Wolf Laurel Wedding

Every now and then you meet people and immediately understand that your paths had to cross and by doing so certain things are aligned and correct in the universe.  I didn’t know this in the beginning when I had planned to meet Cassi for coffee at one of my favorite places downtown Johnson City, The Willow Tree Coffee house ( RIP ) and if I am honest I wasn’t aware of this connection until the actual day of the wedding. As with all things, including the above mentioned coffee house, Covid has effected and altered it all.  When Cassi and I sat down and started the introductions she mentioned the details of the wedding as far as they had planned at least. They had planned a wedding near by in Gray but then had to take a step back and reconsider due to Covid but also because they were moving. Logan is from Memphis and they were headed there for his work. This meant they decided to look at planning their wedding a little differently. I would like to state that since Covid my weddings have needed to be scaled back and more elopements have happened, and I could not be happier. I find it so much easier to create intimate, meaningful work when I can focus more on creating and less on 200 guests to get in my frame. I say that to emphasize how thrilled I was when Logan and Cassi decided to have a small, intimate wedding at Wolf Laurel Community. This is a private community located near Wolf Ridge Ski resort and a beautiful place to declare their love privately amongst the small close group of friends and family they could include. This ultimately means it’s much easier to get to know those present, and also makes it easier to work closer with everyone than it might have been before.  My work needs this connection to be meaningful in my opinion. I hate when my work seems clinical, and without emotion. Not that I don’t connect to all of my clients but there are different levels of this of course.

Logan and Cassi attend the same church as my family and I. A different campus but the same network and this was one more way we were connected. They have been extremely kind and caring since knowing them. I owe them my gratitude for that alone as well as for the confidence that they have in my work but that they also encourage me to have in myself. They are beautiful people with wonderful senses of humor and gave me full reign over the creative process. Another reason I knew our time together would be unique and incredible. It was, for the record. I don’t have a list of vendors to include in this post or to tag because these two truly took care of everything themselves. The only vendor there was the hair and make up team and they did an incredible job while I weaved in and out creating a timeline of the day visually. 

I also experienced a first at their wedding that truly touched me and lit a fire in my faith all at once. They mentioned this to me on the day of the wedding and that threw me off for a second but only because I immediately put so much pressure on myself to make sure it was captured. If I could go back and change anything at all this part may be were I would have wanted something different but even as I type this out, I know in my heart that’s not true. Staging moments has its place but moments like this need to be fluid and unfaultered. Mid way through the ceremony the young couple moved to the side and took turns washing one another’s feet. They knelt without hesitation in claiming to put God first in this life. They were making a public declaration of not only faith, but of servitude toward and for the other person. I was speechless. Just as Jesus came and taught us to serve, they reminded us, this is Love in its truest form. Serving one another. 

The entire day was magical and so easy to be apart of and not only as the photographer, but as a friend. As a part of their day not disconnected and forgotten.  I can’t imagine a more perfect love story for Cassi and Logan than the one we shared on a mountain side among their people. 

This one was a little longer and I apologize but hey, I haven’t written in  a minute so I had some making up to do right?

I wish you forever Mr and Mrs Eavenson!

The Pond House Bohemian Wedding

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to make this post. Last summer, I know I said it has been some time, I had the extreme privilege to be invited to The Pond House. One of my fellow photographers and good friend, Katy Sergent asked if I would have any interest in joining a styled shoot she had planned. Obviously I was very curious immediately, but once she sent me her vision board ( for lack of a better term ) I knew this day was going to be something I had to partake in. There were so many wonderful vendors who made this day possible and without each and every one of them, this day would not have been as ethereal as it was.

These Lilly pads though..

The location Katy chose for the shoot was a wonderful place that also serves as an AirBnB in Erwin Tennessee. Erwin is a small town in East Tennessee, with a rich history and a wonderful place for those who also love the outdoors as myself. The place we were invited to shoot at is, The Pond House . This beautiful location sits butted up to the beautiful East Tennessee mountains and of course the pond is breathtaking as well. This was a Bohemian Styled Wedding and the dress alone would be enough to warrant a photo shoot in my opinion.

