We Will Make House Calls!

We just watched the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," and there was talk about the doctor making house calls and also the drugstore delivering medicine. What happened to service to the customers?

At Randy Wilson Photography, service is still alive! In the Atlanta metro area, we will come to you for your portrait session. No waiting, no driving around the city. Just book your session around your schedule. While the majority of our sessions are at parks like Piedmont Park in Atlanta, some of our clients prefer to have the session at their home. We understand what a struggle it can be going anywhere with our two and a half year old girl.


A session this week was on a rainy day with temperatures in the low 40's. We met with Kaylee and her family in the comforts of her home. It is hard to get more relaxed than in your own home and our light weight studio lighting equipment can turn a living room into a studio.













































































On this cold December day I found nothing but a warm loving home for baby Kaylee and I was honored to photograph her three month photos. Rain or shine, give us a call for your photographic needs.

Randy

A View From The Flagstand - Gresham Motorsports Park

What an exciting weekend we had! We were contracted to cover the grand opening weekend of the Gresham Motorsports Park with the World Crown 300 race in Jefferson, Georgia. The totally refurbished track welcomed the sunny skies and huge crowds. The new asphalt on the track saw record speeds and grew much praise from the drivers. From the restrooms to the media rooms everything was new. One of the nicest tracks that I have worked.

Friday was a practice day for the Late Model car division . I have photographed quite a few NASCAR races but it takes a few frames to get in sync with the cars and shutterspeeds. What I find odd is that I am usually one of the few wearing earplugs.

Throughout the weekend there was also a drift demonstration from Drift Emporium which thrilled the fans.

As I arrived early Sunday morning, I saw most of the trackside parking filled with campers and cars and trucks. Smoke from the grills and the smell of hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken filled the air. It was going to be a good day for racing.

When the green flag waved, the record crowd rose to their feet to cheer.

The highlight of the weekend came when I secured permission to shoot from the flagstand from flagman Timmy Hutson. Wow, what a view and man can Timmy work the flags!

There is something about doing something that you really love that give you this enduring energy. It wasn't until Monday morning that I realized how tired I was from the three days of shooting. I have to say the flagstand shooting is in the top 20 most exciting photographic experiences for me. Thanks to the Greshams', Track Manager Dan Elliott, PR Manager John Close, and Flagman Timmy Hutson for an unforgetable weekend! Best of all - I have pictures!

Randy

A Fall Portrait Weekend in Georgia

With our slate full with portrait sessions this past weekend, we could not have asked for better weather! I am an outdoor person. I love all of the seasons and if I am inside, Lisa can tell you that I have to be by a window and thinking of being outside. So, after one of the wettest Octobers in history, I welcomed the clear, dry days of last week.

On Friday, we met the Joneses at the state park for a portrait session with their three children. Moving around the park, we used the stone work, rocks, and trees. The kids climbed all around and were very cooperative, but I think it all came together when we went to the lake area.

Saturday morning found me in Hampton, Ga. shooting fall baseball teams. It was fun to shoot some local teams. I love photographing sports and these little guys are always happy and full of energy.

Later on Saturday, I met Douglas on the square for his senior shoot. This young man impressed me. He knew what he wanted in a portrait session. In talking with him, everything about him exuded in confidence. We started the session on some park benches in the square area. Then we found an old loading dock where the weren't many distractions and let Douglas' true character shine through.

Sunday afternoon, we had a family portrait session with the Pugh family in Piedmont Park in Atlanta. The great weather brought the city dwellers to the park! I counted eight other photographers working there, also. At one time we all were vying for the same ivy covered wall. Quite humerous that we were all in a few yards of each other in the huge park.

As I compose this blog entry I think of the all the nice people I met and photographed this past week. Also, I think about the challenges of clear skies and how to use the sunlight to light the portraits during the different times day. I welcome challenges in photography for they hold the lessons. Never stop learning and growing whatever your occupation.

As I peer out my window, I can see the rain gauge overfilled. Five inches of rain from a tropical storm in the last two days, but, oh, what a wonderful weekend in Georgia we had!

Randy

Congratulations Sarah & Brad - An Autumn Wedding

It was a perfect autumn day for a wedding at Founders Hall in Roswell, Georgia. I dropped Lisa off at Salon Solo to capture Sarah and her wedding party getting their hair and makeup done. I then drove a short distance to meet Brad and his groomsmen donning their tuxedos in their Alpharetta hotel. With the guys all dressed early, we had plenty of time to get some outdoor photographs. Brad had spotted an area at the hotel where I posed the guys to form a "V" and I told them of my plans for a shot when we arrived at Founders Hall. A very busy street, but with the plans we made it only took a few seconds to get the shot I think I'll call "Brad Company".

We had lots of fun moving all over the grounds of this wonderful venue...a great group to work with.

