About Us
RAE MORIARTY, Certified Professional Photographer (Portrait Photography Specialist)- Rae Moriarty is a skilled portrait artist who has a talent for connecting with her subjects. She can easily, after years of experience, bring forth a certain smile or expression that is truly unique to each individual. Many of her clients are amazed at this special ability. She discovered her love for photography while earning a degree in fine art from Southeastern Louisiana University. After traveling the world, touring the very art museums she had studied in college, she decided to combine her love for photography and art into her career. To continue her education in the ever-changing world of digital photography, Rae joined the Virginia Professional Photographer's Association and the Professional Photographer's of America. After years of study, a rigorous exam, and a challenging print review, she is now a Certified Professional Photographer with the PPA one of only 1700 worldwide. Rae attends national conferences and has traveled internationally to study with some of the most well-known industry leaders in the field of photography. In 2006, she was asked to serve as Governor for the Northern District and on the Board of Directors of the VPPA. In 2008, Rae received 3 Blue Ribbons for her entries in the annual print competition and her print, "At the Threshold" was awarded a Court of Honor in the Wedding Portrait Category. She resides in Virginia with her husband and two children. MARIE PIACESI, Associate Fellow of Photography (Wedding Photography Specialist)- Marie began her career as a wedding photographer in 1998. Prior to that, she had been working in a research lab, putting that Biology B.S. from Virginia Tech to good use. In 1998, she met Bill Piacesi, a Master Photographer from Culpeper, VA, and her life would be forever changed. Bill had been a wedding photographer for 12 years. One weekend, his wedding assistant was unable to help out, so he asked Marie to lend a hand, with loading film (remember that?) and carrying equipment, etc. Within an hour after arriving at the church, while Bill was off shooting portraits of the groom, Marie was seeing behind-the-scenes moments that would be perfect caught on film. Unfortunately, she had no camera to capture those moments. Weeks later, Bill set her loose with a Nikon 35mm camera, to document all the wonderful photojournalistic moments that weddings had to offer. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2002, Marie became a member of the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), Southeastern Professional Photographers Association (SEPPA) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). One year later, she joined Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). Membership in these organizations allows her to continually learn about the latest technology, products, and trends within the photography business. By attending conventions at the state, regional, national, and international level, she has been exposed to information from hundreds of other professional photographers, which contributes immensely to her knowledge and growth as a photographer. In 2005, Marie earned the Distinguished Award from the VPPA for her wedding candid entitled "Boundless", which depicts a liberating moment for two brides following their commitment ceremony. She continues to earn blue ribbons for her photographic images entered into print competition annually at the VPPA State Convention. She served as Tradeshow Chairman for the 2008 Annual Convention where her print entitled "Faithful" was awarded the Best Wedding Candid. She also earned her Associate Fellow of Photography (AFP) Degree from the VPPA . BILL PIACESI, (Commecial Photography Specialist)- .........has been a professional photographer for over 20 years and during that time he has photographed over 1300 weddings. He also now specializes in Architectural & Boudoir/Glamour Photography. He is a member and Past-President of the Virginia Professional Photographers' Association (VPPA) from which he has earned the Fellow of Photography Degree (highest degree). He is also a member of the Southeastern Professional Photographers' Association (SEPPA),the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). In 1997 he earned his Master of Photography Degree from the PPA becoming the youngest person in Virginia to do so. In 2008 he also earned his Photographic Craftsman Degree making him 1 of only 33 professional photographers in Virginia (out of 2400) who have earned both of these degrees. He has had 6 images accepted into the Permanent Loan Collection of the PPA and has had an image on display at EPCOT Center. He has won 4 Fuji Masterpiece Awards and 3 Kodak Gallery Awards and The Grand Photographic Award (Highest Award) at 1997 VPPA Convention. He has also won Best in Show (Illustrative Category) from SEPPA (1998). In 2008 he was awarded Best in Show, the Best Creative Award and The Peoples' Choice Award for his image titled, "Drawn to Her". He has had 2 images selected for publication by the PPA Magazine (1998, 2000), two cover images of the VPPA Magazine and 1 cover image of the SEPPA magazine. He was awarded the SEPPA Award, The PPA National Award and, in 2008, the Virginia Award for his service to the profession of photography by the VPPA. He was also awarded the SEPPA Board of Governors Award for Service in 2005. He is currently serving on the VPPA board for an unprecedented 2nd time filling in for the late Randy Searle. After 20+ years as a professional photographer, Bill now mentors young (and not-so-young) professional photographers adhering to the idea of "Paying it forward" as his way of thanking all of his mentors who have helped him thus far in his career.News
News info NEW STUDIO AND RETAIL GALLERY OPENING IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA: When the Moments Count Photography is pleased to announce the opening of their new Fredericksburg studio at the Idlewild Town Square Market Place (behind Home Depot) -- 2011 Idlewild Blvd., Suite A, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Although our location has changed, we are always dedicated to our Northern Virginia clients and vendors, and look forward to continuing those relationships. We're excited to meet new clients in central Virginia and provide the same excellent quality photographic services and products to all of our clients. FINE ART NOW AVAILABLE!! We are so excited to now offer fine art photography as finished and beautifully framed pieces for home decor and gift giving. We have recently studied under one of the best fine art photographers in the country, Barbara Ellison. Through her workshop, our ceativity flooded forth with a new passion for print making. Be sure to visit the Fine Art Gallery on this website or stop in to view our new Gallery in person. VPPA CONVENTION NEWS: WTMC Photography made a fantastic showing at the annual Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) Convention held in Portsmouth, VA in February 2008. Bill served as Convention Chairman for an unprecedented 2nd time, filling in for our dear friend, Randy Searle, whose sudden passing in 2006 was a tremendous blow to the Association. Marie served as Trade Show Chairman, recruiting camera stores, photo labs, background suppliers and frame companies, among others, to meet with the membership and discuss their products and services. In Print Competition, Marie received a blue ribbon and a First Place Award in the Social Event Candid category for her print entitled “Faithful”. She also received her Associate Fellow of Photography (AFP) Degree for photographic excellence and service to the VPPA. Rae earned 3 blue ribbons for her images entered into competition and received a Court of Honor Award for her Social Event Portrait entitled “At the Threshold”. For his digital, pencil-sketch collage entitled “Drawn to Her”, Bill earned a First Place Award in the Creative category, People’s Choice Award, Kodak Gallery Award, Best in Show, and the highest score in Print Competition this year, with a 99!! He was also presented with the Virginia Award for his service to the VPPA. Way to go, team!!!! Please check back with us regularly to learn the latest on special events and studio promotions. Until next time....