Engagement Session At Hammonds Ferry

Hello all,

I finally got to have a photoshoot at the beautiful location of Hammonds Ferry in North Augusta with Chris and Jen.  Whenever a client books a session with me I truly want to give them a unique experience.  I always suggest a new location because not only does it provide my client with a different scenic backdrop, but it always sparks my creativity and forces me to think of new ideas.  I was very pleased that Chris and Jen wanted to capture their photos at Hammonds Ferry and I believe my creativity came out in full swing with their images.  Chris & Jen were a pleasure to be around.  They were willing to try anything I asked of them, no matter how silly it may have seemed.  They completely trusted my judgement and I believe it shows in the images.  If you're ever in Hammonds Ferry for a photoshoot go grab some dinner at Manuel's Bread Cafe or Larder, thank me later!  Without further Ado.....here are some of the images we captured that day!

Engagement at Pendleton King Park!

Hello all!

Just a few weeks ago I got meet the sweetest couple and captured their engagement session.  Rob & Chelsee are getting married in September and I am honored to be capturing it.  Here are a few fun facts about Rob & Chelsee.  Chelsee's favorite show right now is Heartland and Quantico; Rob really loves Hawaii Five-O.  Their favorite date night is a night at home cooking comfort food and making a dessert together.  Followed by relaxing on the sofa with their dog watching Disney classics.  That sounds like my kind of night!  When asked if a movie or show of their love story were made; what channel or platform would it air on?  She said it would be a Netflix Original Series showcasing them being their silly selves in their lab with their soon to be mini-horse St. Bernard.  Let me add that to my watchlist! ;-)

Here are some of the photos from their engagement session!

Laura & Scott's Maternity Session

I met with Laura & Scott at the lovely Savannah Rapids Pavilion Park in Augusta, GA. Laura, who is 9 months pregnant really wanted to capture maternity photos before giving birth to their baby girl. Time was not of the essence so we had the session as quickly as we could on a gorgeous Saturday morning. During our session I learned that Laura is quite the athlete, she’s accomplished several triathlons; she’s even going to attempt another one in September as her personal goal after she gives birth. How awesome is that?

I wish Laura & Scott many blessings to come with the arrival of their newest addition to their family. Here are some of my favorite pictures from our session.

Christmas Family Photography Session!

Seasons greetings everyone!

When Destiny reached out to me inquiring if I would be interested capturing her family photos for her Christmas card/Family portraits I was thrilled at the opportunity.  Because I am still a newb in the C.S.R.A and have a lot to learn in terms of scouting interesting locations for photoshoots; I am always looking to try new places.  I had heard of Brickpond Park by many photographers in the area who go there for sessions with their clients.  I personally have never been there.  So the day before my session with Destiny and her kids I decided to scout the area.  When I got there I was a bit thrown off.  While it was a very picturesque, it did have have a warning marker throughout.  A marker that really doesn't go unnoticed.  Beware of Alligators!!!  Do not attempt to feed or harass if encountering one.  *Gulp*

As I walked through the area getting ideas for the session, I kept my eyes on the water......just in case.  Toward the end of my scouting throughout the park I decided to head on back.  As I walked back across one of the many ponds I peered out into the distance and notice something still and staring at me.  It was an alligator alright!  About 7-8 feet.  I noticed a stray dog in the area just moving along the edge of the pond.  The alligator didn't seem to be interested.  It just stayed there minding its own business.  After all that, I still felt that it was safe enough to have the photos taken there.  Worse case scenario I could just beat it with my gigantic Canon 70-200 lens ;-p

On the day of the photo session, Destiny bought her very photogenic kids Pierre, Carter and the newest edition to the family baby Salih!  Pierre was very helpful throughout the session helping me and his mother out with anything we needed to capture the best photos we possibly could.  Carter is just full of personality and kept us laughing throughout.  Baby Salih did what most newborns do.....sleep hahaha.  However, she did wake up from time to time just to give me a look. All in all, I believe I captured some of my best photos that day and it will definitely have a home in the IMP portfolio body of work.  I would like to thank Destiny for supporting and trusting me with photographing her family.  I look forward to photographing her family again in the near future!

