New York, New York... Again? Yup.

On my way back to New York again to spend the week shooting a good number of jobs with Anastasiia who graciously put a lot of time and effort into booking me an entire week of nothing but Photo jobs all around the city. She is something else! So, I need to get some sleep, because I leave out in a few hours. Pray for us while we endure this week of hard, but awesome work. That Christ can move through us and we can be effective not only in the work produced through photography but that some how some lives can be changed because of love we have for them and love we have for what we do. God has kept me moving in the non-stop life I've had since the beginning of July and I am praying that as the year is coming to an end, it ends with Joy and Peace to ready myself for a new year to really jump into an endless ocean known as Photography. Thank you for your support :).

Rebecca & Megan Lovell Promos.

Recently I shot with Rebecca and Megan Lovell of The Lovell Sisters, for their new project. I felt really honored that they wanted to go with me for their project, they are truly talented girls with amazing hearts. I cannot wait to see where they head in the music industry. Also thanks to my friend Jessica who came out to help me shoot these two on the such short notice, much appreciated. Go ahead and check out their music they have up on The Lovell Sister's myspace: www.myspace.com/thelovellsisters. Also, I am stoked to announce that I'll be shooting their oldest sister Jessica's Wedding on New Years Eve. It is going to be a blast to work with these girls again along with the rest of their family and bring in the new year with a good ol' hitchin'!. I'll be posting more of the photos soon, but for now check out the Flickr for those that I have posted.

Take Care, Stranger Full Flickr Post.

I posted up about 32 or so Take Care, Stranger Promos yesterday. I am excited for them to be almost completely done with their new EP "While We Breathe". It'll be out January 5th, 2010 on iTunes and Amazon MP3, so be ready to pick it up! Go to my Flickr account to check out all of the photos. There are tons of things to get done before the New Year so I can start 2010 with a whole new portfolio and everything else.

The Advent Conspiracy.

THE START LAST YEAR:
A new way of thinking, living, and renewed worshiping. Convicted and inspired, my family has been apart of a different style of giving for the past few years but I hope our family can be apart of this for as well for years to come. People all over are in need... you know, just the simple things like clean water, to survive n' all. As far as my life is concerned, I know more people in... want. We have our essentials and this is a great way to give away that which we have to those who don't have much or anything at all. It is Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for my family and friends, life, Love, and fountain of needs provided by a graceful God. Because I am thankful, it is time to give, joyfully. Whoop! Whoop!

www.adventconspiracy.org

THIS YEAR:

Flex Your Head.

About a little over a week ago, I shot my friend Robert's band, Flex Your Head. I love the guys and FYH is probably my favorite band in Atlanta Hardcore. Great guys with good morals and values. They played a great set and I was glad I got to get shots of their first show back since they finished their new record "Abandonment Issues". Check their music out at their myspace, www.myspace.com/flexxxyourhead. And check out my Flickr page to see the rest of the photos I posted.

New York, New York.

Here's Anastasiia in New York on the Brooklyn Bridge from this past weekend. My brother and I had a great time hanging out with her the whole weekend and enjoying the city once again, first time for my brother. I have a bunch of photos I'll be posting from the trip, but... they are behind a gigantic pile of work I need to get done, so you'll see them, but not yet! Also I'll be returning to New York in December and I'll be talking about that a little bit more when the time comes.

In other news, I'm off to shoot Rebecca and Megan Lovell today for a new project they are starting. Rebecca and Megan are in the trio, The Lovell Sisters, which is an amazing bluegrass, folk band. So I am pretty honored to get to work with these two today because their music is sooooo sick! Check them out there music myspace www.myspace.com/thelovellsisters.

Take Care, Stranger.

Here is the first look at the Take Care, Stranger promo shoot. My good friends Ark and Lauren were so dang great to work with and I'm super stoked about getting these images up soon. Take Care, Stranger is something Ark has been working on for a bit and Lauren was recently added on to the project. The Debut EP "While We Breathe" is gonna be freakin' sick!

The other reason I am updating right now is because I am sitting here transferring a bunch of stuff to my new Hard Drive... it's going to become a space issue soon, but it's going to make things run a bit smoother for sure.

ALSO!!! I'm heading to New York City in the morning once again!!! To see my lovely Anastasiia and show my brother around the city for the weekend. Before this year I had never been to NYC, and now I'm going a second time and... one more time in December for some good stuff I will blog about soon.

Mike Cosentino.

Here's the first look at my shoot from today with Mike Cosentino. The dude is great and will be releasing his new album in 2010. He's a great guy from "Joysie" and I will link him up when I get all his information about the new album. In the next post when I put up more photos from the shoot, I'm going to have some of these shots linked on my website so you can see them big! This shot is not meant to be seen small. No worries though, the time of this blog and it's tiny pictures is on it's way to an end. Go to the Flickr to see it a "tad", literally tad, bigger.

