Leslie Adair Photography & Design

Listerhill and Mindvolt... What a Team!

2010-07-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite commercial projects to date, and here's why... Most commercial projects feel commercial because with everything commercial comes the need to use professional models and stage the shot just right. Not so with Listerhill! They use their own members, real people with real investments in the company. I got to do one of the things I do best, working with average people not supermodels, to present an authentic snapshot of Listerhill's members. Working with Listerhill's creative team was fantastic! And they spoke so highly of their company. You know something's right when both the employees and customers are more than pleased! They even mentioned a "Pick 5" promotion going now, where new members have been able to help give an incredible amount of money to schools in the surrounding area! Keep up the great work Listerhill!

The genius designers down at Mindvolt created the layout, which I thought was very clever.

Finally! A NEW Post!!!

2010-06-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Don't let my absence from blogger fool you! Things have been hoppin' around the studio. But my poor, pitiful blog had to get some lovin tonight!

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. Wolfrum!

A Saved Life

2010-05-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Alex is my first sweet baby in the "New Life Photography" project! This is a project in conjunction with Save-A-Life Pregnancy Center of Decatur. Save-A-Life, with all of it's volunteers, counselors and supporters, warmly welcome precious babies into the world, offering their mothers the help and support they need. The goal of the "New Life Photography" project is come alongside the mother and help her to celebrate this new life that might have otherwise been lost to abortion.

In the past three decades, the number of abortions in the United States is greater than the population of the top 40 U.S. cities. Imagine what would happen if New York City was completely wiped out... that would be a catastrophe! Now imagine that times 40! The many children and families helped by Save-A-Life are no longer just a number; we're giving them a name with a face.

If you'd like to help, contact Linda Buchanan at 256-355-3828.

Amy and Scott Album

2010-04-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

Newness of Life!

2010-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

With the coming of spring, I have many things to celebrate! First and foremost, I celebrate the life, death and resurrection of my Jesus! I reflect on these things daily, but especially this weekend. I will take to heart the pain, the disgrace, the weight of the cross, and the weight of my sin that he bore humbly, lovingly and obediently; then I will dance the dance of freedom as I celebrate his resurrection, his triumph over my sin, and my security in being safely tucked away in an all-powerful, living God! My God is big and powerful and holy, yet he gently bends low to save a wretch like me. I have been given much, but I easily forget THAT which is mine in Christ. A verse that has been so powerful to me in the past couple weeks is Phil. 3:12-14 which says...

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of THAT for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The word "that" in verse 12 is PACKED with so much promise! Promise of freedom from ungodliness and my messed up self, freedom from condemnation, access to God and sympathy in temptation, joy, hope, the ability to love others and to know and love a mysterious God. Is. 61 specifically promises freedom, release, beauty, gladness, praise and the promise that I will be called an oak of righteousness... a planting of the Lord for the display of His Splendor! THAT is why He took hold of me! THIS is life! Why live with painful guilt and regret or even in romanticizing the past, when today I have life and access to all I need to live it well.

Also, I celebrate my new lens coming today! Yippee!!! This thing is super sharp, has a fantastic vibration reduction, and great compression of space. Here's a few shots of spring...

"Savoring life at 125th of a second."

Amanda Anderson: Model/Talent

2010-03-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a few from our shoot Saturday. Enjoy!

Angie and Justin: N-luv

2010-03-23T19:55:00.001-07:00

We laughed and laughed and laughed... seriously, I was having trouble holding the camera still at times. This couple is so much fun! And better things are yet to come April 10th, so come back soon to see these two love birds tie the knot! Have I ever mentioned how much I love my job?

Kristen and Filipe

2010-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

This may be one of my favorite posts ever!!! Let me start at the beginning! I met Filipe in Brazil in the summer of 2005 through a Cross Cultural Project in college, and I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Kristen until this weekend. What a beautiful couple and a what a beautiful story... let's get started!

I remember praying before I went to Brazil that God would allow me to simply love the people I met there (since people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care). And I fell head over heels. I seriously left a piece of my heart with each face... Andreza, Jacqueline, Caique, Camilla, Ceasar, Tathiana, Christina, Fabiana, Claudia, Flavio, Alan, Natalia, Pricila, Danielle, Marcelo, Pinta, Thiago... the list goes on and I know I left a lot of names out... but none are forgotten and each face is still as vivid to me as they were 5 years ago. Even now, it brings me to tears to be so far removed from the people I came to love so dearly that summer.

But Filipe, for some reason, had and still has a special place in my heart. When I met Filipe, he was a freshman in college with an atheistic world-view just trying to make the best of life. I cried myself to sleep many nights in prayer over Filipe begging the Lord to work in his life. I really have no explanation for such drama over a guy I barely knew, except that the Lord moved my heart to pray for him. I don't know that I had ever prayed for anyone like I did for Filipe. The summer came and went, and, although he came to every event, retreat, party or get-together we had... he still refused to trust the Lord. However, he continued to hang out with the Brazillian staff; and six months after we left Filipe became a Christian! Praise the Lord! Oh! It was amazing to watch, and Filipe's life still stands to be one of the most powerful evidences to me that my God is real, living, and active! But God was not only active in Filipe's heart during that time. I understood passion for life for people and for God maybe for the first time. I came to give, but my Brazilian friends gave me so much more.

A few summers later, Kristen also traveled to Brazil with Campus Outreach where she met Filipe. And this weekend, I got to hear a little about how God changed her life as well a couple summers before she went. So after a long road of a long-distance/overseas relationship, Kristen and Filipe finally have their happy ending! Their wedding day started with a hair disaster that we laughed about for the the rest of the day, limo rides to the church, a beautiful service during which Filipe got to have a live chat with his family who was unable to come, and an awesome post-wedding mini photo session. But by far the most amazing thing was to watch a man, who the last time I saw him was as an atheist but is now vowing to be a godly husband and father. I cannot wait to see the powerful ways the Lord is going to use this couple! Kristen and Filipe, thank you for allowing me the joy of being apart of such a happy day. I will continue to pray many blessings over you and your marriage.

Frank Berry Ministries

2010-03-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have so enjoyed getting to know Frank and his sweet family! His heart for ministry is inspiring and I can't wait to hear his album all put together! I will most likely be designing Frank's album cover as well, so stay tuned for more from this great artist! To learn more about Frank Berry Ministries, visit frankberry.org. And special thanks to Mitch Jaeger for his much appreciated help with this project!

Terri Collins: Representing Decatur

2010-02-24T12:10:00.000-08:00

Terri Collins, a very active citizen here in Decatur and long-time family friend, has announced that she will be running for District 8 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. Terri is running on the republican ticket and will be contending with Bill Dukes, a democrat who has been unopposed since 2006. Terri's daughter, Tracie, and I have been best friends as far back as we can remember, so I know just about all there is to know about the Collins family.

You will be hard-pressed to find a soul that can speak negatively of Terri. She has given of herself passionately and selflessly to every area that she is involved, including leading the youth and other bible studies at her church, serving her clients and coworkers well as a banker, and loving and giving of herself to friends and family and the community around her. Anyone who knows Terri knows she is one of those people you just can't say "no" to, which will be useful as she works with other legislators in Montgomery. She has a gift of exciting and encouraging those around her to get involved. I really think Terri has a genuine servant's heart and will do everything in her power to bring good things to our community. It will be nice to have someone I know I can trust in Montgomery fighting for Decatur. To learn more about Terri, click here.

Here are some photographs you may see floating around later :)

REVEALED!

