Dwayne Lloyd Photography: Blog

Stephanie and Austin! | {Lexington Wedding Photographers}

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:03:37 GMT

I met this couple last year when they scheduled a family session here in Lexington Ky. Several weeks ago Stephanie contacted me and wondered if I was available for their wedding at Talon Winery as well. Of course I was more than happy to be a small part of their wedding day! They wanted a intimate setting with their children and her lifelong friends. The backdrop was perfect and provided a ideal location for photography as well. Today I am sharing some of the highlights from their wedding here on my blog. Congratulations to Stephanie and Austin!!

Paige and Jacob! | {Kentucky Wedding Photographers}

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 02:01:13 GMT

Fun Fact : I shot my very first wedding in Louisville Kentucky! It has been several years, and many weddings, since that day and last weekend I was happy to be back in the Derby City for the wedding of Paige and Jacob. I knew it was going to be a great day as soon as I entered her parents home and saw all the details in place for her wedding day. Their theme of "Best Day Ever" truly lived up to the saying as everyone seemed to be relaxed and living in the moment. Saint Bernadette Catholic church provided a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony which was followed by dinner and a fun reception at Mellwood Arts Center. I had the fortunate job of capturing the images of the day and loved working with the new locations. A great wedding has many components and vendors responsible for making everything perfect. These Louisville vendors went above and beyond providing services that were outstanding. Special thanks should be given for :

Dress - Rebecca's

Hair and Make Up - Southern Bridal Styles

Florist - Country Squire

Wedding Cake - Plehn's Bakery

Caterer - Karem's Catering

Reception Lights and Sound - Dance Party Unlimited (Jack Gill Jr.)

Sophie + David - Engagement Session | {Dwayne Lloyd Photography}

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 14:09:35 GMT

I met Sophie a few years ago when we met at a local coffee shop. She wanted to ask my advice about photography and the photography business and the time passed quickly as we talked about my favorite passion. Fast forward to today and she's now engaged and looking forward to her upcoming wedding. I was thrilled when she asked me to be their photographer and last weekend I had the chance to meet her fiancé, David, at their wedding venue for a early morning engagement session. We had a good time walking through the vineyards at Talon Winery and sharing more than a few laughs during the morning together. I know that this will be a fun wedding that will be remembered years later. I look forward to working with them on their big day! Today I leave a few of my favorites from the engagement session here on my blog:

Rachel + Kevin! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 10:05:45 GMT

Go big or go home. If you asked me what I thought about this wedding that would be my response. As I look back on this wonderful wedding I think of two separate events. The day began with a beautiful full mass Catholic wedding at Christ The King Cathedral and ended with a huge party at The Round Barn Stable Of Memories. Individually they were both fun and beautiful but when you join them with party bus transportation and think of the entire day, it was awesome. I had a blast covering this wedding and working with the newlyweds. This will go down as one of my favorites, hands down. Needless to say this is my largest wedding blog. I kept finding more photos I needed to add. I hope you don't mind.

I have to give thanks to all the vendors that made this possible as well!

Wedding Dress : Twirl Boutique

Flowers : Fields In Bloom (Brooke is awesome, just sayin')

Event Space : Round Barn Stable Of Memories (Erin does an great job of running the show!)

DJ : Leo's Mobile Music (Leo kept them on the dance floor all.night.long.)

I also need to thank my second shooter, Steve, as well. When clients ask "why do I need a second shooter?", I'll share this blog with them. Many of these shots are just not possible with only one photographer - Thanks Steve for another great job!

Baby Camden! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Sat, 19 May 2018 21:55:13 GMT

I love working with new parents on their newborn baby session. They bring an fresh air of excitement and anticipation to the shoot and who can blame them? It's exciting! Last Sunday I did just that with this newly expanded family. I'm not sure what they're doing but they're doing it well. This baby was super, one of the best to be honest. We were able to work quickly and took advantage of her beautiful nursery for the setting. I love the way these photos turned out and have been excited about this post since I returned home. There's no need to wait any longer! These are a handful of my favorites from their session :

Arlissa + Joe! {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Tue, 15 May 2018 13:00:00 GMT

Wedding blogs are always a favorite of mine and I can't say enough good things about this wedding last weekend. I had such a fun time working with this couple, and the entire wedding party, at Talon Winery on Saturday and have been looking forward to sharing some of their photos this week. They exchanged vows in front of close friends and a very caring family overlooking the beautiful backdrop of a picture perfect Kentucky countryside. The vineyard was beautiful with the vines just beginning to sprout for another season and their barn provided a nice break from the early summer heat. I had a hard time picking out my favorites for the blog but have finally narrowed it down to these. I need to give some vendor love as well for the beautiful day!

Venue : Talon Winery

Florist : Doug Smith Designs

Wedding Cake : Martines

Hair And Make Up : Somethingblulex

Catering : City Barbeque

Senior Session With Cristina | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Fri, 04 May 2018 11:08:39 GMT

I'm wrapped up my 2018 senior sessions with this session last weekend. There's nothing like finishing strong and that's exactly what we accomplished! She was phenomenal and worked great in front of the camera despite rapidly falling evening temperatures. We hit some of my favorite locations and found a couple of new ones as well which is always a plus. I have no doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her as she heads off to continue her education in college. Today though, I am sharing some of my favorites from her photo shoot here on my blog. Take a look :

Baby Make Three - Boys That Is! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Wed, 02 May 2018 11:46:22 GMT

I realize that I've been doing this photography dream of mine for some time when I watch my families grow. This is now the second family I work with that has been blessed with three boys and I've had the opportunity to photograph each of them from the beginning. Wow, it's been a lot of fun watching what goes on behind the scenes - I have stories to tell!

This family is very close to my family and me. We've enjoyed watching each boy grow and their personalities develop. I have no doubt that this little guy is going to be in good hands as he gets older with his two brothers watching his back! Mom chose the theme of 'buddies forever' and I'm certain that will be the case. Here's a preview from this session :

Senior Session With Kailey! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:52:28 GMT

I wrapped up a full photo weekend last Sunday evening working on this session with Kailey. It's always good to finish strong and that's exactly what we did as we wrapped up a couple of hours in downtown Lexington. We didn't let a few rain drops dampen our mood and she was absolutely great to work with. It's hard to believe that I first worked with her and one of my senior reps at a 12th birthday photo shoot - my how time flies! Today I am sharing a little preview from Sunday, enjoy!

The Graduation Session | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 11:46:37 GMT

Sometimes you meet a couple and realize that they're going to be perfect for each other. That's just the case with these two. I worked with them last year on their engagement photos and will be documenting their wedding day in June. Last weekend they wanted a graduation session to remember their time at the University of Kentucky. We walked what seemed like the entire campus and hit all the photo hot spots as well as stopping by their individual colleges as well. I had a fun time getting to know more about them during the walks in between shots. That leads me back to the opening sentence. They have a good head on their shoulders, degrees in hand, a job lined up, and a wedding in June - perfect! Oh, and they like good BBQ, biscuits and jelly, he's into photography, she's graduating with a degree in education which my daughter is currently pursuing and I could go on and on but I think you get the picture! Speaking of pictures, here's a little preview of their session :

Spring Session With Morgan! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 11:45:09 GMT

I worked with Morgan last year as a senior rep before her senior year but she decided that she'd like to have a spring session as well. Obviously, I was thrilled at the opportunity to work together again! This time, we knew that she had decided to continue her academic pursuits at Transylvania University so we decided to use their campus as the main back drop for her portraits. Wow, the timing was perfect. The trees were in full bloom and the historic architectural details provided a wonderful backdrop as well. Today, I am sharing a little preview of her session here on my blog - enjoy!

Cassidy + Aaron | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Centennial Park in Wilmore,Ky. provided the perfect backdrop for this engagement session last week. Add to that setting a warm spring day, a beautiful couple, and the first fire truck that was purchased by the city in 1951. Now you can visualize why I was so excited about this session. We had a lot of fun in a short amount of time as our imaginations ran through all the possibilities that were available. Cassidy and Aaron were so much fun and open to pretty much everything and had some great ideas of their own that we were able to try as well. I knew when I left that not only would there be some great shots on the camera but that their wedding day would be a lot of fun as well. Today I want to share some of those shots here on my blog!

Amy + Chris | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 11:46:55 GMT

What do you get when you combine St. Patrick's Day, two Irish families, and a wedding? Many good times, laughs, and a lot of great memories! This was the setting last Saturday when I worked with Amy and Chris on their wedding day here in Lexington Ky. This was a unique situation in that none of the guests were from Lexington. Amy has a love of horses and Chris fell in love with the location while here on a job assignment. This was a natural meeting location in the middle of both families and provided the background that they desired. It was perfect! As a lifelong Lexingtonian, I had a good time listening to the take of others on the beauty of our city and state. Today I want to share some of the beauty of their wedding here on my photography blog, a little sneak peak of their finished product. Congratulations to Amy and Chris! I had a fun time with both of you and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I also need to give thanks to the following vendors for making it all possible:

Venue & Catering : Copper Roux

DJ : BMF Sound Design

Wedding Dessers : Martines

Floral Bouquets : Doug Smith Designs

A Spring Engagement Session | {Lexington Ky Engagement Photographers}

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 12:18:25 GMT

Last week, I met this sweet couple downtown for their engagement session. The session was a Christmas gift from his sister and they scheduled the session in the most opportune time here in Kentucky. We met right after the cold season and before the rain set in for what seemed like weeks on end.It was a glorious day and they were so much fun. I was able to stand back at times and just capture their natural interactions which always leads to some of my favorite images. By the time it was over, we had covered several blocks of downtown, shared some laughs, and made some memories. I had a lot of fun and I think they did as well! Here is a little preview from their session :

Paige + Jason - A New Years Eve Wedding! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:22:52 GMT

I can't think of many better ways to celebrate New Year's Eve than a wedding. The only drawback here in Kentucky might be the weather and that was the case last Sunday. Fortunately, we did not have to deal with any snow and ice but man was it cold! I have to say that the wedding party did a fantastic job of braving the elements so we could quickly grab some outdoor shots around the venue. We were able to shoot the rest of the day indoors at the very accommodating Dunnville Christian Church in Dunnville, Ky.

I truly enjoyed my time spent with both families and their friends. I can honestly say that Paige and Jason have surrounded themselves with a very capable support system of family, friends, and their Christian faith. They both have a gentle spirit, are relaxed, and easy to work with. I have no doubts at all that they will enjoy their new life together to the fullest extent. Today on my blog I am sharing some highlight from their day.

Thank you all so much for your support in 2017. Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing more highlights here in the coming year.

-Dwayne

Ryan - 2018 Senior {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 17:56:06 GMT

I met up with Ryan last weekend over Thanksgiving break for his senior session. I was surprised we got such a beautiful morning for late November and Keeneland was the perfect backdrop for his photos. I enjoyed getting to meet Ryan and his family; I wish him all the best with the last part of his senior year and his future to come. Here's some highlights from his shoot:

Kim + Mark! {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 14:26:08 GMT

Perseverance. That word describes this session. After their first session was cancelled weeks ago due to rain, this one was held on a cold, blustery day. They pushed through, as did I, and I love the resulting images from the afternoon. They needed an engagement session here before their destination wedding in Florida next summer. Kim also brought her two kids so we could grab some family photos as well and it was a perfect plan. They kept me in stitches and helped us all forget about the cold weather while we were working. They were a laid back, fun, and friendly family and I enjoyed every minute of the time spent together. Today I'm sharing a few highlights from the day. Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and have a nice weekend!

Paul's Party | {Lexington Ky Event Photographers}

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 15:52:38 GMT

I had the honor of documenting this gathering for an early birthday celebration on Friday evening. Paul Chellgren was surrounded by close friends and family in attendance to celebrate with him in the Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field. The event was simply amazing and it became quickly apparent that he had a huge positive impact on the attendees. The event was kicked off (see what I did there) with an a cappella version of My Old Kentucky Home and was then followed with Woodford Reserve bourbon (of course), wine, passed hors d'oeuvres, a beautiful dinner, birthday cake, music by The Jimmy Church Band, and topped with a fireworks display over Kroger Field. His grandchildren sang a priceless rendition of Happy Birthday and were followed by several touching speeches. The speeches were given by Paul himself, the President of UK - Eli Capilouto, the Mayor of Ashland - Steve Gilmore, as well as members of his family. Capilouto's reading and presentation of the framed Poem "Youth" was one of many highlights of the night that also included Mayor Gilmore's presentation of the key to Ashland Ky. It was a touching evening and the event was perfectly executed by his wife Debbie, event planner Dan Gipson, and premium service manager Christine Cobb. The end result was beautiful and today I want to share some of those photos with you here on my blog!

Engagement Party For Christy and Ty! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 01:14:27 GMT

I knew I was among friends when I entered the house, turned to the left, and spotted the bourbon bar. These were my kind of people! I could not think of a better way to celebrate an engagement myself but that was only the beginning. As I headed into the next room, I saw one of the best cookie displays that I have seen at any event. They were created by Cookies By Charity in Versailles Ky and they tasted as good as they looked. All of the food, drinks, and cookies were coordinated so well that I asked who provided the catering only to find out that a handful of Christy's closest friends pulled this off themselves. All of this, however, could not compare to the love of their family and friends that was evident in the conversations and expressions throughout the evening. Tonight I want to share some of the highlights and details that made the night so memorable. Congratulations to Christy and Ty!

Gavin - 2018 Senior {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 19:10:09 GMT

I met up with Gavin last weekend for his senior session, we started out in the locker room at Lexington Catholic where he plays football. We all had a great time getting these shots in and finished up with some outdoor looks at Keeneland. I enjoyed getting to meet Gavin and I wish him a memorable and great end to his high school career! Here's some highlights from his shoot:

2018 Seniors - Savannah and Kailee! {Lexington, Ky Senior Photographer}

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:57:28 GMT

Last Sunday turned out to be a beautiful late Fall morning in central Kentucky, the colors were a perfect backdrop for these sister's senior session. Meet Savannah and Kailee - twins and part of the Class of 2018 at Western Hills High School in Frankfort, KY. They were fantastic to work with and I enjoyed getting to know them - I wish them a great remainder of their senior year! Here's a few photos from their senior session:

Paige + Jacob! | {Lexington Ky Engagement Photographers}

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 23:05:09 GMT

I wrapped up a cold, rainy weekend late Sunday afternoon with this engagement session. Paige and Jacob live in Louisville so rescheduling was not a very good option. They both did great with the cold temperatures and I loved working with them and learning how they interact in front of the camera lens. They chose Keeneland for a backdrop as they both attended UK and, like many of the college students here, had some memorable times at the races. They were natural and relaxed as I worked with them and I enjoyed learning more about them and their story during the session. I am already looking forward to working with them next summer when I travel to Louisville to photograph their wedding!

The Hudson Family {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 18:13:01 GMT

Last Sunday afternoon I worked with this family to get some Fall photos at Keeneland, I have taken their photos before but this time they had a cute, new edition. You wouldn't know it by looking but it was freezing outside and to spite that everyone did great! Here's a sneak peak of their session, I'm looking forward to editing the rest.

The Dodge Family {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:48:23 GMT

I met up with this family last Sunday for some family photos. They braved the weather and we got some great shots in to spite the gloomy, cold and damp weather. I really enjoyed working with this family and I'm already looking forward to working with their youngest daughter for her senior portraits next year! Here's a sneak peak of their session:

Rachel and Kevin's engagement session {Lexington KY Wedding Photographer}

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:23:07 GMT

Last Sunday morning was quite chilly but this couple persevered and did their engagement session anyway. There were a few moments where we had to dodge the drizzle and sleet but they were good sports and we managed to get a great session in. They are a fun couple and I am already looking forward to their wedding next May. I am so glad they got a few photos with Kevin in his uniform, I think you'll agree. Take a look at a little preview from their session:

Collin + Cherish | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 11:10:59 GMT

I can't say enough good things about this couple. When you spend more than a minute with them you realize that they are truly a perfect match. Saturday I was able to spend the afternoon and evening with them telling the story of their wedding and the fun celebration that followed. Many good memories were shared during the speeches and I loved learning more about their story and meeting their family and friends during the reception. The DJ did a great job of keeping the dance floor full and lively which led to a lot of fun shots to finish the night. Today on my blog, I want to give you one snapshot of their day in the following photos. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell, your Gatsby themed wedding was beautiful!!

2018 Senior - Julia! {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 18:20:40 GMT

Last weekend I met Julia for her senior session, we started in a park like setting and moved to a little creek to finish up. We got some stunning shots in; she's a real natural in front of the camera. I'm so excited to share a few of my favorites from the evening! Special thanks to Kelli Marshall of Hair and Makeup by Kelli Marshall here in Lexington for doing a fabulous job on Julia's makeup.

Treasured Family photos! {Lexington, Ky Family Photographer}

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:30:00 GMT

I had the chance to meet and photograph this wonderful family last Sunday afternoon here in Lexington at a local park. We planned the date and worried a little about the weather, but it turned out to be a beautiful day! I got to meet a wonderful set of parents, their three grown children and their children. This wonderful group was easy to work with and a lot of fun, I enjoyed getting to know them all better. I have many photos from their session, but I wanted to just share a few with you tonight:

Alex's Senior Session | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:24:33 GMT

I met up with Alex last Sunday morning in downtown Lexington for his senior session. I always like the backdrops we find downtown for photos. He's a bright young man and I know he's destined to do big things! As I have been working on his images I noticed we got some great shots in, today I want to share some of his photos with you here on the blog.

The Schmidt Family {Lexington Ky Family Photography}

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 21:00:47 GMT

Last weekend I got to meet up with one of my favorite families for some Fall photos. I have been fortunate to work with this family for several years now and this time they had a new addition, a sweet baby boy! I love it when clients call me year after year for photos; I get the pleasure of seeing their family grow and their little ones get bigger. Take a look at a few photos from their session:

A day at Keeneland's Fall Meet | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:33:06 GMT

I met up with these two last Saturday at Keeneland. He had never been to Keeneland before and she was visiting from out of state, so he asked for some professional photos to document the day! I jumped at the chance to do this for them and I am so glad I did. They got dressed up and when I met up with them they were already having a grand time! Let me share some of their photos with you and I guarantee you can't help but smile when you see them!

The Grow Family {Lexington Ky Family Photography}

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 16:18:15 GMT

Last Saturday morning I met up with the Grow family for some Fall family photos. Their two boys were very cooperative and seemed to like having their photos taken. We got some great shots in and learned more about each other - we found out we have a lot in common! Here's just a few of my favorites from the morning:

All-American Senior Session | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 16:19:11 GMT

When I think All-American I think of a well rounded athlete and great student, last weekend I met up with a young man who fits that description. I have been lucky to photograph several athletes, but I think this is the first time I did football and baseball poses in the same senior session. I had so much fun with this and getting to know Cameron a little better; he has a bright future ahead of him. Today I want to share some of his photos with you here on the blog.

A Fall Engagement Session! {Lexington KY Wedding Photographers}

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:07:04 GMT

I love having the opportunity to get together with a couple for their engagement session, this is a great way for all of us to get to know each other a little better before the big wedding day! Last weekend I got together with this couple to get some great shots to mark their engagement, I'm already looking forward to their wedding next September. Today on my blog I'd like to share some photos from their session!

The Brelsfoard Family

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:44:43 GMT

I met up with this family last weekend, their boys had me in stitches. Sometimes little boys say the funniest things, these two brothers certainly did! I really enjoyed my time with them and we even managed to get some good photos in between all the laughs! Here are a few of my favorites from the session:

A great afternoon for Family!

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 21:23:43 GMT

I met this family this past weekend for a Fall shoot at a local park, I've had the opportunity to work with this family before and I am honored they called me again to do a family session. I loved seeing how the family has changed and grown over the past few years. They are a pleasure to work with and they always do such a great job with the outfit color scheme! I wanted to share a few of my favorites on the blog this evening.

