Roadside Admonitions

What was that? I ask myself as I travel down the backroads of Pennsylvania this past weekend. I am rapt. My faithful Canon sitting beside me, I find the nearest place to turn my vehicle around and go back. I looked. And I looked. What is this person telling me?

Current events in my life can and do affect me. Some very recent events in my life have left me scratching my head. This display moved me. What is the person who assembled this roadside memorial say to me? Would they join me in my pity party? Not likely. Would they tell me to wake up and appreciate the good health that I enjoy? We both know the answer to that. Would they even say that my setbacks are merely minor inconveniences in life? Yes.

The qualities I love about my Canon: It records. It replays. It speaks. Most importantly, It reminds. I need to stop and thank God for his blessings on my life every day because the day will come when I can't. I pray for peace from above for this family.

Andrew and Heather Engagement Shoot

Today was the perfect day for a photoshoot with Andrew and Heather. The sun was hidden and we had a little wind. It was a tad chilly, but perfect weather nonethelesss. I am excited to be shooting their wedding in just a few short weeks. I cannot wait! They are a beautiful couple. Hope you enjoy the pics!

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Hannah and Casey's Photo Shoot

This was a fun photo shoot we did in a neighboring city of Louisville, Kentucky. It was a prelude to the shoot for Hanna and Casey's pregnancy shoot we will do in June when I travel to Louisville, to photograph Nick and Samantha's wedding. Considering the little preparation time we had, well, actually none at all, we came away with a lot of good shots. The biggest key to successful portrait shoots is bonding and enjoying the photo shoot along with your subjects, or clients. In other words not just being their photographer, but being their friend too. Then we can start thinking about some of the rules of photography and shot selection. Here are several shots I took from this occasion.

Lessons From the Bridge

"What are you doing?" I was totally surprised to hear those words as I was walking down the desolate railroad tracks in Akron today. I had just walked past the bridge and there was this middle-aged woman sitting against the outside wall. I looked at her and she asked me what I was doing. I explained that I am a photographer and I am just walking the tracks taking photos. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked her. She looked at me and casually replied "Hiding from my old man," as she clutched her tall can of beer. "I am tired of getting yelled at 8 times per day." She added. I didn't know what to say, so I then asked her if she needs any help. She replied no, but I still talked to her for a few minutes and gave her a little money for food. I looked at her and told her that I am so sorry that life is so bad for her. 

Then she arrested me with her words. "Don't be sorry for me. All is okay because of Jesus." She is so correct, and moreover, she had such an upbeat spirit. That lady taught me a lot in that 5 minute encounter. No matter what life throws at us, we can still be happy and have a positive outlook. She permitted me to take a few photos of her and then I left. That is one encounter I will remember as long as I live. 

Life is full of challenges. How we fare depends on our attitude. Are our problems big or are they small? That may depend on how big we make them. 

The Serendipity of Craigslist

I never figured I would see the day that I said I love Craigslist. You read about bad things happening there all the time, so I have largely dismissed that site. However, I was so very fortunate to give it a try, despite my preconceived notions.

I ran an ad this week to offer my services as a backup wedding photographer free of charge. Unbeknownst to me, I a talented wedding photographer needed backup, and now I have many weddings to shoot with Kelly. I am grateful and honored to work side-by-side with her, and I am ecstatic that she will be working with me when I do casual portrait shoots and senior pictures.

Thank God I left my preconceived notions at the door and proceeded to run my ad anyways, just to see what would happen. The serendipity of it all still amazes me. This is the week that my photography career got catapulted into high gear. I have no idea where I will end up, but the road just got paved with solid gold and I intend to enjoy my photographic journey wherever it may lead.

Portrait Shooting Location

How exciting! I have a location to shoot portraits, both senior and personal. It is located on 20 acres in Malvern Township, and boasts of a cabin, trusses, 2 streams, 2 bridges, rarely used railroad tracks, and total privacy. Can't wait to start snapping! If you would like to schedule a shoot, please call or text me @ 330.906.7118!