To Tell a Story.

But which one should I choose?
I’ve been out of touch for oh so long that a million things seem to have happened.

Primarily?
I’ve been jetsetting all over the country to speak at marketing conferences, finally
revealing what it is I do for a living, and doing my best to help change a few people’s
perspectives and lives. It’s been exhausting… But quite rewarding!

Of course, in all these travels I’ve accumulated quite a sundry of stories and snapped
off hundreds (even thousands) of photos. Plus, I still have to finish the story from my
last post… And I’d only be two months late

Alas, I do believe I must post a few photos and brief explanations before I upset
all my subscribers.

Sound Good?

As I type this, I’m sitting in a conference room in San Jose, CA. This is my second trip
up to the Bay Area in the past month, my last trip was for the photography business
and this one for the marketing one.

Here are a few shots from each, whaddya say?

Meet Simon and Karen:

Simon is a business partner of mine in my marketing business, and
I’m stoked to be shooting his wedding this October as well. He and
Karen are absolutely darling and we’ve had a blast shooting together
(We’ve actually had three full days of engagement sessions to date…
…Insanity!)

I can’t wait for their wedding, and the following ceremony in Hong Kong

Bri Came Too…

On my first trip to San Fran that is… It was her first time there, and
she seemed to have an absolute blast! (photo by Karen with my camera:)

Of course, we hit all the top tourist spots (and quite a few that weren’t):

Bri Looking Far Too Cute

Si & Karen Once More…

It’s crazy really, but I have 467 engagement photos for these two…
So far you’ve seen a few from San Fran… I’ll toss a couple more of those
in the mix, then a few more from when they came down to Laguna a few
weeks ago for Karen’s birthday party

So Cute

And now to Laguna
(Karen’s a bit of a nut [in the best kind of way])

Private Moments…

They Had A Ball On The Beach

And The Sunsets

Soooo many more stories to tell, so many silly little adventures…
Soooo much fun to share with all of you, I truly wish I had more time!

And yet, I’ve been working on THIS post for 8 days… I think that’s
a bit too long, don’t you? *Now* I’m back in Laguna for a moment
and I think I’m due to finally get this thing live, don’t you?

Many more photos and stories to come one day soon.

I think I’ll hire Mary (broncomom) to update my BlueShoePhoto site
for me every day or so… Whaddya say?

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What I’ve Been Up To…
(this week)

Sunday, I promised my readers over at BlueShoePhoto a post…
A real one this time, and one that would reveal all the mysterious
tales behind this photo:

And, well… here goes nothing

Since my last post, life has been a bit of a blur…
I’ve taken up surfing, and golf, as well as traveling coast to coast… Twice.

See, since July of last year I’ve dabbled in currency trading to augment my
other investing and since the beginning of the year and the wild swings of
the markets I’ve been putting more and more of my time into it. Why should
this matter?

Well, one of my best friends and mentors is a full time currency trader, and
he lives here in Sarasota, FL with his wonderful family so I’ve been doing
all I can to soak as much market knowledge as I can into my lil’ old brain…
Not just once in the past two months, but twice!

It’s been a blast, I must admit… Golfing, playing poker, taking photos, and
trading like a mad man… Quite a time!

But… all this is only a prologue to the tale I must relate to you next.

Some of you know of my “past life” as I call it.
Growing up, all I really cared about were airplanes, flying, and doing
whatever it took to get my head back in the clouds.

I guess it makes sense, really… After all, I AM a third generation pilot, and
I grew up living 100 yards from a little airfield… But I must admit, I took it
to an extreme there for about 5 years… I lived flying. I sold airplanes, I became
an instructor pilot, I started test flying, I flew skydivers… I even built planes.

It was a rush!

But then, somewhat tragically (but obviously within God’s will) I got in an
accident that took my mind of flying for the past 4 years and left me with a
broken back… Of course that opened the door to building my photography
business, motorcycles, marketing and even more traveling. But in my heart?
I REALLY miss flying

That’s why I was ecstatic when I heard that I’d be back in Florida in time for
the annual Sun-N-Fun fly in… See, this event for YEARS was my favorite
time of the year. A full week of flying, selling, and hanging around thousands
of airplanes and tens of thousands of pilots… Way cool!

Luckily, I was able to talk my cousin into flying down to Sarasota to pick me
up for a day or two, it sure felt nice to be calling “my” private plane

A short while later, we arrived back at my family’s place in Lake Wales
and the festivities for their annual Pilot’s bbq had already begun… Nearly
a dozen antique aircraft roared around the pattern, several of them giving
rides, and a few biplanes could be seen off in the distance practicing their
aerobatic routines.

