I don’t know, is it safe to say my wife stalks women? Ogles them? Has thoughts of running her hands through their hair? Is this beginning to sound like one of those letters to the forum in a dirty mag from 80’s/90’s? Will Rachel (wife/makeup artist/hairstylist/wardrobe coordinator/photo assistant/general badass) and Mary (the beautiful young lady gracing this post above and below) appreciate the opening lead-in down Penthouse forum lane? Probably not, but I don’t think either would be surprised…
Read More
new construction equals new opportunities
I hate to beat the proverbial horse here, but I really want a studio to work out of. Sort of. I think. Well, yes and no. Yes when it is over 90 degrees, 90 percent humidity, no wind, no clouds, too much wind, 40 degrees, rain, yada, yada, yada. You get the picture. And when it’s not like that? Well, of course, outside is the way to go. Unless I want a pure color background with Cyclorama wall complete with beautifully constructed lighting that never changes unless I want it to. But outside of that pure color background, there is no way I could spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for backgrounds when if you just walk outside and look, you have hundreds of “studio” backdrops available virtually anywhere you go. It’s one reason I can’t understand photographers that go to the same places again and again. There is only so much of the train tracks, depot, or Savannah Rapids before I go nuts.
Read Morea personal maternity session
As I am getting older and mortality is becoming an ever increasing sentiment within my mind, not really but it is a good lead in, I listen to a lot of podcasts where health, nutrition, and fitness is a focus and I have attempted to clean up my act by cutting the sugary snacks and carbs out of my diet. One of the things I have dramatically increased in my diet is nuts, which have a multitude of benefits, one of which is highlighted in the below tweet from the amazingly brilliant Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
Read More
about us series, volume 1
I hate the "About Us" portion of website work, entrepreneurship, promotion, whatever you would like to call it because I basically don't like to talk about myself, hence one of the reasons I like to "hide" behind the camera. Which, when you are a transplant to a community and trying to build a business, brand, and reputation, can cause you some issues.
So, as we are currently working on a website revamp (I totally realize how bloated and convoluted the site has become, and I am sorry) and I have come to that period in time where I have to formulate the About Us section in a way that is clear and concise (not my strong suit as you will find out), why not use the blog as a way to explore our photography, ourselves, our philosophies, and use it as a tool to tell you a bit more about us and how we view and do what we do. Then, maybe I will be able to condense something down into a quick tidbit suitable for all the website developers that constantly contact me about my "web presence."
Read More
it's not always going to be perfect...
...and that's ok. Sometimes Rachel get's a bee in her bonnet to shoot a non-commissioned session. She got a new bit of makeup, a new hairstyle she wants to try out, a new dress she found, or maybe someone from church who's hair she's been eyeballin' or face she want's to try that new makeup on. This photo session with Susannah would nicely fit into several of those categories. But as you may know from the previous blog post, I often don't like to repeat myself when it comes to a session, so what do I do when I have my pick of locations for a session with a client who is along for the ride? Well duh, how about behind the Big Lots and Home Depot parking lot? Isn't that what you were thinking?!?
Read MoreAugusta GA Portrait Photography: Rebekah Too
We shot Rebekah two years ago, and it is a wonder to see her change. High school is behind her, and she is on to her first year of college in the fall. She has the loveliest gentle spirit, and a delight to be around.
Read More
Augusta GA Portrait Photography: Hannah
Her name is Hannah, and she is the most peaceful angel of a young woman. Normally she is not so serious, but she reigned the smile in for some dark lipstick and wild curls done on a 1/3 inch iron (her hair is straight). Modeling is not for the faint of heart!
Read More
Evans GA Portrait Photography: In full swing
There are only two days of March left, and wedding season is in full swing.
Formal hairstyling isn't for everyone, and I used to be terrified of it. Seven and a half years ago I worked in a large spa/salon in the Augusta area, where many a girl would schedule her whole wedding preparations. Unknowingly, 4 of those formal styles would end up on my book. The impending doom of such a Saturday would beat upon me all week long. I woke up with severe anxiety on said morning, stuffing bites of chicken biscuit into a stomach filled to the brim with butterflies. I would stand behind a girl with a comb, bobby pins and a prayer, struggling to knot up loose tendrils into some sort of configuration. Standing back from my creation, I scrutinized: "it's up."
