The Week Between

I normally don't work much between Christmas and New Years. This year isn't much different. A few random appointments, but not much else. So, in honor of the lazy days and less-than-ideal weather, I have found the perfect quote. Enjoy!

"No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap." -Carrie Snow

Last Minute Gifts From iNWARD STUDIO

With less than a week to go until Christmas, I have a couple of offers for the last minute shoppers out there.

First, for one week only, I will be offering gift certificates for 25% off face value. (Yes, you can buy them for yourself.) Simply, a $100 gift certificate will only cost $75. Not only do gift certificates make for great presents, but these will stretch your Christmas budget. Don't forget the new moms, brides, or camera buffs in your life. Why camera buffs?

Well, I'll be offering my "Digital Photography for Soccer Moms (and Dads)" on February 2nd. If someone you know is getting a new camera for Christmas or just wants to learn how to use the camera they already own, this would be a great gift. The class will last from 9am to 4pm and will include lunch. We will cover from capture to output. The day will start with a safari and end with finished prints of our work. This class has been very popular in the past, so please don't miss out. The class will be limited to 10 students. The fee is $150 per person.

So, if you are paying attention, you could combine the two offers for substantial savings.

AND, it would be wise to stock up on gift certificates for the new year. There will be a new special promotion to kick off the new year that you won't want to miss.

A Weekend of New Trends

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of partaking in a few new trends in wedding photography.

Friday, I spent the evening with Stephanie trashing her wedding dress. I know the blood just rushed out of the faces of moms and brides all over, but I like to think of it as "no concern for the dress." I don't actively try to trash the dress. I just don't want to worry about getting it dusty, dirty, muddy, etc. It was a great time that resulted in some really beautiful images. Dirt roads and warehouses make for the best locations. Best of all, it was her idea.




Saturday, Ashly, Eric, and I spent the morning photographing a "morning after session." The idea comes from destination wedding photographers who might not meet their clients until the wedding day. Therefore, there is no chance for an engagement session. The morning after session is simply an engagement session the morning after the wedding. Of course, they typically take place on a beach at a far flung location with the couple in the wedding attire. We didn't have a beach, but for anyone interested, I'm always up for a road trip. It was a great opportunity capture fun images without a time constraint. Ashley and Eric were great.




I hope these images inspire others to do the same. It was great fun.

Happy Thanksgiving

A little belated, but heart-felt none-the-less. As usual, Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time. Besides the turkey and dressing at home, it is a time filled with family portraits. It is sometimes the one time each year that families are complete. AND, as has been the case, it was cold this weekend. There is something about hanging onto a metal camera in barely above freezing weather that gets me in the holiday mood. Feeling in your finger tips is highly overrated.

I hope everyone survived Black Friday. I'm so glad I don't work retail anymore.

Geek Giving

I am a self admitted geek. I'm also really into words. I'm not much of a writer, but I love vocabulary. AND, with the glut of Thanksgiving coming, I have found a great way to give back. Freerice.com will donate 10 grains of rice for every correct answer you give. Simple choose the correct meaning of each word and help feed the hungry. Everything is paid for by the advertisements at the bottom of the screen. Best of all, Apple is an advertiser. I got to 600 grains before I stopped. There seems to be no limit. So, get playing/giving and leave your best score in the comments.

Simple Pleasures, Part 5

If anyone knows a good French teacher, I'm interested. Learning French in a vacuum is really hard.

1. Deep fried turkey!
2. Pumpkin pie covered in Cool Whip. This is one of those guilty pleasures. Whip cream is better, but fat free Cool Whip is pretty amazing.
3. A table so deep in food that you can't have everything on one plate.
4. Post lunch naps. My grandfather would wake at 4:30 or 5 in the morning. He would then have a nap at 10am. Then lunch. Then another nap at 1pm. Oddly enough, he got a lot accomplished. I think retirement must be great!
5. Crocs. I know it seems off topic, but mine are orange, so they're seasonal. If you don't have a pair, get them.

Endangered Species

I recently learned that I'm an endangered species. Researches at the Oxford Hair Foundation believe that redheads will be extinct by 2100. Apparently, a mutation of a gene causes red hair. Unfortunately, the gene is recessive, and it is diluted by the dominant brown hair gene. I think I should make t-shirts emblazoned with "Save the Redheads!" I'm not sure how to save the redheads, but awareness is the first step.