So, without further ado… Here are a few of my more favorite photos from
my 48 hour caper

Break Away….

Upon entering the pattern over the Chalet, my Uncle joined up with
us in his aerobatic Pitts Special for a few moments before breaking
away for a bit more fun.

Another…

Almost looks fake, doesn’t it?
I LOVE the clouds in Florida

Cousin “It”…

My cousin Audra was excited to see me, lol.
She’s actually moving to New Zealand this next week, she’ll be
stopping by California for a few days to visit with Bri and I

“Jr’s First Airplane Ride”

Did I mention the rides they were giving?
Each year they become a bit more of an attraction… As this little one
can soon attest too, getting their first ride in a friend’s ‘46 Cub.

In The Family…

35 years ago, my Uncle had his very first solo flight in the
exact same Cessna 140 you see above. About ten years ago
he found it stashed in someone’s barn. A whole heck of a lot
of work later and you get to see his son flying it like mad!

And Your Point Is?

Talk about a priceless expression to go with that shirt, eh?

Priceless….

There’s nothing like a 70 year old airplane taking a young person
on the ride of their life [Check this one out LARGER, it’s lovely!]

Then, I got to shoot a few quick portraits of some beautiful friends…
They’re so stinkin’ cute together

But now it’s time to…

Wrap Up…

The flying for the day… Tomorrow’s going to be a long one….
(And the next day is even BETTER - Here’s a little preview :-D)

Topsy Turvy….

 

See You Here Again Soon?

P.S. I’m traveling tomorrow, but I’d love to know which photo
was your favorite… Fill me in!!

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Photoblog…

Lately, I’ve been editing a TON of old photos… Some older than
others, to be sure but bunches of shots none-the-less.

And now, as it’s getting late at night, and I’ve already lost this post
to Xanga’s evil monsters once and I’m running a bit low on the energy
I’d need to combat them after writing another epic length post, lol.

“Hunter Museum of Art”

Taken during one of my trips back to Tennessee
sometime around August or September

You simply HAVE to see this one Larger!

“Insane Graffiti”

Or perhaps something a bit more risque?

Insane eh? Haha

Christmas with the Farewells….

(And the rest of our family… Caroling!)
We’ve had this ongoing tradition for as long as I can
remember, dinner with the extended family at the Chalet
then a march all the way through the dining room with the
entire family in tow, singing at the top of our lungs!!

My lovely Aunt and Cousin (From Christmas Eve also)

Bri finally made it!

After an incredibly difficult journey Bri arrived two days
after Christmas to meet my folks… I dare say they loved her

“A Perfect Ten”

Shot this one and the next at a friend’s engagement party

Emilie…

Has absolutely incredible eyes, and just so happens to
be the Groom’s sister

And Bri loves water “almost” as much as I do.

Okay, lets jump around a bit.

Sarasota, FL

Lunch & cigar time!

With one of my finance mentors

And then?
Chattanooga, TN

Off to Atlanta… With snow!

Out of order, but:
St. Augustine, FL

And that’s all for tonight
Hopefully more to come very, very soon!

Let me know if I can be praying for you…
I haven’t asked in a while, but I’d be blessed if I can.

What Was Your Favorite Photo?

________________________________________________________

Attention Brides!
As of today, I only have 6 more spots left for the 2008 wedding season.
And only three left at my current rates. After that, I will have 3 additional
spots but rates will be raised to a new $6,000 minimum.

All complete packages include a wedding album, second photographer,
engagement session and a carefully created slideshow.

You can inquire by sending me an email: Eric [at] BlueShoePhotography.com
Or giving me a call directly! 423-227-0070

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And LOVES It!!

So, way back in December I got a wild hair and finally bought
myself a Canon 5D. I’d been searching for months and finally found
“the one”. It’s owner put it on a plane with a flight attendant the next
day and a few hours later I picked it up at Long Beach airport

Of course, as you might imagine… This is far from my first camera,
in fact it’s the fifth in my current stable!! (You might even call me
a bit of an addict, haha) But… Outside of film this was my first FF
camera and I must admit, I’m an addict.

The depth of field is incredible, here… Let me show you a few photos
from my very first day with it

“First Shot”

This is also a first look at my new digs here in Laguna…
You’re looking out the window from my little office desk
and over all my Pre-Christmas trash if you stare REALLY
hard in the top left corner of the “view” you can see the ocean
about a block and a half away

I met Matt and Mary downtown for a quick shoot which
turned into a rather full evening quite rapidly!

Greenpeace?

I think Matt might have even signed up.

I also bought a new surf kayak…

But no, that’s not me… Haha.

Did I mention the depth this camera offers??

