Sam Stiles!

All I can say is... WOW. This girl is just amazing, and so wonderful to work with! I just love the confidence in her eyes, and it especially shows in this first image. Enjoy a little preview of her session this past weekend!

Editing Fun!

OK... I am still using Photoshop CS4- but as of today, I'll have the newest version known to man. So far, that is. I got to photograph this Senior's older sister about 2 1/2 years ago, and at that time I think I edited her entire session with iPhoto. True confessions of a photographer just starting out, huh? I have learned a lot in the last 3 years, I've read everything I can, taken seminars, and scoured the internet for tutorials. I believe I can learn just about anything if I have a good night sleep and the desire to figure it out! So did ya catch the difference in these 2 shots above? A huge shout out to Sam for being brave enough to have me take her picture even when there's a pack of guys just behind her having a splash in the fountains. I guess it'd be worse, though, if they were amazingly cute guys!
Ok, so here is another fun thing... As I mentioned, I took Senior pics for her older sister, and I have used this shot below numerous times to depict how life is a journey, starting that journey, a new chapter, etc... So we did it again! This time it's Sam's turn, and I think we got it about right! The first image below was edited in CS4, and taken just this past weekend... the last shot was from over 2 years ago and totally edited in iPhoto. Tell me what you think!

PS - there are amazing photos of Sam coming up! She has the most incredible eyes, just like her sweet Momma and older sis...

Carter~Miller Wedding... Hurricane Who??

Congratulations to Molly Carter & Derek Miller!! Meet this incredible couple who just got married last Saturday in the midst of a steady, but much needed rain. "Isaac" was the name... "Hurricane Isaac," that is. And while his arrival finally brought some relief to the devastating drought here in the Ozarks, he was a bit unwelcome at the Carter homestead on the North edge of Springfield. Fortunately, the ceremony was indoor, at the Drury Stone Chapel, but the reception was in a barn and under a tent. Handling all that expensive camera equipment, umbrellas, and soggy shoes was a bit of a challenge, yes, but I'm convinced that nothing could've dampened everyone's spirits! That was truly one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to or photographed. So just enjoy this little peek at the wedding photos... I'm still going through the many, many shots, and my list of favorite images is getting really long! I can post more pictures soon (DANCING!), but this is a little preview of what's to come!
Molly & Derek ~
You are an amazing couple and I'm sure there will be years of blessings ahead for you two. I have loved working with you and getting to know your families. What a crazy group! Seriously, you guys are so blessed. :)