Inspiration & Design Photography BLOG

White Wednesday

I know it's been a while since I've posted, I do apologize.  I have had to put ALL my energies into working on my goals for 2011, namely my new website.  As we are now in November, (can you believe it?) I am realizing time is quickly running out!!! I have put most everything else on hold while I work tirelessly on my goals. I do hope it will all be worth it in the end. 

In the interim, I love to take time for self assignments, a time to just enjoy the art and craft of photography, with-out the normal time pressures. To create just for fun.  It relaxes me and reminds me of why I do what I do.  For some time I have wanted to do a White Wednesday, I am not sure why, but I think I feel it leading me to a whole color themed project.  I am always so inspired by the images in Artful Blogging magazine and thought I would do my own rendition. 

If you love photography and creative writing you must take a trip to your local book store and have a cup of coffee while you get lost in the beauty of this publication.  If you do, please send me a comment on your thoughts. I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed white Wednesday!

Valerie & Joe's Wedding 9-10-11

What a lovely couple! From the first meeting to each session after that, I just fell more in love with Valerie & Joe. Their sweet, kind, considerate, friendly, funny, playful, loving personalities will penetrate your heart and become part of you...forever.

Their gorgeous wedding & reception was held at the beautiful and charming Sundara in Boones Mill, Virginia and was the perfect venue to reflect the love they share. The warm afternoon sun glistened through the trees as they exchanged their vows of love in front of a backdrop of mountains. The intense love they have for each other is evident by the way they gaze into each other's eyes. Their tender love expressed in respectful smiles.

The reception was the most fun I have witnessed...maybe ever!!! Valerie & Joe did an amazing job selecting the play-list. The crowd went wild dancing the entire night!!!

Thank you to each one of you who gave to my heart by treating me like a friend. It was such an awesome experience getting to know some of you a little better. Thanks for the hugs, kudos, dancing and for wonderful memories I am not likely to forget! My dear Valerie & Joe, is it really over?!?! What a pleasure and an honor, truly! We must keep in touch. Love you guys!!!!

A nice photo of Sundara by Jason.

I loved the lighting in the bride's room and Valerie's awesome dress.

 

 Flowers were done by The Crystal Orchid

 

 

I love her sweet brown eyes and beautiful smile!

Stunning, Natural, Gorgeous!

 

I really like this photo that Jason took!

Joe, you're awesome! Lookin dapper for sure!

 

I loved their tent!

Their bridal table captured by Jason

Loved this shot of the programs, good job Jason!

I loved this one too! Very nice Jason.

 

Aaawww, they look so happy!

Some play time with the bridal party!

I caught these natural moments on the sly.

 

Love their smiles. You guys are too cute together!

 

 

Joe was getting all frisky and dancing around! Yay! Mr. & Mrs.!

 

The beginnings of their conga line!

This was sooo sweet the guys all sang to Valerie. I have to admit some were really off key!

But Valerie didn't mind :)   (photo captured by Jason)

It was a fun, fun, night I wish I could share all of it with you!

Valerie's bridal session at Sundara

What a cutie pie!  I just love Valerie's alluring dark eyes, full of innocence, yet full of something much more....maybe wildness???  Or was it me that full of wildness?  Regardless, we went down the conventional path and then entered the place of temptation...can you say apple?

During each session it's important to create what the bride wants, or thinks she wants. The classic, traditional, elegant and beautiful.  Those are all wonderful, but as a photographer I long for something different as well. An image the viewer may not expect. So after the traditional images, we played!

Due to time constraints and the fact that I will be posting Valerie's wedding images next, I am only sharing a few from her bridal session.

 

Who doesn't love a red barn shot.

 

 
Since there was an apple orchard across the street, I thought it would be fun to do a version of Eve in the garden.

 Then I thought Eve would look a little more wild, so I took down her hair. Notice that the tree line makes a V behind her acting as leading lines directly to her? This is my favorite shot!

 
 

No EVE, don't do it! Don't take that bite!  

 

For another look, I pinned her hair up in a cute, but messy way. Did she eat the apple?  I'll never tell ;) 

Emily's Bridal Portraits - August 2011

Doesn't every little girl play dress up; spending fanciful afternoons with equally romantic playmates wearing over sized flowing dresses, mom's high heels and exploring jewelry boxes full of sparkling trinkets, while dreaming of the day she will marry her prince?