Have We Talked About TV?

I'm a little obsessed with TV. I used to think it was a personality flaw. BUT, occasionally, a show comes a long to make the mindless hours worth while. I think "Pushing Dasies" is just that kind of show. It has a quirky premise, amazing art direction, and compelling characters.

Ned learned at an early age he was "blessed" with the gift of bringing people and animals back to life. But, if he touches them again, they die. If he doesn't "kill" them again within 60 seconds, someone or something nearby dies. By a strange turn of events, he brings his childhood sweetheart back to life. He can never touch her again, but he wants to.

While the story is interesting, the "look" of the show is very distinctive. It resemble a child's story book. The colors are vivid, and the setting looks a little unreal. It adds to the fanciful nature of the show. It is a real treat to see something so unique on network TV.

While some of the actors are familiar (Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz, and Kristin Chenoweth) many are unknowns. The characters each have exaggerated personalities. The reclusive aunts, the d-gooder sweetheart, the jilted admirer, the money hungry partner, and conflicted "hero" are all parts of this odd ensemble. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Don't miss it!
ABC, Wednesdays at 8pm.

Something Old is New Again

I recently decided to resurrect an old way of creating images but with the same instant gratification that digital offers. I bought a large, professional polaroid camera. I've pulled it out at a few sessions and have been thrilled with the results. It is great to see your image on the back of your digital camera, but it is even more exciting to have a print. I've decided to make these one-of-a-kind images available to my clients. Below is an example from the wedding in St Simons. It is the 1940 Cadillac that transported the couple to their reception. Each 3x4 inch original print will be framed with white mats and a simple black frame. Let me know if you are interested in one of these prints at your session.

Long Live the Flare

Last weekend, Joy and I had the pleasure of photographing Erin and Mark's wedding in St Simons. It was a beautiful day and a fabulous couple. We captured some amazing images, but here are two of my favorites. I'm a sucker for lens flare.




PS
I got to wear flip flops to the wedding! I love island weddings!

A Capitol Idea

Four short days, but an amazing trip none-the-less. Our short trip to DC was quite eye-opening. We sampled amazing food at Les Halles (the Washington branch of Tony Bourdain's old haunt) and Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the Native American (museum restaurants aren't known for their great food, but Mitsitam is the exception). We were moved by the riveting exhibits at the Holocaust Memorial. We viewed the DC skyline from the top of the Washington Monument surrounded by school children. I even made a rubbing of Lt. Neal Clinton Ward's name on the Vietnam Memorial.

If you haven't been recently, plan a trip. I think it is a lot like Disney World. You appreciate different things as an adult, but it is just as magical.

Here are a few of my pictures from DC, including Jeca and me in business class (the perks of being a successful photographer).

Vacation at Last!

Jeca and I will be leaving Sunday for Washington, DC. We are visiting friends and doing a little sight seeing. I haven't been to DC since I was 11 or 12. I am excited and sad to see how much it has changed since 911. I remember visiting the FBI, but I've heard they have ceased giving tours. But, there are new museums and memorials to visit. We are returning late Thursday and leaving Friday morning for Erin and Mark's wedding in St Simons. If they're engagement session is any indication, the wedding will be amazing. Pray for good weather.

So, I'll be out of the studio until Monday, the 15th. I will be keeping a check on email, and you can always reach me on my cell. I'll be a little slower to respond, but I will. I hope everyone has a great week. I'll try to post some images next week.

It Is Never Too Early

Christmas will be here before you know it, and fall has brought cooler weather with it. So, it is time to start scheduling your family session for the holidays. Early morning and late afternoon are best for outdoor sessions and they book quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to document this year with your family.

Best of all, Laura, designer extraordinaire, has been working long nights to create a new collection of Olive My Love Cards. She has displayed all of the holiday card options on her blog. The new birth announcements are also featured. Take a look at all of Laura's hard work. You can also take a look at her personal blog, The Greener Bee, where she waxes about her attempts to be more ecologically friendly.

I LIKE To Talk About My Flare!

