I’ve been looking forward to Amelia & Dave’s engagement shoot for a while now. They wanted to do a rather non-traditional shoot and I jumped on the opportunity. Although we couldn’t secure the location I had initially desired to use, we hit a more polished look that spoke to their unique style. I sometimes feel the traditional engagement shoot can end up being a tad cliche and over-done. These aren’t as conceptual as some of my other shoots, but I was after a more stylized look to the final photos. Have a peek..

~dave

This past weekend, Trevor and I traveled to Atlanta to hang out with my longtime friend Zack Arias and his beautiful family sharing hernia-inducing laughs and more New Castle than I ever imagine existed. Aside from spending time at the UsedFilm studio, hitting the Star Bar with Erik Dixon on Friday night listening to some incredible music and hanging out with the kids, Zack and Meghan had me shoot their family portrait. I was eager to show Zack the ropes (**har har**), challenging myself to create some impressive non-traditional family photographs. To my surprise, Zack took us to a “mystery” location for the shoot late Saturday afternoon. A man after my own heart, we arrived at an abandoned prison just outside of Atlanta.

Although I was utterly tempted to shoot a whole new SIMPLE+DIRTY series, I took on the task at hand as we were losing light fast. With little direction, the entire Arias family hands-down owned the shoot. Even little Hawke had more style than most white-belt-wielding emo bands. Since we brought the kids into an abandoned location, I first scouted the location ensuring the structure was stable and was clear of squatters or any shifty inhabitants. No worries. Safety was a priority. Afterward, we returned to their house to shoot a more conceptual series showcasing a true working photographer’s lifestyle, often times unseen by most people. See below..

Zack is by no means a “rockstar” photographer. He is a real dude that is faced with daily challenges, paying the bills and keeping food on the table. But more importantly he’s a devoted husband, an incredible father and a true friend. This trip wasn’t about gear, lighting set-ups, business plans or magic bullets. It was about friendship. It was about laughter, love and being a part of a solid family lifestyle. I love these guys to no end and look forward to visiting them soon!

Zack and Hawke sharing some Starbucks.

Erik at work.

We invented the Tacotini. Trademarked…

The aftermath..

And I never thought I’d say this, but I made Zack my bitc… err… assistant.

Happy Thanksgiving!
~dave

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Free Nugget… Zack told me he shoots everything F/8, 1/250th shutter and uses Canon when he’s in a creative rut. There you go..

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Just kidding.

BRIAN & ERIN
November 7th, 2009
Epikos Church
The Miller Room
Milwaukee, WI

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Congratulations!
~dave

At the recent seminar I gave in Green Bay, I focused on talking about the importance of always shooting for yourself first, client second. It sounds weird to some, but it is the sole reason I remain focused, motivated and inspired with artistic vision in my photographic career. I maintain the stance that if I shoot for myself, I’m constantly able to push my creative limits and hold myself to the standard of creating something that stands out from the crowd. Of course, I shoot what my client’s need. But I take the necessary time with every shoot I’m on to do something different, stepping away from the stereotypical norm.

This past Sunday, I traveled three hours across the state to my aunt’s farm to shoot senior photos for my cousin Alisha. This place has always been magical for me, as I pretty much grew up here hunting, doing manual labor and spending time with my family. Aside from battling some last minute schedule conflicts, I was excited to get over there to shoot. A long-overdue trip.

Alisha was very easy to shoot and pretty much rolled with all of my ideas, regardless of how crazy they seemed. She brought a creative element to the shoot and was eager to let me take the reigns and run with it all. The first round of photos posted below, showcase a small series I shot within her senior shoot that was very much in a different direction than I have gone before. The locations were hands-down amazing and I felt compelled to try something new. Have a look..

Here are some more shots from the day:

We trekked pretty dang far to shoot these last few..

~dave

BETHANIE & KEVIN
October 23rd, 2009
Long Grove Community Church
Makray Memorial Golf Club
Barrington & Long Grove, IL

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Congratulations!
~dave