Tim + Brooke Downtown JC

I am very lucky in the fact that I get to do something I am so very passionate about while capturing passion for others. I start these blogs with high hopes of words of grandeur but always feel like my words fall short of the story I am trying to unfold for anyone reading. Thats because its not often, my story to tell so coming from me just doest’t feel right to me. My work and my vision that I infuse with these stories are a different tale all together. I don’t want to write here and tell you the love story between Tim and Brooke, but rather know that when you see these images below that you can not deny the way he looks at his soon to be wife, and how she lights up when he takes her by the hand. I always feel my visuals are my way of speaking the best that’s typically why I keep my entries so short. I want to respect the narrative of the story I am blessed to capture and record.

Brooke and I have be friends for a little while now and I was delighted when her sister emailed me to ask about my availability and especially when she stated I was Brookes first choice. This is why I get so excited to work with people. When I can get past my own doubts, I can see the world a little differently and then I can not help but create. With all the nonsense that 2020 has delivered on a sliver platter, I am so grateful that love wins. I am so glad that among the hurt in our world, that we can still find these pockets to of wonder to hold on to and to fuel our hope for a better future.

Brooke and Tim live 2 hours away and we planned this session several times but weather and pandemics spoiled our plans a few times, but I am confident that only happened to make this day so spectacular as a result.

The Things That are Left -

“The world made me cold. You made me water. One day we’ll be clouds.”

Iain S. Thomas

Tony + Summer

Every now and then you have a session that is just stupid fun. I mean the kind of day that makes you smile until your face hurts. Thats what happened while hanging out with Summer and Tony on this day. Summer was quick to let me know that I could include the out takes as they love them and she would post them, so I have included a couple here but that may give you a window into the overall joy of our time together. Tony and I have been friends for a few years after we met at the gym. At that time he and I both attended Crossfit Melee, which is now Mountain Top Crossfit and if you have ever tried Crossfit you know how quickly it is to make friends who are sharing the same sucky experience as you LOL. Fast forward to this session and all its greatness. They asked to meet up at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN and I was happy to oblige.

Back rides and forehead kisses for his lady.

Even in this first image above you can see the affection they share, but you can also see the laughter and how much we cut up for the entire session. We walked and talked and I got to know them both a little better. We avoided anyone that may be out ( be smart people ) and made our way around the lake. The lighting was a little tricky in the beginning but by the end of our session the light was looking pretty incredible.

I always want to leave my work for clients, and hope that above all else it creates a feeling. Stirs emotion, brings back memories of wonderful times they shared, and act as a reminder that its ok to slow down and be present. Its ok to be still and wait. Its also ok to laugh like children, and sneak those ever so subtle looks at your person while they are unaware.

Be safe, show someone you care, and sneeze into your elbow LOL

Colby Senior Portraits

As we are just 3 months into 2020, I can say for the first time in a very long time that I am pleased with my work. I am pleased with the fact that my artistic vision is pushing past my insecurities. I am so humbled that my work is being printed and shared. That alone will mean this calendar year is a success as far as my work is considered. That also means, I only have to create bigger goals starting now. I am very blessed to work with some of the most amazing people in different settings. I have made so many friends because of my photography, and vise versa, meaning I have friends that have also allowed me to capture moments for them, and their families. This post is about that specifically.  I had the pleasure of shooting some of my favorite session this weekend, a senior session, for my friend Betty. Her son is soon to graduate and I was honored to be asked, and even more so to have been apart of this milestone for her son Colby. 

Rocking his Dads belt buckle for his session.

I am persistent when getting to work with high school seniors. I know its not always comfortable to have your photo taken. I know that 17-18 years of age can be a difficult time for some. I always want to make our sessions relaxed but more importantly I need them to be genuine. Genuine to the individual. I want to capture them for who they are, not how the parents want them to look. I know this is a touchy area since parents are paying for the session but I need to capture the real personality. Lucky for my people, I am pretty laid back but also have a vision once I have spent a few minutes getting to know them. Colby is a great young man from where I stand, and even though guys tend to be a little more rigid in front of the camera, it wasn’t long before he was relaxed enough to make some amazing images. I will start below with my favorites, and then share more than usual as well. I never want to over share but I think its time I turn off some of the nagging voices in my head and just create. Whatever that looks like to me. So lets toss our mullets in the wind and Let Freedom Ring. ‘Merica

Make sure and scroll through those images of the Mullet in the wind HAHA.