Other new news, I'm shooting Sunday with my friend Ark Zaydman (Take Care Stranger), to work on promo photos for his soon-to-be Debut EP. Stoked, the weather is perfect lately!

Sir Matthew Perez.

Thursday I shot with my friend Matthew Perez of Elevation (super tight band, check them out). He is a killer dude and a lot of fun to shoot with. I was really happy with the results to a shoot that was not prepared much. I have a bunch more of photos posted up on Flickr so check them out.

That Time Of Year.

It was around this time 14 years ago when the Atlanta Braves won the National League Championship and the World Series Championship. I miss a lot of the guys, especially Dave Justice 23, who I aspired to be haha. I am down about Bobby retiring after next season, but the reason I'm posting this is because I am hoping we'll pull out one last World Series for Bobby next year. I just hope the city of Atlanta will get behind our home team and push them all the way!

My Nephew: Elijah!

So I have spent almost two weeks with my nephew and they were absolutely amazing. My Sis, bro-in-law, and Eli, headed back up to NC today and instantly it sucked! I love when they are here and hate when they leave. He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the cutest, smartest, and most amazing 2 year-old struttin' around out there. The ladies already swoon over him, he is picking up drums, guitar, piano, golf, and baseball... :) hahaha, and honestly he just turned 2 and can already speak in full sentences. Ask Anastasiia, she can vouch hahaha. Yes I am biased, but I feel like it is my Uncle Duty to brag on my lil' dude! I have tons of photos of him from the past two years and probably should put them into the works of creating something... hmmmm will see :).


"I'm Two Yay!!!"


This is my Sister, the raddest sis on the planet. She helped to beget the amazing wonder known as Elijah! :)


The kid loves the drums, what can I say?

Operation: WORKFLOW

So the word "Operation" may be a little on the exaggerated side, but only to get me serious about my workflow. After spending a lot of time having WORKFLOW WORKFLOW WORKFLOW being hammered into my skull, I have been trying to prepare myself and my future business to have a tight and steady flow A.K.A. A Flowing River Named Work A.K.A. WORKFLOW!

Now I'm not just talking about how to edit my images quickly and efficiently. That would be known as, just use Lightroom and more so pointed towards wedding photography or just sorting through a days worth of images, and even that you could resort back down to Bridge. No, I am really speaking about business workflow. Finally getting my website up (but one I love and works the most efficient), new blog, better and more efficient storage for my images, get everything set with the new Accountant and Bookkeeper (highly recommended by a very very reliable source), more efficient workspace, freeing up hard drives, setting up shoots for the new portfolio in some special locations ;), and finishing albums, example books, comp cards, etc. etc. etc. Much stuff to do, but things that are very essential to getting out there. So, hur weh go!

Hey, I'm 21 Now. Whoop! Whoop!

So yeah, I turned 21 this past Saturday. We had a little party and as you can see... set up a "photobooth". Go to my flickr if you feel like reading the sarcasm behind it haha (all in fun of course).

Anywho! So I had some of the biggest surprises this birthday, and one of them happens to be the biggest surprise I've ever gotten. The girl above may look familiar... yeah because she's Anastasiia, the beautiful gal I happened to meet in New York at the beginning of September with Marc and Zack. So she secretly contacted Danielle and Jessica, then my Mom, so everyone knew, my family, friends, and even Marc knew she was coming. Yeah so basically on Saturday I flipped with stokedcitement! It was an amazing birthday and was glad I got to spend it here at home with my friends and family.

An Old Goodie.

I shot this photo about 2 years ago when I first started at Gwinnett Tech. I always really liked this image of my two friends Ark and Jim. It's always reminded me of some fun times. Since I haven't been able to get out and shoot much for my own portfolio, I thought I share an old goodie that I touched up a little.

UPDATES! I shot 3 weddings this past weekend so I have been beyond tired and school classes are very demanding, it's a lot different now that none of it has to do with photography hahah. I am in the middle of planning some big shoots and can't wait to get to them and post the work. I am currently trying to be a good student and also work on getting a bunch of albums finished. I'll also have a new wedding preview up soon from Victoria and Dylan's wedding where everyone can see a little more of the images. YES! I know, I'm still working on the site and blog. We'll see what happens after this weekend :).

Get It Going.

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE? The website is chosen and I'll have it up ASAP. The new blog will be set up with it. Getting jobs organized... and doing homework hahaha. At the same time I have all this inspiration yet have not gotten around to putting it into action. So, I'm ready to kick my butt into gear and try try try. Putting myself to use.

Here are some more fun photos from New York.Click on the photos to read about them.

Dylan & Victoria Wedding.

