As you can see this is Allison from our engagement session last month. Absolutely stunning isn’t she? After a few changes to the Bridal Shoot location, we finally decided on the grounds of the Columbia Sailing Club. Frankly, I think we could have done the shoot in a landfill and Allison would have still been just as breathtaking.

Here are just a few from a GREAT afternoon!

As a wedding photographer, I’m not sure that I love anything more than a truly happy couple. The sad thing about Leslie and Peter though, is that their wedding will be in Sweet Home Alabama, rather than here. And that’s only sad because it means I won’t get to shoot this awesome couple’s wedding. But I was fortunate enough to be hired to shoot their Engagement Session.

We met on what what was supposed to be the hottest day (89 degrees) of the year so far. Perhaps it was a little of the magic of these two at work, but it turned out to be a beautiful South Carolina, 72 degree, spring day in April!

So we started at the lovely Riverwalk Park, and then made our way to the USC Horseshoe to finish out a great session. Here are just a few from the day.

This one (below) ended up being pretty much everyone’s favorite. A little “behind the scenes” here. Leslie was wearing very fashionable sandals for the shoot. But in order to do this shot she actually had to climb up into a section of branches in this little tree just to get above her very tall and handsome groom. She has no fear.

San Antonio was the site of the Digital Wedding Forum’s 2011 International conference. Portrait and Wedding photographers from all over the globe meet to discuss industry trends, business practices, and all manner of things related to professional photography. Among the most exciting of the events are the “shootouts.”

We hire local models, and then individual groups fan out among the sites of the city to practice the craft. I have to say the models we ended up with were FANTASTIC. Imagine spending 3 hours being told by 25 different photographers to twist, bend, sit, stand, lie down, climb on to that little ledge – yes even in those 6″ heels, smile, no smile, look up, look down, sexy eyes, etc etc etc. Anyone who says modeling isn’t hard work, hasn’t done it.

These shootouts give us the opportunity to experiment with our shooting styles. Each of us takes turns directing the models, moving, adding, or subtracting lights. On occasion we shoot each other’s setups. Watching the thought processes of other photographers is enormously instructive. Combine this with the extreme quality of the convention speakers, and the connections with new friends and old, and you have 4 days of priceless joy.

Just a few shots from the San Antonio Shootouts:

Just a quick break here… When my group got to this model, I saw her black dress, the black iron bridge, and the beer bottle and this image popped into my head.

Shot this one over the shoulder of my good friend, Dallas Wedding Photographer, Lynn Michelle.

Just when I thought the season was over, Kara and Joe got engaged. I’d be hard pressed to find a couple who take more joy in each other than these two. It makes my job so much easier. And, I have to say, so much fun! We met early on a cool November morning in the peaceful Saluda Shoals park, and our two hours went by very quickly. The day was filled with a lot of laughter, the awesome coolness of Joe (Seriously. Look at the “shades” photo below.) and the fabulous hair of the even more lovely Kara.

Just a few from the day…

Our October wedding lands us in the wonderful company of the beautiful Jessica and very cool Steve. We first met them in their April Engagement session. The day started in the lovely “Our Lady Of the Lake” church in Chapin and ended (after a quick side trip to Lake Murray – see the photos below) at 403 North Lake in Lexington. Each moment of the day, from a surprise card from Steve to his bride, to the last tearful good bye, was truly filled with a contagious joy. The day passed very quickly, and was enjoyed by all.

Now just a few images from the day.

I have a couple of very favorite moments in every wedding. Just before a father walks his daughter down the aisle, there are always words they exchange in those last private minutes. There’s no ceremony in it, no customary words, just what’s in their hearts at the time. It’s always such a tender moment.