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 : 

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 : 

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 :