Walter and Joyce, Wedding by Tampa Photo

I'm going to cheat and jump ahead to post pics from my last wedding. Walter and Joyce were married at their home a couple weeks ago. It was a lovely affair with family and loved ones gathering to help these long-time friends become man and wife. The above photo sums up these two nicely. Full of love and full of fun. Kevin was there shooting video since they opted for a photo/video combo package from Tampa Photo.

Walter pauses for a shot while getting ready.

The pooch wanted in on the photo action.

They had some lovely favors that made for good detail shots.

Walter shares a fun moment with Joyce's mother.

This guy knows how to party.

The girls put on the finishing touches.

We made some time for a few quick window light portraits after Joyce was ready.

It was a very nice ceremony held right out back by the pond.

A nice mix of window and artificial light makes for an interesting cake shot.

So many details! I couldn't pass this one up.

Gotta love those Florida summer skies.

The newly married couple spends some time away from the crowd.

The backyard was like having our own park to shoot in.

A few selective focus shots with them both.

Joyce's daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law.

Love was in the air and it was contagious.

Walter and Joyce share a dance together as husband and wife.

Congratulations Walter and Joyce! Thanks for having Tampa Photo there to cover this important day. Kevin and I had a great time covering the event; you guys were a blast to work with. Thanks again and good luck!

Kelly and Tristan Portrait Session

Here's the back story. Every year we go to South Carolina to visit my wife's family. Every year I drive by these awesome barns and tell myself I have to make some time to photograph them. I always figured I would lightpaint them at dusk as landscape photos. But then Kelly and Tristan came along and wanted some photos. We were brainstorming locations when I thought of these old barns. Since Kelly grew up in this area we felt it was appropriate. So after all these years I found an excuse to make some pictures of this property. And thanks to Kelly and Tristan, they were more interesting than just standard landscape shots.

Tristan and Kelly came to the shoot separately. Kelly was running a little late so I wandered around with Tristan.

Everything is very rusty and harsh; but then there would be a random flowering shrub to add some nice contrast.

Working the textured walls.

The open barn made a nice frame for this portrait.

The setting sun made for some interesting light and texture on this big wall.

A shot showing some more of the property.

Kelly arrived and we worked a few shots of her in a nice dress, which we thought would look great against the rustic scene.

Exploring around one of the barns.

Same location, but a different pose and composition.

One last shot before Kelly changed into a more casual outfit for shots with Tristan.

We were losing light fast, so we hurried around trying to squeeze every last drop of light out of the sky.

A little more of a standard/safe shot before the light completely disappeared.

The blue sky adds a nice touch to this photo.

The light was completely gone but I wanted to try one more setup. I lit them with an umbrella, blasted a bare flash into the barn and left the shutter open for several seconds in order for the blue dusk sky to burn in. Fairly complicated to set up (especially when I can't see my equipment or focus my cameras) but I think it was worth it.

Thanks for being such great sports Kelly and Tristan. And congratulations on your recent engagement and marriage! Good luck to both of you.

Grayson Newborn Shoot

Wow. Been away for a long time. Sorry about that. A lot has gone on since I last blogged so I have plenty to catch up on. First off, we'll start with baby Grayson. We got our first peak at Grayson during Krystal and Austin's maternity shoot a few months ago.

Full length shot. Notice the blurred fist; this boy is ready to move! He did not want to sit still.

Did a mix of available light and flash; this is by the bedroom window.

Closeup of some baby bits.

Took him outside for a change of scenery; and to soothe him with some outdoor vibes.

Austin holds him close.

Family time.

While working some closeups of Krystal holding Grayson, I noticed Austin watching fondly from afar.

Smooch.

Big smiles for mama.

Mom and dad focus on each other; Grayson keeps an eye on me.

Your family portrait just changed forever.

Taking pictures wears me out too.

Peaceful.

Congratulations Krystal and Austin. Grayson is a beautiful addition. I look forward to watching this guy develop into a big boy. Thanks for thinking of me to capture these important photos.