2010-02-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had scheduled a photo shoot that has been months in the making. Frank Berry (of Frank Berry Ministries) is coming out with a new album. He has enlisted my services for his project and I've been super pumped about it. The name of his album will be "Revealed," so I looked to scripture for my inspiration and found Isaiah 40:3-5 which says...

A voice is calling,
"Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.
"Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the rough ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
Then the glory of the Lord will be REVEALED...

So finally I found a word picture to work with. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT.) was a reference in the the margin of my bible. So immediately the idea of some sort of demolition and an active straightening of a path came to mind and so did 2 Cor. 10:5 So I had the idea of placing Frank in front of a bulldozer overlooking the mountains and valleys described in Isaiah with a glorious sunset in the background. Just one problem... where was I going to find a bulldozer?

After asking friends on Facebook if anyone had seen one, I had a friend give me the exact geographical coordinates for EXACTLY what I was looking for! It was perfect! The bulldozer was on an open lot on a mountain overlooking Huntsville and facing west at that! I was amazed! So finally today the stars aligned between the weather and Frank's schedule and we set out to do the shoot today. Just one problem... the bulldozer that hadn't moved in about a year according to construction workers was gone. I couldn't believe it! Why would God give me something and then take it away right before the shoot!?! I still don't have an answer to that, but on the way home I was able to stop to take a picture of His still gorgeous sunset. I do not always understand God, but I do know that He is always good and always majestic! So I will lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways will I acknowledge Him and He will make my path straight!

PRECIOUS!!!

2010-02-19T11:54:00.001-08:00

In quickly scanning over the images from this morning's shoot of 7 month old McKenzie, I came across this one and I couldn't wait to share it! Just look at those cheeks! So Tiffany and Eddie... here's a sneak peek for now with more to follow!

New Life!!!

2010-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Meet sweet little Cormac! He wasn't too happy the day of the shoot, but I still love what we got!

One of My Latest Album Designs!

2010-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Mr. Joseph Desciose for your wonderful talent and assistance in photography... and to Melissa and Dustan for the honor of documenting your wedding day. I've loved working on this album design and implementing all the little ideas and suggestions that make this book uniquely yours!

To view this slideshow slightly larger, click here!

Lucy says, "Merry Christmas!"

2009-12-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Indonesian Love

2009-11-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

Forget that hassle and headache of a big wedding! Just get married at the courthouse and then have a knock-out photo shoot! I know Suyanto and Anita would've preferred to celebrate their wedding day with their families, but unfortunately their families live far away in Indonesia. I thoroughly enjoyed working with this sweet couple and the great Asian food we devoured after the shoot... Yum!!!

40s Hollywood Glam!

2009-11-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

Chelsea and Patrick are having a 1940s Hollywood Glam style wedding here at the Princess Theatre in Decatur... and I am ALL about it! This shoot was a blast and could not have happened without the help of a few generous souls. Glenn Mitchell Thwing with Shine Salon did the hair and make-up. Jennifer Rooks with Glamour Addict did the styling. Bank St. Antiques supplied the beautiful antique furniture, Mr. Charles generously allowed us the use of his 1950s Cheverlet truck, and Mr. Daniel Fanning was my very helpful assistant/ furniture mover/ truck driver/ light meter holder... Then I couldn't have hand-picked a better couple to pull off the look. Chelsea and Patrick were awesome! Can't wait for the wedding!

Model/Talent: Marcia Whitaker

2009-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Whether you need an Account Executive, Fashion Queen, Domestic Goddess, or just a total Goofball... Marcia can play the part! If you can't tell from the pictures, we had a blast working together! Marcia, I wish you much success in this new stage of your modeling career. Knock em' out girl!

Thank Heaven for Little Boys!

2009-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a little biased on this one, but I think Siler's quite possibly to handsomest little man I know! But you be the judge...

Alert the Press!

2009-11-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Leslie FINALLY updated her blog! I could literally do a post a day for about two weeks with all the stuff I've had going on lately... so stay tuned!!!

Here is a trip from last week to Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. It was so foggy that day that you really couldn't even see anything at any of the lookouts. But I wasn't complaining... I LOVE the fog! I love the way it separates layers in a photograph. This first one, I'm having blown up onto metallic paper... should be pretty cool!

Need a Little Fog in Your Life?

2009-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! We did it! Poor Ally and I have been planning this shoot for so long. After sending my power unit back THREE times for repair, we finally got it working. AND my fog machine worked perfectly! And I had two wonderful assistants, Joe and Chase. I could not have asked for more! Here's a little snippet of the shoot... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkBNVHnlWs0 The fog machine is the random jack-o-lantern thing laying on the ground:) We had stopped using it at this point.

Way to go Ally! You definitely have a talent for standing on rocks in high heels!!! Enjoy your senior year!

Brooke and Jonathan

2009-09-25T14:42:00.001-07:00

Brooke and Jonathan had a picture perfect wedding at the Westin in Huntsville. Another beautiful couple, another beautiful day... God is so good! Brooke and Jonathan, I wish you a beautiful life together!

Come Fly with Me!

2009-09-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist putting together a slideshow of my recent vintage 1920's biplane ride, set to Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly with Me." My father and brother also shared in the experience. Daredevil Danny was our pilot and you can find out more about his flights at 866mustfly.com. Enjoy your flight! ;)

Double the Fun!

2009-08-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

I've been slacking on my blog and I have two wonderful weddings to share! The first is my bestest friend in the whole wide world... we've been friends since we were about 5. And actually, I need to drudge up some old pictures to add to this! So come back in a few days to see me and Tracie at our cutest! Tracie is one of those friends that I can be separated from for years and pick right back up where we left off... time and distance are no barrier for friendships such as these.

I was the bridesmaid/photographer for this wedding and my friend, Carla, was so great to let me enjoy the party for a bit. We danced and danced and danced, and I sure do love to dance!!! Carla did a fabulous job, as usual. Oh and the decorations! My own extremely talented mother, Ginger, and her partner Lori, of L&G Decor, did the decorations for the sanctuary and the reception. She did the COOLEST stuff at the reception! Of all the weddings I've photographed, I haven't seen anything like it anywhere!

Congratulations Tracie and Joseph! I love you both very much!

This second wedding was one of my favorites and not because of the fantastic chapel or wonderful band at the reception or any other of the fine details that were meticulously attended to at this wedding... but it was the overwhelming love between this couple that was so inspiring! Hit play and see it for yourself!

Oh and I could not have pulled it off without the help of my friend and mentor, Shannon Wells. Shannon is the University photographer for the University of North Alabama and a well-respected photojournalist. Her talent and passion for photography have been such a blessing to me... especially her talent for mousing around and getting those shots without anyone even knowing she's there! She's just magic I guess.

Congratulations Channing and Charlie!

Senior Fashion!

2009-08-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

City meets the country with my glammed-out gal, Taylor!

Man! This was hot, sticky, hard work, but SO worth it! I'm loving this new look where the studio meets the streets... or sunflower fields! Now the sky is the limit, literally, with what I can do and where I can go!

Taylor's mom informed me, after I had picked out this great cornfield, that her father was a corn-grower and recently passed away. I was so sorry to hear such sad news, but honored to present them with something to remember him by! Congratulations on your senior year, Taylor! Enjoy it!

Jeff Sessions Town Hall

2009-08-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I shot this morning of the event as we huddled around the one small speaker and TV of the 48 news van outside. Inside was completely packed out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5NESXOVIU

My favorite quote of the day... This lady prefaced her question by saying, "I was not sent here by a health insurance company, I'm not here to represent the right or the left, I'm not a teabagger and I'm not AstroTurf. I'm am American!"

