More Lightroom kudos

I can't put into words how much I recommend this software. It's almost like it was designed to alleviate all those little post production pains in my neck.

Importing files is a piece of cake. Auto backups and auto file-renaming are just a matter of a few clicks.

Editing no longer trudges along. I've gotten pretty fast with Photoshop by using custom actions and shortcuts, but LR flies! This is the reason I considered incorporating LR into my work flow and I've not been disappointed. I flew through 1,400 images from my last wedding in a matter of a 3-4hours. All that's left is just a few finishing touches to my favorites in Photoshop. I'm sure once I'm more accustomed that time frame will shorten still.

a recent bridal session:

About 80% of the time I'm shooting in manual mode. With the consistent files I get as a result, LR's 'sync' function is like a gift from above. Adjust one image from a group of similar images, sync them...you're done.

Really well-designed and fun to work with, I think.

01.01.08

The best part of the holidays for me is getting to spend time with the family - something I don't get to do often enough.

My niece, Jasmine, is growing so fast. Crazy what 14 months will do. Her little personality is just busting out (mostly in the form of gurgles):

she loves granny:


R.J., my nephew, is one of the most hilarious 8-year-olds you'll run across. Every time I see him I'm reminded of how much fun it was to be a kid...especially on Christmas day:

Happy New Year! (and my late Christmas)

Happy New Year to any and all LP blog-stalkers out there. I'm sure an eventful, and fruitful 2008 is in store for us all!

What better way to celebrate than with new tools toys?!?

1. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom - I'm in love with this software. In fact, I'm positive it's the best investment I've made in my business so far (besides my beloved 80-200mm 2.8). This was designed with the high-volume photographer in mind and it shows. I'm really excited about having it. Kinda kicking myself for waiting as long as I did!

2. Western Digital 500GB External HD - more storage is always a good thing.

3. Western Digital 250GB Passport Portable HD - this thing is so, so sleek and slim. And thanks to the wackiness of retail I got it at an insanely good price. Couldn't resist.


4. Off-site storage/hosting with Zenfolio. Cheap service. Clean design. UNLIMITED space. I've become fairly picky about redundant backups...this should give me another level of security.

Amanda & Scott | Wedding

These two have been waiting patiently for this...I'm not quite done editing but I'm posting a few of my favorites so far.

This was a cold one! It was tons of fun,though, and quite beautiful:

gotta love the details:


looks delicious, right?





Amanda and her mother shared a quiet moment before the ceremony:








Sisters:





if you look close you can see the freezing rain:




to be continued...

Living Blues

The oldest and most respected magazine dedicated to the world of blues has published one of my images! It's part of a really cool story on Pops Carter, so be sure to pick up a copy of the December issue.



I made this image during the Denton Blues Festival back in September. *Click here to see more*

a random Tuesday...and a little boost from J.C.

this was a good jump-start to my day...thought I'd share it.



I loves me some Coltrane...almost as good as a nice cup of coffee...well not really.

Now I'll brew some up and get back to work.

Erica & Matt | Engagement

...yet another really fun engagement session. We chose to meet in Dallas' fine arts district to take advantage of the interesting architecture and what-not. Turned out to be a beautiful day!

I'm very eager to shoot their wedding in early '08. Erica and Matt are two of the nicest people you'll come across...and they welcome my silly portrait ideas with open arms! I'm going to have a ball.













I've been digging silhouettes lately: