Kind. Generous. Thoughtful. Caring. Beautiful. Nostalgic. Creative. Absolutely freaking hilarious.
And pregnant.
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Kind. Generous. Thoughtful. Caring. Beautiful. Nostalgic. Creative. Absolutely freaking hilarious.
And pregnant.
Read More
I love this video. I myself have struggled to fall into the traditional expectations others had prepared for me, and perhaps that is why I identify so much with this perspective. Dove is a champion for individuality, and this video is a (forgive me) proverbial middle finger to the established thought of what beauty really means.
Secondly, this video adds validity to some extent to what Rachel and I are trying to accomplish with this little business of ours. This week I started physical therapy for a shoulder injury, and as my therapist and I were connecting with each other, I divulged my career choice. As par for the course, she has a family connection to a photographer. As I discussed what Rachel and I do and our style, it came out that this photographer (in her words) uses photoshop to take "a 3 and make her a 10. I can't even believe it is the same girl afterwards." Now, it is not my position to cast ill upon another photographer for their choice in style; but I cannot help but believe that this perception of pretty is skewed, at best.
And then I came upon this video today.
Believe me, I am in no way trying to say that I am yet as influential or as talented as Bert Stern (neither am I as mentally unique). However in seeing this trailer, as well as these absolutely iconic images sans any photoshop manipulation; it reminds me of the power of the connection between the photographer and the subject. When thought, practice, connection, and execution are used, photoshop is not an absolute.
So before I let myself go too long on the subject, I will leave the reader with this: it is our dedication to craft and our connection to you during that photo shoot that we desire. We intend to create lasting, emotional images not only for us or the subject; but also for her daughters, sons, and even their children. It never has, and never will be about the photoshop action afterwards. Guaranteed.
We have the unbelievable luck to not only work with beautiful, talented women in front of the camera, but also behind. An absolutely talented friend and fellow video/photography enthusiast, Brooke Southerland, accompanied us during our recent session with Karla. With all of us finding inspiration in two common sources, here and here, we thought it would be cool to make our little version with our Karla session. And as you will see, Brooke captured the fun of a session wonderfully. So much so, we would love to have her back! Let us know when booking us if you would like to invite Brooke along for your session for yet another added way to capture a special day.
Sit back and watch the moments unfold with a behind the scenes look in a session with Rachel and me, Acuity Photography. A special thanks to Brooke for editing out the modeling of the poses that I did. I now know I am in her pocket when it comes to preventing the release of the b-roll.
I imagine that a woman like this needs no introduction....
I don't expect that everyone knows her, although many of you do.
Read MoreThere was once a dress...
I bought it in anticipation of my wedding, nearly seven years ago now. It was stunning, and in perfect condition for vintage wear.
Upon fitting, I noticed that it was a bit too long; so I chose to have it hemmed. I was living in Charleston, SC, and really didn't know where to bring it. I made a decision, and it was a bad one. The tulle had jagged cut marks, and the lining was askew. It was in no condition for a wedding. Up into the closet it went, and I wed in a different gown.
I have carried that dress with me ever since, hoping for an opportunity to don its frothy layers. There have been times when it has fit, and other times when it was... snug (or impossible). This dress deserved at least one last twirl.
Enter Heather...
Read MoreGood morning, everyone! It has been a long, busy week, but I hope you will find these tutorials useful either today or in the future!
This last tutorial is a full-on updo. First, I set my hair with a 1" barrel curling iron. This one, curling away from my face...
Read MoreI am sitting, and it feels awesome. And as I listen to the squirrel who is scurrying above me, I bring you another hair tutorial.
Read More'Tis true, I have a thing for makeup. I wouldn't call it an "obsession;" but as I have chosen it for a profession, I do have more than the average girl.
Perhaps people imagine me with makeup coming out of everywhere: individual pots of shimmer and sheen that travel with me always. Although I am bogged down with more blue eye shadow than a girl could ever need, I really don't care to bring much with me when I go to a gig. For instance, I know that the likelihood of a bride wanting a heavy swipe of my Nars Arabian Nights Trio is slim at best, so I don't bother to bring it.
Read MoreAlthough I do feel like a bit of a "star" in front of my husband's camera, and perhaps I on occasion wear a bit more makeup than is required by a Tuesday morning; there are only a rare few events when we girls get to dress up beyond a certain age. I am privileged to be a part of a church where volunteers are treated like starlets one night each January, and Friday night is the night. Friday night is the "Big Show."
By now, all of us have purchased dresses (or borrowed them from a girlfriend's closet), fitted our dancing shoes, and we are all thinking of how our hair and makeup will compliment our ensembles (and if you weren't, and now you are panicking, you are welcome;). As per tradition, I am bringing a few tutorials to the table, hoping to make the hair and makeup part just a bit simpler.
Read MoreThe before and after: beauty can be found in just about any normal girl.
And sometimes I wonder...
... if those around us have any idea how beautiful we are.
Read MoreI am pretty sure this song was written about a girl like Crystal. Dressed up or not, Crystal is someone you notice. She is not particularly tall, loud, or ostentatious, but she is warm and bright. Her personality is light as a feather, and an absolute joy to see on my book. But when she is dressed up, her taste is completely impeccable. She and her husband comb the pages of magazines, searching for palatable trends. I love seeing them in photos, bringing fashion and richness to somewhere as mundane as Steak and Shake.
Read MoreThere are certain things that define us as a photography studio. I believe this stunning family shoot is a perfect example of what makes us different.
As we have mentioned before, only a small portion of our family photography is posed. The rest are brilliant candids, reminiscent of movie stills. When viewing certain images, one peeks in on something natural and organic, and still somehow magical.
Read MoreThis couple: I struggle with words concerning them. They are... extraordinary. Generous. Bubbly. Genuine. Honest. Inspiring. Magnetic. Accepting. Lovely.
And I could go on... but I will let the photos speak. As usual, photography by Patrick, hair and makeup by me.
Read MoreAre you blessed?
We are, without doubt. In this and every season for the last 4.5 years. We are blessed to have a healthy child.
In earlier times, it was more like, "Well, at least he's healthy." Now, we look at God and each other and say with awe, "And, he's healthy!"
Read MoreWith today's installemnt from the Anderson Family session, you will find found yourself in the candid portion of the show. These photos are the wonderful gems that came along as we transitioned from area to area for the posed photos. Here I am simply trying to catch the moments as we walk, as this is where a lot of the personality of everyone comes out.
So many caught my eye, so without further ado here is a small collection of those candids.
Read MoreIt 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.
Read MoreFamily.
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.
Read MoreMan, 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.
Read MoreMelissa...
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.
Read MoreAs with any personal project, it often takes some time to get those projects due to the proper business in front of it. With a little lull, and I mean little (we have some nice stuff coming your way in the next couple of weeks) I have been able to sit down with this year's Ironman event.
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