The Backloaded by HEX Brand

MY FAVORITE CAMERA BAG EVER

I have been a photographer / creator for almost 20 years. In the beginning I was too busy trying to learn what the hell I was doing so what I carried my crap in really didn’t matter. I learned pretty fast though that it did matter. I should start by saying everyone has a different idea of what they need and preferences are like opinions. Everyone has one and you know what they say about opinions. I made a video that tanked a few years ago that all camera bags suck. While sadly this is still true in some part, some things have also changed with me.

I have several bags still and each for a specific purpose. This was part of my problem. I was always looking for one bag to end them all so to speak but once I opened my mind to the possibility that I need several bags to accomplish my goals, well that’s where things shifted. It’s like asking my camera and one lens to do all the things I see in my mind. Not gonna happen. I am not going to go into all the bags I’ve owned. If you are curious, I am happy to share that info but most people are here for todays bag. I will mention the 4 bags I currently own and why BUT the focus is on my newest edition.

I think it’s worthy mentioning that Im a “ bag guy” in all the ways. I have other bags for hiking, EDC, concealed carry but no Fanny packs here LOL. I do own a chest rig from Hill People Gear  but that is not the same. It’s like my knife collection. Each has a place and specific purpose it serves, well mostly. Sometimes I just like that new knife and new bag feeling.

Ok so the bags in my arsenal as of writing this.

For adventures, elopements or multiple day adventure shoots my go to bag is the Atlas Pack.  My youngest sons name is also Atlas so I do not pretend to not be a little biased.

For my video kit I try to keep this mostly to my pelican case.

My last daily backpack is great and is the OneMo by PGYTECH. I still have this but is currently for sale to fund the newest edition.

My go to bag for day trips, or just single camera and mostly film days is my Leather Ona Britton bag because leather is badass and always will be.

The bag we are mostly here to talk about though is my new addition to the collection.  The Backloader by HEX brand.

Things I want in a bag are pretty simple. I carry a laptop or IPad Pro with me everyday so I need storage for this. I also need a bag that holds all my gear but functionally to the way I work and shoot. This is an area where everyone differs. For example I never want a bag with side load options for quick access. That doesn’t work for me.  I do want a bag with a chest strap because some days the load is heavier than others. I need padded shoulder straps , and this is why the Vinta Bag did not work for me. I am a bigger man and need some padding.  I also need a water bottle pocket, and a place for a tripod to attach, even though this is something I use sparingly. Organization is super important to me as well. I love knives, and pens, and tools and need somewhere for them to live.

So how does the HEX Brand Backloader stack up? It’s kicks some ass. Thats how. I picked up the camo version ( I have a problem ) used from FB marketplace because I can’t ever buy a bag new because what if i don’t like it right? Buying used doesn’t hurt the wallet so much and also helps justify trying something I see potential in. So if I hated the bag this would have been much shorter, but I don’t.  I don’t hate it at all. I actually think I love it, and believe it is to date the best camera bag I have ever used or owned. Nothing is perfect so what would I change about this bag if I were a designer? The shoulder straps could be a tad wider and more padded and thats it. I am as “shook” as you are.

I love the fact that it has a front pocket for organizing my chaos. I love that it has a card spot for business cards or airline ID cards. It’s also handy to stash a little cash for emergencies. Hear me now, the laptop storage is sensual. Yep, I said that.  EVERY bag I have owned almost makes accessing my laptop or tablet to be a pain. Even if the placement was dialed in, they all offer similar padding. The Hex bag has a velvety kangaroo style pouch that I love using. It is soft but keeps my M1 MacBook safe. Its also accessible independently under the front flap. This keeps my camera gear in its place with no reason to disturb. The entire bag is customizable for your needs and gear and man it does this so well. This thing holds a ton. Whenever I sell a kidney or hit the lotto and can buy the Leica M11 and lenses I want, I’

ll have room for all the activities in this bag. It looks incredible, did I say its digital camo? So sexy. So how do I use it?

