Outdoor Colorado Wedding Photographers located in Denver. View our wedding photos and engagement pictures.

January 5, 2011

On Facing The Facts Or Being A Coward

“One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts.” -The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

I came across this quote the other night while reading to Kristi before bed. I absolutely love it. It’s totally me. I can definitely be the coward. I don’t like to look at the score unless I’m pretty sure I’m winning. (Fortunately for me, Kristi is just the opposite. When she sees trouble she jumps in to fix it… and loves doing it!)

So this year, as I’m knee deep in planning, goal setting, and reviewing, I’m determined to not be cowardly. I’m working on not only looking at the facts, but using them to improve. With business this can be fairly self explanatory but I want to take it a little further. I’m working on honestly answering questions like these…

*what kind of husband am I?

*what kind of friend am I?

*do I like the person I’m becoming?

*how do I spend my time?

*where am I not giving my best?

*where do I need to improve?

So far it’s been pretty good. A little rough or intimidating at moments, but not as hard as I thought it would be. My hope is that it will lead to some growth, but even if it doesn’t at least I’m being honest with myself.

December 23, 2010

Kansas Engagement Photographer: Roads Without Cars?

Renee and I worked things out so that we could do a quick engagement session the night before her wedding in Western Kansas and I’m so glad we did. She got married at a camp just outside of the middle of nowhere and it was a gorgeous place for some engagement photography.

I have to admit that I’m a little intimidated when it comes to small town people. Put me in the middle of downtown Phoenix or Denver and I’m fine with whatever and whoever we meet. Put me in the middle of Kansas and I feel like an idiot. I think a lot of it has to do with ignorance. I know nothing about Midwestern or small town life. Luke was quick to pick up on this and was gracious enough to take advantage of my extreme gullible-ness by answering my ridiculous questions with even more ridiculous answers. (yes, gullible-ness is a word.)

He especially got a kick out of how fascinated I was with the fact that we could stand in the road for 45 minutes and not see a single car. It’s just weird. He didn’t think so.

Whatever, Luke. It made for some cool pictures…

December 22, 2010

Blackstone Wedding Photographer: Chris & Shannon’s Wedding

Chris and Shannon are good people. I don’t know how else to say it. Not in the style of “he’s good at this” or “she’s good at that” but more like “Oh, I know the so-and-so’s. The so-and-so’s are good people.”

Their whole family is composed of good people and their wedding was a celebration that had been waiting to happen for years. Chris and Shannon have been together as long as anyone can remember. (Hence the “at last…” sign waiting for guests in the entry way.) So now that it was actually happening it was a pretty big deal and everyone was very excited.

I really enjoy how each wedding has such a unique feel. This one I would describe as warm and cozy. While there were over 100 people in attendance, you could tell that they fit together pretty well. They managed a unique balance between classy and comfortable, which is hard to do, and the Blackstone Country Club was beautiful.

There were a lot of things I really loved about this wedding but one of the things that really stands out to me in the pictures is the detail that went into it. Kristi did a phenomenal job capturing all the little nuances that Shannon and Chris included. Enjoy!

December 17, 2010

Denver Wedding Photographer: Scott & Annie at the Oxford

I was pretty excited to shoot this wedding for a variety of reason, including the following:

1. Scott’s an old friend. Typically, I spend so much time with the Bride and Groom at a wedding that we end up becoming friends. It was nice to start this one a little ahead.

2. Annie is beautiful. It is what is. She’s fun to take pictures of!

3. They like downtown. I love downtown! Most people in Colorado love nature, and to be fair, the nature here is amazing. There’s just something about downtown that I really enjoy. Alleys, brick walls, lights, buildings, cars, great people… I could shoot downtown every day.

Then when I got to the wedding, I was even more excited. First, they were married at the Oxford Hotel. If you haven’t been there, it’s gorgeous. Then, Annie’s dress was gorgeous and hung up in an amazing bridal suite with cool light. Next, they were totally willing to explore the alleys behind the hotel. And finally, Scott even had the idea to crawl out a bathroom window to take some pictures on the roof*.

*To all employees of the Oxford – it was just an idea and we would never do this.

*To everyone else, we totally climbed out the window and took pictures on the roof!

All in all, it was a beautiful wedding and a beautiful day. Don’t miss the slideshow for more pics!

December 13, 2010

My Favorite (and the best) Christmas Songs

I mentioned before that I’m pretty dumb at movies.

Music, however, is another story.

I really love music. I’m not a music snob, though. That’s a different thing entirely.

Sure, I listen to that band you’ve never heard of. Sure, by the time you’ve heard of that band I’m tired of them. And sure, a lot of the top 40 annoys me. But I do listen to some top 40 and that makes all the difference. Snobs don’t listen to any top 40.

For Christmas, I thought I’d throw out some of my favorite songs. First… let’s start with my favorite standards.

1. The Christmas Song. I don’t really like roasted chestnuts, but this song is pretty excellent. Today, I like the version by Catherine Feeny.

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. This is probably my favorite. I’m into Tyler Hilton’s version this year.

3. O Holy Night. This is probably on everybody’s list. It should be. If you haven’t heard Troy Andrew’s version from Studio 60, you need to.

4. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? I know, it’s not technically Christmas, but when else are you supposed to listen to it? Rufus Wainwright kills this song, in a good way.

5. Winter Wonderland. I wouldn’t have typically put this as a favorite standard, but there’s so many great versions of it. If you can find it, Jason Mraz’s version is stellar.

And now… some of my favorite songs for this christmas.

1. Very Merry Christmas. Dave Barnes. The whole CD is good. This is just the first one that comes to mind.

2. Wish List. Neon Trees. See, they’re on the top 40. (I think?)

3. It Don’t Have To Change. John Legend. I love this song. There’s nothing that gets me singing quite like this one. It’s a favorite every year…

4. The Christmas Song. Owl City. Wow, can I be any more trendy? Don’t be fooled, though, this guy is smart. Also, this isn’t the standard “the christmas song”.

5. We Three Kings of Orient Are. Straight No Chaser. I typically don’t care for this song but this is a cool version.

6. The Christmas Song. Dave Matthews. Here’s your bonus song. It’s old now and you should have heard it. If you haven’t, it’s brillant so go buy it now. Again, it’s not the typical “The Christmas Song”.

And there you go. Get your Christmas on. Hurry up, though, it’s almost gone already!