Thinking Outside the Box for Weddings

I photographed a wedding vow renewal ceremony in March for Jen and Adam. Jen recently converted to Judaism and they decided to renew their vows with a Jewish wedding ceremony with their closest friends and family. The entire day was just perfect - intimate, relaxed and meaningful.

Instead of creating a traditional wedding album, which they have from the first time around, they opted for a collage of photos that they could hang in their home and look at every day. I am so ecstatic with the way it turned out; I'm going to have to make a second to display in my studio!
By choosing a collage, they were able to put together a series of their favorite photos that tell a story of the day, including pictures of their parents and their adorable son, Ethan. Sometimes it can be impossible to choose just one outstanding photo to enlarge for your home, so this is a great option. The collages can be customized to match the colors in your room, your personal style and any number of images.

The frame just makes it look polished and complete. (If you look closely, you can see my reflection in the glass. HA!)

Piggy Banks and Quilts

Little William was such a great model! I don't think I've ever photographed a baby as young more content and laid back than William. I spent almost two hours photographing him and his proud parents - that's a long time in baby time! He is only 14 weeks old and being the only child, mom says he's pretty used to having all the attention so my camera and I didn't seem to bother him one bit.

The yellow and white quilt was a birthday gift from his grandma so I love that we could include it in the portraits. All the precious moments between mom, dad and William and the details in his nursery are so special. Together they tell a beautiful story of this young family.

Thanks for inviting me into your home to document this amazing time.

And the demo continues...

The kitchen has been coming along S-L-O-W-L-Y. We feared that we had asbestos in the walls which set us back quite a bit. We had to have it tested to be sure and then an estimate on the cost of removing it if the test came back positive. After finding out that to have a team come in and remove it would cost $2400, we were absolutely thrilled to learn that the test was negative. Talk about an added expense we didn't expect. You're seeing four levels of the wall in that picture. The first is the green, white and beige painted wall, then ugly paneling, then the yellow stuff (not quite sure what that is about), and the lathe board behind it. Our house is 60 years old and I guess that lathe is the way that walls were made back then. Must have taken so long to nail all those little boards to the studs. What's so weird is that previous owners kept adding to the walls instead of removing what was there and starting fresh. The same goes for the floor. Nick found 6 layers of floor below the tile including two different linoleum floors. Crazy!

Now I'm thinking of all the things I can do with the $2400 since it isn't going to the kitchen. New lenses, a trip to Hawaii.... Just kidding. It's not so much like found money, rather money we we didn't want to part with that we now don't have to.

I'll keep posting as changes are happening. It will be so great when we're in CONstruction instead of destruction. Those will be much more fun photos. :)

Like Father, Like Son

Last weekend I photographed a belated Father's Day portrait for Ethan and his dad, Chip. Ethan is 6 years old and loves playing with his dad. There's something so beautiful about the relationship of a father with his son - security, love and adoration. And I couldn't have asked for more handsome models! Love those missing teeth!

Chip's Father's Day portrait was a gift from Chip's girlfriend and a client of mine, Forrest. Holidays like Father's and Mother's Days, the winter holidays and even birthdays and anniversaries are perfect times for giving a gift certificate of portraiture. Your friend or family can schedule the portrait anytime that's convenient for them and you've given something that they can enjoy for years to come.

Thanks, Chip, Ethan and Forrest!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July!!! I hope you have a fun and relaxing day today. We're heading to a friend's place to watch fireworks from a rooftop deck on Peachtree Street. Talk about a quintessential Atlanta 4th! If you happen to be anywhere near a Peachtree Street or Road, you're set. :)


Here are a few pictures from The Police Concert in Phoenix. I was really nervous about losing my camera at security (No Cameras Allowed) so I did what I could with my cell phone camera.

Our beautiful hotel - The Phoenix Wyndham


The huge screens they set up were great because we got to see them up close, but also a little weird. Kind of like watching them from home on my tv.

So happy at the show....it was AMAZING!

House Guest

We have an adorable houseguest staying with us until Friday. He's so cute and reminds me a lot of my dog growing up, Doodle. Teddy will fluff his pillow bed and walk in circles until he finds the perfect place to lay down. This particular spot is our recliner. I tried to keep him from jumping up day after day, but I gave in. I just couldn't say no to that little face anymore.

Teddy and Booda, the dinosaur

Interstate Portrait

What an amazing week! Beach time, a wedding, family visits, The Police concert in Phoenix and a really fun portrait in Virginia. I'll have to write about the first four another time, but I just had to post about the Andrews-Biggs portrait outside Charlottesville, VA.

