It might not surprise you, but I think about photography a lot.

I know, I know, blowing your mind over here.

A photographer is important because they set the tone. You’re interested in my work not only because how I see people, but how I choose to depict love. I tend to forget that as much as my work depicts my subjects, I’m also very clearly showing how I see others. In this sense, all my portraits contain a sense of myself.

They are, at least in part, reflections of me.

Now there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Kritter Krandids school of photography. I firmly believe that everyone needs a soft-focus backlit photo of themselves back when they were 4-and-chubby. However not every photo needs to be so idealized. I’m more excited about a picture that shows a little personality than an image that’s easy to reproduce with different clients.

When I was making the offer to shoot James & Madelyne’s family I sort of had forgotten that I don’t really do family photos, especially families with young children. So when I met them at my studio I thought “Oh right. I have no idea what I’m doing with a baby.” After coming to that realization, I figured I’d do what I always do and figure it out on the fly. I typically find that the idea that I have coming into a shoot is rarely as interesting as the idea that presents itself to me once I’m there, so showing up empty handed is no big deal.

We all got to catch up and even tried to sell Archer on the merits of photography. I think I might have over sold photography a little, because as soon as Madelyne had him in her lap, he was crawling straight toward my camera.

This resulted in my favorite photo from the day.

Anyway, it was good to catch up and I’m glad I got to try something new.

And because my cousin Paige will be all over this post, here’s one more photo of Archer.

Did you know that I have a Facebook page just for my wedding work? It’s true. Like it here.

Do you want to see more work like this? Tell your friends to hire me.

And thanks for looking.

While I’m not one to mindlessly tout the wrongheaded notion of purity in film, I will say that its presence did help me make better images. It’s good, to have to cherish each frame. To have to spend a few days, weeks or even months having to wait to see what I just made.

Here are some photos I took of friends, shot during the month I was living in Provo.

Justin Hackworth.

Mindy Gledhill.

Courtney Kendrick.

Jordan Crandell.

Colin Hatch.

During the session James and I talked in depth about the ramifications of following a career in art. Like anything worth the time, it’s very hard work. It’s also incredibly rewarding. James is a student at UVU. He’s considering making acting his life’s work. I don’t know if acting is the right path for him, only he can determine what is. I do know that I was impressed with his skill and that the world needs more who are truly passionate about what they do, whatever that may be.

These are my three favorite from the day.

FACT: Felicia and I were in Chiang Mai, Thailand together this summer for a photojournalism workshop. (As illustrated in the photo below.)

Photo: Tewfic El-Sawy

Felicia is a fantastic photographer, so it was exciting to be asked to photograph her wedding. As a creator, there are few complements higher than having a fellow artist ask for you to make something for them.

Here are 12 photos from their reception and wedding day.

. . . Er, Allyson and part of Matthew.

When I asked how they came across my work they told me that they had each gone to friends to ask for recommendations. When Matt and Allyson met up to compare notes, both of the people they went to had suggested me. I love hearing stories like that. (Also, thanks Christine and Davis for the endorsements!)

For our engagement shoot we met up at my studio in Provo and then went to Springville during the pretty time of day. We talked about marriage, cliche barn photos and photography. At one point Allyson blew my mind when she knew about my favorite episode of the West Wing. I had so much fun.

And my favorite shot of the day.

So freakin’ cute.

Have a good week. I’m in Jordan! Read about it here.

I don’t shoot many engagement sessions that leave me sore the next day, but I don’t often spend the day jumping from rock to rock either. Super fun. Gonna have to start working out in preparation for my next session.

You guys, I’m super rugged. Engagement boots.
Photo by Felicia Jones.

They’re legit. We had to cross this slippery log to get to the quarry. Sketch.