The River of Life Youth Mission

No airplane ride, no buses, or trains, just a short drive in the car. No sleeping in a tent or hotel, but my own comfortable bed. I was photographing a mission trip for my church, Wesley Way UMC, this week in our own county.

Called "The River of Life Youth Mission," youth from all around came to lend a helping hand to the local citizens for a week.

Most of the Church classrooms were transformed into sleeping quarters. Local schools opened their gym showers and the breakfast and dinner meals served at the church by volunteers.

I was amazed at the work performance of the group especially since the temperature was well into the 90's each day. The leaders gave numerous water breaks. I never heard a complaint from anyone except maybe when I clicked a few photos of a few unsuspecting smiling faces.

Roofs were replaced, boards and siding repaired, yard cleanup and houses were given a fresh coat of paint. More than 15 homes were included in the mission project. Months of planning by a great number of volunteers proved to be a smooth operation.

What an impact to the community these youth made and I believe they will never be the same, taking a week of their summer vacation to help others in the hot June sun. "Blessed to be a blessing" is what Pastor Greg has taught us...and this week not in Honduras, South America, or some distant place but only a few miles from our homes.

Randy

And Now I Can Tell

Sometimes secrets are very hard to keep. You have to take your mind off of them and maintain the integrity. One such promise Lisa and I have been holding on began in a Starbuck's over some fresh coffee on a November afternoon. It was there where Scott and Christy glowing in love shared their plans of their wedding day.

We had initially met at the Georgia Bridal Show and we had planned several meetings to discuss their needs from us as their photographers. Scott told us how they liked our work, that we were not the normal wedding photographers, and they liked our style. Then he told us of their post wedding plans for all of the guests to share. They wanted to release butterflies. Not just any butterflies but Monarch butterflies! Scott also had planned to have a few for a private release session for just the two of them! Chills filled my arms as I could imagine the awesome photos this would make. I recall even showing the chill bumps to them. Yes, I get excited. I love what I do and I get very excited when situations like this arrive. He was very serious and I believed he had already placed the order some seven months away.

This past weekend Christy and Scott were married. The beautiful windows of the church allowed the soft sunlight to fill the sanctuary as the friends and family shared in this special day. No summer rain would spoil this day.

After the ceremony we gathered outside on the lawn as several dozen of the butterflies in the special containers were handed out and then they were free. You are probably thinking of the ones that didn't make the trip, but I do believe that all were alive in their unforgetable brilliant orange wings.

Most special to me was our private release in the back courtyard. A photographer's dream area to work with.

With the reception a few miles away, I was wondering how they would be transported there. But all was answered when I saw the green Mustang convertible out front. I kindly asked permission to go for a quick ride in the front seat to maybe get a shot of the two of them with the wind in their hair.

The night was then filled with a wonderful reception and dancing.

There have been many times that I almost told some of our future brides about the butterflies. I always caught myself and now I can tell. If you are looking for something different and amazing, I have the company info, just email me.

Scott and Christy, thanks for taking us along on your exciting day. We are grateful and we wish you a blessed life. It was a very special day for us also!

Randy

Sometimes You Just Have to Dance

Life doesn't always go as planned -- especially if the plans are for an outdoor wedding in Georgia. But, one thing is for certain, our true character will arise when we are tested. This past weekend we celebrated with Margo and Edward in their wedding vows. The "getting ready" photos and the outdoor bridesmaids and groomsmen photos went well. But only a few minutes before Margo was to walk the aisle, the rain began. First a light rain then a hard rain that sent everyone inside.

While Lisa was with with Margo, I scrambled to cover my gear and make my way inside to find Edward...and there he was with his groomsmen singing. It's pouring down rain on his wedding day and he is singing and clicking his fingers to the a cappella harmony. I was impressed. In fact, as the friends helped to relocate the decorations in their rain-soaked clothes, I never heard a complaint or an ill remark.

Margo was so elegant as she made her way through the crowd and they were married. Laughing, loving, joking, and kissing, they were now husband and wife. Lisa and I searched for an area to photograph the formals and, again, all were very cooperative and appreciative.

Lisa had just the place for some romantic photos of just the two of them with a window light.

Then came the dancing. The rain ceased and Margo with her parasol led the wedding party outside in a New Orleans style dance.

Isabella, one of the bridesmaids, tipped me off on their special surprise swim in the pool for Margo. I then told Lisa and she positioned herself for Margo's reaction while I concentrated on the action of the big jump.

It still amazes me on the attitudes of first, Margo and Edward, and second of all of the guests. Their true character was shining brightly. Lisa and I reflected on our drive home that we both passed the test also. Through it all, we also captured their day without any extra tension added...because sometimes you just have to dance!

Congratulations, Margo and Edward! Thank you for choosing us to photograph your beginning as husband and wife. And may you always have that wonderful attitude through life's winding road. May God bless you!

Randy

The Fireman, His Wife, and a Truck

I have a great appreciation for our servicemen, policemen, and firemen. May I never take for granted those who will give their lives, if needed, to allow us the freedom and protection of living in America. Sailors at sea make great firemen and we were always fire training. I had once thought of continuing on to becoming a fireman when I left the Navy.

When we first met with Jessica and John, they told us of their concepts for their portrait session. John is a fireman and Jessica has carefully planned a portrait of him and a fire truck. She also hoped to have a few together and maybe some in his fireman's suit. Instantly, I was seeing photo ideas so vividly. We mentioned some multiple locations where we could shoot all of their concepts and that we were more than willing to do this type of photography. Her smile said that we were on the same page.

