Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Good Times, Good Times



As a full-time professional photographer, there are times when you wish you had time to photograph- I mean for yourself. To do photos that are just to please your inner soul. We all spend a lot of time creating images that please others. And that is ok, It's what we do. And I love making others happy. It's what I do.



But there is an incredible joy just to get out there and just SHOOT. And I don't just mean landscapes and such. I found these photos Sunday of my favorite Florida wedding assistant Nikki. I just could not stop smiling after I found them. It brought back great memories of a trip we took to photograph a wedding on the Georgia-North Carolina line. These were taken the next day while we were driving to Asheville with a good friend Michael Gleydura to teach a class to the local photographers there. We had photographed Nikki in her wedding dress at sunrise that morning, and were just driving. Perfect weather too, by the way. We saw these incredible flowers on the side of the road, and knew we had to stop.. Mike and I grabbed our reflectors and cameras and Nikki was gorgeous and patient as always. It didn't hurt that Nikki has a smile  and a grace that is beyond amazing. We had FUN. Nothing could have spoiled those moments for me. We were only there 30 minutes, but I will always remember that feeling of pure relaxation and joy. As photographer we need to cherish those moments, and never let ourselves lose the passion to photograph and create.These times will make you a better photographer for every session you shoot.. Take the time.. MAKE the time to photograph for you!

PS-- These are scans from proofs... These were on FILM.. remember that?

Thanks!! Al Gordon

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Honored





Larry and I were honored to photograph the funeral of a prominent man in Murfreesboro this morning. It was immediately obvious from photos and the American flag that the man was a veteran. I personally was not a member of the armed forces but I  began to think of the people in my family that were, but are not around anymore. My father (WW2) and my brother (Vietnam) seemed to be with me this morning. From what I remember, they rarely spoke of their time in the service, but I do know I was very proud of them both.My partner Larry did serve in the military, and I am sure this morning brought back memories for him. It was very moving to hear taps played by the bugler, and see the flag being handed to his late wife today.. Please take the time to thank a veteran, a policeman, a firefighter, anyone who puts their life on the line everyday for our city, state, and country. Please do it before they are not around to hear you. These people are heroes, and they need to know how much they are respected and loved.

Have a good day!

Al Gordon