How do we recharge as creatives?

Today is day 4 of me trying and wanting to Blog daily. I missed yesterday completely but thats also the topic of this entry so I am giving myself some grace on missing, because of why I missed. I think as creatives we often find ourselves caught up in the “Hustle Culture”- meaning we think the only way to win or succeed is to outwork everyone else. As a very competitive person, this is not something I would shy away from, or have in the past. I love what I do and I dedicate a lot of time and energy to it. Into learning, growing, adapting, & stretching my creative boundaries. One of the problems of living this way and never taking time off is you get burnt out so so quickly. Fall as I mentioned a few posts back, is easily the busiest season for me and most every photographer. Yesterday I had full intentions on going to a local Enduro Mountain Bike race at Tannery Knob to take photographs and see my friends. I had planned this for months actually and had to cancel those plans once ( I thought ) due to a scheduling conflict but that worked itself out leaving me open to go do this one thing that I have wanted to do for a long time. The morning came but instead of packing my gear to head to Johnson City to watch people send it down the Mountian, I packed a different backpack, and chose to spend the day with Natasha, and Atlas. Jaryn and Austin were very much so missed, but they both have jobs now. We decided to head to Bays Mountain for a hike together. To reconnect with nature, to reconnect with each other, and. to look for our Creator everywhere we walked.

So in short, todays topic is “ How do we recharge as creatives?” I am so guilty of my “down time” consisting of spending time on my phone scrolling through Instagram, or Twitter. Tik-Tok is a time portal from having a second to myself, to losing an hour on the app. We have been programmed to want and expect something new constantly. I am referring to our attention spans and our patience. Everyone wants it NOW. Answers now- go ask Google, photos now -take it with your phone and remove yourself from the moment entirely, food now- call GrubHub. I think you see where I am going with this. So what are ways we can stop and recharge our creative brains other than with constant and painful comparisons?

For me this has always been by being active to some degree, and the older I get those activities I prefer all revolve around and in nature. In the wonder and beauty the the Lord has given us to enjoy and to protect. Finding his presence among the tress, in the rivers, hiding in plain sight in the clouds. He is omnipresent and so are his works. I find myself longing for adventure more and more often, to see the Redwoods, to explore Iceland, to see sharks breaching off the southern coast of Africa. Because when I remind my self to sit, and be still and listen I can always find my peace outside of technology which is sadly ironic as I am writing this on my Macbook I suppose. The irony of using a camera to document life for myself and others and also wanting to disconnect is not lost on me, but finding the balance within them is where I find I can reset and reconnect the easiest. I would love to know your thoughts, and if you have ideas as well.

Thanks for being here and remember we all fall short, so give yourself some grace today too!

j

Sweet 16 Session

Life is funny isn’t it? We take jobs where we meet people and unknowingly make life long friends. I am not great at making close friends because of my type 9 personality but I do have a plethora of them. One of the friends ( of many) I made while working for Lowes was Eric. He worked in appliances and I was in delivery. through working together, I have had the pleasure of meeting his family, capture his mother -in-laws wedding, taken photos of their children, and most recently was honored to capture Pasley’s sweet 16 photos as well.

If you read yesterdays entry, you know I hope to write daily but to also be precise and short with my words. I hope the photos bring you joy, inspiration, or encourage you to call your favorite photographer to schedule a session today.

We took these at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport, Tennessee and all images where taken with my favorite camera- My Canon EOS R3

Fall for photographers

I am considering starting a journey to break creative barriers and open myself up to new ideas and concepts. One method of this is to try and write daily. I truly want to be a person who uses a journal and who does so regularly but I have yet to find a system that works for me or holds me accountable. I start this entry saying that so anyone reading this might understand that if this blog seems to seem a little more off the cuff or shorter some days than others, it is only because I hope to stick to the plan and create entries daily for the foreseeable future.

So Fall and photographers seem like the perfect match right? The chill in the air, the crisp fall mornings met with dew covered ground, and pumpkin flavored everything. ( NASTY ) The mountain floors start to become blanketed by the leaves as trees release their grip on their foliage some people travel hours to witness first hand. As if nature is transitioning through a prism, creating magic that only quickly fades to make way for winter.