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Michelle and Seth
Prior to these moments, I treasured two crumpled images.
Michelle and I were raised in an age without cell phones, and especially selfies. We weren't able to daily afflict the world with traffic light snapshots of our flannel, Docs, and acne (and this is a good thing). We slathered glitter over every inch of our exposed body, donned baby barrettes in our freshly bleached hair, and pored over the new Delia's catalog as we listened to both parent-approved and unapproved music. We shared each other's closets, and took each other's brothers to prom. We gave each other both wise and horrible advice as we navigated boys, school, and church. We were good friends for nearly a decade.
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Sharon and John
Sharon and John receive the award for the most laid back couple ever. Their wedding was void of pretension, as the couple had every guest laughing at some of the most solemn of times. They even viewed the rain as a way of cooling down what could have been a sweltering July Saturday. We are grateful for Sharon and John, and are inspired by a love that just seems easy.
We hope you enjoy a look through their special day, as much as we enjoyed being a part of it. Love and best success to the happy couple!
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Tim and Jen Throwback
I am grateful.
I have two brothers I love. We get along brilliantly, care deeply for each other, and encourage each other in our successes and failures. One is kind, and somehow never traded in his boyish giggle for a real laugh. He is the kind of man to whom small children and puppies flock. His words are sincere, and his heart is fleshy. He lives far away, but it feels like he lives next door. Always available- that is my Frankie.
Read More
Evans GA Wedding Photographer: Melissa and Matt Part 2
And here we are for part 2 of Melissa and Matt's wedding. As she sits in my salon chair this week for the inevitable post-wedding whack, it will great to reminisce about recent history.
Read More
Evans GA Wedding Photographer: Melissa and Matt
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Melissa's Bridals
In the case that you don't know her, let us assure you. To know her is to deeply admire her, and to have just met her is to like her a whole, whole lot. She is instantly warm, impassioned, and entirely hopeful.
So in the case that you are not literally joining us right now as we honor this woman and her groom, celebrate her as you look this afternoon or after. And know there is not a soul more worthy of your well-wishing.
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Kellie and Will Part Two
As promised, here is the second installment of Kellie and Will's wedding images. Enjoy!
Read More
Evans GA Wedding Photographer: Kellie and Will Part One
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Collins...
We traveled to Blairsville, Georgia for Kellie and Will's wedding. Clouds hung over mountain vistas as rain threatened the event, but the skies were generous and held back their downpour long enough for us to have a party.
We invite you to journey through that indelible December day as we celebrate the marriage of two of the most lovely people one could ever meet. Here is part one.
Read More
Engagement session in North Augusta: Will and Kellie
There was not an afternoon sillier than this...
What we received earlier this month from Kellie and Will was an education. Did you know there is a song about checking someone for ticks? Like, for real? It is a country song, of course.
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photographer: Calye & Spencer
The indomitable passion of Calye and Spencer was something to behold, something that Rachel and I will always remember and smile about when thinking of this wedding. It simply was beautiful. From the engagement session at Enterprise Mill to the wedding here at The Barn at Perry's Landing, we had the chance to be a part these passion filled events and consider ourselves blessed. And it is with that passion that we share these particular photos today, the ones that show us how much fun a wedding can be when you just simply let your love run the day.
Read More
Augusta GA Wedding Photography: Stephanie in Charleston
Nearly a month ago, Patrick and I returned "home" to Charleston to photograph this lovely friend. And yesterday, she walked down the aisle at last.
Stephanie and her small entourage tromped all over the city in two unseasonably cool days. We got in and out of cars more times than I can count, and In the end there were very tired feet, thousands of wrinkles, and so many memories.
Read More
Evans GA Wedding photographer: Chris and Elethia
I have a Saturday morning routine. After waking up and having breakfast (oatmeal with fresh cherries and maple syrup these days), I take a moment to think. I think about my day, and how it might be pretty normal. I think of how I will drive to work, cut some hair, and eat a lunch fresh from the microwave. After work I might head to the gym, or give up and go home to comfy pants, a husband and a cuddle bug. We would talk a bit, watch some TV, and... well- you get the picture.
And then, over the same breakfast I think about how for some girls, this Saturday will be anything but mundane.
Read More