I am so grateful for the community of creatives that I have surrounding me here. It is also refreshing to know that when one of my couples have a need, I can easily contact someone I trust to help paint the picture for their special day. I will let the rest of my words come to you on there own via the imagery. Please take time to follow all of the vendors listed below, and a huge thank you to them all for making this day so unique, but a special thank you to Katy for all of her time, effort, and vision for the day. Thank you for trusting I would bring something different as well.

Thank you for reading and coming by. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheers!

Creative Ruts for Creatives

Hello and I am grateful you're here. Its been a bit since we have chatted. I hope you don’t need to hear what I have to say, as I hope you are doing wonderfully, but just in case you find your self struggling or down, please take 2 mins to watch my latest video below.

Stay well at all costs my friends.

Find the video Here

Daniel and Matt's Adventure Elopement

"Buzz" , my phone went off in my pocket.

It was an email from my website, "elopement enquiry". Fun fact, I get anxious if I don't reply to clients quickly. So I stopped what I was doing to give the email my full attention. This email was going to be more than I could have imagined. The email was from a couple looking for a photographer. Not just any photographer though, they need an Adventure Photographer. According to Gizmodo. com-" Adventure photography is simply the act of photographing adventures, typically in the outdoors. It's a niche defined by stunning landscapes, dynamic personalities, and challenging, ever- changing shooting conditions!”

This is The area I long to establish myself. I want all the adventures, hell I long for them. So when I realized here was another chance to do what I love, with 2 new people, in a landscape I've never seen. I was all in.

Some of the beauty in the Gorge. Trees touching the sky and waterfalls pouring into the earth.

Dan and Matt can tell you their story far better than I can lay my Apple Pencil to my IPad so I will save myself that shortcoming. I will however cover the best parts that involve me.

We emailed back and forth for weeks and scheduled a Facetime meeting. They wanted someone up for a challenging hike, with a moody Aesthetic, and who shared the love of the outdoors that they shared with one another. Hello! My name is Jeremy and I check all the boxes. All that was missing was the actual personal connection between them and myself but 2 minutes into our Facetime meeting and I knew.

I was going to Kentucky one way or another. LOL

They were engaged at a place special to them. Dan hung hundreds of light in the trees in the middle of the woods. He invited their families who hid until the big moment. Matt hiked in on this day with one foot in a boot which is a testament to his love for Dan in my opinion. Fast forward to October 3rd, 2020 (“year of Rona" ) and I find myself in KY. My favorite camera bag loaded full and ready. Yes my Atlas Pack (I know, I owe you a review of it), my Canon EOS R , EOS RP, Leica M3, Fuji GW 690iii, Canon 50mm 1.2L, Canon 24mm 1.4L, RF 24-105f.4 and my DJI Mavic Mini. We Are headed to one of the most breathtaking places I've ever had to opportunity to see. We are at the "Red River Gorge of Kentucky" 29,000 acres inside the Daniel Boone National Forrest- more specifically a trail aptly named, "Cloud Splitter”!

I know I cannot truly, or fittingly show you the topography of this hike. I can't express fully how intense the climb up was. Crawling on all fours at times, and traversing, hand over hand up a single climbing rope, tied to the only tree allowing the way up or down. I was ellated! Im talking so steep, my 40lbs of camera equipment had to be hoisted down alone. I always keep climbing carabiners, among other necessities in my gear. I took my carabiner, pulled the rope to myself where I connected my pack and lowered it down before climbing down myself. This was before I met the guys for the actual elopement.

So all of that and I haven't even met Dan or Matt in person ever. That's what it takes. Long days, little sleep, dedication, preperation, and refusal to fail. I want this life, and will not stop until its how I'm known. Watch this VLOG for more, and most importantly.

Thank You to Matt and Dan. I wish you a long happy marriage, full of adventure, full of love, and plenty of ALE 8.