70-200 Shot @ F2.8… Not even a prime!

Mary liked the fact that I could now let her use my 30D…

Got to Love the Chrismas Season

And then I got to capture Matt doing what he does best… You have
to see his last posts with the images from this shoot!

“Pink Sunday”
(Thanks to Scott for the action!)

He’s totally in his element there.

The moon rose just before sunset, and it was beautiful!

And then…. My first crazy sunset shoot with the 5D

And that’s all for today folks…
The whole point is that I like my new 5D very much…
Though I cannot WAIT for an update, I NEED better AF sensors!

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Have You Ever…

Discovered really old photos that you have yet to edit?
Well, I sure do… Practically every time I’m teaching
a teleseminar, which is at least twice a week, lately.

So… Now you get to take a quick peak at my friend
Emily’s visit from TN to Laguna… Specifically our
trip up to Balboa island one day

“”

They’re an interesting bunch up there, really… Haha.

It’s an odd experience, shooting for fun again… I’ve become
so accustomed to capturing people’s emotions and beauty
that shooting random objects is:
A) EXTREMELY EASY!
B) Relaxing as heck.
C) Makes me look like a photography student
to random passersby [which is hilariously entertaining…

I got into an argument with a guy last week - Him: “So
you WANT to be a photographer” - Me: “No, actually
I AM a photographer” - Him: “You mean you WANT
to be a photographer?”

Haha too funny.

Oh, and I get to take random photos of odd things, did I
mention how much I enjoy that?

Random…

Playing with depth, textures, sharpness, macro’s etc. etc.
Loads of fun

Ouch…

Hotness….

Gosh, I get to think through leading lines and colors again!
Wow….

Ms. Emily

Crazy DOF…

Bri Needed Some Love…

Nutty Differences in Building Supplies.

Then, on the drive home… We spotted this GORGEOUS view
at one of my favorite locations in North Laguna.

Mmmmmm….

And one more perspective…
Why? Because I was shooting for fun
(Though this one could have had a bit more contrast I suppose)

Good times!

Isn’t this fun?
(the whole blogging more often thing, of course

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….I Posted (Practically) Everyday?

Would life as we know it cease to exist?
Would Ron Paul win the election? (I wish)
Would your head explode from frequent viewings of my photos?

Let’s find out, whaddya say?

Yes?

Announcing my new “daily” blog… BlueShoePhoto

A place for me to avoid posts of epic length, and the 5-6 month
delay so commonly associated with my posts here… Not to mention
all the quirky comments, stories, and thoughts I’d never even think to
post before

So… Go Subscribe!!

I’ll keep posting here of course, this one’s just for more rapid sharing
of my photos and tales!

Can’t wait to see you there

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And Back Again!!

It was a shockingly cold morning in Southern California
when I took off for Florida way back before Christmas.
I walked down the jetway with everything I’d need for the
next 30 days packed into two extraordinarily heavy carry
on bags.

(I *refuse* to check baggage, it feels like something ALWAYS
goes wrong, lol)

Now, I’m reaching the end of those thirty days, and my bags
are bursting with new camera toys and heavy coats. I’ve been
in a half a dozen states and taken a plethora of quick business
trips and adventures here on the East coast. It’s been awesome!

That said, I’m typing this from my latest desk… Near Cumming, GA
where I’m photographing a winter wedding that has the potential
to REALLY become a “Winter Wonderland” as they’re calling for
a second series of snow flurries and a low in the 20’s!

I’m about to head out to shoot a lovely Bridesmaid luncheon so I’d
better cut this short… But not before I post up some of the photos
from my recent “Two Bride Experience”

Blair and Elizabeth are both married to wonderful men.
Liz for nearly 6 years, and Blair for nearly two… And yet,
they both had a horror story to share with me about their
wedding photographers.

Pictures that looked awful, mean personalities, even
photographers so loud and ubiquitous that they “stole
the show” from the bride and groom.

So… After all that time, they were finally going to get the photos
they’d always wanted!!

But here’s the kicker - Elizabeth is my sister, and Blair is my cousin!

So *I* not only got to take pictures of beautiful brides, but also had half
my family’s Christmas presents figured out

Just Like…. Her Wedding Day.

My Lovely Sister…

Crazy…. Depth.

Have I mentioned how much I love my new 5D yet?
The depth of field, and contrast it achieves straight out of camera is AMAZING!

Our location of choice was once again the Inn where I was born and raised…
The Chalet Suzanne. These next few photos were shot atop the dining room,
over the lake.

Detailed….





A “Marilyn Moment…

Blair let me shoot Elizabeth first, and played “Maid of Honor” while
we explored the Chalet the first time… Then she ran home and we took
a few of just her, and the two together!

