Meet the Princes. First up, Ryan Prince. Although he wouldn’t admit it (probably his South Knoxville raising… ha!) Ryan is one of the most hospitable guys I know; he often goes out of his way to serve others. I’ve seen him on several occasions set this example. And, you never know what’s going to proceed out of the mouth of this strapping lad… not in a bad way but in a “did milk just squirt out of my nose?” kind of way. He’s hil-air-ious. He’s also the mastermind behind Prince Technologies {http://www.PTcabling.com}. His better half & lovely wife, Lillian (as Ryan calls her, “baby momma”), is the beauty behind all that brawn. Lillian is a photographer with rock n’ roll kind of talent {http://www.lillianprincephotography.com}. She was an art major from UT & now finds that photography is the ideal medium for her to express her creativity. We met the Princes through our church (Cornerstone Church of Knoxville) & now attend the same small group. Lillian & I began collaborating on some projects about a year ago & when our schedules allow, assisting one another for weddings. It’s super fun & always a joy to help one another out.

Recently, when Ansel & Lisa booked me for their Key Largo, FL wedding, I extended an invitation for Ryan & Lillian to accompany Joy & I to the beach. It took us approximately 15 minutes to discuss the details & the itinerary was set. We would fly into Ft. Lauderdale Friday night, Lillian & I would shoot the wedding on Saturday, & then we’d vacate until the following Saturday. Business with pleasure! Did I mention we left our kids at home? Booyah… sweet nectar of life!

That is exactly what we did… & we looked good doing it! I’ll save some of our random photos til a later post; for now we’ll focus on the Princes.

One of the things we wanted to make sure to do was to have a few mini portrait sessions for each other. We pulled it off several times; here’s what it looked like from my perspective:

I wish I had captured audio for these ’cause you’d hear Ryan telling everyone who passed by on the pier, “I’m a model… we’re in the middle of a big shoot!” One lady said, “Yeah you are!”
I have to tell you Ryan… I think purple may be your color!
Our condo was perfectly situated between the Atlantic Ocean & the Inter-coastal Waterway.
There’s absolutely no telling what was being said here.
When Ryan & Lillian first met in college through VFC (Volunteers for Christ), they spent several dates swing dancing. It seemed appropriate to give it a go!
The pics below were immediately following Lillian taking pics of Joy & I. I didn’t have my camera on me so I grabbed her’s a captured a few.
I love the whole composition of the one below… really nice!

I went out to the McDonalds’ farm the other day & spent some time capturing this season of life. Although it must’ve been 100 degrees by 9am, we still had a great time running around. Plus, the sunflowers were in season which were the perfect backdrop.

Hunter Benjamin McDonald
William Chase McDonald with dad, Travis.
Travis just completed building a play house for the boys… it’s big-time!
Amy & Travis.
I love this pic… Amy was saying to Chase, “Don’t you dare smile Chase!” This is his tough look… priceless.
So thankful for this family! Love you guys!

When we bought our house we loved the extra 160 square feet screened-in back porch just off the kitchen. But as I thought about bringing my office home, I knew this space would be ideal. With blazing hot summers & cold winters, I was going to have to close in the space. I began researching & designing the space, gathering materials, begging my Father-in-law & dad to help, & eventually beginning the renovation. We did all the renovation ourselves & saved a ton of money… you wouldn’t believe the final cost. I will spare some of the details but I designed the space to echo my Ben Finch Photography brand. There are a few things missing… I’m saving to add a couch & coffee table, signage, & a large plasma/LCD TV to show clients their session photos. Here it is so far with it’s wonderful natural light pouring in… drum roll please!!

One of the challenges & benefits of moving to such a small space is that it forces you to simplify. Everything in the office serves a purpose now. The suitcases & trunk both house photo equipment & office supplies. The couch & coffee table will serve as a workstation when I have meetings with my designers & photography associates. And I have areas for temporary & permanent filing… it’s an organizational dream!

Leave me a comment below & let me know what you think. If you have any questions about the benefits/challenges of running a business (or two) from home or feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment. Or, if you have any questions for that matter… I’ll be glad to try to answer.

Here are a few pics of the area beforehand as I was measuring for windows. These images remind me of how hard it was to keep the screened-in porch clean… it drove me crazy! Not any more!!

It’s quite odd… does this happen to other people?

About two weeks ago I went to the mailbox & a bird flew out of the newspaper slot. She’s been there for several weeks now & without fail, I forget she’s nested there & she’ll dive bomb me when I collect the mail. I bet the neighbors find it hilarious.

Well… two days ago I realized her little chicks had hatched. Today when I went to the mailbox I took my camera & caught a quick pic of our ‘special delivery.’ Joy isn’t too thrilled, she’s kind of creeped out by birds.

