Masthead header
08-17-10

Jamie and Brent hug it out – Richmond Portrait Photography

Brent squints. It is not immediately obvious, but as I went through the images from the engagement session I shot with he and his fiance Jamie, it became apparent. Not complaining you understand; he is a good looking guy, but he is a squinter no doubt. I think it gives him a thoughtful, considering air; as if he is taking my measure…and who knows how that will turn out?
Jamie, by contrast, is huge bright eyes and an expansive smile. She is lovely and open, and a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera – as we all are in some fashion. And so they turned to one another for solace from the fixed stare of the camera. That shelter, and my irrepressible charm, made for a grand time wandering around Byrd Park and Dogwood Dell. They talked about their dog like it was their child (as it is in a way), and I spoke of our five animals in less…rosy terms. Because when there are five animals, it becomes a pack – and I am not the alpha in that mix.

I was struck by this couple’s obvious partnership. Their talk of plans and we, and us. It is a sweet thing to see again and again – because all the couples I work with are like this of course. It is as delicate as china though: marriage, and impressive to see embraced so often. An effort of faith and will…and love of course.

Their wedding is just over the horizon this month, and I am excited all over again to see them say their vows.









no comments

add a comment
email a friend
Back to top|Contact me|
07-26-10

Megan & Brian make it official – Richmond Wedding Photographer

I talk about the heat a bit here, perhaps too much. It is something of a job hazard of course, when you are a photographer in the South (and Virginia is the South folks) – photographing weddings in hot, sticky weather. Last weekend was just such a weekend; the kind of heat that hits you like a hammer blow when you go outside. The East is slogging through a record hot summer of course, so hydration was on my mind as I traveled north for Megan and Brian’s wedding at Quantico Marine Base.

I had never met Brian – he has been deployed to Afghanistan during the wedding planning process, and I had not seen Megan in months. However, I have rarely been so warmly welcomed by a couple, and their extended family. I was on hand for the rehearsal dinner as well – which was a nice way to get to know everyone.

It is customary for photographers to gush about their clients on their blogs. If I can risk sounding cynical, it is marketing quite often. I have been exceedingly fortunate over the years to have couples who are delightful to work with. However, statistics dictate that some are more wonderful than others of course.

Megan and Brian (their extended families and guests as well), were exceptional among the exceptional. Brian is as calm and self-deprecating as any groom you would want to meet. It was hard to grasp that only a few weeks ago he was at war. Megan is a tiny ball of energetic self-possession. I found myself going through the wedding images and being struck by her huge, brilliant smile again and again. She could not have been more welcoming and poised. Everyone in the family treated me like a friend, rather than a hired vendor.

At the wedding, I immediately felt like the worst kind of whiner, for my concerns about the heat. Most of the groomsmen were Marines, and wore their dress uniforms – a smart-looking, but tortuous assembly of multiple layers and heavy wool. They wore these cruel inventions with cool indifference that humbled me to the core. I am a son of a veteran, and have always had admiration for the Armed Services. This day only confirmed my feelings.

Here then, a few from a wonderful day…








7 comments

add a comment
email a friend

Suellen Manning - I am the favorite aunt…these are the best wedding photos I have ever seen…and I am OLD…where, oh, where can I purchase copies of these ??? Really great job !!! Thanks !!

Brandy - Megs! Congrats on your special day, sorry we couldn’t be there for you :( You look beautiful, we love you and wish you the best always!!!!

Jo Witheridge - Fantastic pics and I can’t wait to see all of them. Bob you did very well and worked very hard over those few days! It was a fantastic time and I am sure Megan and Brian will treasure the pics forever.

Martha - What a wonderful day and it is great to have such fantastic, action shots to always remember the fun we had. It was the most fun ever…Megan, you looked beautiful and Brian, you were so great letting everyone take millions of pictures! Bob, I can’t wait to see all of them—it will be hard to decide which are the BEST! Thanks for sharing in this special day will all of our family and friends! And, by the way, don’t believe that first reply from that OLD lady…she is a bit senile…I am the favorite aunt:):)

Patti Morgan - After the ceremony — what lasts forever — is the couple and the precious moments through the photographers lens.

Megan and Brian — you are Beautiful and Bob captured the essence of your love.

Just Fabulous!

Patty Merritt - Megan and Brian
You make a wonderful team.. your pictures really reflect the special love and bond you have for each other.

Lara McDonell - What a wonderful celebration!! It was a joy to share in this special day. The pictures are fantastic!

Back to top|Contact me|
07-12-10

Christine and Colin pay to park – Richmond Portrait Photographer

I drove past Colin three times looking for a parking spot in Shockoe Slip.   I did not know this at the time. At the time, I was too concerned that someone else would steal a spot that was rightfully mine.   It was still rush hour and this was becoming an anxious thing – this search for a parking spot.   In the end I did the only logical thing; I parked illegally.

As it was, Colin and I had to wait while Christine moved their car to a deck.   She was not as comfortable as I when it came to her spot.   Some people like to follow the rules.

We were down to shoot a little hybrid engagement/promo shoot for Dransfield Jewelers. Christine and Colin were being featured in the shop’s Richmond Greatest Love Story Contest – where the front window of the shop featured their story.
And, as love stories go, it is a pretty good one (as a wedding photographer, I am privy to quite a few love stories) – full of life plans changed at the last minute, real dramatic twists and massive personal challenges met directly and calmly.
It is a difficult thing to photograph people who are strangers.  I have probably mentioned this in the past, so forgive me if this sounds like a complaint – it is definitely not.  But, it bears repeating.  Few people want to have their picture taken. Everyone wants a great picture of themselves – whether they admit it or not.  That one, elusive images that shows them as they see themselves in their mind’s eye.  So, it can be a challenge to develop a relationship quickly with someone, so that you can get them to hopefully drop their defenses enough to allow them to show through.  Is it brain surgery? No, of course not, but some people can keep those defenses up a maddeningly long time.

Not Christine and Colin.  They were as relaxed and (this is exceedingly important for me) damn funny. Seemingly within moments we were laughing and like friends already.  They are two people who seem wonderfully comfortable in their own skins – and were thus a real pleasure to work with.

If you have the time, come down to Shockoe Slip and visit Dransfields (a really great little jewelry shop, and the last independent one in Downtown Richmond.   See the window display dedicated to Christine and Colin and find out their story.   It is more impressive than my meager words can credit.   Oh, and I would be guilty of many sins if I did not give credit to the fantastic window display design by Ivy Harris of Jessica Ivy Boutique.   She is more talented and tireless than I can adequately credit.

Now, where did I park my car?

1 comment

add a comment
email a friend

amanda thiessen - these are cute! love her tattoos :)

Back to top|Contact me|
F a c e b o o k
T w i t t e r