I have been on somewhat of a journey, it began with redesigning my website but quickly took on a life of its own. These days you can’t simply re-design your site, you have to “Brand” or ‘Re-Brand” yourself. In Branding, first you must ask yourself who you are as a photographer and what your photography is saying?  That of course leads to self reflection and who has time for that? So I would put it on the back burner for a time, then pull it forward trying to “reflect”, then get busy and push it back, all the while not getting anything updated because I was not “perfectly” sure what I was trying to say.

In between then and now was quite a  struggling, I won’t bore you with the details, but that struggle lead me to spend a week with a group of photographers all looking for more in their photography. “Photo Muse” Austin was a group of 12 photographers, lead and directed by 3 leaders in the industry. Lynn Johnson, National Geographic, Penny De Los Santos, travel and food photographer and Scott Martin  fine art photographer and digital imaging educator.

There is much to share, and as I continue to process I will tell those stories, but the short version is: I went to be inspired, make beautiful images and find my voice. I finished the week with more purpose and a different kind of beauty in my work. I spent the week getting to know and photographing a group of men, telling the story of their lives. This may not be much different from my work in weddings, telling the love story of the couple and the story of the day. But these men live on the street, between a fence and wall, in the middle of no where, yet everywhere. They are the men and women we see (or often try not to) on street corners across this city, across the county. They have names, dreams, memories. My assignment, to give them their voice.

Life between the wall and a fence.

Community

Sharing

Simple

Strength

In the days to come I hope to spend more time with them, and share their stories with you. To what end, I do not know. I do know people, all people are worth knowing.

Do I have a new brand? Nope! I don’t think so but I do know why I feel strongly about photography. To give each person a voice and tell their story. Weather the love story of a new marriage, the beginning of life in a newborn, the excitement and expectations of high school seniors. Equally important is the voice of the unnamed, the unseen, forgotten. I hope to treat them all the same.

October as become know for Cancer Awareness Month.  You can’t help but see it everywhere from TV ads, to billboards to our roadways. The Lance Armstrong “Ride for the Roses” comes right by our house!

To the right is one of my grandmothers, MamMaw Brush, for years she was the “face” of cancer in my life. She died when I was a sophomore in college. (I was blessed to have had her that long.) Being away at school I didn’t really share the day-to-day struggles of her cancer so my hurt was more in the losing her than the fight.

The last few months the “face” of cancer has taken on a different look. I have had the honor of being involved a special project, photographing Cancer survivors and their caretakers for The Relay for Life 2012 Calendar of Hope. Through this project I met people and heard stories that helped developed a new view for me. Stories of fighting for years as with Lisa who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia when she was 4 years old, surviving for 39 years. Stories of hope and faith in Christ as in Gaby was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at age 3, but has hope because of all of those before her who are dedication to awareness and research.

This is Yo, when diagnosed in 2007 she bought herself this necklace and earrings, designed by a Native American to represent Power. She is a strong and beautiful face standing up against cancer.

Stories of Family and Friends who where are every step with love and support.

You can view more  images, read their stories and be inspired when you buy a calendar. It comes out in November.  Check out the website for placed and location.

I can’t end without thanking Vicki, (not pictured here but maybe at the relay in May I can grab a shot) The Chairman for Relay for Life Dripping Springs, a 2x caregiver, survivor and amazing woman who gets things done! It is due to people like her the “face” of cancer is ever changing.

We lost our Loving Grandfather, Husband, Dad, Great-Grand father, father-in-law, friend to Alzheimer’s. But Team Cactus will remain ever strong!

This morning I got up early and headed into Austin, by early I mean I watched the sun come up, and it was glorious! I went in to meet some family for the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Association. It was a beautiful morning and beautiful time. I have more than a few family and friends facing this disease in some form. so it was worth the early hour and drive in.

Every since I started the business side of photography and began “working” at it, I found I don’t seem to photograph my life as I once did. Or don’t just go out and photograph for no reason. Lately I’ve been making an effort to change that, so, even though I only had one cup of coffee before leaving the house I managed to grab my camera.

Here are a few from this morning!  Enjoy and remember to make Memories    (and record them!)

I start this one with the groom Jared!

This is Pecos, one of the best men!

I’ve known Jared since he was in 7th or 8th grade, perhaps longer, but it  was around then he and my son became friends. Through their school years in Dripping Spring, they were close to inseparable and attending college on opposite coast lines never weakened their bond.

