Sherrie and Mark

This couple was featured several blog postings ago (see “Cycles of Love) along with their beautiful motorcycles. Now I’d like to share with you some of their wedding portraits. The ceremony was held on the beach at the Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort on a Saturday that was picture perfect. The size of the wedding party and guests list gave the whole event a warm, intimate, family feeling that set the mood for the entire day. Sherrie was as beautiful as ever and Mark looked impeccable in his tux. In fact, Mark looked so hot I noticed that Sherrie couldn’t keep her eyes, hands, and lips off the dude. (I agree, Sherrie…he looked SHARP!)

Once we finished the ceremony and took several shots of the bridal party and family, we had to dashed inside the Ramada Tu-Can Tango Resturant to avoid a sudden rain shower that blew in off the ocean. Sherrie and Mark and their guests had the entire restaurant to themselves, and that’s when the partying began. The main players in turning on the fun for the evening festivities was LaRae Laws (one of Sherrie’s best girlfriends) and Uncle Bob. Now these two should have their own TV sitcom. They dirty danced the night away and provided endless laughter for invited guests. I did not forget to insert some of their antics in the images below.

Over this year I will photograph dozens of weddings, but already Sherrie and Mark’s wedding has made a lasting impression in my mind. Besides the show of love they have for each other, I really enjoyed the kinship and joy each of their families displayed towards one another. And, I truly appreciated the “artist freedom” they gave me to document "their day" as well as how everyone loved on me and my daughter Dana. It doesn’t get any better than that as wedding photographers.

Oh, by the way, Maggie, Cynthia, and Taylor. Thanks for being such awesome bridesmaids. In my book you ladies were tops and you all made my day's work a treat.

To see more of Sherrie and Mark's wedding portraits click on this website link and enter this case sensitive Session ID: Sherrie

Uncle Bob showing off his latest moves with the ladies

LaRae being LaRae. Who's that dude in the middle?
Why it's Uncle Bob!!

Guess who caught the garter? You guessed it...Uncle Bob.Uncle Bob, you are so-o-o lucky!

Florist: Al's Florist

Cake:NiLus, 1854 N. Young Circle, Hlwd. (954) 927-6005

Raindrops & The Griffins – Part I

When Cindy Griffin called me to schedule a family portrait, it was wonderful hearing from her again. I’d photographed her wedding years ago (I can’t remember how long ago…it’s the gray hair), but she and Wesley were still together and they now had a son—Chris.

I scheduled their outdoor session at one of my favorite spots and as luck would have it the Poinciana tree was in full bloom. But! So where storm clouds. After about 5 minutes of photographing (I was just getting warmed up), we had to spend the remainder of the session in their car talking about old times. It was a wrap, and we decided to reschedule for a later date. Anyway, here are two of my favorite shots from what little I was able to create. Cindy, Wesley, and Chris I’m looking forward to Part II of our session.

Willie

EDLs (Every day life)

When I attended Brooks Institute of Photography and was studying for my degree in professional portrait/illustration photography, once a month our instructor gave us an assignment titled EDLs. It was the only assignment that as students we could use any camera of our choice (we weren’t allowed to use 35mm film cameras our first year) and there was no restriction on the subject matter. It was a fun assignment and now that I look back on it, I realize that it was given so that we could relieve the stress of completing demanding class assignments.

Two months ago I realized that as a professional photographer I only picked up my camera when it was a working job. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love the jobs that I’m contracted to cover. However, for years now I’ve virtually ignored the simple fun of walking around and creating images from anything that crossed my path. That’s what EDLs are all about. So, I’ve decided to reinstate EDLs in my monthly routine and look forward to the surprise element of this type of assignment. This first set of images came from a stroll along Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy!

This street light was on, but I wanted to accent
it against a dark sky. So, I used high speed sync
on my 550 Canon flash and exposed for the light. This homeless guy claimed to be a professional
blues harmonica player, but when he started playing...
Well, maybe that's where he got the
two black eyes from in the next picture.

Lovers' spat with tears and all. The Canon

200mm IS lens is great for this kind of stealth.

Shapes, colors, & designs will always catch

your eye when photographing EDLs.

New Website Look

It's about time!

Well, after 8 years of procrastination (I'm embarrassed to admit it) I've finally taken the time to have my website redesigned. Last month I put it on my list of "things to do" and stuck with it until it was done. The biggest problem was going through thousands of images and selecting the ones I considered to be the best of my work. So much went into the decisions that I made, but I think many of my clients will feel honored that their image was one of the 90 photos chosen. If you're one of my clients who made the cut, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph you. I hope you enjoy the fact that I think you're a "Superstar"! It's my understanding that I'll be able to update my images on a regular basis, so if your photograph wasn't featured on the first round don't be surprised if you're not featured at a later date. Here's a peek at the "old vs the new". Should be up and running this week.

The new site will feature more pages to view, new logo and studio colors, ease of navigation, and lots of links to helpful information about the studio and other recommended vendors.

Old Layout

New Layout

Enjoy this latest post and spread the "blog news".
Willie

Spot on Lung Update

My primary care doctor called me today with the results from my PET scan. The nodule is still there, BUT it hasn't grown any larger and I'm not getting the report that it's cancerous. I'm praising God for this blessing although 6 months from now I'll have to go through the CT/PET scan routine again as my doctor keeps an eye on things.

So, for now I'll keep working the photography gig that my clients are letting me enjoy. Currently, I'm revamping my entire studio model so that as we emerge from the economic slowdown Portrait Corner we'll have a fresh look. Stay tuned.

Willie