The list of everything I currently carry in this bag everyday.

* GFX 50s

*Mitakon 65 1.4

*MD to GF adapter and Rokkor 50mm 1.8

*GFX Grip

*FujiFilm XH1

*Sigma 18-35

*Fringer EF to XF adapter

*Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm 0.95

*DJI Magic Air 2

*Controller

*Spare battery

*Atmos Shinobi Monitor

All the spare batteries, my memory cards and business cards too. It’s crazy. It holds all of this but is still relatively thin which is a huge plus for me. This is one of my sole complaints with my last bag ( the PGYTECH ) and it is a positive shift in size.

If I had to work with a designer to create a bag with my name on it, it would truly be hard to create something that is this functional, mostly comfortable, and simply badass!

They offer others sizes, and options but for this guy, the Backloader checks way more boxes than it doesn’t.

If you have question’s please let me know in the comments. I am here to help,.

How I shoot black and white photos

Before we get into it, I made a YouTube video about this as well and you can find it below.

Did you know I shoot all of my images in black and white? All of them minus some film stocks I love. I shoot in RAW so the image I edit is in color but I only shoot seeing black and white and I think you should try this too. I have always dreamed of owning a Leica Monochrom MD. No this isn’t a real camera sadly but it combines 2 very important minimalistic concepts. Leica is know for making beautiful everything. They also offer a Monochrom line that only shoots in black and white and they are crazy expensive.  Makes no sense right? To pay exceedingly more for a camera that doesn’t even shoot color. They also make a line called “MD” and these cameras do not offer a screen of any kind. The only way to see your work is to upload them to a device. In my opinion if Leica make this camera in particular ( not that I could ever buy one ) it could be the purest form of digital photography. Yes the xpro3 comes close with its hidden LCD but it also shoots video, and color, and film simulations etc.  Strip it down to the basics and thats my idea for now. 

Let’s start by talking about what I see photography as. I think others will agree that it is simply light, and shadows and how they compliment one another to the fullest. Fan Ho was a remarkable creator known for his use of light and his black and white images. His timing was impeccable but him being available and shooting intentionally truly brings his work to life. He uses light and shadows to tell a story and to frame out important pieces in his story. But why in the world would I or in this case, you shoot only in black and white? 

Color can be distracting. Period.

There maybe a wonderful setting or moment to capture but the purple tricycle in an eyesore. When you shoot in black and white you only see light, shadow, composition, and moments. You remove the distraction of color. Im not saying color is wrong or bad, but it can often get in the way. I recently shot a bright Yellow house on the beach, with bright blue skies, and even shooting it in BW I knew it would be a color image in its final state because of the colors but all I saw in my viewfinder of my Leica Q was the horizon, framing of the shot, and the angle I wanted to take it from. Also when your shooting in black and white you know immediately if it works as a shot or not. There is none of that, I bet I can make that look great in post if I change this or that, because you only see the light and shadows.  I would venture to state that if an image doesn’t move you in BW it will be less impactful in color. 

The great thing about it lastly is you get color RAW files so you dont have to only have BW images but you know already they work as BW right? Any color image you produce then is new and exciting again. I can picture the line “ All i do is win win win no matter what “ playing here because you truly win either way. 

Stick that monochrome filter on and shoot. Overexpose, underexpose, make something you would be proud to blow up and hang for everyone to see.. then do just that! Print it

Jeremy

Mitakon 65mm f1.4 for the Fujifilm GFX system

I think I have to start by stating a few things. First thing first, I didn’t pick up the GFX or this lens to be quick. That’s not how I shoot nor do I plan to use this camera that way. Secondly, I love to shoot film so the manual focus and “speed” or lack there of is a non issue for me. I am very aware that FujiFilm makes incredible lenses to pair with all of their bodies, and yes I am very interested in the GF 110 f2 but when I picked this camera up I started shooting it right away with adapted lenses. My favorite of which is my Mamiya 80mm 1.9 for my 645 system. I also have adapters for my Minolta 58mm 1.2, my Nikon 50 1.8, and a Leica M adapter. I did have the GF 50mm 3.5 and was very impressed by the quality but found myself always reaching for the any of the manual focus options available to me. So being who I am, and knowing how autofocus doesn’t make me a better photographer, nor does it inspire me to shoot, I went looking for a native mount, fast prime for the GFX system. That’s when I found the Mitakon 65mm 1.4 which in full frame terms, is equivalent to 50mm at f1.1! It’s shallow.

