Band of Brothers

Daniel got his first deer the day before Thanksgiving, and luckily had a lot of help to break it down. I'm not sure I've ever photographed anyone processing a deer before, though I've seen it done many times. It makes for lovely photos and lovely family time. 

Daniel (right) dismembers a deer with the help of his brother, Ben. 

The skin.

Daniel accepts a beer from his brother, Owen. 

The tools. 

Hunting Season

Ben has had some setbacks to his rabbit business, but he soldiers on. A new litter is expected imminently, and, in the meantime, the rabbits are sharing space with deer. 

Labor Day 2016

Labor Day weekend means family time, and this year it also meant time on a horse farm. I got to meet my cousin's new horse, Gentry, and watch my other cousins ride. It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful place. 

9 to 5

I photographed my office's employee appreciation day a few weeks ago. Nothing makes someone feel more appreciated than a Dolly Parton impersonator 

There's a crack in everything

I've saved the best of my recent West Virginia photos for last. My family is the most important thing in my life. Every photo of a loved one that I have the opportunity to take is sacred event. Being with my family - being at home - helps remind me who I am, when I forget. It's something that I will never take for granted.

It wasn't her birthday, but that didn't stop her from adding a candle to her ice cream. 

Safety first. 

Risking life and limb (or at least fingers) in pursuit of beauty. 

In thought.

Almost Heaven

One of my favorite parts of any visit to West Virginia is checking out all of the projects that my brothers are working on. I can report that the rabbits are doing so well that an expansion of their barn is under way, and Ben is building a pen so that eventually they will be able live primarily outside. The garden - despite an early rain setback - is also doing well. It has me dreaming of tomatoes fresh from the vine. Trips home always leave me feeling inspired. 

Crackle and Boom

I had just moved to Tennessee last July so I missed my family's annual Independence Day blowout. Not this year. I made the trek to West Virginia, and the holiday was celebrated appropriately - despite the rain. 

The first family display. 

The second family celebration. 

Oral Lake's annual display. 

This little. . .

As a photographer, I am always seeking light. Sometimes the search is long. Sometimes I get lucky. I tend to find that the warmest pockets of light are found at home. There's nothing like the light that your family keeps lit for you. 

My last wedding post, I promise

I forgot that I hadn't posted any pre wedding photos! I loved these moments with Tina (the bride) and Hanna (her daughter and the maid of honor). I so glad I was asked to be there to capture them. 

Hanna helps her mother with her dress. 

Getting the gown ready. 

Out there on the high dive

This is one of my favorite photos from the wedding, but it didn't fit with my other post. My new sister was the only soul brave enough to swim on a chilly, rainy May evening. She almost made it look fun. 

We'll end up a sittin' on a rainbow

When I'm photographing events that are personal to me, I sometimes (always) have trouble editing my take to a manageable number. I could have posted a lot more, but these are some of my favorite moments. I am incredibly grateful that I was asked to be both a bridesmaid and the photographer. It was fun, beautiful day. 

The bride was escorted by her son. 

The best ceremonies have laughter. 

The ceremony was performed by the groom's son. 

The fellas. 

The lovely bride. 

The happy couple. My dad has a bad habit of making faces and dancing while I am trying to take pictures. 

Family. 

The groom wanted to be photographed with the "No Weapons Allowed" sign while he held his sword. 

Flowers and Banners

The little ones at the wedding were so cute, and they performed their duties so well and seriously. I'm also happy to report that neither of them went for a swim during the ceremony. 

Gwen wanted a moment with the bride. 

Relief after making it down the aisle. 

Mickey

My favorite image from the wedding rehearsal. The flower girl and banner carrier looked out for each other all weekend. 

Down the Rabbit Hole

I was recently home in West Virginia to photograph and celebrate my dad's wedding, and I managed to squeeze in some agricultural photography too. My brother's rabbit business is getting off of the ground. The first batch of bunnies was hopping around and there will soon be more. My brothers' were also plotting their garden. I look forward to visiting later in the season. 

The first two litters of rabbits. 

The adult male rabbit. 

Planning the garden. 

What Remains

It's hard to see the ends of things in the spring.

Knoxville

Despite my nine months in Tennessee and my previous visits, I had never visited Knoxville before last week. It seems like a cool town, and I look forward to more exploring later on.

Scouting

I can't decide if I am better or worse pet owner for taking her out for walks.

The Tank's Last Ride

In January, I got to watch a friend pick out her new car and say goodbye to the old. I've been thinking about it a lot as I am beginning my own new car search. My eventual goodbye to my current car won't be as emotional as Alaina's was to hers, but I hope I am as happy with my new car.

Searching for Light

Finding nice light in ugly offices is my new favorite hobby.

Portrait at a Desk