Merry Christmas

Well, Christmas has come and gone once again. This was Dawson's second Christmas but probably the first one that he will remember. I don't know how he will ever play with all the toys that he received. I also don't know where we will put them. Once again this year we seemed to have received more than we gave. I am lucky that we are so fortunate to have many places to visit and many people to share the holiday season with. Each year I try to give gifts that involve a little work or thought on my part rather than just going out and spending money at a store. I worked until about midnight last night trying to make sure that most of the gifts we gave had their finished touches.

I think all too often everyone gets caught up into a hectic schedule during the holiday season. There are so many places to go and so many people to see that we often forget the real reason to celebrate. Maybe in years to come we should slow down and think about the real reason for the season. Most of us are very lucky people, nowadays. We all live a quality lifestyle, most of us are able to afford anything that we need. Technology has made the world a place of convenience and luxury. But there are people out there that still don't have a quality lifestyle and are scraping every penny just to survive. Many times these people are the elderly. If you are able, and have an elderly friend or relative in need, I encourage each one of you to help them in any way that you can, either financially or by helping them out with chores that they might not be able to do for themselves. As the year comes to an end remember all those in need around you and those people who have helped you when you needed it.

I want to thank everyone who has helped make this year successful for me.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Card

Its not very long to Christmas and my wife has been busy sending out Christmas Cards. Its hard to make sure we sent one to everyone so I will just post one here to make sure that all get to see it.





Merry Christmas to all.

Be Grateful

I am in the process of updating my website. I have been so busy during the last seven or eight months that I haven't had time to post any of my new pictures. It seems like I am tied to a computer 24/ 7. Anyway, the site will look very similar to the way it does now with only a few minor changes. I guess you could say that it is getting a minor face lift. I will post a message when it is updated.

I know everyone is getting ready for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing my brother and his family. They live in Florida and I only get to see them once or twice a year. They recently took a trip to Italy. I'm sure that they will have lots of photos to document their adventures while overseas.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are sad this year. Many have lost children and parents in the recent months. Everyday, I see firsthand how lucky I am and how unfortunate others can be. You can have all of the money in the world but I don't think there is anything that can replace the loss of someone that you care about, especially a child. I recently spoke with a couple who lost their toddler to a tragic accident. My thoughts go out to them. I don't know how parents could ever recover from the loss of a child. As soon as I got home that night, I hugged my little boy tight because I couldn't imagine life without him.

This holiday season we all should be grateful for what you have and be sure to remember those that may have lost someone special in their lives.

Well, I had better get back to the grindstone.

Christmas Pictures

Every year, starting in late October until late November, I spend most of my weekends photographing children and family Christmas pictures. It's a lot of fun watching parents and myself go to all extents to get their kids to smile and look at the camera. We jump, waive our arms, make funny sounds, hoot, holler, and anything else that might get a baby's attention. Sometimes its so funny that I can't even press the shutter button on my camera because I'm laughing too hard. I think that I'm going to start bringing a video camera to my photo sessions and record the whole thing. I believe we could all become famous on America's funniest home videos. After all the hard work (just ask some parents), most of the keeper pictures come from a time when the kids aren't even paying any attention to us. Go figure.

Here are some of the kids dressed in Christmas colors this year.

I wonder what's in the box.

One of this year's favorites.

A very active two year old!

Sisters.

And finally, my pride and joy, Dawson!

Brittney & Derrick

Brrrr, it was cold on Friday. We almost froze to death. I believe that the temperature was around 30 degrees. (O.K. 30 degrees is not that cold but it felt like it.) Brittney & Derrick are getting married on December 30 this year. It will be my last wedding for the year and I am very excited for the opportunity to photograph their special day. I especially enjoy working with this couple because they seem so natural and real in front of the camera.

These photos were taken in Glendale a few weeks after Jen and Manuel's. Glendale is such a nice little town. There are many small shops and restaurants for everyone to visit. This little town is a happening place a couple of times a year. It fills up with several thousand people at the annual Glendale Days.

Engagement sessions are great because they get me pumped up for the big day. After the session I come home and review all the images that I have taken and almost always I say, "wow!" They get me to thinking about new ideas for weddings coming up in the near future.

Every wedding is different. I always see something that catches my eye and I try to get new original images from each one.

I will post some images from Brittney and Derricks wedding in January. I'm sure everyone will be looking forward to seeing them.

Jennifer and Manuel

Jen & Manuel are getting married 07-07-07. Seems like a lucky date to me. Anyway I have the distinct priveledge of photographing their wedding next year. Manuel and I are co-workers. He is currently serving active duty in Iraq and came home for a couple of weeks in November. I did their engagement photos in Glendale, KY while he was home and we got some great results. The weather was chilly but not unbearable. I wish Manuel the best of luck and I hope he gets home safe soon. Here are some photographs from the session.