Doug Phillips Photography | Ocean City, MD Portrait & Wedding Photographer

City of a brother's love

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:53:30 -0500

Last fall, I traveled up to Philly to photograph a little boy who turned out to be one of my most favorite subjects of all time...Jaydon. We had a great day together walking around Philadelphia, and I got some incredible images along the way. Jaydon's parents invited me up to do it all over again recently, but we had one additional subject who tagged along with us....a beautiful baby girl, Nyah. Not only was Jaydon proud to show off his toys again, he was as equally proud of his little sister. After snapping a few photos in their home, we took a stroll around their neighborhood. Along the way we found a busy playground, a great park to bask under the sun at, and a perfect fountain to toss spare change into. Nyah is not very mobile at this point, but I can't wait to come back and photograph her chasing Jaydon around their city.

A groovy kind of love

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:22:46 -0500

If these lovebirds look familiar, it's because I just took their engagement photos a few weeks before this picture perfect wedding. Meta & Patrick were married on a beautiful summer day in the company of their closest friends and family, but without their beloved dog Libra...but don't worry, she made it in a picture! I was able to capture some beautiful images of Meta and her crew on a dock before the ceremony. In the process, I came dangerously close to falling into the water myself...but it would have certainly been worth it. Patrick was the textbook example of an excited groom who was completely in love with his bride. The reception was filled with a great series of toasts, tender moments, and a perfectly executed example of "The Worm" on the dance floor. Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day guys...it was a great one indeed.

Sail away with me honey

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:45:12 -0500

Annapolis, said to the be "Sailing Capital of America", served as the beautiful backdrop for my latest engagement shoot with Patrick & Meta. Although I've been to "Naptown" on many occasions before, I've never had the chance to slow down and really walk around the alluring alleys and colonial homes that the downtown area has to offer. We really had fun with this shoot, which only had minor cases of trespassing, but major displays of public affection. It was so obvious that this couple, who are to be wed later this summer, are completely in love and it shines through in these images. Congrats to Patrick & Meta, and thanks for wearing your hearts on your sleeves.

A simple man and his bride

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:53:29 -0500

When I think about the wedding of Jacqueline & Jason, one word comes to mind...simple. They had the perfect formula: Great weather. Incredible location. Tasty food. Close family & friends. Oh yeah...a great choice of music too. Not only did these lovebirds walk into the reception under the cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman", Jason chose one of the best choices I've ever heard for a mother-son dance, "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynard. With the Chincoteague Bay as their backdrop, Jacqueline & Jason stood their ground against the bay breezes as they exchanged rings and a deep kiss. I am so happy, and proud, that they included me on their special day. What a beautiful and sincere couple.

Love on the Choptank

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:06:13 -0500

One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is that for one day, you are trusted company amongst those who experiencing one of the most important and intimate days of their lives. This was the case with Kate and Kyle, who recently got married at the Hyatt Chesapeake in Cambridge. Their big day was one of perfect weather, high emotions, and fleeting moments. As Kyle and I perched over the edge of the hotel's roof, looking over and beyond the Choptank River, he could barely hold his bundled nerves together because of the anticipation he was feeling...knowing that Kate was on her way to see him for the first time that day. What an incredible moment. After that, the rest of the day was smooth sailing for Kyle & Kate. Congrats guys...may your future be as beautiful as your wedding day.

The City of blinding lights

Wed, 12 May 2010 23:49:55 -0500

To say that this shoot will be unforgettable would be an understatement. Mike & Anne, who are getting married this fall, recently moved to Brooklyn and I jumped at the chance to do their engagement session in the foreign, yet familiar, streets of New York City. The City is one of my most favorite places to visit, and the allure of incorporating some of its biggest landmarks into my intimate session with this couple was irresistible. Anne & Mike were incredibly trusting of my suggestions to get lost within one another in some of the most public places on this planet. We shot on the ground, underground, and 119 feet above ground on the Brooklyn Bridge...where we happened to run into a fellow named Bono. If you aren't familiar with him, he's part of this up and coming band called U2. Though my tongue was tied, my fingers worked, and I got off a few frames as he walked away and sang quietly to his wife. Quite a surreal moment. "City of Blinding Lights" is a song by U2, and it perfectly describes the metropolis that is wrapped around this amorous couple.

Playing the river card

Sat, 08 May 2010 00:18:03 -0500

Lindsey & Jon's big day was one that proved that only a few things are needed for a memorable wedding: Your family, your closest friends, and a few lighthearted moments...like when the preacher forgot to tell Jon that he could kiss his bride...or perhaps when a slightly tipsy groomsman returns to the reception looking like he was attacked by a bear. After getting married at what one could describe as the quintessential cute country church, Lindsey & Jon had their reception in downtown Salisbury near the Wicomico River. The rising tide of emotions carried on through the night, and later culminated with a lone walk between the couple along the water's edge. A beautiful day, a breathtaking bride, and a proud husband...congrats to Jon & Lindsey.

"A poem begins with a lump in the throat."

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:30:36 -0500

That Robert Frost quote perfectly describes these newly engaged lovebirds. When I say newly, I mean it. Justin had only just proposed to his adoring fiance, Erica, the night before I took these engagement photos. Justin and I had been in contact for weeks working out the logistics of their special weekend, and everything worked out perfectly. Erica, a poet herself, is a stunningly beautiful bride-to-be, and there was no doubt on the day I spent with them that they are blissfully in love. Although clouds threatened our shoot in Ocean City, they held off long enough for me to get some very intimate images. How could I not be inspired by them? Congrats to Justin & Erica!