I immediately put the combination to work, and all the images below where shot with the GFX paired with the Mitakon lens only. 

My brother - Brandon Watkins- Owner Operator of Freedom Reigns Barber Company

Things I really like-

• The color the lens produces

• Fast wide open aperture

• Native mount

• Manual focus

• It’s sharp when you nail focus

Things I don’t love-

• She’s thick and heavy ( even paired with the wonderful grip of the GFX 50s )

• I don’t always nail focus ( to be expected )

• Focus throw is pretty long

Ok now that we are past that, lets talk about who this lens could be for. Obviously Fuji makes similar focal lengths in there native glass and those have Autofocus but those also cost about twice as much as the Mitakon. So if you have the GFX in any variation and love to shoot at 50mm and like myself love to shoot wide open with lenses that have character then you should really consider this option. It does flare in direct sunlight, it is heavy, and you will be forced to slow down and really SEE your shot. I don’t find those to be shortcomings personally but its worth noting. This lens creates wonderful portraits, but I also love using it for landscapes and detail shots. The files from the GFX are wonderful. Unless you have edited an image yourself, it is impossible to show how great the files are. 

I think we will keep it short and say:

If you love shooting film, love a shallow DOF, like the 50mm focal length, and overlook the weight then its a no brainer to me. 

If you want clinically sharp images, with auto focus and plastic lite build then I appreciate you reading this just as much but you are not going to love this lens like I do. 

Thank you for taking time to read this and if you are would like more information or see me rambling about it more, please check me out on YouTube  HERE

Keep shooting and make something for yourself today. 

J

New Year, New Gear??

What camera are you eyeing for 2022?

As a constant victim of “GAS” I am always curious about the newest, latest, and greatest equipment coming out in the world of photography / videography. Im a nerd about cameras, formats and options. As we all know there is no such thing as a perfect camera. There are some closer than others, but that opinion can be found dissected, discussed, and dismissed on any photo forum on the World Wide Web. It’s the old Canon vs Nikon situation basically, but as we are now in a new year the competition is much closer than times past. I find this both interesting and boring at the same time.  Every camera produced by the major players, is a work of art in itself and therefore we are only limited to our skill, creativity, time allotment, and efforts. If you consider yourself a professional but cant use any camera on the market to create something wonderful then are you really a professional? I completely agree that some ergonomics are better than others ( Im looking at you Sony and your baby sized grips ) and then there is the camera that you started with that you invested time, money, and yourself to learn and use. So much to the point of maybe never even looking at the other brands. You simply keep your head down and do the work. I love that though. This is a monumental reason I adore shooting film so much. Its the polar opposite of what I do for work, and it puts me in a much different space to create. I have shot almost all the brands, and multiple bodies from each. The only brand I have never shot are Hasselblad's. So what’s the point and why am I still reading this? Because your like me perhaps. Maybe you found it by accident but your invested now and your like “ Get to the point already jerk”- I heard that and it hurts LOL but in all seriousness I have never been so confident in my work, and the equipment I have and will use in the future. Sometimes a new piece of equipment , regardless of who's label is on it, will undoubtedly grab my attention but thats part of the fun or it is for me at least. 

So I gotta know, what do you shoot now and what are you wanting to add to your collection this calendar year? Lastly I want to know the WHY behind it.  You can have more than one answer. 