I photographed their one-year-old's portrait a few years ago when they were living in the Virginia-Highlands. Since then, they moved to a house in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Picture a half mile dirt drive winding up to their dome house on a hill. I promised them years ago that the next time I drove through on my way to the northeast that I'd let them know so we could schedule a portrait. They now have twin girls who are so adorable. It was amazing to see their first daughter who has grown so much since I last saw her. I just love documenting all the changes (and similarities - her huge smile) of little humans growing from babyhood into little girls and boys. Their dome house was really cool too. I've never seen one from the inside and I was really excited to see how it worked. Their living room had lofted ceilings and they did have walls to separate rooms, but they told me that they save a lot on energy because the airflow is unimpeded. Pretty cool way to live "green." And you definitely will never beat that view. You can see it in black & white in the portraits towards the end of their session.

Here's their slideshow....

US Tour

This week and half of next I am on tour; at least it feels like that. Right now I am looking out over the beach and not so much enjoying the weather (it's 65, windy and rainy) but definitely enjoying the vacation. Nick and I are in Wildwood, NJ for a couple days before we head up to his cousin's wedding in Brunswick. I'm actually attending this wedding, not photographing it, which is kinda nice every once in a while. :)

We head back to ATL on Sunday and stop to do a portrait for Corry and Bart in VA, (they moved from Virginia Highland a few years ago). They live in a dome house which I am really interested to see. Bright and early Monday morning, we board a plane to Phoenix for The Police! We'll have 5 hours in Phoenix before the show, so if you have any suggestions of what we should be sure to check out, let me know.

As soon as I reopen the studio on Wednesday, I'll be sure to respond to any emails and voicemails. Thanks for being patient. And as always, feel free to leave a message on the blog by clicking the "Comments" link below.

Have a great week!

Monkey'ing Around

Tonight I came out of my shell, I mean house. After working through most of the weekend, I had already gone a little crazy confined to the walls of my office. Even though I finally moved the couch in and it's become much more comfortable, there's only so much I can take of sitting in my office by myself. One of the major drawbacks to working from home, but I really shouldn't complain, right? So, I headed out to Java Monkey in downtown Decatur, my new 'hood. Love free wi-fi. And for the first time in a long time, the traffic buzzing by me at my comfy outdoor table and chair didn't bother me. Kinda nice to see other people while I work away at my laptop. Love the mobile studio!

So mentioned in my previous post about Courtney and Michael's wedding that I had a spill while we were shooting in downtown St. Augustine. I have to admit that I have NEVER fallen while shooting and the moment that I made it a first for me couldn't have been more embarrassing. I was so busy getting the perfect shot that I became completely oblivious to what was about to happen. So, C&M were walking down the sidewalk when one of those touristy trams pulled up the street. I thought, "How perfect! Their reactions to C&M walking down the street will make a romantic picture and tell a great story about the nature of this city." So, I'm walking backwards. I check behind me to be sure the sidewalk is level and nothing is in my way. Just as C&M step into the right spot, I take one shot and then Q#$%@%^@$ I fall backwards onto something really hard. Funny how my gut reaction was to keep my camera as far away from the ground as possible so I lift it up as I fall to the ground. And I fell hard on some random steps that jutted out onto the sidewalk. OUCH! The worst part was that not only did C&M and Jenni see me do this, but the entire tram of tourists and all the traffic on the street. AH! I and my camera are ok though. Aside from a huge black and blue mark on my (achem) that I am still looking at a week and a half later - a daily reminder of a single moment of clumsiness. Oh, well, makes a great story and I can be sure that I'll watch where I walk backwards much more closely next time.

Here's the shot I fired just before falling to my embarrassment.


Don't you think it was worth a fall? Yeah, me too. :)

Historical Wedding

Last weekend Jennie and I headed to St. Augustine, FL to photograph Courtney and Michael's beach wedding. It was an amazing weekend. I've been looking forward to their wedding for many reasons, one of the big reasons is because it would be our first beach ceremony. We totally loved all the history and beauty that the city has to offer. From cobblestone one-lane streets to relaxing beaches, it was a great weekend. Nick and I even got to have some R&R through the holiday.

The day started at the salon with Courtney's hair and makeup. Take a look at the beautiful Southern front porch. It was a perfect place for Courtney and Michael to see each other for the first time. And wow, was Michael overcome with happiness! He shed some tears when he saw how beautiful Courtney was. So sweet. They were so happy to be together. Their son, Ryan, was so cute. I love the photos we got of Michael and him smooching in the parking lot before they headed downtown to meet Courtney. So precious!

We headed downtown to Flagler College and Aviles Street (the oldest street in the US) and it was a dream. Courtney and Michael were relaxed and having fun (especially when I took a spill while taking a picture of them - more about that later), the weather was perfect, the setting sun provided beautiful light, and the spots we chose for fun and intimate portraits were so picturesque. It was really fun to shoot in a new city and get creative.

Despite getting sprinkled with some Florida afternoon rain during the ceremony, it was a perfect day. Courtney and Michael's family and friends had a great time, I mean who wouldn't when you get to go to a wedding and vacation at the same time. At the end of the night, one of Courtney's bridesmaids said that she loved C&M's engagement portrait slideshow and then spent hours at my website admiring my work. It's so nice to hear that!

So, here's a peak.

NEW- DVD's & IPODs of Slideshows

Last year we started offering online slideshows as a sneak peek of your portraits, weddings and events. All of my clients are so anxious to see their photos as soon as possible and since the slideshows are posted within a few days of your portrait or event, they are a perfect way to view some of the best images before your Viewing/Ordering Appointment. Plus they are a great way to share the photos with friends and family.

I am really excited to announce that DVD's of these slideshows are now available for purchase. The DVD's will arrive in a beautiful leather case with a featured photograph on the inside cover. Simply click the DVD icon at the bottom of your slideshow to order. Order more than one and receive a great discount. Plus, you can also purchase the slideshow for your video IPOD. How cool?! Are we hi-tech or what!?

Feel free to post any questions or comments about this great new product below. Click "Comments" to leave your message.

Growing Up So Quickly

The second portrait I was working on last week before I left town was for Avery and her parents. I photographed a "Growing Baby Portrait Series" for them since Avery was 6 months old so it was really fun to return now that she's three years old and see how much she's grown. She has become a beautiful little girl with gorgeous hair and a beautiful smile.

Click here to see your slideshow.

Adorable Amelia

It's been a super-busy week. I just got back from photographing Courtney & Michael's wedding on the beach in St. Augustine, FL. So beautiful!!! I'll post some faves soon. Last week I was busy working on a couple portraits before I left town. While I managed to post the slideshows, I didn't have a chance to blog about them.

The first was adorable Amelia who is about to turn one on June 9th, the same birthday as my brother! He's a little older, though. :) Amelia's parents were super patient with all of our bloopers. Through spilled coffee, a bump on the head and me not being able to find the entrance to their building, I think we managed to get some really beautiful portraits. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Take a look at your slideshow here.

The Police Heard my SOS!

DaveFM rocks! If you listen to 92.9 FM in Atlanta, you've been hearing about a huge giveaway they've been running. Everyday at 5pm they announce a winner of a Police prizepack. Each of those winners is eligible to win a grand prize drawing every Friday - two tickets to see The Police in any city in the States, plus airfare and hotel.

"I'll be just wrapped around your finger"

Last Tuesday, I was in my office struggling with a computer problem, when I got a call from Nick. "Are you listening to the radio?" I answered no, which is extremely unusual for me. I almost always have the radio on and since DaveFm came around a few years ago, it's just about all I listen to.

"Tea in the Sahara" with The Police!

"Why, what's up?"
"They just announced your name!"
Oh my gosh! I quickly hung up and called and found out it was true! I won a prize pack and the chance to see my favorite all-time band! How cool is that!?

"De do do do, De da da da"

So Friday comes around and they had told me that they'd call me to tell me about the win prior to announcing it on the radio so I kept my phone with me all day. No call.... :( Oh well, there's always next Friday's drawing.

"Walking in your footsteps"

So, yesterday, I'm sitting at my desk editing through some portraits from this weekend, and I get a call from Jay Schultz, Promotions Director at DaveFm. "How'd you like to go to Phoenix to see The Police?" he says in that all-too-familiar dj tone. He must be kidding, right? No! It's for real! I WON THE TRIP TO PHOENIX TO SEE THE POLICE!!!!!! HOLY ____!!!!! Turns out that the guy who won on Friday forfieted his win and they pulled my name next. Can you believe it! Me, The Police, Sting!!!!

It must be "Synchronicity"

So Nick and I will be packing our bags to see the best reunion tour ever. Their US dates are just about completely sold out and we get to go for free! I still can't believe my luck.