There are at least two in there, but this guy seems to be the most social… love the bird mohawk. Does this qualify as a newborn session?

Yesterday I received a letter in the mail from my undergrad Alma Mater, the University of Mobile. It was special to me because it represented so much, namely, the incredible journey the Lord has taken me on these past few years. Just over two years ago, my wife was pregnant with our first child & I decided to resign from my steady & well-paying job (the one I have 9 years of higher education toward) & pursue two businesses I had recently started (w/ no promise of income), Ben Finch Photography & The Visible Group [Marketing & Design]. Was I crazy? Yeah… possibly, but it was & is worth the risk of failing to pursue my dreams. And have I failed? Geeze… countless times since, but it’s been completely worth it. There are mistakes I made in the beginning that you couldn’t pay me enough to do again. But, I cannot explain the amount of fulfillment & joy that comes from pursuing your dreams even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Since, I’ve had dozens of opportunities to share my story & it’s overwhelming how many people dare not to pursue their dreams, rather choosing stability, comfort, etc. I’m hoping I will have the courage to continue taking the ‘road less traveled’… it makes all the difference.

Back to the matter at hand, The Visible Group, was hired by the University of Mobile to design/develop two websites, provide commercial photography for print/web, & develop a new brandmark & identity material for UMobile. The scope of the project was huge but proved to be an incredible experience. I’m so thankful for a school like University of Mobile; it was the perfect place for me to help foster close relationships with fellow students, teachers, & administration. Choosing to attend UMobile has proved one of the best decisions of my life. I’m so proud of our work that I wanted to pass it on & get your feedback. I’d love to hear your thoughts… this was such a fulfilling project as I was able to give back to my Alma Mater.

This is the main University of Mobile website I designed (& developed by our web development partner, Nvisionative) located at www.umobile.edu. You’ll see my photography work throughout much of the site, primarily in the rotating image areas.

And here is the site located at giving.umobile.edu. I designed this site to appeal to a older demographic, specifically alumni & the business community.
This is the stationery for general office use. The recruiting office has it’s own stationery that is a bit edgier for a younger demographic. They both include the University of Mobile’s new brandmark, aka logo.
If you have friends or family who are looking for a great education & would like to head on down to the beautiful Mobile Bay, check out the University of Mobile. Tell them I sent you!

Wednesdays are different. For well over a year now I’ve committed to meet with a group of men in our community weekly at 6 am as we discuss life… family… work… God. We spur one another along & remind ourselves of our priorities. We’re candid, sometimes painfully honest, accountable, & open. Some of us are teachers, some pastors, others principals, business men, doctors, creative types, an actor, musicians, factory workers, bankers, biz owners, etc. We are all from very different backgrounds: black, white, hispanic… wealthy, poor, & in-between… it doesn’t matter. It works. These guys have enriched my lives in ways unparalleled.

This morning I was reminded that the best things in life take time to develop. As one guy used to tell me, “A squash takes only a few weeks to grow, yet an oak tree takes a lifetime.” It was a great reminder for me to pursue & invest my life in things that will matter in the longterm. Rather than prioritize my schedule, it may be wiser to schedule my priorities.

What about you… what have you been thinking about lately? What is a lesson you were reminded of that came at the right time? Can you identify people in your life that help spur you on & remind you of your top priorities?

This pic I took the other day on a drive to a shoot serves as a great reminder of this lesson. Enjoy!

I’m certain he’s taught me more than I’ve been able to instruct; being a Father often has that affect. Upon his arrival it seems I was given new eyes or at least new glasses through which I would see. It was almost magical that I cared less about myself & more about him… & her… our family. He’s reminded me to love fully, hurt deeply, to abandon pride… to care… to live!!!

On May 10, Brennan turned two… 730 days of life! It was an epic day! Banners were hung, cakes were baked, family/friends/neighbors came over, gifts were given… it was a great day. Brennan, I’m proud to be your dad! These pics are for you! There are so many people that love you son!

Brennan has some serious affection for Elmo.

Our good friends, the Princes, came over on Brennan’s b-day for hotdogs & hamburgers. Here is their beautiful little girl Ella Reese.

