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