I spoke to Matt and he and Dan graciously agreed to allow me to share a link to their entire gallery. If you would like to see that please click HERE.

Kristi+Brynnan

Life is funny sometimes. You meet people, never knowing that not only are you making friendships, but you are creating opportunities to work with those awesome people down the road. That is exactly what happened. Kristi and I met when we worked at the same job, probably 18 years ago. Fast forward to now, and we have worked in the same store again, but this time at different times, but when she and Brynnan decided that a wedding was in the future, she messaged me on Instagram asking how I worked. Clearly if you are here you know that the images today are from an amazing afternoon in Knoxville, Tennessee where they live now.

Would you guess, they also love the outdoors, and kayaking! Win Win Meads Quarry!

We had tried planning a shoot for them for months off and on but planning anything this year has been, well you know how it’s been. 2020 has been trying at best. So after several attempts we decide that Knoxville is a go, now we have to figure out where in Knoxville. They are relatively new to town and I have only shot here a few times but those locations are not what we need today. No we need nature, wonder, and I think we found it. Clearly these two found this same wonder in one another, and that’s why this coming weekend is going to be so amazing as they say “ I Do”. So what do you do? No idea where to plan this shoot, well you do what any normal, fairly intelligent person does-Hey Google!

Some options came up but those are the basic, tourist attraction options that any basic search will provide so deeper I scoured. Long story short here, we decided to explore somewhere new to us all. Somewhere truly unique. We chose to meet up at Meads Quarry, in Knoxville. I had never heard of this place prior and was truly excited to visit, especially with them. So me being me, I got there a little early and well lots and lots of Chaco blisters , 20,000 steps according to my watch and one amazing day later we had their engagement session captured. I am a little biased but man, these are intense. New locations, with people I have never worked with before sure did equal something special.

As of officially putting these words to type, I have already delivered this full gallery to them. I usually like to write here first, as a sneak peak for them as well as anyone reading but the words wouldn’t come this time. That happens. I am far from being a good writer, though I love the challenge and the therapy of bringing these feelings and stories to life but sometimes we can’t force the work. We can’t force the song to be written, the words to develop in rhythm, or maybe you can’t express those feelings you feel right away, and i’m here to tell you- THATS OK.

Never feel like you have to rush your work, your art, your passion. I hope in my waiting that this short tale, has meaning, has character, and had your attention. Until next time.

JG

Hursts party of 4

History- "the whole series of past events connected with someone

or something."

This word history, thats what I think of

when I think of this family. You see, Natasha and Jennifer have known each other for years. Im guessing here, but I would say 20 plus years so yeah, there is history there. I have had the honor to shoot for Jennifer & Todd before. We have ventured to the top of the Roan and captured her maternity images while she was carrying Wilder. We met up again after he was born and took family photos at Grandfather Mountain. Fast forward a few years and this family of 3 has now bumped up to a party of 4. So when I heard it was time to meet Eva-Woods AKA #lilvoovoo- I couldn't help but get excited.

I'm selfish in my excited though. -these people make beautiful children! I think it's safe to say that we share a mutual love and respect for nature which makes my work so much More!

So history. We make it everyday.

We are living in a global pandemic for crying out loud. But we make history when we make memories together. I have the extreme pleasure and task of capturing those and documenting this new history. For my children for these children below and all of those who come next.

We made new memories and documented moments for our legacy and history. We sent our ripples through time one shutter click, one smile, one moment at a time!

So as a reminder, life is short so play in the creeks, walk barefoot in the grass and love. Love above all else. - J

Craggy Pinnacle Trail 2020

Adventure, or as we call it around my house “adventure” is most welcome for me and my family. I often venture out on my own, or maybe with Atlas and then depending on our find we may then plan a trip back with the rest of the family ( minus Jaryn this trip unfortunately ). You may have seen my images from Craggy Pinnacle Trail the first time Atlas and I visited on your way to Asheville to drop off some film at Ball Photo. We even made a vlog that day. I shot mostly film that day with a mix of digital but surprisingly only took the Canon Eos R and 50mm 1.2L lens. I am usually not a 50mm fan but man this glass is something special. This is not a gear post though so back to it. We had to make a pit stop before our hike and on that journey Natasha noticed the abandoned prison and made sure I stopped by there on the way out and I am very glad we did. How cool is this find?