Lillian & Dean (aka Dean-O). Lillian is a fantastic photographer & artist. We have begun to take on several projects together & are shooting some weddings w/one another throughout this summer. You can check out her work here. Dean is one of the kindest little boys you’ll ever meet. We celebrated Brennan’s b-day with my family the day after due to work schedules. Here is our nephew Chase who is 7 weeks older than Brennan. This little guys has no fear… he is 100% boy!Here’s our nephew Hunter. Hunter is definitely one of Brennan’s favorite people in the world. My sister brought bubbles for the boys to play with… Brennan really got the hang of it. My little man, Knox. Gosh I love this dude… he is the happiest baby I’ve ever know. It’s rare that you don’t see a huge smile on his face; he constantly teaches me to be joyful. Knox & my woman!!Bailey was so excited… can’t you tell!This pic was just too perfect not to animate.Our fabulous neighbors, Phil & Judy (or as Brennan says, “Joo-Joo”) Anders. Brennan got a new bike but isn’t quite big enough to ride it. That didn’t stop Chase from giving it a go… he loved it!Knox & my mom (aka Meme).

There are only a few phrases available in the English language that convey how much I love my new camera lens. I find myself saying things like, “Are you kidding me?”, “Duuuuuddddeee, that’s amazing!”, “It’s a beautiful thing… simply beautiful” & “Wicky, wicky, uh!” (sorry… when I get really excited I have a habit of saying ‘wicky, wicky, uh!’ as if I were a white rapper & scratching a vinyl record on my turntable resulting in the ‘wicky, wicky, uh’ sound). Back to the lecture at hand, all I’m saying is that as a photographer, the quality of light at 1.2 is gorgeous. I’ve yet to shoot at any other aperture since putting the lens on. It’s quickly becoming my favorite lens. If you want a great post on the 50 1.2, check out my friend Melissa Jill’s post here.

Although I haven’t shot a session with it yet, I’m looking forward to doing so tomorrow. I’m super stoked. But, in the meantime, I had to play around with it around the house. Here are some shots from last week:

Here’s Brennan in our ’89 Wagoneer.

My little man, Knox, with his crazy baby giggle.

Brennan is looking like a little model; I wish I had some yellow pants like that.

My dad with Knox & Capri, our friends Don & Alison Nation’s little girl.

Next thing I know, Brennan is running around pantless in the back yard. Knox was busy swinging when I caught his attention.

My lovely bride with our Knox, aka Little Ben.

Saturday night we went to see our friends Gil & Melanie Balch & their little girls, Isabelle & Ava. We grilled burgers & played our guitars on the front porch… good times indeed! Gil has instruments all over the house; Brennan knows what to do with a guitar.

Gosh… I love these kids.

Melanie & Isabelle; I love that look she’s giving me.

The newest little Balch girl, Ava.

Look at those eyes… wow!

Gil is one the most talented guys I know. Aside from his ability to grow the perfect beard, he can play practically every instrument out there… incredible.

Here is a great example of shooting in fairly low lighting conditions, yet at 1.2, it’s no problem.

Knox, our little dinosaur.

So… for those who are interested, I wanted to let you in on my life to this point. This picture kind of symbolizes my life up to this point (plus, every post is better with a pic!), I call it, “A Choice to Make, ” [taken inside an old crusader's castle dating back to the 1200's, Nimrod's Fortress, in the northern Golan Heights in Israel].

I was born in Huntsville, AL in ’80 to the wonderful Ralph & Carol Finch, 3 years behind my unbelievably responsible & supportive big sister Amy. We lived in Guntersville, AL until around ’84 when my dad followed his job with TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) to the hills of East TN. I was always drawn to creative things… when I learned to write, I began developing handwritten fonts (btw, I’m such a typography nerd… if I see a business whose logo or promotional material I don’t like, I can’t convince myself to shop there. I once canceled my reservations at a hotel once I saw that they used a certain font I didn’t like… I think I have a problem!). And, I remember as a kid when we’d travel to my grandparents, I would look out of the window & imagine myself taking pictures of the landscapes… I wanted to “save” those images forever. Being artsy & creative wasn’t always very cool, so I suppressed it for years. Opting instead for sports. I grew up with a soccer ball next to my side at all times, resulting in many broken windows, broken lamps, several broken noses, & a few heart to hearts with mom & dad. Good times indeed!

My dream was to play soccer at a Div 1 college, be invited to play for the US National Team, then following my soccer career, be a Veterinarian, Navy Seal, or Astronaut (??? random, I know). All was headed in that direction until my Junior year at McMinn CountyHigh School when I decided to try out for the football team. Before I knew it I was given a nickname, Boomer. I’m totally not kidding. Apparently I excelled above my peers as a kicker & punter. Many looks from big universities came rather quickly & I was forced with a decision to make. Play football & go to a “big” school or pursue soccer & “settle” for a smaller school. Influencing my college decision was a dramatic shift in my life resulting from God graciously showing me my need for Him & showing His kindness toward me in Jesus’ work on the cross. I thus decided to go to the University of Mobile & “settle” to play soccer (but don’t pity the fool, UM was ranked in the top 10). And what a wonderful decision it would prove.