Another one of my favorite statements came from a young mother who skipped put on a job that pays for Medicare and Medicaid and drove 3hours with her 4 yr old. She asked where in the Constitution is it a right to have health care? The only thing we're given is the right to wakeup every morning and pursue life, liberty, and happiness. She asked, "Where are my daughter's rights when she will have to carry the weight of these decisions?

Health care is not a right. It is a priveledge and one you earn by working hard!

Sweet Home Alabama!

2009-08-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oh I just LOVE it when my seniors want to incorporate things that make them special... things that make them who they are! Stephanie loves the wide open spaces,so I drove all over north Alabama looking for the perfect spots. One day while location-scouting, I mistook my Buick for an SUV and my high-heels for hiking boots and ended up stuck in the mud! Just picture this little city girl on the back end of a grandma blue Buick LaSabre in her high heels thinking she's going to move something. Not my brightest moment, but I thought it was worth a shot.

This shoot was my first to bring the studio lights into the great outdoors in an attempt to incorporate some of the things I learned from Alan in Santa Fe. I'm so thrilled with this look! It was hard work, but I'm willing to do just about anything to get the look my clients are after! I couldn't have done it without the help of my lovely assistant, Brittany. In the last shot, she was helping me test my set-up and I ended up loving this image!

Congratulations on your last year of high school Stephanie! Enjoy it!

Sweet Little Beau: 4 months

2009-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

OH! This little guy has my heart... he is precious! I've had the privilege of documenting Beau's life from his first seconds to his first week to now. Every stage in a baby's first year is so exciting! And I just love this stage! At 4 months, he's more aware of the big world around him and you start to see little glimpses of his personality bubbling out... literally.:) Stayed tuned to see Beau at 8 months... he'll be crawling all over the place!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2009-07-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Oh I wish I could shoot a wedding like this every week! Gorgeous couple, gorgeous location, gorgeous weather... oh wait I do get do that for every wedding (minus the weather :) I really have loved every wedding I've shot so far. I love the details and the little ways each couple makes their wedding unique. But if anyone wants to get married at the Guntersville State Park... please let me be your photographer. And if you're already professional models... please let me be your photographer. It makes my job SO easy!

Congratulations Laura Lou and Derrek! I wish you both all the best! And when you have gorgeous babies (and they will be)... please let me be your photographer!!!

Santa Fe Workshop Day 5: Take It to the Streets Challenge

2009-07-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

After our usual morning critique from the previous day's images, Alan informed us we would be choosing our own location and taking pictures of random every day people... no stylist, no crew. Just me, the streets and my gear... nothing new about that!

Originally, I wanted to go to the Girls Ranch and make knock-out portraits of the girls there to show them how incredibly beautiful and unique each of them are. But due to privacy issues, I had to change my plans. So Katie, another student, and I decided to go to Warehouse 21, a WONDERFUL arts center that specializes in promoting the arts in the lives of children. When we got there, they were having break dancing lessons, screen printing, and a fashion design class. I decided to hang out with a few kids skateboarding outside.

ZION

Making the Shot:
It took me a minute to figure out how to bring back the sky and light the kids well at the same time. I stuck a small softbox on a stand up high and removed the front diffuser but kept the middle one. Worked like a charm! I set my aperture to f/16 to bring back the clouds since my shutter speed was already maxed out at 250th. F/16 also allowed me to do one focus with a kid standing static, then I switched my auto focus to manual so my lens wouldn't move mid-jump, and it was a wide enough focal range to pretty much guarantee my focus.

Santa Fe Workshop Day 4: The Old State Penitentiary

2009-07-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

This day, on top on shooting at another sweet location, we got to incorporate more models as well as a hair and make-up artist... who just happened to be the lovely Copper from the day before. I wanted to incorporate more concept into my shots and that's exactly what I got.

ALEXIS

Making the Shot:
This first shot I did in 15 minutes with the help of Alan Thornton and my partner for the day, Mitch, while my model did a quick change into this awesome prison stripped skirt and Copper rocked the hair and makeup. It was done with a 20 degree grid elevated on a boom hanging from the second floor above. Alan metered to expose the model's face with the grid spot and then held a small softbox with an egg crate set a couple stops below the main light from above my head to soften the shadows a bit.

ERIC

While eating an apple earlier that morning, I decided to incorporate apples as a prop. You can interpret the meaning for yourself :) This was lit with one medium softbox using split lighting metered for f/8.

RACHEL

I also wanted to learn how to shoot into a box, and if it's a metal box... even better! We started off using a ring flash, but that was too much light... I wanted more direct light. So we went with a small softbox directly over my head with an egg crate. The bonus of shooting in a metal box... lots of bouncing light to fill the background!

Santa Fe Workshop Day 3: Los Luceros

2009-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

COPPER

Making the Shot:
We worked completely outdoors this day. I knew I wanted to do some funky stuff before I got there. So I was really excited to get to work with Copper as my first model. I loved the idea of this glammed out girl in the woods. So we lit her with a beauty dish as the main light source and an open reflector for some edge lighting. We set our exposure according to the Sunny 16 Rule (125th of a second, f/16, ISO100) since it will just about always give you a good exposure on a sunny day. So we metered the beauty dish for f/16 and the open reflector for one stop below. The open reflector for the highlights actually shows up as about the same or even brighter because light coming from behind the model is more efficient.

While my model was still getting ready we were setting up and figuring out just how to place her. So we decided the other end of this log was just too cool. So I hopped up there and something buzzed by my head. I did the girly scream and jumped up, but not before something stung the *&^$ out of my hand. I had just placed my hand on a hornet's nest! But the shoot must go on... no time for ice. By the time I finished the shoot my entire hand was swollen. On top of that, we had to wear long sleeves and long pants...in the heat... because the mosquitoes were out of this world!

JAMES

Making the Shot:
Finally I stopped to put my hand in the ice chest, pouting the whole time because I wanted to be shooting! With 20 minutes left to go, I told Alan I wanted to learn how to shoot into the sun. He picked the spot and suggested the beauty dish. The first few shots I was blowing out the sky, but the clouds were so cool that I didn't want to loose them. My shutter speed was already maxed out at 250, so I had to crank up the aperture to f/22. About that time one of the models was trying to get out with her truck, so we pulled it into the shot and BAZAM!

Santa Fe Workshop Day 2: Scottish Rite Temple

2009-07-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

Joaquin

We shot indoors balancing available window light with artificial strobe lighting. Originally I metered to keep the windows but then I lost all the detail in the walls. I had to pump up my strobes, which countered the raking of light across the texture of the wall. In order to keep my windows from blowing out, I would've had to really bring down my exposure, and made it go flat. So I just forgot about the window light getting blown out since I didn't want to sacrifice the texture in the walls. I metered the ambient light to figure out my shutter speed for about f/8 and got 1/4th of a second. Then I set my strobe for one stop above the ambient reading. I used a medium softbox as my light modifier.

For the next shot, I bumped my shutter speed back up and pulled my model away from the walls and pumped my lights back up for a more contrasty shot.

DJ

In this shot, I knew I wanted a slow shutter speed again to catch the movement. So I figured the aperture that I wanted.. approximately f/5.6 and then set my lights for that. Once I set my aperture, I could adjust my shutter speed for anything below 250th. I needed a really slow shutter speed to pick up the great golden ambient light in the background. I ended up sacrificing some ambient light for less motion blur. What I should've done is pump up my ISO to bring in more ambient light. A giant octabank was my modifier for the shot.

Santa Fe Workshop: Day 1

2009-07-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

We walked into to a gym that they have transformed into an awesome multi-studio space. We started off the workshop by going through a lot of the various lighting patterns including split, rembrandt, loop, horror, beauty and back lighting. Then we paired up and experimented shooting each other. We goofed off and tried all sorts of crazy lighting set ups. Here are a few of mine from that day.

