Kelli & Shane - Not Just Another Walk in the Park

I don't think we'll forget the first consultation meeting with Kelli & Shane for their wedding photography. The smiles, the laughter, the love, and the ring! I think we all just clicked that day. Even Riley bonded with Kelli's mother like we have never seen. So when the time came for the engagement session, I was really excited.

Grant Park in Atlanta was the setting -- not for the wonderful zoo nearby, but the nice stonework, treelined walkways, and steps with that "city" feel. We were joyous to find it uncrowded as the other session we had photographed earlier this year. So at the planned meeting spot, I saw Kelli and Shane walking towards me like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine!

Often I comment that the job of any photographer after they learn the camera inside and out is to make the client relax. Only then can the real photography began. And here were my awesome clients already relaxed. Oh, this was going to be a great day!

We strolled the park when we were startled by the siren screams. I quickly asked them to kiss in the street for the implied need for a firetruck to cool the couple.

I love this park because every few steps, I see photographs not yet made. I have also learned through experience that now is the time. There is no coming back tomorrow. So when we were talking I saw the steps to the right about 40 yards away. I explained to Kelli and Shane what I saw and wanted to try. "Of course!" they said, "Let's do it!" I think we took about 30 or so images here but this one with Lisa's editing is my favorite.

And now about the ring. I believe it's over 3 carats and it is a gorgous black diamond! Wow! I like this couple!

 

It was a beautiful fall day with two special people in love, but it was not just another walk in the park!

 

Randy & Lisa

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 Tiffany and Salvatore!

While the winds and thunderstorms raged around outside, inside Lambert Place in Midtown Atlanta, there was a celebration. The weather predictions called for rain all day so we went to plan "B" for our outdoor photos. When I met with the groom and his groomsmen at the hotel in Buckhead, I had to smile as the sun filled the secluded park. Against all odds, we got some good outside photographs. Atlanta weather can be so unpredictable.

Lisa enjoyed the same as she captured the bride getting ready in her home. I was really proud of Lisa for the shots she was able to get.

































Tiffany brought some great photo ideas and we all had some big laughs making them happen. It has been a while since I have seen a bride smile and laugh so much.














I saw the spot lights on the dance floor and quickly turned off the flash and dialed in the available light. I like how the guests stayed back from the floor to make the bride and groom appear that they were all alone.




















The ceremony was so beautifully filled with smiles, love, joy, and laughter. I did not even know there was a monsoon outside until I went to get fresh batteries. Only later did I learn of the fierce storms and high winds in the metro area.

I cannot take credit for teaching Lisa. She is an artist that is awakening. I do love watching her work and, the truth be known, I am learning from her.

Here's another shot that Lisa nailed just after the ceremony -- sure to be a part of their family history.














As we headed outside for their departure, the rain had cleared and there awaited the classic Rolls Royce limo...Wow!

Once again, Lisa records the moment in the photojournalistic style.














Thanks Tiffany and Salvatore for trusting us with your treasured day. We had so much fun! Best wishes to the both of you!

Randy

Spring!

Once again, I write this entry from our patio because it is Spring! The sounds of the birds combined with the splashing and gurgling of the garden pond waterfall makes a very relaxing place to work. If there is a negative to it, then it would be the urge to close my eyes and relax even more! Here is an early morning view from where I sit.

It is still a work in progress as I continue to add plants and flowers. All of the work throughout the winter will soon be awakening to a new life. I have forgotten where some of the bulbs were planted, so it's always a pleasant surprise to see them poke through the soil during my daily stroll. We usually see deer back here 3 or 4 days a week; in fact, we get many visitors such as rabbits, squirrels, turtles, cats, dogs, lizards, hawks, owls, many song birds, and even a lost pet goat one time.

Our photography bookings are increasing and I am very excited for what the future holds in store for us.

When is the last time you have had your portrait taken? Give us a call or email to schedule your session.

Randy

When There is Love

Outdoor location photography is special, but it can be very challenging. The flowers are not always blooming, the grass is not always green, and the trees are sometimes just bare. Not to mention the temperature and the wind can blow the hair to no end. But through all of this, nothing seems to matter when there is love.

This was the case this week when I met Tiffany and Salvatore at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. On the drive into the city, I heard the radio saying it was 33 degrees with a 16 degree windchill. I had my doubts about getting this session in let alone even having a meeting.

But when we met, they were full of smiles and eager to go. As we discussed their wedding plans, I knew we had to work quickly, but I also I wanted them to be relaxed. I saw how the sun backlit their hair and I simply asked them to kiss. This was my first frame of the day and I knew this was going to be fun!

This was all taking place while construction workers jackhammered the concrete and ran the leafblowers. Even the loud noises could not break the connection between client and photographer on this February afternoon.

I couldn't have a session in the city without some background buildings and they didn't complain about the walk further into the park.




















I had a wonderful time in the subpar conditions, thanks to two people with great attitudes. I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding. I love my job!

Randy

Meet the Bride!

The Georgia Bridal Show was a huge success for us. We had to the pleasure of meeting hundreds of brides, grooms, mothers, and fathers. Our booth was busy right up until the fashion show. Ladies, I don't know how you got the grooms out of the house with NFL, NASCAR, MLB, and the US Open on television, but we were glad to see them there also.

We received many praises on our custom albums as they could see and feel the quality and design. We also had several enlarged framed prints and the most popular was the one below. I think this photo single-handedly sold thousands of hydrangeas for the florists next year.

Congratulations to Gretchen Babbitt! Gretchen is the winner of our engagement session drawing from the bridal show. We look forward to your free engagement session.

Thanks to all of the nice people who inquired about our services. We wish you much success in your wedding planning. We hope we can fill your need for photographic services. Please email or call for any additional questions.

We have already secured a booth for the January 4, 2009 Georgia Bridal Show at the Gwinnett Center. If you were not able to attend, I highly recommend it. It is a great way to see the products and meet the vendors one-on-one.

Randy