I KNOW I KNOW! I was supposed to update more on New York, but things have been crazy with me being sick and having to get a butt load ready before I start back to school to finish up some core classes AH! But here is a shot from a wedding we had out in Wedowee, Alabama. The images are purty tasty and I will be posting more soon. You can head to Flickr to see a few more that I posted with this one. So BIG stuff coming soon, I'm just in a huge time crunch to get it all done. Oh and check out Marc and Zack's blogs to see what I have been up to with them as well.

Before It's Old News.

So, as you have been reading, I was in New York from last Wednesday the 2nd to Monday the 7th. I wanted to make a big post about it but I have been so busy getting ready for my Portfolio Show tomorrow... today? Yeah, that I haven't had time to blog about the whole trip or the Portfolio show as well. So tomorrow or Sunday I will post about both. But a quick glance above is an amazing girl I met in NYC the 4th. Her name is Anastasiia and she is quite the beauty and smarty as well :). She took me out for the day on Sunday and helped make the trip one of the best trips of my life. Look out for her photo work coming soon! And below are my buds Marc and Zack who took me on this escapade of theirs and for that I am forever grateful because I learned and experienced so much in such a short amount of time, I will remember all of it for the rest of my life, they are not only amazing photographers but great friends as well. Ok, more to come later.

Oh and go to my portfolio show incase you weren't planning to already: 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Whoop!

Day... Four? Right. Right. NYC

Yesterday was a full day of shooting with Zack, shooting the band Atomic Tom and then singer/songwriter Greg Holden. Then today we all (Marc, Zack, and myself) had a huge Indian Wedding. We've been busy as all-get-out, but it has been so amazing. I haven't shot much and most everything I have gotten is either just to show I have been there or not satisfying. I'm hoping to end that tomorrow with my new friend Anastasiia. A beautiful girl from the Ukraine who now lives here in New York City. I'll be spending tomorrow with her then shooting a bunch with Zack and getting to finally hang with Marc again! haha. Tomorrow should be an amazing day and a proper way to send me back to Atlanta early Monday morning. (P.S. Greg Holden's photo is up on Zack's blog now and he also has a show in Atlanta at the Loft the 22nd of this September, so head down to it if possible.)

Day Two in New York City.

Today Zack and I went out to Brooklyn to shoot DJ Treasure Fingers. The shoot went great and as you can see we had a lot to work with which made it all the better. Zack and I headed back into Manhattan to roam a little more, grab a bite, and ended back in Time Square to do a little shooting. He sent me out on "assignment" to go take my first NYC photos. RC who happens to work with Scott Kelby showed up with some locals and we had some good conversation. Today was freakin sick, and tomorrow will be just the same.

Airport Stuckage.

On my way to Newark, NJ at the moment to meet up with American Idols, Marc Climie & Zack Arias. I am currently stuck in the Charlotte, NC airport. I still hope to make it to NJ by 1:30 so we can hit up NYC as soon as possible. The weather is fresh and I'm starting to wake up. Day 1 is good.

The Big News.

So, I'm still in disbelief; Two years of non-stop work, many emotions, a lot of life changing circumstances all finally came together. I won Best Portfolio 2009 for my photography program at Gwinnett Tech. It was hard but nothing felt more natural as far as work goes. It's so hard to express how I feel in writing or speaking. Christ has been extremely patient and gracious with me and has gotten me through so much the past two years and to be given this is just too much. There are a classroom of 23 other students deserving of this honor and to say I did it without all of them would be a lie. All my classmates (all linked to the right) helped me in some way along the way which is why I am so grateful for this experience that I might not would have had at any other school (special thanks to classmate Jessica Elliott for being an amazing partner for the past two years!). My teachers (Mrs. Harkins, Ms. Finch, Mrs. Kathy, John, D.Jones, and Claudia (oh and can't forget Ms. Hwang! haha))are the sickest, they helped me in and outside of school and their honesty, although it can be extremely hard to hear, has helped mold me into way more than the lil "photographer" who walked in two years ago. I'm definitely not trying to write some speech, just give credit where credit is due, because also, my Family and Friends have supported me all the way through and without all of these components of love in my life, I know I wouldn't be close to the person I am and receiving this honor wouldn't be as sweet. I'm just so dang stoked about this and also for all my classmates for making it through, giving it their all, and caring for one another the whole way through. Gwinnett Tech's Photography Program is one of the most radical experiences.

This video was put together by my friend and 2008 GTC graduate Danielle Millwood! She's a great friend, not only snapped some funny shots of yours truly on the announcement day, but also brought me some fortune cookies, balloons, bubblicious bubble gum, and ALSO a freakin Steak lunch! She is sooo dang dope! And excuse the random-ness of the video... :)

In other frackin' sweet news, I'll be heading to New Jersey/New York City with Marc Climie and Zack Arias to assist in a big ol' Indian Wedding and a few shoots around the Big Apple. We're heading out Wednesday and get back Monday in time to finish up last minute Portfolio Show business, HAVE HEART'S LAST SHOW IN ATLANTA!!!, and the big Show day on Saturday. Be there or be extremely lame, or bored, cause everyone's gonna be there, eatin fine food and drinkin Coca-cola... at least I will.

