What's Better Than Free Money?

Okay, so maybe nothing.

But a free hammock isn't bad!

I decided randomly to send in a photo from our trip to Washington to Eagle's Nest Outfitters (ENO), the maker of our beloved Double Nest Hammock. They run a monthly contest for photos of owners using their hammocks, and turns out, they liked my picture.

Click to get a better view...

Or maybe they just like the story of how we just knew the only campground we wouldn't be able to use our Double Nest was at Pacific Beach because, well, it's a beach, but then sure enough, these beacons of bygone days stood for us to make perfect use for our sunset vigil. It was fabulous.

And really, sunflare? Amazing. It was like this scene was dying to make it's way onto the landing page of a website. Okay, okay, so maybe not but it's exciting when you're recognized, even for family vacation photos.

For winning, we get a $125 credit towards future purchases with ENO. There's just so much great stuff we could get, now it's a matter of deciding what we actually want...

Babies: [Lincoln]

I could eat this little sucker right up. He was just too much for me to handle! At just over one month old, Lincoln goes down in history as the youngest human being I've ever taken a picture of, professionally speaking. (And quite possibly the most perfect.) Big thanks to Melodie for getting me set up with her brother and sister-in-law for this shoot!

I want one.

What's In a Name?

If you for some reason read this but not the other blog, please note the poll on the top of the sidebar to the right. As I venture forward with this photography business, I really need to make sure what I'm operating under fits me, fits my style, and fits the type of images I produce.

That being said, feel free to chime in if you haven't already!

Design: [Benton Christmas Card, 1st Ed.]

Everyday Portraits: [The Johnsons]

Boy, do I love the Johnsons! Andy and Karyn are a great couple whom we met through our Sunday School class. Hailey is their darling little girl who I absolutely adore. I make a complete idiot of myself trying to get her to smile, but those smiles are so very worth it.

I was honored to spend some time with them this afternoon, scooting around their beautiful neighborhood and taking some shots for Christmas!

Weddings: [Symmetry]

I shot at my first wedding, today! Thank you Zach and Jody (of Gray Photography, fame), for letting me play a little bit more, today. I spent a lot of time on details and am really happy with some of the results.

This sneak peak will have to do, for now.

Flickr Uploads

New shots from Brad and Wendy's Everyday Portraits photoshoot are up! Check them out on my Flickr site.

Let me know what you think!

Showcase: [To The Center]

Everyday Portraits: [Brad and Wendy]

Yesterday, I had my first official shoot. I feel so validated, now.

The beauty of two people who love each other beyond comprehension, the chilly fall air and sights of of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the familiarity of friends (and family) made for a fun time.

Meet Brad and Wendy:



If you're interested in a low-key, fun, and inexpensive way to get your pictures done for this year's Christmas cards... I'm in business. Seriously. I really enjoy this stuff and it helps to have people want their pictures taken.

p.s. Who says you can't practice on yourself, either?

Behind The Glass: [Dollface]

I think this may be my favorite picture I've taken so far in the last few months of "practice."

This is my niece Julia, who was sweet enough in all of her three-year oldness, to put up with my incessant shuttering at a family get together in Maryland about a month ago.

Most of the opportunities I've had to shoot children since getting the 400D have been candid, and while that's a lot of fun for catching the small, unexpected treasures, it's really hard to get the shots I dream about when they (and their parents) aren't invested in the moment.

I am thankful this shot turned out so well, because it has that vague appearance of being set-up and yet was pure, dumb luck. She happened to turn towards me, I asked her to smile, and the rest is history. It's amazing to see the personality of children come out in photos, this shot being a prime example. She is just the sweetest (and yet still sassy) creature, as is her cute-as-a-button twin brother Bryan (whose unfortunate mishap with a front step ended up in a busted lip and far too many stiches and black-and-blueness to make for any good "candid" shots).

That's why I call her, Dollface.