Georgia Bridal Show

Happy New Year!

Lisa and I are meeting some wonderful couples these days and booking weddings for the 2009 season -- large weddings, small weddings, at some really great locations and venues. We are excited!

Several of the couples in the past have shared their special requests for photos and I just love it. I think the worst thing a photographer can do is to get stuck in the rut of photographing what may have worked years ago. We always are striving to learn new techniques and always looking through the creative eye. So, when our brides ask for a special photo, I get excited and, yes, we can do that!

This Sunday January 04, 2009, Lisa and I will be at the Georgia Bridal Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre from 12:00 to 5:30. We would love to meet you and discuss your plans and how we can help capture your special day in photographs. We will have albums, photographs, brochures, and answers to your wedding photography questions. Our booth number is 163.

We would also like to thank all of the great clients who helped make 2008 a growing year. We are encouraged at what 2009 will bring and we look forward to growing with you and your family.

Randy

Fun With Playgroup

I jumped at the chance to photograph the local playgroup when asked. Riley has taught me the wonders of children and how their smiles can illuminate your heart. I also saw this as a challenge to our skills. I knew we would have fun.

Oh, how I have missed out on all the years without children in my life! It took Riley to get me to this point.

All of the planning on my part with the lighting, props, and conceptions, were simply tossed aside when the shooting began. I was once again a sports photojournalist on the sidelines of a college football game. "Red 39, Red 39, hike!" and off they went! But the moms were so helpful bringing them back on the "field." I had fun!

I asked Lisa days before the shoot, "Can we get them all looking in one shot?" Well, it can be done -- not the perfect composition that fills the magazines, but considering all that went on that morning, I'll take it.

Randy

Time in a Bottle

I love the Christmas season. The lights, the parades, the classic television shows, the food, the families, and the carols that we sing in church. Lisa is at the desk writing our Christmas cards, Riley is sound asleep in her afternoon nap, and I am editing photos of Riley in her holiday outfits.


Jim Croce sang about saving time in a bottle and the things he would do if that was a possibility. As I stare at these photos, I think that in a way, I am saving time -- not in the metaphorical bottle, but on a two dimensional photo that will bring me right back here to this point in our lives.

I know that soon she will be in school, then driving, dating, and married (AAAAHHHHH!). But with just a glance at a picture, she will always be my little girl.

Don't get me wrong, for I am progressive in my thoughts and I feel the best is yet to come, but she is so new to Lisa and me. The sounds of her laughter and her sweet voice saying "hey" to the cat. What a wonderful gift God has given us!

As the traffic around the malls increases and sometimes the holiday stress takes it toll, let us never forget what really matters as we celebrate Jesus's birthday.

Take lots of photos of your loved ones and save time in a bottle for the years to come.

Randy

Indoor Portrait Sessions

December means the leaves are gone and there seems to be much rain these days, but did you know we also have a full studio setup where we offer indoor portrait sessions? There is no set number of poses or changes of clothing and the sessions usually last an hour.


This past week, we enjoyed a fun session with the West family. If you have viewed our website you may have seen them before. Beautiful smiles and a fast growing son.

I first met Shane in 2002 at a Braves game. He was a baseball coach at Georgia State University. As we became friends, he introduced me to the athletic director, which led to photographing baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field, and softball for the Georgia State Media Department, as well as a series of family portrait sessions over the years.

Mom and Dad are so photogentic and when Lisa found the right toy, their son flashed his true smile. (In case you're wondering, it was Riley's "Tickle Me Cookie Monster" toy that did the trick.)

Lisa is very good with working with children, which makes my job so easy. We are very patient, too!

We would love the opportunity to meet and discuss your photography needs. Please call our office @ 770-898-4503.

Randy

A Thankful Heart

I try to be thankful all year long and not just one day in November. But 'tis the season and I wanted to reflect on these past years.

In 2006, I thought I had it all figured out. A beautiful wife, a loving family, and a growing photography business. Then we found out that a baby was on the way. Since that day, my life has been ever changing and I realize that everything I thought was important before, does not seem to matter now.