Help-Portrait: By Jeremy Cowart

Heck yeah! www.help-portrait.com

Portfolio JUDGEMENT DAY!

Today was the beginning of the Judging of our Portfolios. It was nerve racking, exciting, fun, tiring, and also illuminating. Illuminating in the sense that I have had a great time at Gwinnett Tech for the most part. I have gotten to know some really great photographers and made good friends. I have never been a good student and I hated school most of my life, but for once I will miss a school. Not the work of course haha, but constantly seeing good people and watching them grow as photographers and just as people. I know it won't be the same after school, but it's a good thing because the new "chapter" of our lives is going to be one of the hardest but the most rewarding as we set off to be true professionals at a profession that takes great knowledge and talent. Stoked!

A few other things, Marc Climie and Zack Arias were judging today which is exciting in itself. Because of Zack's tweet about JUDGEMENT DAY, our Program's Blog has reached, as of this minute, 1,037 views and STILL rising just about every minute. I made a new header for it because I honestly didn't like the last one. The GTC Photography Website is now up. And last but not least, a big thanks to every single person who helped me out, whether it was a place to stay (Josh), book issues (Jessica), keeping me on track, or just plain encouragement (I feel like I'm accepting an award, but I really just feel a thanks is needed, and you could look at this whole thing as... an awarding experience! haha). For real, the respect and joy I have for my teachers, classmates, friends, and family is just brimming at the moment. So to some up this entry, go to our Portfolio Show September 12th, 6:30-9:30PM at the Art Station (www.artstation.com) at Stone Mountain. Whoop!

Ninety Four Promos.

So I was really stoked when the guys from Ninety Four called me up about doing a shoot for them. Music photography is where I got my start in the photography world so I always sort of feel at home when I get out to help promote these guys with what they love doing. I love music and enjoy playing it, since I don't think I would ever make it as a musician this is just another alternative to always be apart of it, besides jammin whenever I get the chance ;). The guys were awesome and the shoot went great. I look forward to working with all the guys again in the future. Check out some of the shots on the Flickr. Also, big thanks to Danielle from Ella Rue Photography for helping me out with keeping the shoot flowing.

Two Years at Climie + Co.

Huge deal at Climie + Co with the coming together of the past two years of images in a "best of book" that Marc will have displayed with the Atlanta Branch of the Bridal Bar. Check out his blog post here.

"As photographers, we have to be very self-critical if we are to grow visually. We have to stand by our decisions, even when others disagree, that an image really is worthy of being presented. At the same time, we also have to know when we like an images for reasons other than that they stand on their own, and we have to cut them out, get rid of them. It’s an extremely difficult process, but one that teaches you a lot about yourself and your craft." -Marc

Great Shoot with Whitney Jetton.

So yeah, yesterday I had a great shoot with my good friend Whitney Jetton. We had a great time and I'm stoked about the results. I posted a few on my Flickr so check them all out, tell me what you think. I tried out some new techniques and again, I really liked the results. I will be shooting with Whitney again soon because we did not get to shoot everything we thought we could so yeah, you'll see her up here again soon.

A short story from the day: So the location above is an abandoned school that I shot at almost 5 years ago. I have always wanted to go back on account that I am a lil' better now and it is a perfect location (we only shot on one wing of the building). So anyways, we headed out and I said I wanted to take a chance to see if I could even find the location, not even believing it was still in tact... well who somehow remembered how to get right back to the same spot only to find that the school was still there and more abandoned than ever! So yeah, needless to say, it was a great day of shooting.

Up and Down Cycles.

One minute I am swamped, the next I am trying to find something to do. Half because my shoots keep falling through and I have to prepare myself for the weekend, which requires slow and thought out plans. I have a wedding all day on Saturday out in Alabama, first out of state wedding and the location is said to be very nice. Anyways, the photo above is one I took of Augusta back in the Fall of 2008. I wanted to go back and tweak the original and ended up finding this one, liked it a lot, and decided to edit this one as well.

Textures n' Such.

So yeah, I was not able to shoot much this past week so I felt like PSing the crap out of some photos and trying out textures. This one has more of an album art feel, so for you bands who are looking for album art design, I do enjoy it! But really I just decided to have some fun, nothing great. I took her face off, why? I don't know, because my friend Rebekah has a gorgeous grill but let's just call it, "all for the sake of art". It's not the best "face lift", could use some work, but I'm done for now. There is another one up on my Flickr.

Who can name the song reference?