This transition is one of my favorites of the year as well, and as a photographer this means everyone and I do mean everyone wants to attempt to have photos made while the colors are so full of life and color. The only problem with this is, the window of opportunity is so thin, that we can only accommodate so many clients in this time. Luckily for me, I have found ways to make even the greenest, peak of summer moments, feel like fall when needed. Now I cant help the temperature meet your clothing preference, so if you schedule your session too soon, and you cant live without the entire family in sweaters, and Doc Martins, well you better bring a change of clothes for after. On the same hand, even as the temperature meets the ideal level of chill and sun warmed faces, the leaves transition even quicker now so waiting too long means we as photographers have to become creative.

Any other photographer reading this knows the struggle in which the demand of fall brings, and we joke about this on forums, and Facebook groups. We are also aware that as soon as the leaves are gone, and the snow begins, that our intake of new leads and work also fade looking for the first sign of spring. Not entirely of course but I absolutely wish more people would be as intrigued and also see the beauty in the winter months when leaves are gone, branches reach for the heavens alone of their protection. The simple contrast of the temporary reset or death of nature versus the beauty of connection with my subject inspire me in ways that shooting summer days might not.

So to summarize, pe patient with your favorite photographer in the Fall, we are running at full pace trying to find time to shoot for everyone we come in contact with, but also leave ourselves time to put our whole self into editing those images, and grading those videos for you as well. Not to mention have a life with our families doing the fall actives that we also love and enjoy- I mean Halloween is coming :)

Thanks for being here and Ill be here more often. I hope to see you here but in person as well.

Lets make photos together.

Lilly and Carvers Gap

I had the pleasure of growing up in a small town in Tennessee as most of you reading this know. Growing up in Roan Mountain had its up’s and down’s as I suspect growing up anywhere would. It is still a small place in today’s average of community and being raised there led me to meet some of the most incredible people of my life. Growing up and having the blessing of a deep desire to play sports, and just enough athletic ability to fake it enough to play, and getting to do so with people like my friend Chad “Terry” Guinn is still a favorite memory of mine. Chad was a year younger than me in school but that’s close enough to keep us on the same team, almost our entire stint at Cloudland. I can’t recall which sport it was but it was obvious pretty early on, that Chad was one of the good one’s at the risk of sounding cliche. I bring him up because this post is about his daughter Lilly. I had only had the pleasure of meeting her, when I met the rest of their family when I did their family photos a few years ago. Never did I expect her to show up for her senior session and have such a connection to the camera, to movement, and to knowing exactly who she is. I have said this in the past, but this is the driving reason I love working with Senior’s so much. They are finding out who they are, and I get to have a small part in capturing that time for them, for their family, and for them to have a lifetime.

Lilly is a dancer, and though I have never seen her perform, I am confident she is very good at her craft as you can see in her movement, dancing among the literal clouds on top of Carves Gap, in Roan Mountain. We all know this is my favorite place, and sharing these moments there, with people I enjoy means so much more to me that I know how to express.

Fall is quickly adn thankfully approaching, and this brings the flood of work for those “fall colors'“ so if you like the images I have shared here with you, and you would like to discuss how we can create something for you, now is the time to let me know. Email me and lets start that conversation!

j

Hey, I am still here!

Today is July 28th, 2022 at 8:22pm and I just sat down since being home for over 4 hours. This is my normal pace of late. This is not a complaint as I strive on staying busy, and getting things done as needed but after having my achilles surgery last Feb, I am noticing that these long days are coming at more and more of a cost to me physically. This is hard for someone who has been active for almost 4 decades! This does not mean I am slowing down however, as I’m just as motivated, dedicated and excited to keep pushing and to keep creating. I just wanted to take a moment and re connect with anyone who reads this. I wanted to remind you that I am far from finished! I also wanted to tell myself that. Photography is more than a job to me and the more I explore it fully, the more rewarding it has become. I am a photographer,

Thanks for reading and thanks for being here! If you read this, please let me know where “here” is for you!

New content coming- Please follow me on my socials but I am less active on FB than ever, but ill work on that.

Selfie with my Hasselblad 500c

The Backloaded by HEX Brand

MY FAVORITE CAMERA BAG EVER

I have been a photographer / creator for almost 20 years. In the beginning I was too busy trying to learn what the hell I was doing so what I carried my crap in really didn’t matter. I learned pretty fast though that it did matter. I should start by saying everyone has a different idea of what they need and preferences are like opinions. Everyone has one and you know what they say about opinions. I made a video that tanked a few years ago that all camera bags suck. While sadly this is still true in some part, some things have also changed with me.

