Jason and Dilenia Engagement Shoot

I have the pleasure of shooting Jason and Dilenia's wedding on February 9th, but in the mean time we met at Gaylord Palms resort to shoot some engagement photos. They got engaged at one of the restaurants so it was only fitting to shoot there. Thanks you two for being great sports... and for the memory card!!! Lets not forget to exchange at the wedding...

Here are some of my favorites from the day.....



I love that the two of them are smiling here... almost on the verge of laughing....






Nice ring.....





By far my favorite shot.... I think you guys should use this one as your canvas print.

A Real Website Is Coming....

Above and below this post are the business cards I created, so I now have them when someone asks me for one.

On another front....last night, I commissioned bludomain.com to build me a website. They said they would have the site completed by Saturday at midnight. They just build the template/frame and I change the color, fonts, upload the photos so it will take me a couple weeks to probably tweak just right. So, stay tuned for a much more professional front end to what has been an amazing ride so far....

Kenitzer Wedding

This weekend I was invited to a wedding for a co-worker from my day job. It was in a place I had never heard of nor seen, Rachel d. Murrah Civic Center in Winter Park. I have to tell you that this place was gorgeous. An outdoor wedding under the canopy of enormous oak trees and an indoor reception with wood paneled 30 foot vaulted ceilings. You would have to see it to believe it as the website doesn't do it justice, at all.

I have written before about being a 'photographer' versus a 'dad' (or in this case a husband) and it was fresh on my mind all night. I wanted nothing more than to photograph every moment but I had to remind myself that I was a guest. After all, they had hired a photographer... and I didnt want to get in his way. So, I allowed myself one lens and a flash and decided that I would not get too carried away. At the end of the night, I didn't do to bad and even got to dance with my wife.... and that my friends is a good thing....

Hope you enjoy some of my shots....

What's Important in Life

Sunday, May 29th was my son's Baptism... the day marks an important event in his and our family's life.. We planned a huge party at our home and had extended family travel from up north to be here. The Baptism "robe" (ok, so it was a dress!!), has been worn by 23 other family members in Lynne's family and is approximately 40 years old. So, why is this important to a photography blog? Well, in some ways it isnt... but in some ways it is.

Obviously, with a major "life" event like this there is going to be photos taken. I wanted to document this event and tell the story through my photos (just like I can do for your wedding, event or family). However, documenting and participating are very difficult to do together. I have the tendency to be the photographer and not the dad.... and miss those important moments. Sure I grab them through the lens, but its just not the same. I slowly gave control of my camera to my father-in-law and just absorbed the moments. I am glad I did....

So again, why is this important to a photography blog? I know of several folks that are married or are getting married who have a family member or close friend that promised to photograph their wedding. This person either volunteered (or was coerced) or asked by the Bride and Groom. I would like for you to take a step back and ask if that is really a fair thing to ask of someone close to you. The question isnt about whether or not they can do a good job... or you saving some costs to your wedding (thats another story). It is about being fair to your friend/family. If they photograph your wedding, they will not participate in it. Let me repeat that.... if you ask them to photograph you wedding.... they will not enjoy the festivities AT ALL. Now, is it really fair to ask a friend or family member to miss your wedding?? If you cant afford one, find a student... find a friend of a friend. Better yet, hire me... as I have some really affordable packages!!

Most folks think you can do both (participate and photograph), but a good photographer is constantly looking for that moment... that kiss, hug, dance... There is no downtime for a photographer at a wedding. I think that is the biggest lesson I took away from my first wedding. I could not believe how busy and how much work it really was before, during and after the wedding.

I am really glad that I choose to relinquish my camera for the Baptism. I took the traditional "getting ready" shots of Zach putting on the 40 year old gown and used my experience to line up some of the portraits.... but other than that.... I was just a VERY PROUD DAD.

I love you Zach....