As you can see the skies were blue and the clouds were full, but that would quickly turn to rain but we were determined to find some time outside together. We planned ahead and had our rain jackets so nothing would stop us.

These are the things that I remember most. These are the tales I want to recall one day. Days full of smiles, dirty Chaco feet and time outside together. This is a super short, simple hike but so worth the drive. You pass through several tunnels which we always hold our breathe until we clear the exit side because Atlas loves to do it and that’s enough. These images may look familiar in some way if you saw the first gallery but this was a different day. A day we celebrated the little things again. Time together, time in nature, time to remember how strong we are as a family.

Deckers Maternity session at Roan Mountain State Park

That look though :)

Hey, I am glad your here!

I hope while you are here you take time to read the other entries. For now though let's concentrate on the reason your here Photo's! Not just any photos of course. You are here to see the latest images I captured for Anton, Julie, and the kids. (one to be introduced very soon)

Lets slow down for a moment though and reflect. I have been extremely fortunate to capture many moments for this amazing family.

Engagement session-✓

Wedding-✓

Minis -yup

Maternity-✓

The last of which I am thrilled to share with you now. Anytime I am approached to shoot, there are things I always consider- location, mood, and I want to know the why behind our moments. Julie and I spoke about her vision and I knew that I wanted to be there. In case your new here or to my work, I love All things outside and adventure. We spoke about location's that may convee what she and I wished for. We quickly decided Roan Mountain State Park fit the bill perfectly. We walked among the trees', we played in the creek in the park, but most importantly, we documented their love-Again. For one another. for their family, and for this life they have built together.

This is something I learn more and more. To keep the moments. To stop worrying about how sharp the shot is. If it resonates emotion with my client, audience or myself-that is always enough! It has to be. If the moments we capture fail to tell a story or remind us of a better time then why do it at all? I understand the importance of documenting for history purposes but that is completely different. I want to document all things in this life, the Happy, the sad, the unjust, the breathtaking, and I want to do that with and for each and everyone reading this. What are you waiting for? Hit the contact me button already!

Let see those images already!

““The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” - Audrey Hepburn”

— https://lifehacks.io/inspirational-love-quotes-sayings/

Tim + Brooke Downtown JC

I am very lucky in the fact that I get to do something I am so very passionate about while capturing passion for others. I start these blogs with high hopes of words of grandeur but always feel like my words fall short of the story I am trying to unfold for anyone reading. Thats because its not often, my story to tell so coming from me just doest’t feel right to me. My work and my vision that I infuse with these stories are a different tale all together. I don’t want to write here and tell you the love story between Tim and Brooke, but rather know that when you see these images below that you can not deny the way he looks at his soon to be wife, and how she lights up when he takes her by the hand. I always feel my visuals are my way of speaking the best that’s typically why I keep my entries so short. I want to respect the narrative of the story I am blessed to capture and record.

Brooke and I have be friends for a little while now and I was delighted when her sister emailed me to ask about my availability and especially when she stated I was Brookes first choice. This is why I get so excited to work with people. When I can get past my own doubts, I can see the world a little differently and then I can not help but create. With all the nonsense that 2020 has delivered on a sliver platter, I am so grateful that love wins. I am so glad that among the hurt in our world, that we can still find these pockets to of wonder to hold on to and to fuel our hope for a better future.

Brooke and Tim live 2 hours away and we planned this session several times but weather and pandemics spoiled our plans a few times, but I am confident that only happened to make this day so spectacular as a result.

The Things That are Left -

“The world made me cold. You made me water. One day we’ll be clouds.”

Iain S. Thomas

#FatetobeSlate

This is perfect.

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 !!

