Happy Anniversary!!!

My husband plays an early "trick or treat" on me and I picked TREAT!!! He hands me a box and says "Happy early Anniversary Baby"! I was amazed!!!
With all that has been going on lately, I think he felt that I needed a little pick me up? He is so smart! :) I was not expecting something now, 2 weeks before our 2 year anniversary. But, I think he was too excited and just couldn't wait.
The box... small, shiny wooden box. Jewelry? We talked about it, but could he have really done it? It was!!! As I opened the box I saw it... she is beautiful!
Someone told him that Canary diamonds are one of the best... guess he thought I deserved it?!!!
I'm not one to brag, but this is too beautiful not to show off just a little.
Is it not grand!

Thank you...~

Is it not the life of an "ARTIST" to strive to make every creation one that will provoke thought, even action? When I take a photograph, I always take it with the thought of "I hope this can stir the emotions of just one soul". But, I take it with the appreciation of the subject that I capture, and the feelings I am filled with... regardless of the outcome.
Every client, every assignment broadens my artistic boarders and pushes me, I can only hope. As 2008 slowly comes to a close, I can't help but think about all that has happened for us here at DB Images in this past year. Its been a hell of a year hasn't it? And over the next few months, we are going to be undergoing some powerful changes.
First off, our new brand (to be announced soon!), then our new website~to showcase our very best work. Then, our direction. With so many "photographers" out there... who out of all of them are true "artists"??? I use that word often. Probably as much as most wedding photographers use the description of "photojournalist". Believe me, there is truly a difference.
Gone are the days of pasty gray and blue backdrops with the family neatly positioned around dad sitting upright (and uptight) on a stool.
And I don't care what anyone says... gone are the days of the bride in white oh-so-carefully seated on the park lawn with her bouquet laying on the train of her dress (who does that anyway?).
Maybe its my style, maybe my personality? But I have never had a client come to me requesting those types of images. In fact, just the opposite.
I get requests for "set" designs... and that is exactly where I'm heading! And it's working!!! With a new ad out in two major arenas, and I'm getting busy.
Becoming more known for my TTD and artistic engagement & bridal shoots, now we are also, finally being noticed in the arena that I love so very much, commercial work.
My pictures are getting noticed... and they are being talked about. That's a great thing!
So, thank you to AARTPACK, Inc. for taking notice of my images although non will be used. Thank you to the Weekly Reader (Gareth Stevens Publishing) for possibly thinking my stock images fit the bill for your new book series.
Thank you also to everyone who have called and emailed me to wish me a quick recovery from my second of five scheduled surgeries since my motorcycle crash, and the strength to get through these next 2 months! I'm doing great so far~

Lisa & Jamie~

Meet Lisa and Jamie... a hip, trendy couple that have three children (you would never know it!) and a marriage spanning 20 years. God Bless em!
Like most of us, they have spent a greater part of the waking hours on family and business, never taking the time to capture some memories of just themselves, for themselves. I'm not talking cool pix shots here, not that there is anything wrong with cool pix folks~ I'm talking fun pictures that really show off their personality... and isn't it oh so fabulous!!!!
So Lisa phones me 2 days ago for our consultation and she asks about what to wear.... great question, and I love a client who listens. Take notes people... if you ask me for great colors, then don't be afraid to wear some!!!
They showed up slamming, in two different numbers that kept me jumping with ideas. So, it's now 5am and if my hubby sticks his head out the bedroom one more time I think I am on restriction! LOL!!!
Here are those pictures you two... enjoy!









This is such a cool shirt!!!









I love this face!!!










Oh, you just know I couldn't resist this pictures! It is adorable!!!



And this one is just for me... thanks for playing along Lisa!

Playing with color~

Could this weather be more beautiful? After yard work, car washings, dog washings, and a good shower myself, I found the need to go for a drive.
I am never without my camera, because you just don't know what you might see and I don't want to miss a thing if I can help it. I was actually scouting for locations for an engagement shoot that I have tomorrow when I came across the most colorful of buildings. I walked the grounds wanting to take pictures of everything, but its the weekend and it was packed. Note to self: go on the weekday when its not so crowded!!!
They say that a true artist can find and capture light and beauty in every subject matter... that's the reason why I take so many pictures!
Enjoy...

Trash the Dress!!!

Picture this... it's late afternoon. A bride and groom celebrating their new union. The ceremony was moving, the reception... long. Now, as the sun sets on another glorious wedding day, the happy couple take a moment to be alone as they drive off into their future.
~
It's 4 hours later and on a back alley they find themselves lost. The engine is overheating and so is the groom. They get out to address the issue when things get hot, steamy... greasy???
By the time it is all said and done they are minus one white dress, one designer tux, and a whole lot of oil.
Thanks for the fabulous "Trash the Dress" session Crystal & Daniel. I couldn't imagine a better couple to go play with on a Sunday afternoon~
Enjoy your images!!!








































And a HUGE thank you to Nancy & Jason for the use of their beautiful Mustang!

O.K... so this is really how it all went down~
Wedding Gown: Davids Bridal $$$
Tuxedo: We'll never tell... NO, it's not a rental!
Black Motor Oil: zero dollars (Courtesy of our local Jiffy Lube)~
Classic Mustang: Courtesy of my friends the Naves.
Location: Courtesy of Jim Kane (Stone Metal Press/ SA Art District)
Set Design: All me baby!
Creativity running crazy... that's what I live for!

Always good to come home...

The oceans breeze, the slow-gentle rocking of the ship, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the food! Those are just some of the things that I will miss in these next few days while I adjust to a new schedule yet again.
We are home, busy doing laundry and preparing to get back to life as we know it. Our cruise was wonderfully relaxing and incredibly short, with beautiful weather, great food and too many activities to keep up with. We met some great people on board... "Hi David and Barbara! Hope you too are home safe and sound!" We enjoyed the fabulous conversations!
Now, I need a vacation from my vacation. Why is that always the way?
And although I made a promise to my hubby not to go crazy with the camera, I still managed to snap some fun memories from our trip.
Here are just a few...

As we leave the port of Houston... (Galveston's port was battered from Ike)





Our first port of call... Progreso-Yucatan, Mexico. The morning sky was beautiful as we pulled into shore.





We went into town to experience its wonderful culture. This is the city center in Marida. These monuments are thousands of years old. This one sits at the end of Paseo Montejo and is the most famous.





The largest, and oldest church in the city, Cathedral of San Idelfonso. We arrived as mass was beginning so we quietly stood in the back of the church and took a moment to breath, think, pray. It was so moving that I literally lost my breath... I still get goose bumps when I think about how grand this building was.







Our second port of call, Cozumel, Mexico. We arrived at our time share around 11am as Eric rushed off to hit the reef, while I enjoyed ceviche and a bloody mary. It was fabulous!!!







The hammocks made great swings! Wheeeeeee~





This is Vladimir from Serbia. He was the best photographer on board and a really fun guy! Its hard to please another photographer, but he really did a great job. We bought over $300 in pictures! Silly us! :) Don't forget to give us a call Vladimir when you come to town! Oh, notice how they shoot with D300's? Great camera guys!!! LOL!



I cannot spell their names... :) but these are our dancing, singing waiters. Always ready with my drink! :)









Thanks Carnival Cruise Lines for a great trip! We will be back soon~