Fall Family Time! {Lexington Ky Family Photography}

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:05:51 GMT

I had so much fun meeting up with Dave and Kim for their Fall family photos, and this time I got to meet their handsome, little guy. Just two short years ago I was shooting this couple's beautiful wedding, I am so honored they asked me to capture this perfect Fall afternoon in photos for them. Their son is the cutest and his outfit was perfect! At such a young age he is already so photogenic! I love being reacquainted with couples after they are married and watching their family grow. We had a fun hour or so capturing some special memories; here are a few of my favorites:

2018 Seniors - Olivia and Sophia {Lexington KY Senior Photographer}

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 17:51:19 GMT

Meet Olivia and Sophia, twin sisters who are both seniors at Lafayette High School! I met these lovely young ladies early Saturday morning for their senior session, it was a beautiful morning and we all had a good time getting to know each other. We combined looks for their photos with a downtown Lexington setting and then moved to a more park like setting for some great 'nature' looks. After speaking with both of these young women for a short amount of time I could tell they both have a bright future ahead of them. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the morning:

2018 Senior - Adrian! {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 17:50:09 GMT

Last Sunday I met 2018 Senior, Adrian, at Gratz Park to shoot his senior session. We were able to get many nice shots in before the sun sat. Adrian did great, he has a spectacular personality. Steve (my assistant) and I enjoyed getting to know him a little better. He asked some great questions about photography and I enjoyed explaining it all to him. I think we connected well and everyone had a great time! Today I am sharing some of my favorites here on the blog!

A Family Session At The Park

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:38:51 GMT

I liked this little girl as soon as we met Saturday. She had to be one of the most personable six year olds that I have ever met and could carry a conversation like a pro. At one point she told me that she had been looking forward to getting her photo taken with her mom and dad.......and working with me! Kid's say the funniest things! Of course after meeting mom and dad and watching them all interact it all made perfect sense. They are a great family and working with them was a breeze. Meeting new families has always been a perk of the job and Saturday was no exception as we met for their photography session here in Lexington Ky. Today I get to share some of my favorite photos from the day and I think you will be able to get a small glimpse, a snapshot if you will, of exactly what I am trying to put into words. Have a great day everyone!

Family Time! | {Lexington Ky Family Photography}

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 00:41:29 GMT

This was another one of those sessions that puts my photography journey into perspective. It was time for this little guy's first birthday session but it seemed like only yesterday that I was photographing the newborn session for his four year old sister! Time flies and I will admit that I lose track of how long I have worked with certain families. Once realized, it becomes the greatest compliment that I think anyone could receive regardless of their line of work. They happen to be one of my favorite families and it was great to see them again here in Lexington. I could not believe how much their son had grown since his six month session and those blue eyes! WOW did they pop in the shots! His older sister has changed a lot as well and she decided that she was now ready to pose for the camera and call her own shots which is always fun. I'll just say it was great to work with both of them during our time together and I love the resulting images. Tonight I leave you with a sampling of my favorites :

Melissa + Zach | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 01:01:55 GMT

Sometimes you just know that you're going to like working with a couple on their wedding day. Saturday was the day I learned that my intuition was indeed correct. When I met Melissa and Zach at Danforth Chapel on the campus of Berea College, they were laid back and ready to get started with their first look. The setting was beautiful and offered plenty of great photo opportunities on a perfect early fall day in Kentucky.

I should mention that Danforth Chapel is a special location for her family. Over forty years ago, Melissa's parents exchanged vows in the chapel as well. I loved talking with her mother about the memories that she had from her wedding day and the nostalgia of your daughter following your footsteps down that same aisle. The side room where Melissa got ready was the reception area where her parents served wedding cake and mixed nuts after their wedding. Receptions have changed a lot since that day but Melissa and Zach still managed to keep it simple, and fun, by choosing to meet everyone at her parent's house for a casual reception.

They were surrounded by close friends and family and it was a nice opportunity for me to meet each of them. I enjoyed the time I spent with them and the laughs that were shared with the guests. Great food and great people is a combination that always makes a memorable evening.

Honestly I could ramble on about how they seem like a perfect fit for each other or about how much I enjoyed working with them or the fact that their families are absolutely wonderful.....you get the idea. But I'm sure you're here for the preview of their day so I'll leave you with some of my favorites.

Thanks for stopping by and if you know this wonderful couple, tell them Congratulations!

Dwayne

A little vendor love :

Catering : Darae And Friends

Cookies (Best Ever!!) : L'Oven Cookies

Florist : Kreations By Karen

Hair : Chic Beauty By Brooke White

Venue : Danforth Chapel Berea College

Brides Rings : Farmers Jewelry

Grooms Rings : Helzberg

2018 Senior - Madison! {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:36:29 GMT

It's always good when you have a chance to work with family! Sunday my cousin drove from Louisville to meet me here in Lexington so I could work with her daughter Madison. As if working with family and catching up were not enough, Madison also has a strong interest in photography. Needless to say, we talked a little shop as we worked our way through the session that evening. I tried to give her as many tips and pointers as I could and she seemed to enjoy the banter. She is a country girl through and through and we worked with a barn and fence line while chasing the fading sun on a beautiful evening in the bluegrass. It was good to see them and hear about their summer adventures in the western US, still a photography bucket list item of mine. It should go without saying that the time passed much too quickly but not before we were able to accomplish our task. I'm sharing a few of my favorites here on my blog today, enjoy!

2018 Senior - Patrick

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:34:42 GMT

Last Sunday I met 2018 Senior Patrick at Sayre to shoot his senior session. I had previously worked with his brother a couple of years ago in the same area and it was good to be back. There are a lot of unique combinations downtown and we got a pretty cool mix of historical mixed with contemporary during our two hour exploration. As a bonus, I found some previously undiscovered locations that I'll keep in the back of my mind for the future.

Patrick was great and had a good time talking to Steve, my assistant, about movies during the session. It's always good to be able to connect with the seniors and we end up having a good time as well. It's about photography while we're working and a lot of fun conversation mixed in during the down time spent walking the areas. All in all it was a great morning and today I am sharing some of my favorites here on the blog!

2018 Senior - Katie! | {Lexington KY Senior Photographer}

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 10:09:07 GMT

So as I was working with Katie last weekend, she stopped and asked if she was going to be on my blog? I didn't quite know where this line of questioning was going (some prefer not to be and I respect that) but I said sure! She then told me that she was looking forward to it because she had read many of my posts! I stopped in my tracks and asked, you read the posts?! No pressure there! In all honesty I had a great time working with her and talking to her mom as well. At some point I mentioned that one of the things that I love, and I do mean LOVE, about this gig is simply getting outside and spending time with people. It's so much better than social media where we share many of the worlds problems. I now know that when you get out and spend time with people you realize that the world is so much more than what is seen on computer screens. Capturing photos of great people being their awesome self is what I love to do and that's exactly what happened last weekend. Check these out!

Engagement Session With Jessie and Thomas! | {Lexington KY Wedding Photographers}

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 01:24:17 GMT

I love the engagement sessions that are included with my wedding plans. They are a great way for me to work with couples and get to see how they act both naturally and in front of the camera. It's also a good chance to familiarize myself with both of them before their wedding day in a relaxed and casual setting. Judging by the way things went last Sunday morning working with Jessie and Thomas, things are going to be a lot of fun next June on their wedding day! We all had several common interests and working together was effortless and entertaining. They're natural in front of the camera which made my morning easy. Tonight on my blog I'd like to share some photos from their session!

Friday Night Lights | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 11:21:51 GMT

When you thing about high school football you think about Friday Night Lights. Therefore, when doing a football senior session, it's always a great opportunity to bring the studio lights in to provide some photographic drama. Having access to the weight room or locker room is also ideal and the scene is then perfect for capturing these fun shots. Matthew was a lot of fun to work with and busted out into huge smiles and laughter quite often - I think he enjoyed the session! Today I want to share some of his photos with you here on the blog. I also want to wish him and his teammates good luck tonight under the lights!

2018 Senior - Lauren! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:59:21 GMT

At one point during our session last weekend I just asked if she had ever thought about modeling? After you take a look as these favorites you might agree. Before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce you to 2018 senior Lauren! We met one morning this past weekend and had a fabulous session. She was more than prepared with coordinating jewelry, shoes, and outfit changes. Working with her was a lot of fun as we had a lot of common interests and plenty of laughs during our time together in downtown Lexington. I had a hard time picking just a few so there are plenty of pics here on the blog today that showcase her style and personality. I'll let you look and try to choose a favorite because I had a hard time doing so.....

2018 Senior Rep Emma (part 2) | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:00:00 GMT

You might recognize Emma from a prior post on this blog. We did part of her session a little over a week ago as she had a ankle injury on both feet and walking was extremely difficult. Needless to say it was not a good situation for creek photos and was barely tolerable for our first session. Now fully recovered, we met again Wednesday evening for the remainder of her session in a local park. I had no idea when I set the session that this was where she spent most of her childhood with her friends. What better place to shoot a senior session?! She knew all the nooks and crannies of the area and we explored what seemed like every one. It was a blast and I had a great time listening to her tales of childhood, the games they played, and their imaginary 'Bridge To Terabithia'. Good times and great memories, just like your senior year of high school. It was a perfect match and I want to share some of those photos on my blog today!

A Great Night For A Twin Session! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:21:09 GMT

It's been a great week for sessions here in Kentucky. The weather has been cool and the sunsets have been fabulous. Those two factors made for a great evening Tuesday when I met these twins downtown to begin their session. Although the scene there was fantastic, we saved the best for last and headed to a local golf course to finish the session. Both brothers are on the high school golf team so the backdrop was fitting and appropriate. I think they had a good time in their natural habitat and enjoyed the evening golf cart ride along the scenic paths. We found some nice places to stop, take a few shots, and move on to discover another great setting before finally ending up back at the club house. Tonight I want to share several of their shots here on my blog!

2018 Senior Rep - Emma! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:12:37 GMT

Tonight I have the pleasure of introducing my last 2018 Senior Rep, Emma! I could write an entire blog detailing the courage that Emma had to have to even shoot this session. Days before the session she suffered a severe ankle/heel injury to both feet from an accident at the lake. We had reserved some time to shoot at Shakespeare and Co. here in downtown Lexington and she wanted to make sure that we were able to keep that appointment. What you won't see in these photos are the sock feet, tennis shoes, and placing heels on her feet right before the shots. All I can say is that it all payed off. I love the way that these turned out. She did an amazing job of fighting through the discomfort and working the camera! The setting was spectacular and I have to give a special thanks to the folks at Shakespeare and Co. for giving us the opportunity to use their facility. Here are a few of my favorites from Sunday:

Beautiful Evening In The Park | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 11:37:30 GMT

I was worried about the chance of rain heading into this session but as fate would have it, it was a beautiful evening. The setting sun provided beautiful lighting as a backdrop for this final session of the weekend. Natures splendor combined with coordinating clothing was a perfect match for this family session. We worked for an hour or so and that was plenty of time to grab some photos as the sun was setting. One of the many things I love about photography is the opportunity to meet new families and Sunday was no exception. Let me share some of their photos with you today....

Engagement Session With Kristen and Kenny | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 11:39:43 GMT

I met Kristen and Kenny Saturday evening for their engagement session at Waveland. The low hanging sun provided the perfect backdrop for their session and they were so easy to work with in spite of the Kentucky humidity that's always present this time of year. Sometimes you can see the affection that a couple has for each other simply by the way they interact and converse with one another. They were the completely natural and comfortable with each other and in front of the camera which made my job easy. I have a feeling that their wedding next October will be a ton of fun! Today though, I want to let you see some of my favorites from their engagement session....

Sunflower Minis! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 21:29:03 GMT

I held my Sunflower Mini Sessions yesterday morning. Arriving early was a good idea as I needed time to scope out a perfect patch of sunflowers and that was not easy as the heat of mother nature had wilted most of the flowers the week before. That combined with a nice rain the morning of the sessions made conditions quite interesting. Obviously I was at the mercy of nature but I must say that the rain ceased shortly before the sessions began and waited until they were over to resume - perfect timing. I think everyone had a good time and enjoyed the tranquility of the farm just outside of our normal hustle and bustle. I know that I had a good time working with everyone! I have to thank my wife Jennifer for the scheduling, correspondence, and shuttling everyone out to the sunflowers. Of course I thank my good friend Steve for assisting with lighting, making us all laugh, and coming up with some excellent posing ideas. Today, I share some of the highlights here on my blog :

Family Fun! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 21:13:32 GMT

It's not like I needed any reason to work with this family. I've worked with them before and their sessions have always been a lot of fun. However, this time they wanted to bring their dog along for the session. If you know me, you'll understand that I love dogs. You'll also know that I am very patient and determined (read stubborn). I will get the dog shot if at all possible. That was not a problem last weekend however as Sarge was very well behaved. I also know to keep the camera rolling when pets are involved. You'll get some great candid shots that you could never plan. In reality that's usually the best shot of the session. The shot of life as it happens - you can't beat that. Today I want to share a few highlights from their session!

Newborn Session! | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 19:48:59 GMT

There's something so special about a newborn session. So much potential wrapped up in a little bundle. So many dreams and possibilities to be realized. It's always fun to capture them at this age, the beginning if you will, because they change so much within the first year. Sure the changes are actually lifelong and as a father I realize that it's fun to watch them grow throughout the school years as well. But that first year offers the most dramatic changes. Changes that range from crawling to beginning to walk and communicating. It's good to relax, enjoy these days, and of course, take a lot of pictures! There's nothing like looking back to where it all began. Today I want to share some photos from this newborn session last weekend. She was a sweetheart and absolutely wore herself out modeling and posing. It was worth the effort though, take a look for yourself :

Boys Boys Boys! | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 09:46:40 GMT

I've been working with this family for five years now. It was hard to believe when they told me but I've been with them since their oldest was a baby. A family of three with one baby boy has now turned into a family of five with three boys! It's been a blast working with them and watching them grow. I think that is mainly due to the parents and the fact that they are so down to earth and we share a common sense of humor. Dad always comes into the sessions and says, you know what we need - one or two good photos, that's it. That is true but they also like the outtakes, the ones that I normally don't share somehow make it to the back of their Christmas cards. I love that because that's real life and it's been fun to share that with this family. Today I'm sharing some of the highlights from their session last weekend.

Senior Session With Kayla! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 01:13:44 GMT

As a kid I played the trombone. Trust me, you don't run into too many of those in life. When you do, it's kind of an instant bond. Let's just say that we hit it off from the start for this session and never looked back. I absolutely love, and I mean love, working with seniors that are totally comfortable in their skin. They know who they are and that naturally comes out in the photographs. It makes for fun sessions and a lot of laughs, smiles, and ease of conversation. Kayla nailed it and her session, in my opinion, was remarkable. She rocked the Rolling Stones and guitar look with ease, the casual look was no problem, and then she killed it in the dress. What put her over the top was rocking the trombone photos, that takes talent and we got some good shots there as well! It was a great evening and I want to let you see some of her photos here on my blog :

Engagement Session With Mackenzie And Weston | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 20:01:20 GMT

After a crazy busy week shooting, I'm back behind the computer and catching up with my previews! Be warned, you'll be seeing a lot this week. I wanted to begin with Mackenzie and Weston. We met last Saturday for their engagement session here in Lexington. They are so much fun and after spending this time with them, I am totally looking forward to working their wedding next year at Buffalo Trace! Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

Hello Baby Wesley! | {Lexington Ky Newborn Photographer}

Sat, 08 Jul 2017 19:13:40 GMT

There's nothing like working a photo session with a newborn. Happy parents, beautiful baby, baby props, coordinating outfits, and family traditions are usually a few of the things that I can expect when I walk into a home with my portable studio in hand. Last Sunday was no exception as this family was completely ready with all of those along with bottles and a pacifier. That's all we needed for this newborn. She did the rest and she did it well. Based on her session, I have a feeling that she's going to be a natural in front of the camera as she grows older. Today I want to share some of those shots here on my blog so you can see for yourself. Congratulations to her parents - she's a beautiful girl!

Wedding Day For Annie And Michael! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 11:50:01 GMT

Last Saturday I spent a few hours with Annie and Michael documenting their wedding. The venue was the chapel at Immanuel Baptist Church and the seats were filled with their families. The importance of family and their faith could not be missed and I loved the beauty in the simplicity of their wedding. There was much love and happiness in the room as they exchanged vows in a ceremony led by two good friends. Today on my blog I am sharing a few photos from the day!

2018 Senior Rep - Madi | { Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 00:12:22 GMT

It's been quite a productive two weeks here at Dwayne Lloyd Photography and today I'd like to share another 2018 Senior Rep. I am posting a few of my favorite photos from last weekend's session with Madi, a senior at Lafayette High School. I loved working with her and enjoyed her sense of adventure as we tried some new ideas and locations downtown. It was a perfect evening and we took advantage of that by walking several blocks to most of the locations before finishing on top of a parking garage. She has a great attitude and a contagious smile that's reflective of her personality. I look forward to working with her this year!

2018 Senior Rep - Seth! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:26:39 GMT

Today I'd like to introduce 2018 Senior Rep Seth! I worked with him for a few hours on Saturday evening here in Lexington Ky at a couple of my favorite locations. Seth is a car guy and we wanted to capture that in his session - even borrowing Dad's corvette for a few shots. He's also a member of the Lafayette Soccer Team, so I thought bringing out the lights for both of those interests could be a fun idea. I think it paid off with some great shots to go along with his traditional looks in natural light. At the end of the session I thought we had a well rounded representation of his personality and we called it a night. I had fun and think he did as well. It's always nice to work with seniors and see their interests captured in the final images. I want to share some of those on the blog today!

Wedding Day For Anna & Bill! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:56:18 GMT

I had to pleasure to work with Anna and Bill last Saturday as they exchanged wedding vows in the company of close friends and family. The ceremony was held at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Lexington Ky, one of the oldest churches in the city, which provided a magnificent backdrop. I can't say enough about the beautiful gardens, architecture, and lighting that cascades through the stained glass windows. The reception followed at the Bodley-Bullock house, another historical treasure, that was just a quick walk away and was catered by DaRae And Friends Catering. The time spent together passed quickly and listening to the toasts, I came to realize that these two were both people that wish you had a chance to meet years ago. They were surrounded by their family and the smiles on their faces were contagious. I think that a good time was had by all and know that their future will be bright. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hacker! This is a little look back at your day :

Well Hello Beautiful! | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 19:34:46 GMT

Sunday was one of those days when you suddenly realize how long you've been working with certain clients. When one of your favorite families bring their newest addition and then you remember that you photographed their oldest child when he was the same age. It's probably the best compliment a client could give and yet time flies so you don't realize exactly how long you've been working together. Watching families grow - that's one of the perks of this job. It was good to catch up on Sunday and work with them again. Their baby girl is beautiful and her big brother is going to do a fine job. Watching him interact with her left no doubts about that at all. These are some of my favorites that jumped out at me as I began editing their session and I wanted to post those here on my blog:

2018 Senior Rep - Morgan! {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 11:19:42 GMT

My work with 2018 Senior Representatives continued last weekend with Morgan. She and I met for her session her in Lexington and time managed to get away from me as it often does. I love meeting these kids, talking to them about their interests and dreams, and spending time working on their portfolios. I often run a little longer than I anticipate but to me it's completely worth the time! I look forward to working with her again later this summer when we roll out the entire group session. For now though I'll just leave some of my favorites here so that she and her friends have a chance to catch a little glimpse from our time together. Thanks Morgan, you were awesome!

2018 Senior Rep - Laurie! {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:44:51 GMT

Last weekend I spent some time getting to know 2018 Senior Rep Laurie. We had a fun time getting to know each other and I enjoyed working with her and learning about her interests. As you'll see in the photos, Laurie is an oboe player and I now have a newfound respect for oboe players thanks to our conversations - what a difficult and finicky instrument! She's much more than that though and has a very bright future ahead of her. I should also mention that her mother and I went to high school (and jr. high school) together and now our kids have or will be graduating from the same school. It's pretty darn cool how life can come full circle in the strangest of ways. Today I want to share some of my favorite images from her session!