For me I am hoping to add more lenses above more cameras but there are a few cameras that have my attention. All mostly film and all are medium format. I am trying to decide between a few because as much as I love having and trying new things, I don't collect them. This was a lesson I have learned as I get older. I am not a collector of things, I am a user. If I buy a camera, I am very pleased with “user” condition because I don't have to worry about the camera so much and can focus clearer. I have always dreamed of owing a Leica, and in the last year and a half, I have owned 3. My first was an M2, followed by a digital m240, and then to the camera I have dreamed of owning since starting into shooting film- my beautiful M6 TTL.  It is a work of art, which sadly makes me afraid to scratch it, or carry it as often as I should. This is why I have decided its time to let it go to someone less anxious about getting it dirty, and have recently added a Nikon F3 to my arsenal to be my one and only 35mm camera. My daily carry and I FREAKING LOVE IT ALREADY. It gets out of my way and lets me consider my composition, timing, and lighting much much faster. 

Ok so the list of film cameras on my radar are below in no particular order for anyone wondering where the Hell I'm going with this post. 

*Rolleiflex 6008

*Rolleiflex SL66

*Rolleiflex HY6

*Hasselblad 500cm

*Bronica SQA

*Fuji GA645

*Mamiya 7

( CLICK ON ANY CAMERA ABOVE TO CHECK THEM OUT AND BE SURE TO BOOKMARK THESE SITES- THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES FOR ALL THINGS FILM )

That’s it, a few 6x6 options and 2 point and shoot medium format 645 options for EDC. I wont have them all but this is where my thoughts are these days. 

The only digital option I might consider would be the new Canon EOSR 3 or maybe something medium format from Fujifilm as I have always been curious to try one.

Alright, that’s it. We made it and this is my first post for 2022. If you want to hear from me more often like this, just let me know. I only write to clear my head often which leaves this page collecting dust more often than not. Thanks for being awesome!

J

Canon RF 100mm Macro 2.8 Review

Dont have time to read my thoughts? More of a visual person? Here is the YouTube video covering the same info- CLICK HERE

Today I want to talk about my current favorite RF lens.  This thing is such a wonderful tool. I like to think of it as the Leatherman of lenses that I own.  Portraits - check, Products- check - Weddings, everyday, commercial it does it all.  Let me move this RF 50 1.2 out of the way, there it is my 100 mm macro lens.  I know everyone is loving the 50, and rightfully so. It is incredible but it also feels boring to shoot 50mm all the time. I know , I know but its 1.2 and its hella sharp with wonderful Canon colors, and that out of focus area and Bokeh are stuff legends are made of. Your not wrong but I find myself always reaching for the bigger brother instead. its not as capable in low light, your right. It’s almost a thousand dollars less, true again.  Its faster to focus, I hear you but…

Let me start by saying I also adore the 50 1.2 and this is my second version. I had the EF version as well and that lens was softer but in a wonderful way. Sometimes lenses are too sharp to be flattering and over clinical. The 50 is border line for me but I wouldn’t dream of letting it go either. This isn’t about that though, it’s about the unsung hero. The 100mm. This is a lens I have always wanted and never owned. The EF version was always in the cart but I couldn’t pull the trigger but when I decided it was time to move back to Canon and to the R5 specifically, I knew I wanted the RF version of this lens. So why is this one my favorite? Let’s dive in.

I can go on and on about my affection for this piece of plastic and glass, topped off with a bright red Canon Ring for a bow on top but what do I wish were different? No lens is perfect, period but yes the RF 50 is as close as i have ever seen. Let’s start with the gimmicky adjustable bokeh ring.. Why? Just why? I do think I will find a way to utilize this but I dont want to. I want to shoot and connect with my clients above all else, not be thinking, what’s around me might be interesting to shoot much softer? Vanessa Joy has a YouTube video showing some comparison of these settings so check that out here if you are curious about those. 

