Irons in the Fire

So..... up until today, I thought I was a big "to-do list" person, but I realized that a little list tucked away in my planner just doesn't have the same impact as these screaming florescent Post-It notes. They send me evil little glares every time I walk by my desk.. If you're a visual person, I highly recommend this method. It's definitely intimidating though. Be prepared to get OVERWHELMED.

Eva's Senior Portraits

Oh... what I'd give to be a senior in high school again. Dances, football games, letter jackets, tennis practice, away matches, decorating for assemblies, making the daily announcements on the intercom, having independent blocks, off campus lunches, decorating your friends' cars... what a fun year. It's amazing how much your life changes after you toss that cap. You never know where God is going to take you. I had no idea I'd be traveling the United States shooting weddings, or speaking to high school yearbook staffs on design and photography, or touring Italy, or working with local radio stations and shooting celebrities... The best is yet to come. You never know who you're going to meet. I made some of my best friends AFTER high school and can't imagine my life without 'em. Senior year was incredible; I hope all the seniors I photograph realize what a unique time they're in. But what's more incredible are all the experiences and people out there just waiting for you! Your life will never be like your senior year again. Enjoy these next 9 months but look forward to what's to come.

Wow.. where did all that come from? Enough of the sentiments...

Eva is a senior at Palmer High here in Colorado Springs and talk about a doll. She is such a sweetheart -so full of spunk. :) And very outgoing and confident. Eva recently returned from a 6 month study abroad program in Chile - how cool is she?!

Alicia & James

These guys make my work EASY! Had such a blast with James and Alicia last night during their engagement experience. (We call our photo sessions "experiences" cause you never know what's going to happen! We always have such a chill time.) Their chemistry is incredible; they were so easy to shoot! We shot around the streets and alleys of downtown Colorado Springs, stopped by the restaurant where they had their first date, Il Vicino (a great place for a first date!), grabbed some ice cream at Josh & Johns, and headed to the Broadmoor from some fun nature-esque photos. :) This is just ONE of my favorites. Wait until you see more.


I'm looking forward to their April wedding!

Blessed.

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. One to go down in history for sure. The whole day was absolutely surreal as I cruised around Hollywood and Beverly Hills in a red Corvette convertible with my best friend. I even crossed off TWO items from my "things to do before I die" list. That's a big deal and perhaps one of the main reasons I'm so elated. We experienced L.A. to its fullest and topped off the day with an incredible engagement session in Newport Beach. Michael and Ashley are getting married in Cherry Valley, California in June 2009; we officially met yesterday for the first time. It was so great to put some faces to the voices I've heard. We had a fabulous time; they were great sports and excitedly did everything I suggested - even closing the evening with a dip in the sea. :) Just a few of my faves... (Click images to enlarge.)

L.A. Adventures

      I'm really looking forward to this week as I have a lot of big things coming up in L.A.  I'm flying out there for an engagement session with Michael and Ashley; we're shooting Monday night on the beaches of California.  I'm really looking forward to meeting this couple for the first time.  I think it's going to be a blast.

      Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday, I'm attending the Pictage Partner Conference. As many of you know, Pictage is my partner company who handles all my printing, my credit card processing, etc.  They are the best in the industry.   There'll be a ton of great seminars from world renowned photographers, including Mike Colón.  I consider Mike to be one of the best wedding photographers on this planet.  He's absolutely amazing not only with his photography but also in how he runs his business.  Mike is one of my biggest role models; he's also my brother in Christ which makes him that much cooler. :)  Anywho, Mike and I are meeting on Wednesday (!); I'm just tickled to death that he's taking time out of his day to meet with me. 

 I cannot wait. 

More details to come. :)  Have a great week, friends. 

Senior Season is in Full Swing!

Congratulations to the class of 2009; both college and high school seniors! We've got some great packages lined up for the 2009 seniors - plus we have a ton of fun on our portrait experiences. Email me for the details. :)

Below are some of Brittany's senior portraits. Brittany will be graduating from Pueblo West High School. We ended the evening with ice cream from my favorite spot: Josh & Johns. :)

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

Big news. Did any of you Southern Colorado folk happen to watch the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on KOAA Channels 5/30 on Sunday night? René Tate Photography sponsored an hour from 10-11 PM. René Tate Photography matched up to $2000 that was donated during that hour. I'm still waiting to hear the final total raised! Evidently, the telethon broke all sorts records. I didn't get to see the segment; I was supposed to do a spot on television, but wound up booking a spontaneous trip to Washington D.C. [Photos to come.] I'm hoping someone saw the segment with my logo and info at the bottom of the screen. Anyone??

P.S. Happy Labor Day! Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite holidays. :)