Alexis Class of 2020

What a year this has been, and currently continues to be. It is a terrible shame that this years Seniors are not having the experience they deserve, the experience they have earned. I know no one could expect the rollercoaster that this calendar year would turn out to be and that the Class of 2020 would be the Class of a Quarantine as well. Most small businesses have suffered and some have all but had to shut down completely but I am happy to say that joy is still very much alive. That creativity will live on. When Alexis’ mom messaged me months ago discussing her senior portraits, well we clearly had a different plan but I am extremely pleased to say that I don’t think this session could have turned out any better. I have looked at these often and posted a few sneak peaks but I am happy to say her gallery is alive and its straight fire! A few samples now…

With all the disappointment that I can only imagine some seniors are feeling with the turn of events, I hope beyond those disappointments, they are able to see the cup half full so to speak. I hope they see all they accomplished and they see this down time as an opportunity to get a jump on their next adventure. I am sure some will give me crap for shooting during this time but you know what, Alexis deserved this and there was no way I was going to let her miss this milestone. There was zero chance we weren’t going to document this and man we did it well :) Thats all for now but I have another session coming soon..

Congratulations Alexis!!!

Tony + Summer

Every now and then you have a session that is just stupid fun. I mean the kind of day that makes you smile until your face hurts. Thats what happened while hanging out with Summer and Tony on this day. Summer was quick to let me know that I could include the out takes as they love them and she would post them, so I have included a couple here but that may give you a window into the overall joy of our time together. Tony and I have been friends for a few years after we met at the gym. At that time he and I both attended Crossfit Melee, which is now Mountain Top Crossfit and if you have ever tried Crossfit you know how quickly it is to make friends who are sharing the same sucky experience as you LOL. Fast forward to this session and all its greatness. They asked to meet up at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN and I was happy to oblige.

Back rides and forehead kisses for his lady.

Even in this first image above you can see the affection they share, but you can also see the laughter and how much we cut up for the entire session. We walked and talked and I got to know them both a little better. We avoided anyone that may be out ( be smart people ) and made our way around the lake. The lighting was a little tricky in the beginning but by the end of our session the light was looking pretty incredible.

I always want to leave my work for clients, and hope that above all else it creates a feeling. Stirs emotion, brings back memories of wonderful times they shared, and act as a reminder that its ok to slow down and be present. Its ok to be still and wait. Its also ok to laugh like children, and sneak those ever so subtle looks at your person while they are unaware.

Be safe, show someone you care, and sneeze into your elbow LOL

Iron Market Coffee Co.

Do you love coffee? Do you love helping people? Well today’s blog post is especially for you. Grab your favorite coffee mug and let’s get to it. PSA- If you love coffee you may need a bib going forward. How delicious is this?

I mean that contrast from light to shadows is well, my favorite.

A little back story before I drop the other images below which is becoming my go to design for this blog. Maybe Ill mix it up or maybe I won’t. Keep tuning in to find out. Ok, coffee but not just in coffee. We are talking about Haitian Blue by Iron Market Coffee. My good friend Robert Brown messaged me on Facebook recently and asked if I would be interested in trying this new coffee he and a friend of his is selling, and DUH of course I do. I love coffee. Just ask Silva Coffee, or Dangerous But Good as I have also shot for them. I like-a-the coffee. He said he would bring a sample to work and I could run by and grab it, so Atlas and I did just that. It is a very smooth coffee. I am no expert here but you will have to grab a bag and see what I mean for yourself. The website can be found HERE and you should also click HERE and get to Instagram and tell them I sent you. I also wanted to give you the reason behind this brand and as I started to compose this entry, I realized I am not the person to do so. I messages Robert immediately and asked that he give me the reason in his own words.

“Travis Gouge and I have both gone to Haiti on Mission trips and developed a passion for the region and wanted to do more to help. Travis originally had the idea and brought me in knowing I had a passion for coffee and Haiti.”

The back of the bag reads:

“The Iron Market in Port Au Prince stands tall as a symbol of hope for the people of Haiti. Our mission at Iron Market Coffee is to provide our customers with the freshest and best coffee possible while also helping to give hope to a country in desperate need of basic necessities.

