MBK Top Photo Moments of 2019

The start of the new year brought me the opportunity to reflect on all of the great jobs I completed over the course of 2019. I am filled with such gratitude to be a part of so many amazing events, and continuing to do the work that I love and am so passionate about. A major part of what makes my job so special and fulfilling is my incredible clientele- some of which I have been lucky enough to know over the course of many, many years! From weddings to Mitzvahs to corporate events, there have been lots of incredibly noteworthy occasions over the past year. It’s not easy to chose favorites, but here are 10 memorable highlights from 2019!

I love this shot from the DC Mardi Gras Ball at the Washington Hilton. This year, the entire ballroom was transformed into an Alice in Wonderland theme, which was spectacular. Walking in, I immediately felt like I had fallen down a rabbit hole into this fantasy world populated by every peculiar, anthropomorphic Wonderland creature. I enjoy photographing the D.C. Mardi Gras events because it’s always an exciting experience, and every year they continue to outdo themselves!

This is one of my favorite wedding candids. I love that this photograph captures the joy and excitement of the bride’s dad seeing his beautiful daughter for the first time right before walking down the aisle. Such a special moment that I’m glad they will be able to relive forever!

Love this beautiful moment that I captured, and this event was extra special for me because I got to see my niece truly marry “an officer and a gentleman".

One of my favorite decor shots from Katherine and Alex’s stunning wedding at Columbia Country Club.

It was so great to celebrate Sofia and Habib's marriage and their baby to come… And love the added element of the birds in this picture, which could not have been timed more perfectly!

Another photo favorite from 2019 was from Karlee & Jeremy’s magical wedding on the Chesapeake Bay at Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island.

I loved celebrating Halston’s 2nd birthday one bite at a time. It’s always so great to be a part of all the wonderful Marcus family celebrations!

This is one of my favorite shots from Maggie and Tommy's fabulous wedding at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, VT. The couple climbed over a fence to get to this incredibly picturesque spot. I've known Maggie all her life so it was extra special for me to be asked to photograph her wedding. Maggie and Tommy are such a wonderful couple, and I'm so happy that they both found their rock in one another!

A favorite candid from a family photoshoot at Dewey Beach. Gathering up all the kids for a family shot could be a new Olympic sport…And Jenna, Niki and Jason would get the gold medal!

It was a memorable day photographing this engagement shoot for Harris and Katie at the scenic Rocklands Farm Winery in Poolesville, MD. I still remember photographing Harris's Bar Mitzvah so it’s an extra treat to see what a great guy he has developed into, and how happy he and Katie are together. The two of them make such a beautiful couple!

Hope you enjoyed taking a look at some of my top photo moments from 2019. I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting new endeavors 2020 brings!

Raising the Bar

March Madness officially starts today! In honor of the 2019 NCAA tournament, here is a fun Bar Mitzvah photoshoot I did for Dean Rush, a future rising basketball star.

These images were shot with the idea that many of the pictures would be used for display at the Bar Mitzvah Reception with very inspiring quotes. The concept played out incredibly well, with the entire event space being turned into his very own “Dean Dome”, which even included a basketball court dance floor! The décor was magnificent, and I was very happy to see how each picture was incorporated into the basketball theme so well. I loved working with Dean Rush and his family to bring his passion for basketball to life for his Bar Mitzvah Celebration.

For all you other basketball fans, Happy March Madness, and good luck on your brackets!

Mallory Pugh: Soccer Superstar

Mallory Pugh, the forward for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, is the youngest player to make her debut in the last 11 years. Pugh was named the 2015 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. She was voted as the 2017 Washington Spirit Most Valuable Player. In 2018, Pugh scored six goals in 13 appearances for the USWNT senior squad, including a brace against Denmark in January. The explosive and creative attacker has endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade and Neutrogena. The fact she was able to skip college and turn professional after high school is an example of how the growth of women’s soccer is providing opportunities for female players that previously didn’t exist.

I was very excited to shoot Mallory for her feature in Colorado Health & Wellness Magazine. Due to how busy Pugh is with soccer, we had a very tight timeline for this photoshoot. I went to meet with Mallory at six in the morning before her practice began. I had a great time watching her showboat some of her favorite tricks. I was very impressed with her incredible ability to use one foot to scoot the ball up her leg, then kick it with her opposite heel so that it propels the ball forward, and arcs neatly over her head. I was told that this flashy move is called the “rainbow flick” (pictured below). Talking with Mallory and getting insight into her passion and commitment to soccer was very inspiring, and I learned that she will do absolutely anything to fulfill her dreams. I look forward to watching Mallory Pugh in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

“Calling from Colorado to find the right Maryland photographer was an exhausting search. That is until I called MBK Photo. I knew Michael was the guy within five minutes of speaking to him. And he delivered. Michael made our cover feature with soccer superstar Mallory Pugh pop! His rapport helped her feel relaxed and comfortable. Michael captured Mallory’s natural beauty and personality under the pressure of a tight timeline and rising sun. Our designer had several wonderful images to choose from. I’m so proud of this publication and Michael’s images anchor it.””

— Peter Solveson, Publisher of Colorado Health & Wellness Magazine