Weddings- Salt Lake Wedding Photography

It's interesting to me the beginning of coverage of any event. The people all look at the photographer like we're the enemy or the poperazzi. Sometimes I feel awkward because of this stigma. However I know that by the end of the event that the people often view the photographer like the janitor, just there doing their job. A lot of times I don't know people before covering such events and am exposed to their inner personal lives and most precious moments. I'm right there as an observer anticipating those moments that are priceless. The emotion in the room is so thick you could slice with a knife.
This particular wedding, the ceremony took place on some stairs that faced the reception room. I was behind the action between the Bishop, the couple and the audience. This moment the couple was listening to their song being played. I wanted to get a picture of them kissing. So I quietly asked them to kiss. I didn't get the image I wanted so I asked them to do it again. The whole audience laughed as he took his new wife in his arms. It was silly.


I also like playing with kids. They are always so excited to do "cool" things for photographs. We did a few different series of them throwing rose petals up in the air.


I am teaming up with a video-grapher Strillogy films , makeup artist and Dave Tate (original music) to create wedding packages for couples in the SLC Valley. The website should be up here in a few weeks.

Ring of Fire! Ultimate Fighting

My good friend Chad Klingensmith is a professional fighter. When I lived in CO last year I did a series of fighting images for his public fighter image.

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=15103

This boy does some serious training. Its a around the clock commitment for your body and mind. He went to Thailand to train with the best of his sport.
He was injured in the last few months fighter and was unable to fight in this particular adventure. He invited me to be a spectator. Naturally I get bored as an artist and want to be front in center with the sweat and the punches.
I wasn't technically suppose to be up there. There was another photographer that didn't see eye to eye with me. He told on me so I had to go.
I contacted ROF and they actually enjoyed the images and published them.



This one is my favorite because of audience dude's expression.

Midnight Mirage " Belly Dancing with a Twist"

Since September I have been attending Belly Dancing classes at the Midnight Mirage in Bountiful. Belly dancing is something I do as a stress reliever. For a few months you learn a dance then you perform with your Dance squad. I didn't do dance growing up so it was very exciting for me. My teacher is the 2004 Belly Dancer of the Universe.
I remember the first time I attended class and I was in full bewilderment of how they move their bodies.
Learning dance has actually helped with my photography. I understand body movement more and know how to direct it better. I recommend any photographer, painter, observer of movement to take dance. Incorporating any dance movement into your exercise routine is fun and will increase your energy level.




For more information visit:
http://www.midnightmirage.com

Adventures in Park City

It was the last Saturday night of the Sundance Film Festival. My good friend Cori had a house party right off of Main Street. Whats fun about parties in park city is the international audience that attends the activities. He had a band ViG jamming in his front room. I was impressed with their music and ended up doing stand up with their guitarist Justin.
Outside there was a full moon and a clear sky, ad it was wicked cold. It was beautiful. There was a bomb fire that was 10 feet wide. The was even a Fire guy.

This is Justin

http://www.myspace.com/vigaholics

Dave Tate & Colin Robinson Local Music Legends

Local musicians Dave Tate & Colin Robinson get their jam on during the Sundance Film Festival. Their music touches the artists soul. Its a acoustic guitar jamming mix. His style kinda reminds me of Jack Johnson.
I was having a stressful day when I was listening to them live and it put me at ease. Dave is collaborating with Colin and most recently Victoria Lagerstrom on a few different albums. I will join them on collaborating with photography and events.
I recommend their music live any day!






My favorite songs so far are: Alchemy & Beauty of You

To check out their music visit:
www.davetatemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/davetateandcolinrobison

Road Trip to LA from SLC with Lisa Smith

It takes a lot of bananas to stop your current life, the job, the relationship, the friends, the city, whats familiar and move across the country. My good friend Lisa Smith was located in Manhattan, NYC and relocated to L.A. She had all the commodities of comfort and the drag of routine. She is currently producing a documentary about Rodeo Groupies. Across the country she has traveled with a team including myself to find the people that make the story. She ventures to L.A to get funding for the project.
Lisa asked me to join in on the road trip adventure from SLC to LA. My friends know you don't have to twist my arm to do an adventure. Our lives have always had a strange parallel. We both go through dramatic changes within days of each other. Shed the old skin and embrace the new chapter. It's going to be great!
Being on the road felt like Thema & Louis with a chihuahua. Except we didn't kill anyone and there was no cops involved.
Driving through death valley I decided that we should stop on this abandoned road to do a photo shoot. Lisa needed head shots- why not in the middle of the desert? We get off the exit and the remains of a gas station from the 30's was desolate and alone. On the other side of the road was this old truck with at least 30 crows. The place felt like death and like walking in a horror movie. We drive on to past this place up a desert road and stopped. The place felt like at any moment a redneck was going to bust out with a shot gun.