Chris & Victoria - Wedding

For the second time in my life, I had the singularly disorienting (and wonderful) experience of being both a member of the wedding party and the photographer. This is a bit more feasible at LDS weddings like this one - no procession down the aisle to capture. The ceremony is private and happens in the temple, where photography is not a thing.

The couple consists of two friends of mine - a special treat, rather than belonging to one side of the aisle, only. Chris & Victoria were part of a mutual group of friends that spent a lot of time together, and it was fun to get to watch them gradually pair off and realize that they never wanted to stop being friends.

Since there is not photography inside the temple, Victoria wanted to find another way to have a "first look" picture. He didn't like being out of the loop, but Chris behaved and never saw the dress until he was given the ok the day of. We stopped by at the temple early so she could get changed and come out to met him.

After the ceremony, we got the usual round of photos - them on their way out to meet the family, group shots, just the couple. Anywhere I managed to appear is thanks to the investment I made in buying a remote trigger I hid in my hand and the tripod I dragged along.

(Photographer's aside: I don't know why, but I really love the above shot best cross-processed.)

After we were done down at the Houston temple, we drove ALL THE WAY back to Austin for a backyard reception. Their guestbook idea was really adorable - they used engagement shots to make puzzles that guests were asked to sign for the couple as a keepsake.

 

 

All in all, adorable. And at the end, everyone played with FIRE!

And just an ending shout-out to the groomsmen who help hold my stuff and round people up. It's rough shooting a wedding in heels and a skirt, let me tell you...

Memory Portraits

First off, I'm happy to report that I'm actively photographing these days, and really enjoying it. Though I've been slow to post, I've had great opportunities to share some moments with friends and capture a few beautiful scenes between all of the other things in my schedule.

Back in September, in the middle of a last-minute move between apartments, work, and trying to keep up social obligations, I had a birthday party. In the past, I've put tons of time into planning music, food, and an all-around intensively good time. This year, the main attraction was more for me than everyone else.

... I took everyone to a set-up outside (between their socializing) and took pictures of them. They are very similar to the portraits I did in Bruxelles, and I think I've settled on the way I like to remember. Straight on, and with some personality.

With paying jobs queued up, I had to put editing on the back burner, but I have most of them edited. Below are a few of the beautiful people in my life here in Texas. I'm closer to some than others, but I really do appreciate the small and large contributions people have made to my life since I got here.

Being outdoorsy

Living in Utah has a great perk for those who love nature... 

Lots of open space.

Just within a few minutes drive of my apartment, there are dozens of lovely trails to play on, so I go out with friends to enjoy hikes when possible.  These are some pictures from the first hike of the summer season.

This is Landon.  He decided it was a good idea to eat live ants...

... And Dallas joined in the feast.

We squirmed into a couple of small caves, but since we hadn't brought flashlights, it wasn't possible to venture in too far.  Cell phones only illuminate so much.

So, yeah.  This is me and some friends out hiking.  That's all.

Pioneer Trek, Set One

The following pictures are from a pioneer re-enactment trip for young adults through my church.  Basically, everyone dressed up as the Latter-Day Saint pioneers would have at the time and pushed handcarts (which were used to carry belongings across the plains back in the day).  Of course, they asked me to bring a camera.  Of course, I obliged.

There are a lot of photos, so these are just some of the ones I took before the event started.  Some pictures are of my friends, some of strangers, and some of interesting buildings and things all around.