It’s extremely versatile. I truly think its the best portrait lens currently available in the RF lineup. Yes the 85 is wonderful ( im sure, though I don’t own this lens- not a big 85mm guy either ) but what if I told you invisible backgrounds aren’t the only way to shoot? Shots fired!! This guy with the throat tattoo is being ridiculous but hear me out. Let me start by saying my favorite focal lengths are 24, 35, 135, and I really want a telephoto lens soon but haven’t decided which one. Yes, no 50, or 85 in my “favorite” options. Not hating but that’s my style.

The 100 fits nicely between 85 and the incredible 135mm focal range, and would be the last lens I let go of if and when something else catches my eye. The EF version was well know for its Macro capabilities, and for good reason, it was about the only option available especially if your a fan of that RED Canon L ring on top. Studio Portrait photographers also understand how well it works for headshots and portraits. The RF version is the next step in the evolution of this lens. It is SHARP and beautifully so. It also has some character which is the #1 thing I want in a lens. I still lean hard into my M mount adapted Voigtlander 35mm 1.7 lens on the R5. It it perfect, not even close, but it has feeling. The 100 isn’t that prominent but still feels different. The fall off at 100mm is stunning in itself and also gives you some space between you and your talent, that often lets the subject be more relaxed.  It also checks all the boxes for shooting products or commercial work. It is a macro lens after all and you want to sell lashes? Shoot it on this lens, it pops off the screen. Or maybe you also love photography off the clock and hike and travel. It takes wonderful detail images in nature, can easily be used to capture candid moments with friends and families and its a wedding day work horse too. 

Micro stamp by Clever Supply Co on this incredible leather camera strap.

Creative Ruts for Creatives

Hello and I am grateful you're here. Its been a bit since we have chatted. I hope you don’t need to hear what I have to say, as I hope you are doing wonderfully, but just in case you find your self struggling or down, please take 2 mins to watch my latest video below.

Stay well at all costs my friends.

Find the video Here

Daniel and Matt's Adventure Elopement

"Buzz" , my phone went off in my pocket.

It was an email from my website, "elopement enquiry". Fun fact, I get anxious if I don't reply to clients quickly. So I stopped what I was doing to give the email my full attention. This email was going to be more than I could have imagined. The email was from a couple looking for a photographer. Not just any photographer though, they need an Adventure Photographer. According to Gizmodo. com-" Adventure photography is simply the act of photographing adventures, typically in the outdoors. It's a niche defined by stunning landscapes, dynamic personalities, and challenging, ever- changing shooting conditions!”

This is The area I long to establish myself. I want all the adventures, hell I long for them. So when I realized here was another chance to do what I love, with 2 new people, in a landscape I've never seen. I was all in.

Some of the beauty in the Gorge. Trees touching the sky and waterfalls pouring into the earth.

Dan and Matt can tell you their story far better than I can lay my Apple Pencil to my IPad so I will save myself that shortcoming. I will however cover the best parts that involve me.

We emailed back and forth for weeks and scheduled a Facetime meeting. They wanted someone up for a challenging hike, with a moody Aesthetic, and who shared the love of the outdoors that they shared with one another. Hello! My name is Jeremy and I check all the boxes. All that was missing was the actual personal connection between them and myself but 2 minutes into our Facetime meeting and I knew.

I was going to Kentucky one way or another. LOL

They were engaged at a place special to them. Dan hung hundreds of light in the trees in the middle of the woods. He invited their families who hid until the big moment. Matt hiked in on this day with one foot in a boot which is a testament to his love for Dan in my opinion. Fast forward to October 3rd, 2020 (“year of Rona" ) and I find myself in KY. My favorite camera bag loaded full and ready. Yes my Atlas Pack (I know, I owe you a review of it), my Canon EOS R , EOS RP, Leica M3, Fuji GW 690iii, Canon 50mm 1.2L, Canon 24mm 1.4L, RF 24-105f.4 and my DJI Mavic Mini. We Are headed to one of the most breathtaking places I've ever had to opportunity to see. We are at the "Red River Gorge of Kentucky" 29,000 acres inside the Daniel Boone National Forrest- more specifically a trail aptly named, "Cloud Splitter”!