Of course, I got Blair to model a bit even without her wedding garb

Liz…

….Being Liz

My Mother even came down to see how things were going…

Details…

THEN, we went back up to the rooftop… See, Blair had changed,
and we simply had to shoot up there again. I think you’ll see why

A bit of an artistic edit…

Can’t decide if I like this one or not, lol.
The next one however is one of my new all time favorite images

“Mystery”

Seeing a trend in locations??

They really got into the whole “spinning” thing

See?

I love their dresses in this one….

Time to Re-Primp…

And here’s the last one…
The first thing BOTH Brides asked me, was whether or not we
could shoot in the Chalet Bar… And I’ll admit, I was initially not
very into the concept… I’m so glad they talked me into it!

And now it’s rehearsal time, I’ll talk to you all again soon,
SO many more photos and stories to post

Please be praying for us as we travel and work this weekend,
we need it!!

Many Blessings

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No Crying Required!!

I’m working on a more thorough update, but today is my 22nd birthday,
and I’ve had a more than a few people insisting I post :-)  

My last year was a great one, and I have a feeling that the next one will
be even better… God Willing!!

Blessings to each of you… (More) photos to come.

Onward… And Upward!!

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How Much Time A Year End Recap Would Take?!?!

I’ll admit…
I thought about it.

I considered the humbling, arduous, and somewhat daunting task of
creating another post of “epic” proportions… I could display a few
of my favorite photos and tales from the past year, and yet…

Somehow the thought of churning through nearly 200,000  images
excited me far less than processing some of the photos from today’s
“double bride” shoot, lol.

And so… Here we stand; it’s 1:25AM in lovely South Florida.
The temperature is dropping (finally) to bearable highs that remind
you there is snow somewhere on the planet, and the last of my family’s
94 guests have (finally) departed after last night’s New Year’s party.

Once again, my commitment to you… Dear readers, wins out over the
seemingly foolhardy need to sleep.

And so, though I still am FAR behind on my posting, I think I’ll start
working to keep things up a bit more often… I’m traveling for the next
twenty days, but I may have a bit of time to catch up!

Without further ado… Here are the photos I captured YESTERDAY,
during a wonderful engagement shoot at the Chalet Suzanne where I
was born and raised…

Katie & Sam… To Be Wed… 06.07.08

Every time I come home, I’m instantly swamped… See, I make it home
a couple times each year so I always do my best to plan photo shoots our
in advance, with plenty of time to visit, in between…

Yet, somehow…. More always seem to come up!
This visit has been especially crazy, but it’s definitely a good kind of crazy

This was one of those shoots we’d planned in advance,
and WHAT  a fun shoot it was! Initially it was supposed to happen
on the 27th but the day before, found me on a quick trip, SICK as a dog
up to North Carolina with a “secret” new client… (more on that as soon
as I’m allowed to announce it

So, we put the shoot off to yesterday, and am I ever glad we did!
The light was wonderful! (And I felt better too

Sam is one of my many cousins, and as he’s sure to point out,
the only one taller than I am (He’s a whopping 6′7″)!

Did I mention that she’s only 5′2.5″?
*She’d probably have me killed if I forgot about that half inch*

They are hilarious, and wonderfully cute together…

The above image was shot in the Chalet’s “Little Swedish Bar”…
One of their favorite hangouts.

Moments Later….

We made the trek outside, and Katie went on to prove how cute
she was… (She’s standing on a step, and wearing big heels to try
to make up a little of the difference, lol).

“From Good Stock”

Seeing as we’re family, I’d better believe he’s from “good stock”
goofy and gawky too, lol.

Their Preferred Mode Of Transportation….

He literally scoops her up and carries her as often as possible.
It may be deemed a bit silly by the world, but it surely makes
for some great photo opportunities!!

Did I Mention….

That they were a little silly?

And Cute?

Oh, and the whole family LOVES Katie too… She fits right in!

This Shot…

I particularly like… For the leading lines, and the fact that the sky
opened up JUST at the right moment to get that gorgeous blue.

Note To Self…

To stimulate hilarity and creativity with future clients,
just add cold water!! Katie and Sam REALLY wanted some photos
of them playing in the water, but just couldn’t take the chill above their
ankles…. But they made up for it with spirit!

They’re Naturals…

I love it when I don’t even have to give a couple exact direction,
they’re completely in love, and completely comfortable when sharing it
with me… Especially when they can’t wait to get out of the water

Though Occasionally….

I may have taken them by surprise

I Don’t Think…

They minded though

And that’s all for me tonight folks…
I pray for blessings on all of you in this great new year…
May God show you the things He wants you to learn, bless you
abundantly, and give you the strength to grow through each trial.

