Josh is one of the best artists I have ever come across. He paints with such PASSION. I get so fascinated watching him paint with a big brush in each hand as he puts together some of the most insane pieces of work. I shared my testimony in 2008 at a large youth conference that he was painting at. Kari Jobe was playing as he was painting and it was magic on the stage. PLEASE check out his work! Figure out how you can get his work on your wall. Or even better, hire him to paint on HUGE canvases as you are getting married. He is an awesome dude! He is also the face behind I Am Second’s web design. You can check out a video of him HERE, what he can do at a wedding HERE, and his website HERE and HERE.

In January, Brian and Andrea flew me and my awesome friend Jesse out to St. Louis to photograph an incredible wedding. I met Brian and Andrea last year when I flew out to Missouri for their engagement session. I knew from the second that I met them that they were a couple that would be perfect to work with. I feel like we became friends instantly. Their wedding was a 12 hour celebration. They had to rent an art museum to fit 600 guests! If you met them, you would know exactly why so many people love them and wanted to be there for them. Every relationship we came across was so genuine. The way the parents loved on their son and daughter was amazing. Jesse and I agreed that it was our most memorable wedding. We have never been treated so well and felt so comfortable.

Brian and Andrea- I wish you guys the best life ever. Your friendship and kindness is unreal. I can’t wait to come back to MO someday. Continue to keep God at the center of your life. Walk in truth and continue to love like you have. God bless you guys and all the wonderful people we met there in Missouri.

Not only does every student in Texas like to hear “snow day”, but every teacher gets equally excited! Recently we had some of the most snow Texas has ever seen. Josh is an INCREDIBLE artist and I had a promo shoot planned with him the day after God dumped snow in DFW. So since his wife Kelly is teacher, and had no school, we went out for a session after I was done with his shoot. Look for Josh’s promo shoot soon, but until then, enjoy these images of a super rad couple on a snowy afternoon…

One of the most incredible couples I have worked with to date! I love it when a client is so excited for their session. They were full of encouragement from the second I met them. I wanted to make sure they were more than happy with their photos. So we set off for the Cotton Mill on a cold rainy day. Their mood and connection with each other was so passionate and so real! Jesse and I will be ready to dominate at their wedding in a month!

Cary and I had the privilege of traveling to Maui for a beautiful wedding. It was AMAZING. It almost felt wrong that in the middle of January everything was so lush and green. There were flowers everywhere and the weather was perfect. The wedding took place at the Four Seasons hotel, which is one of the nicest hotels in Maui. Brent and Leah were an incredible couple to work with. They were so relaxed and enjoyed every bit of it. We took tons of pictures, so to tell their story, I flooded my blog with images…

Kerstie is a favorite senior client from last year. She is soo easy going and has tons of personality. She is comfortable being herself. We met for mint chocolate chip ice cream one afternoon…

At least twice a year, I like to set up a couple sessions for fun. A time to go out and shoot with no pressure. At the beginning of the year I contacted a couple of my previous clients who I knew would love to jump back in front of my camera. We set out for some simple shoots that I felt would define my style. First off, I grabbed the guitar playing girl now found in Nashville. Meet Taryn…

A couple weeks ago Ashleigh’s twin, Kelsi, showed up for a fun shoot. They both are so outgoing and not afraid to be themselves in front of the camera. Kelsi and I laughed most of the shoot and had a great time!! I really enjoyed seeing all the reactions and faces I got from her and her mom when I brought them to an abandoned house

As a photographer, it can be difficult to discover the kind of image that you want to define your business. I went through so many changes through the year and had a difficult time discovering what my footprint would look like in this industry. Towards the end of the year, I met with my friend Erik, who saw how lost I felt. He told me to find my passion, show what I wanted to shoot, and get branded. I am happy to say that I have done, and am doing those things. I am beyond happy about it!

In November, I met with Mike from Kharmik, and we began the process of branding my business. He is excellent at what he does. I told him who I am and what I’m about. We quickly found something that would end up representing me through my business. I come from a completely broken past which God redeemed and restored. Although I was abused and neglected as a child, my dad fought for me, sacrificed for me, helped me become the man I am today and led me to my Savior who would ultimately strengthen and save me from a difficult past. I wanted to understand why things were the way they were. I wanted to be saved. God would save me, and I live today to tell the world about it.

So to make a LONG story short, after we threw “Ray” of light on the table we discovered a symbol of hope; a lighthouse. It stuck like glue. I live to be a light in this dark world and I want that to resonate within the borders of my business.

I consider myself a lifestyle photographer. I will primarily be shooting high school seniors and weddings. I also hope to find myself traveling to another country this year to show what goes on outside of what we know and how we live. Documenting what life looks like for those who live with a lot of hope and much joy with such limited resources.

So after rambling way more than usual, my new brand is the start of my updates and changes. Look for a new portfolio site, new client sites, better ordering process, sample albums, and PHOTOS! Here is a preview…

My wife and I got back from Maui early this morning. We had such an incredible time together. Other than the wedding I shot, I left my camera in the room the rest of the trip, and it was such a good thing. Sometimes I get so caught up in creating a beautiful image that I forget to enjoy life and how beautiful it is outside of a 35mm camera. We talked, laughed, and played on the beach. It was one of the best times I have ever had. I am so blessed to be able to share my life with an incredible person. I am very excited for this year and I can’t wait to see what ministry opportunities we come across!

Clients…I am back in the saddle and I have lots to catch up on. I have been replying to emails left and right today. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything. Thanks for being so patient and so awesome!!