(Alan has asked that we not look at our images at night, so I can't show you the awesome stuff I shot today... so stay posted!)

Oh and another fun rule that Alan threw in was that we couldn't use Photoshop at all this week so that Photoshop is not used as a crutch, but so that lighting can be well understood and the highest quality lighting can be used. So just remember.. No Photoshoping. These are 100% raw images!

The High Road to Taos

2009-07-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

In case some of you haven't been following my slightly obnoxious status updates in the past 2 days... I'm in Santa Fe, New Mexico attending a photography workshop. I'll be studing location lighting with Alan Thornton and I'm super excited! Tonight I got to meet him and the other professional photographers I'll be learning with. I don't really know what to expect... except that I will be stretched to my limit and I doubt I'll come back the same photographer. Oh I have so treasured my time here so far and can't wait to see what will happen next.

Here are my images from today. It was a looong day. Starting at 4am and an hour's drive to Taos for sunrise photography of the gorgeous New Mexican landscapes... which turned out to be a rather uneventful sunrise, but maybe I can try again. Then I visited the Taos Pueblos. The people there were extremely friendly and welcoming... for a small fee :)... I even made a new friend named Dancing Bow. He came out of one of the pueblos that I was photographing and we sat down on the side of his adobe home while he told me all about his history and life in the pueblos... beats a guided tour any time! He even left an open invitation to ride his horses to the secluded Blue Lake that can only be accessed my hiking or horses... who wants to come with me!?!

I got really lucky with my timing and was able to see a Native American Pow Wow. The Taos Pueblo Indians invited other Native American's from all over the country to participate in this pow wow. As you can see, their costumes were so intricate and colorful! I was not lacking for photographic material! I was kind of frustrated in a way because I was so tired of taking pictures at that point, but I just couldn't stop myself!

Santa Fe: Folk Art Festival

2009-07-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Beautiful people, beautiful art, and a beautiful city... welcome to Santa Fe!

Well just look what the stork drug in!

2009-07-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! I present little Miss Ella Ruth! It has been a long wait for the world's next princess but she is here now and isn't she beautiful!?!

Don't you just love the contrast of that tough leather couch against that gorgeous newborn skin!

Congratulations Mark and Emily! I can't wait to watch you raise this precious child in such a loving home and to introduce to her one day your source of love... her Maker!

Would You Like Some Tea?

2009-07-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Introducing Miss Hannah and Miss Ella Kate, the prettiest princesses of the land! Oh we had so much fun playing in the park. Prince Daddy even stepped in for a dance and one point. Little girls, little girls... Thank heaven for little girls!

Love is in the Air!

2009-06-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Channing and Charlie were such an adorable couple to photograph. They were just bubbling over with love for each other and it definitely showed in their photographs. Everything was jivin' for the shoot... they were jivin', I was jivin', the location was jivin'... the heat... not so jivin'!

Congratulations Channing and Charlie! I'll see you two love birds on your wedding day!

Naomi and Stanley Take the Spotlight

2009-06-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

Naomi and Stanley were fellow Rosie's Mexican Cantina servers with me in college. They met there and fell head over heels... I think there's something in the tortillas. So we went back to that magic spot for part of their engagement session, and Stanley was so great to let us drag him all over Florence. Now they're getting married and I get to be a part of their big day! Can't wait! Congratulations Naomi and Stanley!

I just noticed that just about every post has a congratulations attached without my realizing it. I love celebrating the milestones in my client's lives... whether it's a brand new baby, the last year of high school, or a couple in love and eagerly awaiting their wedding day. Man I love my job!

Sophie Harper Brown: 7pounds 11ounces

2009-06-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Isn't she precious!!! I loved spending time with some great friends and getting to meet their latest addition! Congratulations Amanda and Eric!

Let the Good Times Roll in New Orleans!

2009-06-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Or as the Cajuns say,"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

I had a BLAST with Amy and Scott! This couple loves this city so much they decided to fly me down for their engagement session! And my sister, Ashton, came along as my side-kick :)

We started the day with Amy getting her makeup done by a famous makeup artist... who has worked with Brad Pitt and Brittney Spears! Way cool! Then we headed to Oak Alley, a beautiful plantation home about an hour outside of New Orleans. They have a great restaurant on the grounds that serves traditional New Orleans style foods. And if you go during this time of year, you can get a strawberry beer that is delicious!

Then we headed back to the French Quarter, stopped at St. Louis Cathedral, and finished off at Cafe du Monde with beignets and a café au lait! It was PERFECT and although the weather forecasters predicted 80% rain, we never saw a drop! Thank you Jesus!

Can't wait to see this gorgeous couple on their wedding day!

FREE Military Photo Shoot!

2009-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

I am extremely proud of our soldiers, both past and present, and I would love to do something to show my appreciation for the sacrifice made by them and their families. So I'm giving away one free photo shoot plus $100 in prints in honor of Memorial Day. I can do a children's session to send to daddy or mommy overseas, or I could do a sexy Boudoir or flirty Pin-Up Girl session for a wife to send to her husband, or a couple together before deployment, or even a retired veteran together with the family he/she fought to defend.

So pass this along if you know someone who could truely benefit from this offer! (Active military or retired active military only please. Offer expires December 1, 2009. Travel fees or additional expenses may apply.)

Side note: The flag shown above is the same flag that flies over the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Below is the plaque at the bottom of the flag.

My New Studio!

2009-05-18T14:23:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting to photograph my new studio until I got it just like I've envisioned and now it's done! My goal was to create a comfortable yet professional studio, allowing my clients to kick back and relax as well providing the best working arrangement for me.

My studio uses the latest greatest lighting equipment for the best quality lighting possible... when I even use the studio... you've gotta love the sunshine! Studio lighting verses outdoor lighting just gives two very different looks. So no matter the look you're going for, I can do it!

After your session, I'll run your images through my state-of-the-art equipment and software giving your photographs my personal touch in creative editing. When I'm done, I'll bring you back for a personal presentation where you get to sit back and enjoy your photographs on the big screen and while sipping gourmet coffee, tea, or Coca-Cola!

It really is a fun experience from beginning to end. My goal is for you to walk away not just satisfied but ecstatic about your new artwork! Call or email me to book today and experience the difference of quality, cutting-edge photography! I'm located on the second floor of Tammy Eddy Antiques at 502 Bank St. NE Decatur, AL 35601

Bob Jones Art Show

2009-05-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended an art show put on by the Bob Jones art and music departments. I was SO impressed with the level of skill that this one school is able to turn out. One of my seniors, Miss Olivia West, was my main reason for going. Girlfriend has received a full academic and a full art scholarship to the University of Alabama!

Here are some shots from my new iPhone! :)

Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was our country's National Day of Prayer, so this is mine.

God,
I pray for our great nation. I pray for our President and his cabinet, all the Senator and Representatives, and all the governors and mayors and their counsel that they may seek wisdom and find it. I pray for the Supreme Court Justices and all the other judges that they would seek justice and find it. I pray for our brave soldiers that you would grant them victory. I pray for the people of our nation that they may not give way to fear but that they would find refuge with you. I pray for strength for families. I pray for godly daddies and mommies. I ask you to protect the structure you invented there. I pray for students to seek their highest purpose, find their gifts, and use them boldly. I pray for the next generation that they would seek and follow you courageously. I pray for your church that they would fall ever more in love with you and that they would serve those around them well. I pray for all the businesses that they would seek to serve their clients well and provide opportunities for growth for their employees. I pray for my business, that I would serve my clients well and that I would use well the gift you graciously bestowed to me. We are eager to see you at work in our country Lord. Amen!

