Stories and Insights
The Bond With a Dog
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.
Among the Dogwoods: Ashley and JT's Proposal
Ashley wanted to show JT the beautiful Baxter Gardens of Knoxville and have a picnic. JT was all for that - but had a surprise in store for Ashley: a marriage proposal!
City Lights: Shelby and Austin's Proposal
The first warm night of Spring and in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, at the Worlds Fair Park, Austin asked Shelby the question of a lifetime. Check out this urban, sophisticated marriage proposal in Scruffy City!
The Beginning of the End: How I Helped Kill Knoxville Center
The news recently was that an Amazon distribution center was slated to be built at the site of the old Knoxville Center mall. That prompted my memory that back in 2015 I was hired to take pictures of it for CBRE for the purposes of “discussion” as to what would be done to the mall. Here are some pictures of what was.
Red, White, and Due!
I am thrilled when former wedding clients call me up to say, “Guess what - we’re going to have a baby!” When Danielle told me, I was so happy for her and Drew. To start documenting this journey in life, she wanted a special way of announcing the pregnancy - and we did it using a cinemagraph. A cinemagraph? It’s a moving picture for social media, just like photos in Harry Potter! Read more and see their announcement come to life!
People of Note: Justin Bailey
In another installment of “People of Note” on my blog, let me introduce you to the new CEO of Realty Executives Associates. Justin Bailey is a go-getter reaching new heights in his field and I am honored that he asked me to produce the head shot used to announce his new position.
Retelling the Myth of Prometheus
Marisa Mitchell, aka Mars, is a kickass artisan, working in metal, concrete, and glass. I visited her in her metal workshop to do an environmental portrait of this woman handling fire, thus retelling the myth of Prometheus - spolier alert: this time the gods are beaten.
Celebrate Your Child's Talent
Scout is a girl willing to take on learning to play the violin - and that’s no small feat! Her accomplishment is celebrated through a portrait. What a way to tell your child “You make us proud” and “Well done!”
When a Fireman and a Teacher Got Married
Once upon a time, a teacher and a fireman married in a small courthouse ceremony . . . and it was beautiful. Plus, it triggered some thoughts from which brides can benefit. Read on . . .
Rockabilly Maternity
Kayla presented a fun challenge: a maternity portrait featuring her and the father-to-be, all done in a 50’s rockabilly pinup style. Challenge accepted! Check out how great she, Shea, and Baby Bump looks in this unique portrait session.
The Pelican Bar and Bistro - Knoxville's Intimate Eatery
I photographed the Pelican Bar and Bistro, one of Knoxville’s newest eateries, for promotional purposes. Who doesn’t enjoy work that means a lot of food, a lot of wine, and a lot of fun?
Street Portraiture in Old City
I crashed a photographer’s shootout in the Old City area of Knoxville and had the opportunity to do some street portraiture. Courtney was a beautiful model for this and got my creative flow going. Check it out.
Portraits From the Past
Bleak House in Knoxville featured a history weekend that gave me the opportunity to capture some environmental portraits of the actors in period dress. Come back to 1864 in this blog post.
Portrait of a Bishop . . . and Friend
I am honored to have my work in the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Maybe it's just a photograph but it was important to me that I capture a friend's spirit in his portrait.
We Can Be Heroes . .
The bride wanted something special for her groom and the groomsmen, to show them that they were heroes in her life. Check out some shots done in the Peter Kern Library bar and the "super hero" shot.
For All the Saints: Fresco Work
I do not like heights but wheat do you do when the Lord calls and you're crazy enough to listen? Read about my climb to the top of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville.
Comedy In a Cave
I had the chance to go see some comedy down below - and I mean, down below the surface. Read about a delightful duo, Some Antics, and their recent show at Cherokee Caverns.
Cherelle and Paul's Engagement Session
Cherelle and Paul were wonderful people to work with on their engagement session, which took place in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the historic Southern Railway Station and at Ijams Nature Center.
Fresh Out of Parris Island: A Marine Comes Home to Knoxville
A young man, freshly graduated from the United States Marine Corps' boot camp in Parris Island, is home briefly to visit his parents in Knoxville before heading out for advanced training. I have known this young man since his days on Knoxville Catholic High School's robotics team, the Robotichauns, and it was an honor to capture him as a freshly minted Marine in his hometown. But shooting him took some thought as I wanted to make sure I respected his uniform and preserved his military bearing.
Kelsi at the Southern Railway Station
Kelsi proved to be a stunning model, channeling oldtime Hollywood glamour - perfect for shooting among vintage trains at the historic Southern Railway Station in Knoxville, Tennessee.