It’s hard to beat seeing your weddings in print & to see the satisfaction of that comes when others have the opportunity to enjoy as well. Congrats Michael & Jamie!

We recently met up with Calling Glory to photograph for their new EP release (click here). Not only did we capture some incredible images but we had a great time hanging out with some wonderful friends. While you’re at it, connect with Calling Glory on Facebook. Here’s a sample of what we captured… stay tuned for more! *And thankful to my friend Alan Brock for rockin’ this shoot with me!

Can you believe how amazing the sunset was… these images are practically straight out of the camera!

Here’s a description of the book:
“Israel: a photographic journey is a collection of photographs taken from several trips to the ancient land of Israel. Many of the pictures have a biblical theme, yet others are more modern and descriptive of the land today. If you have never seen how beautiful the land of Israel is or have always wanted to visit, yet haven’t gathered the funds, consider Israel: a photographic journey. It will illuminate your perspective on that tiny stretch of land that has the entire world’s attention.”

Click here to view/order a copy from the publisher’s bookstore. 
And a few snapshots from the contents of the book:

A portion of the proceeds are reinvested into an account that provides support for those who are seeking to do university campus ministry & foreign missions/aids work. So far, we’ve been able to provide full financial support for 3 students doing work abroad.If you’re looking for a coffee table book rich in historical/spiritual meaning, check out Israel: A Photographic Journey. Buy a book = help support good things. In case you missed the link, it is: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/245716

Well, it wasn’t just me. My good friend, Jason Wallis, was in the studio as well. Jason is a writer, illustrator, communicator, Student Pastor & self-proclaimed Comic book Fanboy. I’ve known Jason since middle-school & his knack for creativity, coupled with artistry, has always been apparent. Plus, he’s crazy funny!

Friday afternoon Jason & I met up with Katie to be interviewed on the topic, “Risk Taking Entrepreneurs.” When Katie first contacted me I had to warn her that it could get out of hand. Ben + Jason = ridiculous. However, we did manage to keep it somewhat together & successfully complete the interview. For those who were unable to listen, I was eager to make it available, click here for the recording.

Thanks Katie for the opportunity! I had a great time.

Every year I take inventory of & reflect upon the images I’ve gathered over the last year… images of a mother holding her newborn or a baby’s first steps, a father who’s overcome with joy before he walks his daughter down the aisle or the look in a groom’s eyes as he sees his bride for the first time… I could go on & on! These moments are real & lovely. So much time passes during a year & it’s a wonderful gift to be able to cherish tangible reminders (images) of some of your greatest memories. It is for this reason I’m choosing to offer gift cards available for purchase in any amount. Gift credits can be used for toward the purchase of sessions or products… it may just be the perfect time to purchase the gallery canvas you’ve been wanting or to schedule the session you’ve been eager to book. Why not gift one of your favorite people with something they’ll treasure for a lifetime! Drop by, shoot us an email or give us a call & we’ll have one ready for you.

On a separate note, my good friend & photog side-kick, Alan Brock, happens to be the proud owner & Dentist extraordinaire of Brock Dental. A few short years ago after returning to the Motherland (East TN) from the nether-regions of Memphis, TN, Alan purchased a dental practice. Earlier this year he knew it was time for a fresh, updated look… a brand. So, we discussed the scope of the project, said “hasta la vista” to the old, & have been rolling out the new identity for the Brock Dental crew. We have so much more in store (e.g. website, signage, decor, print collateral, etc.), but here’s a peek at the new style. I so dig it! So much so that I sport my Brock Dental shirt around town often.

What do you think?!

Yesterday was a long & glorious day. We were scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 7:30 am to be induced to labor. After a quiet morning & afternoon, the pace began to change around 4pm. Before we knew it, Molly was ready to come; around 6:15pm we had our little girl. We’re blessed to announce her arrival. Everyone… meet Molly Claire Finch, born August 4, 2011, weighing 7.1 lbs. & 19.5 inches long.

Here are a some special moments I captured within the last 24-hours.
Look at that face; love those little “pouty” lips.
Joy’s parents were able to visit & were eager to see their little granddaughter. We’re very thankful to them for keeping Brennan & Knox this past week in order to give Joy & I some rest before Molly’s coming.
They brought Brennan & Knox to see their little sister. It was great to see Brennan respond so well to Miss Molly. He loves her & has been eager to give her hugs & kisses.
Knox was excited to see Molly too but is a bit too energetic to sit around for long. Also, I’m thankful my sister, Amy, & her family were here too!
Us!
My dad & mom, holding the first granddaughter on my side of the family. With our two boys & my sister’s two boys, Molly is certain to be well taken of.
Look at all this hair & those puffy little lips. She’s beautiful!