Well, Let's Just Make It a Book!

2009-05-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to do with all of those 5x7s of the shoot that you love but have no idea what to do with them? Not really into the old-school way of putting your senior portraits into a tri-fold folio?

I have an idea! Let's put them into a book! The images are printed onto thick thick photographic paper, library-bound together (which means they are sewn in verses glued in), covered in Italian leather, and finished off with a custom-designed front cover sealed under a thick acrylic for a stunning overall presentation! Out with the old-school and in with the new!

Here is Mr. Alex Hambright's design just highlighting his top 10 or so images. And then we're even ordering two copies for the grandparents done with a less expensive hardback and dust-jacket cover.

The first image is the front cover and each image following is a 2-page spread.

SENIORS! SENIORS! SENIORS!

2009-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

They are too much fun! Especially my girly girls like Miss Taylor Keck here. They just get to play in front of the camera and I get to be super creative! Fashion photography meet Decatur, Alabama!

Congratulations Taylor!

My Latest Album Design

2009-04-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Wha-hoo! These are so much fun! I love taking the pictures, I love designing the album and I LOVE LOVE LOVE when the UPS man brings the finished project to my door step. It's better than Christmas! Can't wait to see it all put together!

The first image is the front cover that will be sealed under a thick acrylic with black leather binding and a leather back... flashhy! The rest of the images are two page spreads with an itty-bitty gutter down the middle... it's more like a small crease. It's going to be gorgeous!

Meg Warren: Senior 2009

2009-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ain't she purty!?!

Meg, you've turned into such a beautiful woman inside and out, and I'm quite sure the road ahead has much success in store for you. I wish you all the best pretty lady!

Urban Nature

2009-04-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! Nature... Refreshing. Beautiful. Brilliant!

This is an Osprey, also known as a Sea Hawk. They are predators that live near bodies of water and prey on fish. Here in the Tennessee Valley, we have eiffel tower-looking structures (AKA TVA transmission towers) that hold large power lines. One of which is standing in the Tennessee River inside the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. And Hi. 67 actually runs right beside this particular tower. So one night I passed this tower, glanced to my right and swore up and down I had just seen a Bald Eagle! So we turned around and decided it's head was too small, it must be some sort of hawk. I kept meaning to come back to photograph it; two weeks passed and I never went back. Then last weekend, Decatur and surrounding communities were hit hard with high winds, hail, and tornado warnings. Trees and limbs were everywhere. So I assumed that nest was gone for sure! Then yesterday I was traveling down the same highway and there it was! Not a twig out of place... amazing! I went on to my destination but came back to find another photographer there. "Oh well," I said, "he'll just have to move over!" As I got closer I realized that it was Jeronimo, the new photojournalist for the Decatur Daily. He informed me that this was an Osprey and in fact there are two of them, a male and female, guarding their nest. We waited and waited for the other one to come back to the nest, but no luck. Maybe another day.

Side Note: Check out Jeronimo's blog. He is a true photojournalist at heart and I can't wait to see more of his work! He has an upcoming story of a janitor who is a cowboy on the side. It will be published in the Decatur Daily so be on the lookout!

Tax Day Tea Party 2009

2009-04-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! The American people made a stand against the socialistic moves Washington is making. It was so great to gather together with many other frustrated Americans, who today had a voice and their message was clear.

And We're Live!

2009-04-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

(Don't click image to view the website. Use the link below :)

The long anticipated davidcollinsconstruction.com is now LIVE!!! David's homes are spectacular! Put that together with a stunning waterfront property and you get a little peice of heaven here on earth. I really enjoyed this project and David was so great to work with. He gave me full reign with a total identity makeover for his business, from the new logo and beautifully designed website to of course lots and lots of great photography!

Rock On Jeff Beasley!

2009-04-02T16:56:00.001-07:00

This shoot ROCKED... literally! Jeff played his guitar the whole session, so I got my own personal concert! Jeff is an extremely talented, nationally acclaimed guitarist, who resides here in Huntsville, AL.

You can find Jeff's monthly article entitled "Lethal Guitar" in the nationally published magazine, Premier Guitar. Jeff is also a senior faculty member for the National Guitar Workshop; and he's endorsed by Dean guitars, THD amps, Dimarzio pick-ups, D'Addario strings, and In Tune picks. He records instructional videos for Truefire, and on top of all that, he teaches 80 students a week in Huntsville and Decatur. Jeff Beasley's debut CD is entitled "Tiebreaker". It reached #2 on the shred guitar charts!!! Check it out at CD Baby.

Check out a little video of him playing by clicking here. Be on the lookout for one of his images among the talented artists featured on the Dean Guitars website, www.deanguitars.com.

The Soon-To-Be Mr. and Mrs. Smith

2009-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this couple! Ice cream...gang signs... frolicking in green pastures. All the stars aligned... I had a beautiful couple with great style, great weather, beautiful scenery and a darling sister who stepped in to be my assistant! Couldn't ask for more!

Congratulations Laura Lou and Derrek! I can't wait to be apart of your wedding day!!!

Little Lou Ellen

2009-03-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Just one word... Precious!!!

Lindsey and Andrew

2009-03-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Lindsey was one of my childhood friends and oh can I tell some stories about Lindsey! My favorite would have to be that youth group skiing trip where Lindsey is being videoed from the top of the slope. She gets off to a great start, then quickly looses control, cuts straight down the slope and then disappears over a little hill. A few seconds later all you see is "POOF!" Oh I'm rolling right now as I relive the moment! Hahahaha! Oh Lindsey can ALWAYS make you laugh!

She was absolutely breathtaking on her wedding day and I was so happy to see her marry such a sweet guy. And I was honored to get to document her day. Thanks, Carla, for letting me tag along.

Mr. and Mrs. Hays

2009-03-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite wedding slideshows! Carla Swinney, one of my good friends and a very talented photographer, helped me with this wedding. Her talent continues to blow me away! And then we have little miss Haley. Haley was probably the most photogenic bride that I've ever worked with. Now ALL of my bride's are absolutely stunning, but I could NOT catch Haley making a bad face... even when I tried! :)

Enjoy your slideshow, Landon and Haley! I've absolutely loved getting to be apart such an important time in your lives!

Photo Studs!

2009-03-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I held my first ever photography workshop at my studio here in Decatur. It went off without a hitch! The class consisted of Dan and Susan Feser, Rebekah Higgins, and Beverly Linam. They all totally blew me away... their photos rocked! See for yourself... (If you click on the photograph, the tab at the top will list the author of the photograph.)

First we started off with a basic discussion of key technical aspects of photography and composition with a simple still-life.

Then we discussed various lighting positions for portraits using available window light. I posed as the model so everyone else could be shooting... the only problem with that is they had a hard time catching a shot where I wasn't running my mouth:)

After a fabulous outdoor lunch at Panera Bread, we hit the streets to learn about outdoor lighting and my wonderful brother, Daniel, posed as our model. He did GREAT! ... and so did all of my students!

Check out these two photographs! These were totally uninstructed shots where Dan and Rebekah explored their surroundings and found their own hidden photo gems!

I LOVED being able to share my passion and I had a blast with this class! I hope the class was able to take home a new understanding of their cameras, lighting and composition as well as a bit of inspiration to get out there and take some great photographs!

Location Scouting!

2009-02-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, my lovely assistant Joe (my boyfriend) posed as my model, so that I could test out a location for a client looking to use my services for some band photography. I think it will be a great place for photography! What do you think?