Jennifer Anniston didn't like talking about her flare in "Office Space", but I have an obsession. I strive for "good" lens flare.

Lens flare is caused by reflections inside the lens. It should normally be avoided as it causes a decrease in saturation and contrast. The internal reflections can also obscure the subject of your image.

BUT, lens flare can be used to accentuate the image. Here is an example from Jessica and Jason's amazing wedding on Saturday.

Simple Pleasures, Part Four

The French lessons aren't going well. It has been a long time since the last update, but, with the start of Fall, I thought it was appropriate to have a themed entry.

1. The first cool morning that you need a jacket.
2. Fresh apple cider. In Montreal I had unpasteurized apple cider. It is better, but I did find really good cider in the upstate of South Carolina once.
3. Pumpkin patches. Actually, it isn't really the pumpkins. It is all the other squashes. Squashes come in all manner of odd shapes and colors.
4. Fall leaves. I love the look of family portraits surrounded by the warm colors of fall.
5. Fair food. I love polish sausages, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and caramel apples. I'll be in Perry for opening day.

What do you do on your Saturdays?

So, two Saturdays ago, Jayne, Joy, and I went to Lake Oconee for Tracy and Scott's wedding. The wedding took place on the lake, and it was beautiful. On the way home, we heard a strange noise coming from under the car. Well, one of the tires was starting to disintegrate. Of course, we were miles from anywhere, so I had to change the tire. Joy snapped this shot to document the event.

New Birth Announcements

First...Mom, not yet!

Second, I'm a little late with this post, but my wonderful designer, Laura, has unveiled the latest additions to Olive My Love cards. As usual, these cards offer a funky, retro way to celebrate the birth of your child, and are available exclusively through iNWARD STUDIO. Take a look on the website for all the options, but here is my favorite. I have a thing for monkeys.



And, for those paying attention, that is Mabry...but she plays a boy on TV.

8 Things You Might Not Know

So, a few weeks ago, a photographer started encouraging her fellow photographers to post 8 things about themselves that many might not know. Delaney Holliman tagged me this week. I've put a great deal of thought into this, so here goes.

1. My name would have been April Michelle if my mom had her wish. She wanted a girl, and wouldn't even consider a boys' names while she was pregnant. So, when I was born, my parent's had no idea what to name me. My dad was wearing a MIA bracelet that he had purchased a few years earlier. It was inscribed "LT. NEAL WARD 6-13-69" They thought it made for a good name and thus I was dubbed Neal Ward Carpenter. Years later I "stole" the bracelet from my dad, and I have worn it every day since. I visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC when I was a kid, and made a rubbing of his name on the wall. I'm visiting DC in October and plan to do it again. Here is a picture of Neal. He is 2nd from the right in the back row.

The funny part is my mom has 3 sons...no daughters.

2. My 15 minutes came when I was 5 years old. I was featured on Channel 13 participating in a frog jumping contest at the Battle of Byron. Oddly enough, the frog didn't move. I think that is why I was chosen...and who can resist a red head.

3. I have a talent for making very realistic goat noises. I think I even fool the goats.

4. I pride myself on being willing to try almost any food. BUT, I believe that there are 4 perfect food groups. Bread, Cheese, Pickles, and Mustard. It is hard to explain, but if you want proof, have a Cuban sandwich. It is all 4 food groups plus pork two ways (roast pork and ham). Pork would be the 5th, but I think that kinda goes without saying.

5. I've known my wife since we were 10 years old. Our birthdays are only 34 days apart (she is older). We even graduated together. BUT, we didn't start dating until we were in college. She blames me for that.

6. I got married in a Baptist church owned by the federal government. We got married in a 150 year old church on the side of a mountain in the Cherokee National Forest in North Carolina. We saw it while we were dating, and thought it would be a great idea. I'm not sure our parents agree.

7. I've had a wide variety of jobs. My first job was baby sitting. Then I moved "up" to fast food. That only lasted 9 days. I also worked as a cook and a manager at two different Italian restaurants. I worked at a warehouse in college during the summers. Then I worked as an editor of Air Force instruction manuals (It was really boring). I worked for Wolf Camera for many years before having the opportunity to work as a photographer full time.

Needless to say, I've had a "real" job, and I don't want to go back.

