The Light the World Parade

My daughters are dancers and their dance instructor was asked to help choreograph some dances for a production called The Light the World Parade that was going to be part of the opening ceremonies of the State Games of the West here in Colorado Springs. I was asked to take pictures of the parade so that they could be used in a proposal for it to be performed at the Opening games of the 2009 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Ed James of Ark2 Productions in Franklin, TN is the creator and director of this non-profit organization. They were able to perform in the Athens Olympic Games a few years ago and had been asked to participate in the Beijing Games this year but were unable to do so because of the turmoil in that area.

Special thanks to fellow photographers Tim Skrastins, Russ Pitts, Ted Mehl and David Cartwright for helping me out.

For more information about The Light the World organization, go to http://www.ark2.com/ .

Jessica & Jonathan's "I do's"

My first wedding! Well, sort of.... I was asked by friend and fellow photographer, Bruce Hinson (http://www.obediantcamera.com/) to help him shoot a wedding in July. Low and behold, the bride was one of my former "seniors" whose senior pictures I had taken last year! At the time, she had asked me to shoot her wedding pictures, but I wasn't shooting weddings last year.

I was delighted to be able to help capture the images of this once in a lifetime event. Jessica made a beautiful bride, and Jonathan was a dashing groom. The love they had for another and God just glowed throughout their faces. I wish them the very best and happiest future together!

Sophia S., Class of 2009

Sophia was the quietest senior I think I've ever shot. She has a really sweet, gentle spirit about her. She was very easy-going and at ease in front of the camera. I had a really hard time narrowing her images down. Sophia is an accomplished pianist but unfortunately I don't have a baby grand in my studio, and there weren't any to be found outdoors at Glen Eyrie. I wish I had been able to get an awesome image of her playing the piano.

Rebecca S., Class of 2009

Rebecca S. was my next senior of 09 to photograph. I not only captured her beauty outdoors, but indoors as well. Rebecca is into horses, drama, writing and reading. Last year she performed in her high school's production of Beauty and the Beast, which I also photographed. Her favorite Disney character is Belle from Beauty and the Beast, so we only thought it fitting to take a picture of her that was very reminiscent of Belle. I had a really hard time picking the top 20-30 images of her, so I left it up to her and her parents! Here are a few of my favorites....

Rebecca, you were a doll to photograph.

Stephen S., Class of 2009

Stephen was my first male senior this year. He is a good friend of my daughter's (who is also a senior and asking when I am going to take her senior pictures!!) and we had a lot of fun shooting Stephen on a local golf course. After the manager of the golf course came and questioned us about why we were there, we got down to business! Stephen was a natural in front of the camera and I wasn't reduced to any "cheesy" (pardon the pun) antics to get him to smile naturally. Guys are usually so hard to take pictures of, but he made it really easy for me.

Thanks to Stephen for making my job super easy!

Mary L., Class of 2009

My first senior of the Class of 2009 was Mary L. We had a lot of fun at Glen Eyrie shooting her senior portraits. Mary, who was gorgeous to photograph, is a super talented actress. I have had the honor of shooting a few of the plays she has been in over the past year or two. I think she may have a future in the arts!

Thanks, Mary for allowing me to photograph you!

It's Been a While...

Wow! It's been a really long time since I updated my blog! So many things have happened in my life in the past 7 months that I haven't been able to keep up with my blog.

Well, it's senior season and I'm busy, busy, busy! I love shooting seniors (with a camera, that is). They are always my favorite. Oh, to be young and have your whole life ahead of you. Use it wisely, seniors!

Since my last blog, I also went into business per se with John Wright at www.ezactions.com . If you have never heard of his Photoshop actions, you MUST check out his website and order some. His are the best bar none! I even like them better than another guy who I won't name, (but has the initials K.K.) who sells actions for a lot more $$$$. I have been designing templates and they are now being sold on his website, so go check them out! If they don't have the name "Photoblast" on them, then it's probably one of my template packages. Be sure to check back a lot as we will adding items every month.

Well, that's all for now. My life is super busy right now, but please check back to see what I've been up to. Blessings!