Megan & Jesse's Engagement Shoot

This had to be one of the earliest shoots I've ever done but I have to say, the light for the morning was incredible and these two looked as fresh as Spring for their photo-op. Megan is an absolute sweetheart - I don't know if I've ever met a more true blue Christian girl. Her fiancee is one lucky man. Jesse made me laugh with his attempt at a "tough" exterior as he picked wildflowers for his future wifey and helped her up and down the many landscapes we shot on. I can't wait to do Megan's bridals next and look forward to their upcoming nuptials this July.

Greg & Lauren Fairey's Wedding

When Lauren called to tell me she was planning a small outdoor wedding I immediately knew I wanted to say yes. Not only is shooting outdoors my favorite way to photograph but her story intrigued me. She and her fiancee Greg were getting married and bringing each of their two children together. Now this isn't so out of the ordinary but what I did find really cool, is that their children are all within a few months of each other beginning with Hamp, Walker, Britton and finally, little Cora. I love their names by the way.. The sun was unusually high for the day but it was beautiful outdoors and you could tell the kids felt electricity in the air as they raced about the house playing with the new kittens and dodging aunts, uncles and grandparents. Lauren was a beautiful bride, (you can see where Cora gets her gorgeous face) and the boys shared the honor of standing in as witnesses beside Greg who had an enormous smile on his face for the entire service. Congratulations to this new family. I wish them a 100 more years of health, happiness and blessings and thank them again for letting me be a part!

Gatlin Family Portraits

The Gatlins arrived ready for their shoot with Emma who was 150% from the start, Adria whom had just woken up from a nap and wasn't so keen on the whole photo-op idea and little Cade who was just happy to be there. Joel and Emily have three very different children and I enjoyed capturing each of their personalities in every single frame. Joel pastors a local church in Foxworth, MS and if you spend anytime around him or his sweet wife you'll know you're in the company of true Christians which is a true treasure in times like these. Below you'll find a look at their beautiful family that I was so blessed to photograph this week.

Class of '09 - Colton Pittman

Colton Anthony Pittman was my 5th Senior photoshoot this month and I'm still just as excited about capturing them as I was my first. Colton wanted to get some photos next to this old creek that has a sandy bank and so now thanks to him, I now have a new location to create pictures. Our hour long shoot afforded me the opportunity to learn all about Colton's plans to pursue a career in the medical field, as his father has, where I trust he'll find his place and do very well. I also got to watch some of his tennis moves and the boy definately has talent. Check out some of his photos below and as always, I'd love to hear from you on my blog so leave me a line!

Caleb Dearman's Senior Shoot

Caleb Vaughn Dearman is graduating with honors in just shy of two weeks and I like to think I played at least a small part in that. You see, at the beginning of this school year he approached me about being his mentor for his Senior project which focused on photography. During the course of this assignment we met up on a regular basis to talk shop and for some one-on-one lessons on capturing the perfect shot. Needless to say, I was thrilled when he asked me to do his Senior portraits and today, we went for it. I am so happy with the results as I believe they truly showcase him just as he is - a gorgeous, talented teen with very distinctive style. Caleb has been accepted at his dream school, Ole Miss, and while he's uncertain on his future career, he fully intends music to be a part. I wish him all the best!

A Graduation Miracle...

Jeremy Dewayne Hamilton was born two months premature with cerebral palsy. Despite various surgeries for a shunt on his brain and months of therapy, in just a few short days he will have overcome all these obstacles and graduate from Columbia High School. Jeremy doesn't really perceive himself to be disabled and takes things in stride with the attitude of any typical teenager, which was plain to see on his shoot as he argued with his mom about his posture and whether or not he was smiling "just right". Speaking of family, I applaud the incredible support system this kid has and I was happy to see them just as enthusiastic about his future as they've been about his graduation and all that it entails, including his prom where Jeremy was given the award for "Prom Party Animal" - go ahead Jeremy & best of luck!

The Early Graduate!

I got the call late this week from a very excited mother who informed me that in a major surprise, her daughter was graduating a year earlier than expected! Amber, or "Gully" as we affectionately call her for her gullible personality, was completely open and excited about her Senior shoot. We made the trek out to her grandpa's land in Kokomo where we braved a monsoon and then back towards Hattiesburg to capture her sitting at her grandmother's grand piano - a very fitting picture for the talented pianist that Amber is. The afternoon was a family affair with mom, dad, brother, grandparents and cousin in tow as they watched their girl take on a right of passage by having these portraits shot. I also want to put out there that I've always thought her to be a pretty girl but after such an up close and personal shoot it's confirmed: Amber is an absolutely beautiful young lady. And with brains and a personality like hers, I expect nothing but great things from her in the future. Congratulations girl - I had a blast!

Taylor Marie Banks - Class of 2009

Taylor is a gorgeous girl whose eyes just pop from a picture. Combine these incredible peepers with a smattering of freckles and you get an absolutely beautiful and unique face. I loved working with Taylor on her Senior portraits today - I've known Taylor (and her twin Tiffany) for a while but never got to spend much time with her one-on-one. She has a great attitude and was up for anything and I believe the results turned out to be quite fabulous. Check 'em out for yourself and please leave me a line. I'd love to hear what you think. PS - Thanks to Brian for the camera help with this shoot - you were an absolute lifesaver. =]