We purchase the beans directly from Haiti, which provides needed income for coffee farmers. The beans are roasted and individually bagged for every customer. All profits from the coffee are given directly back to help provide food and education for children in Haiti.”

The money they raise from the sale of this coffee, goes to help those that need it, directly in Haiti. See, amazing coffee and an even better cause. Why buy coffee to line the pockets of some corporation when you can actually help someone who genuinely needs some help. Worse case you try and it and you don’t love it as much as we do, then mail me the rest, and you still helped someone and that is something to be proud of too. Seriously I will drink it LOL

Ok photos are what I do and what I do best so lets put this keyboard to bed. Photo time:

#coffeeonamission

Trinity Senior Session

She asked for different, so different she got!

Trinity is one tough lady and I am glad to know her and even more ecstatic that her she is still writing her story. I won’t even attempt to tell her story, but I hope she does some day. Just know, Cancer has nothing on this girl. If you know me you know the C word has tore through my families world when Natasha was diagnosed with not 1 but 2 types of cancer. I think this combined with my having known Trinity for years, made this particular session hard for me. Not hard to do what I love. Not hard because she isn’t a wonderful young lady to spend the afternoon with. She was a rockstar in every definition of the word. I think this was hard because I put more pressure on myself to deliver. Not just pleasing photos but to deliver a message almost. I wanted these to mean something. I wanted these to bring joy to someone in this stupid pandemic we are all trying to navigate in our own ways. I wanted her to know, how amazing she is and how grateful this world is to have her still kicking ass in it.

We had chatted back and forth for weeks off and on to decide the mood she wanted for her images. She and I have similar interest as far as the mood of the work ( Dramatic ) so this was a blast for me to be apart of. She was open to any idea I had as long as that included a gross Sweet Tea from Pals in the end. Needless to say she got her Tea.

I love to find new ways to use areas i’ve shot in the past to create something different for my clients, and this can be a struggle, but if you know me at all, you know I am fiercely competitive so I am up for the task. Don’t believe me, check it out for yourself already.

This is just a sample of the gallery I will be releasing today or tomorrow but I coudln’t wait to share a few of these for her, and with you. I hope you enjoyed these images, all taken with the Canon Eos RP, Canon 35L and Good AD200. Do you have a High School or Collegiate Senior needing photos to document this monumental time in their life? I know a guy. Have a great Tuesday where ever you are.

J

Sunday Introductions

I am writing this to hopefully shed some light onto who I am behind the camera but more importantly to break up the negativity surrounding us these days and times. The pandemic is in full force around us and I thought, I might write something different and distracting to those who take the time to read it. I don’t plan for this to be a look into my past, but more of who I am now, as an artist specifically. Let’s get to the bottom of it.

I should probably start with some basic information for anyone who hasn’t met me or doesn’t know me at all. Hi, Im Jeremy Gouge ( gooj ) and I live and grew up here in East Tennessee. I am a geek, and love technology and being a photographer/ cinematographer / creative lends well to me for that reason if nothing else. I have a Youtube problem but mostly because of my curiosity in all things related to creating. If I were to share my view history and subscription list, you may think “ is he interested in anything except his line of work?”
The short answer is of course I do but nothing is as interesting or consuming for me. I am constantly trying to learn new things. I love to read books actually. Not may people know that about me. Ill get into that a bit more below.

ME

I don’t remember picking up the camera for the first time, and being overwhelmed with purpose, but I wish I had. I don’t even remember picking up a camera for the first time at all. I assume it was something my parents had while I grew up, and definitely only shot film but I cant recall any of those moments. I actually have a very hard time remembering a lot of things from my childhood, and even in general. This is one of the major reasons my photographs mean so much to me. They a are a reminder, a glimpse at a memory just beyond my mental reach. I hope I deliver that to my clients as well, but I am selfish in my work because it’s how I recall moments in time. Please don’t mis understand though, my need to create is even greater than my desire to remember. It is why I don’t see a time, when I am not documenting my world. I didn’t do it enough younger in life and now at 40, well just expect a camera to be on or with me at all times. I have used this time quarantined at home to reflect and to also try and document this time differently as well.

