Photography is all about light and shadows, so when you see a ray of light creating a beautiful pattern it is like finding the Holy Grail. This particular photograph was taken in the wine region of Santiago, Chile, at the Vina Haras de Pirque wine cellar.
Receptions are so much fun – and an opportunity for action shots. There is all the dancing that goes on, but nothing gets more action than the bouquet toss. The athleticism that is seen at times is just amazing and puts some NFL wide receivers to shame.
Here’s a great example of a fun stretch and catch!
There is always something special about a bride’s grand entrance. The anticipation builds up as everyone wonders what her dress will look like, will she be crying, will she be smiling, will she be doing both. The opposite side of that is the groom’s reaction – and then you get the entire interaction between them both.
I always try to capture that interaction – the groom’s face is so telling. There are times, however, when you just need to capture the majesty of the setting and the bride. This is one such image from Stephanie and Derek’s beautiful wedding in Austin, TX.
I love to photograph the unique architecture and street scenery at the places I have the opportunity of traveling to. One of the most beautiful places I have been to was Croatia. I spent a week traveling throughout the coastal cities and the capital, Zagreb.
I seldom start out with a tourist map or guide – I just head out. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a map with me in case I get TOTALLY lost, but I am not one to circle the key sights and make a route to them. I just wander out. So, as I was wondering about for two days in Zagreb, I came across this building and just had to take a photo of it.
Have you ever noticed how grooms immediately start to play with their rings? Yes, grooms and their rings. If you watch carefully, while the brides immediately start to show off their new wedding jewelry, grooms start to play with them.
I love capturing this!
If I haven’t said it before, New Orleans (NOLA) is one of my favorite cities to visit. Being so close to Houston, I try to get there at least once a year – and I always find something new. Even if it’s the same street, same plaza, no matter what, I always find something new. Always.
I love playing with shadows – and I love the patterns they create. During one of those visits to NOLA, I saw the patterns the shadows cast on a small section of fencing along the side of St. Louis Cathedral. I shot this on Ilford HP5 black and white film.
I recently had the pleasure of working again with someone who’s become a friend over the time we’ve known each other. I first met Jennifer as we talked about photographing her wedding. I photographed her bridal session and then her wedding. Her love story is really heart warming and as I got to know her and Danny a bit more, I could just see the love that they shared.
When she contacted me recently about doing a family portrait session I was thrilled. We headed out to Galveston and here are a few of the images.
Finally made it to Puerto Rico earlier this year. Spent nearly a week in Old San Juan at a GORGEOUS apartment in an old colonial building. All I can say about my stay is “wow”. Loved every minute of it.
No visit could be complete, of course, without stopping by El Morro. It is quite a site and the views are very enjoyable. I spent several hours just walking around, stopping, enjoying the view of the ocean, and wondering about all the events that have taken place there throughout history.
So, here’s one of my photos of the famous guard posts.
If you ever wonder what time your photo session will be scheduled, all I can say is “golden hour, but it depends”.
Let’s start with “golden hour”. That is the hour or so just after sunrise or just prior to sunset. It is the time of day when the light is the most pleasant – the softest and most complementary. While shadows can be long, they can be fun.
Now let’s look at the “it depends” part. That is usually followed by a discussion on locations. You see, depending on the location, it may be the early morning. I will be brutally honest, I HATE photographing sunrises. The reasons are quite simple: you have to get up VERY early and there’s no guarantee you’ll actually have a nice sunrise. With a sunset, I’m already up and about so if it’s not a nice sunset I just carry on.
While that approach works for (or limits!) my landscape photography, with portraits it’s quite different. I’m not looking for the beautiful sunrise – I’m looking for the beautiful light AND the location that is not overrun by people (go back to my “get up VERY early” comment).
So, if you’re interested in a very popular and usually crowded location, we’ll be getting up VERY early. Here’s an example of such a portrait session and you’ll realize that it was worth it. If you’ve ever been to this location, you know that it can get pretty crowded and being able to pull off a location centric portrait such as this in the late afternoon would be nearly impossible.
Today is a day in which we honor those that have served our country to keep us safe, protect our rights, and make the US the best place to live in the world. Some who did so paid the ultimate price.
While we don’t all agree on politics and policies, the good thing about the US is that you CAN disagree and every year you have an opportunity to support a candidate that will represent your point of view.
The one thing that we must all realize as we look back in history and look forward to the opportunities ahead of us is that united we succeed, divided we fail.
Keep that in mind.