2008 Is already proving to be my best year yet… Make yours even better!

________________________________________________________

P.S. If you’re interested in having truly unique images at your wedding,
or you know someone who might… Drop me a line! We’re currently
booking for 2008 and 2009 with prime dates being snapped up fast,
so don’t miss your opportunity… I’d love to capture the special day!

Also, if you help me book a wedding I’d LOVE to make it worth
your while… So remember to tell your friends… It pays!

Email:  Eric [at] BlueShoePhotography.com
www.BlueShoePhotography.com

Share This

How Much Time A Year End Recap Would Take?!?!

I’ll admit…
I thought about it.

I considered the humbling, arduous, and somewhat daunting task of
creating another post of “epic” proportions… I could display a few
of my favorite photos and tales from the past year, and yet…

Somehow the thought of churning through nearly 200,000  images
excited me far less than processing some of the photos from today’s
“double bride” shoot, lol.

And so… Here we stand; it’s 1:25AM in lovely South Florida.
The temperature is dropping (finally) to bearable highs that remind
you there is snow somewhere on the planet, and the last of my family’s
94 guests have (finally) departed after last night’s New Year’s party.

Once again, my commitment to you… Dear readers, wins out over the
seemingly foolhardy need to sleep.

And so, though I still am FAR behind on my posting, I think I’ll start
working to keep things up a bit more often… I’m traveling for the next
twenty days, but I may have a bit of time to catch up!

Without further ado… Here are the photos I captured YESTERDAY,
during a wonderful engagement shoot at the Chalet Suzanne where I
was born and raised…

Katie & Sam… To Be Wed… 06.07.08

Every time I come home, I’m instantly swamped… See, I make it home
a couple times each year so I always do my best to plan photo shoots our
in advance, with plenty of time to visit, in between…

Yet, somehow…. More always seem to come up!
This visit has been especially crazy, but it’s definitely a good kind of crazy

This was one of those shoots we’d planned in advance,
and WHAT  a fun shoot it was! Initially it was supposed to happen
on the 27th but the day before, found me on a quick trip, SICK as a dog
up to North Carolina with a “secret” new client… (more on that as soon
as I’m allowed to announce it

So, we put the shoot off to yesterday, and am I ever glad we did!
The light was wonderful! (And I felt better too

Sam is one of my many cousins, and as he’s sure to point out,
the only one taller than I am (He’s a whopping 6′7″)!

Did I mention that she’s only 5′2.5″?
*She’d probably have me killed if I forgot about that half inch*

They are hilarious, and wonderfully cute together…

The above image was shot in the Chalet’s “Little Swedish Bar”…
One of their favorite hangouts.

Moments Later….

We made the trek outside, and Katie went on to prove how cute
she was… (She’s standing on a step, and wearing big heels to try
to make up a little of the difference, lol).

“From Good Stock”

Seeing as we’re family, I’d better believe he’s from “good stock”
goofy and gawky too, lol.

Their Preferred Mode Of Transportation….

He literally scoops her up and carries her as often as possible.
It may be deemed a bit silly by the world, but it surely makes
for some great photo opportunities!!

Did I Mention….

That they were a little silly?

And Cute?

Oh, and the whole family LOVES Katie too… She fits right in!

This Shot…

I particularly like… For the leading lines, and the fact that the sky
opened up JUST at the right moment to get that gorgeous blue.

Note To Self…

To stimulate hilarity and creativity with future clients,
just add cold water!! Katie and Sam REALLY wanted some photos
of them playing in the water, but just couldn’t take the chill above their
ankles…. But they made up for it with spirit!

They’re Naturals…

I love it when I don’t even have to give a couple exact direction,
they’re completely in love, and completely comfortable, when sharing it
with me… Especially when they can’t wait to get out of the water

Though Occasionally….

I may have taken them by surprise

I Don’t Think…

They minded though

And that’s all for me tonight folks…
I pray for blessings on all of you in this great new year…
May God show you the things He wants you to learn, bless you
abundantly, and give you the strength to grow through each trial.

2008 Is already proving to be my best year yet… Make yours even better!

________________________________________________________

P.S. If you’re interested in having truly unique images at your wedding,
or you know someone who might… Drop me a line! We’re currently
booking for 2008 and 2009 with prime dates being snapped up fast,
so don’t miss your opportunity… I’d love to capture the special day!

Also, if you help me book a wedding I’d LOVE to make it worth
your while… So remember to tell your friends… It pays!

Email:  Eric [at] BlueShoePhotography.com
www.BlueShoePhotography.com

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