The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) announced the winners of the Winter 2008 Photo Contest today and…drum roll, please…this photo of Derek from his wedding to Stephanie in October won first place in the “Groom Portrait” category.

Just thought I’d share as I’m really happy with this photograph.  From the moment I saw Derek sitting there chatting with his groomsmen (and attendant), I visualized this as a dramatic, classic, black and white portrait.  Seems others agreed with me!

I wanted to share some photos from the Dream Weddings Bridal Show (http://dreamweddingsbridalshow.com/) that was recently held at the beautiful Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

The show was very well done and I had an opportunity to talk with a lot of very excited brides.  It was a very successful show and I am looking forward to meeting with those brides that have contacted me for appointments already.

I also had the opportunity to make some new friends, including Debra Adams of Belle Rose Maison who had the booth directly across from me.  We filled in for each other at times and did “snack” (i.e., cake samples, chocolate covered strawberries) runs for each other.  I had the pleasure of chatting with Roseann Levine of the Hilton Garden Inn Houston Northwest where I photographed Shelley and Brian’s wedding last April.  Roseann was kind enough to share some chocolates - and she was giving away bottles of champagne!  You can’t beat that!

Anyway, here are some photos of the booth setup and a few others.

First, one of two photos I had in the entry foyer gallery.  Both were stunning 40×60 prints!

Next the booth layout.

A closer shot of the collage image used as the backdrop for the booth.  This is a beautiful 60×90 image - setup as nine 20×30 “tiles”!

Some of the albums on display, including my new “flagship” which is a stunning 8×20 with bevelled acrylic cover.  To say this album got quite a few looks would be an understatement.  Many brides stopped right in their tracks to glance through it.

Next, three 12×12 albums - one featuring my leather covers with accent, the other two open (one is a metal cover the other is leather with a metal cameo).

The final album on display is a 14×14 with metallic prints.  Another eye catcher indeed.

Finally, yours truly getting set for the long day.

These were all taken with a small, pocket-sized, point and shoot camera.  My friend Rob from R&J Photography took some that he will send me later.  I’ll post those when I get them as it showed the crowd that gathered to talk with me.

Again, thank you to the vendors that made the show a success - and fun - and special thanks to the brides that stopped by and those that I’ll be meeting in the coming weeks.

I wanted to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for what one has - and those that have made it possible.  As such, I want to thank all of you whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year - clients, associates, fellow photographers, and suppliers.  You’ve all made it possible for me to have a great year and I thank you for it.

I hope I’ve contributed a small bit to your life also!

Now, on to the turkey or ham or…

The results of the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers Fall 2008 Photo Contest are in and I’m thrilled by them.  OK, let me first off say that this organization truly is an international organization and the talent is amazing - including some Pulitzer prize winners!  While I didn’t take top honors in any of the categories, I am pleased to report that I had six entries place in the Top 20.

Thought I’d share the images so here they are. 

I am very proud of these honors and I thank each and every one of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you during your special days!

Hey…just wanted to let you know that the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers has aimed their “member spotlight” on me and is featuring an interview on their blog.  Check it out here.

In this interview I share a bit about how I got started in wedding photography, my favorite part of the wedding day, what I like the most about weddings, and a bit about some of my favorite venues.

Anyway, enjoy and feel free to ask any other questions you may have here!