Simple Pleasures

Some of you know the story behind the name of my studio. Some of you even know of the "Simple Pleasures" list that was a part of my college website project. I've been thinking about that list and have decided to work on it a little more. For those of you who don't know, Simple Pleasures are little things that bring joy to your heart. Nothing elaborate or expensive, just simple, perfect moments.

For example...a green glass bottled Coke so cold it burns a little on the way down. Or...Oreos and a big glass of ice cold milk. They don't have to involve food, but many of mine do. As for the non-culinary type...the moment of silence that happens when you pass under a bridge during a rain storm. Or...fall leaves blowing behind a car.

Jeca, my wife, reminded me of a really good Simple Pleasure on the way home tonight... bedtime stories. When was the last time you read someone a bedtime story, or, better yet, someone read a story to you?

So, please add your Simple Pleasures to the comments section. I'd love to know what makes you happy.

Cirque du Soleil

Dinner at Taqueria del Sol: $33
4 tickets to Corteo: $300
An evening of magic: Priceless

For those of you who haven't experienced the wonder that is Cirque du Soleil, don't wait another minute. Corteo will be in Atlanta for only a month more. It is unlike anything you have ever seen, and better than you can imagine. Take the time...you won't regret it.

THANK YOU!

I wanted to thank everyone who has been a part of the first six months of iNWARD STUDIO. They have been amazing. The past months have literally filled with blood, sweat, and tears. They have also been filled with friends, love, and laughter. I have enjoyed the past six months so much more than I could have imagined. The outpouring of well wishes from friends, family, clients, and complete strangers has been phenomenal. I am fortunate beyond measure. Thank you. Happy Holidays to all! I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Abbey

Tina asked me to photograph Abbey in her natural environment. What an excellent idea. Her nursery made for the best location to capture Abbey's personality. She was full of smiles. This is a small sample of the great images we got that morning. There are more in the Children's Portfolio, so take a look to see what a great location your child's nursery could be.

Owen's Big Debut

Robyn and Wes brought Owen this morning. He was great! Smiles to spare. It was refreshing during the hectic Christmas season to spend an hour laying on the floor capturing expressive images of a beautiful little boy. The hat is fantastic. Thank you.

The Circle of Wedding Photography

Weddings are one of my favorite things, but...they can be bitter sweet. After you finish the album, you don't see the couples anymore. Unless, they have babies! Then they come back. Betsey and Clay haven't had a baby (yet), but they have Ginger and Sophie. Betsey wanted their portrait for their Christmas cards taken at the Hay House in the Ginkgo leaves. I've been checking every few days for a month. Finally, they turned yellow. This is just one of many beautiful images or the four of them. Thanks guys.

What Else I did for Thanksgiving

I spent Friday afternoon with Katie and Richard in Clemson, SC where they are students. They are getting married next June. I thought it would be fun to capture them in their element. They were great fun and a pleasure to photograph. I'm really looking forward to the wedding.

My Vision

So, the images of Katie were great, but some weren't quite complete. This is how I invisioned the images in the parking deck. A little different for sure, but I think it is pretty cool.

How I spent Thanksgiving

My mother-in-law decided we needed something to entertain us after stuffing ourselves with turkey. Little did she know that she had found the greatest gizmo ever...20Q. For those of you not in the know, this is the hottest gift for Christmas. AND, it is cheap. It is the old fashioned game of 20 Questions, but it is better at it than your little brother could have ever dreamed to be. It guesses what you are thinking with scarey accuracy. If you don't believe, pop down to your local Wal-Mart for a go. Best of all, you can try before you buy. The 20Q comes in a blister pack that allows for pre-purchase experimentation. AND, for $8.88 you won't leave without one. Why 88? Don't know what to get that hard-to-buy-for coworker. You can't do better than a 20Q. Word of caution...Don't drive and 20Q!

The Things We Do

This was the second time I photographed Katie. The first set were amazing, so I had my work cut out for me if these were to compare. She makes for an agreeable model no matter the conditions, though. We spent yesterday afternoon outside downtown. As you might remember, it was cold. No matter. Katie was a trooper. She sat on the wet, cold ground, stood for hours in the cold, gusty wind, and looked great doing it. Thank you. Also, thank you to Brooke for helping out. Congrats to Katie for being named Home Coming Queen at Jones County High.

