Lindsay + Ben • Red Rock Lake, Iowa • 7.28.2007

It was a hot one on the lake for Lindsay + Ben's outdoor wedding. Lindsay was a model of grace and the boys, dapper in their khaki suits, brought just enough levity to the proceedings to get us over the usual wedding bumps. A good time was had by all.

Kelly + Sean: July 27, 2007

Kelly's a spontaneous woman. Frequently, a side effect of spontaneity is a dash of chaos in the soup of the day. Fortunately, Kelly had the perfect quality to weather the chaos, an optimistic spirit that laughs in the face of mayhem. She was one of the only brides, who, in the midst of the wedding circus, I haven't had to reassure that it all comes together and that in a short time she'll be married and nothing else matters.

Erica + Drew: July 7, 2007

Ok, I know July is practically ancient history but everyone needs a little blog love.

I've learned that it's bold to schedule an outdoor wedding in Iowa. I love being outside but it's such a roll of the dice since, it seems, Mother Nature is always looking to trump Cupid. It was one of year's hottest days at the Iowa Arboretum but, as always, love conquered nature. Score one for Cupid and thank goodness for Dri-Fit underwear and talcum powder.

Lawyers in Love

I've said it so many times in the short so-called life of my phlog--I'm rolling my eyes at myself when I say it--but I really will endeavor to post more frequently. After all, the internet and Web 2.0 is all about immediacy.

So, no reason to start gradually, I'm coming back at you with a big blast of cuteness and romance. Don't hold it against them but they're attorneys. Sara + Matt are getting married in Oct. and since they were in attendance at Johanna + C.J.'s wedding earlier this year, they should know how to bring down the house. Just remember to monitor the flow of vodka and jelly beans (How you doin', C.J.?!)

All you need is love: Missy + James

"To photograph, one must be in love."-Joel Meyerowitz

I hope I'm remembering that quote correctly. I heard it at one of the 1st photo seminars I attended so long ago I'm not going to bother counting the years. Regardless, the spirit of the words remain stuck in my brain despite the fact that I can't remember to buy milk at the grocery store.
I like that the quote can be interpreted on many levels. "...in love", whether with one's self, life, the creative process, photography or the subject at hand, are all possibilities.
On one level, I love the fact that my clients, however they found me, have entrusted me with documenting such an once-in-a-lifetime event. Being given that responsibility fills me with just enough confidence to sow my creative oats, so to speak. Make no mistake, fear plays a role as well.
I also love when I have clients that are so obviously in love that they practically glow. Missy + James, these 2 are so damn cute and enamored of each other, I thought they might actually break out in song during our shoot.
Perhaps I could amend those words, "To be photographed, one must be in love."

Love, urban style: Amanda + Michael

I often tell my clients that to make a successful session I need several things from them: relax, have fun, get their hands on each other and forget the camera by being into the other. I call it the "Lovin', Touchin' and Squeezin' school of couples portraiture (shout out to the class of '82!). Amanda + Michael brought the love like Barry White on Saturday night for their engagement shoot.

I've blatantly overgrazed several spots around downtown Des Moines this summer in my effort to improve my portraiture. No creative person, or even me, wants to repeat themselves too often. However, there's something about ivy and ramshackle warehouse walls that I find irresistible. When that ivy is felled by the inevitable cold weather and it's impossible to work outdoors, I'll be the boy pining for spring.

Dannie + Nate

I joined these 2 lovebirds on the Iowa State University campus for some engagement photo fun quite a while back. Somehow I never managed to post my favorites here. I'm here to correct this egregious oversight and to warn everyone that, despite safeguards, it'll likely happen again regardless of however damn cute the subjects might be.