Rebecca & Stacy - October Wedding

Sometimes you get lucky and both the bride and the groom are photogenic. Stacy and Rebecca were that kind of couple. Perhaps it is a requirement to working in one of our local televisions stations. All I really know is that they were easy to work with and so was the camera man. Not everyone has a television camera man as a close friend, but Rebecca and Stacy do.

It was a rather quiet and simple wedding; not many people. They invited only family and a few close friends. It wasn't the kind of wedding you would expect to see local television personalities attending. However, when local celebrities are some of your close friends, they come. Okay, maybe we weren't photographers at a Hollywood wedding, but its as close as we will ever get to it.

Vickie - Bridal

Typically, I would say something about the bride when I post some one's bridal pictures. However, I would like to talk about the location of this bridal shoot. Specifically, The Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City.

What a beautiful hotel. It has the nostalgia of times past with all the elegance one could want. Every inch of this hotel is decorated to every detail to keep this high class theme throughout the building. I just love the natural light for brides by the front window. Then there is the classy zebra lounge in the study. Of course, the lobby itself is gorgeous with the stain glass window in the ceiling. Every inch of the hotel is packed with photographic potential.

Even more remarkable is the gracious and welcoming attitude of the management. They have allowed us to bring in several brides in the past for bridal shoots. Never once have they asked for a fee. All they have asked is that we call and set the appointment to be sure that there will not be any conflicting event. This is quite a rarity in today's time; but then, stepping into The Carnegie Hotel is like a stepping into the southern hospitality of times past.

Allison & Justin - December Wedding

This wedding was one of the more memorable weddings that we have photographed. Perhaps it was because the new minister did not want the photography to take away from the sacred ceremony. This meant no photography during the ceremony.

I suppose this would have been alright, except the bride and groom were not aware of the "no photography during the ceremony" rule. With the prospects of a very teary bride and not because she was so happy, we knew we had to at least try to come to some kind of compromise with the minister.

Not surprisingly, the minister was very kind and thoughtful after giving it some thought. He allowed us to stand at the very back of the sanctuary and take pictures as long as there was no flash. Admittedly, not the kind of photography we are used to or tend to show off. However, it was beautiful. Allison could not have been a more beautiful bride. She was completely happy and bubbly the entire day. It showed in her pictures. It is no wonder Justin chose her as his companion for life.

Nashville Tennessee Photography Convention

We just got back from Nashville where PPA (Professional Photographers of America) held there annual convention. Although we are totally exhauted, it was worth it. The speakers were tremendous. We came back alll fired up and full of excitment.

I suppose every photographer has their own perspective on how to photograph people. I would go so far as to say that there may not be a wrong way, just many different ways. We were able to meet and listen to Denis Reggie, a well known photojounalist in the Washington circle. We also meet and listened to Joe Buissink, a photographer who has photographed celebratees such as Jessica Simpson. Two completely different styles. Two masters of their different styles.

I think the most well attended seminar was the seminar on boudior photography by a couple of young women who are making quite a splash out in Beverly Hills, California. I was somewhat surprised to find that I too enjoyed their presentation.

Probably the most important information that was presented was the business side of photography. It really doesnt matter that you have talent, if you are not a good businessman. Photography is a business first, a passion second.

So now, we are back in Abingdon. It is time to get back to work, back to the business side of Reflective Moments Photography. Let's see where 2010 takes us.

Two New Associate Photographers for Reflective Moments Photography

Reflective Moments Photography is pleased to announce the addition of two new associate photographers who will be joining us in 2010.

Darcie Bradley and Amber Hood will now be working with us in our wedding photography events. We look forward to having the addition of their unique and creative artistic talents.

Darcie is one of our 2009 brides who enjoyed our approach to recording her wedding day memories. She has a good eye for creative photography and will bring additional photographic and marketing experience to the studio.

Amber has already worked with some of our wedding clients in the past. She has lots of photographic experience for her age. One of her strengths is capturing the types of glamorous bridal images you expect to see in the better bridal magazines.

We know that our clients will enjoy the opportunity and results of working with each of these photographers.