8. Lastly, I photographed Vice President Dick Cheney once. He visited Macon a few years ago for a fund raiser. I photographed him arriving at the airport. His plane landed, Cheney emerged from the plane, and he got into his limo. That was it. What makes it memorable was all the waiting and searches. The Secret Service is thorough.

High Art

One of the things I love about living in Macon is the proximity to Atlanta. All the benefits with two-thirds less traffic. Part of the wonder of Atlanta is the High Museum of Art. You can see exhibits of work on loan from the Louvre, Southern folk art, and portraits by an African photographer to name a few. My next visit will be to see the work of Annie Leibovitz. There is a large exhibit of her work on display through September 9th. There is something special about actual prints of fine photography. The internet and books are a great resource, but nothing has the depth of a print.

Don't miss this rare opportunity.

Time Killer

It is rare to find a video game about weddings. Even harder to find a game for Mac. BUT, I've done both. It is a silly game called Wedding Dash. You are the wedding coordinator, and have to plan and run the reception. You have to choose the cake, food, and honeymoon. Then you have to seat and serve guests while breaking up fights between bridesmaids. It is amazingly accurate.

It is available for Mac and PC, so download the free demo and waste a little time.

Photography/Photoshop Classes

Unfortunately, Nova Computer Training, where I used to teach, has closed its doors. So, I have decided to offer my "Digital Photography for Soccer Moms and Dads" and Photoshop classes at my studio. I'm starting a mailing list for interested parties, and hope to start classes in earnest this fall. Send your contact info to neal@inwardstudio.com if your interested in being contacted when the schedule is set.

Classes are also available on a one-on-one basis for those interested.

Finally!

So, I finally got the opportunity to update the web galleries with images from the last 4 or 5 months. I'm not finished, but I've made a good start. I've been so blessed this year with all the amazing weddings, families, children and seniors I have captured this year. And best of all, it isn't over yet. September and October will be as busy with weddings and the summer months.

Then I have a little break in November, but that gives me time for family sessions for the holidays. My designer, Laura, has been working all year on new holiday and birthday/birth announcements. I'll let you know when they are online. But, don't wait until then to book your session. There are actually precious few weeks in the fall before the holidays.

Bridal Show

As we do twice a year, Macon's Wedding Ring is presenting it's bridal show August 19th at the Armory Ballroom. It is an excellent opportunity to meet many of the vendors needed for the perfect wedding. Best of all, it is a very low key show with the emphasis put on conversations rather than a fashion show. So, come say hello if you are in attendance.
(Click on the title of this post for a link to the show website.)

Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico was amazing! Azure water, verdant mountains, and scrumptuous food. The people were warm and welcoming. There were only two problems. We were only there for 3 days, and the weather makes Georgia seem temperate. It is very hot and very muggy. Of course, it was all worth it when we stepped into the cool, crystal clear water. It was unlike anything we had ever experienced.

AND, I got to photograph a beautiful wedding. Dawn and Jeremy had a small family wedding on a secluded beach just before sunset. It couldn't have been more perfect. Here are few images for you to enjoy.






Just one of my "arm length" portraits of Jeca and me at the beach we found.

Sorry and Thank You

I have been very slack when it comes to my blog. Many of you have reminded me to update my blog. Thank you.

The reason for my absence from the blogosphere is the amazing wedding I've been so fortunate to photograph. This weekend, I will complete 4 straight months of weddings (not one Saturday off). There was even a Sunday wedding for good measure. It has been amazing. In the next few weeks, I will update the galleries so you can all see what I've been doing.

Friday, I leave for Puerto Rico to photograph a wedding. I know. It is a hard life. But, after that, I have a few weekends free. I hope to catch up. So, check the website for updates.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

My Rover is Home

As many of you know, I LOVE my car. It is a sickness, but I'm OK with that. My Rover is a 1994 Land Rover Range Rover County. It is British Racing Green. Could there be a better color for a British car? It is a little rough around the edges, but it is a work in progress.

Well, about two weeks ago, she went in for major surgery (new head gaskets, etc). After the 14 longest days of my life (and one of the largest checks I've ever written), my Rover is home. Thank you for all the well wishes . Hopefully, she will be on the road for many years to come.

