Our Photography
"A photograph that portrays the innocence and gentleness of childhood is priceless. Unfortunately, children do not stay small forever. Some of our most treasured possessions are photographs that become a permanent part of our memories.
For a portrait to be successful, it must make an instant emotional connection with the viewer. To achieve this, the photographer needs to be able to notice in a child that special expression. A twinkle in the eye or a turn of the head, little details that say everything about the person, takes careful observation and patience. The ability to capture that for all time — that is the ultimate goal, and the biggest reward, in children's portraiture."
- MaryAnn Talamo M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr. 2007
Twenty years ago, while in the midst of a personal hailstorm, I decided to make a huge change in my life and do something for myself first. Not something I'm always inclined to do. That was to take a gigantic leap of faith and buy a digital 35mm camera, a Kodak760, that looked like the huge film Hasselblad I couldn't afford, put together a kit and start photographing weddings. I already had over 10 years of experience on the job with Personal Touch Video, I had their backing in the industry, I had been photographing and developing since the age of 19 when I majored in college, I was teaching myself digital here and there, it was time to do it! And Creative Campus became Custom Digital Images in 2004, with a lifetime of experience behind it. I didn't realize then that the lifetime experience would serve me even greater than the film, art and digital imaging experience.
And now after a health respite that was longer than anticipated, I'm happy to announce that I'm back, offering both my photography and my ability to teach art to children back to my community. I've been quietly testing myself out for over a year, only to realize there's no place like home, just as Dorothy says when she clicks those ruby slippers.
So, after a six-year break, I'm excited to continue on this journey, documenting and displaying the miracle and beauty of childhood. I have no idea where the next 20 years will take me, but for now, I've had to make changes.
Before I continue, I want to take a moment to thank all the families I've had the absolute pleasure to work with over the last 20 years. Without you trusting me with your important milestones, I never would have had the career I've had! Your beautiful precious babies made my job so easy! With so many "competition worthy" newborns to create with, your gorgeous children helped me achieve all the degrees I've strived for through the Professional Photographers of America! That, as well as print compettiton, and as always, continuing education.
Now I'm excited to try to achieve my Fellowship Degree through the American Society of Photographers. I have one more year before I can officially apply to the process, but I already know my 25 images will be focused on the art of newborn photography.
Now as I go through what feels like thousands and thousands of images, over a decade of sittings where newborns became my specialty, I can't believe how many of "my" original babies are now teenagers?! It makes me so happy to watch them grow on social media into these amazing, gorgeous young people! I'm so honored that my clients treat me like an extended family member and still share these milestones with me! This was always the future I envisioned as I was holding each one of these tiny humans, and then excitedly placing them in buckets and baskets, with miles of tulle and flowers!
Unfortunately, it's taken me a lot longer to rehabilitate my health than expected, and in the time that has passed, I'm still not strong enough to consistently create that magic with my favorite tiny subjects. For anyone that has experienced those marathons long, very HOT, very fussy photo sessions with me, I'm sure you'll understand why! While it breaks my heart, I'm ready to move on to where the focus of the studio will be teaching art and photography to both kids and adults, as well as documenting my former families as they are now.
I will be available to photograph special occasions or on location sessions, like the images I'm sharing above and in my portfolio. We're also available for reorders or new orders, like having one of your past portraits hand painted or reprinted. And if your baby is featured on our website, please let me know! While I can still remember almost all of your sessions, there's no WAY we can remember whose baby belongs to who!
Please stay tuned for any changes or additions to our services and follow us on all social media platforms for the most immediate information about my studio.
Thank you, MaryAnn