Saying I do-beauty spot Edition

Life has a funny way of making connections for us and I am so grateful for all those I have made, and those I expect to keep making in my time with and without my camera present. As I lean into the things that reward me the most, I keep finding myself loving my work, more and more. Nature has always been a constant in my life, and it shows it face in my work often. Especially the images the world never sees. The work that I make for me. The work printed in my office.

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator”- Mahatma Gandi

I was recently asked to photograph the elopement for Kailea and Zane, who I met as they accompanied their friends, Summer and Tony while I was photographing them last year. Full circle stuff. When Kailea and I started the conversation, she mentioned the plan was to get married at the court house then find somewhere nice for photos. I am thrilled to say that, plans changed, as they often do. She mentioned needing an option where her grandparents could get to as they were to attend and I fall short on words to describe how beautiful her grandparents are. In their connection, their love for one another, and their love for Kailea. ( Im sure they love Zane too lol ) It was a perfect evening in Unicoi as I drove through Rock Creek climbing Unaka Mountain to ultimately arrive early at our destination, the Beauty Spot. Having been here many times in the past both for work, and for pleasure I had no need to be as early as I was, but I will never pass up a few quite moments alone, in places where the sky touches the earth. I posted up with my book ( These Silent Woods) and disconnected from society while I waited for my people to arrive. The images below where the start of the adventure into forever for this amazing couple, and their friends and family. A total party of 12 if you count the minister and his girlfriend. Small and perfect!

As we chatted and devised a loose plan the rain decided to join us. An uninvited guest, but one I will always greet with a smile once they have made an appearance. A light sprinkle was enough to don the umbrellas to keep our couple dry but sheer minutes after we reached the top ( a lovely albeit short walk for those who may never have been) the rain said it’s farewells and left us with a remarkable sunset cascading over the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. The ceremony was lovely, and working in remote locations gives me so much more access to angles, and point of views. I was able to maneuver anywhere I wish without being a distraction. The couple were swept up in their adoration for one another as they vocalized the commitment to their person. It is always an honor to capture moments like this, but even more so in locations that beg for our attention. I will leave you with a few more images below and please come back, as I plan to create another entry soon discussing tips to plan for such days and for your elopement with me.

Snow Day 2020

Home will always be here..

Well, its been awhile. I apologize for the long silence on my end but many of you know that life has been different for my family and I for a few months. I often enjoy writing here as a way to express my thoughts and get some stuff out and out of my head, but I just haven’t had the words of late. I have been trying to get out and explore more and more as time allows and I always have at least 1 or 3 cameras with me. I have been thinking a lot of late, and I realize how little I actually share my work with, well anyone. I post randomly from time to time and while I appreciate those of you that comment, and like all of this images, I also feel like I have much more to share. Maybe this is a selfish idea on my part, but I started the new year with a challenge to myself. I didn’t tell anyone about this but I am happy to say I set a goal and I crushed it. That goal was simply to post a new photo every day for 1 month. The month of January came and I didn’t miss a single day, and the response was wonderful. I have sold more prints in this calendar year than any other 3 years combined. This makes my heart extremely full. I love to capture the world as I see it, and then to have anyone ( in this case, several someones ) wanting to purchase a copy to display for themselves, well its humbling. So yes any image I post, unless of a model or person, is available for print. Any size and any format is available. I am planning on printing more and to have readily available and my goal has been but is seeming more needed, and that is to own my own printer. I want to be able to print anytime, for anyone and proof my images for myself. I recently posted a new print for sale and am glad to say its going to a friend of my that I consider family. We call him YOMO and he is an incredible person. So Yomo, if you ever see this, I can’t tell you how happy I am this is going to you.

Ok.. back to why Im here writing today. To share more, and let you in just a little bit more. If you know me at all, you know I grew up in Roan Mountain, Tennessee and while I didn’t take advantage of its beauty then, I am trying to make up for now. So below are all of the images I felt worthy of keeping and sharing. I hope you enjoy and I love to hear from each and everyone of you reading this. Tell me if you have a favorite. Let me know if you think it makes sense to own my own printer at home. Most importantly, let me know where I should capture next! HERE WE GO

Atlas- aka my hiking buddy

I apologize for the watermark over the images. I am testing a new service thanks to my friend, Katy. I didn’t realize they were watermarked until I have finished the entry so.. please pardon the nuisance this once.