Andre & Lashonda's Wedding Story

When I first met Lashonda back in Mid-April she informed me that her wedding would be just weeks after our initial meeting.  She would be taking on the daunting task of planning her big day in just a short period of time.  Originally, she was to have her wedding in North Augusta, SC in a rented mansion with an amazing hilltop view of the local town.  Unfortunately, the weeks leading up to her big day it rained a great deal.  Because her wedding would be outdoor/indoor utilizing all the facets of the mansion; Lashonda decided to change the venue a week before her wedding due to the poor condition of the grounds.  What Lashonda was able to pull off next is a testament to her character......a "can-do" character that will undoubtedly serve her and her husband Andre for a lifetime.  Lashonda was able to change her wedding ceremony and reception location to the historic Augusta Museum Downtown.  

Lashonda and Andre's wedding day was full of friends and family who cared deeply about them.  For a wedding that was planned in such a short period of time I can say without a doubt it was a great success and showcase of the love these two souls have for each other.  I will end this with a scripture that was on a medallion tied to Lashonda's bouquet.  Psalms 93:4 "More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty."

Here are just a few photos of Andre & Lashonda's wedding day

India Day!

Hello everyone!  Back in Mid-August I was hired to photograph the India Day event at the Augusta Maxwell Theater.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not only a professional photographer but also an IT professional.  I have found these fields both share a central truth; the learning never ends!  Just when you think you've mastered one area of photography, you quickly realize there is another to learn.  I think that is what keeps me going.  I am not sure I could do something that couldn't provide change or growth.  

Capturing the performances for India Day would be an event the like of which I had never done before.  I couldn't use flash and the auditorium lighting would be dim and constantly shifting for the various performances.  I planned for this event in detail: ...what will my camera settings look like the day of the event? ...how will I know which parts of the performances will be the most relevant? ...how many photos do I need to capture?  Much like shooting a wedding, it's great to have a plan but nothing can fully prepare you for a new experience.  You simply have to be focused and locked in; like a musical instrument, you must know your camera inside out.  

I made many mistakes and learned a great deal with this event.  One takeaway from India Day that will help me going forward is shot selection.  I took way too many photos (almost a movie of each performance!) and the client only needed a few of each set.  Both dance and sports photography require anticipating key moments and working for clarity in difficult shooting conditions.  Clearly communicating with clients about what outcomes they desire from the photography will provide the ability to meet their expectations.  Tying back into what I love about photography, focusing on improvement keeps what I capture fresh and responsive.  The client was extremely happy with my photos and will be hiring me again to capture another event in the coming weeks.  

Without further ado, here are some of the photos....

Neighborhood Halloween Block Party!

It's truly been a unique experience owning our very first home in a completely new neighborhood.  Over the past 2 years and counting I have seen it grow and change rapidly right before my eyes.  One of the things that my HOA (Home Owners Association) has been trying to accomplish is to build a stronger community.  Sure, living in GA people are polite and say hi, good morning etc.  They'll even wave at you as you drive your car into the neighborhood.  Good luck finding that in the northeast lol.  However, only a few of us in the neighborhood have gotten to know one another.  We usually meet for the dreadful HOA meetings once in awhile; where we are there to argue for or against changes and establish rules.  So when it was announced that the subdivision would throw a Halloween block party, I knew it would be a great opportunity for all of us here to finally meet up and get to know one another and just enjoy each other's company.  It was a complete success and it can only get better from here on out.  I decided to lend my photography to capture a few photos of the event.  I am really looking forward to future events like these to get to know my neighbors better and build a strong community.

Raiya's Birthday Party

When Sukhi & Gurpreet reached out to me on capturing their daughter Raiya's 2nd birthday; I knew it would be my toughest challenge yet.  Not backing down to any challenges thrown my way, I said yes.  Sukhi & Gurpreet decorated the house like a living safari; I was floored at the attention to detail they put in to make this birthday extra special for Raiya.  Sukhi, told me she wanted my images to tell the story of Raiya's 2nd birthday so that one day when she is older she can see what they had done for her.  Here is Raiya's birthday story..........

Art In The Park 2017

This year I was re-invited back to photograph Art in The Park 2017 for the Columbia County Arts Counsil here in Augusta, GA.  Sadly, the festivities were cut short by a massive thunderstorm that followed shortly after the morning performances had finished.  Photographing Art in The Park is completely volunteer work and is my way of giving back to the community.  I was just informed today that an official rain-date has been announced for Oct 14th and again, I have been asked to photograph the event.  In the meantime, have a look at some of the photos from the performances that day!