Pam Long Photography

12/07/2025

Had a fun morning with some of the incredible people who make up our community as we rode through the heart of Historic Ellicott City, showcasing the businesses and the Farmers Market.

Huge thanks to our amazing trolley driver for getting us around with smiles and style, to the business owners who joined me for a feel-good morning of connection and information, and to Kristin, the heart and hustle behind the Old Ellicott City Farmers Market.

We may have been riding the trolley, but it’s always been the people…visitors, customers, business owners, residents, and property owners…who keep things moving in this town! 💝

Here's a few behind the scene pics, can’t wait to share the video soon…stay tuned!

oecfarmersmarket Manor Hill Tavern Georgia Grace Cafe Sweet Elizabeth Jane Earth Tribe Shop The ClayGround Studio & Gallery
Visit Ellicott City Ellicott City Partnership Kristin Schad Vergis

10/07/2025

Wendy Pidel | 49 | Master Firefighter/EMT, Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services

Wendy Pidel is a force of nature. Part firefighter, part artist, part community hero. And 100% heart.

A Master Firefighter/EMT with Howard County Fire & Rescue since 1999, Wendy is also a longtime Ellicott City resident, a wife, and a proud mom to two teenage boys. She’s served her town in countless ways, including hand-painting the iconic “Ellicott City” on the train bridge over Main Street (the Oliver Viaduct) not once, but three times.

“My community, my family, and my career are always on my mind,” Wendy shared.

“Leading by good example and serving others is how I am most successful and fulfilled in my life.”

Whether she’s making soup for a sick neighbor, mentoring a new recruit, or volunteering at a town event, Wendy is all in. And lately, as she nears 50, she’s been learning to give herself the same care and attention she so readily gives to others.
“I’ve been prioritizing setting a good example for me, too,” she said. “I try to stay in shape and eat well…not just for my health, but so I can do my job and keep up with my family.”

Her view on aging is both real and refreshing:“I love the juxtaposition of new muscle definition in my arms along with new silver hairs on my head. Crows feet? They’re reminders of all the great laughs I’ve had. Sun spots? From vacations I’ve been fortunate to take. Grays? They’re badges of surviving big things in life.” I absolutely love her take on this!

Wendy’s energy is magnetic and being around her makes you feel grounded, inspired, and lighter. I first met her years ago when she asked me to photograph her wedding, and I’ve been lucky enough to call her a friend ever since. Having her, Adam, and their boys in my life is a true blessing.

She’s the kind of friend who shows up, lends a hand, makes you laugh, and reminds you what really matters.

Wendy is the very definition of strength, service, and heart. And I’m beyond honored she said yes to the 40 Over 40 Experience.

𝐖𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝟎 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟎 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧.

Details: https://www.pamlongphotography.com/the-40-over-40-experience

08/07/2025

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz | Executive Director at Women's Giving Circle of Howard County of Howard County

Buffy is a powerhouse in the philanthropy world and a woman whose heart is just as impressive as her leadership.

Over a decade ago, she co-authored the award-winning book Women & Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World. That title isn’t just a tagline, it’s a guiding principle in Buffy’s life. For her, philanthropy isn’t just about giving; it’s about building a better future.

"My thoughts on giving were originally shaped by my parents," she shared. "And my husband and I have made a point of exposing our four children, our son and daughter-in-law, and our two granddaughters to the benefits of giving to, and caring for, community."

Buffy believes deeply in the collective power of women:
"Pooling our money allows us to have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. This is the power of women’s philanthropy."

She’s spent her life standing shoulder to shoulder with women who give boldly, act intentionally, and inspire real change. Her leadership has shaped organizations, uplifted causes, and created ripples of generosity that reach far beyond what can be measured.

Having Buffy in the studio was a true honor. I’ve known her for years through events and brief conversations, but spending time one-on-one allowed me to truly experience the warmth, grace, and strength behind her public leadership. I’m honored not only to have had the opportunity to create her portraits, but also to call her a friend. She’s the real deal, through and through.

We need more women like Buffy. I’m thrilled to open the next round of the 40 Over 40 Experience to celebrate more incredible changemakers just like her.

𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟒𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬!
https://www.pamlongphotography.com/the-40-over-40-experience

410.988.5563
[email protected]

Interested in her book? Women & Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping a Better World: https://bit.ly/46xTjOy

To learn more about Women's Giving Circle: https://www.womensgivingcircle.org/

27/06/2025

This post celebrates the power of community and the impact, empowerment, and inspiration that come from people lifting each other up.

This image represents extraordinary women who came to us wanting portraits, whether headshots, branding, family, couple, pet, or bo***ir, and became part of something far greater. By joining the 40 Over 40 Project, they not only celebrated themselves, but also helped make a meaningful difference in our community.

Because of these women, we had the incredible honor this week of presenting a donation check to the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation. We were honored to be joined by M. Shafeeq Ahmed,MD,MBA,FACOG, President of JHHCMC; Jeanette Nazarian, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Kirsten Baier, Vice President of the Foundation (who has worked alongside me from the very beginning); and Rachel Ricketts-Uy, Director of Development.

To each of my beautiful clients who participated: thank you for your trust, your openness, and for sharing your story. You showed up for yourself and for each other with vulnerability, strength, laughter, and wisdom. Spending one-on-one time with each of you was a privilege.

To my amazing partner in this project, Mary Jordan of Bra-La-La, our gifted makeup artist Mary beth Dulin, Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant, and my incredible team, Therese, Karen, and Berni (I wish I could clone each of you!), thank you for pouring your enthusiasm, talent, and heart into every detail.

With heartfelt thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, and to all of our valued sponsors, your support and belief in this mission helped turn a dream into a lasting impact. We’re so grateful to have had you by our side.

Are you a women who’s 40 or better…if you’re ready to be seen, celebrated, and have a custom portrait experience designed just for you, we are now welcoming the next round of women into the 40 Over 40 Experience.
https://www.pamlongphotography.com/the-40-over-40-experience
Let’s keep making magic.

23/06/2025

We’re almost ready for the check presentation to the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical CenterFoundation and we’d love your help making it even bigger! This is about supporting women’s health right here in our community, and every dollar makes an impact.

Your donation goes toward supporting women’s health initiatives, programs that educate, uplift, and save lives.

Donate online: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/give�
Click “Select your gift designation”
Select “Other – please specify”
and type “40 Over 40” to direct your gift.

This is about friends, families, and neighbors coming together to create a brighter, healthier future for women in our community. Let’s rally together, open our hearts, and make this a gift that truly makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of this, together, we can make an impact that lasts for generations!



Bra-La-La

12/06/2025

Thank You to Our 40 Over 40 Celebration Gala Sponsors!💝

To the incredible sponsors who made our 40 Over 40 Celebration Gala possible…
THANK YOU.

Your support helped us celebrate 53 phenomenal women in a room filled with joy, laughter, and the kind of energy that only happens when women are truly seen and celebrated.

Because of your generosity, we created an unforgettable evening, one that honored strength, beauty, resilience, and community.
You helped lift voices.
You made women feel worthy.
You helped us give back.
You became part of something bigger.

We are extremely grateful to our Presenting Sponsor,
💛 Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny LLC - darslaw.com
This remarkable law firm is more than just legal excellence, they are champions of the community. With deep roots in Howard County and beyond, DARS serves businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and families with integrity, expertise, and heart. Their commitment to supporting local causes and strengthening community partnerships is truly inspiring.

We’re honored to thank the following community-minded sponsors, each of whom played an essential role in bringing the Gala, and the 40 Over 40 Project, to life:
💛 Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home – harrywitzkefuneralhome.com
💛 Sweet Art Cakery by Erica – facebook.com/SweetArtCakerybyErica | instagram.com/sweetart_cakery_byerica/
💛 Time Saver Advantage – tsadvantage.com
💛 Simpson Law, PA – simpsonlaw.biz
💛 Compass – Suzi Padgett, Realtor – compass.com/agents/suzi-padgett/
💛 Bra-La-La – bra-la-la.com
💛 Mary beth Dulin, Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant – mbdulin.com
💛 Advertising Media Plus - AMPs – ampsinc.net
💛 The Collective Offshore The Collective Encore – thecollectiveoffshore.com | thecollectiveencore.com
💛 Catalyst Communications – catacominc.com
💛 Atlantic Union Bank | Sandy Spring Bank – atlanticunionbank.com | sandyspringbank.com
💛 Cured / 18th & 21st – cured1821.com
💛 Richcroft, Inc.- richcroft.org/
💛 Active Photo Booth - activephotobooth.com/

This year’s 40 Over 40 Project also raised awareness and support for the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation, an organization doing incredible work to strengthen healthcare in our community.

