Mandy + Rob {engagement}

I arrived at Starbucks (of course!) and found Mandy and Rob already waiting for me. At a table outside, of course, a couple after my heart!
Mandy was a 2nd grade teacher, just completing setting her classroom up for her first year.
After I learned of Rob being in medical school at University of Louisville I told them about Project Tiny ( http://www.projecttiny.com/ ) and they were completely stoked about the whole idea and eagerly took a stack of my 5×7 cards to pass out at the hospital and school!

They were so laid back and so “whatever you want to do” – a photographers DREAM!! So naturally I could not wait to get my camera pointed at them at today’s engagement session!
As Mandy and I clomped, in heels of course) across the roof of the 5 story building, I questioned whether or not this was a good idea. But there was no telling them to turn around.
Through the sun beating down – they continued to make their way to the highest platform.

I looked past them and out to the city skyline and beautiful sun. They sat on the ledge, cuddling and kissing as I took test shots. Looking at 2x2in screen on the back of my camera, I was glad that I had this crazy idea and thankful for such an easygoing couple.

T + R | wedding preview

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding with Tom. It was held at The Gardens at Eden-Ray, a beautiful outdoor venue in eastern Jefferson County. I arrived an hour early to begin scouting for locations to shoot formals. I was greeted beautiful fields, two lakes, a tiny lily pad pond, as well as a huge bed of bright orange day lilies. I knew then that this wedding would rock. What I didn’t know what that there would be one thing today more stunning than the location.

The bride, Rachel, was glowing and absolutely gorgeous. Her natural look. Her golden blond hair that swept across her bare shoulders in loose ringlets. Her genuine smile – that she was able to hold and look perfect through the long formal shots. She was stunning!
Her and her new husband, Troy, are such a lovely young couple. Their love for one another exudes and infects everyone around them. Not in that gross kinda way but in the way that makes you envious and yearn to be young and in love again. I couldn’t help but wipe the tears falling from my eyes as I took some shots.

The day was long. To be completely honest, the day was long, hot, sweaty. I drove home completely exhausted, walking past my husband when I arrived, not saying a word, but walking promptly to my bed and collapsing into a hot sticky slump. Yes, it was tiring, but sooo worth it, and so much fun. Every second of that 10 hours I knew I was right where I was supposed to be…behind that 5D.

I wish them the best of luck and love in their future together!

Let know what you think! Here’s a preview:

Fun With Strobes

Last week I spent three very long & very humid nights with fellow photographer, Tom Cannon, on a 5 story rooftop with a view of the Louisville waterfront. (of the Ohio River – for all you outta towners)

Learning and then perfecting with strobes, light meters, pocket wizards, & other goodies

I learned a TON and really, besides feeling like I was melting into the tar on the roof, had an AWESOME time! I love to learn, and it makes it much more fun when you are good at it! Thanks Tom for all your help and patience!

Here’s a few shots of what we got — the photos of Tom are taken by Moi and of course the photos of me are taken by Tom Cannon.
Most are taken with a 5D Mark II, a 1600w WhiteLightning strobe, and an octobox.

Take the time to love me and I will love you back
(that’s what my camera said)

Very beachy – love it. Never would know we are over 50 feet in the air!

Isn’t that sky amazing!?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot!! Soooo much attitude, soooo hard! (hes not either one)

pipe dreams

Woke up at 4:32am, staring at the ceiling.
Wishing I had a camera in my hands.
Hoping that by the time the sun shown through the blinds that I realised I had a wedding to shoot today and had better get my butt outta the bed.
So tired of going to bed, tossing and turning, every night.
Thinking that I’m a big fake…how could I possibly charge someone? I mean I’ve only been taking photos for like 2 or 3 months! Not years! I’ve neer been to school or even read a book on photography??!!
Could I get away with this hoax? Could I really pull this grand caper off?
Wondering if every compliment is someone’s heartfelt attempt to be nice and not hurt my feelings.
KNOWING this it’s what I should be doing.
KNOWING this is where my heart is at.
Longing for the confidence to just do it!

So, I did it…

business cards…check
website…check
cahones…CHECK!!

bring it on…