Soon it was the ladies' turn and Lisa balanced them on the front steps in a graceful pose. If the truth be known about wedding photographers, they would tell you that most dislike the formal posed shots. I was the same way years ago, but Lisa has taught me so much. Now I just watch her with amazement making certain that all of the little details are in order. Then I check the lighting and camera settings and squeeze the shutter. Nothing to it! Sarah's color choices photographed beautifully.

Before the ceremony, Lisa and I always map out where we will be in order to give the different perspectives of the wedding. Lisa then took the overview from the balcony.

This freed me up to roam around with several lens and camera combinations. I always clear my actions beforehand with the officiant and I always try to stay in back of the guests. But at the rehearsal, I noticed an opening in the fence on the right side and with a longer lens I managed to get this shot.

I also noticed the best man and the rings, a shot I had never seen or taken before!

After the ceremony, we photographed the families around the gazebo area and found some great areas for the bride and groom.

A great reception followed from inside the ballroom with dining and dancing into the night.

Then the limo drove them away in perfect storybook fashion.

On our drive home, Lisa and I talked about the day and the fun we had. Three great weddings in a row this month. This is why I love this wedding photography business!

Randy

Congratulations Lauren & Glenn!

True Colors

I have mentioned before how our true colors shine when facing adversity and this past weekend Lauren, Glenn, the Moore family, and all of their wedding guests passed the test with flying colors!

In January, we had our consultation with Lauren and Glenn along with Lauren's parents, Barbara and Dan. Dan told us of the plans to landscape the backyard for the wedding day. I could see his vision as he described the layout of their gorgeous home.

So I was not surprised when I arrived on Friday at the rehearsal to see the immalculate landscaping! But as the ladies marched in the line up, their heels sank into the saturated ground from the rainfall. Lauren then announced that they were all off to the store for Ug boots, problem solved!

While the forecast called for cloudy skies, the temperature was only to be in the mid 40's. Taking it all in stride, Dan had assembled many portable heaters to fill the reception tent area.

With the flexibility of being a husband and wife team, Lisa and I were able to photograph several perspectives of the wedding. Lisa captured the ceremony from the rear balcony of the house as I roamed around with a series of lenses and cameras.

The ring bearer was a dog named Lola. She never gets too far from Lauren.

Yes, it may have been a little chilly, but I could not have asked for better lighting with the overcast skies.

The reception followed in the tent area of the lawn as DJ Dan Hall kept the dance floor full the whole night long!

I am certain in this situation, others would have crumbled and lost their joy. Not so for Lauren, Glenn, and the Moore family -- great planning and then great flexibility. Thanks also to Erica Prewett of "A Big To Do Event Planning" who kept things moving all day. A great wedding day captured in True Colors.

Randy

Congratulations Kelly & David

As I drove to the rehearsal in Griffin, Georgia a week ago, the weather forecast on the radio blared the 80% chance of rain for the next day. But the next morning was sunny and clear. The rain was much north of the Atlanta area.

Lisa met Kelly and the wedding party at the hair salon while I set up the camera equipment at the church.

David soon arrived at the church smiling and laughing. What a great attitude!

Since the front steps was one of the reasons that Kelly chose this church, Lisa did her posing magic. Most who watch us work will agree that I have the easy part of taking the formal photographs. Lisa just has a gift of balance and directs the people in a considerate fashion.

And then came Kelly's time to marry the man of her dreams. The tears of joy, excitement, and relief overcame her and spilled down her cheeks as she heard the bridal march being played for her.

The reception was held at Griffin Country Club, a very nice venue with a curteous staff. Thanks to Lisa, the club director, for all of her assistance! She also showed me some popular photo spots like this one.

It was just like David to stick his arm out of the window to wave goodbye and just like Lisa to photograph the limo to show the hand waving. I love this photograph!

Instead of the predicted rain, we had one of the prettiest days of the year -- a great day for a wedding! We had fun! Thanks, Kelly and David, for letting us share this day with you!

Randy

The Wellman's 50th Anniversary

As wedding photographers, Lisa and I meet lots of young bright-eyed couples waiting for their big day. But last week, I had the honor and pleasure to capture the Wellman's 50th anniversary celebration. And I have to say, I saw the same bright eyes, so full of love in the Wellmans.




















The celebration took place at the Pinehurst Tea Room in Stockbridge, Georgia. A lovely venue with nice windows and features. The cake was placed in full view of their trademark gazebo on the back terrace.

















































After talking with Mrs. Wellman, I learned that they did not have a photographer at their wedding. "Well, we have to have a cake cutting shot and are we doing a garter and bouquet toss?" I asked. She just smiled and shook her head.




















We all enjoyed Mr. Wellman's solo while they both held back the tears.





























I just had to use the gazebo for a family grouping.















Lisa and I are working on anniversary number 18, but 50 years is a special time to celebrate. Judging by the full room of friends and family, this truly is a special couple. May God continue to bless you two!
Randy