2018 Senior Rep - Elizabeth!

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 11:32:50 GMT

It's always enjoyable to begin work with my Senior Reps for the coming year. I always enjoy hearing about their plans, interests, and dreams for the future. Last weekend was no exception as I worked with two reps for 2018. Today I am sharing highlights from the first session with Elizabeth. She has a genuine smile that can't hide her bubbly personality and friendly attitude. I enjoyed our conversations as we worked our way around two different locations and waited out a small shower while working on her portfolio. She also had some great suggestions and ideas which I always appreciate! I look forward to watching her progress during her senior year at Henry Clay High School and working with her again during the group session. Here are some of my favorites from her session :

2018 Senior Rep - Sahar! | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Tue, 23 May 2017 11:20:42 GMT

Saturday morning I met Sahar, one of my 2018 Senior Reps, at The Lexington Country Club for her senior session. I really can't say enough good things about her and her future potential. It was a pleasure to work with her and I quickly picked up on her intelligence and her passion for law. I should add though that it's just as obvious that she is still aware that she is young and enjoys friends, life, and having a good time. The laughs and smiles broke out often and I had as much fun working with her as she appeared to have in front of the camera. She's a natural and the poses flowed into each other so she made my job easy and very enjoyable. The morning passed quickly, and thankfully so, as the Kentucky humidity was climbing by the time we called it a wrap. We made very good use of the time and I got some wonderful photos of which I want to share a few here on my blog. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Sahar, I know it will be promising!

Derby Wedding Day At The Vineyard! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Tue, 09 May 2017 11:28:43 GMT

I knew when we first met that this was going to be a fun wedding to document. When you meet a couple that wants to get married on Derby Day in Kentucky and use that for their theme, good things are bound to happen. That's exactly the way things turned out and I could not have imagined a better setting than a local vineyard, Equus Run, as a stunning backdrop. Of course, as any Kentuckian knows, there was a lot of concern with rain on Derby Day but the skies literally cleared a few hours before the ceremony and blue skies greeted the couple as they made their way down the aisle.

For their part, the guests played a great role as the crowd was filled with bow ties, derby hats, and derby fascinators! They were colorful, festive, and displayed great southern hospitality. Of course, no Derby is complete without a little action on the race and therefore a "waging" table was in full swing after the ceremony. Derby hats decorated the guests tables along with vintage green and milk glass vases filled with floral displays. The reception was rounded out with cupcakes and what else, Derby Pie for dessert. The dance floor was filled thanks to the superb sound of The Usual Suspects who did a phenomenal job of keeping everyone entertained throughout the night.

Congratulations to the Colwells! Your wedding day was beautiful and I want to share some of the early highlights here :

Baby's Six Month Session | {Lexington Ky Children's Photography}

Sat, 06 May 2017 01:37:09 GMT

I met this family last weekend at a local park for the second session of their Baby's First Year plan. We might have missed the six month mark because we planned for a nice spring Kentucky day instead of an indoor winter session. Of course, that was rained out but we managed to finally get together and get this session wrapped up at about oh, eight months or so - no big deal. Seriously, it was worth the wait. This guy was great and I was also able to get some shots with the rest of the family as well. You know what they say, good things come to those who wait! Check out some of my favorites from the shoot :

A Senior Session With Joe | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:20:04 GMT

I could not be more pleased with the results from this session. Before you consider that bragging, you should know that it was a very cool misty morning here in Lexington. A typical spring here means you never know what to expect and after some deliberation an hour before we were to begin, we decided to proceed. So that being said, it was well worth the time. I had a fun time working with Joe and meeting his family, which included his dog Buster! We spent a couple of hours together and ended up at his house which is always a nice way to remember your senior year in photographs. Today on the blog, I am sharing some of the highlights from the morning. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Senior Session With Justina | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:12:01 GMT

It's always good to finish on a strong note. Last weekend I worked with five seniors and finished with this session photographing Justina. It was a fun time and we shared a few laughs as we worked our way around downtown Lexington while avoiding prom groups, always a challenge. We successfully managed to stay out of their way and get some great shots and I want to share some of those here on the blog.

Senior Session With Evelyn | {Lexington Ky Senior Photography}

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:27:22 GMT

Sometimes life is all about timing. When it's great, there's nothing better. When it's bad, it's a struggle. Last Saturday we dealt with both sets of circumstances during this senior session with Evelyn. During the first hour of the session I must have said the light was beautiful about a thousand times. It was a perfect morning and the light filtered through the trees in the most flattering way during our time at the park. Then we changed locations and the light was still fine as it rose in the sky but it was soon joined by the howling wind. The wind was strong, gusty, and challenging to say the least. Evelyn did a great job of being patient as we figured out how to play the wind to our advantage and we were able to finish her session on a strong note. I enjoyed working with her and she handled herself great as the session drew to a close. We were able to grab some great shots during the morning and I want to share some of those here on my blog today :

Senior Session With Erin | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 00:37:23 GMT

The last time I worked with Erin, she had agreed to be a model in a session that I used to mentor another photographer. That was several years ago and she did an outstanding job at the time. Fast forward a few years and she's now a senior preparing for college! It was good to work with her again last week and I quickly remembered how natural she is in front of the camera. She had some great ideas as well and also trusted me on some of my suggestions - it worked out well, again! At the end of the day, it's really about having a good time and making some memories that will last. I feel we accomplished both of those goals and want to share a little preview of her session here today:

Senior Session With Joe | {Lexington Ky Senior Photography}

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 23:35:18 GMT

Last week I met with Joe at a local Golf Course for his senior session. It was a nice backdrop as he has plans to golf for a local college here in Kentucky. The course was beautiful and the day could not have been any nicer. In many ways he was my tour guide as we set out on one of the golf cart to begin the session. He drove and I rode along as a spotter looking for anything that might provide some interest other than the obvious green and tee box shots. I asked for all the things that golfers try to avoid : water, woods, fence lines, etc. The plan worked well and it was one of the more memorable sessions that I've worked. Today I want to share some of my favorites here on the blog :

Senior Session With Matthew - {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Sun, 16 Apr 2017 19:12:32 GMT

Wow, it was a crazy week with many sessions and a bridal show so needless to say, I got behind in my blogging schedule! You can expect several posts this week as I begin to catch up again. Today I'm starting with a session from Monday afternoon. I met Matthew and his mom at Keeneland Race Course for his session. It was a perfect day and he was easy going and great to work with during the late afternoon. I'll be honest, I could have shared many more but I thought these were a good representation of how things went without getting carried away.

2018 Senior Rep - Lauren!

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 10:07:46 GMT

It's been a while since I've posted a blog and I hope all of you are looking forward to the spring season as much as myself. Things here are preparing to become quite a bit busier in the coming weeks and I can't wait to share photos from these upcoming sessions and get back in the swing of things.

Today I want to share a few favorites from Saturday. I'm kicking off the spring schedule with Lauren, one of my 2018 Senior Reps! Lauren and I met at Keeneland Race Course here in Lexington Ky to begin her senior photography session. It was a bit cooler, an understatement really, than forecasted but she did a great job nonetheless and I love the results from the day. As I look back, I really enjoyed learning about her and meeting her parents during the time we spent together. Despite the cold spring day, I think we all had a good time and I want to share a few of the photos with you here on my blog!

Make Up Creds : Kelli Marshall!

Have a great day everyone!

Christmas Baby Grace | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 12:15:15 GMT

This beautiful girl was born on Christmas day and I can't think of any present that would compare! Unfortunately, on Christmas, there were no photographers working the hospital so she did not get the customary newborn photo before she left. I was more than happy to make a visit to her house for a newborn session on location. We made good use out of a Christmas stocking, a bow, and her nursery as well. She was great and mom had to work to get her to open those eyes but in the end we got the photo! Today I want to share a few of the photos from her session here on my blog. Thanks for checking them out and I hope you all have a nice weekend!

2017 Senior - Sarah, The Fall Session {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 15:42:56 GMT

Sarah wanted to come back for another session last weekend and I can't blame her. I mean, who doesn't like fall? The cool weather gives one the chance for a new wardrobe of layered clothing that is simply too warm for those summer sessions. Add the clothing layers to the colors of fall and the setting is perfect for photos in my opinion. We met here in Lexington and, although a bit cool, it was a nice chance to work with her again! The session was a lot of fun and I enjoyed spending more time with her and her mom chasing the fading light that was falling over the western horizon. Working quickly, we were able to get some great shots in before it set ever so quickly as it does this time of year. Today I want to share some a few of my favorites from the afternoon.....

The Stone Family | {Lexington KY Family Photographers}

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 21:22:35 GMT

I'm returning to the blog today to post a few of my favorite photos from last weekend. I met this family at their house for some family and newborn photos. We were able to take advantage of some magnificent green space available behind their house and use one of my favorite trees, a weeping willow. The sun was setting behind the draping foliage and that natural backdrop was spectacular for this session. Their newest family member was a real trooper and slept through most of the outdoor portion of the session before we moved inside for his portion of the photo shoot. It was a fun afternoon and the photos turned out better than I could have imagined! I'll let you look for yourself and see what you think :

The Brown Family - {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 02:12:21 GMT

It's great to be back on the blog. After a crazy few weeks, I've fallen behind on blogging as I have been making it a priority to get complete sessions finished for clients ready to choose Christmas cards! Tonight I want to begin again with this amazing family. Having worked with them previously, it was nice to catch up and update their family photos. They did a great job with their outfits and it really paid off well with the final images. It was enjoyable working with all of them but, as is often the case in family photos, the little guy stole the show during the session. His energy and personality were through the roof and often had me smiling during our time together. Tonight I want to give you a quick glimpse at some of my favorite moments from their session :

2017 Senior - Sadie! {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 02:08:48 GMT

I love working senior sessions and I am dreading the imminent cold weather that will put a temporary halt on these shoots until the spring thaw. Saturday I was able to squeeze in one more senior shoot and, although it was cool, we were able to push back the start time to allow for warmer temperatures and get the session finished. Sadie, a senior at Lexington Catholic, did an amazing job and working with her and her mother was an enjoyable experience for me. We went to a couple of my favorite locations that are, quite frankly, the most beautiful this time of year. The backdrop was perfect and the session ended with a lot of great shots. Today on my blog I want to share a few of the highlights with you!

Hair and Make Up Credits to : Hair and Makeup By Kelli Marshall

Ethan - | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 01:31:28 GMT

Late Sunday afternoon I met this young man downtown for a little photo session. I was looking forward to working with him as he's one of the coolest young kids I know. He was completely into the session, had a great time, called some of his own shots, and brought a couple of props. Any session with a board and a BMX bike is certain to be a blast and this one did not disappoint. He pulled it off well and I think he made me look good! Here are a few photos from his session so you can judge for yourself :

A Senior Session With Emma | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 11:11:30 GMT

Late Saturday afternoon I met with Emma, a senior at Lexington Catholic, for her senior session. She was a lot of fun, had a great personality, and was a natural at posing. Her red hair was complimented by the amazing colors of a Kentucky autumn afternoon with the sun setting in the background. It all came together perfectly as if it was somehow a planned event. At the end of the evening, I was beyond pleased with the way the session turned out. Today, I want to give you a glimpse of a few of those shots so you can see what I mean!

2017 Senior - Kyle! {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 01:01:48 GMT

It's now time to wrap up a full week of blog posts with my final session from last weekend. Kyle is a senior at Lexington Catholic High School here in Lexington Ky. We had the goal of capturing a few different looks for his session and we successfully pulled it off before we finished. We started with preppy and ended with his football gear after hitting the t shirt and jeans look for some great fall shots with his Jeep. I can't say enough about how easy it was working with him and I know the photos reflect his laid back attitude. He's a great young man and I think he's got a bright future ahead of him! Tonight I want to share some of my personal favorites from his session.....

2017 Senior - Abby! {Lexington KY Senior Photographer}

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 01:20:11 GMT

Abby contacted me a couple of weeks ago and wanted to set up a session where she could wear some of her favorite fall outfits. Little did we know, Kentucky being what it is, that it would be 80 degrees the last weekend in October. It all worked out though, as it always does, and we went to Keeneland Race Course to shoot her session. She is a natural in front of the camera and truthfully, makes my job easy. I think she enjoys the sessions just as much as I do and is always fun to work with. Needless to say, the time passed quickly but we worked efficiently and got many good photos. I want to share some of them here with you on my blog!

A Little Fall Fun When You Turn One | {Lexington Family Photographers}

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:07:42 GMT

It has been a crazy few weeks with fall sessions and I have to say, it's been beautiful! I continue my blog posts today with another session from last weekend. The last time I worked with this young man was during a maternity session for his mother. Now, about a year later, I finally get to meet his sister and work with both of them! It was a lot of fun and we had more than a few laughs while on location near downtown Lexington. The time passed quickly but I was able to get a little work done while we were there! Today I want to share some of my favorites from the morning.....

A Beautiful Engagement Session | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:13:57 GMT

Saturday evening turned out to be the perfect setting for an engagement session. Although I always prefer to shoot in the evening when the sun is low, it seems like this time of year it's almost magical. When you add a beautiful young couple to that setting, the results are sure to be stunning. We shot at two locations and they even brought their dog to join in on a few of the shots, which was awesome! All in all, it was a wonderful time and I think they enjoyed their time in front of the camera. Today I want to share some of my favorites from the evening here on my photography blog....

2017 Fall Birthday Fun! | {Lexington KY. Family Photographer}

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:34:33 GMT

Well it's often said that time flies and every session I have celebrating a first birthday proves that to be correct. I began sessions with this little guy a little over a year ago with his newborn session. On Saturday we wrapped up his Baby's First Year package his first birthday session. Now standing and walking, he was great to work with during the morning as were his big brother and their parents. We took advantage of the time to get some family shots in as well because the day was just magnificent! After about an hour, we brought out the birthday cake. He had reservations about the cake and was hesitant to dig in but that's fine, not everyone likes icing and big brother was able to help out! Here are some of my favorite from Saturday :

2017 Senior - Grace! | {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:23:00 GMT

Wow, last weekend was extremely busy and I'm finally getting around to posting a preview from the final session. I must say, I finished on a high note with this one. The evening was perfect and Grace is a family friend that I haven't seen in several years. Now a senior at Lexington Christian Academy, it was a good chance to get caught up with her and her family. One of my favorite locations in downtown Lexington provided a backdrop full of potential. We even decided against a location change as there was ample backdrops for the entire session. It was a nice way to cap a fun and productive weekend and I get to look forward to starting the entire process over tomorrow! Here are a few, ok - a lot, of my favorites from Grace's session :

2017 Senior - Emma! {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Fri, 28 Oct 2016 01:03:23 GMT

I must admit that I am biased about this session. It's hard not to be when you have a chance to spend time with your daughter shooting her senior session. She asked for something unique, as I do a lot of sessions in Lexington, so we decided to go to Shaker Village which is about thirty minutes away. I could not have asked for a more beautiful morning and I must admit, it was nice to get away from traffic, urban noise, and the stress of everyday life. As she said in one of her social media posts, it was a little bittersweet. She's off to college next year and it was a good chance to spend some time together making memories before she begins the next chapter of her life. I have a lot of great memories from watching her grow into a beautiful young lady. I now have one more to add to those. Thanks Emma for being such a wonderful daughter, I hope you love your photos and the time we spent together on Sunday!

Fall With The Schmidt Family

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 01:09:57 GMT

I have a running joke with this family about the one time they went to another photographer for their family photos. Other than that, they've been working with me since pretty much the beginning! I've watched the family, and the girls, grow for a few years now. I must admit that I was a little disappointed when their oldest did not call me "Mr. Gwayne" as she had done for years. Oh well, time passes quickly and that same girl was now telling me exactly how a pumpkin grows from a seed. Needless to say, I was impressed! It was fun to catch up and watch them play while catching some great shots as well. I want to share a few of my favorites on the blog tonight!

Fall Family Session At Waveland | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:55:18 GMT

One perk of the photography job is the opportunity to meet new families. Such was the case on Saturday when this family met with me at Waveland for a family session. They drove down from Illinois to see their oldest daughter, a student at The University of Kentucky. While in Lexington they decided to take advantage of the time together and scheduled a session for their three daughters. It was a pleasure spending time with them, getting to know their interests, and playing a host with a few dinner recommendations for their evening. We even grabbed a few shots of the entire family as a bonus! I want to share some of my favorites with you here on my blog :

2017 Senior Session With Bryce | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:10:42 GMT

Last weekend was very busy therefore the blog will be updated quickly this week as well so I can share some of my favorites from all my sessions. Today I begin with Bryce, a senior at Tates Creek High School. He was a great young man to work with and did a good job with the cool morning temperatures that often occur in Kentucky this time of year. Before I knew it, we had already been to two different areas in downtown Lexington and his session was finished but not before I was able to capture some of my favorite shots that I want to share with you today :

Fall At The Park | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:26:04 GMT

It's been a busy week here on my blog which, of course, is a reflection of a busy weekend. This session was my final session and we met late Sunday afternoon to shoot their family photos. Mom did a great job of matching clothing, as she always does, and the girls were ready to go. That's a combination that always makes my job easier to say the least.

The last time I worked with this family, their youngest was a newborn and so we caught up on the last two years while the girls played in the fall leaves. Of course, I wanted to catch some of those candids as well and it was a good chance to do both. I was reminded of what a great family they are and how much fun I enjoy working with them. It was also a great way to end a busy weekend.

Here are some of my favorites that I want to share here on my blog :

Fall Fun In The Bluegrass | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:41:50 GMT

I know that I have said it before but it's still true now. It's an honor and a compliment to watch families grow. I began working with this family when they were just getting out of college. Now, I see their hard work paying off with career moves and I've been able to photograph each of their three boys. Now a family of five, working with them is like catching up with old friends. I truly consider it more fun than work when we are together. My favorite line from Dad is, "I only need three good pictures Dwayne and I know you can do it". I think I got three, and more, from this last session. I'll let you take a look at some of my favorites and decide for yourself:

Family Fun At The Park | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 11:37:21 GMT

I love the chance to work with new families. That's one of the many benefits that I see from photography. Saturday I met this family at Waveland for their family session. Being Kentucky, the weather was of course unpredictable and unusually warm. They were well prepared though and had t-shirts and then simply slipped the sweaters on before the photos. I must say that worked great!

They told me that their little man had been looking forward to having his picture taken all week and he did not disappoint. He seemed to enjoy himself and posed wonderfully for the camera. I only hope he had as much fun as I did during the session!

2017 Senior - Haley! | {Lexington Kentucky Senior Photographers}

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 23:11:52 GMT

It's always nice when there is a personal relationship with a client. Such was the case this past weekend with Haley. It seems like I've known her and her family forever. As it turns out, I've only known Haley since kindergarten when she shared a class with my daughter! I'll admit, the realization of that fact quickly made me feel old. Needless to say, I wanted to do a good job Saturday when we met downtown to begin her session. I always prefer to use more than one location for my seniors so there is a variety in their final portfolio. We opted for a local park to take advantage of a creek and more natural setting to finish out the morning. I was happy with the first look at the photos and quickly picked a few to share with you here on my blog.

2017 Senior - Owen | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 01:19:39 GMT

I'm a huge college football fan. Maybe that's why I always look forward to senior sessions when my clients that want to include their football field in the shoot. Such was the case last weekend with Owen. I enjoyed the chance to work with him on the LCA football field before heading off to another location in downtown Lexington to finish his session. We worked in a few shots with his Jeep as well before we called it a wrap. Tonight I want to share a few of my favorites with you!

2017 Senior Session : Ana | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Sat, 08 Oct 2016 21:00:35 GMT

I spent an absolutely beautiful evening last weekend in downtown Lexington working with this young lady. She was absolutely terrific to work with and we had a fun time exploring the area and looking for some new backdrops to go along with some of my favorites in the area. I was not surprised to learn that she has spent many years in ballet as she was a natural in front of the camera and had excellent posture. She made my job easy and the time passed quickly before we changed location and ended at Keeneland. These are a few of my favorites from the evening :

2017 Senior - Scott | {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Fri, 07 Oct 2016 00:38:24 GMT

Last week I met with Scott to work on his senior portfolio. I was looking forward to working at one of my favorite locations and then learned that they also had access to an abandoned train track. Of course, wanting to use that as well, we changed course and shot a few frames there as well. I don't know what it is, but I love a railroad track. I think it's the symbolism of being able to look back where you've been as well as taking a glance into where you're heading. That's perfect symbolism for seniors during their last year of high school if you ask me. We finished at their house which happens to sit on the 18th green of a local course. I have to say that it was the perfect ending to a great day. Take a look at a few of my favorites from the session :

2017 Senior - Morgan

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 17:56:11 GMT

It was a pleasure working with Morgan earlier this week. I knew from the beginning that she would be relaxed and easy going. She has a great personality and was very laid back. She wanted her session to represent a classic Kentucky mood and style. Speaking of style, a black dress with boots is always a classic and she pulled that off like a model. It was a fun day at Keeneland and we used some of the fence line to finish the session as the sun began to set over the horizon. The evening and the location were beautiful and that comes across in her photos. I want to share a few of my favorites with you here on my blog. As always, thanks for stopping by!

