June 17th, 2010

This is Mia . . . one of Peyton's friends from Day Care. As you can tell, the camera just loves her . . . she's an adorable little girl and my computer is full of pictures of her and Peyton and all her other little friends playing, learning and growing up!

This is the kind of photography I love . . . the ones that make memories. To be clear, I've hung out of the back of moving cars to shoot. Stood on cliffs no wider than my shoe size to get the shot . . . but in all of that, I find myself really enjoying recording the lives and events of my daughter and her friends the most . . . could be that Father's Day is just around the corner and has me feeling all sentimental and all . . . =]

June 16th, 2010

Meet Mr. Mike, director of my daughter's Day Care. Mike is exactly the sort of guy you can feel comfortable supervising your children . . . he's a big bear of a guy and while you'd think that'd make the kids feel quite intimidated, it has just the opposite effect . . . They love him!

Mike and the wonderful staff of the school presided over another graduation ceremony today . . . Peyton had graduated last year, but as I've known many of these kids since they were babies, I was happy to photograph the event. Despite the fact that Peyton wasn't in the ceremony, I still found myself getting a little choked up . . . a preview, I am sure, for Friday, when Peyton graduates Kindergarten!

June 15th, 2010

Meet Michael, my first senior portrait model . . . I really enjoy shooting senior portraits. Unlike shooting weddings or other high-stress events, shooting seniors is fun and you can get a lot more experimental with seniors cause they are more willing to try new things during a shoot.

One of the important things to do during a senior portrait session is to somehow incorporate what defined their high school career. Along with being a gifted musical performer during his high school years, Michael also had tremendous talent on the football field. I really enjoy this shot as he looks reflective and relaxed. 

June 12th, 2010

Meet Nina . . . I've worked and photographed  Nina and the LTDchix (www.ltdchix.com) for a number of years now and their entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. Their Living the Dream Tee-shirts have appeared on ABC News and Jon and Kate + Eight! And now, Nina is going for the gold with an audition for her very own talk show!

Oprah and reality TV super producer Mark Burnett (Survivor & The Apprentice) are joining forces in search of the next big TV star. You can find Nina's audition video here and be sure to give her your vote. 

June 11th, 2010

This guy was rocking the sax for Marcia Ball - a well known blues signer headlining the Crawfish Festival. I used to play sax in high school and this guy just looked like he was working it real hard! Look at the veins bulging in his forehead . . . I get like that sometimes, but only when I am mad . . . you wouldn't like me when I'm mad. (Incredible Hulk reference, anyone?)

Last of my shots from the Crawfish Festival . . . looking forward to the weekend. I have a small show to do where I'll be set up to sell books and prints, but more importantly, I'll be there to photograph the people. Should be a great weekend!

June 10th, 2010

Summer Rae McLaughlan is a 15-year-old, singer-songwriter. Her musical stylings range from pop, folk sound to country. She has been writing songs and playing the guitar since the age of 9 and she finds it liberating, expressive, and a fun way to be creative. Summer loves everything about music and she hopes that her audience can develop a passion for it as well when she performs.

Peyton adored her and I could tell that she instantly connected with the singer on some level . . . to be that young again and find that trust in a total stranger. 

June 9th, 2010

Meet Ron Albanese, or as he is better known - Polka Dot - the King of Kidde Rock and Roll. We stumbled across Ron at the Crawfish Festival. He'a a school teacher by day and a musician on nights and weekends. His enthusiasm for entertaining children is infectious and had Peyton dancing for an hour!

What was really funny - during his act, he asked all the parents to visit his table and pick up a small card with a web site address on it. The site features a place where you can vote for Polka Dot and have him open for a world famous band - the band? KISS . . . it just seemed a very odd mix, but what the heck, I voted! You can vote too!