The day my life changed.

It was 1968, I was a new kid at school and was on my first band trip.  I was in the eleventh grade.  We were headed to Washington, D.C. to march in the Cherry Blossom Festival.  My family had recently moved to the area and I had only been in the band a month or so, but I had noticed the band secretary from my back-row seat in the trumpet section as she carried out her duties in the front of the room.  Besides being secretary, she played saxophone and sat a few rows in front of me.

A few hours into our train ride I went looking for the few guys I had gotten to know - we had planned to play cards on the long trip. When I got to where they were the only seat available was next to her.  What should I do?  Then she said, "sit down, I don't bite."

Funny how I still remember those first words she spoke to me after over forty  years.  But, then that was the day my life changed.  I never went out with anyone else, we went to the junior and senior proms together.  In fact we've never been apart since that day.

We graduated high school together, and were married one year to the day from graduation.  And that only because her mother insisted we wait a year to see if we were still together.  You know how those teenage romances are.  June 12, 2010 was our fortieth wedding anniversary. I guess it's going to work out after all.

We currently have two grown and married children that we are immensely proud of and three wonderful grandchildren and one due to arrive in July.  Like I said, that was the day that my life changed and it couldn't have been a better ride so far.

The photo posted above was made on that train ride the day I was invited to sit by her.  It's easy to see from that smile why I jumped at the chance.

Below is a short slide show highlighting our time together.

Hallie's photo excursion with Grandpa

My granddaughters are now six years old.  Old enough to begin making photo excursions with grandpa.  Hallie and I went out this morning, I with my Canon 5D Mark II and she with my Canon G11.  When we got home we immediately sat down to edit our photos.  From her photos these are Hallie's choices for the blog, edited to her specifications.  I wanted to make a few in black and white, but she has strong opinions about her art and only wanted color.

My Favorite Subjects

There are three of them and one more will be here in July.  My grandchildren.  It is evident from my website and the large amount of disk space devoted them, that I love to make their pictures.  They get a bit tired of it now and then, but overall they like having a photographer-grandfather pretty well.  Maybe one of them will develop a passion for the craft.

If you keep up with BlueMoon Studios on facebook, you know that we recently moved our studio back to our home.  We were at Mt. Laurel for over three years and only had to walk out the front door of the studio to find good outdoor locations. These photos were made in our backyard and I believe that between what we have right here and the locations available within just a few miles of us, we have some really good places to photograph.

These few photos were made as impromptu tests and to give grandpa an excuse to photograph his favorite subjects.  I think they look pretty good.

 

Beautiful girls, a beautiful room and great light.

In the earlier post you see that we spent our afternoon at a Anderson Gail Farms. The light in the library was so beautiful and the owner's daughter and niece were willing models.  I just had to make a few portraits.  Aren't they beautiful? 

Sadie, our fashionista

We're participating in "The Bridal Market." a bridal show in Birmingham this week hosted by The Perfect Wedding Guide and The Wynfrey Hotel, and wanted to have a couple of beautiful girls in our booth.  So, we naturally thought of Sadie and Hallie, our two granddaughters.  They will be wearing flower girl dresses from our studio's next door neighbor, Bella Couture, one of Birmingham's premier bridal shops.

Sadie came out today to try on the dress she will wear.  Naturally I, grandpa, had to make a few photos.  Some were just elegant, but most were just fun. 

Anna and Cole

I don't know if we're just lucky or living right, but we get some of the cutest kids at our studio. Ann and Cole are no exceptions either.

A Date With Sadie

OK, I admit it.  I had a date with a younger woman today.  It's not the first time either.  For the past six years I've had a real love affair with two girls, Sadie and Hallie.  For the past couple of years, Charlie has also been in the mix.  And it's great being their grandpa.

Today we took Sadie to the Galleria for lunch and just to hang out.  Of course, I took a camera.  She's such a model.

See all the photos click here    (All photos shot with Canon G11)

 

Gibson

Gibson brought his mom and dad in for his first official photo session. He did great and gave us some really cute photos. Pretty good for a guy who is only four months old.

Blessed Be The Name - Children's Clothing

Thanks to Ashley Eiler at Blessed Be The Name Children's Clothing for letting us illustrate their spring catalog. As always, we had fun with all the kids and enjoyed working with all the moms and helpers.

Check out this unique clothing line at www.blessednames.com. You'll be impressed with the clothing and maybe even the photographs. 

Brynli

Gina and Mitchell are getting married

They are going to have a really big family