Bridal sessions are a little girl's dreams all grown up. And being able to spend "girly-girl" time photographing the best dress-up ever, is like re-living one of those treasured nostalgic afternoons all over again!  

Emily you are truly G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!!  I LOVED your dress and it was so fun capturing all your beauty and sophistication.  Thanks for playing along!!!

 

In my small town it's hard to find good shooting locations, so whenever I use the same location for a session, I try to make it look completely different. This session was at the same location as Michelle's bridal portraits (earlier this season), but I choose to showcase different aspects of the area.

For this image I have the assistant holding her veil slightly up to get a fuller look, with-out looking contrived. I tried several heights until I got just the right look.

 

I chose this spot because I liked the way the crape myrtles echoed the pink in her bouquet as well as the framing & depth offered by the gradation of the foliage colors.

 

Positioning the bride between the dark foliage on the left and the direction of light coming from the right, I was able to create the dimensional light needed to mask the face. As usual it was very gloomy, so I had my assistant use a silver reflector to get light in her eyes and increase contrast.

The pose below is a twin to the one I did for her sister a few years ago that was well liked.

 

 Most of the images through-out this session have very little editing.  However, for this close-up I enhanced her eyes and softened the skin.

 

  When looking at an image, sometimes it may seem effortless, but in reality many details have been addressed. Perfecting the tilt of the head, the bend of the arms, the way the flowers are held, the way the veil drapes, are all addressed to get the best execution of the image. Once you have nailed your exposure, details...details...details!

  

Jason took this beautiful image of Emily.  I edited and enhanced it, painting with color to give it that pastel pink look.

 

 As before a reflector was used to fill in the shadow areas.

 

I love these poses and the texture and framing of the pillars. 

 

A bride's dress is one of the most important elements of her wedding day.  Make sure you capture all the unique details. I love this adorable bow.

 

This veil was worn by Emily's mother and was also worn by her sister Stephanie when she got married. I thought it would be fun to do something different, while also exhibiting the details.

Draping the veil in a "V" shape creates the strong triangular composition.

 

 

At the very end with little light left, I created a fantasy story about her groom and asked her to be part of the story.  These are some of the images that resulted.

 

I love the mystery & romance I feel from these images. The compositional use of the tree strengthens the image. 

 

 

 

 

 

Britney & James Wedding - August 13, 2011

She believed she would have to travel to some place like New York to find her soul mate. "I'll never find a husband around here."  But a close of friend of the family had a special someone in mind for Britney.  In fact, this friend was already convinced even before they met, that he would be Britney's future husband. AND. . .she was right! (I bet all you single girls looking for Mister Right wish you had a family friend with that much discernment.) Luckily for Britney, she didn't let her preconceived notions keep her from exploring this dubious opportunity.  She agreed to a blind date with James and two souls met their mate that day! They just fit like a comfortable pair of cowboy boots.

The wedding day included EXTREME humidity, late flowers and a half eaten cake (by some hungry unknown critter) which got repaired with lots of frosting and was still yummy...I'm kidding!  The cake did get eaten, but not by any of the guests.  A quick trip to the grocery store for sheet cakes replaced the "contaminated confection". Britney took it very well and just rolled with the punches.  I guess they will have a funny story to tell their children; the cake eating coyote that came to our wedding!

Britney & James, I wish God's blessings on your life and marriage.  Thank you for the honor of capturing your love and thank you so much for your wonderful e-mail expressing your thankfulness.  It gives me great pleasure to give the gift of precious memories to my clients!

 

 

 

It was very gloomy, I had my assistant Jason hold a reflector on the silver side for most of the images, just to get some light in the eyes.

 

WOW! Those are some big guns!! They look pretty friendly for having that much fire power!

Since the girls didn't have guns, they decided to use their flowers like swords...Hum, "Rambo" meets, "Kill Bill"!

 

 

Luckily it was the backside of the cake that got eaten!

 
 

 

A nice photo taken by Jason Collins.

 

 

 

 

 

This image was by Jason, love the cloud detail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was Jason angle, very romantic and the mountains look so pretty.

 

 

 

 

 

I thought this picture of the girls was cute, they snagged their men!

