Whirlwind three weeks of an awesome, greatly-appreciated return to Key West and then back to Bloomington to photograph a wedding, two engagements, two senior picture sessions and a maternity shoot! Whew!!

One unexpected benefit of being a photographer hit its zenith this year, as an overwhelming number of Christmas cards we received incorporated images I’d shot of those folks/families during the year. It’s such a kick to see the portraits again upon opening an envelope in December.

I’ve got my 2019 resolutions and commitments set, and it’s already off to a wonderful start!

I laugh at myself all the time when on photography assignments. I’ll occasionally look at the back of the camera, see a photo I love and exclaim out loud, “Wow! This is awesome!” or something similar. I even warn clients in advance that this may happen! I’m such a fan of gorgeous images that it’s impossible to contain my joy sometimes when I see one!

I think this was one of those moments. I love this shot of this little family, and was aware (as Alyssa was not) that shortly after taking this portrait, Brad and little Rhees were about to propose…. (she said “Yes!”).

The year 2018 has been everything I thought it could be and much, much more. I saw the very worst in some people and the very best in others. I shed the former and embraced the latter, and am thrilled to launch into another adventure-laden 12 months of photography, travel, writing and running in 2019. I’ll look forward to those beloved occasional “Wow!” moments, both for myself and for those with whom I share life’s experiences.

Cutest-ever little ring bearer, getting dressed an hour before the wedding!

I shoot weddings with two different cameras and two different lenses, to give clients a wonderful variety of looks, feels and angles from their big day. Here, a close-up 20mm offers a fun vantage point of the preparation. This lens is amazing in its ability to help tell memorable stories from distinct vantage points.

So much fun working with local businesses and leaders in our thriving Bloomington arts community!

Fantastic upcoming month…. So many exciting shoots in December and then a rejuvenating three-week vacation. I love everything that 2018 has been, and I’m even more intrigued to launch what's already set to be an amazing 2019.

Contact me to talk about a winter session for yourself, your family or as a gift to a loved one (Photographs DO make a perfect Christmas gift…!!).

In a portrait, I’m looking for the silence in somebody.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Engagement shoots in the autumn…. So much beauty….

As I age, I appreciate autumn more-and-more each cycle. As I photograph clients in autumn, I think throughout the shoot how wise and fortunate they are to have such gorgeous images….

What an unforgettable past three months, riding a wave of jobs every single day. Now, a three-day rest to catch a breath and reflect a bit on this wild ride before the December burst begins.

Then, there’s build a new website, finalize albums for clients, confirm logistics for December shoots, meet with 2019 wedding couples, order new business cards….. Whew!

Having dinner with our son last night, he asked what my first thought is as I begin each new photo shoot. Great question. It’s aperture. I always think about aperture, as it’ll establish the feel of the images more so than will any other controllable variable.

Autumn sure is beautiful in Southern Indiana…. Here, enjoying an afternoon engagement shoot with Kelsey and Brice (and little Kimmy) at Paynetown. I’m photographing their wedding in May, as well.

Now off for a photo shoot for the iconic Buskirk-Chumley Theater in B-Town (about 50 steps from my studio)! Feels like only yesterday that I watched “Hoosiers” in the B-C in 1986…. Certainly among the most memorable filmgoing experiences of my life.

This adorable little girl is shy, camera shy and inherently wary of folks when she meets them.

As I chatted with her, I learned that she loves the little lake behind her house — that she loves going out on the lake in the family rowboat.

I asked her to show me the boat, and to show me how she paddles the oar…..

Some images take more effort than do others. Those can often be your favorite shots from a session.