Name That Promotion Winner

Thank you to all who participated in Name That Promotion. I was overwhelmed with the number of entries and votes. It was a close contest but, the winner is Heather Roach with "Simon Says Smile." Thank you to Heather for a fantastic suggestion. There will be a special gallery on the website soon, so check back.

Don't delay scheduling your "Simon Says Smile" session. There are only 12 sessions in total and several have already been reserved. I look forward to seeing you all in St Simons.

Maternity at Last

The maternity section is now live on the website. I love what I have been able to create so far, and look forward to expanding the portfolio in the coming months. I've been lucky enough to find several couples willing to be a part of the website. Thank you to all who appear in the Maternity Portfolio.

If you know anyone who might be interested in being a part of the Maternity Portfolio, have them get in touch.

Name That Promotion, The Voting Begins

First, let me apologize for the last nature of this post. I am a victim of my own success. With all the wonderful wedding, seniors, babies, and families calling, it was hard to make time for this. But, I have made my selections from the many excellent suggestions. Here are my Top 5. You have until April 28th to vote. Now, this is an excellent opportunity to stack the deck. If you see one of your suggestions, and you want to win, tell everyone you know to vote for you. Don't forget, the Grand Prize is a FREE beach session (or equivalent for those not at St Simons). Please email votes to neal@inwardstudio.com with "Name That Promotion" in the subject line.

St. Simons, Sand, Snap!
Neal’s Sizzlin' Summer Sessions in St. Simons
Capturing Island Time
Simon Says Smile
Coastal Memories

Here are a few samples from Tybee Island.

One of My Favorite Things

I get great joy from seeing a great idea to fruition. I recently found the new Wall Street Journal campaign, Every Journey Needs a Journal . I loved the simple, story telling images, and knew I could recreate it. I decided it lent itself very well to senior photography. Renee was so kind as to help me create this example. Best of all, she is quite an accomplished young woman. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Kate Looked Great!

Yesterday afternoon, Kate, her mother, and I braved the heat to make some amazing bridal images of Kate. Her dress is very modern, so we decided to do some in a very traditional environment (Woodruff House) and some in a very contemporary one (Gateway Plaza). The results are wonderful...better than I could have imagined. Kate was a trooper. She didn't complain once. I can't wait for the wedding next month. Here are a few of my favorites.

It Was Cold

Last Saturday, Summer and Mike joined me downtown for their engagement session. There isn't really anything noteworthy about that except it was freezing...literally. They suffered through the weather, and I think the results were worth the pain. Here is my favorite. I was trying to warm them up. There are a few more in the engagement section on the website.

A Funny Thing Happened on Tybee

I am amazed by the odd things that happen sometimes. I was approached by three young guys on the beach a few weekends ago. The proceeded to tell me they were a band from Atlanta... Joshua Fletcher & the Six-Shot Romance (click on the title of this post to link to their myspace page). They asked if I would take their picture on the beach. ABSOLUTELY! Band photography is liberating. There are no rules. I happened to have my 1950s, German made, Zeiss Ikon camera with me. So, I shot a few frames of film. Here are the results. It was a blast, and I hope I get to do more. The band has an album coming out the end of the month, so check them out.

Where I Want To Go!

I really enjoy photographing weddings in new locations. I have a few "dream" destinations. Middleton Place Plantation in Charleston is probably the closest. Other notable locations include Ireland, Jamaica, and Banff. Actually, any sunny island would be good. Any European country would be good (I've heard Prague is nice). Actually, I envision a bride and groom in a lush, green field, surrounded by grazing sheep, with a castle in the background. OR, a couple running in the surf with the bride's veil flowing behind like superman's cape. OR, a freshly wed husband and wife flanked by snow covered peaks.

SO, if you or someone you know is planning a wedding in one of these locations (or somewhere similar) please give me a call. As I always say... "the better the location, the cheaper I am."

Something New

I am always looking for new ways to display prints. The newest addition is the Photo Rope. I metal cable with a weight on one end. Small magnets hold the prints to the cable. The Photo Rope is a simple, contemporary way to display small images without a frame, and it is very easy to change the prints. The pictures below probably illustrate it better than my explanation.