I can’t even begin to tell you of their countless adventures, church camps, mission trips, tennis tournaments, Young Life, camping, surfing, rock climbing, road trips, camp councilors, Costa Rica., double dates, and heart breaks…… It goes on and on, all the while growing, supporting and challenging each other in matters of the heart, their walk with Jesus and becoming amazing young men.  Iron sharpening iron. (But is another story)

The rest of the Drippin Crew!

Last month Jared joined with a new partner on the adventure of a life time when he married Lizzy.

So Beautiful

I was more than honored to be asked to photograph their wedding. I was blessed to say the least.

Yep,this is me

Here are just a few  favorites

Perfect day at Shady Wagon

Proof Jared giggled!

I don’t normally include images of my self , but had to laugh at this one!

I didn’t know it would be so hard to get a 4 year old to jump!

As you can see, I didn’t.

It was an amazing day full of grace and love. Click here to view a little video of rest of the day

I found out about Colin’s Hope when Ana , our daughter, was working for Ian Crocker (Olympic Swimmer). You can read for yourself the story of why and how this non-profit was formed but here is the short story: A very loving family lost their 4-year-old son Colin in a drowning accident. Their journey through grief and pain, trying to understand with faith, led them where are they are today. They soon found out many children die from drowning and knew they had been called to do what they could to change that. Please check out the site.

Each year they host The Colin’s Hope Kids Triathlon. What a great event. Kids swimming, biking, running. Parents cheering them on.

I think they have opened registration for this years event so again, for participation and volunteers  check out their site. What a great way for you and your kids to have a “Best Day” and give back at the same time.

Click below to view the  video I put together from last years event.

Best Day Ever 2010.

We spent a lot of time in the studio.Then headed out side!

I strive to give each Senior something a little different. For Ashleigh’s session we hit the creek with this fabulous yellow chair which was perfect with her blue dress!We had so much fun. Thanks Ashleigh for choosing us to be part of your Senior Year!

In Johnson City there is a little art gallery that specializes in photography. A Smith Gallery, very close to the square.

This is the last weekend of a show called  Simplicity,  and you can enjoy a few wildflowers on the way.

Who couldn’t use a little simplicity in our lives?

I love this time of year and I love High Schools Seniors! So full of life, hope, dreams, expressions!

You can’t help but have such a good time.

This is Allie:

She is graduating from Dripping Springs High School

I hear she is going to UT in the Fall

They are going to love her there!These are just a few of my favs! Way too many to post them all!

Congratulations Allie,

and from one Longhorn to another  “Hook’em”

Finding a bit of color in the gray.

Spring is around the corner and there will be colors bursting out everywhere.  New spring grass is so green, pinks and yellows on fresh blooming flowers, a clear blue sky!  I can’t wait.

But before spring arrives there is still beauty to be found in the Gray. Small bits of color  pop out with a background of brown grass and leafless trees. A yellow crocus peeks out from under the snow. (well not here in Central Texas but other places, I’ve seen pictures!)

I challenge you to go find some beauty this week-end, not matter how gray the days.

Introducing….Foto Friday. What, you might ask is Foto Friday? Well let me start with the why and that might help explain the what.

I love what I do, I love photography, I love capturing and preserving memories for others, and I love creating art. However, I have been a little stressed of late! Spending far too many hours alone at my computer is taking a toll and I’m afraid leaving me a little stale in the creative area!  I find my self longing for a more human interaction and a little more hands on when it comes to creating. I remember one of the things I so cherished when I was studying photography in school was the interaction and energy I received from the other students, being around creative energy create creativity! I also loved the Darkroom! The slow, hands on process of watching an image emerge on a blank piece of paper.

To get myself more hands on I have started working on some multi-media projects, taking some classes, trying some new techniques, and even using some film again! (I hope to share a few samples on one of these Fridays.) But most of that with the exception of a class still leaves me working alone! So…enter Foto Friday, interaction with you!

I’m not exactly sure how this will work but I have a few ideals and I’m super excited to see how it evolves! So for now each Friday there will be a post. (Wow typing this will hold me accountable)

Some possibilities might include:

A new image using a new technique.

A link to some photo event.

A word prompt for expressive photography.

Not sure what else!

But more important is the interaction and that is where you come in. I really want you be involved, comment on images, try some techniques, ask questions, make suggestion and let me post your images!  I hope you will come play with me. I look forward to having some fun and see where we can go from here.

To start here is a Multi-Media piece I did in a class at Luguna Gloria. Photographic transfer, acrylic, collage.

Italy remembered