💝It’s not too late, please consider donating!💝
Visit: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/give
Select “Other – please specify” and type “40 Over 40” to direct your gift.

To all of our wonderful sponsors, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping this vision come to life and for making every woman feel seen, celebrated, and valued. The ripple effect of your support is already spreading.

With endless gratitude,
Pam

09/06/2025

What happens when a bold vision is met with open hearts, helping hands, and an unstoppable collective spirit?

Magic! 💝

The 40 Over 40 Project is not only about portraits or a gala.
It’s about helping women pause. And reflect. And seeing the greatness within them.
It’s about showing them their worth, their beauty, and their power, because it’s immense.
It’s about rewriting the narrative of aging.
It’s about inspiring the next generation through the voices and stories of these women.
It’s about community.
It’s about raising awareness and funds for the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation.

To every single woman who has said yes to this journey...
To the sponsors who generously support the vision...
To the team who works tirelessly behind the scenes...
To the women who show up, let themselves be seen, and support one another...
YOU are what makes this possible.

Thank you for embracing this dream with such open arms.
For celebrating one another so fully.
For believing in something bigger than all of us.

This is the first of many posts this week, because each group deserves to be seen and celebrated. The sponsors, the team, the women, the community, there is so much gratitude to share, and I can’t wait to honor you all.

In the meantime, I want to shout THANK YOU from the rooftops. Your support has meant everything.

There’s still time to donate to the Hospital Foundation in honor of this extraordinary community of women. Any amount is welcome, needed, and appreciated.
** https://lnkd.in/e-hVAjDM **
Once there:
• Scroll to “Select your gift designation”
• Choose “Other – please specify”
• Type “40 Over 40” so your gift is directed properly
Let’s keep the magic going.

And yes, the next edition of the 40 Over 40 Experience is officially underway! Stay tuned or reach out if you’re ready to say YES.

11/05/2025

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today we celebrate the strength, beauty, and love of all the incredible women who pour so much into the lives of others.

Whether you are a mother or love like one, this day is for you.

Sending all the good vibes and big hugs your way. Hope you feel seen, celebrated, and deeply appreciated. 💝

Here’s to honoring you today and everyday!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


17/04/2025

It’s time!

☀️ You Are My Sunshine is now open for booking, and we only have 12 spots available! ☀️

This is more than a family portrait session, it’s a chance to support Zaching Against Cancer in memory of Zachary Lederer, just days before what would have been his 32nd birthday.

☀️ April 27 at the beautiful The Howard County Conservancy
☀️ $100 from your session is donated
☀️ 30-minute session
☀️ Only $390 – same luxury experience I provide to all my clients

Let’s create something beautiful together.

This sold out quickly last year! Click now:

You Are My Sunshine Mini Session Fundraiser - Pam Long Photography

11/04/2025

CHANGE OF DATE:
A quick update on our You Are My Sunshine fundraiser…
I was planning to spend April 27 capturing beautiful moments for families, something I obviously love doing, but I also want to honor a friend by attending their Celebration of Life that same day. It’s never easy when personal and professional priorities overlap.
While we won't be holding the full event this spring, anyone already booked will still be photographed as scheduled, your session times do not interfere with the celebration, and I’m looking forward to our time together.
With Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends just ahead, it’s been nearly impossible to find a new date this season. So we’ll shift this special event to the fall, when the weather is just as beautiful.
I’m so grateful to Zaching Against Cancer and the Howard County Conservancy for their understanding and support as we coordinate this date change. Their partnership means the world, and I can’t wait to bring this event to life together later this year.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of Zaching Against Cancer.
Stay tuned, more to come as we plan for a truly meaningful and joyful day this fall.

