B&W Love

Film photography, it’s grounding. You get to touch the film, smell the chemicals, hear the water running over your prints. It’s one part of photography that I miss. (sometimes) Here are a couple prints from my TLR . . . my heart melteth.

Tim & Clarrisa’s Wedding

Maureen & Brian’s Engagement

Darth Vader in Training

Monday is cleaning day. It’s the most dreaded of all days of the week- so says my 9 year old.  This Monday was a bit different, though.  We stumbled upon a large bag of Nerf darts and quickly found four guns.  For an hour we screamed, dodged, and reloaded.  It was the best cleaning day EVER.  We will now hold a rematch every Monday . . . after all the cleaning is done.

This is Sullivan. He loves Star Wars and had a Star Wars birthday party last year, hence the shirt and Storm Trooper Nerf gun.  He specifically asked me to sing the Darth Vader theme song while he stalked me from around the corner. Enjoy!

My SX-70 Land [not sea] Camera

Happy 1st day of Spring! I was going to talk to you about some of my favorite things about Spring, so I enjoyed the sunshine and took pics outside. Then I stumbled upon this little beauty!  This was taken about 6 months ago, on my bed.  Yes, it is a true Polaroid- Instagram, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

The camera that took this picture is a SX-70 Land Camera.  Isn’t she a beauty?!

You can find Polaroid cameras everywhere (2nd hand shops, ebay, your Grandma’s attic) but then where can you get film?  Well, I buy from The Impossible Project.  Check out their website for a good read, fun polaroids, and an ever expanding assortment of Polaroid films.  Their packaging is super fun, as well.  When you load your pack of film, out comes a nifty message.  Here was one that I thought particularly thought provoking:

Explain the color orange: Vivacious, bawdy, eccentric.

Caleb, Brittany, Noah, and Emily {to be}

Today was 86° and sunny all day so while on my way to Sullivan’s Island I was surprised to see dark rainclouds in my rear view mirror.  Charleston storms are funny- I think it’s because we’re on the water- sometimes it downpours everywhere except the beach.  Thankfully, this was the case for Caleb & Brittany’s family photo shoot.  The storm made for some gorgeous, dramatic  pictures!  Brittany, thanks for being such a good sport. Even though you shouldn’t be on your feet you happily went wherever I asked.  Noah is Brittany and Caleb’s son . . . he is a pistol (a very cute pistol) and they’re expecting a baby girl, Emily, in 8 weeks.  Caleb & Brittany, thank you so much for making the trek, in rush hour traffic, and braving a two year old’s bed time for amazing light. It was worth it!

Oh, don’t mind me Mom! I’m just getting some more free candy from this nice lady over here.

(I always carry Smarties in my pockets for kids.)

This cargo ship was HUMUNGO! Noah was waving.

Stephen & Timber | Nautical Wedding on the Pier

This wedding was such a joy to be a part of.  It was a private ceremony between the bride, groom, and their daughter.  Timber jokes that they had an audience of dolphins and seagulls as wedding crashers. Stephen and Timber are the most crafty, creative couple I’ve met! They made almost everything that you see in these pictures. Just to name a few things: Aria’s (their daughter) dress, the hand fastening stole, the cake, even the ring boxes and their custom designed rings- everything had a delicate touch and special meaning.  Stephen competes in the Celtic games as an archer, so there were lots of Celtic details. This family also loves the sea and has spent many hours sailing the Atlantic coast- hence all the nautical details. Oh, and those flags you see on the cake . . . they spell “Stephen, Timber, Aria!” Timber, you are one amazing chic! Thanks for being so sweet and thoughtful to me, and everyone you meet.

I ❤ Film

Photography runs deep in my blood.  My grandfather was an avid photographer when he was my age and he even had his own makeshift darkroom, enlarger, and developing chemicals!  A couple years ago I had the pleasure of going through his photo collection in preparation for my grandparent’s 50th anniversary.  Their celebration included a slideshow of his slide film, B&W prints, and eventually his color pictures.  Witnessing, organizing, and digitally recording his life’s accomplishments will always be one of my fondest memories.  It’s a constant reminder to document my life . . . often.

When I went to photography school he gave me some of his old equipment.  My favorite piece is this Yashica-A, medium format camera he purchased while in the Army when stationed in Japan.  It’s images can hold their own- even against digital cameras! I love to pull it out at weddings and engagement shoots so if you appreciate the art of film- let me know and you can witness the magic! Below are some pictures I took with this little beauty. . . enjoy.

Baby Willa is here!

My new niece, Willa Gray, has finally arrived! Isn’t she just the sweetest little angel?!

In preparation for her arrival I decided to learn the video function on my camera.  I shoot with a Canon 5D Markii and NEVER shoot in video mode . . . because I’m a photographer! So, one morning (before everyone was fully dressed) Sullivan decided to play the piano.  It was the sweetest thing and he’s quite good.  I grabbed the camera, switched to video mode, and thought to myself, “He is SOOOOO going to appreciate that I captured this tender moment when he has little ones of his own.”  The tender moment lasted a short while- and then it was back to his three year old antics!

Old Wide Awake Plantation

What an fun weekend! I had the pleasure of meeting some really cool people at the Old Wide Awake Plantation. Margaret McKenzie, the venue’s director, threw an awesome southern style shin dig!  The Caterer stuffed us with Frogmore Stew, steamed oysters, and spinach dip that I seriously COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF! Old Wide Awake has a quaint charm that’s unmistakable.  As soon as you turn onto the tree lined road a gorgeous white house with wrap around porch welcomes you- and it feels like home. This event was about meeting contacts within the wedding business.  One person that I was especially happy to meet was Linda of Artistic Cakes by Linda. This woman can bake a mean cake.  The culinary masterpiece she showcased was a Pillsbury Bake-Off award winner.  Look below . . . do you see the custom designed chocolate shells?  Yes, she makes her own original molds for those shells!  The cake was infused with Kaluah and Wildberry Schnapps and if there weren’t people around I can promise that I would be doi