"O great creator of being grant us one more hour to perform our art and perfect our lives."

Jim Morrison

Cincinnati Warped Tour

The warped tour hit Cincinnati this past week and I had the pleasure of taking my little sister Livvy for her birthday. When we got there it was down pouring. I could not believe what I had gotten myself into, my jeans were soaked to the knees before we even entered the gate. Livvy and I snuggled under my umbrella long enough to get our tickets and then she took off to go hang with her friends. I spent the day hanging my with my camera. I am so glad I was able to sneak it in, though from the look of things press passes were fairly simple to get, there were tons of photographers in front of most of the stages. Who needs a press pass, I love having random security guard heads in my shots, it gives them character!

My favorite band of the day was a local band called Banderas, they put on a great show. If you ever get a chance to see them go.

Please do not steal without my permission and if you do at least give me a link. Thanks

Art

Cincinnati is not much of a destination city, it's not somewhere many people would choose to go on vacation. We don't have a beach and our weather is so unpredictable. Though it is not a place most people want to visit, it is a place I know I will never fully leave. Living here most of my life I have truly grown to love this area with all of its natural beauties tucked away in its rolling hills.

I remember being a teenager thinking I could not wait to move as far away from here as I could. I thought life would be so much greater if I could get away, "I'm heading west, that is where I belong", I thought to myself. I couldn't bare to be normal, I wanted something greater and I was afraid I wouldn't find it here.

I soon discovered the place I was searching for wasn't going to be found by running away, it was a place I had always known. It was buried deep in my heart, waiting until I was ready to understand. It was awakened to the sound of music and the desire to create. To explore and to realize. To love and to know. It is a world where I am aware and I enjoy the beauty of my life no matter where I am. I am an artist.

In this world I am never bored, in this world I am free to be me. Its a deep appreciation for all that surrounds me. Its the most beautiful song ever written and I will listen to it over and over again. Time stands still in this world and all that I love are my most valued treasures. I am thankful for this place I have found, I will honor it always.

The boys...

I have to admit I am such a sucker when it comes to my nephews. Austin is the oldest and today he talked me into letting him sneak and drive my car when we went to pick up dinner. I was a little nervous to say the least. We had talked about it before and I just blew it off. He didn't forget and I could tell the whole time I was at his house it was on his mind. We went to an empty parking lot and I let him take the wheel, they can talk me into anything, its awful. He didn't wreck and I didn't have an anxiety attack so I guess it was a success.

Here are some pictures of the boys. Check out Eli's fat ankles, I love it!

I downloaded some textures from Kim Long Photography's blog and played around a little with these pics, I'm really digging the vintage feel with all that contrast.

A great day for love...

I met Amanda a couple of years ago when we worked together.  I fell in love with her spirit right away.  She is not only beautiful, but also has the kindest heart.   I asked her if she would do a couple's session with her boyfriend Brian to help me build my portfolio.  The session was amazing.  These two are so passionate about each other, it was beautiful to watch them with my camera.  They made my job way too easy.  I was able to experiment with some new stuff I have been trying to figure out and I love the results.  Thanks so much Amanda and Brian for spending a gorgeous evening with me along the river.  I cant wait to show you the rest.  By the way, Amanda is an awesome yoga instructor in Northern Ky at Moshka Yoga you can find her at http://www.mokshayoganky.com/.  

Cincinnati Boudoir Photography

Last night I had another awesome Boudoir shoot with a beautiful young woman. She is getting married soon and wanted to give her hubby-to-be a secret little sexy gift on their wedding day, so cool! It gives me butterflies when I think about how surprised and stoked her groom is going to be when he sees his book. It is something that will be cherished by both of them for the rest of their lives. Love it, love it, love it! It is not only a super gift for him, but for her too. It was beautiful seeing the transformation of her attitude towards the shoot. She went from a little nervous to I'm a freaking super model in a matter of minutes. Boudoir photography is too much fun!!!!

I can't post her pictures on here yet... I don't want to ruin his surprise. Instead I posted one I took of a good friend of mine who is also my favorite model! Thanks girl!

I'm working on my new website and plan on having a whole section dedicated to Boudoir stay tuned...