It’s the November 2024 newsletter! I am trying out new format by writing it as a blog post for ease and to help people reference information more easily. What’s in it this month? Dogs on docks, film coming back, wild girls in Nashville . . . and more!

A recent proposal shoot was the perfect reason to break out my medium format camera and do some old school film work. Black and white helps to make a darker, more retro vibe that the client wanted - even on a bright, sunny day!

A unique product offered by me is the Gallery Box. Your images are matted and then stored in a heavy, well-made, and attractive display box. The front window is made of tempered glass for additional security. It is made to both protect your images and be a display piece for your decor at home or office. The photo on display can be changed easily!

Scout is a young and beautiful blond Golden Retriever, who dyed tail also makes her a fashion influencer! If photographing a retriever, I think a dock setting is ideal: it shows the setting that the breed was meant to work in, jumping into the water to retrieve water fowl. Pet photography for the win! A portrait of a gorgeous dog!

In 2018, I visited Clacton-on-Sea, a middle class beach resort town in the UK on the Essex coast. It seemed appropriate to do some street photography. I don’t care much for monuments or landscapes - I like to see and capture how people live in other corners of the world.

When their mom said that the twins were in a “tough guy” tage, I told her, “Bring them into the studio and let me get some old boxing gloves off of Facebook Marketplace.” A vintage setting adds to these delightful children portraits!

I think folks who are not “horse people” don’t alays appreciate the affection a rider and her horse have for one anothe. I brought the studio to the barn to create some portraits of Susie with her mount, Abigail, as well as out among the buttercups. Your pet portaits are so much better when they can show you interacting with them!

A workshop I completed recently taught me new skills and I was able to go back and rework some images from the past. There is great satisfaction to see my work improve from even two years ago - and more polished results for my clients!

Should you have your portrait session in studio or on location? What does that even mean? The answer lies in the expectations you have for your portraits. The good news is that you can have both! Read about the pros and cons concerneing WHERE you have your portrait session.

There is a genuine bond of love between a dog and its owner. During our photo session, it was very clear that Melie loves her dog, Ryker, and he loves her back. Enjoy some photos from their session - a lovely young woman and a handsome Belgian Malinois dog.

Why hire a photographer for a headshot when AI can generate one for you? Maybe because you want your potential clients to be able to trust you. Read on as to how AI-generated headshots are made. Are they for you?

Over at my Smoky Mountain Marriage Proposals website, I wrote a post for ther newly engaged about advice for choosing a wedding photographer. Wedding planning can be both headache and heartache. I have some advice on how to choose a wedding photographer.

Is your photographer “published?” Does that impress you? I recently took a closer look at what many photographers do to be “published” and the business model that provides that.

When two beautiful ladies come into my studio, the portraits are amazing. Of course, one is a French Bulldog and if you do not think this dog is adorable, check your pulse because you’re dead, m’kay. Nothing says “love me, love my dog” more than a sort of “Mommy and Me” portrait session!

I visited the country of Cuba and naturally experienced it in the way I know best - through my camera lens. Have a look at some street photography from my travels. And even better, consider visiting Cuba yourself. Travel broadens the mind!

Not every dog arrives in this world in safety and comfort - and these puppies certainly did not! Born in an evironment hostile to their lives, volunteers came to the rescue and all are now safe, warm, and fed. But homes for them are needed! Read more about these cave dogs, these spelunking mountain hounds on the blog.

Picture Day! At a regular school that means a rapid automtaic smile and it is on to the next child. But for homeschool groups, fewer number of students and more flexibility means not only can you have school pictures done, but more variety and genuine expressions. Read about one homeschool group’s experience with their Picture Day!

It is a new year and let’s talk about resolutions - no, not a promise to hit the gym more and cut calories. This is about what makea a “full resolution” digital file that a photographer may be promising!

When Sarah wanted elegant maternity portraits for herself but could not travel to the studio, I simply brought the studio to her at her mom’s home in Chattanooga. Studio Anywhere means having your session done in the privacy and comfort of your own sanctuary - home!

Are you like me, where your dogs are your life? I see a lot of family photos where the Dog is included but seems like a prop - why not have a photoshoot not simply FOR your dog but WITH your dog? Here are three good reasons why you should book one today!