Friday, October 31, 2008

Katie + Ryan Engagement | I Adore You

When Katie and Ryan came to my home/gallery, our personalities clicked. It's almost a wonder our paths didn't cross some time ago. Katie is a sweet young lady who has a inviting personality and Ryan compliments her in every way. Just from the vibes I've felt, I can tell that he adores her every being.

Their engagement session was scheduled on The Plaza and Loose Park, where we could play in the Fall foliage and brisk Fall weather. They allowed me to be myself and think of new and creative images.

Their wedding will take place Summer of '09.










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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Sharil + Henry Engagement | Love and Unity

Henry, Sharil, Jackson and I met at the Crown Center Westin Hotel Saturday, October 25 for their engagement session. Crown Center has special meaning to them because Henry proposed to Sharil above the indoor waterfall inside the hotel. During their e-session we re-created their wedding proposal, headed toward the hotel roof top, inside their favorite restaurant ( Kabuki Japanese Restaurant ) and outside the hotel.

Their wedding will take place two-weeks before Christmas ’08 and their reception is scheduled for the day after Christmas. Stay tuned for my favorite images from their wedding.









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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

This weekend I was contracted to photograph KU Black Alumni Chapter's Homecoming Reunion Weekend in Lawrence, KS. I haven't been on the campus since I was in college and used to take road trips to Lawrence from Emporia, KS. That was over 16-years ago!

Friday evening the Black Alumni Chapter held a "Connections Reception & Recognitions Program" at the Holiday Inn Hotel. Over 100 alumni came from as far as South Africa to rekindle their college friendships and to maximize black alumni participation in the affairs of the University. As well as promote personal growth and professional development in the organization.

During the Friday evening program, author, lecturer and alumni, Deric Gilliard was the keynote speaker. Deric spoke about his book, "Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and 'Sheroes' Who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."

Florence E. Boldridge was giving the 'Distinguished KU Faculty' award.

From left: Marla Clark, Luke Bobo, and Norma Norman
From left: Kevin Corbett, Deric Gilliard, and Jay Hennings

Florence Boldridge, center, stands with her son and daughter.

Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Men of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity

Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta sorority

Men of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Deric Gilliard's book, "Living in the Shadows of a Legend: Unsung Heroes and 'Sheroes' Who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."


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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Heather + Nathan | A Moment of Surprise

Heather and Nathan, both military officers had a little moment of surprise during their wedding on Saturday, October 18 at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church in South Kansas City.

Days before the wedding Nathan told his future bride that the beautiful wedding rings they had custom made had not come in yet at the jewelry store. At least that’s what she thought. In reality Nathan had their rings and was going to surprise her during the ceremony. Indeed she was surprised. When it came time for Nathan to put on her wedding ring, Heather never looked down to see what kind of ring he was putting on her finger. The entire wedding party, family, friends and I kept watching Heather’s face to see when she will look down. After about 15 seconds into the vows, she quickly looked down. Her eyes and mouth showed it all.

Some might think this may have been a cruel trick but for those of you who know Heather, the ring wasn’t her priority.

Thank you Heather and Nathan for allowing me to be apart of this special moment in your lives.

The reception was held at Garozzo's in Lee's Summit, MO.



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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Sam | Getting the right shot

Below are photos of me working during a engagement session. The photos were taken by my wife, Tailese, who accompanied me during Heather and Jeremy's session in the West Bottoms. I guess she was off in the background without me knowing, taking pictures of me. One way of looking at it is that this will show you the degree "we" as photographers will go to get that one unique shot. Visit Heather and Jeremy's e-session to see a few of their images.



This was the shot.

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Heather + Jeremy Engagement

This past Sunday afternoon, I did something that I've never done before and that is schedule a engagement session in the Kansas City West Bottoms. I've done other photo shoots for musicians and automotive creatives but nothing with couples. Let's just say, that I will be back!

Heather and Jeremy wanted something different...nothing like your normal engagement pictures as far as location is concerned. Heather actually is a photography buff - according to Jeremy - so she was into doing the rugged creative posing.

There wedding will be late April 2009.













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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

It's All About "Me" | Family Photos

I photographed Denise and Rod's wedding a couple years ago and we have maintained a good friendship since. They celebrated the birth of their first child several months ago and they called upon me to take their family pictures. During the session, their son, reminded us that it was all about "Him". But come to think of it, how many babies do you know that doesn't remind you that they are in the room and deserve all the attention? Any how, he was patient and full of giggles. He reminded me of my kids, Andrew and Sydney.

Mommy, daddy, and "ME"!

Father and son
It's all about "me".

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