If you would like one of your very own, they are available for $40. If you would like it with six 4x6 or 5x5 prints, it is only $100. It would make a great Mother's Day or Father's Day gift.

Who Knew This Would Work

I've got it! Let's make a Broadway musical out of a 70's cult film.

Not only did it work, but it won several Tony's. Spamalot is the musical version of the cult classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Now the traveling version is in Atlanta. There are only a few shows left, so get tickets if you can. I'm going Sunday.

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of the Parts

The story behind a movie is sometimes as interesting as the movie. During the preshow for the Oscar's Sunday, three Mexican directors were interviewed. I knew nothing of them, except that I had seen a few of their movies. Alfonso Cuaron, director of "Children of Men", Guillermo del Toro, director of "Pan's Labyrinth", and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, director of "Babel" talked about the effect of their friendship on their movies. Three men who are great because of their relationships with each other. They discuss screenplays and editing to make each other better. They don't worry about beating each other, but uplifting each other. They celebrate each other's successes. Individually, they might have been good at their craft, but together they are great. I think we could all learn from this example.

Take time to watch this Charlie Rose interview with them. It is a little long, but inspiring.

Name That Promotion

So, I know you have all been waiting with baited breath to find out about the contest. It is easy. As you might have noticed, I am now scheduling sessions for St Simons during the week of July 4th. The problem is that I need a name for these sessions. "Beach Sessions at St Simons" lacks pizazz. So, I leave it to you, my faithful blog readers, to come up with an imaginative name for the promotion. It can be funny, campy, or just silly. Email your suggestions, along with your contact information, to neal@inwardstudio.com. Put "Name That Promotion" as your subject. You are allowed to enter as often as you like. You have until March 31st to send your suggestions. Then, I'll select my top 5, post them on the blog, and the voting starts. Voting will last until April 14th. The winning idea will be featured on the website, blog, and other promotional materials. Want to know what you are playing for? A FREE beach session, which thanks to you won't be called that, including $150 print credit. Now, I know some of you are saying, "I'm not going to be at St Simons for the 4th." So, you have two fantastic options. You can give the session as a gift to a friend, or you can use it for a local session. Either way, it is a great opportunity for a family session. Good luck!

Clock Work Orange

So, as many of you know, I tie my print boxes with orange ribbon. I'm always on the lookout for unusual orange ribbon, but I'm having a hard time finding new designs. So, I thought I would put all my loyal blog readers to work. Each client who brings in a spool of orange ribbon will received a FREE 5x7 print. Now, while my logo is what I like to call "burnt pumpkin", I will accept any orange ribbon. It can be all orange, mostly orange, or contain orange with other colors. Most important is that it is cool. For really great ribbon, you will receive a FREE 8x10. Keep your eyes peeled.

(No, the title doesn't really have anything to do with it, but it was the first thing that came to mind.)

But Wait, There's More!

Monday, I will announce the first (of what I hope are many) blog contest. Get your thinking caps on and check back Monday. Tell you friends and family...the more the merrier.

Simple Pleasures, Part Trois

I'm trying to learn French. I decided to throw it into conversation to help me learn. But, I digress.

Simple Pleasures
1. Popcorn
2. Grilled hamburgers (they're always better at home)
3. Blue sky days (while not necessarily great for photography, great otherwise!)
4. Smiles (they're infectious, free, and yet very valuable)
5. Clean sheets

OK, enough for now. Please leave your suggestions in the comments section. Comments rock.

Mabry Returns

Well, it wasn't your usual Monday morning. For those of you who don't know, I am not a morning person. I fake it well. Oddly, babies tend to be happiest in the morning. So, I do what is best for my clients. Thankfully, photographing babies is quite enjoyable. Mabry was all smiles...again. It was too easy. Here is one of my favorites, but there are more in children portfolio. Thank you, Mabry, for making my morning. Kathy, you'll have to tell her since she doesn't read, yet.

July 4th Beach Sessions

I am planning beach sessions at St Simons Island July 3-6, 2007. There will only be two sessions early each morning and two sessions near sunset each evening. The beach is a great location for large family portraits, small intimate family images, or just the children playing in the surf. Each session is $250 with a $150 print credit. There is no extra charge for large families so consider a multi-generational portrait. Sessions are very limited so don't delay reserving your time. I look forward to seeing you all for a fun week at the beach.