My First Comment

I'm so excited to get feedback. Of course, it was from my mother. I think she still wishes she had had a girl. So, please let me know what you think. I love the interaction.

Potter-Buller Wedding

It was a pleasurable evening with Haley and Shawn. Everyone was wrapped in the spirit of the day and enjoyed themselves immensely at the reception. Brooke and I had the opportunity to work with Dan Leslie again. A wonderful videographer and great person. Amazing images of a passionate couple. I love it when a plan comes together.

A Glimpse Into My World

My wife, Jeca decided she wanted to see the Barenaked Ladies in concert, so we bought tickets and headed for Atlanta. To make the evening complete, we had dinner at Taqueria del Sol (not yo momma's mexican restaurant with two convenient, Atlanta locations to serve you). A must stop. Don't mind the line; it moves quickly. Then I ran across the parking lot to Star Provisions (not yo momma's grocery store) for dessert. A pear tart and caramel, chocolate, pecan tart were devoured on the way home from the concert. Not really car food, but we made it work. The concert was good, too.

What I Learned:
You can do it your way AND be successful. If five guys with bongos, an accordian, a stand up bass, and a guitar can sing "you can be my Yoko Ono" to a paying crowd, anything is possible.

Catch Up

Here are a few images I've been meaning to post. Please don't let these be any indication of my skills as I photographer. The "photographer" turns off on vacation. Also, my wife took two of these.

First, two from our trip to north Georgia. Us at a little church on the top of Springer Mountain... and a great place for breakfast in Cartersville. Four Way Lunch serves amazing chili burgers for breakfast. Very nice.




Our pug, Sydney, in her devilish Halloween costume. This is why I don't do pet photography.

Stamps Maternity

Amanda and Bryant came by Saturday morning for maternity portraits. There were many of the "classic" maternity portraits, but there were also several which I thought "Celebrated the Beauty of Pregnancy." Here are but two that I really like. Something a little different. Thank you, Amanda and Bryant, for having fun.

Carter-Piers Wedding

I'm very late in posting these, but it has been, thankfully, very busy. Laura and Jason allowed me to be a part of their amazing wedding. The weather was perfect. The setting was beautiful. The guests were amazing! A wonderful group of close friends and family made for an unforgettable weekend. These are but a few of the almost 800 images from the weekend. Thank you.

Holiday Gift Certificate Special

As a gift to everyone who reads the blog, I am offering gift certificates at a 20% discount. That means that a $100 gift certificate would only cost $80. An excellent gift for a new mother, grandmother, or bride-to-be. This offer is only good until December 22, 2006, so don't delay.

My Apologies

I have been very slack with my blog postings. I apologize. I've actually heard from a few of you requesting new entries. Thankfully, I've been very busy with weddings and portrait sessions. The new Olive My Love cards are a big hit. Thank you, Laura, for all of your hard work. Its not too late for those of you who haven't ordered cards or prints for Christmas. Remember, there is a 10% discount for card orders placed in November. This is a little scattered, but I want to update all of you. A great new special will be posted shortly.

A Few Days of Rest

I'll be out of town for a few days, but I'll return on Wednesday. If you have an urgent need, please call me. 478.361.2500 Otherwise, I'll get back to my email Wednesday. I'll post some pictures soon. Have a great weekend, and I hope it is starting to look and feel like fall where ever you may be.

Amber and Phillip

Brooke and I had a great time with Amber and Phillip, Saturday. Wonderfully caring people. A rare virtue. Mother nature smiled with an amazing sunset. Few times have I had the opportunity to photograph someone with such a striking sunset as a background. They are off for a two week honeymoon, but I thought the rest of you could enjoy in their absence.



Brooke decided to make an abstract art piece at the wedding. Prints are available for any interested.

Lastly, Brooke helped create a very difficult image indeed. She is the bright spot in the upper right corner. Very cool.