Capturing Life Studios bio picture
  • Hey, I'm Hope. I am one of those college graduates who is not working in my field of study. There's a lot of us, I know! After college, I was working as a graphic designer, creating food and drink product labels. I had wonderful co-workers, but everyday it felt like "work". I was unfulfilled so, I completely changed industries. I worked for several years as a medical coder for a general surgery practice. While I made some wonderful friendships there, I realized that a 9-5 desk job just wasn't me. So, I quit and Capturing Life Studios was born {still amazed at God's faithfulness through this whole process}.

    Capturing Life Studios preserves memories through custom photography. Sessions are designed around YOU, and we have fun! Yes, fun! {You're skeptical I know}. Please feel free to browse samples of work here or email me and say 'Hey!' via hope@capturinglifestudios.com.

    When I am not with my camera, you'll find me drinking hot chocolate snuggled with a book, watching Food Network, exploring the globe with my amazing husband, or having a tea party with Elliana {my almost 2-1/2 year old}.

It All Started With a Blind Date!

Let me introduce you to my dear friend, Beth and her fiance, Dan.

They have lots of reasons to be excited. In less than 6 months, they are getting married!!

Beth and Dan were set-up on a blind date. Beth is passionate, vibrant, and full of life. Dan is also a very passionate and full of life, but  not quite as expressive as Beth:)She loves Jesus, music, and dance, and is currently a dance instructor. Dan also loves Jesus and music and is currently a youth pastor.

These are two of my favorites from our afternoon together yesterday!

Beth is spontaneous. Dan is a planner. Both have a sense of adventure! For their honeymoon, they are planning a cross-country drive, west coast back to east coast!

Can you see the dancer in Beth? She was just being herself:)

Beth’s engagement ring is purple, her favorite color.

Dan loves Philadelphia, and is a Philadelphia sports fanatic {as you can tell by the Eagles and Phillies jersies}.

In fact, Dan took Beth to a park in Philadelphia and proposed at the exact spot where his Dad proposed to his Mom. Awww, so sweet!

Congratulations Beth and Dan! I loved spending the afternoon with you two, and I’m so excited for you to share your lives together. Can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you both!

29º + Snow on the Ground! | Chambersburg Maternity Portrait Photographer

Jonathon and Melanie are expecting a baby girl next month! We met yesterday at the Inn at Ragged Edge {a gorgeous location, which is also a great place to have an event! Mel’s baby shower was at the Inn, making it an extra special location for our session}.

The Inn was beautifully nestled in snowy trees.

Jonathon and Melanie are fun-loving, full of smiles and excited to be parents.

Melanie, I love these! You are a beautiful Mom-to-be!

Congratulations to both of you! Excited to meet your sweet baby girl!

Greencastle The Film

Greencastle is not just my hometown anymore.

Greencastle” is a local, independent film shot in Greencastle and Hagerstown. It was written, directed, and produced by one of my high school classmates, Koran Dunbar. I had the privilege of working with Koran and his lead actor and actress last weekend.

A faith-based drama, the story chronicles Poitier (Koran) in his search for meaning amidst the ache of despair.

Watch this trailer, and then go here to purchase tickets for the Red Carpet Premier on March 31st at the Maryland Theatre.

As I am writing this post, Koran is currently in LA for the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema. So excited for him!

The Biggest Christmas Surprise Ever!

I know it’s January, and Christmas is over. As excited as I am about 2012, it’s always hard for me to say goodbye to Christmas and the wonder and awe that surround it. Life slows down {after all the fun get-togethers} and people take more time to cherish and embrace loved ones. There is more time for snuggling by the lights of the Christmas tree, late mornings of sleeping in, cozy nights with hot chocolate and homemade cookies, late nights of Christmas movies, and a ton of play time with Daddy (who, as a teacher, has a wonderful Christmas break)!

This past Christmas held the biggest surprise for me ever! But first, here are a few highlights…

This is my daughter and my niece. While not technically perfect, this images captures a moment in time that is priceless to me. Every time I look at it, it takes me back to that Christmas Eve night and I can just hear their giggles of excitement.

Christmas morning!

My two loves!And thanks to Daddy for snapping this one of us girls!

So, my biggest Christmas surprise? It was a sealed envelope containing a piece of paper.

I know, it looks so ordinary. What’s so exciting about it, you think? Well, this paper would reveal the gender of our baby! So, in front of the tree Marty and I sat on Christmas morning. Face to face with one another, I was bursting with anticipation. Marty opened the envelope behind his back, unfolded the piece of paper and laid it open between us. “On the count of 3, we will both look down,” I said. Ready?

1……….2……….3!

I was so surprised I was speechless! I thought for sure I was going to have a boy, but it looks like Elliana will have a baby sister in April! And, I couldn’t be happier for her to have a sister! I can’t imagine life without mine:)

Thank You!

2011 has been a year of growth, love, and support.

Being a photographer has allowed me to live out my dreams {and dare to dream bigger}, and I have met amazing people along the way.

I look back at 2011 extremely grateful.