2017 Senior - Austin

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 09:39:50 GMT

I can't begin to tell you how much fun I had with this session but I will try. I like to play around and try new shots, angles, and poses on my sessions. Last weekend with this session, we had access to the locker room of a local high school football team and that provided a huge blank canvas for my imagination. We added some dramatic lighting and some fire for effects and I think the results are phenomenal. We began the session at Keeneland and captured more traditional photos that represent Kentucky and the Bluegrass with the barns, black fences, and of course, the Keeneland grandstand itself. I think it made a nice balance for the portfolio and I hope that Austin had as much fun as I did that day. Here is a look at his preview :

2017 Senior - Baye! |{Lexington Kentucky Senior Photographers}

Sat, 24 Sep 2016 01:08:40 GMT

I had three photos sessions on Sunday and want to share a preview from my last session today. I won't say that I saved the best for last, they were all good sessions with people that I love. But I will say that I finished with a bang and went out with flash, literally. We started this session in Lexington and decided, about 5 minutes before we began, to finish in historic Midway. All I can say is that both locations worked well and Baye did a fantastic job. As the sun began to drop in the evening sky, I brought out the flash and soft box for some dramatic lighting. I know that I had a good time and I believe that she did as well. These are a few of my favorites from her session, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Welcome Baby Silas! | {Lexington Ky Newborn Photographers}

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 00:54:10 GMT

I was pleased to get a message a few months ago from clients that I had not seen in quite some time. They were expecting and wanted to go ahead and set up an approximate session for the arrival of their new baby boy. Of course, as newborns often do, he decided he was ready a few weeks before so we got this session set up a little earlier than previously planned. They came over last weekend and I transformed the house into a little studio. I thought it worked great and I was able to get some good photos in between feedings and diaper changes as is normal procedure with all newborn sessions! Today I want to share a few of my favorites with you here on my photo blog.

Family Photos With A Bump! | {Lexington Ky Family Photographers}

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 01:56:59 GMT

Sunday morning I began the first of three sessions with one of my previous families. I had not had the chance to work with them in a while and was looking forward to catching up on lost time. I was so happy to hear that they were expecting and this shoot was also going to be for their big announcement. Big brother played a great role in the photos as well. He was dressed as Captain America but told me his name was 'Cap'. He spent some time showing me his skills and they were pretty awesome. Before we finished, we were joined by their extended family and got some group photos as well. Having worked with all of them previously, I must admit it was an enjoyable morning to be able to do so again!

Senior Session with Allie | {Lexington Kentucky Senior Photographers}

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:15:40 GMT

Sometimes you just know that everything went well with location, wardrobe, and lighting as soon as the session ends and I've been looking forward to publishing this blog ever since that time. Allie and I met last Sunday evening at Keeneland Race Course to begin her senior session and finished in downtown Lexington. Both locations provide some classic central Kentucky backdrops for senior photography. The time passed quickly and I believe that Allie felt like a model during the experience. Of course, she had makeup done on location by Jennifer Banks Makeup and my friend Steve came along and was holding a four by six reflector which undoubtably contributed to that feeling! It was a team effort and I think it payed off well. These are a few of my favorites from the day :

Family Session at Keeneland | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:26:37 GMT

It's always fun to work with people that you love and last Saturday was no exception. I met this family when my daughter joined a local swim team and if you've ever been to a swim practice or a meet, you know that there is plenty of time to talk and become acquainted with other families. We've been friends since and I was glad that they asked me to do their family photos. We met at Keeneland and spent about an hour on the property before calling it a wrap. It's an iconic backdrop of Lexington, Ky and holds a special place in the hearts of many here in the Bluegrass. It was a great day and today I want to share some of my favorites with you!

Happy Birthday To This Little Guy | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 01:22:55 GMT

I spent some time with this family last weekend. We met at a local park here in Lexington Ky. which provided the perfect backdrop for a first birthday photo session. I have now had the pleasure of watching, and photographing, both of their boys. I can still remember his older brother, unsure of what to do, eating his first birthday cake. This guy, however, was all in as soon as we sat him down. The poor cake didn't have a chance. When it was over, there was icing everywhere - even between his toes. It made for a fun day and some memorable moments caught on camera, of course. Here are a few of my favorites from the day:

A Senior Session With Michael | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 11:02:18 GMT

Saturday I met this young man to shoot his senior session here in the heart of Lexington Ky. Keeneland Race Course is a local landmark so we decided to begin there before finishing downtown. The time passed, and the humidity rose, very quickly so we shot as long as we could before giving in to the heat and calling it a morning. We were very productive and got plenty of shots during that time and today I want to share some of my favorites with you.

Braxton Turns One! | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:12:51 GMT

I met Braxton for the first time just over a year ago. He was a newborn, only a couple of days old, and we met in the hospital for his first session. As part of my Baby's First Year package, I have worked with him three more times since and have enjoyed every single session. During these sessions, I have had the opportunity to not only get to know him better but also his big brother and their parents as well. I can say without a doubt that this little man is in good hands, especially with big brother! Today I want to share a little preview of his "One Year" session with you. Enjoy!

Baby Evan! - {Lexington Ky Newborn Photographers)

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 01:44:37 GMT

I have to say that it is a nice feeling to develop relationships with clients that you love. I was asked to photograph their newborn boy a couple of weeks ago. Although I photograph newborns frequently, this happens to be their third baby boy that I have had the chance to work with! I photographed their first when I was beginning this venture of my life. Looking at their oldest is literally a reminder of how far that, not only I, but they have come as well. It's been a pleasure working with all of their boys and this session might have been the best. He was in such a pleasant mood and literally did not fuss at all. He wasn't in the mood to sleep though and I swear he kept his eye on the camera most of the time. Here are a few of my favorites that I'd like to share on my blog!

Sarah and Travis | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 02:17:39 GMT

I can not lie. I have been looking forward to sharing this blog since the minute the bride and groom left the reception. This was such a beautiful wedding with attention to the details and it was truly an honor to be chosen as the photographer. When I walked into Central Christian Church and saw the bridesmaids with matching monogram shirts, I knew things were going to be nice.

The church sanctuary provided a magnificent backdrop for the ceremony and photos before the newlyweds departed in their limo and headed to the reception. The Livery, only a few blocks away, was a perfect choice for the cocktail hour and reception with food and drinks provided by DaRae and Friends Catering. I have to give serious credit to Allen of Bluegrass Beat who literally kept the party on the dance floor the entire reception - not an easy task! I will provide links to all the vendors at the end but I am so happy to have been a small part of this team and can't leave out Hannah. Hannah from LexEffect was the wedding planner and kept the entire day running without any problems and I was able to focus entirely on photography, pun intended!

At this point, I just want to let the photos tell the rest of the story and have picked some of my favorites to give you a small peak into their day. They start at the beginning with coffee and finish with the grand sparkler exit. What seems like a long day during planning seems to go by so quickly. That's what I like about my job. I get the opportunity to help families remember the details, the nerves, the excitement, and the fun. I also get the chance to meet some amazing people and these two families were wonderful. Congratulations to Sarah and Travis, here's a glance at your day!

A big thanks to these vendors as well, you all rocked!

Hair and Makeup : Pink Lou Lou

Florist - Stems

Cake - Sugar Forest

Jasmine and Fred | {Lexington KY Wedding Photographers}

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 09:09:58 GMT

Last Saturday I worked with Jasmine and Fred documenting the events of their wedding day. Jasmine and Fred are a great couple and I have had the best time working with them on their engagement session and wedding. It has been my pleasure to be able to get to know them during this time and play a small part in their wedding day. They like to laugh, don't take life too seriously, and have a good time - much like myself!

We met at the church, Consolidated Baptist here in Lexington Ky, to begin the preparation photos and the photograph the wedding ceremony before finishing the day at the Campbell House Inn for the their reception. It was a beautiful day and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend it with two beautiful people and their families. Good times were had by all and many laughs, hugs, and smiles were shared before it was over. It is always encouraging to be around such loving people and their families and Saturday was one of those occasions.

I prefer to tell stories through photographs so I will leave you with these highlights from their wedding day :

2017 Senior Rep - Emily

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 00:34:37 GMT

Last weekend I wrapped up my eighth and final senior rep session with Emily. It's always good to finish on a good note and she made that possible by knocking it out of the park. I wanted to spend some time at a new location so we started the photography session in downtown Lexington before moving out to a local park on the north end of the city to finish the morning. A couple of quick hours passed and we called it a wrap and headed for the air conditioning!

This is my third year working with senior reps and I feel I have learned from each group. Now that their individual sessions are finished, I am looking forward to working with them on a couple of group sessions! Check back near the end of summer so you don't miss those. Until then, I want to share some from Emily's session.

Makeup : Jennifer Banks Makeup

My favorite model, Emma! | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 16:27:30 GMT

I've been working with this model since day one, literally. When we began working together, I was using a film camera and mailing that film to the lab for processing. She has had my camera in her face far more than she'd like to admit and at times would get tired of me taking her picture. Many things have changed in the 17 years since that day but one thing remains the same - she's is my favorite model. It's hard to believe that this many years have passed but yesterday, as we worked on her senior session, the reality hit me. I've had the fortune of watching her change over the years into the beautiful young woman she has become. Although thankfully she looks just like her mother, in many other ways she's also a little version of me. She has a quick wit, a great sense of humor, loves a good joke, and doesn't take life too seriously. I couldn't have asked for a better girl to work with over these years and I actually wonder what I did to deserve such an honor. Today, on my blog, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter Emma!

2017 Senior Rep - Caroline

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 11:52:56 GMT

Today I am sharing my fifth and last senior model session from last weekend. The weekend was a lot of fun for me and I believe all the seniors enjoyed themselves as well. Caroline was looking for a more traditional look and I think we were able to successfully pull that off during this session. Caroline did a great job of showcasing her beautiful smile in a relaxed way. It's important for me to capture seniors in a way that makes them comfortable and in a style that they want remembered. Actually, that's the most important aspect of senior, or portrait, photography. The greatest compliment that I hear is when someone tells me that they like my work because it's natural, enjoyable, and not heavily edited. That's my goal, one hundred percent of the time. Today I am sharing some of my favorites from this session. Some of these seriously just blew me away and I can't wait to see what you think.

2017 Senior Rep - Abby

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 16:10:50 GMT

Thanks to some cool and rainy weather, this session was pushed back to last weekend. They say that some things in life are worth the wait and I believe that was the case regarding this session. We met on a Sunday afternoon and I had a good feeling about this session as soon as it began. We worked in the downtown area and a local bar was nice enough to provide some great background music which really seemed to lift the energy of the shoot. I also knew that Abby wanted to do a completely cool, urban, city style session which is definitely my favorite to photograph. I think that appeals to the explorer in me as it is about simply going out and seeing what I can find to work with as a background. It awakens my creativity and Abby was all about posing and having a fun time on location as well. It all worked together and led to some amazing photos. I want to share a few of those here for you to see as well.

2017 Senior Rep - Morgan

Sat, 04 Jun 2016 02:46:02 GMT

I don't usually spend Friday nights blogging. Tonight though, I break that tradition out of necessity. I have you to thank for that and it's a good problem to have. I've been contacted many times lately and I can tell that those of you that have watched me grow have been busy spreading the word about my work. So tonight I gladly blog and introduce another senior rep!

I shot five senior rep sessions last weekend and tonight I have Morgan, from Tates Creek High School, featured on my blog. We met at the Arboretum here in Lexington Ky to begin her session. As I arrived, Sarah Elizabeth from GlamLex was finishing makeup and we were watching the skies with an umbrella nearby. Fortunately for me, the session went as planned with only a minor interruption which provided some cool photos under a large tree which held the rain water at bay. We finished up on the downtown streets which are honestly my favorite local location to shoot. It made for a fun morning and Morgan was awesome! Here are some of my favorites from the session :

2017 Senior Rep - Sarah

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 11:12:56 GMT

I was telling a friend about this session from last weekend. They responded by stating that I really have access too some beautiful places that aren't accessible to the public. That is true and I love it when client's want to use that access for original and unique sessions. Saturday, we had access to a large horse farm in Versailles that provided a wonderful backdrop for this senior session. The irony is that during the entire shoot we didn't run into any horses but,as we were leaving, we made a little detour before heading out the main gate. That was a great decision and led to some fun candid photos and a lot of entertainment. Some of the foals were in the field and their curious nature got the best of them. They decided to come in close and pose for the camera as the sun set behind them. What a great way to end an already fun session! I'm sharing some of my favorites here on the blog.

Have a great weekend everyone!

2017 Senior Rep - Grace!

Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:16:57 GMT

Thanks to some crazy rain and cool weather this spring, my schedule got shifted and last weekend I worked with five senior reps in two days. I'm not complaining, I had a lot of fun as did they but I did get behind on preparing their previews for this blog. Needless to say, this is going to be a busy place over the course of the next few days!

I began the weekend sessions with Grace and worked with her near downtown Lexington for most of her session. She wanted a mix of traditional and modern so we changed a few venues during the morning to make that come together. My goal is to try and let the seniors decide what look they prefer and then figure out the locations to match that preference. After all, their senior year is about them at this point in their life and not about me. Working together to help capture this moment in a way that's comfortable to them is my main goal. I think we successfully pulled that off with this session but I'll let you take a look at a few of my favorites and judge for yourself.

Thanks Grace for getting the weekend started on a good note!

Joslyn | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Thu, 26 May 2016 01:33:30 GMT

Sunday I met with Joslyn for her photo session. She is in the final stages of releasing her first album and was in need of some cover photos! To say she is a free spirit would be an understatement. She enjoyed the spotlight and appeared very comfortable in posing throughout her session. She made my job easy and was so much fun to work with throughout the evening. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product and listening to the album. Until then, I'll leave you with a few of my favorites:

Staci and Ben | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographers}

Wed, 25 May 2016 00:57:13 GMT

I spent Saturday with Ben and Staci as the celebrated their wedding day surrounded by close friends and family. We met early at the wedding venue, The Lyric Theater in downtown Lexington, to document hair and makeup. We left as the 1958 Bentley pulled away from the curb with the newlyweds in the backseat! Needless to say, it was a day to remember and I was honored to play my part in that role as their photographer.

A wedding in a restored theater provides some amazing photo opportunities. They were able to do hair and makeup in a theater dressing room complete with lights and we took opportunity of the stage and theater seating to grab a few photos as well. We had planned on using the outdoor courtyard area for the ceremony but the weather was not cooperative. The ceremony was moved to an alternative location, an upstairs art gallery. I must admit, I liked the atmosphere. It had the feeling of a metropolitan event in a larger metropolitan setting and I think the bride and groom enjoyed being the focus during their ceremony.

I could go on longer about the day but I think I'll let the photos do the rest of the writing, that's actually what I prefer as a photographer. Before I share those though, I want to share credit with all the vendors that made this day possible:

Hair : Lauren Prather

Make Up : Erica Powell

Rings : Leroys (Bride) Wedgwood Rings (Groom)

Bouquet : AnthologyOnMain

Cake : Bit Of Whimsy

DJ : BMF Sound Design

1958 Bentley : Gold Shield Limousine

And now, a few of my favorites from the day :

2017 Senior Rep - Cora!

Sat, 21 May 2016 01:26:42 GMT

I have no idea where this week went. It seems like I shot this session only a couple of days ago but in reality it was Sunday evening. I have to thank all of you for that as I have been very busy with session's this spring and have also had the opportunity to shoot four large prom group's as well. You have done an amazing job at spreading the word about my photography!

So, before I can prepare for a wedding tomorrow, I wanted to get this posted on my blog so Cora could see a few of my favorites from her session. We met near downtown Lexington on Sunday evening to begin work on her senior session. Our goal was to capture a couple of different looks so we decided to begin with a more traditional setting before heading downtown and eventually finishing on a rooftop. At the end of the night, I think she had a lot of fun as did I. I'll share of few of my favorites here and let you see for yourself.

2017 Senior Rep - Abby!

Thu, 19 May 2016 11:21:34 GMT

As the 2016 school year comes to a close, it's now time for the class of 2017 to begin thinking of their senior year. This includes photographer's as well, and this year I am excited for the opportunity to expand my rep program to eight senior's throughout local high school's. So it's with a great deal of excitement that I begin to photograph all of them and share their session's here on my blog!

Today I'd like to introduce Abby, who attends Madison Central High School. She chose to come to Lexington this past weekend and we met downtown to begin her session. As Kentucky weather would have it, there was a frost warning in May and although we delayed the start by almost two hours - it was still quite cold to say the least. Although she did not plan on using a jacket and a hoodie zip in her session - they were actually useful and photographed well with a couple of her outfits! I'll share a few of my favorites here and let you see for yourself.

Ryan | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 11:14:07 GMT

Yesterday on the blog I featured Katelyn, and if you read that post you know that she and her brother shared a senior session last weekend. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos of Ryan. Picking a location to begin was actually easy for Ryan. He wants to be a firefighter and has already started on the path to achieving that goal, pretty awesome for a senior in high school. So needless to say, I made a few calls and we were able to use a very cool location - a firehouse. That kicked off what I think was a fun morning and certainly a memorable experience for everyone involved. Thanks to all that made that happen and for the hospitality as well. Enjoy the photos!

Katelyn's Senior Session | {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:26:11 GMT

I spent Sunday morning with Katelyn and her brother Ryan on a joint senior session. Both are senior's at Lafayette this year and we decided to do the session together. Since I was looking for a variety of locations, we decided to use downtown Lexington as a backdrop for what turned out to be a very fun session. I enjoyed talking with them almost as much as I enjoyed working with them on their photo's. They are great kid's and both have some exciting plans for their future. Needless to say, the three hour session passed quickly but not before I was able to get some of these photos that I want to share here. As they say, ladies first, so today I am featuring Katelyn on the blog!

A Little Fun In The Creek | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographers}

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:51:02 GMT

I had a hard time picking photos to share with this blog post which is a good problem when you're a photographer. I met this senior last Sunday at her local high school to begin her session. What better place to begin with cap and gown in hand? After a quick wardrobe and location change to capture her formal side we then hit the creek bank for some shots in all american jean shorts and cowboy boots.

It was a busy morning and it flew by quickly but I did come away with one of the greatest comments I've heard. Her sister, a 5th grader, came with her on the session. At the end of the day, she looked at me and boldly said, "you're more funner than our last photographer". I'll be honest, that made my day!

Here's a look at some of the highlights from her session :

Fun Times At This Six Month Session | {Kentucky Photographers}

Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:17:57 GMT

I finished my three weekend session's last week with this family shoot. It was their second session, at six months, of my Baby's First Year package. We met at McConnell's Springs, which was a new location for me, before heading into downtown Lexington to take advantage of a Louis Armstrong mural. Once there, I was informed that his song, What A Wonderful World, was their wedding song - so cool! It was nice to catch up with them, always a favorite part of my first year session's, and see how much the boy's had changed since we last met. The boy's did not disappoint and I think they just might be getting used to me and the camera, which is always a good thing. Here are some of my favorite's from their session :

An Afternoon With Rena | {Lexington KY Senior Photographers}

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:57:26 GMT

Some days it just seems as if everything works out perfectly. Sunday was one of those days. I met Rena at her house in a historic section of Lexington and we literally just set out on an afternoon walk around the area. I believe she had a fun time and probably felt like a professional model during the session. That could have been due to the fact that we were joined by her mother and my assistant Steve, who was carrying a huge five by seven reflector. So yes, we had a little entourage making our way around the neighborhood. We had more than enough good locations to use, the sun was on our face, and by the time we were finished, I was already looking forward to publishing this blog post. Here are a few of my favorites :

Six month family session | {Lexington Ky Photographers}

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:12:03 GMT

After a weather delay and a rescheduled session, this little guy was practically seven months old when we met again on Saturday. This would be his final session in my Baby's First Year package and I was looking forward to seeing him again since the last session was his newborn shoot. He was obviously bigger and his little personality was wonderful. He flashed me some smiles, stuck his tongue out, and a few times I caught him giving me the 'do you know what you're doing' look. All in all, other than the brutal cold wind, it was a fun day and good to catch up with this great family. Here is a little look from their session :

Hello Spring!

