Haslam Wedding / Gov. Residence 2012-04-10

I would assume that it is pretty rare that Tennessee gets to see it’s Governor give away a daughter to marriage while in office. So it was exciting to be asked to shoot such a monumental occasion at the Governor’s Residence. We had a great time with Annie Haslam and David Colquitt on their big day and enjoyed getting to know them and their families.

Each time I met with Annie, Crissy (the First Lady) and Elizabeth James (the planner) Annie expressed her commitment to keeping the wedding laid back and fun. And by laid back I mean, a bride and bridesmaids in boots, a bonfire with s’mores, a rockin’ band, the game of corn hole, and our own version of a photo booth. Elizabeth executed Annie’s vision brilliantly and everything went off without a hitch even with 30 minutes of rain that decided to start during the post ceremony photos.

I have to admit, the secret service can be intimidating to work around. Although I didn’t think about it at the time, it probably would not have gone over very well had I encouraged all of the guys with “ear-pieces” to get together for a photo.

As the wedding photographer, I have to build trust as quickly as possible with my subjects. If they didn’t trust me, like me, or want me around; it would be impossible to capture the genuine moments that they are drawn to in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to be a part of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Getting to know everyone and being there as the stories and memories are told is a special time and is a valuable way to connect before the wedding.

My favorite part of the wedding was the rice getaway. The photos were amazing and it was my first experience with a rice getaway. No one does it anymore because of the danger it poses to birds which is actually an urban myth and rice is fine for birds. I believe the myth was brought about because churches didn’t want to have to clean it up.

It has to be said and I know the photos don’t do it justice, but Gov. Haslam danced the best father-daughter dance I have ever seen. I know my jaw wasn’t the only one in the floor as they did spin after spin. I made a commitment that day to take dance lessons (someday) and try to outdo him at my daughter’s wedding (Olive is 10 months old.)

I hope you enjoy the photos!

Antczak Bridal 2011-07-29

Sarah’s bridal shoot took place at her fiance’s parent’s beautiful historic home right off of the square in Columbia, Tn. Lighting can be a challenge in large historic homes as there is no easy way to light spaces that involve so many mirrors and cavernous spaces, but we found some great spots to really manipulate the natural and found light. All of the images use “found” light; just the windows and lamps normally used. I love getting the most out of the lighting a location has to offer. Some people would be looking for the prettiest piece of furniture or dramatic location, but the magic is in the light, the soft or hard qualities, how it bounces around the subject and the emotion created from the angles and color of the light.

I really love these photos (including their engagement and wedding photos), and we had a great time making them.

Kenya ’06: Part 1 2010-05-12

My wife and I went to Kenya in 2006 with Share International. Before we went we raised money for corn (mace) and beans to distribute while there. We spent a few days in Nairobi, then most of the time at their mission in Lodwar, and then a 2 relaxing days at a reserve before coming home. I shot over 10,000 photos on the trip so this series is in 2 parts due to the amount of images.

Kenya ’06: Part 2 2010-05-12

My wife and I went to Kenya in 2006 with Share International. Before we went we raised money for corn (mace) and beans to distribute while there. We spent a few days in Nairobi, then most of the time at their mission in Lodwar, and then a 2 relaxing days at a reserve before coming home. I shot over 10,000 photos on the trip so this series is in 2 parts due to the amount of images.

Shirock Book 2010-05-12

Chuck Shirock and I have been dear friends for many years.  I have been photo documenting their music and travels for years and put together a book of those images. The book will be for sale soon, send us an email if you are interested in purchasing one.