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 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

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