Rachel & Chris - Spring Wedding at Flint Hill

When we booked the wedding with Rachel and Chris back in August of last year, we were excited to learn that the Spring wedding and reception were to be at Flint Hill in Norcross. We had heard lots of great things about the venue and as I toured the grounds on the rehearsal night, I saw many photo possibilities.

 Saturday morning found Lisa with Rachel and some of the bridal party at the hair salon.

Then, off to the lovely bridal suite at Flint Hill...

Later in the day, I met Chris and the groomsmen at the hotel for a few "getting ready" photos before we drove to the ceremony.

 

It was a beautiful wedding day! The staff at Flint Hill couldn't have been nicer to us and the grounds, both inside and outside, are filled with great photo areas. We are impressed and we highly recommend this venue!

Randy and Lisa

A Frolic in the Pasture - Kristina and Steve's Engagement Session

We scheduled the engagement shoot on a Sunday, even though the weather report called for 60% chance of rain. Kristina and Steve had secured permission for us to photograph on a private residence in Newnan, Ga. But on Saturday the rain came and went leaving Sunday full of sunny skys mottled with white fluffy clouds. Before leaving the house, I noticed the wind blowing as if to say, "Take the kite." Not ignoring a strong notion like that, I placed the kite in the car. Lisa thought it was a great idea also.

We arrived amazed at the beautiful lake home lined with azaleas sloping down to the lake. A quick survey revealed a gazeboo covered dock, a swing by the lake, many stone walking trails, and a covered bridge. And to the left of the drive lay a rolling pasture complete with cattle!

The only question in our minds was where to begin. To break the ice, we started with the walking trails followed by the bridge. In minutes, they grasped our style of photographing and we connected.
















We used many of the areas around the lake and still I could not take my eyes off of the rollling pasture and the white clouds diffusing the sunlight. I looked at Lisa and said, "Kite!" Lisa then asked what they thought about flying a kite in the field. Steve was all over that suggestion and Kristina said, "Okay, but I didn't think I was going to frolic around the pasture in my new sandals!"

The kite has been a lot of fun with Riley and me in the park and now I realize that you don't have to be the one who is flying the kite to enjoy the fun. In fact, I found that it was even more fun photographing this loving couple and watching them laugh flying the kite.

We just had to get them walking in the field. I guess this stems from my childhood and playing in our cowpasture in the Carolinas. There is just something about the simplicity of nature.

We finished in the back area of the home with the two of them relaxing on a swing by the pool. This is one of the times when we could have shot for hours more. The property just lends itself to photos. Kristina and Steve were so relaxed and playful. And we could not have asked for better weather. With their wedding in a few weeks, we can't wait to continue this session! Thanks Kristina and Steve for a wonderful day at the office!
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