The Mother in the Rye

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:08:36 -0500

If you're a regular follower of my blog, you may recognize my good friend Jessica, who is about 8 months into her 9 month sentence pregnancy. The location for the day was the family farm in Bushwood, MD...a place that I hope you never go to. Not because it's an awful place, but because Spring in this little pocket of southern Maryland is absolutely breathtaking, and I selfishly want to keep it to myself. I must admit, I am usually the one with the unconventional ideas, but when this mother-to-be suggested that she wanted some photos in a rye field, I was intrigued. The light was barely lingering while the pollen danced across the top of the crop, but I really love the resulting image, as well as the rest that we got that day. I can't wait to for Jessica's pea to pop out of the pod!

Double Trouble

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:29:04 -0500

While the first photo and title of this post may lead one to believe that these twin sisters are 7 month old bank robbers on the run, that is far from the truth. The only thing that Rooney & Gabby are guilty of is being disgustingly cute. I first photographed these duplicated love bugs about 9 months ago while still in utero, at the same location used for this session, Pemberton Park. Clearly, these twins are not identical, and neither are their personalities...which I think these images capture. These cherubs will continue to be featured on my site in the months and years to come, so keep your eyes out for them...one for each!

I shot Hannah Montana's mom

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:40:15 -0500

Well, not really. My most recent portrait was with Wendy, who is expecting her 2nd child in a few weeks. When I asked her precious daughter, Maddie, about what she wanted to name her future sister or brother, she quickly yelled "Hannah Montana!". Well, until it's official, I'm rolling with it. This shoot had all of the perfect factors: Relaxed mom-to-be with a glorious belly, ultra cute kid with eyes that make you melt, and the best hits of the 80s on a continuous stream echoing through their home. At the end of the session, I noticed that Maddie had the perfect room for something I've wanted to try for awhile: Shots of a little kid jumping up and down on their bed. I am happy to report that in the end we were able to do that with no holes in the drywall or boo boos on the child.

Ashley & Brandon : Married

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:52:22 -0500

The latest love birds to tie the knot in front of my camera were Ashley & Brandon. I teamed up with another great photographer, Kenny Feather, to cover this beautiful union in Salisbury, MD. The ceremony went off without a hitch (well, I guess they got hitched right?) and later the festive reception was held at the Black Diamond Lodge. That night, the Baltimore Ravens were playing in an AFC Divisional playoff, so of course the big game was shown on a big screen while the reception played out itself. Later that night, an awesome sparkler exit for the bride and groom helped warm up the chilly January air. The Ravens did end up losing that night, but Brandon won the greatest prize of all, his bride.

Help me, Help you

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:18:00 -0500

At some point, everyone is down on their luck. As I type this on a frosty night, I can't help to think about those who aren't quite as warm as I am right now. There are many who have heavy hearts this time of year, who need a little lift. So, the ultimate question I ask myself, that anyone asks when they watch the heartbreaking stories on the evening news, is "What can I do?". There isn't an easy answer unfortunately. Late last year, I stumbled upon an organization that helps those who are less fortunate, in an unconventional way. Help-Portrait is a growing group of photographers who, in a nutshell, provide free-of-charge portraits to those who cannot afford such a luxury. The objective was for everyone to do this on the same day, 12.12.09, around the world. Well, I literally found out about this organization the day after this mass photo shoot happened, but I don't see anything wrong with moving forward with the same spirit. Do you know anyone who may greatly benefit by this offering? Now, keep this in mind, my time and resources are limited, and this is only meant for those who really may need such a thing. If you know of anyone who may be applicable, drop me a line and tell me why they are deserving. I am not looking for recognition or personal gain...I just want to warm hearts and awaken smiles.

Shockoe Slip Hipsters

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:17:21 -0500

Don't let the warm faces in these photos fool you. My first portraits of the year had me in the Shockoe Slip district of Richmond, VA...with below freezing temps. If you haven't been to this area of Richmond, you are really missing out. Colorful buildings and colorful people. After a bite at Bottoms Up Pizza, this trio and I headed off to take our chances against frostbite. The risk was well worth the reward. The lovebirds, Rachael & Scott, were adorable and very trusting of my ridiculous ideas. Gabby, Rachael's sister, was up for anything as well and proved to be a complete natural in front of the camera. Richmond captivated me. These girls stole my heart. I can't wait to go back and take pictures of both.

2009 : A year of favorites

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:29:05 -0500

It's hard to believe that 2009 is coming to an end. This year has been incredible for me, both personally and professionally. I have taken thousands upon thousands of photos this year, and it's really hard for me to pick out some favorites, but I gave it a shot. Are they all perfect? Heck no. Most of the images that I picked are special to me because I can recall the exact moment...and everything encompassed in that moment...when I took the photo. I really love capturing these moments for people. Twenty-ten is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting year. More weddings. More babies. More families. More friends. I can't wait! I'd like to dedicate this post to a friend of mine, Jan Cook, who just recently passed away on Christmas Eve. Jan was a creative, hysterical dynamo who happened to be a Nikon shooter herself. I regret that I never photographed her, when I should have. Jan, you will be missed.