This year’s Arts Guide for the Athens Area Council for the Arts demanded something entirely different & unique. For last year’s guide I went for bold, colorful & eclectic design… it was a smashing hit & resulted in two AAF Addy Awards… holla! The pressure this year seemed intense as I was expected to surpass last year’s design. This year my concept was a huge departure from last year. I chose 3 main colors that repeat throughout the brochure & on occasions brought in a 3rd color. Plus, I decided to stick with black & white photos/images to keep things consistent. As I received my first copy on Saturday I was thrilled with the outcome. Cheers to the completion of one of my favorite annual design projects! Let me know what you think.

If you have yet to attend an Arts Center performance, you are missing out on some serious fun times with great people. I’ll see you there!

What are your top 3 favorite musical artists?
Alan: 1. U2: this is self-explanatory as they are the greatest band in the history of the world. 2. Flight of the Conchords: hands down, the best folk parody band I’ve ever heard. 3. Justin Beiber: is it weird that a 29 year old male is a fan of The Beiber? Yes it is, but I’m taking classes to hopefully cure this.

Jenn: 1. Dixie Chicks: even though they have questionable ways of sharing their opinion, their music is fantastic! 2. Matthew West: his songs reach me in the darkest and brightest times, leading me to worship my God in any situation. 3. Jeremy Camp: I first saw/heard Jeremy when I was in college..my friends “dragged” me (I was in a rough spot during this time, and they were trying to help me get out of it) to here this unknown artist in a small coffee shop.  After hearing his testimony and songs written from those experiences, I was hooked!

Top 2 movies of all time…
Alan: 1. Braveheart: although Mel Gibson has now gone off the deep end, his “They can never take our freedom” speech gives me chills every time!  Also, I’m a fan of bagpipes. 2. Forrest Gump: When Forrest is talking to Jenny’s grave, if this doesn’t make you tear up, then I suspect you may be a robot.

Jenn: 1. 8 Seconds: This movie has been a favorite since my “cowboy boot, wrangler-wearing” cowgirl days.  Those days are long gone, but this movie still remains a favorite. 2. The Lion King: who doesn’t love singing along to “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”???

I Like…
Alan: flying, the color blue, Canon, my steaks cooked medium, a flat lake and a slalom ski, novelty t-shirts, YouTube, Yorkshire Terriers, PC’s (Edit: Alan has since seen the light and switched to Apple!), Modern Family, naps, Tom Clancy novels, golf.

Jenn: Any time spent with God, Hot Chocolate, McDreamy, chocolate and strawberry milkshakes, Thirty-One products, time with friends, traveling, spring cleaning, snow skiing, wakeboarding, teaching, jewel-tone colors, TLC and Lifetime channels, camping, fresh sheets, late nights, mongolian food, flip-flops, organizing, dancing, time on the lake, trying anything once, and all electronics.

I Don’t Like…
Alan: waking up early, turning 30, green beans, people who take advantage of others, driving slowly in the left lane, soccer, bees, the last season of 24, taking Board Exams, golf

Jenn: mornings, mice, tomatos/onions, snakes, ESPN, laundry, coconut, high-heels, reruns, stress, and fantasy football!

Jenn’s Personality is…
Alan: impossible to describe in one word.  She is patient, always faithful in God’s timing.  She is resilient and strong.  She is fun, always being a great counter to my dry sense of humor.  Last, she is loving and unfailingly loyal to God, me, her friends, and of course our dogs!

Alan’s Personality is…
Jenn: he’s kind-hearted to everyone, loves to be around people, has a deep love for Christ, is my voice of reason (always reminding me to think before I speak), loves anything that requires competition, has a desire to constantly grow by way of new hobbies, prefers home-cooked meals to eating-out, has a quirky sense of humor, loves me the way that God asks a husband to love his wife.  He makes me want to be a better person.

My Approach to Photography is…
Alan: “Let’s have some fun today!”  I have developed such a deep passion for photography that it spills over, and I want to share it with others!  As a photographer, I love soaking up every bit of information I can get about all different types of photography and helping others out along the way.  When shooting, we try to create a fun, relaxed environment, and we strive to capture the moments that describe our clients.  However, most importantly, we want everyone to have fun with it all!

Jenn: My favorite thing about photography isn’t the actual moment of photographing, but it happens right after. It’s when you go to view the pictures and see the moment of time that you caught forever.  It’s when you see the customers reaction, and hear the ooohhh’s and aaahhh’s while viewing their pictures.  It’s the times when you know you’ve made someone else happy just by being there to capture their special moments.  I strive to create a fun-loving, relaxed environment where real, authentic personalities can be captured forever.

I’m stoked to be able to offer Alan & Jenn’s services through BF Photo. I have utmost confidence in these two resulting from dozens of hours with the pair photographing at my side & facing the dozens of challenges that come along with photography. Whenever you see the “Alan & Jenn” signature on an image, you’ll know who was behind that fabulous photograph. Booking a session with Alan & Jenn, you’ll be assured the same incredible service, editing & colorwork, featured blog story, access to exclusive products & more. They are currently available for both weddings & lifestyle sessions. If you’ve considered BF Photo & want a more affordable entry cost, they are a great option. Feel free to contact me; you’ll love getting to know these two!