I have several bags still and each for a specific purpose. This was part of my problem. I was always looking for one bag to end them all so to speak but once I opened my mind to the possibility that I need several bags to accomplish my goals, well that’s where things shifted. It’s like asking my camera and one lens to do all the things I see in my mind. Not gonna happen. I am not going to go into all the bags I’ve owned. If you are curious, I am happy to share that info but most people are here for todays bag. I will mention the 4 bags I currently own and why BUT the focus is on my newest edition.

I think it’s worthy mentioning that Im a “ bag guy” in all the ways. I have other bags for hiking, EDC, concealed carry but no Fanny packs here LOL. I do own a chest rig from Hill People Gear  but that is not the same. It’s like my knife collection. Each has a place and specific purpose it serves, well mostly. Sometimes I just like that new knife and new bag feeling.

Ok so the bags in my arsenal as of writing this.

For adventures, elopements or multiple day adventure shoots my go to bag is the Atlas Pack.  My youngest sons name is also Atlas so I do not pretend to not be a little biased.

For my video kit I try to keep this mostly to my pelican case.

My last daily backpack is great and is the OneMo by PGYTECH. I still have this but is currently for sale to fund the newest edition.

My go to bag for day trips, or just single camera and mostly film days is my Leather Ona Britton bag because leather is badass and always will be.

The bag we are mostly here to talk about though is my new addition to the collection.  The Backloader by HEX brand.

Things I want in a bag are pretty simple. I carry a laptop or IPad Pro with me everyday so I need storage for this. I also need a bag that holds all my gear but functionally to the way I work and shoot. This is an area where everyone differs. For example I never want a bag with side load options for quick access. That doesn’t work for me.  I do want a bag with a chest strap because some days the load is heavier than others. I need padded shoulder straps , and this is why the Vinta Bag did not work for me. I am a bigger man and need some padding.  I also need a water bottle pocket, and a place for a tripod to attach, even though this is something I use sparingly. Organization is super important to me as well. I love knives, and pens, and tools and need somewhere for them to live.

So how does the HEX Brand Backloader stack up? It’s kicks some ass. Thats how. I picked up the camo version ( I have a problem ) used from FB marketplace because I can’t ever buy a bag new because what if i don’t like it right? Buying used doesn’t hurt the wallet so much and also helps justify trying something I see potential in. So if I hated the bag this would have been much shorter, but I don’t.  I don’t hate it at all. I actually think I love it, and believe it is to date the best camera bag I have ever used or owned. Nothing is perfect so what would I change about this bag if I were a designer? The shoulder straps could be a tad wider and more padded and thats it. I am as “shook” as you are.

I love the fact that it has a front pocket for organizing my chaos. I love that it has a card spot for business cards or airline ID cards. It’s also handy to stash a little cash for emergencies. Hear me now, the laptop storage is sensual. Yep, I said that.  EVERY bag I have owned almost makes accessing my laptop or tablet to be a pain. Even if the placement was dialed in, they all offer similar padding. The Hex bag has a velvety kangaroo style pouch that I love using. It is soft but keeps my M1 MacBook safe. Its also accessible independently under the front flap. This keeps my camera gear in its place with no reason to disturb. The entire bag is customizable for your needs and gear and man it does this so well. This thing holds a ton. Whenever I sell a kidney or hit the lotto and can buy the Leica M11 and lenses I want, I’

ll have room for all the activities in this bag. It looks incredible, did I say its digital camo? So sexy. So how do I use it?

The list of everything I currently carry in this bag everyday.

* GFX 50s

*Mitakon 65 1.4

*MD to GF adapter and Rokkor 50mm 1.8

*GFX Grip

*FujiFilm XH1

*Sigma 18-35

*Fringer EF to XF adapter

*Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm 0.95

*DJI Magic Air 2

*Controller

*Spare battery

*Atmos Shinobi Monitor

All the spare batteries, my memory cards and business cards too. It’s crazy. It holds all of this but is still relatively thin which is a huge plus for me. This is one of my sole complaints with my last bag ( the PGYTECH ) and it is a positive shift in size.

