Thursday night I got a call from my friend and partner in photography crime Clem (the dirty squirrel) Kutzli about heading to Toledo Friday to catch Crystal Bowersox perform, as I am an avid American Idol fan I was excited to hear her live.  We left entirely too early to head out to the show arriving even before the stage had been built.  We had a good time talking with the locals and enjoying the sunshine before Crystal finally took the stage.  Although she only played two songs it was great to see some local talent get her due.  Regardless of what happens on Idol she is a true star in the making, her future is set.  What a talent.  Best of luck to you Crystal!  Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday! 

Here are a few we got while watching her jam…Enjoy!

A little while ago we had the pleasure of doing some promo shots for local rock band Venyx.  Even though it was a bit on the cold side it didn’t stop band members Jessica & Cynthia (vocals), Les (bass), Mark (lead guitar) & Matt (drums) from coming out and letting me put them thru the paces.  I had a great time with this group, they are as nice to work with as they are to listen to.  If you’re in to live music and want to hear a great, quality band check out Venyx at www.myspace.com/venyx and see if they are coming to your area.  It’s a great time!

Here’s a couple from our session, enjoy!

I just got back from a great time with my NOBS brothers and sisters in Chi-town, Chicago.  I had a great time even though I rode down with my good friend and local Dirty Squirrel, Clem Kutzli (we had to stop every 10 miles so he could have a smoke and comb his mustache).  We heard some really great speakers like Scott Crosby, Will Crockett, Danny Rabalais, Mike Long, James (LJ) Hodgins, Rob Provencher and many others.  I always enjoy seeing my great friends from the forum that I have been fortunate enough to meet and learn from.  NOBS Rocks!  We even got away one evening to buzz around the city a bit and grab some cool night shots of the cityscape.  Here are a couple of my night shots and a group shot of the NOBS gang.  Until the next time…Mahalo!

We were sessing up for a kid session in the studio when my son came down and decided he needed a quick portrait.  He seemed pretty serious, besides who am I to argue with a guy in sunglasses…

Here’s my orange goofball…Enjoy! 

Here’s some more for your viewing pleasure (in no particular order…)

Enjoy! 

I’m really getting excited for the senior season coming soon, we have some really cool new places to shoot and our all new studio will be finished with a whole special emphasis on fresh indoor style.  It’s gonna be a fun year!

Continuing on with our theme, here are some more in no particular order…

As I am working on our new mailer for 2011 Seniors, I have been combing thru the thousands of images taken last season.  I thought while I was looking thru and picking some for the mailer that I would post a few of my fav’s (in no particular order) each day this week.   Here we go…day one of Senior Week!

Stay tuned, next week we unveil the new 2011 Senior Mailer!

Meet Kaiden.  This 3-month little cutie belongs to the very first High School Senior I ever photographed over 5 years ago.  In the past we have been lucky enough to photograph engagements, events and weddings of our past Seniors and now we can add a baby to the list.  It really is one of the coolest aspects of this job to see friends we meet along the way grow older and move thru life.  Thanks Heather and Matt for letting us give you some images along the way…

Here’s some quick ones from Kaiden’s 3-month session…Enjoy!

Well I’ve been back from the WPPI Conference in Las Vegas for just over a week now and am still buzzing from all the great new info and ideas I have harvested from my trip!  First off a little braggin’, I was lucky enough to win another international merit for my image titled “Portrait of Evil”.  I was totally stoked to gain more points toward my Masters, with any luck I am hoping to achieve that in the next year!  Wish me Luck! 

There were over 14,000 photographers from all over the world filling MGM Grand and surrounding hotels, two buildings filled for the tradeshow and great speakers everywhere you looked!  I was fortunate enough to hear David Williams speak again, any time you can hear him speak, do it.  He rocks!  I was so pumped when I got home a week ago I have been making changes and improvements all week long.  2010 is going to be a great year!  Stay Tuned!

Here is my winning image “Portrait of Evil” and some images from my trip.  Most were taken by my NOBS Forum brothers and sisters.  I can’t wait till next year…Enjoy!

If you know any full time photographers they will tell you that this is the greatest job in the world.  Every job, including ours has stressful days but all it takes is working with some cute little ones to remind you how great a job this is.  There is something so pure in the expressions of a child.  We have been blessed to work with quite a few adorable little ones already this year.  Here are a couple of the cuties so far…more to come!