Every year in my photography business has brought me something — some lesson, some feeling, some major accomplishment. In some years, it is a year of learning. Some years have been times of growth.

I began my business officially in 2012 with a small handful of friends’ weddings and family photo sessions. By 2015, I had spent days and days and days in workshops and conferences, hovering over webinars and video tutorials and practicing over and over and over. I was a full-time wedding photographer in 2016 and 2017, with more than 25 weddings in 2017. By my second full year in Maryland (hey, 2019!), I had swayed back to just a handful of weddings with an emphasis on special events with the National Down Syndrome Society, portraits and Lake Linganore and Frederick County-area family photo sessions. 

This year some some incredible changes to Wendy Zook Photography and some of my favorite moments so far. 

NDSS Events

I covered numerous events for the National Down Syndrome Society this year and these are some of the most special things in my year. I traveled to Washington, DC, numerous times, New York City, New Orleans and Atlanta. I loved photographing all of the C-21 pop-up restaurant events, the meetings with legislators on Capitol HIll, the Buddy Walk in NYC and so much more. Sharing stories is a major reason why I love to be a photographer and these stories are so incredibly important to tell.

Love Stories Galore

While my business has shifted more to Frederick County family photo sessions, couples and romance are still an essential part of my photography. I photographed in new local venues, met and grew to befriend some of the most amazing couples and enjoyed some really fun engagement sessions. 

Special Moments

2019 brought me the joy and honor of capturing some really important moments in peoples’ lives — adoptions (one of the most touching days I’ve had as a photographer), graduating seniors, non-traditional families and extended family gatherings.

Families, families, families

I cannot begin to express how much joy I felt capturing milestones and freezing time for so many families (I actually have no idea how many families I photographed this year, but it far surpassed my goals for 2019) this year in Lake Linganore, New Market and throughout Frederick County. Some families had never had photos taken of them before; some had very few photos of their youngest kiddo; some families were going through divorces or recovering from deaths or adding new families through remarriage. Photos have had the power this year to tell individual stories of love and care.

Celebrate the Special photos

I love being able to give back, especially to people to whom I can say, “No, I really get it.” This year, I began “Celebrate the Special” photo sessions — complimentary photo sessions (with a donation to NDSS) for families with a child or children with special needs. These photos keep family members safe and comfortable and give parents a chance to know that I understand and will do everything to capture these memories for them. 

Photography Mentorships

I’m so excited to finally feel ready to mentor others in their quest to be better at photography. My Photography Mentorships began this year and are something I’m so proud of. I’ve taught parents with great cameras that they didn’t know how to use; I’ve taught hobbyist photographers; I’ve taught people who hope to one day be professional, paid photographers themselves. My mentorships are online or in-person in the Maryland area and are so very individualized to specific needs of each of my students — editing, posing, lighting, shooting in manual mode, etc, etc. 

In 2019, I found myself, my style, my behind-the-scenes process (yay for faster turnaround times!) and where I want WZP to go next. I focused a lot more on blogging and newsletters to make sure I’m sharing the phenomenal stories I’m capturing and to share upcoming plans with past and future clients. I updated some of my gear to give my clients the best possible photos and experience AND I had a one-on-one educational opportunity with one of my friends and photography mentors, Amanda Hedgepeth (LINK) I am so excited for the potential that 2020 is offering and I can’t wait to enjoy the year ahead of us.