I began as a Marine Science major at UM (still wondering what in the world I was thinking). My Marine Science stint was brief & I soon transferred my studies to the Dept. of Religion & Communications. I was learning a ton about who I was, who I wasn’t (marine scientist) & who I would grow to be. My freshman year I was heavily influence by music & was given my first guitar. My roomies joked with me as I showed off my new song, “Ben, that sounded exactly like the last song you played” (what are roomies for but to humble you!). But, God hooked me up by allowing me to be around  or under the ministry of many gifted musicians & worship leaders: my brothers from other mothers, Nathan Smith & Matt Howard, the ever popular Mike, Jay, Jeremy, Joe, & Jeff (Big Daddy Weave), Darrell Evans (he’s written just about every modern song you’ve ever sang in church), Chris Lockwood (33 Miles) the list goes on & on… Brian Argo, Brad Hill, Joe Langley, Taylor White, Taylor McCall, & more.

Long story short, one day I walking to class & the campus ministry director ran up to me, “Ben, you play the guitar right?”

“Uh, yeah, kind of. I know like 6 chords.”

“Great. Here’s my guitar. Go lead the music for chapel.” Next thing I knew, I was literally standing in front of half of my university singing & playing the guitar (I’m still surprised I wasn’t kicked off the stage). Little did I know at the time that I would be doing that the rest of my college career.

The next few years I spent serving as a worship leader & Bible teacher/speaker for churches, events, conferences, etc. My senior year I met Joy Baldwin (that story is a whole post in itself) & we began to pursue a relationship. I spent several months trying to win over her heart & upon doing so, I was hired by a church in Germantown, TN (7 hours away) who offered to pay for my graduate school. I went on staff at the church & began working on my Master’s degree at MABTS. The next few years were so difficult as Joy & I dated 2+ years long distance & I, at some points, worked 3 jobs in addition to school trying to save for the future. Hence, by the time Joy & I were married, I was practically exhausted.

Fast forward a bit… in 2005, I graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree in Biblical Studies & immediately went into doctoral studies in Organization/Strategic Leadership at Regent University. At this time I really began questioning my vocation but didn’t know what to do.  I served at two churches in Memphis before moving back to East TN to serve at a church. There was so much of this that I really loved but had a strong desire to pursue several hobbies, namely photography & design. I started two part-time businesses, Ben Finch Photography & The Visible Group. People began taking note of my photography & design work by purchasing fine art prints, buying prints from my travels, asking me to photograph family members, & hiring me to design logos/brochures, etc.

In 2008, I stepped down from occupational ministry & worked for a year as a leadership consultant. I traveled often consulting & training leadership/management in medical practices across the United States. During this time I was approached by my employer to develop a leadership curriculum for our accounts. We had such a positive response, we decided to publish it in book form, “A Remarkable Practice.” I still travel on occasion doing motivational seminars & leadership training based upon the book’s content.

In March 2009, I made the plunge. I decided that what most fulfilled me occupationally was being able to be creative even if it meant a drastic sacrifice in salary. Hence, I went full-time with my photography business, Ben Finch Photography, & my marketing & design business, The Visible Group. Since, I have worked like crazy furthering my trade & thanking God for every client that has come my way. Along with that, I have such a strong desire to help others pursue excellence & fulfillment in their lives & jobs. This decision has drastically changed my life, freeing up much time to invest in the things most important, my family, neighbors, relationships… the things that last forever.

So… I’ve learned that it isn’t as important what you do vocationally as it is who you are becoming. I’m so thankful for the journey I’m on & cheers to what’s next!

What’s your story? I’d love to hear; consider this an invitation to connect!

Fast forward a few hours & it’s starting to smell like snow. Next thing you know there are flurries coming down which moments later transformed into mammoth flakes. Hallelujah! I then proceeded with a brief snow celebration dance before deciding to give myself the remainder of the day off. I jumped in the car & went to the hacienda for some serious family quality time. The rest my friends is history… the proof is below.

Joy captured this image of Brennan & I as we began to to build “The Man” (aka. snow man).

When it comes down to it, all Brennan really cares about is eating the snow.

My snow building skills are quite lacking, hence, Joy had to take over.

We went “all out” decorating the snow man. Can’t you tell?

Knox stayed warm inside. We made him a pallet in front of the front door so he could be in on the fun.

Seriously, Knox has one of the best personalities I know. He is such a pleasure.

Brennan wanted to wear one of daddy’s ties. He was also jealous for our dog, Bailey, to wear the tie.

With two boys under the age of 2, I try to squeeze in naps whenever I can. These snow days have absolutely worn me out.

Every time I lay down, little ones are sure to follow.

I could watch this for the rest of my life!