Macon Monogramming

I have started a print display at Macon Monogramming (next door to the studio). I have two of the new Fine Art Gallery Prints hanging right now. Hopefully, there will be more soon. If you get a chance, stop in for a peek. Also, take a look at all Macon Monogramming has to offer. Their prices are amazingly reasonable.

Kristen and Chad

Kristen and Chad met me at the studio for their engagment session Saturday. Chad, who had had a very little sleep, was a trooper. After a few minutes at the studio, we headed downtown for some fun. It was quite cold, but Third Street park and Josua Cup were great locations. Good coffee is always important. Kristen and Chad were up for all my crazy ideas. Thank you.

Bridal Show

I just wanted to thank everyone who came out in the rain for the Macon's Wedding Ring Bridal Show. I had the opportunity to meet many really interesting people, and I hope to speak with many of you again. It is always fun to get out before the populous to show my work. Fine Art photographers have gallery openings with wine and cheese to reveal their latest work. Portrait and wedding photographers have studios, but it is different for me. I think I should have an "opening." I'll start working on that.

What I Learned in San Antonio

I learned two lessons while in San Antonio. Actually, I learned one of them at 41,000 feet somewhere between Houston and Atlanta.

First, don't judge a book by it's cover. Gregory Heisler, a well know editorial and portrait photographer who appears to be 60 years too late, spoke one evening. He wears black round glasses, a suit with a bow tie, and a fedora hat. Not your normal photographer's attire. Needless to say, I was expecting a boring lecture about his work. I was wrong. I laughed through most of his presentation. He had a fresh take on some old problems. He was even a little blue. I could not have been more surprised.

Second, a sense of humor is important no matter your occupation. "Hello from the pointy end fo the airplane!" That was new one for me. A pilot with a sense of humor. "We're cruising at 560 miles per hour...but, not that you could tell...don't spill your drink!" It made the flight seem shorter and smoother than it was. I was quite impressed.

I'll post some images from my trip in the next couple of days. I'm playing catch up with phone calls and emails. Have a good day.

San Antonio

I'm heading to San Antonio for the first time tomorrow. The Professional Photographers of America convention is the reason for my visit, but I've wanted to go since I was a child. I saw a movie (Cloak and Dagger, I think) with a chase scene through the river front. Ever since, San Antonio was on my list of places to visit. Unfortunately, the list of places I don't want to visit is now shorter. I won't be back until Wednesday, so please call if you need something. 478.361.2500 I'll post pictures when I get back.

4 am

What were you doing? I hope you were asleep. I was not. I decided to watch the American Masters documentary on Annie Leibovitz. While not a huge fun, I decided to watch because it was a documentary on an iconic photographer. As is oft the case when I do something with preconceived notions, I was proven wrong. So many of her images have grown to be greater than the photographer or the subjects. The image of a nude John Lennon lying with Yoko Ono taken only 5 hours before he was murdered is one of the best examples. Yoko's tears as she recounted the day gave a purpose to Annie's work. A fleeting moment in time captured forever. Annie Leibovitz's talent lies not only in her photography, but in her ability to connect with her subjects. It is an amazing feet. If you have the chance, it is well worth 90 minutes.

Winter Special

I have a new special offer for the months of January and February. It is a great time to create a portrait in the studio (or, if the weather holds up, in the park with flowers) which captures personalities and expressions. Studio sessions will be available for only $25. I'm also launching a line of limited edition, Fine Art Gallery Prints. These prints are specially framed using all archival materials to create a portrait that will last for decades. Best of all, the Fine Art Gallery Prints will be 33% off until the end of February. Don't miss out on an these unique, expressive prints.

Also, keep in mind a gift certificate makes for a great gift for the expecting mother, new mother, or any mother for that matter.

Simple Pleasures, Part 2

Here are a few simple pleasures from the holiday season.

1. Good coffee with real half and half, not artificial creamer.

2. Fireworks, not the home brew, but big shows

3. A crisp, clean white shirt

I guess the fireworks might be the best one...they are free! The coffee is expensive and bad for you, and the shirt is hard to maintain and ironing is not fun.