I know I cannot truly, or fittingly show you the topography of this hike. I can't express fully how intense the climb up was. Crawling on all fours at times, and traversing, hand over hand up a single climbing rope, tied to the only tree allowing the way up or down. I was ellated! Im talking so steep, my 40lbs of camera equipment had to be hoisted down alone. I always keep climbing carabiners, among other necessities in my gear. I took my carabiner, pulled the rope to myself where I connected my pack and lowered it down before climbing down myself. This was before I met the guys for the actual elopement.

So all of that and I haven't even met Dan or Matt in person ever. That's what it takes. Long days, little sleep, dedication, preperation, and refusal to fail. I want this life, and will not stop until its how I'm known. Watch this VLOG for more, and most importantly.

Thank You to Matt and Dan. I wish you a long happy marriage, full of adventure, full of love, and plenty of ALE 8.

I spoke to Matt and he and Dan graciously agreed to allow me to share a link to their entire gallery. If you would like to see that please click HERE.

Hursts party of 4

History- "the whole series of past events connected with someone

or something."

This word history, thats what I think of

when I think of this family. You see, Natasha and Jennifer have known each other for years. Im guessing here, but I would say 20 plus years so yeah, there is history there. I have had the honor to shoot for Jennifer & Todd before. We have ventured to the top of the Roan and captured her maternity images while she was carrying Wilder. We met up again after he was born and took family photos at Grandfather Mountain. Fast forward a few years and this family of 3 has now bumped up to a party of 4. So when I heard it was time to meet Eva-Woods AKA #lilvoovoo- I couldn't help but get excited.

I'm selfish in my excited though. -these people make beautiful children! I think it's safe to say that we share a mutual love and respect for nature which makes my work so much More!

So history. We make it everyday.

We are living in a global pandemic for crying out loud. But we make history when we make memories together. I have the extreme pleasure and task of capturing those and documenting this new history. For my children for these children below and all of those who come next.

We made new memories and documented moments for our legacy and history. We sent our ripples through time one shutter click, one smile, one moment at a time!

So as a reminder, life is short so play in the creeks, walk barefoot in the grass and love. Love above all else. - J

Craggy Pinnacle Trail 2020

Adventure, or as we call it around my house “adventure” is most welcome for me and my family. I often venture out on my own, or maybe with Atlas and then depending on our find we may then plan a trip back with the rest of the family ( minus Jaryn this trip unfortunately ). You may have seen my images from Craggy Pinnacle Trail the first time Atlas and I visited on your way to Asheville to drop off some film at Ball Photo. We even made a vlog that day. I shot mostly film that day with a mix of digital but surprisingly only took the Canon Eos R and 50mm 1.2L lens. I am usually not a 50mm fan but man this glass is something special. This is not a gear post though so back to it. We had to make a pit stop before our hike and on that journey Natasha noticed the abandoned prison and made sure I stopped by there on the way out and I am very glad we did. How cool is this find?

As you can see the skies were blue and the clouds were full, but that would quickly turn to rain but we were determined to find some time outside together. We planned ahead and had our rain jackets so nothing would stop us.

These are the things that I remember most. These are the tales I want to recall one day. Days full of smiles, dirty Chaco feet and time outside together. This is a super short, simple hike but so worth the drive. You pass through several tunnels which we always hold our breathe until we clear the exit side because Atlas loves to do it and that’s enough. These images may look familiar in some way if you saw the first gallery but this was a different day. A day we celebrated the little things again. Time together, time in nature, time to remember how strong we are as a family.

Deckers Maternity session at Roan Mountain State Park

Hey, I am glad your here!

I hope while you are here you take time to read the other entries. For now though let's concentrate on the reason your here Photo's! Not just any photos of course. You are here to see the latest images I captured for Anton, Julie, and the kids. (one to be introduced very soon)

Lets slow down for a moment though and reflect. I have been extremely fortunate to capture many moments for this amazing family.

