Jake and Michelle, Virginia.

This past weekend I had the amazing and humbling experience to photograph Jake and Michelle.  These two had emotion written all over them – happiness, excitement, passion, and humility.  It was a joy to photograph their day and reunite with some friends of Liberty.

Enjoy this small teaser of Jake and Michelle.

Blessings.

the seat not taken.

a simple stroll.

on a personal note.

In July, I will have lived in Lynchburg for a complete year – one complete year since the moment I said, “I do” to my amazing bride.  I have seen the beauty of this fine state and I have witnessed numerous accounts of inspiring cultures.  I have no regrets of my decision to leave North Carolina and I have no doubt that God has specifically placed my life here, but lately it seems as if I sit at my desk and just stare out the office window wondering.  I feel a sense of something missing.

On the way to work through what felt like a fall morning, I heard a song filled with a powerful reminder to us all about simply going through the motions – read the lyrics of Matthew West’s “the motions.”

I don’t wanna go through the motions,
I don’t wanna go one more day without Your all-consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking, “What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?”

The words were literally stamped onto my heart and I find myself asking, “what I have ignored or missed out on by simply going through the motions?”  I came to Lynchburg because I felt called to start a new adventure, a new chapter, not with just my wife but for myself.  The decision to leave a place where I had literally spent every bit of my time for nine years developing relationships that would last a lifetime and achieving certain goals to succeed did not come easy.  Numerous prayers and discussions were sought and following the proposal to my adoring wife, I remember driving to her apartment at the time and asked her, “what if I moved to Lynchburg?”  The inspiring notion about that statement was revealed without my heart even realizing it; my assurance was made complete immediately upon seeing the brightest smile of my dearest love.

So, why do I feel is if I am simply going through the motions if I felt called to relocate and be with my bride?  Because, I have lost sight of another love – my love for photography.

I came to Lynchburg with determination to spread my love for all types of photography – weddings, fine art, nature, portrait – and now one year later what do I have to show for it?  To be brutally honest, not a whole lot.  Don’t get me wrong I have had some amazing opportunities working with some very true and talented photographers to which I am eternally grateful; Adam Barnes, Rob Towner-Jones, Joel Coleman, to name a few.  But, where’s the evidence supporting my heart’s desire?

Last week I received an e-mail with the words striking a chord within my soul…

You have a gift that comes from God, mind you. Please continue using it. Let’s see some updates on your blog, or your website or something. Even just an email that says you’re spending your free time taking photographs would be good for my soul.

This message was sent on Wednesday, May 13 – thank you, Rob.

After that message last week and after this past Saturday, having the opportunity to work alongside again with my friend Mr. Joel Coleman, I believe the Lord above is truly attempting to remind me that I have a passion for photography.  Whether it is for freelance work or for personal fun – I have a passion for photography, more so film photography.

Starting today, my friends, my family, a wave of urgent understanding that I need to constantly keep the firm grip of a camera body in my hands and more importantly remove all barriers of “I’ll photograph something later” has engulfed my lack of effort.

My determination these next few weeks is to have a complete revision to this blog, my website, and an updated portfolio book, as well as begin my goal to photograph something 365 days straight to successfully complete my first one year of shooting book – name is of course subject to change.

My friends and family, I thank you for your never-ending support and encouragement.

“Let’s go to work…” Angel, series finale, 2004.

Anazao @ Confluence.

Greetings.  Granted it has been some time since my last blog, okay, quite a while since my last post – what can I say, working at the Law School keeps me busy.  Needless to say I am still out there shooting, just not posting as much.  I need to work on that.  Regardless, I would like to post some film shots of my best friend, Josh, and his band Anazao.  

Anazao recently performed live at an amazing coffee house venue in Winston-Salem, NC, and let me just say this coffee venue is something Winston needs – big time.   If you’re ever in that part of North Carolina be sure to check out Confluence Coffee House.  One of the most original coffee house designs featuring internet accessibility, a lounge area, a performing stage, Hershey’s Ice Cream, a full sandwich menu, and the really cool part – an indoor playground for kids; totally awesome.  Check them out.  

Back to Anazao (which means to be restored, revived) – these guys are dynamic with their message of hope in Christ. I believe that their experiences and stories about grace seriously move the heart and the story of how each of the band members came together is truly God-engineered.  Live music is definitely an outlet they use to share their message.

 Kudos to them and my good friend Josh, miss you buddy.

 Until next time…whenever that might be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A daisy for my wife.

My wife’s favorite flower is a daisy.  In fact, every time I have given her the gift of daisies I have seen her beautiful face light up, her smile become bright, and I have felt her joy.    

May the flowers of the Earth never stop their bloom and may the doves continue to sing.  (Song of Solomon 2:12) 

I love to create artistic images.  In fact, it is my joy to do so.  However, there are times when an original is already artistic. 

I dedicate this image to my wife. 

 

 

Brooke, the lady in waiting.

Her story.  Her photos.  Coming Soon…

 

preparing to leave.

 

I will miss this place.

Shannon’s Dress. A teaser.

 

Greetings.  

 

This past Saturday was such a thrill for me.  Not only did I get a chance to catch up with an old friend from school, but I was also able to photograph her in her wedding dress.  And check this, she is getting married on the same day as me.  Woah.  July is a good month indeed.  

 

Meet Shannon, and she has picked out a beautiful wedding dress.  Her husband to-be, will definitely be at a loss for words.  Her parents were with us during the bridal shoot and what a joy it was to catch up with them as well.  I don’t think I have ever met a more prouder and happier set of parents.  They are truly honored to have Shannon’s husband to-be, be a part of their lives, as a son-in-law.  

 

So, for now, enjoy this teaser of Shannon in her dress.  

 

Thanks for taking time out.  

 

fun times in the car.

What do you think, Adam?