 

Sarah & Ryan's Wedding - July 16th 2011

Just when you think that you couldn't meet anyone nicer than you've already met, you meet Sarah & Ryan.  This adorable couple glow from the inside out!  They always smile & Sarah giggles this cute innocent giggle that reminds me of the carefree playfulness of youth.  When they look at each other it's like the rest of the world couldn't possibly interrupt or intrude on the powerful love bubble that surrounds them. 

As I photographed their custom made guest book featuring collages of all the things they love to do and share with each other, it was a very special moment for me. As I gazed at the images for a moment, the joy that resonated in their hearts seemed to escape the boundaries of the pages and touch the world outside.  That's what it's like when you are in their presence too.  The love they share for each other is also a much deeper love that comes from Christ and flows to those who are fortunate enough to know them.

With each new wedding I photograph, I realize how much I am being blessed by documenting and flourishing in the love of these precious couples.  I am continually amazed and thankful to God for the wonderful people I get to work with.  

 Sarah & Ryan, your wedding was a beautiful blend of everything that makes you both unique and wonderful! Your medley of dances and pink sunglasses were especially fun, but you were the best part of everything!  Love & hugs to you both!   

  

 

 

 I love the way Sarah's MOH is lovingly holding her hand as she finishes putting on the bracelet.

 

 I love the excitement in Sarah's face as she puts on her earrings.  See...she glows!

 

 

 

  Gorgeous! Love the attitude in the one on the right.

 

 

 

 Handsome, love his smile!

 

 

 

 Where on earth did he find those glasses? Hilarious!

 

 The picture on the right was just after the kiss, great expressions!

 

 

 

Adorable! 

 

Ooo-la-la...very romantic!

 

 

 So cute together, look at those happy smiles!

 

Then the fun begins!! Nice boa!

 

 They choreographed a dance routine to a medley of songs. It was so cute to watch!

 

 Can you guess this dance? I'll give you a hint, "Thriller"...okay I just gave it away.

 

 

 This is the guest book I mentioned earlier.  Adorable, adorable, adorable!!!!!! Yes, with long hair he does look like Tom Cruise.

 

 

 

 The epitome of their joy!  Nothing is getting through that love bubble!

 

YAY...I'm away!

In all the scurry of preparing for vacation, I remembered to do everything except let my blog readers know that I would be absent for a week. I'm enjoying the VERY HOT & sunny weather in Tulsa, OK. Yes, Tulsa. Maybe not the vacation spot most would think of but I'm happy anywhere there's sunshine, shopping, great restaurants and my best friend Luke.

Anytime away from long hours spent with my booty plastered to my office chair, working late into the evening/night and trying to figure out what to eat for dinner at 10:00 p.m., is a GREAT TIME!!! Do I hear heads nodding out there??

If you ever get to Tulsa, you have to eat at a restaurant called Mahogany it's a bit of a wallet buster, but OH MY GOSH I will never forget the AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING, food and dining experience!!!!! Worth every $$$.

Sorry no pic this time, it's midnight and I'm too tired to add one....maybe next time.

I have some awesome wedding photos of Sarah & Ryan's wedding to share with you when I get back home.

I wish you a cool dip on a hot day, a juicy stake after a day of involuntary fasting and rest for your soul and body...oh yeah and don't forget to laugh that's the very best part...well maybe it's the stake...Yes, it's definitely the stake, laughter second.

Happy summer!

Emilee & Keith's Wedding July 9th, 2011

Another hot & humid day, but thankfully no rain. Emilee and the girls got ready at Hotel Roanoke.  I began doing my favorite thing, photographing details.  I loved the familiar sound of nervous giggles as the girls finished getting ready.

The joy and peace Emilee felt about marrying Keith, was radiating from her face... a "love glow", if you will.  I've seen this love glow first hand when I photographed their engagement session.  (Sigh), isn't love an amazing thing to behold.  Bigger than the Grand Canyon, deeper than the sea.  There I go sounding like a romance novel.  But it's true.  I never become insensitive to its grandiose presence, even after 20 years. I'm still in awe with each couple's unique expression of love for each other.

Who would have known that two kids playing together on the church playground would also grow up and get married in that same church one day.  So sweet.

Emilee and Keith, we have only known each other for a brief moment in time, but I will cherish the fond memories we shared.  Your wedding was fun; you've got good party skills!!!  Congratulations! 

