Monday, September 28, 2009

Where's the Post?

Okay, so it’s been 9 days since my last post and you may be wondering what I’ve been up to? Where’s the pictures, etc? Well here’s the deal?

I am behind, okay I said it. I have been editing photos of Twyana and Darnell wedding and reception, did an engagement shoot for Gwen and Joe and have started that editing and planning for their wedding this weekend. Shot teen basketball sensation Alyssa Palmer yesterday, working on a post from the work I’ve done with Jessie and trying to figure out a better storage solution as I am approaching 300GB of photo’s from this year alone among other things.

I have also been working on an updated website with new content from photo shoots over the last 12 months. In addition to new pictures, the updates to website will include the following:

· New Splash Page
· Full Screen Images versus the little picture box my current site has today
· Easier navigation and a much cleaner look
· Proofing / Shopping Cart for clients and others to proof and purchase their pictures
· Music Player that allows for multiple music tracks
· iPhone HTML mirror site for the growing number of iPhone users; I hope to be in this number REAL soon

I am also working on a new look for the Blog but that’s probably last on my list of “things to do”. Be patient with me but know that the work has begun.

I’ll be blogging you; really I will.

David

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Married - Twyana + Darnell

One down and three to go. Who would have thought that my first wedding shoot would take place in such a beautiful place as Negril Jamaica. Well it did and I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful couple and environment for my first one.

Over the course of planning, engagement shoot, wedding and reception last night, I feel like we are now members of the family. We met up with Mom, Dad, Granny and Sis in Miami and flew together and hung out with them in Negril. The bride had things on "lock" with all her planning for not only what took place in Jamaica but for the breath-taking reception last night. Even the staff in the ballroom commented that this was the nicest wedding reception they've ever seen in the ballroom.

As I sat last night at the reception and took a small breath from shooting, I reflected on what I learned about Twyana and Dean. It was amazing how each person that gave a toast co-signed with what I had learned about them as individuals and their love for one another. I have so much editing to do from Jamaica and last night's reception but here are a few shots from the wedding in Jamaica.













The wedding ceremony took place under this gazebo























Friday, September 18, 2009

Caring Soul

Today I "Shot" A Friend...

So what were you thinking when you read that title? Well yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of shooting (with my camera) Tracey, a very dear friend. As I was thinking what to write in relation to this post, I decided to go with how I would best describe Tracey; a very CARING soul.

Without dating either one of us, we’ve known of each other for over 14 years, had a direct working relationship, been neighbors (right across the street) but all the while friends at different levels over that span of time. Well a lot has happened over those 14 years yet Tracey hasn’t visibly aged and definitely not in her heart and her ability to genuinely CARE for people.

Tracey was a little apprehensive about being photographed given the fact that she tries to come across as “shy” at times. So, I gave her some “homework” but also told her not to worry because she was going to have fun and get some good direction from me. We didn’t have a lot of time so we hit a couple of locations and called it a day. I was very impressed with how comfortable she was in front of the camera which really brought forth her natural beauty and CARING heart. I had a tough time picking my favs for her review and to post on the Blog. Here’s are the pics I decided on; enjoy this touch of sunshine in preparation for your weekend!

Beas















A little admirer of Tracey's...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Destination Wedding #1

Sometimes I get my Facebook and Blog worlds mixed up and I realized that I forgot to mention on my Blog that I was heading to Negril Jamaica to shoot a wedding. Well I am back, had a great time getting to know the bride, groom and their families a little better and am now planning to shoot their state-side reception this weekend.

Jamaica, the Jamaican people, their hospitality as well as the setting for the wedding were all awesome and made for a wonderful experience all around. I must admit that we feel like part of the bride and grooms families after spending so much time together and we're expecting that invite to the barbecue next spring. Anyway, pics from the ceremony are coming next week as I would like the couple to preview first and they are still in Jamaica on their honeymoon. However, I will be sharing a couple of pics from Jamaica here in the next day or two.

I'll be blogging you.

David

Sunday, September 6, 2009

True Blue

I had the distinct honor of photographing a couple of true friends yesterday. These two folks pulled up looking so sharp that we, I mean they, kept on getting stopped by onlookers to make sure they knew how good they looked. You might remember this brotha from my first ever post "first shoot" on the Blog. I also photographed the family last fall in the post "1+1=9". This is just a quick "peek" for now.

Enjoy and I'll be bloggin yawl!!!

David






Finding My Mojo

Earlier in the year I set some goals for myself and my work along the journey without being 100% sure how I was going to pull a few of them off. I am happy to tell you that all is well.

I started off the year with a goal to shoot two weddings and I am happy to report that I have four weddings that I will be shooting this year; the first of which will be a destination wedding next week in Jamaica. God is good and I have continued to be thankful and faithful for his continued blessings on my life. I can honestly say that it's been a very interesting journey but I needed the journey to help me find, I mean develop my authenticity with this art. Not sure if I have reached my destination yet and I kinda hope I never do but that I continue to grow.

I have had some awesome opportunities with photography in my life and which have led me to India, Washington D.C., California, Tennessee, and now Jamaica and Seattle in mid October. To get paid for something you love to do, are passionate about is a "gift" which I don't take for granted. I often think of how Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods must feel and now that I have had a little taste, I want more.... I do what I do "part-time" and I'm not putting any limitations of myself and where this will take me. I am just going to be ever clear on the source of my blessings. I have a few pictures to post later today but I wanted to get this out of my head and onto the Blog.

Photography has got to be one of the most complicated, frustrating and time consuming undertakings I have ever embarked on. But at the same time has been one of the most rewarding, fulfilling and inspirational things I have ever done in my life. There to much meat on this bone for me to go into now but I often reflect how I have been finding my "Mojo" over this past year. Thanks to those who read and subscribe to my Blog (Clo, Pru, Angel, eRic and others) for noticing and giving me that feedback. Look forward to more lifestyle and wedding content coming to a Blog near you baby!

David

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Environmentally Friendly

"Photographer knocks woman over the head with camera lens"; that was almost the headline from this shoot. Here are a few shots from the "Picture Perfect" shoot which was my attempt to do a better job at incorporating the surrounding environment/backgrounds into my work as well as a little experimenting. We both had to get comfortable with the different looks and I will tell you that it was definitely a "journey" for both of us.

One of the nicest compliments I received from Jessie, in between the "I don't like that", etc, was that she is considering getting one of the photo's blown up to hang on her wall; that made my day!!!. Enjoy these and I have a few more of my favorites to post later.

David

For the record, she liked many of the shots after I edited them and we talked; my ole "Jedi Mind Tricks."