I am a husband to my lovely wife, Natasha and we have been married for 10 years this year ( if we don’t murder each other before August LOL ). We have 3 boys, Austin, Jaryn, and Atlas. We also have 2 pups as of writing this, Cinder and Bean. We are collectively competitive and that’s fun, and we love all things outdoors. From hiking, to camping, off roading, hunting for the boys, fishing, etc. We also love to travel ( dang it Corona ) and look very much toward our upcoming adventures whatever they are. We attend North Ridge Community Church here in Johnson City, and I also volunteer there to capture services, make videos, and help run social media.

Ok lets talk about books. I think reading is a wonderful pastime, and one I never had interest in until I was in my 20s. I have since discovered a passion for books and those fall into 3 categories generally speaking.

1) Faith

2) Photography- you don’t say

3) Phycological Crime Fiction- the crazier the better :)

2 of the 3 books in the series.. your welcome

I am currently devouring a series by J.D. Barker and cant put it down. The characters are relatable, the plots are brilliant and this last book in the 4MK ( 4 Monkey Killer- Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak no evil, Do no evil ) and it may be one of my favorite books ever. I love all things written by John Connolly and Chelsea Cain as well.

Did you know I love poetry? Yep that’s me. Throat Tattoo and all. I love all things Edgar Allen Poe, and my all time favorite poet is Iain S Thomas. I actually envision a body of work of mine, based off of the words in his work. Coming soon… dun dun dun

I mean, did you read that? WOW

Ok, enough rambling from me. If you read my blogs or follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably already know a lot about me and my likes. ( Coffee, guns, knives, film, tattoos, vans, Defender 110s- Lord Help me) but what do you want to know more of? I would love to connect with you and answer your questions. About anything. So if you wanna know me better, ask away. Lets use this time to be productive and grow.

J

A shot of our packs from our last family hike.

The family in Cozumel, Mexico- That Chaco life though

BlackHeart Salon of Kingsport Tennessee

Its me again, and this time Im bringing something a little different. So with all the madness in the world and the non stop talk of pandemics my small business is still grinding every day. Luckily for me, I am a pro at “Social Distancing”, and the adventure in my normal work proves that. Today though I wanted to share something very different for me. I forget that people and future clients, only assume I shoot what I share the most of, and well that’s just not always the case. I have worked with multiple clothing companies, products, and also modeling agencies. I recently had the extreme pleasure of working with Annie to capture these and more images of their salon in downtown Kingsport, TN.

You may recognize this location from a video we did at ThroatPunch Productions for my wife, where I cut her hair off before she started her chemo treatments. Annie is the reason we were able to shoot here, and she is the professional that came in and finished the haircut while I picked my camera back up and went to work through tears and all the emotions. When she messaged me about capturing the essence of the salon, I was more than happy to help as they are entering a contest on Salon Decor. I hope they crush it, but if you have ever been inside, its easy to see why this place not only appeals to my style, but should win the contest. Its amazing, dark, eclectic, and just badass. Everyone I have met while being there with Natasha, or when meeting with Annie, have been amazing. I even shot a short video for her, where I was allowed to use music from her husband and friends band, Wulfhound. ( click the band name for the song we used, your welcome )

Every inch of the salon has character. Its genuinely unique.

I know what your thinking, “wait a minute, Jeremy you are bald so what do you know about salons?” I would say that your correct. I don’t know anything about hair, style, fashion, or anything related to a salon but I do know how the place feels. I know how inspiring it is to walk into, and how welcoming it is. That is something I can dig my teeth into, and hope that is exactly what I convey here. The overall feel of Black Heart Salon. Click the link below and send them some love, and then more photos will follow.