Engagement session-✓

Wedding-✓

Minis -yup

Maternity-✓

The last of which I am thrilled to share with you now. Anytime I am approached to shoot, there are things I always consider- location, mood, and I want to know the why behind our moments. Julie and I spoke about her vision and I knew that I wanted to be there. In case your new here or to my work, I love All things outside and adventure. We spoke about location's that may convee what she and I wished for. We quickly decided Roan Mountain State Park fit the bill perfectly. We walked among the trees', we played in the creek in the park, but most importantly, we documented their love-Again. For one another. for their family, and for this life they have built together.

This is something I learn more and more. To keep the moments. To stop worrying about how sharp the shot is. If it resonates emotion with my client, audience or myself-that is always enough! It has to be. If the moments we capture fail to tell a story or remind us of a better time then why do it at all? I understand the importance of documenting for history purposes but that is completely different. I want to document all things in this life, the Happy, the sad, the unjust, the breathtaking, and I want to do that with and for each and everyone reading this. What are you waiting for? Hit the contact me button already!

Let see those images already!

““The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” - Audrey Hepburn”

— https://lifehacks.io/inspirational-love-quotes-sayings/

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

#FatetobeSlate

Ok, so we all know how crazy everything is during this pandemic. We have all had to find a new normal, and adjust to new guidelines and restrictions. Weddings are being canceled and rescheduled and even though that is absolutely the responsible decision, that does not mean that makes the decision an easy one. Today I am writing about a wedding I had the extreme privilege of capturing for friends of mine. We didn’t know each other until recently when they asked me to help capture their engagement photos ( which were incredible btw ) and then none of this was imaginable. They had planned to have a big wedding in Kentucky and for reasons had to cancel this once, and upon rescheduling we all met Covid-19. They had to cancel again, but they were determined to become husband and wife despite the chaos. So the original large wedding was drastically downsized and moved to Tennessee. When they decided this as the new plan, they contacted me to see if I was available and comfortable with a small wedding all things considered. If you follow me on the socials, you already know the answer to that. What you may not know is how amazing this family is. How deep the love they share for one another, and the children of this new union. They are also fans of the outdoors and The Office, I mean its like fate had other plans for us all.. I love The Office :)

Even though we all have to make hard calls and rethink our daily living, I am so glad to introduce you to Mr and Mrs Slate. #fatetobeSlate I am so very blessed to call them friends of mine now and look forward to many many more memories we will create together going forward. So lets get to the goods shall we… drum roll

I would normally thank the other vendors involved but this wedding was special. This was a show of love for one another by one another in almost every way. I am also extremely pleased to say how much these FEEL like my work and that makes me one happy photographer.

Also, I shot some film.. one roll isn’t developed yet but.. these are !!

Alexis Class of 2020

What a year this has been, and currently continues to be. It is a terrible shame that this years Seniors are not having the experience they deserve, the experience they have earned. I know no one could expect the rollercoaster that this calendar year would turn out to be and that the Class of 2020 would be the Class of a Quarantine as well. Most small businesses have suffered and some have all but had to shut down completely but I am happy to say that joy is still very much alive. That creativity will live on. When Alexis’ mom messaged me months ago discussing her senior portraits, well we clearly had a different plan but I am extremely pleased to say that I don’t think this session could have turned out any better. I have looked at these often and posted a few sneak peaks but I am happy to say her gallery is alive and its straight fire! A few samples now…

With all the disappointment that I can only imagine some seniors are feeling with the turn of events, I hope beyond those disappointments, they are able to see the cup half full so to speak. I hope they see all they accomplished and they see this down time as an opportunity to get a jump on their next adventure. I am sure some will give me crap for shooting during this time but you know what, Alexis deserved this and there was no way I was going to let her miss this milestone. There was zero chance we weren’t going to document this and man we did it well :) Thats all for now but I have another session coming soon..

Congratulations Alexis!!!

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

Iron Market Coffee Co.

