Angela & Seth...

Well, the big day is almost upon them! This Saturday evening Angela and Seth will be getting married. I am so happy that they have allowed me to be a part of their special day and photograph the start of their lives as man and wife!

I really wasn't kidding...

See, I finally did get out from behnd the keyboard and get back behind the camera! It was a busy weekend to be sure. I need to get some sleep shortly but here's a quick one from the triathlon today. It was the Texas Woman Sprint Triathlon and it was held at Lake Ray Roberts just north of Denton. You couldn't have asked for a better morning for it. The weather was beautiful and the event went exactly as planned.

Here's a shot of one of the contestants on her bicycle rounding the final corner back to the transition area where she will begin the run portion of her triathlon.

Been quite some time...

I have really been slacking off here lately! I am about to be swamped this weekend, but in a good way. I have a bunch of things lined up and am looking forward to a fun filled weekend of shooting. Everything from portraits, to bull riding, to a triathlon! I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to catch up on things that I have been putting off. I finished a couple of wedding albums and spent a few days weeding out some of my images that needed to be trashed. I'm such a pack-rat when it comes to keeping things, but these had to go!

I also spent a little more time out at the barn with the horses. Here's a shot from tonight of one of the girls from the barn showing off on my horse Bucky. Thanks Hannah! She makes it look easy... I'd be on my back in the dirt!

Childress

The past few days I had the opportunity to shoot with a gifted photographer named Russell Graves up near his home in Childress, Texas. Russell is a well known photographer and writer who specializes in Texas wildlife and when I was given the opportunity to shoot with him I jumped at the chance!

Russell is an amazing guy, not only for his accomplishements as a photographer, but he is also an Agriscience teacher at the Chidress High School. His students are frequent champions on both the state and national level in Future Farmers of America competitions. Russell's teaching career is also highlighted by the many awards that he has been honored with as a result of his hard work and dedication. Everywhere we went we bumped into students or former students who were glad to take a minute to say hi.

It didn't take me long to find out why the students enjoyed learning from Russell. As we shot our way through the weekend, Russell was always willing to share his knowledge and insight. It's sometimes a bit daunting to work with someone who is an expert in their respective field, but with Russell it was different. He'll put you at ease within minutes and from there it's just a matter of seeing how many great images you can capture. We saw everything from wild hogs, to turkeys, snakes and even a porcupine! Talk about your school field trips! Thanks again Russell to both you and Kristy for your exceptional hospitality. I hope we get a chance to shoot together again soon.

What an exciting visit and chance for me to try my hand at another facet of photography. I even managed to get a few "keepers" of my own, I hope you like them.

Molten glass...

Well tonight turned out to be a real treat. For several months I have been going past the glass-blowing studio VETRO in Grapevine but I always seemed to catch them on a Monday, which is when they are closed (at least right now). Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I stopped by and talked with Shannon in the sales area and asked if I could possibly come by and watch them work and maybe take a few pictures. Since they are already set-up for spectators and even offer classes Shannon said that it should be no problem. I went up to the studio tonight and met with David (co-owner) and Scott (one of the apprentice glassblowers) and spent some time watching these guys transform molten glass into beautiful shapes. Along the way, I also learned some interesting facts about glass-blowing. I recommend to anyone who appreciates artistry to stop by and check out their gallery and watch them work.

Thanks again David!