The day for the shoot came and after getting permission for the truck we then had to adjust until the truck returned from a call. So we began with the studio portion of the shoot. I felt the character of the fireman yearned for the harsh one light portrait in black and white.

Jessica was so much fun in the fireman's suit. With her wonderful smile, she is a natural.

After a change in clothing, we did the couples photos around the garden pond. Although they have been married a few years, I kept thinking this was an engagement session.

Finally, a quick drive to the fire station and there she sat all shiney and red! Riley wasn't the only one in the car to say ooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!

One of my favorite photos that I took of my dad is with his tractor. Everyone who knew him agrees that he was himself with his tractors! I then think of John and how he seemed to change, yet, relax in his suit around the truck. Some photographers call this lifestyle portraiture. Whatever the term, there is something nice about having a person photographed around something that they love doing. To me it brings out a trueness of character.

Hopefully, Lisa and I captured this element for Jessica, John, and their families for many generations to come. One thing I know, this day was a blessing to us. We want to thank Jessica for approaching us and offering us this opportunity.

Randy

On a Country Road

I have lived in Georgia for 24 years now and while I grew up in the Carolinas, I am impressed with the state parks here. When Lisa and I go on some relaxing drives, we try to take the backroads. Those little things like a grain silo, a weathered barn, or a working windmill, all require a stop and a few clicks of the Nikons. All too often, these nuggets are just a few miles away.

Such was the case this week when planning an engagement session with Anna and Bobby. Bobby, a native of Rockdale County, Ga., knows this land like the back of his hand. They suggested several great sites within a few miles of each other. I then took the liberty to scout out the area on Friday. We always try to see the area beforehand and then we plan our photos. Sometimes great photos just happen before you and you simply have to adjust and shoot. But we have learned that consistant professional results requires planning and scouting new areas.

We began the day at a hidden gem. The bridge proved to be a popular Sunday drive area, but we were able to fully use its beauty. Just before we were leaving I asked Anna if there was any other pose she would like to do. "Just one more -- a silhouette of us inside the bridge," she said.

Bobby then led us through the backroads to a nature trail which we found quiet and peaceful. A swampy backwater dock juxtaposed with Anna and Bobby is one that I had planned from my Friday scouting visit. Not your typical engagement type photo, but hopefully you will find that Lisa and I are not your typical photography team.

From there, we went to Bobby's special section of the railroad tracks lined with trees all around.

Our final stop with a clothing change found us in the "Old Town" area of Conyers, Ga. We received several phone calls alerting us to the thunderstorm warnings all around. But in the lovely landscaped Koi pond garden, it was perfect overcast lighting for photographs. Finishing up a few blocks away at the train station, we felt the light rain begin to fall. We were blessed!

Thanks to Bobby and Anna for a wonderful tour of our neighboring county. I am sure we will pass this way again. A wonderful couple and a great day for us! We are looking forward to the wedding day!

Randy

Congrats Aubrey and Clint!

Secluded on a hill just west of Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla lies the Indian Springs Resort. It was on the steps of this 1820's mansion that Aubrey and Clint were united in their wedding vows.

I was invited to the resort in March to go over the wedding day plans along with Aubrey and Clint. Owner Frankie Willis carefully explained the features and gave us a tour of the grounds. I am sure that I surprised her with my questions, "Can I put a camera here? Can I go here? and Are we allowed here?" But each time she smiled and said "Sure! No problem."

Arriving on wedding day, the bride and bridesmaids had their hair styled upstairs in the two room bridal suite. Ten foot ceilings, beautiful window lights and mirrors, Lisa captured the afternoon in an artful fashion.

The new garage addition with the second story apartment proved to be very relaxing for the groomsmen. With a pool table, large screen TV and nice comfortable chairs, I was wondering if there would be some resistance when I needed to take some outdoor photos.

As the sun sank on the backside of the home, family members smiled with joy for Aubrey and Clint. The reception followed in the meticulously landscaped back area of the resort.

We enjoyed sharing this day with their family members. We enjoyed the one location for everything. A beautiful venue that lends itself to amazing photographs. Frankie was very pleasant to work with and very helpful in the ceremony. I am now a fan of the Indian Springs Resort. Congratulations Aubrey and Clint! May you be blessed in your new life.

Randy

One Half Million Views

Last week our galleries rolled over 500,000 views! We are excited and we thank you for your support! We are grateful for our growth and our opportunity to serve you and the community as photographers.

This week found us shooting an engagement session with Scott and Christy. It was our second attempt due to the weather and this week looked like rain, also, but this is the south and Monday morning met us with brilliant sunshine in the 60's. It was a beautiful day indeed.

A few weeks back we had lunch with Scott and Christy to plan the engagement session. Both love the outdoors and Christy mentioned waterfalls. So we decided on a multi-area session that included lots of water and natural settings.

We began the morning at a park filled with waterfalls and scenic stonework. We had some hiking to do, but both were excited to be there. I have been wanting to use this area for many years. Lisa and I had scouted the area while she was pregnant with Riley and also before in the late '90s when I was shooting some bands. This was the day!

I usually let the couple pose naturally with little or no interaction from me. Then I record the morning in a candid/photojournalistic fashion.

Believe me they did not need any input. I was amazed at how at ease they are in front of the camera. The session included three different parks with a wide variety of scenes. I pushed them to almost three hours of shooting and no one ever complained.

We look forward to their upcoming wedding. We have a few secrets planned for photography that I am looking forward to make happen. Nope, sorry, I won't reveal Scott's big plans! Thanks guys for a fun day behind the cameras! Only a few weeks until your big day.

Randy