Steven and Rachel August 11th, 2007

I am just so grateful at all the wonderful opportunities that Lindsay and I have had this summer. All of these opportunities have just allowed us to gain so much more experience in the world of photography. Each of these experiences has given us the ability to be get more creative in developing our own style and technique. With every door that opens, I feel that I am getting closer to my dream. I know that I have a long road ahead of me but knowing how far I have come is my drive to push even further.

Another wonderful opportunity came along with Steven and Rachel. Since I knew them both, they were gracious enough to let me and Lindsay accompany their professional photographer so we could be apart of their big day behind the lens. During this wedding Lindsay and I acted as a second photographer and assisted the professional photography. Of course assisting another can be a struggle because you want to capture certain moments but you don't want to get in the way of another photographer's vision. Overall, I feel that every experience is a learning experience and I am grateful that I get the experience of working with another professional photographer. It is always interesting to watch a photographer plan the day, give directions, and create or capture images. Observing another photographer allows oneself to create their own vision, their own path.

I realized that I love to be the quiet one. Believe it or not, although I still enjoy taking the social role to connect with the people. But to pretend that I am not there while still being there. This so called "quiet" approach allows you to get close enough, so close that not only do you capture the image but you capture the emotion. Although, of course I am still learning, I realize I need to be quicker in taking that shot. If you wait too long that moment is gone, but once you got it.... hell it is just magical.

This wedding was just filled with moments. From the mother and daughter moments in the dressing room, to the touching vows, to the constant inside smiles that the bride and groom shared all day with each other. It was a day of love and family, a great celebration. Thanks a million to Steven and Rachel!