If I had to work with a designer to create a bag with my name on it, it would truly be hard to create something that is this functional, mostly comfortable, and simply badass!

They offer others sizes, and options but for this guy, the Backloader checks way more boxes than it doesn’t.

If you have question’s please let me know in the comments. I am here to help,.

How I shoot black and white photos

Before we get into it, I made a YouTube video about this as well and you can find it below.

Did you know I shoot all of my images in black and white? All of them minus some film stocks I love. I shoot in RAW so the image I edit is in color but I only shoot seeing black and white and I think you should try this too. I have always dreamed of owning a Leica Monochrom MD. No this isn’t a real camera sadly but it combines 2 very important minimalistic concepts. Leica is know for making beautiful everything. They also offer a Monochrom line that only shoots in black and white and they are crazy expensive.  Makes no sense right? To pay exceedingly more for a camera that doesn’t even shoot color. They also make a line called “MD” and these cameras do not offer a screen of any kind. The only way to see your work is to upload them to a device. In my opinion if Leica make this camera in particular ( not that I could ever buy one ) it could be the purest form of digital photography. Yes the xpro3 comes close with its hidden LCD but it also shoots video, and color, and film simulations etc.  Strip it down to the basics and thats my idea for now. 

Let’s start by talking about what I see photography as. I think others will agree that it is simply light, and shadows and how they compliment one another to the fullest. Fan Ho was a remarkable creator known for his use of light and his black and white images. His timing was impeccable but him being available and shooting intentionally truly brings his work to life. He uses light and shadows to tell a story and to frame out important pieces in his story. But why in the world would I or in this case, you shoot only in black and white? 

Color can be distracting. Period.

There maybe a wonderful setting or moment to capture but the purple tricycle in an eyesore. When you shoot in black and white you only see light, shadow, composition, and moments. You remove the distraction of color. Im not saying color is wrong or bad, but it can often get in the way. I recently shot a bright Yellow house on the beach, with bright blue skies, and even shooting it in BW I knew it would be a color image in its final state because of the colors but all I saw in my viewfinder of my Leica Q was the horizon, framing of the shot, and the angle I wanted to take it from. Also when your shooting in black and white you know immediately if it works as a shot or not. There is none of that, I bet I can make that look great in post if I change this or that, because you only see the light and shadows.  I would venture to state that if an image doesn’t move you in BW it will be less impactful in color. 

The great thing about it lastly is you get color RAW files so you dont have to only have BW images but you know already they work as BW right? Any color image you produce then is new and exciting again. I can picture the line “ All i do is win win win no matter what “ playing here because you truly win either way. 

Stick that monochrome filter on and shoot. Overexpose, underexpose, make something you would be proud to blow up and hang for everyone to see.. then do just that! Print it

Jeremy

Mitakon 65mm f1.4 for the Fujifilm GFX system

#Squad

I think I have to start by stating a few things. First thing first, I didn’t pick up the GFX or this lens to be quick. That’s not how I shoot nor do I plan to use this camera that way. Secondly, I love to shoot film so the manual focus and “speed” or lack there of is a non issue for me. I am very aware that FujiFilm makes incredible lenses to pair with all of their bodies, and yes I am very interested in the GF 110 f2 but when I picked this camera up I started shooting it right away with adapted lenses. My favorite of which is my Mamiya 80mm 1.9 for my 645 system. I also have adapters for my Minolta 58mm 1.2, my Nikon 50 1.8, and a Leica M adapter. I did have the GF 50mm 3.5 and was very impressed by the quality but found myself always reaching for the any of the manual focus options available to me. So being who I am, and knowing how autofocus doesn’t make me a better photographer, nor does it inspire me to shoot, I went looking for a native mount, fast prime for the GFX system. That’s when I found the Mitakon 65mm 1.4 which in full frame terms, is equivalent to 50mm at f1.1! It’s shallow.

I immediately put the combination to work, and all the images below where shot with the GFX paired with the Mitakon lens only. 