Maria and Rafael Caceres

2009-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

Oh I just LOVED getting to meet this couple and hear their story. Maria is from the great city of Decatur and traveled to Chile where she met the love of her life, Rafael. Together they are serving Christ in helping women suffering from drug addiction in Chile. I was so inspired and encouraged by their vision and sense of adventure! What a cool couple!

John "Hog" Hannah

2009-02-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Last week I photographed Mr. Hannah for his website, hannahassociates.com. John Allen "Hog" Hannah is a former left guard who played for the New England Patriots (1973–1985) in the NFL. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, and Sports Illustrated dubbed him, on its August 3, 1981 cover, "The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time."

According to his bio...

Since his days playing for the legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, John Hannah has been recognized as one of the best to have ever played the game. The two time All American was a unanimous Consensus All American his senior year in 1972. John was named to the University of Alabama All-Century Team and to the Alabama 1970s All-Decade team. But John’s drive and dedication took him further. In addition to football, John participated in wrestling, the shot put, and the discus throw.

John was the 4th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, where he played his entire 13 year career. He was named All-Pro 10 times, All-AFC 10 times, and played in 9 Pro Bowls. A member of both the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, he is one of the few players to have been named to the NFL All-Decade Team twice. John was named “The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time” by Sports Illustrated.

John Hannah was able to use the skills that made him a success on the field to make him a success off the field. During the off-seasons, John worked with the investment banking firm of LF Rothschild, Unterberg, and Tobin. In 1988, John founded The Hannah Group where he used his skills to craft a $2 billion-in-assets firm with a niche in public pension fund investment services.

Wanting to share success concepts with others, John founded John Hannah & Associates. John uses personal stories of unmatched success and failure to share his insights on motivation, teambuilding, and leadership. John’s expertise and solid Christian fundamentals form the basis of his presentations. He engages his audiences with a unique style that entertains, inspires, educates, and motivates.

Sports Illustrated also recently put together a team of the best players of all time. John Hannah made the cut.

Freedom of Choice Act

2009-02-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by a surgeon named Joseph Bruner.

The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr. Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy came out from under his anethesia and reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger.

Read the photographers take on the whole event by clicking here. As you can imagine, he caught some pressure to suppress the photo and claims were made that it is not real or it was posed or the hand just "flopped out" and the surgeon had to tuck it back it. The image speaks for itself.

This image was key to imposing the Ban of Partial Birth Abortion, but now in the coming weeks that ban will be overturned by the so called Freedom of Choice Act, which should be called the "Beheading of Innocent Children Act." The act will also force doctors that have moral objections and even religious hospitals to perform these abortions. I refuse to believe that most of my fellow Americans are so barbaric as to allow this to happen. I just think the barbarians happen to yell the loudest.

To do something, you can sign one of the various petitions out there or find a way to donate money to an institution you trust. It is projected that if this passes, 125,000 more babies will die next year. Another report showed that from 1973 through 2005, more than 45 million legal abortions occurred. That is the equivalent to WIPING OUT 44 of the United States most populated cities, including New York City, LA, Chicago, Pheonix, Atlanta... (the top 44 cities on this site. I added it up.), over the course of just 3 decades. God help us.

Hope

2009-01-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

WARNING! What I'm writing today is controversial and has absolutely nothing to do with my photography... don't say I didn't warn you!:) I am simply at my wit's end and I'm doing the only thing I know to do... saying something!

I have been extremely disheartened in recent months and especially this week as I watch our government make one foolish decision after another, decisions made under both liberal and conservative presidents. I stand in unbelief over the $819 BILLION stimulus package that was passed so hurriedly. Not once have I heard any mention from the bill's backers as to 1.)Where the money is coming from or 2.) Who is responsible for paying it back. U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (Rep., AL) was asked those questions and answered by saying, “The money is being printed, and you, me, your kids and my young daughters will have to pay this money back.” I thought my $20,000 student loan was big... I can't even put my mind around $819 BILLION!

Another issue not only sadens but scares me. I listened to a speaker that explained that history has shown that in order for a country to maintain itself, it must have at least a 2.11 reproduction rate. Anything less is irreversible. The highest any European country has is 1.8. The US is barely holding the minimum 2.11 with the hispanic community. The Muslim world has a staggering 8.(something) reproduction rate. They are migrating and have aggressive, strategic plans for spreading their faith. Pretty soon we are going to be in the same shape as Europe and watching as our country disintegrates one childless generation after another. While at the same time the Muslim world is making babies left and right. 15% of Muslims don't just hate us, they want to annihilate us. ....hmmmm. Wonder what will happen. And what does the US want to do? Demean parenthood, childbearing, and child rearing by killing babies and promoting homosexual relationships that don't result in babies. Great.

But in discussing all that has angst me so, I have been given wise advice. When I look at the world around me with all of it's turmoil and grim realities, I still have hope when I put it all up against the truth of Christ. There is a plan and there is an end. This life, despite my pain, has a happy ending. I have two warring emotions when I weigh all that is before me... just like Peter when he walked on the water. If I look only at the crashing waves, I'm filled with fear and I will sink. When I look at Christ, I'm filled with peace and an exciting anticipation of good things to come. And this faith is not built on ignorance or a passive resignation to traditional beliefs and childhood stories. It is built on truth and solid evidence.

Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell was a huge aid in my critical view of Christianity. To read my story, click here.

But my peace in a happy ending does not mean I will give up the fight while I'm here. A friend once told me to, "Pray like it's all up to God and live like it's all up to me." So I'm contacting my Senators and Representatives and holding them accountable to doing what is right for our country. And then I plan on making lots of babies:) I hope you will not remain passive, but will join me in fighting for what's right as well. Click here to read more about one thing you can do.

This Stuff Is Gold!!!

2009-01-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

So often I find myself feeling guilty if I'm not accomplishing something tangible... fulfilling an order, editing a wedding, updating my website. While those things are good and necessary to putting food on the table, they are not the things that make a great photographer.

"A few years back, one student was having his portfolio reviewed by the legendary Jay Maisel. The review was fine, yet after it was over the student pleaded with Jay, “Tell me, how can I take more interesting photos?” With missing a beat, Jay volleyed back, “Become a more interesting person.” Or said in another way, as Chris Rainier told me last week, “…at some point photography becomes autobiographical. In order to create better photos, sometimes we need to put down the photography books and magazines. Then we need to go out and to develop who we are.”

Who we are, shapes what we see." ~Chris Orwig

The quote above was just one nugget... go read the whole thing!

Today I received much needed inspiration from Chris. He gave me license to step away from the computer and go read that book I keep meaning to finish... "Captivating" by Staci Eldridge. I hope you're inspired as well, no matter your vocation, to quit "doing" long enough to be still, find what inspires you and go live it!!!

Proud to be an American

2009-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today I happened to walk out of lunch about the time the police were blocking the intersections of the Beltline in Decatur. I parked my car in a ditch, grabbed my camera and ran across the Beltline, skirt, heels and all, to catch the funeral procession of Staff Sgt. Josh Rath. It was snowing and the wind was ruthless, but busy Americans took time to stand by the roadside today and wave their flags to salute the life of this brave soldier. I've never been more proud to stand next to strangers to share a common bond as we showed our respect and absolute appreciation for the life he sacrificed. I must admit that lately I have been extremely doubtful that our great nation will remain great, but watching my fellow Americans today gave me hope. They gave me inspiration.

The War Hits Home

2009-01-09T10:08:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I found out that a friend's brother, Josh Rath, was killed in Afganistan. The Huntsville Times reported it today saying:

Army Staff Sgt. Josh Rath was killed when a bomb went off at an open bazaar, according to his father, Leroy Rath, but no other details on the incident have been provided to the family. Josh Rath was scheduled to be released from the Army in December of 2007, but was deployed to Afghanistan the July before, putting off his exit. "He was proud to be an American," his dad said. "He was proud to serve his country." Military officials are scheduled to visit the Rath home later today to give the family more details on their son's death.

