Personal Project- Classically Quirky

When I was in high school, one of the projects we had to do in our photography class was to emulate the photography style of a famous photographer. I don't recall if I was assigned or got to choose my subject, but I was to draw my inspiration from Rodney Smith. Immediately, I was drawn in by his work and have loved it ever since.

Some of those prints from high school are even on display today in my basement, some 15 years or so later.

Marked by quirks and whimsy, his portraits of classy, beautiful, striking women and dapper gentleman attract me every time I see them.

A few years ago, there was a new book put out of Rodney Smith's work, and Brian got it for me for Christmas. Perhaps it is my favorite gift of all time. I decided as I gingerly turned the pages and soaked it in, that I'd try emulating his work again.

I had a number of things in mind, and a few years of adoption paperwork, massive personal haircuts, and children to tote along later, it wasn't exactly what was in my mind's eye originally, but such a wonderful experience for me nonetheless.

My husband, Brian, good sport that he is, became my subject and I photographed him.  I wanted our kids to see what it is that I do and how I think when I am being creative and creating art, so they came along, and a friend came to help me help them. We were kind of a sight...

 We wrapped up our photo session with a portrait of us both together.

Introducing Levi

As you may or may not know, I am on maternity leave.  We just had our second son almost a month ago, so before he gets to be that grand ol' age of one month, I wanted to share a few photos to introduce him.

(We'll start with a few from before we left the hospital.)

I'm pleased to introduce you to Levi Cardiff Dukes.

 I simply love this photo. Even though my littlest is wailing.

 Headed home...

Ten days old.

Spoiler alert: my preggo-belly gets big. Like really, really big. Like people ask if I'm having twins on a semi-frequent basis big. And no, I didn't, but I do have big babies and they get crammed in my five-foot-two-frame. If that freaks you out, stop scrolling and doing that fun two-finger trackpad swipe on your laptop.

Also, having two boys born 2 days apart makes for great ease in comparing the experience.  For example, I could think: "With Eli, I did this, that, or the other on such and such a day..." and then I could know what to expect or how to compare what each experience was like.  So, since my wardrobe was essentially the same, I made sure to get a photo taken of me the day before I had Levi in the same shirt in front of the same Christmas tree.  Behold, my giant belly.

Black and White Baby

Several weeks ago, a friend had a little baby. Her fourth. She's amazing, as she greeted me at the door of her hospital room.  Anyhow, just a few black and white baby photos to share today.

Laura & Dustin's Wedding

Back in the fall, I got a taste of how lovely Laura & Dustin's wedding would be when I photographed them for their engagement session.  These two are sweet, laid back, head-over-heels, and to be quite honest, quite photogenic.  This combination makes for a perfect wedding day, and I'd say it was. 

Gorgeous weather. Great families. Fun friends. Wonderful venues. Love and simplicity. It was a splendid day, if I do say so myself.  It made narrowing these down pretty tricky, but here's what I've got to share. 

 A great first look:

Chase captured this moment, and I just can't get enough of it... These are the ones that you can't plan for but captivate you, even without smiles and laughter. Straight from a movie, perhaps...

 But then comes the laughter...

 What a beautiful stained glass window to showcase!

 Love grandma hugs!

 I love this!

Congratulations Laura & Dustin!