My brother - Brandon Watkins- Owner Operator of Freedom Reigns Barber Company

Things I really like-

• The color the lens produces

• Fast wide open aperture

• Native mount

• Manual focus

• It’s sharp when you nail focus

Things I don’t love-

• She’s thick and heavy ( even paired with the wonderful grip of the GFX 50s )

• I don’t always nail focus ( to be expected )

• Focus throw is pretty long

Ok now that we are past that, lets talk about who this lens could be for. Obviously Fuji makes similar focal lengths in there native glass and those have Autofocus but those also cost about twice as much as the Mitakon. So if you have the GFX in any variation and love to shoot at 50mm and like myself love to shoot wide open with lenses that have character then you should really consider this option. It does flare in direct sunlight, it is heavy, and you will be forced to slow down and really SEE your shot. I don’t find those to be shortcomings personally but its worth noting. This lens creates wonderful portraits, but I also love using it for landscapes and detail shots. The files from the GFX are wonderful. Unless you have edited an image yourself, it is impossible to show how great the files are. 

I think we will keep it short and say:

If you love shooting film, love a shallow DOF, like the 50mm focal length, and overlook the weight then its a no brainer to me. 

If you want clinically sharp images, with auto focus and plastic lite build then I appreciate you reading this just as much but you are not going to love this lens like I do. 

Thank you for taking time to read this and if you are would like more information or see me rambling about it more, please check me out on YouTube  HERE

Keep shooting and make something for yourself today. 

J

New Year, New Gear??

My favorite Medium Format camera to date is my Mamiya 645 AFD and the incredible 80mm 1.9 Lens

What camera are you eyeing for 2022?

As a constant victim of “GAS” I am always curious about the newest, latest, and greatest equipment coming out in the world of photography / videography. Im a nerd about cameras, formats and options. As we all know there is no such thing as a perfect camera. There are some closer than others, but that opinion can be found dissected, discussed, and dismissed on any photo forum on the World Wide Web. It’s the old Canon vs Nikon situation basically, but as we are now in a new year the competition is much closer than times past. I find this both interesting and boring at the same time.  Every camera produced by the major players, is a work of art in itself and therefore we are only limited to our skill, creativity, time allotment, and efforts. If you consider yourself a professional but cant use any camera on the market to create something wonderful then are you really a professional? I completely agree that some ergonomics are better than others ( Im looking at you Sony and your baby sized grips ) and then there is the camera that you started with that you invested time, money, and yourself to learn and use. So much to the point of maybe never even looking at the other brands. You simply keep your head down and do the work. I love that though. This is a monumental reason I adore shooting film so much. Its the polar opposite of what I do for work, and it puts me in a much different space to create. I have shot almost all the brands, and multiple bodies from each. The only brand I have never shot are Hasselblad's. So what’s the point and why am I still reading this? Because your like me perhaps. Maybe you found it by accident but your invested now and your like “ Get to the point already jerk”- I heard that and it hurts LOL but in all seriousness I have never been so confident in my work, and the equipment I have and will use in the future. Sometimes a new piece of equipment , regardless of who's label is on it, will undoubtedly grab my attention but thats part of the fun or it is for me at least. 

So I gotta know, what do you shoot now and what are you wanting to add to your collection this calendar year? Lastly I want to know the WHY behind it.  You can have more than one answer. 

For me I am hoping to add more lenses above more cameras but there are a few cameras that have my attention. All mostly film and all are medium format. I am trying to decide between a few because as much as I love having and trying new things, I don't collect them. This was a lesson I have learned as I get older. I am not a collector of things, I am a user. If I buy a camera, I am very pleased with “user” condition because I don't have to worry about the camera so much and can focus clearer. I have always dreamed of owing a Leica, and in the last year and a half, I have owned 3. My first was an M2, followed by a digital m240, and then to the camera I have dreamed of owning since starting into shooting film- my beautiful M6 TTL.  It is a work of art, which sadly makes me afraid to scratch it, or carry it as often as I should. This is why I have decided its time to let it go to someone less anxious about getting it dirty, and have recently added a Nikon F3 to my arsenal to be my one and only 35mm camera. My daily carry and I FREAKING LOVE IT ALREADY. It gets out of my way and lets me consider my composition, timing, and lighting much much faster. 

Ok so the list of film cameras on my radar are below in no particular order for anyone wondering where the Hell I'm going with this post. 