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 11:29:06 GMT

Celebrating Spring in February | { Lexington Ky Photographer}

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 11:05:19 GMT

I had a few doubts when I suggested we try to schedule an outdoor session in the middle of February. What can I say? I tend to be an optimist and was believing in the best outcome. Our alternative was to shoot indoors which, although easy to do, just isn't my ideal situation as I love to work with natural light. Needless to say, we were all happy when the temperature was nearly 60 degrees. So, as planned, we met here at The Arboretum along with what seemed like everyone else in Lexington who came out to enjoy this first day of "spring". This cute little girl was in a terrific mood and really worked the camera like a pro. I could not have scripted a better scenario for her six month session and for that, I am thankful. It's always a blessing in life when everything works out as planned and Saturday was one of those days. Here is a preview from her session:

Six Month Session At The Park

Thu, 11 Feb 2016 00:08:26 GMT

One of the things I enjoy about working with families as part of my Baby's First Year packages is, as you would expect, capturing the many changes that occur during that year. But another thing I enjoy is developing a relationship with the families during that time. This family is no exception and I have had so much fun working their two boys and getting to know mom and dad during this time. This was their six month session and to be honest, I am already looking forward to the one year shoot which will be here before you know it.

We met Sunday at a park for a rare opportunity to shoot an outdoor February photography session in Kentucky. Some snacks, a wagon, a few toys, and some muscle milk for your three year old are all it takes to make a memorable day. We got some family, brothers, and individual shots that I just love before the time was over. Here's a little preview of their day :

The Worland Family

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:28:27 GMT

What better time than Christmas to get the family together and update all the family photos? That's exactly what this family decided to do this year on the day after Christmas. We met at an indoor facility which worked out great because of the massive monsoon that seemed to hover over Lexington for what seemed like a week. It worked out well and I was able to catch up with some of the family that I had not seen in a few years. The children were more than cooperative and we were able to get that much desired grandchildren shot to finish! Here's a little look at a few from the morning :

A Family Christmas Session | {lexington ky family photographer}

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 01:58:57 GMT

I've worked with this family in a variety of ways for several years now, almost from the beginning truthfully. I've watched kids grow up, photographed a wedding, and worked with various member's on separate sessions as well. All I can say is that is has been a lot of fun and I have had a great time getting to know them during those sessions.

Needless to say, when we met in downtown Lexington for their session on Sunday, the good times continued. It started out serious enough as we chased down that one good family photo that was truly the goal of the afternoon. But soon after, the ugly Christmas sweater's came out and the fun began in earnest! It was, as it always is, a good time. When we parted I left with a smile on my face as I thought about the memories that they had just made. Here are just a few from the session. Enjoy!

Fall Session In The Neighborhood Park | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:22:44 GMT

The blog has been kind of crazy this week with previews of four sessions last weekend but today I wrap things up with this post. It was a great weekend and I finished strong with this session. I've been working with these two for a couple of years now and I always come home with a smile on my face when their sessions are over. They are full of energy, entertaining, and more than willing to provide ample smiles during their shoots. Sunday afternoon was no exception when we met just down the street at our local neighborhood park. Despite the quickly dropping temperatures, they were once again up to their old ways and delightful to work with! Here is a sneak peek from their afternoon :

A Beautiful Fall Morning For Family Photos | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 10:43:28 GMT

This will be a session that I won't soon forget. We decided to meet downtown at The Lexington Cemetery for this session which proved to be absolutely beautiful this time of year. The trees were still holding some of their autumn leaves and the sun highlighted their color. It was a great location and provided ample backdrops for photos.

Unfortunately, nearly as soon as we began, I had the oldest boy sit on a tree stump to pose. I got one shot and noticed what I thought were gnats around him while looking through the camera. The sun was at an angle and all I could see was the black shadows flying around. We all realized very quickly that it was actually a swarm of bees! Apparently I had chosen the log with the bee hive underneath it for a prop. He only got stung once (thank goodness),shook it off after a little time, and came back to finish strong - what a trooper! Seriously, he did great the rest of the morning and the smiles returned by the time we finished.

The lesson for me? Always kick those stumps a little before having someone sit down - just in case. All that being said, it was also memorable because the photos turned out great, which is the kind of memory that's desired. Here's are a few of my favorites from the session :

Family Session Fun | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:23:06 GMT

This was a great large family session for a good reason. During the past year, I have had the chance to work with each of the families for various reasons. Obviously, this made working with the entire group so much easier especially since I know each of them by name, something very rare when working with a larger group. Needless to say, things went well and I think they enjoyed the time spent together as much as I did. Today I want to share some of my favorites from the session with you. Enjoy!

Senior Session with Amir | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 10:43:56 GMT

After a weather postponement the previous weekend, I finally had the chance to work with Amir on his senior portfolio. The delay was well worth it though as we were greeted with dry skies and fall colors. He decided to split his time between a traditional look and an urban, relaxed backdrop. That is actually a great idea for a balanced portfolio and works well with areas close to downtown as both looks are easily obtainable with a relatively short drive between locations. It was a nice opportunity to get to know him better and he was laid back and comfortable during the session. It all worked well together for a memorable Saturday morning. Here's a glimpse at a few of my favorites from the day :

An Engagement Session with Sarah and Travis | {lexington ky wedding photographer}

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:20:18 GMT

I love engagement photos so much that I not only encourage them, but I include them with all my wedding packages. They give the engaged couple and I a chance to work together and become familiar with each other before their wedding day. This reduces any awkward moments on their big day and ensures that they are comfortable with me and I have a chance to see how they respond to the camera. In a way, they can be thought of as a preview of what is to come.

After working with Sarah and Travis last weekend, I can't wait to photograph their wedding next summer. They were a lot of fun to work with and comfortable in front of the camera. There were plenty of smiles and relaxed poses as we walked the park under the afternoon cloud cover. The time truly passed before I was ready to call it a day but not before we were able to capture some great photos. I wanted to post of few of my favorites here on my blog. I hope you enjoy them!

Weekend Family Session | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 01:08:36 GMT

It's always a pleasure to work with and meet new families. Such was the case on Sunday as I wrapped up a busy weekend with this session here in Lexington, Ky. We met at a local park, a favorite of mine, and things went better than I could have imagined. Their little girl was in the best mood possible and her big brother was completely photogenic which made for some great family photos. I honestly had a hard time going through these and picking out favorites for this blog but I got them narrowed down and ready to share. That being said, here is their preview :

Evening in the Park

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:45:34 GMT

I met one of my favorite families in a downtown park this weekend for their fall photo session. I call them one of my favorites because I have now worked with them for .........a really long time (I am not good at keeping up with actual years and dates and such). Anyway, I have watched both their girls grow and they seem very comfortable in front of my camera at this point which makes my job much easier. Much like the last sessions, this one did not disappoint and I had a great time yet again. I am thankful for the support of familiar faces like these on my blog. I would not be here without you! Here are a handful of my favorites from the afternoon :

Ben and Staci

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 02:25:30 GMT

Saturday afternoon I met this lovely couple in the middle of the city for their engagement session. Knowing that they are getting married downtown and like art as well as architecture made picking the location relatively easy. We spent the time together taking in a few of the local murals, the bus garage, and ended the session in a quaint park. I like their taste in locations and am looking quite forward to their wedding next year. Until then though, I can only leave you with a sample from their session.

Engagement Session on the Big Four Bridge | {Louisville Ky Engagement Photography}

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 09:52:38 GMT

I've been a photographer long enough to know that things don't always go as planned. This is especially true with wedding photography but also happens during other sessions. This was the case last weekend when I met this lovely couple for their engagement session in Louisville Ky.

As we arrived to shoot by the riverfront and in downtown Louisville, we were greeted by police cruisers blocking access to all of the downtown corridors. We quickly realized that Louisville was hosting an Ironman competition that morning and that area was closed to traffic for the majority of the day.

As we took some time to change our strategy and location, we decided after a few minutes to actually drive to Indiana and then walk across the Big Four Bridge to gain access to our original location! That turned out to be a great idea as it not only gave us another backdrop to use but time to really get to know each other during the walk which is one reason all of my wedding packages include an engagement session.

During this time I learned that this is going to be a fun couple to work with. I can't tell you how much laughter took place during the morning but I think it is safe to say we all had a good time. I am already looking forward to working with them on their wedding next year but for now, I would like to share some of my favorite moments from this past weekend.

A Captivating Wedding Day! | {Kentucky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 09:49:31 GMT

It is rare that I can say that a wedding day was absolutely perfect but such was the case on Saturday. As I arrived at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and strolled across the manicured grounds, there was nothing but blue skies and sunshine. It is unfortunate that every bride and groom can't plan on days such as this. The great weather, location, and all the little wedding details made for an event that won't soon be forgotten and I have yet to mention being surrounded by friends and family who helped the celebration continue long into the evening.

There were plenty of touching, signature moments that marked the occasion as well. The exchange of a grandfather's watch from one brother to another, the bride and groom meeting for a moment of solitude to exchange letters and pray before the wedding, and the father of the bride leading her and the bridesmaids in a prayer before they left the room and proceeded to the venue. That is just a small sample but those are the type of 'behind the scenes' moment's that I love as a photographer.

I want to share those moment's and other's that won't soon be forgotten here on my blog. These are a few of my favorite's. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed being able to capture them!

Senior Brothers | {Lexington Ky Senior High Photographer}

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:00:42 GMT

I had so much fun on this session. I met these two brother's at an abandoned distillery near downtown Lexington. We had access to the entire building thanks to a good connection who also happened to be their father. Once inside, the structure was so amazing that I had no idea where to begin shooting. It seemed as if there was something more amazing around every corner. To say it was sensory overload would be an understatement. I felt a little stressed knowing that our time would be over long before I had a chance to photograph everything that I imagined. Alas, such was the case but not before we were able to get some great shots. I am thankful for the opportunity and wanted to share a few of may favorites here on my blog.

Baby Brother | {Lexington Ky Newborn Photographer}

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:16:23 GMT

I had the chance to photograph this wonderful family over the weekend. They are close to our family and I have had the opportunity to photograph them frequently over the year's. I have to admit, I enjoyed walking into their home and noticing my work throughout their house - what an honor! Those photos happened to be of their oldest son, but Sunday I was there to photograph his newborn brother. I have to say that big brother did very well - maybe being used to the camera from a young age helped?! Regardless, I was able to grab some shots of both of them and the family of four during the afternoon. Here's a little peak from their session :

A New Addition | {Lexington KY Newborn Photography}

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:30:12 GMT

One of the many perks of this job is building relationships with client's and watching as their live's change over time. Saturday morning I went to the home of a family I met only about a year ago when I photographed their son as he was celebrating his first birthday. This year, they needed me to photograph his newborn brother who had just come home from the hospital only a couple of days earlier. I was honored that they called on me again and since they decided on the Baby's First Year package, I will have the chance to watch him grow during the next year as well! Here are a few of my favorite photos from his newborn session :

2016 Senior - Laura! {Lexington Ky Senior High Photographer}

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:21:31 GMT

It's good to have friend's. It's even better to have friend's that will let you use their farm for your senior photography session! As you have probably already figured out, that was the case this past weekend here in Lexington. I met Laura for her senior session on a beautiful farm high atop Fayette County. The setting was indeed perfect and we took advantage of several locations around the property for her photos. A few hours and clothing changes later and we were finished just before sunset. It was perfect timing and a nice way to end a beautiful evening. I picked a few of my favorites to share here on my blog.

Family Time

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 17:58:19 GMT

There's a popular saying that if at first you don't succeed, try try again. That could easily describe this session as we had been planning since May but just could not seem to get together until this week. Of course there's another saying that good things are worth the wait. That was certainly true as I worked with them on a few family photos, grabbed some shots of their son, and met their dog with the greatest name ever - Diesel. It turned out to be a great session with a nice family on a beautiful day. All things said, it worked out perfectly as things usually seem to do. Here are a few of my favorites from their session :

2016 Senior - Emily {Lexington Ky Senior High Photographer}

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 21:51:13 GMT

I enjoy all my senior photo sessions. It has quickly become one of my favorite types of session actually. There's something about hanging around with teens that have their entire future ahead of them that is quite fascinating to me. They are full of energy, the anticipation of their future, nervous about the transition to college, young at heart, and just a lot of fun to be around. I think it helps me feel young and that never hurts anyone!

This was definitely the case Sunday with Emily, a senior at Henry Clay High School here in Lexington, Ky. She wanted to mix things up for her session so we decided to start with a traditional look and setting. We worked that look for about an hour before heading heading downtown to a warehouse district to finish her session with an edgy, urban flair. Add in a few wardrobe changes and a make up session with Jennifer Banks Makeup and everything came together perfectly. I know that I had a great time and I think Emily did as well! Here are some of my favorites from the evening :

Wedding Bells Ring! | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 13:40:49 GMT

I received a call a few weeks ago from a bride looking for a few hours of coverage for a small intimate wedding at Troy Presbyterian Church located just outside of Versailles, Ky. She was in Texas, her groom was from France, his mom was flying in for the wedding, and they would be joined by closest friends and family. All arrangements were made via phone and email and the first time I actually saw the bride and groom was when the ceremony began. The first time we said hello was after they walked down the aisle together as a married couple.

I have to be honest, I was not sure what to expect that day when I left the house. I imagined a lot that could go wrong as I usually operate with a list of plans, photo requests, and a comfortable sense of what to expect during the wedding. I was shooting my first wedding "on the fly" as a true photojournalist style.

So, now that it's over, I have to admit that it was great! The wedding was intimate, bride and groom beautiful, and the reception that followed at her childhood home was elegant. I enjoyed shooting without any specific expectations other than to capture the moments of the next three hours. Any time people dress and gather for a wedding there are going to be some photos that they want together and that worked out well also. All being said, I had a great time. They were terrific to work with, I learned a bit of French culture, met some great people in the small setting, and now look back with a smile on my face as I reflect on the experience.

Here are several of my favorite photos from the day :

2016 Senior - Julia {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:38:30 GMT

Downtown Lexington was the place to be this weekend, at least for me. I had two senior sessions on Sunday and both were in various locations near the center of the city. If you told me I could only pick one area of Lexington to use for photography, this would be that location.

All that being said, that's exactly where we shot this senior session. Julia was my last session of the day and the timing was perfect with the evening glow prior to the setting of the sun. We spent a couple of hours on two different locations starting at Ashland before heading deeper into the city to finish.

I do need to credit Jennifer Banks Makeup for the fantastic job she did on location prior to the session. The link will take you to her Facebook page and you can contact her at [email protected]. I am looking forward to working with her again this coming weekend as well!

Here are a few of my favorites from Julia's session :

2016 Senior : Aiden {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:09:43 GMT

Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day to be outdoors with a camera in hand. As luck would have it, I had a senior session with Aiden that day and it was perfect. We began in one of my favorite places - downtown Lexington. I like that location because it seems as if every turn onto a new block opens another opportunity for poses and creative backdrops. Since we were already downtown, we decided to go over to his high school, Sayre, for a few shots before finishing the day at their baseball field. It was a fun session, a beautiful day, and time passed quickly. Before I knew it, we were finished but not before making some great memories in some meaningful locations. It was truly time well spent. Here is a look at a few of my favorites:

Beautiful Baby Boy | {Lexington Ky Newborn Photographer}

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:29:20 GMT

It always seems like time flies when I work with families who have purchased a Baby's First Year Package. Such was the case Sunday when I met with this family again after what seems like only yesterday when we did their maternity session. This time though, I had the privilege of photographing their newest family member - a baby boy! He was in a great mood and his nursery was all decked out in a Monsters Inc. theme. I grabbed some photos of him and his family before bringing out some of his room decor to finish the session. All in all, it was a great morning and I look forward to seeing them again in six months - it will be here before you know it! Here is a quick look at a few from the morning :

Reflections on where I am now | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:05:04 GMT

As I was leaving for this session, Facebook was kind enough to remind me that on this date four years ago I shot my first wedding. The timing could not have been better. I knew that it was around the same time that I got my start with my first newborn session. That newborn session just happened to be with this young man's older brother. So here I was, heading off to photograph him nearly five years after I started with his older brother. A lot has changed since then but I am grateful that, like this family, a lot of you have really helped me get my feet on the ground as a photographer. Now I have weekends where I feel the need to pinch myself because I am so busy with this great passion of mine. I don't know when, how, or if it will end but for now I am enjoying the journey that began almost 5 years ago. Here's to many more and also a look at a few of my favorites from Saturday :

Bethany

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:03:51 GMT

I had not seen Bethany in a few years and Sunday evening was the perfect chance to catch up with her during her photo session. She thought this would be a good time for a photo session since she will be leaving on an extended mission trip in a matter of days. I was happy to be able to help her and her family capture some photos of her before she left. As you can imagine, the time passed quickly but not before we were able to take some nice photos, explore the downtown area, and even work in a wardrobe change. She has a huge heart and I pray her work in the mission field goes well. Here are a few of my favorites from Sunday :

Senior Session with Cameron | {Lexington, Ky Senior Photographer}

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:02:21 GMT

I always have a fun time working with seniors. I have even more fun when I find new locations for photo sessions and seniors that are willing to do a little exploring with me. Such was the case on Saturday when I met Cameron for his session. We started with a traditional look and setting and I must say he rocked the bow tie. We wanted to mix things up a little though and headed off to another location that I have never used before. That setting did not disappoint and worked great with his casual attire. It seemed there was something cool around every corner. We worked quickly there before heading off to find a soccer field to finish his session and wrap things up. All in all, it was a great way to spend a beautiful morning with a bright young man. He definitely has a nice future ahead of him. Here are a few of my favorites from his session :

Welcome to the Family | { Lexington Ky Newborn Photographer}

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 10:05:20 GMT

There must be something in the water. I have been booking more newborn and maternity sessions than ever before. Many of these are part of my Baby's First Year package which I always look forward to shooting. There is something that never gets old about watching them grow and the changes that accompany that during year one.

Sunday I met with this family to photograph their newest addition. I spent a little over an hour working with her around her schedule - a must for newborns and to be expected. She did a wonderful job considering she had just arrived home from the hospital the previous day. I wanted to post a few of my favorites here on my blog and congratulate mom and dad on their new arrival! Enjoy.

A Beautiful Maternity Session | {Lexington Ky Maternity Photography}

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:59:26 GMT

I love working with new families and Saturday morning was no exception. I met this family for a maternity session on location here in Lexington Ky and we had a great morning to walk the fields, get to know each other, and create some memories of their soon to be expanding family. Their young man won my heart with his cowboy boots, button down, and vest and the rest of the morning went as well as one could hope for. All this led to some pretty amazing photos of which I wanted to share a few here on my blog. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed working with them! Take a look :

2016 Senior Rep - Alex! {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 09:52:45 GMT

Today I have the privilege of introducing my fourth and final 2016 Senior Rep, Alex. Alex is a senior at Dunbar High School here in Lexington, Ky. We met downtown last Sunday and spent a couple of hours working on her senior session, exploring a new photo location, grabbing coffee (well at least Steve and I), and talking about her plans for the future. I have to say, it was a great morning and this young lady has a bright future ahead of her! If you're a senior and know Alex, feel free to ask her about her session and how you can book yours. In the meantime, take a look at all of these highlights from Sunday :

Twins! {Lexington Ky Children's Photographer}

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 02:11:47 GMT

I had a mother call me several weeks ago with a special request. She had preemie twin girls born at 25 weeks two years ago and simply had not had a lot of time to have good photos taken of her girls. Both girls have NG feeding tubes and she asked if I could remove the tube out of a handful of her favorite photos. I have to say I really wanted this to turn out well and help out if I could.

