Client this week: Why don’t you have a Yelp account?

Me this week: Um.

So, following the shoot, I promptly opened a Yelp account!

There are so many interesting elements in being a professional photographer.

People, locations, lighting, “moments”, anticipation, creativity and a fascinating blend of client/photographer expectations.

For this shot, we’d already essentially finished our session. The client was in for a professional acting headshot (which he’ll use to further his stage and film career). I asked if, in closing, he’d like a couple quick shots outside, for the variety in lighting/mood/options. We got a few shots outside, but rain kept us from having too much good fortune. Rather than wrapping up our shoot, though, I suggested we “use” the rain, and that we could get a few images with the look of having just come in from the rain. It’s my favorite shot of the session.

There’s always something special that can happen if we work toward a goal. I love the relationship between client and photographer — on all shoots, of course, but maybe primarily on studio sessions, where in a confined space two people can candidly and honestly work together to create special moments.

What a day in Bloomington, Indiana!

One of the most amazing weeks in the five years I’ve had my full-time photography business… So many wonderful people, incredible locations, fascinating assignments and challenging logistical decisions. In the end, it’s so helpful to keep it all simple and rely on second nature (which is, of course, hard-earned through experience).

September and October are non-stop, wall-to-wall photography shoots. I’m certain I’ve had to decline about as many assignments this year as I’ve accepted, which is an unfortunate predicament. I’m grateful, thankful, appreciative and humbled that so many folks want to work together.

Back to Bloomington and already booked each day for the foreseeable future! Here, my first shoot upon returning home — a phenomenal proposal/engagement session with Ben and Ally.

Vacation time is amazing, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but there’s such a joyous fulfillment that comes from doing excellent professional work for other people.

The gorgeous Double Arch, at Arches National Park…. One of my favorite images from this summer.

Blessed beyond imagination….

One of the most awe-inspiring wildlife moments of my life. Yellowstone National Park, and within 100 meters of this beauty. I was able to get several images before she/he walked back into the woods.

The moments when luck meets preparation meets divine intervention meets a calm resolve…. Magic.

Absolutely smitten with Grand Teton National Park. So many brilliant views and inspiring photography opportunities.

Interesting how Bloomington last-minute photo job requests have been pouring in this month, but the missed events at home have to take a back seat to the remarkable blessing of open roads and open calendars…. There’s making a living, and there’s making sure you’re living.

A friend had recommended a hole-in-the-wall pie restaurant to me, knowing my tentative summer travel plans. We found the place yesterday afternoon, and I do believe two things: first, it was probably my first piece of pie in years, and second, it was high on the list of the best I've ever tasted.

No plans. Great backdrops. Tremendous photography equipment. A phenomenal Jeep with Sirius playing awesome music. And pie.

In the midst of an extraordinary month-long exploration of the Badlands, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson Hole, Park City, Arches, Canyonland, Brice, Zion, Grand Canyon and so much more…. What a remarkable opportunity.

Here, I had a once-in-a-lifetime fluke encounter with a female Bighorn sheep, at the Badlands. She wasn’t 30 feet from me, and the entire scenario and setting couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ve felt the presence of God many times, and this was, of course, one more. I was fully aware that the situation could go poorly, but she was noble and gracious in eye contact and demeanor. I’ll forever be grateful.

A wedding on June 30th and another on August 3rd, but, in between, this 16-state month is a festival of personal photography and bucket list checks.

Off to shoot a wedding this afternoon/evening, and am thinking about the ever-present cycle of life. Our daughter is traveling in Mongolia, our son is in Europe for the summer, Siobhan and I are leaving tomorrow for a month-long road trip, some folks are taking their first steps and some, their last.