Goddesses of Light and Dark

June 22, 2014

To round out an incredible weekend, I was able to do another concept shoot inspired by light and dark. With outfits designed by RCB Fashion, this shoot was a total success. My models were two of my students who dutifully performed their roles as goddesses. Plenty of prancing, climbing, and even a little fire was involved in the shoot at Vines Park, and a great time was had by all involved. I can't thank everyone enough from Mallory and Jessica, to Darin (my talented photography assistant) for producing another stunning shoot.

Ethereal Water Goddess

June 21, 2014

Over the course of my student teaching I had the utmost pleasure to come to know Maddie. Maddie was not only a brilliant student, but wonderful actress, and now model. She is one of the most unique spirits that I know, and I wanted to use that energy in a concept shoot. Taking advantage of the hot Georgia weather, we picked a water shoot that emerged into a water goddess themed shoot. Needless to say, it was a great time. Maddie was willing to do just about anything in the water, and I don't think she minded too much as it poured over her. In the end we walked away with some fantastic images and I look forward to shooting with her again before the summer is out.

Leslie and Stuart's Story

May 27, 2014

Over the weekend I had the honor to capture the wedding and the first moments of a truly beautiful marriage. Stuart, my former design professor, and Leslie, one of the box office managers at the theatre department had the most beautiful and Pinterest-perfect outdoor wedding. I was thrilled to be a part of their day. A small wedding, surrounded by family, and close friends, the weather couldn't have been better. Being the theatre artist that he was, Stuart designed and built a wooden backdrop for the ceremony that was then adorned with multiple bouquets of flowers. The theme continued inside for the brief reception with more local-area goodies for the gift bags, table arrangements, and music. During the toast, Stuart told the story of the beginning of their relationship, and the Jeep ride that turned into a 19-hour first date through the mountains and rivers of North Georgia. It was a moving tale.

There were so many beautiful touches throughout the day. After the toast, Leslie's oldest daughter presented them with an unusual gift. A jar of dirt. After some quizzical looks, she went on to tell them the meaning behind the jar, which had several distinct layers of dirt. Each layer represented a part of their lives and where they had each planted their roots at one point in time, from red Georgia clay, to dirt from their engagement location, and then topped off with mulch from the ceremony. Everyone was caught up in the moment. It was truly a day to remember and we wish Stuart and Leslie all the best and many happy and loving years together.

An evening with the Vulpithera Ladies

May 27, 2014

Last week I had the wonderful pleasure of working with two of the Vulpithera ladies. I've worked with Jocey before through Meet and Shoot, and Ianna was there to help assist some of the ladies who were modeling that afternoon. We rented out a studio space in Buford for the evening and our whole concept was our favorite things. I wanted my first solo studio experience to be very casual and laid back, because I knew that things would probably somewhat unclear and uncertain. I brought in two additional photographers, two of my DDD sisters, who then also served as models at some point in the evening. Did I mention that it was incredible warm in that space? I think everyone was the definition of a hot mess by the end of the night. Despite the heat and craziness of running around, I think that everyone had an awesome time, and there was some fantastic art that was produced in that space. I can't wait to work with them again! Check out their work!

Exploring nighttime portraiture

May 17, 2014

She's pretty much the happiest person I know!

Before I left on vacation to the great Northwest, I had the pleasure of doing an evening shoot with the lovely Jazz. Jazz and I were students at the same theatre program and she has one of the most vibrant and joyful personalities I've ever had the pleasure of encountering. We paired the shoot with some magic hour head shots, and then moved into the more challenging part of the evening. Jazz didn't seem to mind all the gear that I had to lug around (and this is me wishing that I had brought an assistant just for that purpose) and the trial and error of exposure and scenic elements. Overall it was a wonderful shoot that went on for over 2+ hours, and ended in a delicious frosty ice-cream cone. Can't wait to shoot with her again!

A very beautiful and successful first wedding!

March 03, 2014

Did I mention that she bought her dress at Goodwill? It's stunning!!

On Saturday morning, Darin and I packed up our gear and drove to Niota, TN, east of Chattanooga. Nikki and Dan were so gracious to bring us on as their wedding photographers, so I was both excited and nervous about they day. Thankfully it was a small and intimate wedding which made things much easier on my nerves, and not to mention that Nikki is just an absolutely wonderful person to begin with. The weeks leading up to their big day I've spent some time watching Creative Live which was broadcasting 30 Day of Wedding Photography. I was brimming with ideas of what to do and how to capture my images. Nikki and Dan chose Springbrook Golf and Country Club for both their ceremony and reception. We hit the ground running as soon as we arrived. Nikki was already on her way getting her hair done, and Dan was en-route with his son, Adrian. The two of us split up and headed off on our tasks. I was going to starting working with Nikki and the bridal details, and Darin was working on getting all of the wedding details. Everyone was in such high spirits that day and the energy was just buzzing, especially with the mother of the bride, Cathy.

As the ceremony began to get underway, I was blown away by the beauty and simplicity of it all. Dan and Nikki has chosen to be married without the aid of a wedding part, and wrote their own vows. The whole ceremony was very lovely, personalized, and full of feelings. I know that the two of them will live up to their vows.

After the family formals Nikki, Dan, and I headed outside to capture their first portraits as husband and wife. Nikki is so spunky and knows how to be beautiful and work the camera at the same time. Dan is a very lucky man. It was overcast and a little windy, but we we able to get their images and head back inside for the reception.

Have I mentioned that Nikki is fun and awesome? She was out on the dance floor almost the entire time, whether is was slow dancing with Dan or dancing the Cha Cha Slide with those who were brave enough to step on the dance floor with the bride. Darin was fantastic as my second shooter and assistant, and I couldn't have picked a better partner to work with. All in all it was incredible day, and I was happy to be there for the two of them as the photographer, but more importantly as their friend. I wish them only the best for the rest of their days.

A big mile stone coming up on Saturday

February 27, 2014

Very happy for these two to be tying the knot!

Over the past 6 months I've had the pleasure of getting to know a very lovely model, Nikki, and her soon-to-be-husband, Dan. Nikki and I started working together through a modeling service and she has got to be one of the sweetest girls that I've ever worked with. After shooting their engagement photos last year up at their house in Tennessee, we set the plans in motion to be there for her wedding on March 1. I am excited, and a little nervous, for Saturday, but I think it will be a splendid occasion. Darin will be with me as my second shooter and I know that he can help build up any confidence that I may have accidentally left behind. Look for plenty of images from their big day!