Josh was a year younger than me. But his sister, Joy, graduated with me from Austin High. Joy was always a gracious christian girl and one of the last to deserve something like this. I am quite sure that she is placing all of her hopes in Christ to pull her family through this, although I'm sure no one can fathom the pain her family is in right now. I don't know how anyone would recover from something like that, but by the grace of God.

Josh graduated with my brother; and, according to my brother, he was engaged to be married when he returned. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rath family and his fiance. Men like Josh make me proud to be an American.

I hope his cause is not lost to a democratic agenda. I read this yesterday.

You can read more here.

Stephanie Hogan: Candidate for the Bachelor

2009-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Remember this face?

Back in October I photographed Stephanie and posted her images on my blog. But that's not why she's famous:) Stephanie is now appearing on the TV series "The Bachelor." You can catch it on Monday nights on ABC. Stephanie's definitely the prettiest... DEFINITELY! Good luck Stephanie!

My New Blog!!!

2009-01-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

CHECK IT OUT!!! The title is, "1 Day and 1 Hour"

My good friend, Terri, came home to visit from Arizona, where she is pursuing a degree in photography. Terri and I worked together as staff photographers at the university newspaper. She brought me a wonderful Christmas present... inspiration! ... and then she gave me a book, called "A Year of Mornings," which is book by two photographers living far far away from each other. Each morning they would post an image to their blog. Terri and I, both feeling totally uninspired, challenged each other to post a daily image to our blog. And so it began. I'm absolutely loving the constant change in perspective and the huge motivation to get off my arse and take some pictures!!! I love that in photography there is ALWAYS room for growth and change! I hope you enjoy!

Miss Olivia

2008-12-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for more from this beautiful and talented young lady!

Moanin' Michelle Malone!

2008-12-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

WOW! Have you ever had one of those moments where your standing next to someone famous and you don't even know it? Well, when you're as "out of the know" as I am, it's easy. Michelle is good friends with the lady that owns the shop across from me, Trish Land. Trish played a little of her music for me and I LOVED it! I am an appreciator of most kinds of music, but then there's that music that just hits hard. It has a rustic bluesy rock sound... americana is what Michelle calls it. The funny thing is that when I heard it, I said, "You know. This reminds me of the Indigo Girls." Trish looked at me funny and mentioned that Michelle grew up with them. I said, "Oh yeah, me too. Their cd was one of my first." She explained that no, Michelle literally grew up with them. And for a long time she was considered the third Indigo Girl! How cool is that! AND we've been formally introduced!:)

Check out her music at michellemalone.com and let me know what you think! Besides her recent appearance on the Grammy ballot, Michelle's many awards include four-time best album (Atlanta magazine), two-time best acoustic guitarist (Creative Loafing, IAC), and five-time female vocalist of the year (Creative Loafing). She's written, recorded and toured with Kristen Hall (Sugarland), Indigo Girls, John Mayer and Shawn Mullins, and performed with a range of top names—including Marsha Ball, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Shawn Colvin, Little Feat, Albert King, Chris Whitley, Johnny Winter and ZZ Top.

Melissa and Her Man!

2008-12-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Meet Miss Melissa Guisler and Mr. Dustan Williams. What a beautiful couple! They are engaged to be married next fall... my FAVORITE time of year! I can't wait!

Sweet Southern Love

2008-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Landon and his beautiful bride-to-be, Haley. We went out for a gorgeous fall day on the farm and had a blast! They were so much fun! I so look forward to being a part of their wedding day. Congratulations Haley and Landon!

Whistle While You Work!

2008-12-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

If you run through your music playlist as much as I do, you'll enjoy Accuradio. I was recently introduced and I love it! No downloads, no sign ups! You can pick whatever kind of music you prefer and rarely hear the same songs. I've enjoyed the "Listening Post" and "The Sunny Lite Mix" Check it out and tell me which ones you enjoy!

My New Space at 502 Bank Street!

2008-12-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! Let me reintroduce myself :) ...it's been so long since my last post, you may have forgotten me! I've been busy! I've moved from Carole Foret's on Market St. in Athens to my very own space on Bank St. in Decatur. I'm located about the Tammy Eddy store on the corner of Bank and Cherry. It's a beautiful space with fantastic window light. Below are some of my latest images from the new studio. Stop by for a visit! And stay tuned... I'm going to be playing a bit of blogging catch up.

These are my good friends Bart and Mary Kate Collins with their precious children, Cole and Emerson.

The Best of the Best

2008-10-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

These albums are crafted in Italy and custom-designed by yours truly. They really are stunning and the quality is unrivaled. These albums are hands-down the best presentation of your wedding day and able to hold up as they are passed down from generation to generation.

The primary album above is a 9.5x9.5 in. 40 page album with a custom-designed "crystal glance" cover, where the image is sealed under a thick acrylic, and the binding and back are black Italian leather. The pages are thick with a minimal gutter, great for two page spreads. The images are on photographic paper vs. the ink-jet press printing process. The paper is exposed by a laser, so the client literally has a book of bound photographs! The parent albums are 8x8in using the same thick photographic paper and a dust jacket cover.

The Biltmore Estate

2008-10-27T17:38:00.001-07:00

Stepping onto the grounds of the Biltmore Estate was like stepping into another era. You really could picture the carriages parading down the drive. The granduer and magnificence of the estate was more than I could wrap my mind around. ... especially for that time. Just laying the foundation must have been quite the undertaking. From the unheard-of electric lighting, to the 43 working bathrooms, to the indoor swimming pool and bowling alley, and the state-of-the-art "washing machine" and drying system and walk-in refridgerators... this home must have been quite the modern marvel. The dining room was my favorite... I felt like I was in a castle with it's three huge stone fireplaces on one side to the organ pipes on the other and 16th century tapestries that covering the walls. And the backyard? Breathtaking!

This estate is capitalism at it's best. It was and still is self-sustaining. What was once a dairy farm is now a vineyard and a hotel. And because it is still owned by the family, it doesn't receive any grants or funds from the state. So it raises for itself all the money it needs to continue it's grounds keepings and restoration efforts. The Biltmore Estate also employs many as well as supports the local businesses through bringing in tourists which are the life blood of Asheville. So Mr. Vanderbilt left quite a legacy.

I loved hearing about the story of how Mr. & Mrs. Vanderbilt met. George was considered the most eligible bachelor of his time, left with a 200 million dollar (billions of dollars in that day) freight inheritance. (Read his family history here.) Edith was orphaned when she lost both parents within two months and then lost her grandparents while she was still a teenager, so she and her sisters moved to Paris because it was cheap to live there. George met her while visiting Paris, fell in love, and then married after a short engagement. Talk about a fairytale!

Another fun fact... George Vanderbilt starting documenting all of the books he read from the age of 12 until the day he died at the age of 51. He read 3159 books... averaging 2 books a week, 81 books a year! Wow!

Autumn in Asheville

2008-10-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

Blue Ridge Parkway, Ashville

This shot was made while I was literally driving through my viewfinder on my camera... not exactly the safest thing to do. But I did get some pretty cool shots! It was rainy and there were areas where clouds were caught in the road bends.

This week I'm touring the beautiful state of North Carolina! It is absolutely gorgeous here this time of year! Today I met up with one of Asheville's local photojournalists that I met at the 2007 Festival of the Photograph and we ate the best restaurant in downtown Asheville, the Tupelo Honey Cafe. We dined on sweet potato pancakes and coffee on a rainy fall day... talk about comfort food!

