Sometimes You Just Have to Dance

Life doesn't always go as planned -- especially if the plans are for an outdoor wedding in Georgia. But, one thing is for certain, our true character will arise when we are tested. This past weekend we celebrated with Margo and Edward in their wedding vows. The "getting ready" photos and the outdoor bridesmaids and groomsmen photos went well. But only a few minutes before Margo was to walk the aisle, the rain began. First a light rain then a hard rain that sent everyone inside.

While Lisa was with with Margo, I scrambled to cover my gear and make my way inside to find Edward...and there he was with his groomsmen singing. It's pouring down rain on his wedding day and he is singing and clicking his fingers to the a cappella harmony. I was impressed. In fact, as the friends helped to relocate the decorations in their rain-soaked clothes, I never heard a complaint or an ill remark.

Margo was so elegant as she made her way through the crowd and they were married. Laughing, loving, joking, and kissing, they were now husband and wife. Lisa and I searched for an area to photograph the formals and, again, all were very cooperative and appreciative.

Lisa had just the place for some romantic photos of just the two of them with a window light.

Then came the dancing. The rain ceased and Margo with her parasol led the wedding party outside in a New Orleans style dance.

Isabella, one of the bridesmaids, tipped me off on their special surprise swim in the pool for Margo. I then told Lisa and she positioned herself for Margo's reaction while I concentrated on the action of the big jump.

It still amazes me on the attitudes of first, Margo and Edward, and second of all of the guests. Their true character was shining brightly. Lisa and I reflected on our drive home that we both passed the test also. Through it all, we also captured their day without any extra tension added...because sometimes you just have to dance!

Congratulations, Margo and Edward! Thank you for choosing us to photograph your beginning as husband and wife. And may you always have that wonderful attitude through life's winding road. May God bless you!

Randy

The Fireman, His Wife, and a Truck

I have a great appreciation for our servicemen, policemen, and firemen. May I never take for granted those who will give their lives, if needed, to allow us the freedom and protection of living in America. Sailors at sea make great firemen and we were always fire training. I had once thought of continuing on to becoming a fireman when I left the Navy.

When we first met with Jessica and John, they told us of their concepts for their portrait session. John is a fireman and Jessica has carefully planned a portrait of him and a fire truck. She also hoped to have a few together and maybe some in his fireman's suit. Instantly, I was seeing photo ideas so vividly. We mentioned some multiple locations where we could shoot all of their concepts and that we were more than willing to do this type of photography. Her smile said that we were on the same page.

The day for the shoot came and after getting permission for the truck we then had to adjust until the truck returned from a call. So we began with the studio portion of the shoot. I felt the character of the fireman yearned for the harsh one light portrait in black and white.

Jessica was so much fun in the fireman's suit. With her wonderful smile, she is a natural.

After a change in clothing, we did the couples photos around the garden pond. Although they have been married a few years, I kept thinking this was an engagement session.

Finally, a quick drive to the fire station and there she sat all shiney and red! Riley wasn't the only one in the car to say ooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!

One of my favorite photos that I took of my dad is with his tractor. Everyone who knew him agrees that he was himself with his tractors! I then think of John and how he seemed to change, yet, relax in his suit around the truck. Some photographers call this lifestyle portraiture. Whatever the term, there is something nice about having a person photographed around something that they love doing. To me it brings out a trueness of character.

Hopefully, Lisa and I captured this element for Jessica, John, and their families for many generations to come. One thing I know, this day was a blessing to us. We want to thank Jessica for approaching us and offering us this opportunity.

Randy

On a Country Road

I have lived in Georgia for 24 years now and while I grew up in the Carolinas, I am impressed with the state parks here. When Lisa and I go on some relaxing drives, we try to take the backroads. Those little things like a grain silo, a weathered barn, or a working windmill, all require a stop and a few clicks of the Nikons. All too often, these nuggets are just a few miles away.

Such was the case this week when planning an engagement session with Anna and Bobby. Bobby, a native of Rockdale County, Ga., knows this land like the back of his hand. They suggested several great sites within a few miles of each other. I then took the liberty to scout out the area on Friday. We always try to see the area beforehand and then we plan our photos. Sometimes great photos just happen before you and you simply have to adjust and shoot. But we have learned that consistant professional results requires planning and scouting new areas.

We began the day at a hidden gem. The bridge proved to be a popular Sunday drive area, but we were able to fully use its beauty. Just before we were leaving I asked Anna if there was any other pose she would like to do. "Just one more -- a silhouette of us inside the bridge," she said.

Bobby then led us through the backroads to a nature trail which we found quiet and peaceful. A swampy backwater dock juxtaposed with Anna and Bobby is one that I had planned from my Friday scouting visit. Not your typical engagement type photo, but hopefully you will find that Lisa and I are not your typical photography team.

From there, we went to Bobby's special section of the railroad tracks lined with trees all around.

Our final stop with a clothing change found us in the "Old Town" area of Conyers, Ga. We received several phone calls alerting us to the thunderstorm warnings all around. But in the lovely landscaped Koi pond garden, it was perfect overcast lighting for photographs. Finishing up a few blocks away at the train station, we felt the light rain begin to fall. We were blessed!

Thanks to Bobby and Anna for a wonderful tour of our neighboring county. I am sure we will pass this way again. A wonderful couple and a great day for us! We are looking forward to the wedding day!

Randy