The Anderson Family Part I, Family Photography in Augusta, Ga.

Patrick Biestman November 25, 2012

It can be funny the connections that are made through chance meetings, but there is also something to be said for the connections we make when given the opportunity day in and day out. And this would be one of those stories.

Many of you may know that I work part-time at a local coffee establishment that provides full medical benefits for only working 20 hours a week: a huge benefit for myself and my family. However, one of the other benefits from that scant 20 hours a week is the ability to meet and connect with some truly wonderful people (and sometimes bombard them with business cards extolling the virtues of what Rachel and I truly love to do). We won't go into detail about Jamie's daily addiction, but suffice it to say I see her and her wonderful children on their way to school at least 4 times a week. She and her children every morning are some of the nicest people I come across, so it was an easy conversation to start about photography. As fate would have it, she was looking for a photographer for this year's family photos. I still feel so truly blessed to have had this opportunity to work with such a beautiful family, and I can't wait to work with them for years to come.

Unique Family Photography in Augusta GA

Rachel Biestman November 15, 2012

Family.

This time of year we like to mention them with a smile on our lips. I am blessed to have a generally warm family history, with a only a few hiccups along the way (hmm... ok. The use of the word "hiccup" might be a mild choice in this case). Regardless of the road we have traveled, I say with pleasure that I will see all of them this holiday season, and I am elated.

Studio 285: Salons in Augusta, GA

Rachel Biestman November 2, 2012

Man, my husband makes me look good.

I told him tonight as we were scrambling to deal with a situation that I wouldn't be able to do what I do, or be who I am without him. And I believe it.

If there is a man alive who brings out the "pretty" in a girl, it is him. I know he is often caught now staring at women, framing them in his mind. He imagines light and angles, determining their best features; all in a matter of moment's encounter. Perhaps some girls would be insecure in a position such as mine, but the reality is that he couldn't be who he is without me, either. No, this isn't some kind of hubris, but it is an acknowledgement of the fact that we are a team: an excellent team.

Melissa: glamour photography in augusta, ga

Rachel Biestman October 26, 2012

Melissa...

Among the people whom I have ever met, she could be one of the most treasured (by just about everyone around her). Beautiful in every way, here are some shots from our afternoon together.

There's Something About Mary: Glamour Photography in Augusta, GA

Patrick Biestman October 14, 2012

There truly is something about Mary (actually, many things), and it is an absolute joy to shoot with her. Now I won't get all Ben Stiller on you when it comes to Mary, even though she would be well at home in a Farrelly brothers movie. But as a photographer, she has all of the characteristics of a lifelong muse. Rachel and I have had the chance to shoot with Mary on a number of occasions, including a downtown session, several times at our first studio, as well as a rest stop off of I-20. We've done short hair, long hair, and even cornrows which reminded me of that Madonna music video (minus all of the leather outfits and such). She's been on the website, now the blog, and several incarnations of our business cards. So, consider this your official introduction to her, and be prepared to see updates throughout the next several years. When Rachel and I want to experiment with something new, we can always count on Mary.

Airbrush Makeup in Augusta, GA: An Enigma

Rachel Biestman October 10, 2012

Here in Augusta, the "peculiar" are easily sussed out. Like ants who have diverged from formation, we wander around trying to find our place, hoping that people will ask us to do something that we like best (holding heavy things, painting, building sets, etc.).

The Price Family, Family Photography in Evans, GA

Patrick Biestman October 7, 2012

To keep in theme with the last blog entry, I present to you a family photo session with the wonderful Price family at the Evans Library and Amphitheater. Over the years it has seemingly become one of Evan's locations of choice for family photography, nearly as much as the old train depot downtown has become stock amongst photographers. However, it's an absolutely sublime location that offers an abundance of different backdrops to work with. It also allows for a nice stroll around the lake, as long as it is not summer in Augusta (at which point you don't even want to breathe, let alone saunter). But as you will see, I believe the photos stand out for those who are familiar with the location, as one would be hard pressed to find any of these images repetitious in regard to other photographers. Mastering this lens results in shots with alluring focus wherever I choose, and what remains is aesthetically organic (not contrived later in Photoshop).

Per Example: Glamour Photography in Augusta, GA

Rachel Biestman September 27, 2012

I knew from Facebook that she was getting very much into running, and when she walked into kids' church to pick up her daughter in a very hot pair of skinny jeans and heels a few weekends ago; the stylist in me took over. She looked perfectly confident, and just lovely. I approached her about a glamour shoot later that week, and she agreed!

The Ironman: Sports Photography in Augusta, GA

Patrick Biestman September 23, 2012

We are one week away from by far, my absolute favourite event here in Augusta: the Ironman triathlon.

Portrait Studio in Augusta, GA: On Beauty

Rachel Biestman September 19, 2012

But how much does all of this have to do with beauty? When I surveyed some of my friends, very few of them mentioned anything about physicality. Most of them, in fact, responded with more ambient qualities such as “contentment,” “strength,” “poise,” or “the way a run makes me feel.” If these answers are honest, then what is going on in my chair? How are we supporting our family with this “beauty” profession?