The girls are absolutely beautiful and I had a lot of fun with them high fiving, playing peek a boo, and trying to get a few good photos in the process. I wanted to share some of my favorites and a couple of edited photos as well. I think they turned out great! I am hoping to work with them again and perfect the hardest part of this assignment - getting them to sit still together at the same time!! Here are the photos :

Maternity Session | { Lexington Ky Maternity Photographer}

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 00:02:00 GMT

Saturday morning I met with this couple for the first session of their Baby's First Year photo package. They decided they wanted to begin with a maternity session and then add two more after their baby arrives. I had previously worked with them as part of a large family photo last fall and was glad to get to know them more in this session. I had a good time Saturday and look forward to working with them again - soon! If you are interested (or know someone that might be interested) in my Baby's First Year plans, you can find more information on my website. Here are a few of my favorites from Saturday :

Welcome Baby Braxton! {Lexington KY Newborn Photography}

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 01:25:52 GMT

I have to admit, I was torn about this post. This little man had a hospital visit and a newborn session within 4 days and I thought about making two blogs but decided to just combine them into this one. The problem with that is that this post might contain too much coolness in one place! This newborn already rocks, has a wonderful big brother, and very cool parents - he's starting on a solid foundation to say the least. So, here's a look at a few of my favorites from both sessions. I'll begin with the hospital session (black/white) and finish with the newborn home visit (color). Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Hayden! - {Lexington KY Children's Photographer}

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 00:47:05 GMT

I met with one of my favorite families on Sunday morning for a session the day before their youngest turned one. I've worked with them before on numerous occasions now and this session went about as smooth as we could have hoped for. Two boys, a red wagon, a little music, and a bubble machine all combined for fun times in the park. They played and I took photos - that's pretty much the way it worked, and it worked well. Best of all, we were able to top the day off with a family session as well. Here's a look at a few photos from our time together :

2016 Senior - Saydie

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:37:12 GMT

I spent yesterday morning with Saydie shooting her senior photos here in Lexington Ky. To say it's always entertaining to be around her would be an understatement and that was certainly the case yesterday. Whether she was climbing trees ,jumping on and off brick walls, or taking time to pick a few wildflowers, she seemed to be enjoying herself despite the 8:30 am start time (those of you with teenagers know what I mean). Time literally flew by and before we realized it, the session was over but not before we were able to shoot some great photos. Today I wanted to share a few from the session here on my blog. Enjoy!

2016 Senior Rep - Summer! {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:43:39 GMT

I'm wrapping up what has been a flurry of blog posts this week after two busy weeks of shooting by highlighting another senior representative. Summer secured the most amazing location in Lexington and I could not wait to see it myself. Needless to say, when we arrived Sunday evening, it did not disappoint. Surrounded by a beautiful house, a lush green lawn, and immaculate landscaping, my job was easy. We spent ample time in the garden before saying goodbye and heading off to finish the evening at other locations. The time passed quickly as it always does when you're having fun! If you're a local senior and know Summer make sure you ask her about her session and how she can help you book one as well. Here's a look at a few highlights from the evening :

2016 Senior Rep - Abby! {Lexington Ky Senior High Photography}

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:58:10 GMT

Today I have the pleasure of introducing another 2016 Senior Rep - Abby! Abby will be a senior at Lafayette and I had a fun time working with her on Sunday morning. She did an amazing job as we worked our way across downtown Lexington -- always a good backdrop for portraits. It was fun to watch her personality shine as the session progressed during the morning hours. I believe she would tell you she enjoyed herself and had a good time. If you're a local senior and know her, ask her about the experience. She'll also be able to tell you how you can book a session as well! Thanks for your help Abby, here's a small sample from your session :

A Wise Wedding Reception

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 09:55:53 GMT

I spent Saturday evening celebrating with Mr and Mrs Wise! They had a destination wedding in Florida earlier in July and wanted to give their friends and family a chance to celebrate with a reception in Georgetown, Ky. They did a terrific job using small details to bring the beach back home to central Kentucky for the occasion. Viewing the video of the wedding at the beginning of the reception provided a sense of continuity for all at the those who did not have the opportunity to travel to Florida. The theme was casual beach wear, the mood relaxed, the food wonderful, and the cake smash was definitely a smash. Congratulations to the newlyweds! Thanks for allowing me to play a small part in your day and capture some great memories. Here's a look at a few from the reception :

2016 Seniors - {lexington ky senior photography}

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:19:27 GMT

Last weekend I had a chance to work a session with the entire group of 2016 senior reps. It was a nice opportunity for me to get to know each of them a little more as well as a chance for them to meet each other. The location could not have been more perfect as I was able to secure a sunflower field just outside of Lexington Ky for a couple of hours. The sun was bright, the flowers in full bloom, and the girls coordinated in white sundresses - all of which made my job easy. I need to thank them for coming out, looking amazing, and enduring the very warm evening - great job girls!

I'd like to introduce you to the entire group of 2016 senior models. If you are a senior and know them, ask them how to book a session - they have a deal for you as well! Here's a look at a few of their photos :

2016 Senior Rep - Maddie! {Lexington Ky Senior High Photographer}

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:13:31 GMT

Today I want to begin introducing my 2016 Senior Reps for Lexington Ky High Schools. After starting a rep program last year, I decided to expand it this year and branch out to more area schools. Their sessions will be completed in the next few weeks so be sure to check back here to view the other three seniors as well as their group session.

My first session was with Maddie, a senior at Sayre School. We decided to begin her session downtown and continue in a local warehouse district. As we were shooting she told me one of the locations happened to be where she and her friends would periodically come and hang out for lunch. Although that was completely unplanned, I thought it was kind of cool for a location.

Maddie did a great job and I had a lot of fun working with her. She really hung in there toward the end of her session as the temperature rose with the late morning rising sun. I think she had a fun time as well and I am glad she volunteered to help me out as a rep. If you are a senior and know Maddie, make sure you ask her how you can book your senior session!

Family Fun in the Park | {Lexington Ky Family Photography}

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 10:07:08 GMT

Having been a year since I last worked with this family, I was looking forward to seeing them again and catching up on lost time. I worked with them several times as part of their Baby's First Year package and wanted to see how they were doing and just how much their little man had grown. Obviously, walking has been completely mastered, running is now the preferred method of transportation, and the vocabulary skills are excellent. It was a reminder of how quickly they grow! He did great for the session and we took advantage of some very nice morning sunlight to take a few some family photos as well. Here is a look at a few photos from the day - Enjoy!

Kim and Dave - The Engagement Session | {Lexington Ky Engagement Photographer}

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 10:01:57 GMT

I am often asked, what do you like most about photography? I am not sure what answer people expect to hear but I would guess that it would have something to do with the technical aspect, style, or a specific type such as weddings or children. The truth, however, is that I like meeting new clients and listening to their stories - how they met, their plans, dreams etc. That leads to some good memories and relationships that coincide with the images from the sessions.

Kim and Dave are no exception. Actually, after spending Sunday morning with them, I realized we have some common interest. My daughter just returned from a YoungLife camp this week and Dave just happened to have one of their stickers on the back of his car. A few questions later and I discover he was a leader with the group for a few years. And Kim, she recently began work as a physical therapist - the same profession as my second shooter, Steve. It's those little things that I find pretty darn cool. One thing we don't have in common? Dancing. These two have some serious moves and I can't wait to see them during their reception. As for me, I promise - I'll be on the side with a camera in my hand. That's better for all involved!

Let me introduce you to this great couple :

Brooke and Spencer The Barn at Red Gate | {Kentucky Wedding Photographer}

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:25:37 GMT

As Steve and I left The Barn at Red Gate in the first minutes of Sunday morning, he stated that he was not sure if he has ever seen a couple as in love with each other as these two. I have to agree. It was obvious from the beginning that they were each a little nervous with a happy, joyful anticipation as their wedding approached that afternoon. It was quite an honor to have the pleasure of working with them to help them celebrate, and remember, this special day.

The bride, along with her mother, worked diligently on the details and planning that tied everything together during the day. They were well prepared, yet willing to go with the flow, and everything came together in the most beautiful way. Little touches like her matron of honor's garter, hand written vows, the brooch bouquet made by her step mother, the centerpiece of her grandmother's ring in the center of her cross necklace, the engraved bridesmaid's champagne flutes, along with the groom's father bringing his 1951 convertible Bel Air for her entrance to the ceremony sent everything over the top!

Speaking of details, let me give some credit to all the wonderful vendors that helped make it all possible!

Wedding Cake : Amon's Sugar Shack

Florist : Simply The Best

DJ : Mike Owens - Mobile DJ

Caterer : Jamie Mallard

Monograming : Purdy's Embroidery and Screen Printing

Hair : Christina Mort New Image Salon

Videographer : Shaughn Tillman Films

Venue : The Barn at Red Gate

I could do my best to describe in words all the wonderful ways this wedding day completely rocked but I am a photographer and my best work is not prose. That being said, let me just share the highlights of the day with you in the following photos :

Kenna and Steven Castle Hill Vineyard | {Kentucky Wedding Photographer}

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 10:00:00 GMT

If I could describe the wedding I had the pleasure of photographing this weekend, I could do so in one very simple word : fun. I can't begin to describe how laid back and easy going this couple was to work with while enjoying every minute of their time in the spotlight. That translated well into their photographs. As I began to work my way through them today I could see little smiles and quick reassuring glances in their faces. They surrounded themselves with members in their wedding party who obviously shared these ideas as well and on more than a few occasions had Steve, my second shooter, and myself laughing hard enough that we needed to recompose ourselves. To say it was memorable would be an understatement - it was fantastic! I have no doubt at all that they are perfect for each other and will make a lifetime of great memories together.

I do need to mention a few vendors that helped contribute to the day's success :

Hair : Bri Swain cosmetologist

Makeup : Sarah Stephens licensed esthetician

Wedding Cake : Sweet Lilu (seriously one of the best wedding cakes I have ever eaten!)

Venue : Castle Hill Winery

Cake Topper and Flutes designed by : Cindy Blanton (made by Bazie Dulen)

Now, here are the highlights from the day :

Field of Dreams | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Tue, 19 May 2015 09:42:40 GMT

I was reminded on Sunday that no matter how old you are or how long it has been, stepping back onto a baseball field will bring back a rush of childhood memories. Being fortunate enough to have access to the baseball field at my high school alma mater, Lafayette High School here in Lexington, KY., only made those feelings more nostalgic. If you've ever watched Field of Dreams, then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Ben was great to work with and very laid back. Being the shortstop on one of the best baseball teams in the state this year, he seemed comfortable in this setting. I had a hard time choosing photos for this preview because it really seemed like two sessions, one of the baseball player and one of the bright young man on academic scholarship with plans for engineering. These are the final preview picks :

Boots and Dresses | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Wed, 06 May 2015 10:00:00 GMT

As a photographer, I feel that I sometimes become part of the family after working with them for several years. The families trust me and I know their children's names and we are very comfortable around each other. It makes the job easy as well as meaningful. I have several families with which I feel this way and this weekend I was able to work with one. Apparently, I am not the only one that feels this way. When we met this weekend, I realized that their oldest daughter had begun to call me Uncle Gwayne! Who knew?! I wouldn't have it any other way! So we had another fun session Sunday afternoon and I watched the girls explore the woods and play with a few great props provided by Mom. Here are a few photos from the day :

Family Fun at the Riding Stable! | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:06:22 GMT

I love meeting new families and Saturday evening proved to be no different. I met this family on location here in Lexington, KY. at a local riding stable. We could not have asked for a better environment than the backdrop of black fences, the rolling hills of central Kentucky, and the sun which had just started it's long descent. The girls were awesome, smiles were plentiful, and we used the fields and dandelions to our advantage for some fun photos. They were my last session from the day and I could not have scripted a better ending! Here are a few of their photos :

An Afternoon Engagement Session with Kenna and Steven | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:07:40 GMT

After some rescheduling due to weather, I finally had the chance to get outside and work with Kenna and Steven. Their wedding is a couple of short months away and I was eagerly looking forward to this session beforehand. They have a pretty cool story of being high school sweethearts, going down different paths for a while, and then coming back to each other again. We also had a very sweet assistant with us Saturday as Kenna's daughter joined us in the park, reenacted her part in the proposal story, and posed for a few of her own shots. I think she's going to be a big hit in the wedding! The day was perfect, they all did great, and I am looking forward to working with them again in June. Here are a few photos from the day :

And Baby Makes Three - Children That Is | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:59:43 GMT

Having been a little over a year since I had worked with this family, I was looking forward to meeting again and catching up on any new changes. The obvious change was quickly apparent and the two kids I photographed last time were now going to be a big brother and sister! Having worked with them twice now, I have no doubt that they will make good siblings. Mom and Dad decided not to find out if they'll have a little brother or sister and I think that is so exciting in an age where all information is available instantaneously. One thing is for sure, in about six weeks they'll finally know which name they will get to use! Watching families grow and capturing these moments in time are the best components of family photography. Kids grow and families change quickly but the photograph is a marker in time. Enjoy the preview of their session :

2015 Keeneland Spring Meet | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:45:58 GMT

Being a photographer in Lexington Ky, I am fortunate to have quick and easy access to one of the most exciting sports here in the Bluegrass - horse racing. Every spring and fall thousands gather for three weeks at Keeneland Race Course for thoroughbred racing. There is nothing more colorful than the silks on the jockeys, the men in their bow ties, and the ladies in their sundresses. It is a great place to meet, eat, and drink an afternoon away while enjoying the races.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to return on the opening day of the spring meet. Unfortunately, the weather was not quite as cooperative. However, overcast skies, rain, and the threat of storms were not enough to dampen the spirit of the crowd. The weather broke for a few hours giving spectators the chance to crowd the rail in front of the grandstand - one of my favorite places to view the race! There is no comparison to the sound of the pounding hooves as the horses round the final turn and head down the homestretch. As they draw closer to the finish one is amazed at their size and the speed at which they travel toward the finish line accompanied by the roar of the crowd, the celebration of victory, and the tossing of losing betting tickets.

If you are ever visiting Lexington, Ky during a meet then by all means take advantage of the opportunity and add Keeneland to your list of things to do - you won't be disappointed!

Brothers | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:08:57 GMT

I love my repeat families! It gives me the chance to form relationships with the parents and simultaneously watch the children grow. Obviously, with that stated, this is one of those families. I last saw them when the little guy was only a newborn so I was amazed to catch up with them again now that it's almost 8 months later. Both he and his big brother are growing so quickly - it's truly amazing how quickly time flies.

We used a Radio Flyer Wagon in his newborn session so we decided to bring it to the park for this one as well. The wagon, a sunny afternoon, and of course the playground formed the backdrop for some good family memories. Here are a few from the day:

Christine and Tyler | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:42:33 GMT

Last weekend I was able to work with Christine and Tyler photographing their wedding day. They worked diligently planning all the details and I had the opportunity to capture each one. As usual with my wedding coverage, my friend and second shooter Steve worked with me to help with the work flow. They are a great couple and we had a blast working together with them as well as the entire wedding party.

Bride/Bridesmaids

I began the day with the Bride and Bridesmaid's at a local hotel here in Lexington, Ky capturing hair and makeup before they headed over the the church. Their hair was done by a longtime family friend from Cincinnati and Christine's sister Catherine was in charge of makeup.

Groom/Groomsmen

When your name is Ty Cobb and you work for the local minor league baseball team, The Lexington Legends, then it only makes sense to get ready at the ballpark. That's exactly what the guys did and I had Steve meet them at Whitaker Ball Park to photograph them as they prepared for the wedding. They took advantage of the location and made the most of the opportunity to have a little fun beforehand.

The Wedding

The wedding ceremony was held at Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church. The historic church was built around 1800 with land donated by the family of Mary Todd Lincoln and provided the perfect backdrop for the afternoon. We took advantage of the ample space for photos of the first look, portraits, and group photos before the wedding and then continued with the ceremony itself and the celebration that followed before heading off to the reception venue. Friends and family all worked well braving the cool temperatures to create some lasting memories :

The Reception

Following the wedding, everyone made their way to Andover Country Club for the reception. The theme was a Christmas wedding and the venue was decorated beautifully for the occasion. The Christmas tree was full of lights and ornaments which also served as keepsakes for the guests to take with them as they left at the end of the night. Tears were shed, laughter was plentiful, and a good time was had by all as the DJ kept the dance floor hopping all night long. Congratulations to the Christine and Tyler on a wonderful day and may God bless you and your marriage!

The Karate Session | { Lexington Ky Family Photographer }

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 03:06:19 GMT

I always like a challenge so when I was approached to do a little karate session I quickly obliged. This is one sport that I have very little knowledge of so I did not know what to expect but I quickly realized that I better pay attention. She brought a few medals and one impressive piece of hardware to go along with her nunchucks and different belts she has received on the way to her current belt - brown. We had a good time and I learned a few things in the process and hopefully we'll be able to do this again one day. After all, now that I have done one session, I have a few ideas for the next one! Here's a look at a few of the photos from the afternoon :

The Cremer Family! |{Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:41:13 GMT

I have a handful of families that hold a special place in my heart simply because they have been with me since the beginning of my venture into photography. This is one of those families and I have been blessed to watch the family, and the kids, grow over several years. I met with them again last weekend for their photo session and I had a fun time working with them on a beautiful fall morning. Time passed quickly as talked and played but I did manage to grab a few photos before we finished. Here's a quick glimpse of their session :

Happy Birthday Jasmine! | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:48:37 GMT

On Saturday, Jasmine and her mother drove from Louisville to meet me for a 13th birthday photo session. I am not talking about cake and ice cream photos either. Jasmine wanted to model and, of course, have some nice photos from the afternoon. Pretty cool, huh? She was easy going, relaxed, and at one point she told me that she could do this every single weekend. That might be difficult however as she is already committed to playing softball and has done so for pretty much half of her life. I tried to give her a taste of life in front of the camera as a model and yet incorporate some of her sport into the session. I think she had a good time and that was obviously the desired result on your birthday. Happy Birthday Jasmine! Here is a quick look at a few photos from your session :

The Ragland Family | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 01:34:38 GMT

I always say that meeting new families and interesting people is one of my favorite things about photography but in this case, getting back together with old friends is even better! Having been quite some time since I had last seen this family, I was glad to get reacquainted with them during our session time. We met in downtown Lexington and the morning could not have been more beautiful as we made our way through the historic streets and posing for photos as the opportunities arose. Time passed quickly but not before I was able to grab some great photos. Here's a look at a few from their session :

Fall Family Fun | {Lexington KY Family Photographer}

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 00:40:22 GMT

I have to admit, the more that you work with families, the more you feel like part of their family. I realize that might sound strange but it is true. The kids begin to learn your name and don't hide behind their parent's legs. The parents are more relaxed and begin to not only trust me but also feel free to inform me if they don't like a certain pose or style. All of that factors into a familiarity that brings a certain ease and relaxed atmosphere to the photo session.

All of that can be said of this session from last weekend. I have lost count of the number of times we have worked together but each time I enjoy myself. Sunday we met in a local park here in Lexington, KY and, although cool, the colors could not have been better. My favorite part of this session though would be the two girls singing all the lyrics to Frozen and playing in the leaves at the same time. It was part surreal and part fascinating but definitely something that I won't forget. As for the kids, they'll probably only remember me making animated monkey sounds to get their attention. Oh well, that's just part of the job! Here's a look at a few from the day :

Family Time in the Park | {Lexington KY Family Photographer}

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 21:24:09 GMT

I had to reschedule this family after we were rained out on our original date a few weeks ago. That might have been a blessing in disguise because when we met this week the fall colors were simply stunning. We had just enough sun to bring out the color in the trees and keep things just warm enough to be comfortable. In other words, it was a perfect setting for photography here in Lexington, KY!

The last time I worked with this family, I was shooting a newborn session. This year though, I was working with a cute one year old who is expecting a sibling in February. It's funny how quickly things change! Much like last year, this was an easy family to work with and the time passed quickly as we made our way through the fields and the sunlit trees creating more memories that will last for many years to come.

