The fall colors are fading fast. Seems like only a few days ago it was totally green, then, almost overnight, the trees exploded in brilliant shades of red, orange and golden yellow. This morning I noticed a lot of brown tones are beginning to overtake the color.

As a photographer with roots in landscape and nature photography I love this time of the year. Unfortunately, other priorities this season have negated the time I usually spend making pictures in the woods. To capture something of the season I've capitalized on every opportunity. This picture was photographed behind Costco in Robinson Township. I was there buying gas when I saw the sun peak out from behind the steel gray clouds. I jumped on the opportunity. I hope you like it.

Wow, what great light there was Monday afternoon... for about 20 minutes! And what troopers Sarah and Paul were to wait for the snow to stop and the sun to peek out for those few minutes. They wanted engagement photos with fall colors but between the leaves turning fast and their work schedules time was critical. Everything worked out in the end and we had a great time making some awesome pictures! Thanks guys, can't wait for your wedding next year! Click the link below if you would like to see their slide show.

Sarah and Paul's slideshow

Saturday I photographed my last wedding of the season, and what a way to end an incredible year! Craig and Bridget’s Celtic Wedding was, in a word, awesome.

I’ve known Craig for about a year. We met at BNI (Business Network International), a great business networking organization. Craig is a printer rep for Alpha Graphics (so if you need printing, see Craig… when he comes back from his honeymoon). When he asked me to photograph his wedding I was totally jazzed. Being of Scottish descent I have a great love for all things Celtic. Someday I even hope to learn the bagpipes (sorry neighbors).

Craig made sure every detail was covered from the Celtic Knot wedding rings on down to the drum and bagpipe processional and recessional by Katherine Craig and Alasdair Gillies, respectively.





The church, Bellefield Presbyterian, is one impressive place. Gorgeous stained glass windows allowing terrific light to flow into the sanctuary top the rotunda.



It was so awesome seeing how much love they share.





Bridget, a graduate of Chatham College, wanted a special picture on her Alma Matter’s soccer field. Of course I was more than happy to comply! The soccer ball was borrowed from a couple of kids also on the field. Everyone had so much fun!



Thanks guys for allowing me the honor of photographing your day. See you when you get back!

“Sometimes I photograph just to see what things look like on film” – Garry Winogrand (1928-1984)

I’ve liked that line since the day I first heard it in college. In many ways it describes my philosophy on photography, too. When I’m working on a personal project I often photograph to see what the subject will look like in two dimensions, with a particular lens or at some obscure angle.

Of course there’s a big line between intentional experimentation and just snapping a ton of images hoping something will come out cool. I usually have an image in my minds eye before I snap the first picture.

Digital makes it so simple to just keep making picture after picture until you get what you’re seeing in your head. ‘Back in the day’ we only had 36 exposures on each roll of film. HA! Today when we reach 36 we’re reaching for the next flashcard. Yesterday I got a 2 Gig SD card for my new snap shot carry around camera, a Canon ELF. Besides the fact the camera is awesome, my 2 Gig card allows me to make more than 700 photos before changing “film.” Seven hundred! That’s about what we use to get out of 20 rolls of 35mm film. We live in amazing times!

The following photo is one from a day of making images just because. I had this image in my minds eye all day and was very happy when it all came together. A little Photoshop work this morning and it’s done. Hope you like it, too.

There's a good reason why Pittsburgh's downtown is called "The Golden Triangle." I've been photographing my adopted city since the day I arrived 16 years ago and am constantly amazed at how many beautiful views it offers. I just had to share this one from last night. At some point in the near future I'll have a gallery of images (available for purchase) dedicated to this amazing city.

Wow, I'm so jazzed today! Saturday I had the honor of photographing Mia and Joel's awesome wedding at Shakespeare's Restaurant & Pub at Olde Stonewall Golf Club. It's a very unique castle outside of Ellwood City, PA and quite a dramatic venue -- complete with suites armor on display about the halls. Really cool.



After their ceremony on the balcony we went off for a few minutes of "alone time" around the grounds. God was looking after us and held off the rain until we finished the photos. In fact, the sun peaked out a few times just to add a bit of drama to the lovely late afternoon light.




After dinner the party really cranked up thanks to a fabulous playlist. Everyone had a great time dancing to the really hot tunes. But guys, what's the story behind the Central Michigan reference? Growing up in central Michigan it really took me by surprise! How random was that!?




Last night, sore feet and tired beyond words, I still couldn't wait to see the pictures. Thanks guys for a terrific time!