Do you love coffee? Do you love helping people? Well today’s blog post is especially for you. Grab your favorite coffee mug and let’s get to it. PSA- If you love coffee you may need a bib going forward. How delicious is this?

I mean that contrast from light to shadows is well, my favorite.

A little back story before I drop the other images below which is becoming my go to design for this blog. Maybe Ill mix it up or maybe I won’t. Keep tuning in to find out. Ok, coffee but not just in coffee. We are talking about Haitian Blue by Iron Market Coffee. My good friend Robert Brown messaged me on Facebook recently and asked if I would be interested in trying this new coffee he and a friend of his is selling, and DUH of course I do. I love coffee. Just ask Silva Coffee, or Dangerous But Good as I have also shot for them. I like-a-the coffee. He said he would bring a sample to work and I could run by and grab it, so Atlas and I did just that. It is a very smooth coffee. I am no expert here but you will have to grab a bag and see what I mean for yourself. The website can be found HERE and you should also click HERE and get to Instagram and tell them I sent you. I also wanted to give you the reason behind this brand and as I started to compose this entry, I realized I am not the person to do so. I messages Robert immediately and asked that he give me the reason in his own words.

“Travis Gouge and I have both gone to Haiti on Mission trips and developed a passion for the region and wanted to do more to help. Travis originally had the idea and brought me in knowing I had a passion for coffee and Haiti.”

The back of the bag reads:

“The Iron Market in Port Au Prince stands tall as a symbol of hope for the people of Haiti. Our mission at Iron Market Coffee is to provide our customers with the freshest and best coffee possible while also helping to give hope to a country in desperate need of basic necessities.

We purchase the beans directly from Haiti, which provides needed income for coffee farmers. The beans are roasted and individually bagged for every customer. All profits from the coffee are given directly back to help provide food and education for children in Haiti.”

The money they raise from the sale of this coffee, goes to help those that need it, directly in Haiti. See, amazing coffee and an even better cause. Why buy coffee to line the pockets of some corporation when you can actually help someone who genuinely needs some help. Worse case you try and it and you don’t love it as much as we do, then mail me the rest, and you still helped someone and that is something to be proud of too. Seriously I will drink it LOL

Ok photos are what I do and what I do best so lets put this keyboard to bed. Photo time:

#coffeeonamission

Trinity Senior Session

Trinity is one tough lady and I am glad to know her and even more ecstatic that her she is still writing her story. I won’t even attempt to tell her story, but I hope she does some day. Just know, Cancer has nothing on this girl. If you know me you know the C word has tore through my families world when Natasha was diagnosed with not 1 but 2 types of cancer. I think this combined with my having known Trinity for years, made this particular session hard for me. Not hard to do what I love. Not hard because she isn’t a wonderful young lady to spend the afternoon with. She was a rockstar in every definition of the word. I think this was hard because I put more pressure on myself to deliver. Not just pleasing photos but to deliver a message almost. I wanted these to mean something. I wanted these to bring joy to someone in this stupid pandemic we are all trying to navigate in our own ways. I wanted her to know, how amazing she is and how grateful this world is to have her still kicking ass in it.

We had chatted back and forth for weeks off and on to decide the mood she wanted for her images. She and I have similar interest as far as the mood of the work ( Dramatic ) so this was a blast for me to be apart of. She was open to any idea I had as long as that included a gross Sweet Tea from Pals in the end. Needless to say she got her Tea.

I love to find new ways to use areas i’ve shot in the past to create something different for my clients, and this can be a struggle, but if you know me at all, you know I am fiercely competitive so I am up for the task. Don’t believe me, check it out for yourself already.

This is just a sample of the gallery I will be releasing today or tomorrow but I coudln’t wait to share a few of these for her, and with you. I hope you enjoyed these images, all taken with the Canon Eos RP, Canon 35L and Good AD200. Do you have a High School or Collegiate Senior needing photos to document this monumental time in their life? I know a guy. Have a great Tuesday where ever you are.

J