I came across a pretty helpful blog post that gives some great thoughts about hiring a wedding photographer. It’s a series of questions answered by photographers based on questions similar to those you might have. It’s worth a read!
I was blessed to be a volunteer photographer for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) 2010 Calendar Gallery Exhibition this past weekend. This group puts out an awareness calendar for the year and then hosts a party to release the calendar and honor the individuals on the calendar. I was very encouraged by the event and people there! The calendars are very cool and feature individuals with Down syndrome sharing their passions with celebrities. If you buy a calendar you support the organization here in Central Texas.
Several wonderful photographers volunteered their time to photograph the evening’s events, from the red carpet entrance by the calendar models to food, dancing and just plain fun. The main DSACT web page will be featuring some photography from all of us over the course of the next year, but here are just a few of the photographs I took that evening:
Instead of showing several images from this past weekend, I thought we’d start off with just a portrait from the wedding of Micah and James. This particular portrait is one of my early favorites; there are so many! This was taken at a wonderful place called Chapel Dulcinea out at the Wizard Academy. It’s a very cool place. They were married at Hope Chapel, but came out here for portraits after the reception and before the family get together. They were very patient and really enjoyed getting to take some photographs while all dressed up. We’ll have more from the wedding soon, but in the meantime, enjoy this one!
Micah Near Chapel Dulcinea
By the way, this image uses a technique called “high dynamic range” photography (HDR), which combines several photographs into a single image using a combination of algorithms and Photoshop editing / layering. It works on some images, not on others; I think it works well here because it brings out the texture in the sky, rocks and trees.
Something for your Wedding Day
I am a member of BridalTweet; if you’re on Twitter and either planning your wedding or getting ready to, then you should consider joining as well! BridalTweet posts lots of useful information that you can use, and they have announced a new contest that anyone can register to win; it’s called Red Carpet Wedding. If you win, you get to wear a pair of diamond earrings on your wedding day. That’s pretty cool! Join BridalTweet and you’re in the contest. I hope you win!
This is the portrait session we love to be part of: Scott asked his girlfriend Lucy to a session with us last Friday, with the goal of surprising her with an engagement ring. The pretense was to capture some couple portraits they could each have. We captured some great photographs in several setting around Mayfield Park in Austin, then he pulled out his cell phone and read a poem he had written to her. At the end of the poem, he brought out a tiny but obvious box with a beautiful engagement ring inside and the look in her eyes and the sound of her voice as she said “yes!” were breathtaking. She didn’t even hesitate! We were honored to have been a part of this amazing moment in their lives; what a blessing to have been there. Congratulations on your engagement Scott and Luci!
Scott & Luci by the Pond
Joy After "Yes!"
Hannah and I were blessed to be invited to photograph a family celebrating 50 years of marriage this past weekend; what an accomplishment! We went to their home in Wimberley which is right on the Blanco River. Fifty years together is a wonderful example of what really can happen when a couple commits their lives to making it work; it’s what every bride and groom can look forward to with excitement, anticipation, and a little trepidation on their wedding day.
Here are a couple of photographs from our time together:
The Family Celebrates Fifty Years of Marriage
The Children Gather Around
Congratulations!
