incredibly brave and who is driven by loyalty. His figure was added to the inside of Rev. Linda’s stole because, as she said to her congregation, “I’m afraid. It’s scary being up here [on the pulpit].” And yet, she does it, to serve them.
When Rev. Linda called me about headshots, she told me that she’s dreadfully afraid of the camera. “No worries,” I said, “I’ll direct you the entire time. There is nothing you can do wrong.”
I’m so happy that Rev. Linda brought Dobby to her session. It worked!
How to Prepare for Your Portrait Session: The Beauty Checklist

- Hair cut and/or color
- Whiten teeth
- Manicure (neutral nails) and pedicure (fun colors are great for toes!)
- Wax or tweeze eyebrows
- Moisturize everywhere!
- Arrive at the studio with clean, dry, unstyled hair and a clean, moisturized face
- Wear a button-up shirt so you can easily change into your first outfit without a touchup.
Overlay Test
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Transcending Labels
When someone commissions me to create portraits, we meet to talk about how they want to be photographed. We talk about style, wardrobe, makeup, and hair. I get a sense of who they are and what they’d like to share with the world.
Amy decided to fearlessly present different sides of herself. In our planning meeting, she said, “I am interested in exploring James Bond. I went through some writing of mine and found a passage where I talked about wanting to be Bond when I was growing up and not some silly Bond Girl. I like the idea of adopting that persona and exploring the other side of it…”
A photo session typically involves a couple of outfit changes, and Amy’s was no different. In addition to James Bond, she loves all things British, including tweed, smart shoes, and tea. She’s a storyteller and a writer.
I love helping people see how beautiful they are, especially when that beauty is not traditional. Beauty is many things: it is smooth skin or wrinkles, it is tattoos or birthmarks, it is straight or gay, it is young or old.
Amy said, “Maundy is the first photographer to truly capture my spirit and who I am as a person.”
There is only one you. Celebrate who you are, right now.
Assistant: Margie Salvatore
Tuxedo: Ralph Lauren / Dressers Unlimited
Photographer: Maundy Mitchell
Dog Days
Karen & Brian are celebrating 30 years of marriage. They wanted photos for themselves, and for their children. We chose locations close to their home in Campton, NH—a covered bridge and a peaceful, secluded pond–in the White Mountains. They brought their dog, Kiyah, who was quite happy to participate!
Heidi & Paula’s Wedding
Last week, I had the incredible honor and privilege of photographing Heidi & Paula’s wedding.
The couple started their day with a private First Look in a beautiful conservation area near their home.
The ceremony and reception were held at La Piece the Room in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Heidi & Paula chose the venue for its convenient location and urban-chic feel.
The day could not have been more perfect.
To see more of Heidi & Paula’s story, view their engagement session.
Congratulations newlyweds!
Hair: Laura Mackay [Salon name]
and Sally Fysh http://www.stellahairboutique.com
Makeup: Olivia Robie http://www.facebook.com/nurturemespa
Transportation: http://www.prestigelimousinesnh.com
Rings:
Venue: http://lapiece-theroom.com
Cake: http://www.ooolalacreativecakes.com