Amateur Photography Class!

If you got a new camera for your birthday or Christmas and would like to learn how to use all of those fancy buttons on it, sign up for my Amateur Photography class on August 31st!  We will have lots of fun and a catered lunch is provided!   There are only 6 seats left, so contact me asap to reserve your seat!!

 

 

Where I get inspiration!

I've posted a shot of where I get inspiration before from an old record album cover.  This inspiration came from a fashion magazine! 

Polarizer

When Megan told me she was going to have a cool car for her wedding I was super excited and thought of all kinds of ideas of how to shoot her with the car.  I wanted to get some shots of her in the car, but with a sunny day, there's a massive reflection on the windshield.  What to do? Use a polarizer! You know, like those cool sunglasses they sell on infomercials at 3am. HAH!  Polarizers block out a lot of reflection and helps you be able to see through glass, water and even cuts out glare from trees or other reflective surfaces on bright sunny days.  Here's an example of how the polarizer helped me on this sunny wedding day!  :D  These shots are unedited/SOOC (shot out of camera), the only difference is the polarizer. 

One Shot Wonder For Your Weekend!!

Princess Themed Bridal Session!!!

Best Photographer Assistant EVER!

I'm such a lucky photographer that I get to shoot with my daughter, Hannah (11), almost every weekend!  She asked me to shoot weddings with her long ago and I took her on several photo sessions to see if she was ready!  I finally took her to her first wedding this year because it was 100% chance of rain and I really needed an umbrella holder. :D   She had some trouble with the umbrella, but was a perfect photog assistant. One of her images from the wedding was everyone's favorite.... and a star was born!  Hannah has been to 5 weddings already and is even prepping to shoot a wedding in Hawaii with me this summer!  She asked if she could be my permanent assistant and I don't mind at all because she's amazing, and we have fun together.  She told me she loves shooting weddings and spending time with Mommy... but sometimes I wonder if it's for the cake!!! :D

Here are some examples of Hannah's work... and some images I took of her hard at work!

Shooting in RAW mode

I started shooting film about 20 years ago so when digital cameras came out I had to learn a LOT!  One thing that I didn't understand to begin with was shooting in RAW mode.  I always shot in JPG mode which was much easier and faster in my opinion.  Until one day a wonderful photographer friend encouraged me to switch to RAW. So I tried it.... and I was AMAZED! My photos took a totally different look, and although it did take more time to edit them, I had much more control in editing than before.  RAW images retain all their information when the shot is taken, so major adjustments can be made and the image is still good.  Here's an example of an image that I had accidentally overexposed. Lucky for me I shot in RAW and was able to bring down the exposure and highlights to get the image perfect. If I had shot I in JPG mode the blown out whites would be completely washed out and I would have lost all of the details in the trees and in their faces.  Perfect example of why RAW is the way to go! :D

Paris Mountain Bridal Show hosted by Indigo Falls Events!! | Atlanta Bridal Show

It's only two weeks away!!!  Save the date!!!  Don't miss your chance to win a FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION!!! Come to my bridal show August 9th at Indigo Falls Events! You need to see this place to believe it! Visit dozens of vendor booths, take wedding tips classes, watch a runway show, and win a free engagement session with Paris Mountain Photography! Or you can just come to stroll around the grounds of this AMAZING new venue in Dallas!

 

 

Princess Inspiration Shoot | Disney Princess Bride | Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel

When Brittany eloped to Paris I was pretty bummed out that I couldn't take her wedding pictures, but lucky for me she wanted me to shoot her details and bridal session when she got back! I've been waiting SO LONG to post these pictures, but now that she had her reception here at home, I can finally share them!  She had such amazing ideas and I totally wish every session could be like this. She wanted a princess theme and she did just that.  She made vignettes of Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty!  I brought Hannah my 11 year old who is totally princess crazy and my best assistant ever!  I was so happy when Brittany told Hannah that she never has to grow out of princesses.  Hannah was happy to hear that too! :D  Love it!!!!

One Shot Wonder For Your Weekend! | Tate House, GA Wedding

I've been wanting to get a shot like this one for over a year! I waited for the right dress, the right bride, and the right location!  I finally found it!!! :D Good things come to those who wait!! :D YAY!!!

 

 

Where I get my inspiration!

There are many ways a photographer can be inspired.  Some are amazingly creative and can come up with fantastic ideas on their own.  Me, on the other hand, needs a little bit of inspiration. :D  I like to look at magazines, websites, and even old movies.  Here one idea I got while looking at old record album covers! 

Paris Mountain Bridal Show | Atlanta Bridal Show

Save the date!!!  Don't miss your chance to win a FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION!!! Come to my bridal show August 9th at Indigo Falls Events! You need to see this place to believe it! Visit dozens of vendor booths, take wedding tips classes, watch a runway show, and win a free engagement session with Paris Mountain Photography! Or you can just come to stroll around the grounds of this AMAZING new venue in Dallas!

Children's Portraits!! | Jennifer Valdez CBS Better Mornings Atlanta

I was SUPER excited when I was asked by CBS Better Morning Atlanta to shoot meteorologist Jennifer Valdez's two cutie pies!! :D They are simply adorable! Despite the rain, which Jennifer should have known about... haha, we got some wonderful photos of her kids! She was super sweet and I loved working with her and those kiddoes!!! :D

 

 

Kayla's Sneak Peek! | Tate House, GA Wedding

I just couldn't wait to post just a few images from this Saturday's wedding!  There are SO many more great shots, but I got SO excited I couldn't help myself! Enjoy!!! :D

 

One Shot Wonder For Your Weekend!!!

Jessica and Tony Tie the Knot at Chateau Elan Winery | Chateau Elan Wedding| Winery Wedding

Jessica and Tony's wedding was simply picture perfect! I was SO happy when I got home and looked through all of her photos to see that every single one was amazing.  And I don't take credit for that!  Much of what makes wedding photos look so good is the personality of the couple and the guests.  And I have to say that they had personality! Many of Jessica's guests flew in all the way from Poland for their wedding at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort!  It was such an amazing setting. 

My favorite part of the day is when we snuck outside for a shot of the winery.  The clouds were ominous and we could feel tiny drops of rain. Thunder was rolling and lighting lit up the sky!  I was nervous to have Hannah holding my light, like a stinkin' lighting rod, but after three minutes we got the shot! I was SO happy with the results and so was Jessica and Tony.  And only minutes after we got in the vehicle to return to the reception, torrents of rain hit Brasleton!  It was amazing!! The timing was perfect!! I had a wonderful time and everyone was fabulous!  I'm SO pleased to be able to be on Chateau Elan's preferred vendor's list so I get to shoot amazing weddings like this!!! :D


To see more of Jessica and Tony's wedding please CLICK HERE!!!