It’s Summer?

This post is kind of more an update on life than anything else. That picture up there was from the reception/party I shot tonight! It was a lot of fun out at Dickey-Stephens Park. I’ll have more on that later, when I drop a blog post on yall. The Gillam’s rented out a photo booth for the event. Not one of mine, but a more booth-looking styled booth. Think of it as a memoryBOOTH, but different. Differences aside, that’s where those shots came from! I had been shooting the reception for a long while, and realized, as i tried to take a picture of myself (unsuccessfully), that as a photographer, I dont really have the time, ability, or desire to take a decent portrait of myself. SO, I decided to mosey on over to the booth and get a couple shots of me. These are a good 4 or 5 hours into shooting. At this point, I’m beat, sweating to death (thank goodness for chugging 2 Powerades this afternoon), and BEYOND thankful that I decided to pick up some Dr. Scholl’s gels before heading over to the park. (ALSO, to any photographers who read, yes, my speedlite is facing straight forward. I bounced that sucker all over the place all night long (looong story), but for some reason when I went to take my pics, I put it like that. I try not to do that very often. if ever. and I may be the only one bugged by seeing a flash like that. regardless. My apologies haha.) Beautiful aren’t I?

I have to admit, this week has been a roller coaster. I shot a visitation and a memorial service, which was one of the more difficult things I’ve ever had to do. The family was so kind, and even invited me for a meal after the memorial service. I wish I could have made it, but just didn’t have the time.

Next random note….I also have a new place on the list of favorite places to eat lunch in Little Rock.

Hot Dog Mike’s! First, I ate there with the one and only Wes Hymer. He crashed at my house after rehearsal at Fellowship, and I told him about the grand opening of Little Rock’s very own hot dog stand! Wes, being Wes, was all over it. I have to admit, it’s good. And, in addition, it’s so cool! I mean come on people, it’s a hot dog cart! So Friday on my way to Little Rock to get some pre-shoot prep stuff done, I decided I’d stop by Hot Dog Mike’s again. I knew a few of my friends had been there earlier that day, and it started the cravings inside. When I pulled up, I saw these guys! Pictured, left to right, is Eli Murray, Charlie Roberts, Me, Michael Juiliano (AKA Hot Dog Mike), and Michael Baxley. These guys are some beyond legit photographers. Ever since my post on photography community and the first monthly Photographer’s Meet up, these guys have been awesome to get to know. They’re willing to put up with a guy like me, which always says a lot in my book.

Like I said, tonight was the kickoff for my super busy summer. I just whipped out my iPad, and saw that between this moment and school starting back up, I officially have TWO empty Saturdays. I’ll be traveling to (of course) all reaches of Arkansas, Memphis, maybe San Diego, Olive Branch (Mississippi) twice, and Texas. Goodness. So about summer break and having time to relax? I missed that meeting I guess. I love it though.

One final note, when I was at Hot Dog Mikes, Michael told me he didn’t even know I already had my iPad. I told him I figured anyone who followed me on twitter was probably sick and tired of hearing about how ticked I was that it wouldn’t ship yet, so when I got it, I just stopped posting about it. That being said, I’ll probably post a review/app list type post later in the coming weeks. I’d LOVE to hear what any of you are using your iPad for, how you like it, what you like most/least, and especially what apps you love and recommend!