Here's a look at a few of the highlights of their session :

Baby Blue Eyes | {Lexington Ky Baby Photographer}

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:56:59 GMT

I have a confession to make. I am always a little uneasy when I arrive on location for a newborn/baby session. I think that the explanation is easy to explain. I am not in control of the situation - at all. I can pose a couple, instruct a senior high teenager, and even have games I can play with toddlers, but I am completely at the mercy of a baby. So when I arrived for a session this week, I had no idea what to expect. Let's just say that things went so well that I could barely believe what happened when it was over. Seriously, this little girl could not have been any better! Smiles greeted me when she entered the room and the manner in which she handled clothing changes would have made a professional model jealous. Upon leaving, I smiled and thought to myself - I need to photograph babies more often! Here's a little look at a few of the photos from the session:

Fall Family Session! | {Lexington, KY family photographer}

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:07:32 GMT

There's nothing like meeting and working with a new family and that's exactly what I did earlier this week when I met this great family to do a first birthday session for their little boy. He was in a great mood and I have to admit, he was quite the charmer as you'll soon see. Mom and Dad even decided to take advantage of the opportunity and do a few family photographs as well. Everyone was relaxed, the lighting was perfect, and the session went as smoothly as one could possibly hope. Of course, you can't properly finish a kids first birthday photo session without a birthday cake now can you? Here's a look from their session :

The Durbin Family |{Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 20:54:56 GMT

One of the best benefits of being a photographer is meeting and working with great families. I have been working with this family for several years now and it has been fun watching their family grow. We met again a few days ago to capture more memories and have a little fun at the local park. Things went well as we worked our way across the fields full of fall color, played in the leaves, and even put on Halloween costumes for a few cool pics! The best part for me though was when their boy, as we were walking out, asked me "Dwayne, are you going to go to Culver's with us?" That's just awesome and one of the reasons that I love what I do.

Weekend Family Session

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 19:14:36 GMT

I had the chance to meet and photograph a great family this weekend here in Lexington, KY. After several weeks of planning and emails, this entire family was able to come together and meet for a couple of hours on Sunday afternoon. This was one of the largest families that I had worked with other than on a wedding day and I have to say that it was a lot of fun. I met Mom and Dad, seven siblings (3 sisters and 4 brothers), 4 spouses, and 4 grandchildren for a total of 17 family members (and growing). They were patient, relaxed, fun to be around (not many grown adults ask for jumping photos!) and photograph. As you can imagine, I have a LOT of photos from the day but only have the room on here to share a few so that's what I am going to do. Here's a look from their day :

Maddie's Senior Session | {Lexington, KY Senior High Photography}

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 10:11:22 GMT

I realized that I was with a kindred spirit Sunday when only a few minutes into her session, Maddie told me that she was not used to being on the other side of the camera. I knew immediately this meant that she had photography experience - how cool is that! Later I learned that she had studied photography in school and had begun shooting some sessions herself. I also understood what she meant as most photographers would rather look through the lens than look into the lens, myself included. She did great though and we had a fun time in downtown Lexington before changing locations a few times as we chased the fading light into the evening. Here is a tiny sampling from the evening :

2014 Senior Rep Kyrie! | {Lexington, KY Senior High Photographer}

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 11:06:31 GMT

After much deliberation about taking another step forward with my photography business, I decided that this year I would begin using senior reps in local high schools. This year I decided to begin with one rep and I could not be more excited about introducing you to Kyrie! She is a senior at Lafayette High School and has already signed with Queens University of Charlotte as a member of the swim team.

We met this past Sunday for a couple of hours for her session and it could not have gone any smoother. She was fun to work with, open to suggestions, and a natural in front of the camera. I am looking forward to editing all her photographs but really wanted to go ahead and share some with you as soon as possible! Be on the lookout for more photos from her in the coming months in this blog and on social media. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All those links can be found here on my website!

Please note that if you are reading this and are currently a junior here in Lexington, I will be announcing more rep positions this spring. If you are interested, you can go ahead and contact me or just keep an eye out for the announcement around May. If you're a senior at Lafayette, make sure to contact Kyrie for more details about a senior session!

Senior Session at Ashland | {Lexington Ky Senior Photography}

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 23:28:11 GMT

While not every photography location needs to hold significant meaning for my clients, there is something a little special when it does This was exactly the case on Sunday when I met with this family at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate. Having lived within close walking distance for over 20 years, Ashland has become an extension of their backyard. I could not think of a more suitable location to photograph their family photos as well as senior photos for their oldest son than the location where he and his sister started walking.

Here is a look at a small sampling from the day :

An Engagement Session To Remember | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:47:45 GMT

I met with Brooke and Spencer on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University for their engagement session last weekend. Having never shot at the University, or Richmond for that matter, I was looking forward to finding new locations and backdrops. Brooke came prepared with many ideas and the campus did not disappoint as it offered a wide array of opportunity.

They wanted to have their session here since that is where they met and spent a lot of their time getting to know each other. Brooke, who loves to read, wanted a library themed session so that is where we began before heading out to explore the campus. I enjoyed hearing their story as we passed different buildings and paths along the way to new locations. Before we finished, we also headed downtown to grab some shots of other memorable locations - first kiss, favorite coffee shop, and of course, the local bar. It all made for a great day, a lot of fun, and a many memories!

Senior Session with Briana | {Lexington Ky Senior Photography}

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 10:02:40 GMT

This was one of those sessions that forced me to look back over my shoulder to where I started. It seems like only yesterday that I was doing a senior session for her brother which just happened to be my first senior session. It's amazing how quickly time flies by! I have enjoyed working with this family over the years and am quite honored that they have allowed me to capture many of these special occasions.

Briana decided to meet at Keeneland Race Track to begin her photo session before heading to downtown Lexington - my favorite place to shoot lately! We had a great time and it was a perfect evening to take advantage of this iconic Lexington location. The city offers a large variety of backdrops, lighting, and creative venues, all of which make opportunities for fun photography sessions. She was a great model and working with her was a breeze - as always!

Here is a small sampling of her session :

Family Celebration | {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:21:16 GMT

What better to do when family comes to town than plan a photo session? That is exactly what happened last Saturday with this family as they came from several hours, and several different directions, to celebrate a 50th birthday with a surprise birthday party. Sunday morning, before they headed back home, we met at the Lexington Arboretum and I could quickly tell that it was going to be a fun time. Jokes were made, smiles were abundant, and the kids were troopers during the session - all of which made my job easier! I was glad to have met them and captured a few family photos while they were all in one place. Here is a quick preview from the morning :

Senior Session with Zac | {Lexington Ky. Senior High Photographer}

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:51:51 GMT

I always get a little more excited when a client states that they prefer an urban location for their photo session. This last weekend was no exception as I met with Zac in downtown Lexington for this photo session. We kept it pretty clean for the first half of the session before changing locations and exploring with our new surroundings making the most of broken windows, dirty windows, garbage cans, and delivery docks. He was a natural model, enjoyed the environment, and was willing to trust me and do just about anything for the shot. The time was over before I realized that we had been shooting for two hours but I feel it was time well spent and hopefully an evening he remembers long into the future. Here is a little preview from the evening :

Baby Hayden! | {Lexington, Ky Newborn Photographer}

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:09:12 GMT

Some days my clients make my job easy. They pose naturally, don't feel self conscience in front of the camera lens, never complain, and think all my jokes are funny. Ok, so that doesn't happen often but it did on Sunday. Sunday I had the chance to work with Hayden and he was a natural. He was in the best mood - one of the best that I have seen for a boy his age. Did I happen to mention that he is a newborn?

Only a few days old and already making himself at home with his parents and older brother, he was quite content. I took full advantage of his mood and worked quickly just in case he decided to change his mind. I was happy that Mom wanted to keep it simple and focus on the baby. Most would agree that there really isn't much better in life than tiny baby feet anyway so that's exactly what we did. It's difficult to add anything to something so perfect without detracting from the gift. Babies are a gift and I would like to congratulate this family on their newest boy - baby Hayden.

I should probably also mention that today is Mom's birthday. What a great birthday gift a few days early! Here's a little peak from the session :

Driftwood on Bon Secour | {Lexington Ky. Photographer}

Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:01:29 GMT

I usually do not post blogs showcasing my landscape photography. I really have no reason for not doing so and the more I think about it, the more I feel it is a mistake. Landscape photography is really what makes me tick. It is how I learned photography when I was younger and then started again when I stepped back into photography with the introduction of the digital SLR camera. To be honest, if not for the persuasion of my wife and a couple of friends, I would probably still be doing only landscape work.

Looking back, I realize that they were correct and am very happy for their persuasion. Working with families and couples has drastically increased my exposure in photography and has help to improve my skill set. I tell people that photography is like golf - if you want to improve then you need to play more. If you want more sessions in photography then you need to shoot more portraits. This forces me to get out and work on my trade nearly every weekend and that not only improves my "game" but gives me the chance to meet some great people that soon become friends. Without clients, I would have no business, no website, no blog etc. That step was one of the greatest decisions that I have made regarding photography.

That being said, while on vacation this past week, I had the chance to go and explore the Bon Secour Bay near Gulf Shores Alabama. It is a lovely area teaming with wildlife and natural beauty. One morning I went out for a sunrise and walked along the bay to an area of abundant driftwood. I climbed over, under, and around the driftwood during the predawn hour just hoping for a decent sunrise. I was not disappointed and feel that, to date, this has been one of my most satisfying landscape outings. It was as if all I have learned in photography came full circle and I ended up back where I started only with a greater skill set than before.

Here are some shots from the outing :

Bon Secour Bay

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 19:45:39 GMT

One thing you should know about me is that I like to go "exploring" when we go on family vacations. I like to meet the locals, see where they live, and how they make their living. To me the beach life is more than just sitting down by the ocean, it's a unique lifestyle. This week I've met a retired criminal lawyer that now paints driftwood, a man who loves to collect junk and offered me access to his junkyard(think American Pickers), and Billy - the owner of Billy's seafood.

Bon Secour (French for Safe Harbour) is a seafood community with an emphasis on shrimping. This leads to yet another thing to know about me - I LOVE shrimp boats. I have no idea why. Maybe it's a combination of the colors, the rust, the working man mentality, and a little Forrest Gump all combined into a strange, borderline obsessive, fascination with the trade.

Regardless of what you call it, this is a sampling of photos is from yesterday morning's exploring expedition.

Ashleigh and Josh | {Lexington Ky Wedding Photographer}

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 10:36:07 GMT

Love is in the air. The last four weeks have been filled with weddings and engagement sessions. For a photographer, that translates into working with a lot of happy couples. This session was no exception and I had a lot of fun with this young couple. Although they have decided on a beach destination wedding next year, I am betting that the setting on Sunday is one they won't soon forget. It was a beautiful evening and sunset over Keeneland, one of the main attractions in central Kentucky. Here are a few selected photos from their session :

Morgan and Andrew | {Lexington KY Wedding Photography}

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 01:28:15 GMT

There is a sinking feeling when you drive to your wedding location in the midst of dark and stormy clouds. Such was the case this past Saturday as I pulled into the parking lot of The Marriott Griffin Gate Resort to meet Morgan and Andrew for their wedding day. Unfortunately, as soon as my friend Steve and I got all of our gear up to the room, the downpour commenced.

The good news was that we still had time to get some preparation photos done during the rain. The timing was perfect and as the bride and groom prepared to meet for their first look, the clouds gave way to a temporary reprieve of glowing sun. We spent the next hour or so on the manicured grounds of Griffin Gate and were able to shoot a few of their requested photos before the next round of showers pushed us back inside. That proved to be the final round of showers and this outdoor wedding would now go forward without any more rain delays.

I worked with these two last year for their engagement photos and I quickly remembered how much they enjoyed being with each other. This time though, while working with them surrounded by their family and close friends, was even more enjoyable.

Morgan paid an extraordinary amount of attention to detail, Andrew made the correct calls about the weather, and their wedding was extraordinary. Every detail, from the program to the flowers was stunning and I kept waiting to see what I could photograph next during the day. I never ran out of options. Congratulations Morgan and Andrew, it was a beautiful wedding!

Speaking of details, there are some vendors that need to be mentioned. They made my job much easier and provided a perfect backdrop to this wedding day.

Location : Marriott Griffin Gate Resort

Event Coordinator : Casey Woods

Flowers : Michler Florist

Wedding Cake : Martine's Pastries

DJ : Jeff Gibson/Sound Travels

Christine and Tyler | {Lexington Kentucky Engagement Photographer}

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:39:52 GMT

The combination of a great location and a beautiful couple is certain to result in a fun evening of photography. That was exactly the case this past weekend when I met with Christine and Tyler for their engagement session. The location was The Polo Barn at Saxony in rural central Kentucky. Wooded fields filtered with warm light from the setting sun greeted us as we began the session. We spent the rest of the evening taking advantage of all the fence lines, structures, and barns that grace the property to complete their session. It was time well spent and a memorable evening which we finished just a few minutes before a complete downpour - perfect timing! Here is a small sample of their images from the evening :

Thomas turns 1! {Lexington Ky Children's Photography}

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 17:58:44 GMT

It's always a little bittersweet doing the first year photos for families that have purchased a "Baby's First Year" photo package. The most obvious reason is that you realize just how quickly time flies. It seems we just met and your child was a newborn and now, here we are, walking after your child and listening as they make those new sounds that will quickly become words. Also, after having spent this time together at regular intervals capturing some of these great moments throughout the year, I feel like I have gotten to know the family in some small way. I have met some great families this way and, while realizing there is no guarantee, I look forward to the opportunity to work with them in the future. I also stop and ask "Where did the time go"?

Here is a look at some of the shots from this session:

I LOVE this shot. It's funny to watch the kids as they curiously explore the camera!

Ashley and Dylan | {Lexington KY Wedding Photography}

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:06:41 GMT

There are few things in life more exciting than a wedding. It's a day most girls dream of and have been planning since they were old enough to watch their first Disney princess being whisked off her feet by the handsome prince. It's a day when a small town girl from Charlestown, Indiana marries the man who showed up and filled the empty seat next to her at Asbury Chapel. It's a day when these chapel buddies will begin the next story of their lives. Having worked with them last year on their engagement session, I was more than happy when they asked me to help them document this day.

The location was indeed her hometown of Charlestown, Indiana and they were married in the Baptist Church where her father was the minister and performed the ceremony. We took advantage of a few locations in the town, including the park where they first said "I love you". What better location for their first look before the ceremony! The reception was held at the County Fair Grounds and provided a great ending to their day.

I need to thank my second shooter Steve for another great job. You will see some of his work where I gave him the photo credits. It is almost impossible to get all the shots from a wedding day by myself and I have been working with Steve on weddings since I started this business.

Here are a few of the photos from the day:

Photo Credit : Steve Marcum

She's an IU basketball fan and he is a former high school basketball player so we had to work in a little time for some basketball fun!

Photo Credit : Steve Marcum

Because of the height difference, her father brought out the decorated step stool before the first kiss :

Photo Credit : Steve Marcum

The Schmidt Family - {Lexington Ky Family Photographer}

Tue, 27 May 2014 19:41:18 GMT

I don't remember how many times this family and I tried to get together last fall. I really believe that we were cursed for whatever reason. Having worked with them a couple of times before, I was really disappointed that it did not work out. That being said, I was more than happy when they called to set up a session this spring. The girls had grown so much since I last saw them and working with Mom and Dad was like working with old friends again that you haven't seen in a while. It's funny how many relationships that I have developed as a photographer and how much I truly enjoy each one. It's really the best part of the job if you, like me, are a people person! The best part is that they have already gone ahead and booked their fall session. Now we just need the weather to cooperate.

Here a few photos from their session:

WA Derby Meet

Mon, 19 May 2014 23:53:08 GMT

I don't know how many swim meets that I have photographed now. What I do know is that I love the challenge of action photography. It is completely unlike portrait photography in so many ways. Rapid shutter, Al Servo mode, and higher shutter speed are just a few of the changes that photographers will need to make when switching between the two photographic styles. A fraction of a second can make the difference between a great shot and a busted shot.

Now that my daughter has been on the Wildcat Aquatics team for several years, I have had time to watch her and her teammates grow and develop. The changes that take place in swim technique over the years are truly amazing. The joy of photographing the younger swimmers is that I am reminded of where she began and can appreciate the progress she and her friends have made. I have to be honest and say that I wish I had been a swimmer myself - until the alarm clock goes off at 4:00 in the morning. That's when I realize just how dedicated these athletes truly are.

Here is a sample of just a few photos from their meet this past weekend :

Emma and Una | {Lexington Ky Photographer}

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 11:11:16 GMT

Last weekend I took my daughter Emma and her best friend Una out for a photo session in downtown Lexington. They had been asking for this opportunity for approximately a year so, needless to say, they were both very excited when Sunday rolled around. I think that they thoroughly enjoyed their time in front of the camera and I enjoyed experimenting with light and some edgy looks that I had been wanting to try for some time. Una is going on summer vacation with us this year so I have a feeling that this won't be the last you see of these two girls together! Enjoy the photos :

Luke | {Lexington Ky Senior Photographer}

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:45:38 GMT

When you have grown up with the Arboretum as your backyard, it only makes sense to do your senior photography session at that location. That's exactly what we did Saturday evening here in Lexington as I met with Luke to take these photos. It was nice to hear about the childhood memories of just being able to walk over and enjoy this location during his youth as well as an account of how the family has enjoyed watching the arboretum mature over the last 15 years. The evening was perfect and we got to enjoy the sunshine and the breeze as the sun faded over the trees. Here's a little glimpse of the session:

A day with Jameson | {Lexington Ky Children's Photographer}

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:56:22 GMT

Last weekend I had the chance to go out and spend some more time with Jameson. This was the third time that I have been able to work with him and we decided to go spend the late afternoon at The Arboretum. It provided ample room to run around, play with sticks, and be a boy! I'm not quite sure what he liked the best although peek a boo was a hit. He did stop once to thoroughly check out my camera gear, which I always like. Once I had his approval, he let me grab a few photos. Take a look :

Look who's turning one! | {Lexington Ky Children's Photographer}

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:19:42 GMT

I can't believe how far things have come along in just a few short years. This little man is turning one but I remember, when I was just beginning, taking photos of his big sister on her first birthday. That's another thing about photography that I love - my clients become my friends. I have the chance to develop friendships with families and help them celebrate those very important occasions in life. Whether it's a birthday, a senior graduating, or a wedding, this is one thing that I always look forward to sharing. So today I have the opportunity to share a few photos of Cohen. Happy Birthday to Cohen!

Paige | {Lexington Ky Senior High Photography}

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:36:20 GMT

Sometimes in life you get a lucky break. Last weekend was no exception. This senior session had been scheduled well in advance and there is absolutely no way we could have picked a better day. It was a day where I was reminded of how much I love this job. A great location, a perfect day, spring in the air, and an exceptional senior from Lexington Catholic made for a memorable photo session. I had a hard time picking photos to share and could not narrow it down any more than this. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed the day!

Laura | {Lexington Ky Senior High Photographer}

Sun, 13 Apr 2014 18:41:00 GMT

Thursday I met Laura at her aunt's house in Lexington, Ky to begin her senior session. The property was beautiful and offered a wide array of shooting backdrops including barns and horses - two favorites of mine! I don't think that I was a favorite of Wilson, the horse in the pictures. He hung in there for a moment but was obviously glad his photo work was over for the evening.

The time flew by as she changed clothing and we worked different locations before heading into downtown to wrap up the session. We picked a perfect evening as the sun began to set over the skyline and provided great lighting at the end of the night. By the end of the session she was thoroughly enjoying the time and the spotlight. As far as I am concerned, that's a measure of success!

Here are some photos from her session :

Easter Mini Sessions!

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:22:40 GMT

My clients have asked me on more than one occasion to begin offering mini sessions for special events. This year I decided to take them up on that request and offered mini sessions for Easter. Of course, you can't have an Easter photo session without Easter bunnies! Add to that children dressed in their Easter best, a beautiful Kentucky day, and Easter eggs with baskets for a fun afternoon. I was anxious about the children's reaction to the rabbits and even about rabbits running away while on location but all went better than expected! This might have been the first mini sessions that I have offered but now I'm thinking it might not have been the last! I do need to thank the owners of Most Valuable Pets here in Lexington for lending me the rabbits to use for the sessions. I could not have pulled this off without their help. Enjoy the photos and I hope you and your family have a Happy Easter!

