Those who know enough about my wedding photography know that I decided some time ago that it would be much more interesting if I shot a cohesive series that’s unique to that couple rather than aim for a series of great but disconnected imagery that don’t represent the couple in the least and looks like everyone else’s photography.

It’s more work for everyone involved, but I’ve been enjoying it a ton more than what I used to do.

Here’s what we got this time:

When I first met Alisha, she was one of the more depressed people I knew. Soon after we met and worked together on a few projects (all film projects at the time), she got divorced and went through a horrible separation process while I watched helplessly from the sidelines.

She was a wreck.

And I didn’t realize how much of a wreck she was until I saw her transform into the happiest version of Alisha I’ve ever known.

So what defines a person? What makes them who they are? Well. Sometimes, it’s another person.

Here’s Jeremy, Alisha and their kids:

And here’s some random model shots of both of them. Can you tell who I’ve worked with most between the two? Oh and check out the contact section of my website. It has Alisha yelling into a megaphone

Jason and Emma were so much fun to work with. And lucky too; good light followed us everywhere we went despite threatening skies in the morning.

Anthony & Rose:

Day 311/365

The sun casts interesting shadows on the ground sometimes (iPhone photo)

Day 312/365

My little boy Mason playing in the puddle by the snow. He doesn’t care much for coats… He gets that from me I think… (iPhone photo)

Day 313/365

A growing section of my wall with random memorabilia. I have an autographed comedy show ticket I went to in Vegas to put up there now! (iPhone photo)

Day 314/365

I love my new album (iPhone photo)

Day 315/365

The beginning of many more Christmas presents (iPhone photo)

Day 316/365

My little boy jumping on strangers’ couch after I asked him not to! Thanksgiving party (iPhone photo)

Day 317/365

Justin & Sarah.

Sarah is a friend of mine that I met on the shoot of the original Takito short film (scroll down two posts to see what I’m talking about). A year later, her and Justin finally decided to tie the knot.

Congrats Sarah (you too Justin)!

Day 318/365

Kids’ drag racing (iPhone photo)

Day 319/365

Day 1 in Vegas baby!! The view from the top of the Stratosphere hotel and casino where I was staying (iPhone photo)

Day 320/365

Day 2 in Vegas (iPhone photo)

Day 321/365

My final day in Vegas. Watching some people watching the view (iPhone photo)

Day 322/365

I took a detour to Lake Mead on the way home. I really enjoyed the lonely road. Not only was it a beautiful ride, but the twisting, winding road wasn’t bad either. I’m a race car driver at heart and mountain roads are my little slice of heaven (iPhone photo)

Day 323/365

New postcard promos!!

Day 324/365

I went to see Frank Caliendo in Vegas. Here’s his autograph:

Here’s a video to see him in action:

And here’s a picture I took with him. Poor guy… He looked like he was tired of greeting fans yelling out “DO BUSH!! DO MADDEN!!” His video does his talent far better justice than this picture:

I’m still trying to attach Spielberg as the director for it but we’ll see.

Trilogies are psychologically satisfying. They are the basic building blocks to any good story.

Beginning, middle and end. Exciting introduction, obstacle, resolution.

You could condense a movie trilogy’s story structure into a single movie as long as you keep its three act structure and it wouldn’t lose anything except the extensive details that allow Hollywood to milk as much money out of a franchise as they possibly can. But money aside, the three act structure is as old as time. Ok the Greeks came up with it but whatever. Go read up on Aristotle

Here’s the story arc to my little adventure:

Act 1, I received my new monitor and started setting it up. Exciting Introduction!

Act 2, I found out it was defective. Obstacle! RAWR!!

Act 3, I received an email from HP saying they’d send a replacement. Resolution!

Ball’s in your court Mr. Spielberg! I envision a $700 million budget with me in the lead role. I’ve instructed my imaginary agent to ask for $699 million of that. Good luck making a movie for a million bucks.

Day 269/365

The big monitor box, sitting there waiting for its replacement to arrive, while its two significantly smaller friends hang around in the background (iPhone photo)

Day 270/365

After a tiring downtown shoot, I went up to Ensign Peak to relax and enjoy the view. I only managed 2 shots with my iPhone before I was caught.

I really love this shot. Anonymous, natural and best of all, peaceful (iPhone photo)

Day 271/365

Ben & Liz

Day 272/365

I actually shot maternity pictures that day, but the subject insisted I didn’t post any pictures online. Oh well. Lightpost in a parking lot (iPhone photo)

I did a couple of engagements today. I just finished Photoshopping them and it’s very late, so I apologize, but this is going to be short on text and longer on pictures.

Now that I think of it… some of you may be cheering… which really hurts my feelings…

Ok, enjoy!

Nate & Shawna

Julio & Justine

Oh I have to mention something on this first shot. Yes, it’s intentionally blurry. I actually missed focus during the shoot, but I decided it might still look cool if I accentuated the blur. I like it with more blur. There’s an honest quality about it that the extra blur emphasizes.

Engagements, bridals, weddings. These are still a reality for me to earn a living. I can’t say I don’t enjoy ‘em though. Honestly, I do. Most of these couples are really quite happy, and cheesy as this may sound, their laughter really is contageous.

This shoot however, felt a bit closer to home. The couple seemed more comfortable not smiling in many of their shots compared to other couples. They reminded me of working with models.

So I went with it.

Three shots again. I knew I wanted to shoot my chess board yesterday, and I think my focus helped me come up with shots that are a bit more conceptual.

Courage.

Duel.

Love.

Not sure why, but “Love.” is my favorite. I think it’s because I’d never considered the relationship between the King and Queen chess pieces before. And that angle looks… Dare I say it?… Romantic…

Just picture them.

Hands gripped together. Looking forward into imminent battle. Scared. Bracing themselves. Together.

Come on! That’s beautiful!

Yes.

I’m weird.