 Cute shoes, but they were quickly abandoned for sparkly flip-flops.

 

 A different take on the dress, I love the bling detail.

 

 

I know I already shot the shoes, but I wanted to do something different.  I used a cross process action on this one. 

 

 

 Loved the rosey detail on the wrap.

 

 She looks beautiful and I love her hair!

 

 

 

 Nothing better than having a vintage car as a prop! Looking good Keith! I wanted to compose the image on the right differently, but there was a huge painted handicap sign on the ground.

 

 I love the moody lighting and the way the window frames him.

 

 

 

 

 

 For all of you Texas Tavern worshippers, I confess I've never eaten there.  I know it's almost sacrilegious.  Not being from around here, I just don't get it. 

 But I promise I will eat there...someday. WOW, I just realized their burgers are really cheap! Now that's incentive :)

 

 

 

Too funny, the bride has a fishing hook in the groom's booty! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their reception was at the beautiful Corinthian Ball Room in Roanoke. 

 

 See how cute they are together. I like the urban photos outside, but I could do with-out the orange cones.  They are always there! What's up with that?

 

 

 

One of their guests was doing a funny song and dance on the sidewalk, which prompted the image on the right. 

 

 

 

 It's Miller time!

 

 

 

It was lots of fun!

Emilee & Keith's Engagement June 27th, 2011

This playful couple have been best friends and playmates since about the 3rd grade.  And they are still best friends today!  Not only are they best friends, but still truly "in love" after all these years.

The evening of their engagement session it was swealtering, oh my GOSH! The humidity was atleast 150%, well it felt like it anyway! Shortly into the session, Emilee's beautiful thick hair was beginning to look like she had taken a shower and her hair had only dried part way.  We were drippy, sweaty and very hot, but in spite of all that I did my best to keep them encouraged and capture their cute, playful and romantic personalities. 

Laughter always gets you through.....and we did laugh! 

 

 I told Keith to tickle her...doesn't she look like she doesn't want to be tickled? Well....she confessed she's not tickle-ish; good acting Emilee ;)

 

 Can you believe she's wearing a sweater in that heat! But I love the blue & yellow together.

 

  

 

 

Michelle & Curt's Wedding July 2nd, 2011

It was a picture perfect day at the NESSELROD ON THE NEW...the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the daisies were all in bloom! Everyone was amazingly calm and cheerful and Michelle looked like she always does~AMAZING!!! Curt was looking pretty sharp in his coat and tails too!

If you'll remember from Michelle and Curt's engagement story, he chased her all the way to Paris, to humbly profess his love and hopefully make her his bride. The gentle, respectful, adoring, pure love they show each other is a direct reflection of the love and faith they have in Jesus Christ. Working with this lovely couple, their loving families and super fun wedding party, made me feel like I was wrapped in a hug all day long! 

Michelle and Curt, I truly loved working with you.  The love you show one another is a beautiful example.  The day couldn't have been more perfect and I feel like a very blessed person to have been part of it all.  Thanks for sharing your hearts and fun personalities with me. I will smile everytime I think of you.  God bless you both and I wish you a lifetime of joy!

Due to my busy schedule I will not be giving an instructional commentary on this wedding, but I hope you enjoy it.  If you have any questions leave a comment or e-mail me. 

 

 

 

 They personally designed their invitations, very classy.

 

 There was great light in this room coming from three directions, love it!

 

 

 

 

 I loved all the daisies!! This was a fantastic place for a wedding.

 

 The girls being playful.  Her yummy bouquet.  Yes...bouquets can be yummy.

 

 Coat and tails awesome look!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 What a great twist, a bag piper! Nice socks ;)

 

 Now that is a kiss!

 

They look like they are gonna burst at the seams with JOY! 

 

 

 

They had a wonderful band and they had all the Waltzy/Jitter-buggy moves of the big band era, pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see they are quite photogenic.  Sooo romantic! 

 

 They really wanted some fun bridal party pictures.  I was laughing so hard the camera was shaking at about an 8 on the richter scale!

 

 There were so many fun ones, but I can only share a few due to time..sorry.

 

 

 

 

 

 This was their James Bond-esk pose, they really look the part!

 

 They are being pelted with lavender as they run through the crowd.

 

 I love this one!

 

 I hope you enjoyed their day, I know I did!!!!!