Stay tuned for images from the BILTMORE tomorrow!!! I can't wait!

Hawaii Slideshow... Finally!

2008-10-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here it is! WARNING: It is 13 minutes long... but well worth it if you ask me! :)

Click here to view the show! Enjoy!

Miss Emily Griffith

2008-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Emily is a senior at Montevallo pursuing a career in voice & theatre. I so enjoyed getting to meet such a motivated and inspiring individual.

Teamwork at Its Best!

2008-10-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Man I LOVE doing stuff like this! I believe there is something beautiful in everyone that can and should be captured. But possessing a beauty like Stephanie's definitely helps when your hoping to land a job as the cover model for a designer in New York! Working with a model is definitely a team-effort. The photographer is really only as good as the model and vice versa. Thanks, Stephanie, for making my job easy! :)

I'm Back!!!

2008-10-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a two week vacation to the beautiful state of Hawaii! My whole family went to celebrate my sister's graduation from Hawaii Pacific University where she was on cheerleading scholarship. It was FANTASTIC!!! I will have a slideshow up soon, but this breathtaking view from our condo on O'ahu will have to suffice for now. I've got to get back to work!!!

Miss Brock Brett: Senior 2009

2008-09-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

... and another rockstar model! I can't wait to get some of these images up on my website! Way to go Brock!

Emilee Elkins: Senior 2009

2008-09-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Emilee totally ROCKED her photo shoot and I was so eager to get her pics up that I'm posting the slideshow the night before her presentation... so maybe she won't peek before tomorrow... Emily, if you're reading this tonight just act surprised tomorrow ok? ;)

Let's Keep it Real!

2008-09-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

The following data, taken from the public record, reveals each Presidential Candidate's proposed TAX Plan, if elected.Each taxpayer should become more informed before the November-08 General Election......or be willing to pay the tariff of ignorance, once taxes are enacted.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples) McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6%
How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxeshtml
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

A Day at Play

2008-09-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

My photographer friend Carla Swinney and I spent our Labor Day holiday goofing off in front of the camera. We passed the camera back and forth and switched roles between model & photographer. It's a great way to keep it fresh & it was so much fun! I LOVE my job!!! It's also good to hop in the model's shoes for a bit!

Which ones are your favorites?

Senior Slideshows

2008-08-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Miss Katelyn Hammond: Senior 2009

Miss Madeline Hunt: Senior 2009

Congratulations girls!!! Enjoy your senior year!

Custom Wedding Albums!

2008-08-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you Elizabeth and Casey! I so loved being apart of your day and designing your album was such a privelege. I've looked over these images a million times over and they still get to me... but that could just be because I'm such a girly-girl:) I hope you love it and are able to treasure these precious images for a lifetime!

Out with the old and in with the new! No more sticking 4x6 proofs into a bulky cumbersome album... now the trend in wedding photography is to design a "coffee table" style book that tells the story of your wedding day beautifully!

Rachael & Jacob

2008-08-11T22:47:00.001-07:00

This was one of the sweetest "little country church" weddings I've ever attended. This couple and their families were so well thought of by the community that the aisles were packed full, extra chairs were brought in, and still people were left standing. Rachael and Jacob were a beautiful couple and a pleasure to work with. Congratulations Rachael and Jacob!!!

Jessica and Owen

2008-08-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Owen tied the knot at the Sonnet House in Birmingham, a FANTASTIC location for wedding photography. I have absolutely no ties to Birmingham, but I would consider getting married there myself just for the location! Congratulations Jessica and Owen!

Twins & Friends Tonight!

2008-07-31T07:11:00.001-07:00

Come one, come all! The twins are ROCKIN' some brand new artwork!!! Carole Foret and her twin, Claire Kayser, are hosting "Twins & Friends Night" tonight here at the studio in Athens. We'll be serving some scrumptious hors de'ourvres and it will be a great chance to meet the twins! Their friend Jean Basse, a Chicago-based jewelry artist will also displaying her jewelry! I'll also be presenting my new photography specials and Carole will also be offering some great new deals too... like the chance to win a spot in her new "Wine & Paint Nights!" Hope to see you there!!!

Miss Alexis Cote

2008-07-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

Blue Angels Rain Show

2008-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Parked in front of Blue Angel #2, Joe and I enjoyed the preliminary airshow leading up to the Blue Angels. We watched as the rain cloud aproached and planned to just wait out what we thought would be a gentle shower. We crammed as many as we could under one umbrella, losing all sense of personal space as the rain and wind forced us to literally hold our umbrella sideways as horizontal sheets of rain pounded us. Joe and Charlie (two big ol' boys) sat closer than they would've preferred and locked arms while Charlie's daughter-in-law crounched at our feet and I sat curled up in Joe's lap and held three big camera bags. Every now and then Charlie would let out a howl as the rain would dump off of the umbrella and down his back. It was hilarious! And personally my favorite part of the whole show! We couldn't believe it when the announcer came on and informed the crowd that the show would no longer continue due to damage from the rain shower. Thousands left soaked and completely disappointed, totally unaware that in the course of the storm a 5 yr old little boy lost his life and about a dozen more were injured when the VIP tents blew over. What we thought would be a gentle rain actually turned into a microburst. Five minutes after the storm passed the sky was a gorgeous bright blue with a few white puffy clouds, just perfect for flying.

If you look close in this picture you can see the emergency personnel already on scene. The organizers of the event did a fantastic job of preparing for the worst and in my opinion nobody is to blame except for Mother Nature... and maybe George W. ;)

What Would You Pick?

2008-07-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get back to some of my graphic design roots from college. Here's a few logo designs fresh off the designer's table... which one would you pick if this were your business???

Lacey Strickland: Senior 2009

2008-06-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is my cuz'! No really! This is my cousin, Lacey... isn't she a hottie!?! Lacey and her two sisters, Jesslyn and Leah, have all blossomed into beautiful women inside and out. ... not hard to imagine considering they are related to ME!!! ;) Congratulations Lacey! Enjoy your Senior year! I love you!

Miss Katie Schrimsher: Senior 2009

2008-06-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Cynthia and Eddie

2008-06-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

This was just a sweet simple backyard wedding with Cynthia and Eddie's closest friends and family, and I so enjoyed being apart of it! Thank you both!

Elizabeth & Casey

2008-06-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

That day was such a blessing to me to watch two wonderful people join their lives together! Their love for each other and for the Lord is evident to all. I wish you both many happy years together!

Thanks Carla for helping me out... your talent behind the camera always amazes me! :)

Bridal Portraits at Bridge Street

2008-06-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Presenting Miss Lindsey Hillis...

Isn't she stunning! Bridge Street, located in Huntsville AL, was a fantastic location for photography! Thank you, Lindsey, for letting me be apart of such a special time in your life! I'm so excited for you!

FYI for other photographers: The people of Bridge Street are very generous to let photographers come and shoot at no cost; however, you do have to sign a contract, let them know when to expect you, and carry a "photographer's badge" when shooting. I do hope all photographers will remain respectful of their wishes so that they'll keep letting us come there!

April, Austin, and Tye Marsh

2008-05-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

... couldn't be any cuter if they tried!

April and I were Alpha Gams together at UNA, where she showed me the ropes during my first year. She even hooked my up with my first date to an Alpha Gam date party. Haha! That was an interesting night...

I really enjoyed catching up with her and Austin and playing with sweet little Tye, who ended up with his momma's eyes. Lucky kid!

Thanks again, Joe, for being such a lovely assistant! ;)