Every now and then, I try to take time to photograph for myself. I love the people who have asked me to document important moments in their lives. I love the fact that school assignments tend to push me out of my comfort zone and force me to experiment and learn new things along the way. I love being able to put photos on my walls of my family and friends. But sometimes, I just have to break away and have some "me" time. I used to keep a journal and write in it constantly, and while I still do that, I like to use my photography in the same way. To transform the thoughts, images, and ideas in my head into real life. But instead of putting pen to paper, I'm taking pictures.

I'm also very lucky in the sense that I have several gorgeous girlfriends who are not camera-shy in the least and always willing to help me out with my personal projects. My friend Christy is one of those girls. Beautiful, confident, smart, and one helluva beer drinker. Who wouldn't want to hang out with her? I asked her to pose for me waaaaaay back in September and (I think) I posted a few of the images from this session a while back. Although she is more Manolo Blahnik than hippie chick, I asked her to humor me and pull a "Lilith Faire" - long loose locks and flowing skirt. Due to time constraints and other obligations, I shelved the project until I had more time to edit... and it wasn't until this weekend that I was able to finish them. Here are a few from the session... Thanks, Christy!

I had the opportunity to second shoot at a wedding with Honey Stetson this past weekend. It was out in Palm Springs which meant that there would be beautiful scenery (the wedding and reception took place at a golf course resort) that that it would also be very hot. I wasn't disappointed in either respect... the golf course was beautiful with it's meticulous greens, swaying palm trees and gorgeous light. It was also 90 degrees... in November. You've got to love Southern California.

The details were beautiful and decked out in autumn colors of red and gold. And the flowers!! Oh my goodness, they were lovely. After the ceremony, we spent some time with Taylor and Chad before reluctantly letting them go back inside.

The father/daughter dance was so touching. The way he looked at her and the way they laughed together, as if sharing some hilarious inside joke, made me see they had a really special relationship. I also really liked the fact that, with all the little kids running around, they had planned some activities to keep them from getting bored. There were arts and crafts, games and face painting, in addition to an open invitation to hang out on the dance floor with the "big kids."

One of my favorite parts of this wedding was that as a second shooter, I was able to indulge my creative side. I was fascinated by the lights the DJ used in his set-up and had a lot of fun with the strong backlighting on the dance floor.