AGWPJA award!

So, you all know what the WPJA is, right? Well, the AG WPJA is the artistic guide of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. I placed ...sixteenth... but I placed for quarter 2.


I've never been very competitive. I just do what I do, you know? But I'm way pleased to be included in the ranks of some of the most awesome photojournalists ever.

Tonight I will attend the One Light Workshop in Raleigh. I'm so psyched, because some of my very favorite fellow photographers will be there. Some I'll be meeting for the first time (ack! nerves!). The One Light is taught by this amazingly cool cat named Zack...he works with musicians on location and does weddings in Phat-lanta, too. If you've worked with me, you know I can do my location lighting... but I, um, am excited to really work it. lol

I'll post pictures soon as I can!

Charis + James Engaged!

I was just about to blog James and Charis' wedding, and realized I never blogged their e-pics. I am behind on blogging..and now events are out of order. *sigh*

Anyway, we got some way-cool pictures in downtown Fayetteville (thanks for driving all the way from Charlotte).



Inside the little movie theater. Teenager workers are so cool, aren't they? They don't give a care about rules at all.





So... After the above picture, Charis volunteers to take a picture of us. I'm not sure how we wound up on the wall...where she made this picture.

(cropping by me, I look fat so you get half of me, which makes me thinner. hah!)
Anyway, so then she tells us to jump.

..and then I got her point-- it is totally hard and stupid to have people jump off walls. So I won't ever do that again. At least, I won't make them if they are wearing heels like me. lol



And those are just some of the cool pictures we made that day. I'd like to close by saying that they started the session by telling me repeatedly how un-photogenic they are. And, yeah, don't do that people! You are beautiful to someone, and if that someone is who you're with...then we have absolutely no problem in the world capturing that!

...and these two are obvious cute and in love. Just WAIT till you see their wedding... maybe next week?

Be blessed!

Kayla and Collin's album

Dawn and I just finished their initial book proof.
See more of their coffee table book here.

Becca+Ian

Congratulations!
Becca and Ian were married at the Little River Golf Course in Carthage in July.
Becca's colors were bright pink and lime....






Evidence I'm not the only parent that allows jumpin' on the bed in hotels:




I just love how Becca looks at Ian.





looks like a studio shot...but it's on location at sunset. Best. Time. Ever. For. Pictures. Remember that!



these two could really 'cut a rug'!



Men.



Congrats on the wedding, and the civilian status, Becca!

Lesley+Chris

Continuing to catch up on blogging...still in July.

Lesley did her bridal session back in mid April. This detail of her dress is my favorite.

and I love the light here...

Lesley and Chris were married at Hall of Landmark. Which was incredibly interesting because it was like Versailles...only with dentists. It was ornate for weddings, but it is a Doctor Lane and Associates building during the week. How creative of the owners!
Bride and Groom really did a great job with their luau themed wedding.


They saw each other for the first time in a staged meeting under the gazebo....


and then we did loads of portraits before they got married! Hurrah!


...followed by more portraits. A moment:

This was great... Apparently Chris' Uncle had a video of the groom singing and dancing to Ice Ice Baby from way back.

Another view of the room... the screen actually hides in the ceiling and remotely comes down with viewing able on both sides for the entire room.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

8 Things About ME!

There's a little photographer game going 'round...and my friend Sherri Winstead has tagged me... so I get to tell you a 8 little known facts about me. Gee, thanks girl. ;0)

1)I've lived outside our great country...and lots of different states, too. I lived in England and Turkey for many years. I have also lived in Indiana, New Hampshire, Montana, Washington State, Texas and Florida. I absolutely adore different cultures and experiencing new things.

2)..but I cannot speak any other languages.

3)I have a quiet voice, which means I have to make an effort to raise it during group portraits at a wedding.

4)To relax by myself I: read, sleep, drink wine, paint. With friends: talking is my favorite. With my kids: movies. With John: rummy or poker.

5)I've been married before. Yep. I married someone at 19 that I'd known for a few months. We divorced one year later. Maybe a great reason to have a long engagement!

6)I met John when I was active duty Air Force. I looked very much like Private Benjamin, only a different uniform. I had a Top Secret clearance for what I did, and I did it in a building with no windows, and two entry-controlled doors. It drove me nuts...

7)because I LOVE natural light.

8)And about photography... it feels so great. I truly love documenting weddings. I have no current ambition to own a studio. I see myself maybe adding commercial or news work in a few years. My first camera was a Pentax Asahi Spotmatic... I still own it, plus a Mamiya 67RB as well as a little plastic Holga. None of those have been dusted off and used in years. Digital is completely a different animal than film...not necessarily better, just different.


OK...I don't network nearly enough... but now I have to tag 5 others!

Charo
Julie Ambos
Mark Turner
Climie and Co
and the girl who's wedding I photographed: Tonya Laker Woman, you can post your answers on your myspace page. :)

...come on down, you're the next contestant...

Tiffany+Dave

Time to start catching up on blogging!

Tiffany and Dave had a super-cute wedding on The Point in Charlotte.









Imagine being so hot... you're ready to jump in a lake. In your bridesmaids dress.



Congratulations Dave and Tiffany! Thanks for letting me document your day.

We Cruised...

and now we're back.
I did not realize how much I missed Florida.. the sweetly scented air, the humidity balm to my skin, the water soothing to my soul.

(I used to unsuccessfully write poetry. ;)

Our seven day cruise was supposed to be to Cozumel, and Ochos Rios. Another port, too. The hurricane rerouted us to San Juan



and to St. Thomas






Halfmoon Cay (private)


note: we used an underwater camera with actual film for this island... what crap! this was the best stop of all the stops. It was just paradise and wicked hot. I have the best tan of my life from this island. And also burned my scalp (hence dorky hat)">

and Nassau.




Who could complain?

I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures. It was just so relaxing and refreshing...I am so excited to pick my camera back up and dive back into wedding work!
I'm back if you need me!