For most shoots, I’ll jam to my iPod in the car on the way there… generally trying to match my selection of music with the mood of the shoot. So this morning, I found myself in a pickle.

I knew Josh was a country music singer and songwriter (and quite talented, I may add!), but the only country music on my very large, and nearly full, iPod was Garth Brooks (commence laughing… but I really love Garth!).

So I busted out some old “Live” favorites and sang all the way to Fort Christmas. Which, PS – I think everyone should have to shoot an engagement session dodging 1,000 elementary school children and random cannon-fire. Yes, cannon-fire. Holy steady hand. I wish I was exaggerating… alas, I’m not.

I was really excited about today’s shoot – not just to meet Mindy and Josh, but because I’ve just fallen in love with engagement sessions! (pun intended). I nearly always shoot way longer than I’m supposed to – but that’s ok, right? I’m just so inspired by love! Weddings can sometimes get a bit hectic, super schedule-oriented, and it’s a rare occasion when the stars align and you have as much time as you want to capture pictures of the bride and groom alone.

Eee! Ok, so anyways – let’s talk about Mindy and Josh!

I was “told” that Mindy was the goofball, and Josh was the serious one. What I found out, was that they both have an incredible sense of self,  impeccable style, devotion, faith and love for each other. Josh is also an accomplished musician and overall super sweet guy. I actually edited all the teasers today after their session to Josh’s CD (which has now been permanently saved on my ipod, so I officially have more country music than Garth Brooks)! I think I know every song by heart. Mindy is just an incredible person – beyond being absolutely beautiful, she is sincere and gracious – and I couldn’t imagine him ever finding anyone else more amazing.

Who saw the video from our session when he sang a song he wrote to Mindy for me and all my Twitter followers? Well, I guess he sang it for Mindy, but I’m going to pretend it was for us, and you can’t tell me not to.

I’m going to go ahead and post the photos under the slideshow, because I used one of Josh’s amazing songs for it – and it really adds the inspiration to the entire session. Music and photography go hand-in-hand for me, so I really wanted to share them together. He’s a beautiful singer, and writer – and I hope you enjoy his music as much as I do!

Josh’s Website |  Josh’s Facebook Fan Page

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Tiffany came out to Oviedo the other day to help me out with my project, and we decided to run out and grab a quick 20 minute session of her and her boyfriend, Tibor. I haven’t seen Tiffany since somewhere in 2007, so it was really fun catching up and hanging out for a little bit!

As a side note, it’s also 5am, and I can’t believe I’m still up Ah, the life of a photographer. Whoever says our lives are easy because we have to “sacrifice our Saturday nights” has never spent 20 hours editing, while their family enjoys a lazy Sunday playing games and watching tv (ok, I lied a little bit – I’m watching Three’s Company right now). Actually, I think I’ve logged something like  110 work-hours this last week. I think this coming week may be more. Not that I’d change that, of course, because I’m finally doing what I love more than anything else. But I can tell you I’ve worked harder (and longer) at my passion than I ever did at a full-time job. Ever. Mentally, physically…. ever. And I know about 300 photographers across the world who would surely confirm that.

Lucky for me, this doesn’t feel like work. And admittedly, I’d rather be sitting here writing this blog post than sleeping (we can sleep when we die, right?). Although I may turn in shortly… but at this point, I’m not sure it’s worth it?

However, it may be so late that I’m delirious, and that surely wouldn’t be a good way to write a blog post. I may have to re-read this tomorrow and see how completely crazy I sound

Maybe I should just stick to what I know – and get you to the pictures!

Yay, yay, yay!! Heather only has about 5 weeks to go before sweet little Aislynn gets here! If you missed her 6 month session, be sure to check it out here – and look how much she’s grown!

I can’t wait to see Aislynn for her newborn session next month

Here’s a quick teaser from yesterday’s session with Heather and Jason!

A couple days before I left for vacation, my numero uno stylist and fashion diva, Melanie Pace, contacted me about doing a super quick session of her and her sister, Elaine, for a Christmas present for their parents! They gave them some super cute prints in an album that they can add to later, plus a gift certificate for a family session in the spring!

Elaine was super pregnant, but it didn’t stop Melanie from switching out her comfy Crocs for some Yves Saint Laurent heels! I’m glad I got to meet Elaine and baby Gavin just a week before his birth! Gavin entered our cozy holiday season on Dec. 24th!

The shoot took some unexpected turns once we did some impromptu studio shots (which will explain the hairy mustache). Enjoy!

Hehe…. Happy Holidays everyone!

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!