Maybe I should try the lottery this week.... :)

Wine Lovers

Krisitian and Bryan were married a couple years ago and chose a beautiful destination for their small wedding. Krisitan and I have been in touch since the planning stages of their wedding and when she emailed to see if I could do a portrait of them, I was so excited to finally work with them. It's funny how small the world really is. Kristian works at the corporate offices for PPA, the professional organization for photographers that I'm a member of and Bryan works at AutoTrader.com where I have been photographing events for three years. It's fun to find those connections - I guess we were destined to work together.

We met at Piedmont Park after the threat of rain all weekend panned out to no rain at all. Love the weather forecasters! Since K & B love wine, we thought it'd be fun to bring along a bottle and blanket to picnic in the park. Nothing like wine to take the edge off being photographed. :)


At the end of the portrait, we looked out onto the lake and saw a family of geese crossing the water and a family of ducks at the edge feeding the ducklings and mamma. Dad stood guard while they all ate. I love how Bryan expressed the adorable scene. "Dad's taking the family to the store and waiting in the car with the motor running." So cute.



Here's the slideshow!

Tassels at GA Tech

Last week I got a call from Kansas. Sue's son is graduating from Georgia Tech and she would like some pictures of him to remember this great accomplishment. The whole family will be there (driving from Kansas!) and they'd love to get some family pictures as well.

Well, this is a first. Never been called from Kansas (ha!) and never been asked to photograph college graduation pictures. Awesome! I love new challenges.

Michael just happens to be engaged too to his long time girlfriend. They went to high school together in Kansas and then headed to GA Tech for college. They seem to be really motivated students. She is going on to law school and he's already set with a job. Impressive! The family is really excited to spend the weekend celebrating this great accomplishment with them. And I was thrilled to be asked to document this happy time for them.

Here are a few shots from the afternoon.



...And here's their slideshow.

Thanks again and congratulations!

Double Cute

I photographed the Stewart twins on Friday. When I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. It was my first twins portrait session and it proved to be so fun. It was really cool to see how each of the kid's personalities are already developing. One found comfort relaxing on mom's lap while the other loved running and playing ball with dad. Can you guess which one is which?

Here are some of my favorites.


View your slideshow here.

Thanks again!

Baby Delaney

It's been a super busy week! One of those weeks that makes me so grateful for all of my awesome clients, but also a little crazy. It's Friday night and I'm editing photos! What's wrong with me?! :)

On Wednesday, I met the Delaney's. Baby Delaney has the most adorable little smile and I had so much fun capturing the love his parents have for him. All the hugs and kisses are just so precious. Here are a few of this adorable family.

A lot of people ask me how to get great hands and feet pictures of their little ones. Honestly, the best images are those that aren't posed or forced. This moment happened naturally and I think it says so much about the beautiful bond that mom has with her baby.

This image was taken with my Lensbaby lens. It's usually impossible to photograph babies and kids with this lens because it's so difficult to focus when the little ones are moving, but since Baby Delaney had just woken from a nap, he was very accomodating. I just love how this image draws us into his beautiful big eyes.

Here's The Delaney's Slideshow. Thanks again for a fun morning!

A Hiking Portrait

My second portrait on Saturday was with the Land's. As I mentioned in my previous post, I photographed this cute family last February at their home. This time, mom thought it'd be fun to head outside and explore the outdoors with their son. We met at The Roswell Mill and I must say I was completely unprepared for the hike we had ahead of us. Not realizing that the area is mostly gravel, tree roots and dirt, I wore....flipflops. Not so smart. By the end of the day, my flops were so torn up that I had to throw them away. But nothing kept me from enjoying the unbelievable views, the perfect weather and the curiosity of this adorable three year old.

It's so fun to watch little ones enjoy and be fascinated by everything around them, from playing in the river to discovering new bugs to climbing on rocks. Just goes to show how the best photos are the ones that capture you doing something you enjoy and not just posing for the camera.

Ahhh, the open air. The sound of crashing water at the waterfall was so refreshing.

We had such a great time and this new portrait location is sure to be a repeat. Thanks again!

Take a look at their slideshow here.

A Growing Family

I had a busy day on Saturday. It started with the Gotham's at their beautiful Atlanta home. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. And I swear I'll have to find out if I can use their backyard again for future portraits. It was an oasis of beauty - large hydrangeas, lush grass and huge mature trees.

They are pregnant with their third and they couldn't be happier. It's so nice to meet families who share so much love. I have the best job!

Mom and Dad

A kiss for the baby


playing on daddy's legs

Thanks for sharing this special time with me. I can't wait to meet the little one in a few months!
Take a look at their slideshow here.