Black Heart Salon

Canon EOS RP and High Speed Sync- Short Entry

The EOS RP and Good X2T trigger

Hey and thanks for stoping by. If you are reading this you probably fall in to 2 categories but regardless as to why, I am glad to have you. I mad a quick Youtube video today and thought I would write down my thoughts and the process to shoot your Canon Eos RP in High Speed Synch. I will assume that if you have found this via a Google search that you already know what HSS is but just in case, it basically is the process of shooting your camera with flash OVER the factory flash sync shutter speed. On the Eos RP this is 1/180 of a second. So that means, anytime I shoot flash I have to shoot at ISO 100 ( depending on the ambient light I want to allow ), a shutter speed as the above mentioned 1/180th of a second, which leaves my aperture around F9-F11. I don’t mind this generally, as a sharp image makes me very happy. Often though, I prefer that dreamy out of focus area behind my subject, thus needing to shoot a faster shutter speed, and smaller aperture. I use the Canon 35L series lens that opens up to F1.4 and sometimes I just want to shoot wide open. That means my shutter speed needs to be much faster, say 1/1000th of a second for example. In the video below I show you exactly how to get your EOS RP to shoot HSS as it will not from factory. I hope this helps and please feel free to share this with anyone you think might be interested or find this information of value. Thats all for today, but I hope you find joy in whatever your doing while reading this.

Jeremy

Colby Senior Portraits

As we are just 3 months into 2020, I can say for the first time in a very long time that I am pleased with my work. I am pleased with the fact that my artistic vision is pushing past my insecurities. I am so humbled that my work is being printed and shared. That alone will mean this calendar year is a success as far as my work is considered. That also means, I only have to create bigger goals starting now. I am very blessed to work with some of the most amazing people in different settings. I have made so many friends because of my photography, and vise versa, meaning I have friends that have also allowed me to capture moments for them, and their families. This post is about that specifically.  I had the pleasure of shooting some of my favorite session this weekend, a senior session, for my friend Betty. Her son is soon to graduate and I was honored to be asked, and even more so to have been apart of this milestone for her son Colby. 

Rocking his Dads belt buckle for his session.

I am persistent when getting to work with high school seniors. I know its not always comfortable to have your photo taken. I know that 17-18 years of age can be a difficult time for some. I always want to make our sessions relaxed but more importantly I need them to be genuine. Genuine to the individual. I want to capture them for who they are, not how the parents want them to look. I know this is a touchy area since parents are paying for the session but I need to capture the real personality. Lucky for my people, I am pretty laid back but also have a vision once I have spent a few minutes getting to know them. Colby is a great young man from where I stand, and even though guys tend to be a little more rigid in front of the camera, it wasn’t long before he was relaxed enough to make some amazing images. I will start below with my favorites, and then share more than usual as well. I never want to over share but I think its time I turn off some of the nagging voices in my head and just create. Whatever that looks like to me. So lets toss our mullets in the wind and Let Freedom Ring. ‘Merica

Make sure and scroll through those images of the Mullet in the wind HAHA.

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.

Changes are a comin’

This is a super short insert to just be forthcoming that my site is about to go for some cosmetic surgery. I feel like it is too busy at the moment so I intend to simplify the content here to hopefully create at much more user friendly experience. I hope that is is something that those of us in society that are over stimulated already can easily navigate and at the same time express my work and art in a way that is genuine to itself and to myself.

I also want to remind you, if your reading this, that any image I post here or our IGs are available for print. I am currently contemplating the purchase of a printer ( again ) to make prints readily available but will need to see if there is a desire for that from, well anyone but myself. I say this jokingly as I have been lucky enough to produce and sell 4 prints already this year. This seems so small but its such an accomplishment to me. I want my work to be seen, to be held but more importantly to be experienced. I want conversations started about my work. I want to be excited again. I want to shoot all the film, make all the prints, and do those things with and for you.

So, thank you for being here. Let me know either here or over at www.throatpunchpros.com what you want so see from me/ us.

We also are available for assignment work. Want a custom, one of a kind, one run print- we can do that to. Let’s talk about it.

J