The Bell's - A mother daughter real estate team | {Central Ky Photography}

Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:42:43 GMT

It's Sunday and for many across the Lexington area this is a day of open houses and showcasing real estate. A few weeks ago, I did a photography session for The Bell's. They are a mother-daughter real estate team in Lexington that desired some updated photos to use on their website and promotional material. While working with them, I could easily see what makes them unique and successful. Nancy brings much experience to the team, having been in the real estate business for over 30 years, while Beth brings a youthful energy and new creative ideas and marketing strategies. I could also see the strong family ties that are evident in the house such as cookbooks that have been passed down from mother to daughter, prominently placed photos of family, and even a monogrammed spoon used to stir the coffee that was a family heirloom. I had a great afternoon getting to know them and encourage you, if you're in the market, to give them a call or connect with them on their facebook page! Below are a few images from the afternoon :

The Creative Struggle

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 19:46:03 GMT

A few weeks ago my wife and I were talking about one of my senior photo sessions. She told me how well it went and how much the parents seemed to like the photos. I responded by saying that I thought I could have done some things differently and some other things better. I wasn't beating myself up and I am not asking for affirmation. And she was correct. The session did go well and the clients seemed to be happy with the photographs.

There is something about photography that reminds me of golf. The more you play the better you become. I don't play golf anymore because I did not stick with it when I was younger and I quickly became frustrated. The same can be said of photography, or any art. I feel that I will never learn or master all of the skills and even on a good day, much like a good golf outing, I feel that I could have done better. The good news is that this means that I have learned something from prior sessions to help me with the next. That's why good golfers keep golfing and good photographers keep shooting.

I saw a video on a friends facebook feed not too long ago that summarizes these thoughts rather nicely. Granted it isn't about golf, or sports, at all. It is about knowing where you are and where you desire to be. I have seen the quote by Ira Glass before but some things are better represented through a visual aid and some words sink in deeper when heard rather than read. Take a look :

Have a great day and most of all, keep shooting! - Dwayne

Children's Photography | {9 months old and looking great!}

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 21:44:43 GMT

Last weekend Thomas and his parents took advantage of a crisp spring day here in Lexington to meet at Keeneland for his 9 month photo session. This was his fourth session in my Baby's First Year photo package and, like I told Mom, they just become more fun as that first year progresses. This is the time that those little personalities develop, and like Dad told me, he now has his own opinions! As a father of two and now having photographed children for a few years, I can attest that is completely normal behavior and part of the fun of parenthood. Capturing those little attitudes, smiles, and opinions are what I try to accomplish with each child. As I now know, they grow up entirely too fast and looking back on these stages of the first year will hopefully bring back a ton of smiles and memories!

Why I love cell phone photography

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 16:19:59 GMT

There's a saying that "the best camera you own is the one you have with you when you need it." Today, for the majority of the population, that would be their cell phone. The majority, if not all, of cell phones now come equipped with a camera and the majority of these cameras produce very nice images. This camera can often become the most valuable part of the cell phone and consumers are beginning to compare phones based on their camera capabilities.

I often use my phone for photography when I am out on rural, country roads and drive past a scene that catches my eye. It's a spur of the moment, grab the phone, and take a photo instance that often produces some very nice landscape photography. Of course, as with using a camera worth thousands of dollars, taking the photo is only one part of the process.

I also use my phone to edit the majority of my photos when I am out on the road. I have two favorite editing apps. One is VSCO, and the other is Snapseed. There are many different editing apps and you should try several to find out which meets your need and style. VSCO can be downloaded here for Android and here for iPhone. Snapseed is also available for both Android and iPhone.

Of course, once you take and edit the photo, you can then share to many different social media outlets directly from the app. The main one that I use is the very popular Instagram (Android) or (iPhone). I am sharing five recent photos from my instagram account to give you an idea of the results that are possible simply by using your phone's built in camera. If you like these and would like to see more of my work, simply follow my account on Instagram.

Jenny McNee Wedding Gowns

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 11:28:37 GMT

During my latest wedding, I had the opportunity to meet Jenny McNee. Jenny is a wonderfully talented wedding dress designer who just also happens to be the groom's sister. She has been designing wedding dresses since 2002 in addition to designing costumes for the American Shakespeare Company. I have included several photos of the dress in this blog and would encourage you to visit her website, www.jennymcnee.com, if you are interested in more information and would like to view more of her work. Thanks Jenny for your dedication and beautiful work!

Look Who's Turning Two!

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:23:02 GMT

Welcome to my new blog format! After years of blogging through blogger and using an external link, I have decided to streamline the blog and incorporate it into my website. This should help with navigation and make my website a little more user friendly. Social media buttons are located at several different locations throughout the blog and I would love it if you would click on one of those to share posts or stay connected in order to view future posts. My entire photography business has been built mainly through word of mouth recommendations and I would really have it no other way.

I could not have picked a better family with which to begin this new format. I have had to opportunity to work with them for the last 2 years and they were one of the first group of clients that helped this dream of mine off the launching pad. Last weekend I met with them again in downtown Lexington for their son's two year old photo session. It is hard to believe that he is already two as it seems I just started working with him only a few months ago. Time flies and months quickly turn into years, especially with children. I commend them for scheduling regular sessions to capture all these moments forever.

One shot we have always done for his session is a photograph of him wearing a UK necktie. This family, like many here in Lexington, is true blue to the core and I think it is a unique way to measure his growth. Since we were already downtown, we decided to go over to the lobby of Rupp Arena for this specific shot. They have a piece of the old court in the lobby that I thought would be a great backdrop for his tie photo this year. I have that photo, along with others, in this little preview from the day. Please take the time to check them out and feel free to share them if you like them!

Lexington Ky Children's Photographer | {Look who's turning one!}

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 04:47:00 GMT

Some days in life everything goes well. Such was the case on Sunday afternoon when I met this guy at the park for his one year session. He was in an awesome mood, all smiles and ready to work. He made my job easy and I'm glad I don't have to be responsible for picking Christmas card photos!

Since it was one of those days and everything was just falling in place, we also received a benefit from a complete stranger. It seems she had made a few props and had brought some "snow" for a friend to use with her children. They were all wrapped up and playing on a nearby playground when she saw us, came over, and asked if we wanted to use her props for our session. Wow! It was such a nice gesture that I left feeling good about human kindness, just in time for Christmas.

Here are a few photos from the day :

Kentucky Wedding Photographer | {Brown - Roe Wedding}

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:40:00 GMT

I had the honor of spending Saturday with this young couple documenting their wedding day. Friends and family traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday from as far as upstate New York and Los Angeles to help them celebrate their marriage here in Lexington, Ky. The chapel at Southland Christian Church provided the backdrop for their Winter Wonderland themed wedding. After the ceremony, we left Southland and headed to The Champions to begin the celebration at their reception. Both venues offered some ideal photo opportunities and these two were easy to work with. That resulted in some good times, some laughs, and a day of wonderful memories. Here is a small preview of their day :

Lexington Ky Family Photographer | {Six month session with Thomas}

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 04:55:00 GMT

I love working with babies as part of their first year package. My favorite time of that year however, is when they turn six months old. This was also true of my own children. There's something about that time when they seem to develop their first little personality and become just big enough to really begin sitting and playing. But the best part is the smiles - those big, bright eyed smiles from deep inside. This guy was no exception and braved the cool air last weekend for his six month session. Mom, and especially Dad, played a big role in the smiles which led to a great time at the local park. Here's a preview from the day :

Lexington Ky Family Photography | { The Gray Family }

Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:17:00 GMT

I love meeting and working with new families and last week was no exception. This family had the added bonus of having a new two month old baby in their first shoot together. Things went well and working with them was a great experience. Being a father helps when I work with young families. I remember that babies have their own schedule, need a little extra attention, and like to eat - often. I get that. I've been there. That leads to patience on my part and helps reassure the mother's that it's going to be fine - it's all good. She was a good baby, took a break to eat, and was ready to go again. Just like clockwork. Here's a preview from the day :

Lexington Ky. Family Photographer | Fall Afternoon In The Park

Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:27:00 GMT

This seems to have been the week for me to begin working with new families. I have met several over the past few days that have found me through referrals. Word of mouth is the best advertising and I realize that I would not be this far along my photography journey if it were not for you. So before I go any further, I want to say Thank You! I consider it a blessing to be able to do what I do and I am thankful for each of you that send new friends and family my way.

This family was fantastic. Two kids, full of energy, and a Mom and Dad with a big imagination to help harness that energy into some great photos. I often hear parents say it is a struggle or difficult to photograph their kids. What I have found though, is that if you give them time to explore and to play, you will usually get some great natural images. That's what happened Saturday. One family with two great kids doing what kids do. Here are some photos from the day :

Lexington, KY. Children's Photographer | {The Noble Family}

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 04:37:00 GMT

I feel like part of this family now. I have been taking this little guy's photos since birth and watched him grow before my eyes. I think he just might be used to me by now judging from the way he acts in front of my camera!

There is something enjoyable about watching a boy run through the trees and playing in the leaves during the fall. A few times during the shoot, I had to remind myself to pick up the camera and get to work as I found myself soaking in the moment. I regrouped quickly and put myself in harms way of the flying leaves but it was well worth it. Here is a sample of the images from the afternoon spent with his family:

Lexington Ky Family Photography | {The Ritchie Family}

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 13:40:00 GMT

I have been doing this for quite some time now but I had a first this weekend as I met with this family for their fall photo session. I don't know if they realize it yet but their little man might just have a passion for photography. He's been the first child I have worked with that liked to run toward the camera as I was taking his pictures. He was definitely interested and I took the time to show him a few of him off the back of the camera as well. We had a good time and I think that can be seen in the photographs. Here are a few from their session!

Lexington KY Family Photographer | {The Brown Family}

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 06:07:00 GMT

I have just recently become friends with this family and was really honored when they asked if I could do their family photo session. We met at a local venue here in Lexington, KY. on a beautiful fall evening and the timing could not have been better. There is nothing like the highlight of evening fall sun fading across the horizon. Photographers refer to this as the golden hour as the lighting is perfect. I could not have asked for a nicer scene or family to work with! Here is a preview of their session :

Lexington Ky. Children's Photographer | {Lily turns one!}

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 11:54:00 GMT

It was bittersweet as I met with Lily and her parents Saturday. This was the last session of her Baby's First Year package and it seems like we just got started yesterday. My how time flies! She was in a great mood though and finished in style. She braved the cool weather and wind and was a terrific trooper all the way to the grand finale - birthday cake! It has been great working with this family and I look forward to keeping in touch as time goes by! Here is Lily's preview from Saturday :

Lexington Ky Children's Photography | {Fall, Family, Fun}

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 04:28:00 GMT

This little guy really likes his truck! I met up with him and his parents at a local park last weekend for this session. Having already worked with him before, I was looking forward to the chance to do another shoot and he did not disappoint. He was a trooper as he navigated the area carefully placing one foot in front of the other, never too discouraged if he fell down. One year olds are entertaining to watch and photograph as everything is new and interesting to their quickly developing minds and bodies. They are always entertaining and there is never a dull moment. Here is a preview of his session :

Lexington Ky Children's Photography | {Playing in the woods}

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 04:34:00 GMT

The drive through central Kentucky was beautiful as I headed into Woodford County for this photography session. Although the trees here are not quite at peak fall color, the sunlight was magical as it passed through the leaves. As the girls began posing in their dresses, in the woods, with the sunlight, I knew it would be a good session.

Kids being kids though, after a short time the dresses came off and were replaced with their casual clothes - including Supergirl! Much fun was had as I raced with them across the woods, gathered hedge apples, and entered a spaceship just for girls under the weeping willow tree. They told me I could come in but would need more hair and proceeded to pick some willow branches to use in that endeavor. If it were only that easy!

Here is a look from the day :

Lexington Ky Engagement Photographer | {Morgan and Andrew}

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 04:12:00 GMT

This weekend I met with Morgan and Andrew at Fasig Tipton here in Lexington for their engagement photography session. I can't tell you how much fun we had as we basically hiked through the property during the evening. Many laughs were had and time quickly passed as the sun sank and set the sky on fire. We managed to get access to some great locations and it was completely worth the effort.

I am looking forward to working with them next year on their wedding day. They are a great pair and I'm sure that it will be a beautiful occasion! Until then, here is a look at a few from Saturday.

Lexington Ky Family Photographer | {An afternoon in the park}

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 04:34:00 GMT

I love the fact that you doesn't take much for a child to have a good time. Whether it is an open field, a playground, or a place to operate a John Deere dump truck, often it's just nice to stand back and let them have some freedom to run, play and enjoy the act of exploring their surroundings. Waveland, in Lexington, offers just such opportunities and is therefore often a popular destination for photographers and families.

This weekend I met with a brother and sister and their respective families for just such a session. Having worked with both before, it was good to have a chance to photograph them together and grab a few shots of the cousins playing together as well.

I should also give some credit to the ladies for coordinating the outfits. People often ask me what to wear for a family session and this offers a good alternative to the traditional khaki pants and matching shirts. Details matter and they pulled it off with great style. I already know that I will be referring to this post in the future regarding clothing.

Here is a small look at their session, enjoy!

Kentucky Wedding Photographer | {Elizabeth and Nick}

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:03:00 GMT

Cave Hill Vineyard, located in southern Kentucky, provided the stunning backdrop for this beautiful wedding. As a teenager, Nick helped plant the vines that are located on the rolling hillside of the vineyard. He also brought his 1948 Chevy pickup truck, which he has restored, down to the vineyard from his home in Cincinnati. Elizabeth has a great sense of detail and used a country chic theme based around her favorite color, purple, to tie everything together. The result was a day that will not soon be forgotten.
I had a nice time meeting friends and family during the time we spent together and have no doubt that these two will be a great couple surrounded by loving people during their life together. I am not a gifted writer nor am I sure that words could convey the beauty of this day. I will rely on my photography to convey the beauty of this wedding ceremony weekend with Elizabeth and Nick. Below are a few photos but I had so many that I decided to post an additional slideshow at the bottom as well. Take some time to view the photos and watch the slideshow :

And now, the slideshow :

Lexington Ky Children's Photographer | {Daniel's 9 month session)

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 04:12:00 GMT

There is probably not a location in Lexington more quintessential Kentucky than Keeneland Race Course. Twice a year for three weeks each, horses, owners, and jockeys converge on what many consider the most beautiful racing facility in the country. The remainder of the year, however, it provides a beautiful backdrop for photography.

This is where I met Daniel for his nine month session this weekend. He was all smiles and in the best mood as we made our way around the facility. He even picked out a horse while he was there and, judging by his smile, I'm pretty sure that it was a winner. Here is a look at a few of the images from the day :

Lexington Ky. Senior Photographer | {Ryan}

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 04:20:00 GMT

I met with Ryan this weekend at Tates Creek High School in Lexington KY. Ryan is a senior linebacker on the football team and I admit, with my love of football, I was more than a little excited at the opportunity to photograph his senior session. As a bonus, we had access to the locker room and the field for part of his session time. We made the most of that opportunity and grabbed some shots in both locations before heading downtown to wrap things up. It's always a good thing when work is fun and Sunday was one of those afternoons. Here's a sneak peek from the day:

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Kentucky Engagement Photographer | { Elizabeth and Nick }

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 18:16:00 GMT

After months of chatting on facebook and email, I was finally able to meet with Elizabeth and Nick at Cave Hill Vineyard for an engagement photography session. They are getting married here in two weeks and this provided a nice way to get a first glance at the venue. I enjoyed working with this couple and learning more about them during the process including the fact that Nick actually helped with the planting of the vines. Needless to say, after this weekend I am really looking forward to photographing the wedding in this little slice of Heaven. Here is a look at a few photos from the evening :

Lexington, KY. Children's Photography | {An evening with Thomas}

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 04:27:00 GMT

At this point, I have photographed quite a few babies and children. Yet, I am continually amazed at the significant changes that happen between birth and 3 months in a babies life. I met Thomas and his family a couple of months ago for his newborn session (which you can see here). As part of their Baby's First Year package, we met again over the weekend for his 3 month session. You can see for yourself just how much he has grown. I enjoy working with families while we document all the changes over the course of the first year. It's a great way to develop a rapport with the parents and the child. Sunday evening The Arboretum (State Botanical Garden of Kentucky) provided the backdrop as the sun set over the Bluegrass State. Below is a preview from their session.

Lexington KY. Children's Photographer | {The Schmidt Family}

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 03:12:00 GMT

I was beginning to think we were cursed. This family and I have had the worst luck scheduling a photo session. I actually have lost count of how many times we have had to reschedule but let's just say that this was originally scheduled to be a maternity session and the grass in Lexington has never been greener than this summer.

Better late than never though and now they have a beautiful new addition to the family. The skies cleared and we met over the weekend for an early evening session. Big sister Adalynn was quick to warm up to me and we had a fun time running throughout the park. When I would stop, she often would say, "come on Gwayne". She's going to make a great big sister in this beautiful family. Here are a few from the evening:

Lexington, KY Children's Photographer | {Lena turns one!}

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 03:40:00 GMT

One of the greatest compliments that I receive as a photographer is returning families. That leads to one of the greatest things that I enjoy as a photographer which is watching the children, and families, grow. Last weekend was another example as I photographed a one year old session with Lena. I began working with her big brother when he turned one and again when Lena was only a few months old. This time it was Lena's turn to celebrate her first birthday and she did a great job! I have to thank Mom for the awesome decor, hand made pennant banner, and birthday cake - nicely done. Happy Birthday Lena! Here are a few photos from the session :

Lexington Ky Children's Photography | {A Night at the Fair}

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 04:30:00 GMT

The summer fair pulled into Lexington this week and it was a perfect time to take advantage of a new backdrop for photography. I met with Wade over the weekend for a little session as twilight descended on the fair and the lights began to shine. I believe that he was a little overwhelmed to be honest but who wouldn't be? Something new around every turn is more than a little stimulating. I had a good time watching him soak it all in and admiring what it was like to be a kid again. Here is a sample from the evening :

Lexington Ky Baby Photographer | {Daniel is now 6 months!}

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:56:00 GMT

Saturday evening I met with this little man for another session as part of his Baby's First Year package. We met at a local park and he was ready to show me just how much he had changed in only three months. Now with two new teeth and sitting with ease, he was a pleasure to work with. I always find it funny to watch these little ones express complete amazement with the texture of grass, the height of trees, and the great outdoors. In between exploring the surroundings, he took a few occasional breaks to flash that big grin and pose for the camera. I think he had a good time. I know I did and look forward to meeting up again in a few more months. Here is a look at some of those photos :

Lexington Newborn Photographer | (Baby Thomas}

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:29:00 GMT

I met this little man Sunday morning at his house here in Lexington, Ky. Photographing newborns has always been one of my favorite sessions. That was one of my very first sessions as a photographer and I have been able to continue to work with those children now that they are turning three! There is something wonderful about a new baby, especially when it's the parents first child. The best part for me is that I will have the chance to continue to photograph him as he continues growing and changing during this first year. I'm already looking forward to the next shoot 3 months from now. Here's a quick glance from Sunday :

Baby Photographer, Lexington Ky. | {Lily's 6 month session)

Tue, 28 May 2013 11:54:00 GMT

This weekend I met again with Lily for her six month photo session. The campus of Centre College in Danville Ky. provided a nice backdrop for this photo shoot. During the session I came to find out that her Mom and Dad were actually married in the same location two years prior. We then decided to use the same set of doors for some of her photos that was used in some of their wedding photos.

This was the second session in her Baby's First Year package and our first outdoors. Time really does fly and if you would like, you can view her first session here as well. We have one more to come later this year and I am already looking forward to that as well. Until then, I invite you to take a look at a few photos from Sunday:

Lexington Ky. Family Photographer | {A Family Celebration}

Mon, 27 May 2013 08:47:00 GMT

It as certainly been a busy few weeks for this family. One daughter graduating college, one son graduating high school and their other daughter getting confirmed into the Catholic Church. Considering all that they have to celebrate, they decided that there would be no better time to invite family and friends into their home to join in the celebration. I spent a few hours with them Saturday afternoon and during that time I came to know and appreciate each of their individual accomplishments. However, what I really learned was what a wonderful, fun loving, family environment that they have created for their children and just how grounded that they are in their faith. And really, what could ever be more important? Here are several photos from the afternoon: