Ben and I first met on a film set and I quickly discovered he is a talented photographer. When a photographer knows what it is to be in front of the camera, they know how to find the best in those they photograph. After seeing his work, I knew I [...]
"Choosing a gift for my mom is always my hardest task at the holidays. So when she told me she knew exactly what she wanted for Christmas this year, I was so excited…until she told me she wanted a new picture of me. Then I was…not excited. I am not [...]
Several years ago, in my wine-slinging days working events for Old 502 Winery, I was scheduled to work a bridal event at Midlane Farm in Hikes Point. They set up my table next to a photographer and that photographer was - you guessed it - Ben Marcum. Throughout the evening, [...]
You've booked your portrait session. Congratulations, you're going to have a blast! ...now what? Now, We start planning! I want your portrait experience to be special, something that you remember or the rest of your life. I also want it to be a stress-free experience full of laughter! Here's what happens- Your Portrait [...]
"I'm not photogenic" "I don't know how to pose" "I always look mean/sad/scared in photos." Most people feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of a camera, especially at first. It is not uncommon for me to be chatting with someone in the studio, they're relaxed, we're laughing, and then I [...]
One of the features included in your portrait session is a makeup artist. I am beyond thrilled to be partnered with The Beauty Patrol, a team of professional makeup artists who are recognized as some of the best in the region. Here's a few reasons why having your very own makeup [...]
I recently got to hear a world famous photographer, Platon, speak at a convention. He discussed how the act of creating a portrait is a shared experience between the photographer and the person they are photographing. I could not agree with him more - one of the most important parts of [...]
A client recently sent me a message that said, "I normally look terrified in photos. I have no idea what you did to get me to smile and look natural." While I'll take the compliment, the face is, I didn't really "do" anything, except make sure she felt relaxed and [...]
There is a wall in my studio that I call "THE REVEAL WALL". What happens in front of it is simply magical. So far, no one that has stood in front of it was prepared for what they were going to experience. After your portrait session, your images are edited, [...]
Often, when I meet someone for the first time, a conversation similar to this happens - Them: "What do you do?" Me: "I'm a portrait photographer." Them: "Oh. Like Glamour Shots?" Yes, "like Glamour Shots" in the sense that much of my work is of a studio photo of one person [...]