19/03/2025

Brenda McGregor | Life, Career, and Leadership Coach | Speaker | “If Only” Podcast Host

From the moment I met Brenda, I knew she was someone special. Each time we connect, I learn more about her, her family, and the incredible mission she’s built. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

“My journey has been rich with milestones, including becoming more comfortable in my own skin as I age,” Brenda shares. “I am deeply grateful for my glass-half-full mindset, which has helped me embrace every twist and turn on my path. From my first marriage at 19 and becoming a mother at 21, to remarrying in 2004 and welcoming three daughters, and then becoming a guardian to a 15-year-old young man from the inner city who needed an advocate, my life has been a testament to curiosity, growth, and transformation. I have transitioned from being a mother to one child to loving five children and nine grandchildren. Each of them has, in their own unique way, provided me with some of my most significant life lessons.”

Her professional journey is just as inspiring. She built and led the HR department at a mid-size hospitality company, became a trusted partner to ownership and consistently delivered on her company’s values and mission. “I am most proud of establishing and leading that department,” she says. “It allowed me to create a culture of collaboration, support, and growth.” Her leadership fostered a holistically healthy department, with a specialized focus on Risk Management and Coaching. And, she accomplished all of this without a college degree.

Beyond her career, Brenda’s passion for mentorship and community shines through. Whether guiding young entrepreneurs at Elizabeth Seton High School, supporting DeMatha Catholic High School football players, or pouring love into her grandchildren, she finds inspiration in the next generation. Her connection to DeMatha football runs deep, her husband, Bill, has been coaching there for years, dedicating his time to shaping young athletes both on and off the field. Brenda has embraced this role as well, offering unwavering support to the players and becoming a steadfast presence in their lives.“ Their passion is contagious,” she says. “I often wish we could bottle it up and share it with those who feel worn down by life’s challenges.”

Her mission extends even further through her podcast, If Only, where she amplifies stories of women who have broken through barriers to achieve their dreams. She also offers coaching programs designed to help women step into their full potential and create lives they love.

Getting to know Brenda has been an absolute privilege. Her wisdom, warmth, and dedication to uplifting others are truly remarkable. I can’t wait to see the impact she continues to make! She loves life, and it’s obvious life loves her! 💝

Makeup artistry - Mary beth Dulin, Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant

Interested in Headshots and/or Branding Photos? Let's talk.
410.988.5563 | [email protected]

17/03/2025

Marie Ritzenberg | 43 | Mortgage Advisor

One of the greatest rewards of my work is helping people put their best face forward, whether through headshots and branding photos that elevate their professional presence, family portraits that capture love and connection, senior sessions that celebrate milestones, or bo***ir photography that empowers women to see their own beauty and strength. Just as meaningful, though, are the connections I build along the way, clients who become friends. When Marie reached out, we had only known of each other, and through our initial phone call, design consultation, and photoshoot, I got to know her better and truly enjoyed every moment working with her. It was a true joy to learn about Marie’s story, her passions, and her vision, and to see how those elements came to life through our time together.

As a woman who has embraced every stage of life with confidence and grace, Marie’s perspective on beauty has evolved over the years.
"When I was younger, I often equated beauty with physical appearance: flawless skin, a perfect figure, the latest fashion trends," she reflects. "I sought validation from the world around me, measuring my worth against those ideals."

Today, her definition of beauty is far more profound. It’s about confidence, kindness, and authenticity. "The glow of self-acceptance shines brighter than any makeup could," she says. "I’ve realized that vulnerability can be beautiful too, and that sharing my authentic self creates connections that are far more meaningful than surface-level compliments."

For Marie, beauty is about embracing who she is, inside and out, and appreciating the journey that has shaped her. She hopes to pass this perspective on to her children, encouraging them to recognize beauty in themselves and the world around them.

Marie’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s passionate about helping others build wealth and security through homeownership. "A stable home is often the first step toward building wealth and community," she explains. She believes in educating and empowering individuals to navigate homeownership, from first-time buyers to seasoned investors.

Through mentorship, workshops, and advocacy, Marie is making a difference, helping people achieve financial milestones that shape their futures. "Ultimately, my goal is to help people build a foundation for success. Their excitement shows me that I’ve made a positive impact in their lives."

Marie’s story is one of transformation, empowerment, and purpose, proving that beauty isn’t just something we see; it’s something we create through the way we live and uplift others. 💝

Makeup artistry - Mary beth Dulin,

www.pamlongphotography.com
410.988.5563
[email protected]