I was digging through my web traffic analytics and caught a steady stream of new web hits from Brenda’s Wedding Blog (back in Dec.)! I didn’t even know she featured one of my shots from Hollie’s Couture Bridal session on her Eye Candy Friday column! Super cute! Thanks, Brenda’s Blog, for featuring this shot back in December, and thanks to all of her blog readers for stopping by!

Check out her post on Purple inspirations here: http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/2009/12/4/eye-candy-friday-v46-purple-for-the-guy-and-gal.html

Sometimes a shoot will take you on a personal journey. It’s not about the location, or the model, or your camera…. it’s usually about your own ability to grow and challenge yourself. In retrospect, yesterday probably shouldn’t have happened at all. What started as a photographer workshop with Hollie and Lance – 3 cancellations later – turned in to a one-on-one bridal couture session with me and Hollie, Anthony in toe, some last minute vendors who support me when I’m not always sure why, and some amazing light.

The journey must always come from light. The light isn’t always perfect, sometimes we have to wait for a cloud or 2 – but isn’t that usually the way it works? There’s a deeper motivation, a stronger sense of who I am and images that I think will define my work in the coming year. All because of the light.

The location isn’t original – in fact, it’s been done, a lot. But it’s how you present the location that will make the difference. We had a specific style in mind, and major thanks to Amanda from Something Blue Bridal Salon, Lee from Lee Forrest Design, and my amazing model, Hollie – who is much more beautiful than what you see on the exterior, for believing in my vision and supporting me.

Ethereal and soft, feminine and couture – Hollie graciously came along with me as I fight to discover who I am as a photographer.

What a day! Whew!

Recently, I decided to start some one-on-one photographer workshops. I wasn’t really sure how the whole idea would turn out, but I’ve been getting a lot of “how do you…” emails lately, and thought it would be a great way to get to know some local photographers and share what I know! I’m also insanely lucky to know awesome models, stylists and makeup artists – so I thought it would be fun to bring other photographers along, let them see how I work and get some up-close and personal time with my teams!

Today started off as being 2 workshops, but ended up as a bridal shoot with my girl, Hollie, and then couple’s shoot workshop!

I have A LOT to post (and say) about today – but after 10 hours of shooting, I decided just to post a couple of the teasers instead. I’ll talk more about my experience evading Osceola police and the Squat Shot later on, so stay tuned for that!

But tell me these shots weren’t totally worth almost getting arrested for trespassing??

Dress by Jim Hjelm and Birdcage Veil, both from Something Blue Bridal Salon in Orlando, and amazing floral bouquet by Lee Forrest Design, Orlando!

Dress from Something Blue Bridal Salon (I can’t remember the designer… I’ll find out for you!)

Now… on to our workshop where I shot some “Just Because” photos of recently married couple, Lauren and Jason! Percy and Carla from De Armero Photography joined me (LOTS more about them later – they’re so awesome!)!

Here’s a great shot of Carla and Percy in action!

Seriously, SUCH a fun day! I would do this every day if I could I “heart” my job!

In being true to my promise in refusing to post any more pictures until Anthony re-does my blog, here’s a slideshow instead!

Last Saturday, I got to shoot the wedding the Tina and Evan – an amazingly genuine couple and brand new family. I wouldn’t believe the bridezilla stories for a second, either – Tina was cool, calm and collected right up until she walked down the aisle with her daddy.

Venue: Tuscawilla Country Club
Floral: Lee Forrest Designs
Cakes: Belladonna Cakes
Entertainment: Marc Burgess Productions
Coordinator: EllaCharles Events