Ok, so we all know how crazy everything is during this pandemic. We have all had to find a new normal, and adjust to new guidelines and restrictions. Weddings are being canceled and rescheduled and even though that is absolutely the responsible decision, that does not mean that makes the decision an easy one. Today I am writing about a wedding I had the extreme privilege of capturing for friends of mine. We didn’t know each other until recently when they asked me to help capture their engagement photos ( which were incredible btw ) and then none of this was imaginable. They had planned to have a big wedding in Kentucky and for reasons had to cancel this once, and upon rescheduling we all met Covid-19. They had to cancel again, but they were determined to become husband and wife despite the chaos. So the original large wedding was drastically downsized and moved to Tennessee. When they decided this as the new plan, they contacted me to see if I was available and comfortable with a small wedding all things considered. If you follow me on the socials, you already know the answer to that. What you may not know is how amazing this family is. How deep the love they share for one another, and the children of this new union. They are also fans of the outdoors and The Office, I mean its like fate had other plans for us all.. I love The Office :)

Even though we all have to make hard calls and rethink our daily living, I am so glad to introduce you to Mr and Mrs Slate. #fatetobeSlate I am so very blessed to call them friends of mine now and look forward to many many more memories we will create together going forward. So lets get to the goods shall we… drum roll

I would normally thank the other vendors involved but this wedding was special. This was a show of love for one another by one another in almost every way. I am also extremely pleased to say how much these FEEL like my work and that makes me one happy photographer.

Also, I shot some film.. one roll isn’t developed yet but.. these are !!

Well, I am home from vacation and more motivated than ever. Not that our trip was especially relaxing, too many kids for that LOL, but because of its timing. Today I am going to write without much of a filter and just get to the brass tacks of the matter. I am currently constantly listening to a new to me podcast by Andy Frisella called MFCEO. He has no filter and talks some hard truths and that is often what I need most. No fluff, no shit, just realness. I also get that from my friends, especially Wes. My wife rather enjoys putting me in my place too but that isn't today's topic LOL. I have been listening heavily and still have tons to check out but in a nutshell what I have taken away is this:
Surround yourself with a strong team of friends and people who will be 100% honest with you.
There is a massive difference in a Goal VS a dream and how to separate the two.
No one is going to walk up to you and hand you everything you want to accomplish. You have to take a step of faith ( if you're religious ) put on your big boy pants and DO THE DAMN WORK!
Most importantly so far, believe in the product you sell. In my case, myself and my vision. If you know me at all, my confidence is often my biggest hurdle. I see only the flaws and the cracks in my work. Enough of that. It ends now. I have far too many clients, friends, and people supporting me to let doubt slow me down.
There are many more points but you gotta go give him a listen, this isn't a free pass to his insight. Quit being lazy and check him out.

Ok, here is where it gets dicey. I am an avid follower of Christ. We are members of our church, and volunteer as often as possible. This fact often leaves me, for good reason, watching what and how I say things. It keeps me grounded, but it also makes me un-authentic at times. Hold on. Here me out. Pastor Derek spoke Sunday about being honest. In our prayers and conversations with Christ and something clicked. I'm not honest enough. Anywhere in life probably. In my faith, opinions, and dislikes. I often find myself being too nice for my own good or anyone else for that matter. But I am also far from perfect, and you know what, that's ok. He sees me in my failures and when I'm losing my shit during a road rage fit and love me anyway. One of my absolute favorite quotes is " I love Jesus but a cuss a little". TRUTH. I strive to be better every day but I am going to fail, but I am also going to get up way more times than I am knocked down. I don't know how to quit and refuse to even consider it anymore. Yep, that's right I have almost put the camera up too many times. I get frustrated when business is slow and when I feel like I am undervalued. Long story short, Throat Punch Productions coming, and coming in like Ricky Bobby in his underwear, on fire. I will make no excuses or apologies for being genuine anymore. Get on board or out of our damn way. I can't wait to see what we create collectively and the friends we make along the journey. The Facebook page is up and live and the site is in the works so follow along early and stick around for the fireworks people!

““Hate it or love it the underdog’s on top
And I’m gonna shine homie until my heart stop
Go head’ envy me “”

— https://genius.com/The-game-hate-it-or-love-it-lyrics

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