*Rolleiflex 6008

*Rolleiflex SL66

*Rolleiflex HY6

*Hasselblad 500cm

*Bronica SQA

*Fuji GA645

*Mamiya 7

( CLICK ON ANY CAMERA ABOVE TO CHECK THEM OUT AND BE SURE TO BOOKMARK THESE SITES- THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES FOR ALL THINGS FILM )

That’s it, a few 6x6 options and 2 point and shoot medium format 645 options for EDC. I wont have them all but this is where my thoughts are these days. 

The only digital option I might consider would be the new Canon EOSR 3 or maybe something medium format from Fujifilm as I have always been curious to try one.

Alright, that’s it. We made it and this is my first post for 2022. If you want to hear from me more often like this, just let me know. I only write to clear my head often which leaves this page collecting dust more often than not. Thanks for being awesome!

J

Canon RF 100mm Macro 2.8 Review

Dont have time to read my thoughts? More of a visual person? Here is the YouTube video covering the same info- CLICK HERE

Today I want to talk about my current favorite RF lens.  This thing is such a wonderful tool. I like to think of it as the Leatherman of lenses that I own.  Portraits - check, Products- check - Weddings, everyday, commercial it does it all.  Let me move this RF 50 1.2 out of the way, there it is my 100 mm macro lens.  I know everyone is loving the 50, and rightfully so. It is incredible but it also feels boring to shoot 50mm all the time. I know , I know but its 1.2 and its hella sharp with wonderful Canon colors, and that out of focus area and Bokeh are stuff legends are made of. Your not wrong but I find myself always reaching for the bigger brother instead. its not as capable in low light, your right. It’s almost a thousand dollars less, true again.  Its faster to focus, I hear you but…

Let me start by saying I also adore the 50 1.2 and this is my second version. I had the EF version as well and that lens was softer but in a wonderful way. Sometimes lenses are too sharp to be flattering and over clinical. The 50 is border line for me but I wouldn’t dream of letting it go either. This isn’t about that though, it’s about the unsung hero. The 100mm. This is a lens I have always wanted and never owned. The EF version was always in the cart but I couldn’t pull the trigger but when I decided it was time to move back to Canon and to the R5 specifically, I knew I wanted the RF version of this lens. So why is this one my favorite? Let’s dive in.

I can go on and on about my affection for this piece of plastic and glass, topped off with a bright red Canon Ring for a bow on top but what do I wish were different? No lens is perfect, period but yes the RF 50 is as close as i have ever seen. Let’s start with the gimmicky adjustable bokeh ring.. Why? Just why? I do think I will find a way to utilize this but I dont want to. I want to shoot and connect with my clients above all else, not be thinking, what’s around me might be interesting to shoot much softer? Vanessa Joy has a YouTube video showing some comparison of these settings so check that out here if you are curious about those. 

It’s extremely versatile. I truly think its the best portrait lens currently available in the RF lineup. Yes the 85 is wonderful ( im sure, though I don’t own this lens- not a big 85mm guy either ) but what if I told you invisible backgrounds aren’t the only way to shoot? Shots fired!! This guy with the throat tattoo is being ridiculous but hear me out. Let me start by saying my favorite focal lengths are 24, 35, 135, and I really want a telephoto lens soon but haven’t decided which one. Yes, no 50, or 85 in my “favorite” options. Not hating but that’s my style.

The 100 fits nicely between 85 and the incredible 135mm focal range, and would be the last lens I let go of if and when something else catches my eye. The EF version was well know for its Macro capabilities, and for good reason, it was about the only option available especially if your a fan of that RED Canon L ring on top. Studio Portrait photographers also understand how well it works for headshots and portraits. The RF version is the next step in the evolution of this lens. It is SHARP and beautifully so. It also has some character which is the #1 thing I want in a lens. I still lean hard into my M mount adapted Voigtlander 35mm 1.7 lens on the R5. It it perfect, not even close, but it has feeling. The 100 isn’t that prominent but still feels different. The fall off at 100mm is stunning in itself and also gives you some space between you and your talent, that often lets the subject be more relaxed.  It also checks all the boxes for shooting products or commercial work. It is a macro lens after all and you want to sell lashes? Shoot it on this lens, it pops off the screen. Or maybe you also love photography off the clock and hike and travel. It takes wonderful detail images in nature, can easily be used to capture candid moments with friends and families and its a wedding day work horse too. 

Micro stamp by Clever Supply Co on this incredible leather camera strap.

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 !!