I was going through some photos this week when I found some about the childbirth that I'd like to share. I wanted to help remember this miracle season in our life in a documentary fashion. Every Saturday, around 9:30 a.m., Lisa posed for a few dozen photos beside the same window to show the growing baby. Hundreds and hundreds of photographs will be stored to show Riley and maybe her children also.

She was always a good sport about it. She has been photographed more than we can count. We even had a photo session at the zoo on our first real date almost 20 years ago.

And finally the week before the delivery we decided to use the studio setup.

When our little girl was born I continued the photojournalism approach with a stern warning from the staff at the hospital, "If you faint, we can't help you!"

Faint? Me? Why, I helped to deliver a calf at the age of six and I went through the Shellback initiation of crossing the equator in the Navy. I was proud of my steady hand. I even cut the cord while taking photos. We were in the delivery room over 30 hours!

So when asked what am I thankful for, it always begins with our daughter, Riley, the miracle that I watched grow from ultrasound to birth and how she has blessed our lives. I stop and think, "What did I ever do to deserve this wonderful gift?"

What are you thankful for? I wish the best to you and your family.

Randy

College Senior Portrait Session

Last week we met Rich for a college senior portrait session. We started with some casual outdoor poses enjoying the fall colors on a beautiful day.

When I saw the cap and gown I inquired about the honor status of the gold sash.

It was then that we learned that Rich is a 4.0 student. Not only in college but since kindergarten he has been a 4.0 student. What an honor to meet and photograph a true scholar. I hope to stay in touch with Rich and his family to watch this young man reach his goals in life.

Thank you for calling on Randy Wilson Photography and congratulations for a job well done! We wish you continued success.

Our little girl, Riley, had her ears pierced this week. Lisa says it went well and I can say she wears them like they were always there.

I just had to share a few from when she returned home.

I was looking for a photo from last July today and I came across a folder of Riley's photos. I am so glad that we have these and it makes me stop and take more of her. She changes daily and to look back is priceless. Parents, take lots and lots of photos of your little ones. You'll never regret it and for those special ocassions, give us a call to let us help capture the moments.

Randy

A Candlelight Wedding

We traveled to Charlotte, N.C. last weekend to capture Stephanie and Jared's special day. On previous visits there, we photographed their engagement session and also Stephanie's bridal session. Here is one from the bridal session:






A few years ago the thought of a candlelit ceremony at night would have had me shaking in my boots (okay, Topsiders). But through our past experience, we have learned to tweak our cameras to their limits and bring home some wonderful images of a beautiful wedding -- even in candlelight. Experience and knowledge of our gear let us relax and do our job. With so much hard work and planning on both the bride and groom families, it is only fair that we are the best photographers we can be with no excuses.








I cannot say enough good things about the wedding party. All were dressed and ready on time and just a joy to work with. Charlie's Angels pose? I believe that was Lisa's idea.










Several guests commented on their renewed respect for wedding photographers after watching Lisa and me on Saturday. I simply replied that we love what we do and alot of it comes naturally to us. I can't think of anything I rather be doing!


Randy

Fall Portrait Fun

Lisa and I have been busy in this beautiful fall weather. From Berry College in Rome, Ga., to Pineville, N.C. and back to McDonough, Ga., I am amazed at the colors of the trees and how they change with the sunlight. Great to be outdoors!

It was a joy to return Berry College where we met the Hopper family. We had photographed Josh and Kylie's engagement session and also their wedding at the beautiful Frost Chapel. It's always a pleasure to catch up with them and what a blessing God has given them in their little one.

I asked Kylie and Josh to kiss him and his look is priceless.

Back at the studio, the lovely Julie and Melody made my day with their smiles, so at ease in front of the camera.

And on a perfect day, the Hellam family returned for some photographs. It was our fifth session with them, from a senior portrait to family sessions to a horse show and the wonderful birthday of their foal, Stormy. We truly have watched them grow.

So much fun and wonderful smiles!

We also had a bridal shoot in Pineville, N.C. which we will showcase on our next entry. While there is still some color on the trees, give us a call to schedule your session.

Randy