Engaged in Pensacola: Daniel and Tiffany

Good Lord, they are a cute couple. I used to work with Daniel when we were both fresh out of school and worked at a car dealership. After three years, it's amazing to see about how far we both have come. Daniel and Tiffany's relationship is absolutely amazing; they were so much fun to shoot.

Expecting in Pensacola: Philip and Kathryn's Pregnancy Photos

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” 
― Mark Twain

In the spirit of that quote, baby William is going to be the force multiplier in the joy that Kathryn and Philip's relationship showcases every day.

These photos, captured on family property in Alabama, were so much fun. In addition to becoming great friends, Philip and Kathryn have swiftly become my favorite subjects with their relentlessly creative and impeccably styled photo ideas. Their son, due in August, will be touched someday when he looks back and sees how much his parents anticipated his arrival.

Creative Portraits: Annie in Henna

Depending on the day, the life of my mind is usually best described as resembling either a carnival funhouse or an all-hyena cast performing Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Photography is my tether and my release valve. Creativity keeps me sane. And I am blessed beyond measure to have a spouse who not only helps me hold back the crazy, but loves to create art with me.

Creative Portraits: Evelia in Bohemian Style

It only took us a year, but I finally got to shoot with the lovely Evelia. Sporting an amazing wardrobe from Pensacola's own Sobo Boutique, we collaborated on a bohemian concept against my favorite backdrop, natural Florida woodlands.

Pensacola Opera: Backstage at The Merry Widow

The stage is a different world behind the curtain...

Something I haven't publicized enough over the last year is that I have spent this past season as the in-house photographer ("photographer in residence" as my ever-so-patient wife wearily conceded this evening) for Pensacola Opera.

I've never been an opera devotee. I certainly appreciate the talent and training behind the voices and incredible detail and craftsmanship in the costumes and sets, but it's never been a performance genre I followed closely. However, since my wife began working at Pensacola Opera last year, and I became absorbed in by association to assist with media coverage, I have enjoyed getting to know the art and the people behind it immensely.

About a week ago, the Opera wrapped up its spring performance run of The Merry Widow. For those who don't know (myself counted among that number until I actually saw the show), TMW is a welcome respite from the typical opera tropes of mad scenes, death scenes and arias that hang into infinity. The story is hilarious and, thank God in heaven, it's sung in English. The Merry Widow was a joy to watch and to photograph.

I took an extra day during tech week and logged some shots backstage and in the wings. The energy and focus behind the scenes was amazing.

The Merry Widow

Artistic Director: Kyle Marrero

Maestro: Jerome Shannon

Director: Dean Anthony

Lighting Design: Charles Houghton

Costume Design: Glenn Breed, Wardrobe Witchery

Performed at the Saenger Theatre, Pensacola, FL.