ENGAGED // LEE & CHANTEL

I can say with full honesty that I have been so excited to work with Lee and Chantel since the very first e-mail.

Lee and Chantel are two incredibly unique individuals full of joy and anticipation for their Big Day.

You all know that I'm not one to advocate the use of props just for props (we've come a long way!), but I just love the details that Chantel wanted to incorporate into their engagement session. For the proposal, Lee set up a picnic area and surprised Chantel opening a 1950's Scrabble game-board with the words "Will You Marry Me?" spelled out. Chantel mentions in her proposal story that they couldn't actually play the game, but they counted the points for kicks: "Thirty-two points and a lifetime of happiness."

We also incorporated a map, and a globe with their locations pinned and connected with yarn. Chantel and Lee not only share different heritages, they've also spent a vast majority of their relationship long-distance.

You can see why I fell in love with this sweet couple quite swiftly.

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Chantel and Lee,

Words really cannot express what a true blessing it has been to get to connect with such extraordinary people as yourselves. Your story is heart-melting. I was drawn to the ease that you two have in the company of the other. Thank you for your tremendous patience with the Georgia heat and awful gnats. We made it. And the pictures are more than worth our suffering through it! I greatly anticipate capturing your wedding day--I can't imagine all of the joy and ease that will overflow as you celebrate (finally) being in each others arms for good.

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Enjoy, friends.

FEATURED // VISUAL SUPPLY CO. // MY VSCO FORMULA

I was honored today to be featured on the VSCO Journal as a VSCO Film artist.

First things first, head on over, check them out, and show them some love!
(I'm convinced that among several avid supporters, I might still be their biggest fan).

In response to the feature, I've received several inquiries from other VSCO users as to how I processed the highlighted session.

Although my editing process [naturally] differs from session to session, my base preset is Fuji 400H. It's really just a matter of preference, but I fell in love the instant I used the tool. If you went down the list of my favorite artists, majority of them would be Medium-Format film users who use Fuji 400H film (go-figure!). I love the hues... love the greens, the crispness, the grain.

To preface my "VSCO FORMULA", I have to emphasize that the number one rule is to
get it right in-camera.
For me, this means: [1] Exposing for the Shadows, [2] Back-lighting when possible (if that's the look I'm going for, which it usually is... the blown out sky, dreamy haze, soft glow), [3] Taking caution with my composition (I want my photos to have as much impact as possible, which means I need to be thinking about how the viewer will look at my photo--whether it's how they relate to it, what strikes them first, what strikes them the most... you get the point).

There are several other factors that you need to concern yourself with during the shoot that will make your session all the more moving. Connect with your subject. Have a "story" in mind. Slow down. If a pose/angle isn't working, stop shooting it. FIND THE LIGHT.

Enough with my Soapbox 101, here's the VSCO Formula I used for the images featured today.
Enjoy!

ENGAGED // MELODY & CHRIS

I can say with full honesty that I don't know if I've ever photographed two people so in love. While it may help that Chris is the co-owner of a fabulous videography duo and Melody has an incredible sense of fashion, I'm not sure that they could have made my job any easier.

It was full-throttle Georgia-hot on the day of their session, and we were all consistently wiping sweat and swatting gnats--but you wouldn't be able to tell one bit by looking at the images!

For the photogs: I have to say I don't know that I've ever been so pleased with VSCO as I am with this set of images. Before this session, I purposed to over-expose just an ounce more than usual, and I have to say it really put my satisfaction with these film-emulating presets over the top!

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Melody and Chris,
I hope you know by now what an absolute honor I consider it to be able to photograph this season in your life. You are a couple so obviously equipped for greatness--what ever that may entail. During your session, I stood stunned on the other end of the camera... your love for one another is infectious and truly couldn't be easier to capture. I know there are so many more "life" decisions ahead of you, but one thing is certain: you will be the others' strength. I believe in you--whole-heartedly--and can't wait to capture the day you say "I Do".
//

Enjoy, friends.