Hmm…why didn’t anyone ever tell me that to have a great photography studio I had to actually run a business?  So, I’ve been doing just that this week…meeting with the bookkeeper. Ugh.  Not that she’s not great, but man doing the business side of things proves to be more annoying than I thought.  I press through anyway.

I shot bridal photos on Tuesday of my beautiful bride Amy at the Armstrong Browning Library…and as you know, it snowed on Monday!!  I actually took my first bridals in the snow!!  Yes, Amy is Awesome with a capital A.  I cannot wait to show all of you the photos, but for now, you know the rules…no looky looky until the big day!!  But don’t you worry, they’ll be a snow shower May 9th on my blog!!

I have several shoots coming up in the next few weeks that I’m excited for.  Stay posted for new photos!

And don’t forget to enjoy this day!  Its a good one.

I was asked by the Croft Art Gallery to join forces with other local artists to benefit our local zoo recently.  I jumped at the chance for a few reasons:  one, I love the zoo.  I’ve been taking my little girls there for 5 years now and it has brought us such joy!  Two, I really enjoy getting away from my subject norm (brides and grooms) every once in a while in order to stay sharp and create art.  So, with a happy heart I set out this morning with my camera and long lense and arrived at the zoo around 9am.  Most of the animals were still in their cages due to the cold: a sunny 38 degrees.  This did serve to remind me how I should have still been under my covers as well.  But I journeyed on in search of good subjects.  The first animals to be let out were the Tigers.  It was sort of funny seeing them saunter out of the back, stretch a little and, like any good house cats, relieve themselves…I had a little snicker as the female cat went from tree to tree peeing on everyone a little.

I felt a little limited (and safe ) having to shoot through the fencing for the tigers, but I did come up with one photo that I thought was pretty funny.  The female began to lick the male’s ear (a sign of animal affection I’m told.)  He seemed to like it at first, but then quickly shook her off with a grunt.  Again, a good laugh.  The shot is interesting, I think.

The tigers were the next to be let out and right as I rounded the corner to their habitat I was struck with the feeling that we are all alike in so many ways…animals and humans.  The three cats were laying out in the sun, having spent the night in the dark, now enjoying the bright morning sun…all that was missing (for me anyway) was a good strong cup of coffee.  The oldest male lion paced around as if to check out the territory and make sure all was well…a regular morning duty, I’m sure.  I got some good shots of his work, and then a few nice ones as he then decided all was well and lay down himself.

I’ve posted these mostly today to get your feedback.  Which image do you think the show would sell the best?  What is your favorite?  Why?  Leave a comment to help out the zoo!

Check out the link to info about the exhibit when you get a chance!

http://croftartgallery.com/featuredartists/fierce.html

All my brides can remember hearing the gasps and grunts of delight that I utter when I know that I’ve captured just the perfect image I was looking for.  It might sound something like “man, I’m good,” (which always garners a hearty laugh) or an emphatic, “yes!!”  Either way, you know that there will be some beautiful images when I make these sounds.  Rachael’s bridals were no exception.  I love the shots of her outside in the field with the grass blowing…Rachael’s personal favorite is the one in the mink coat!!  We had a dramatic time going out in front of her parents Lorena country home as we didn’t realize that stickers hid menacingly in the grass for Rachael’s bare feet to be punctured by!!  Ouch!  Mom came to the rescue and plucked a good fifteen stickers out.  She was a champ though and put on those pretty high heels (after we wiped off the blood!!)  Who knew there were stickers in the grass in November?!?!  Enjoy!

Cheers,

Sarah

We’ve decided to get a fresh new look for 2010 for our blog.  I hope that you enjoy it!  Please visit back often for new photos and FMS news!   Cheers,  Sarah