Hurricane Gustav

We, like the rest of New Orleans, evacuated in the face of Gustav. Heading East, we went hwy 59 N through MS. One would think we have no clue about hwy driving and as a whole, it's true. That said, we ended up in a beautiful state park in Ala., north of Montgomery on Lake Martin after 12 hours of driving. Wind Creek State Park is huge and accomodating with 620 sites. Short story; we had a nice evac-cation and back home in Metairie, ready to photograph upcoming events!

A view of Lake Martin from atop the Tower
Taking a spin on the Merry-go-round
New friends...
things to view on a nature walk...

Blair and Chris

St. Joseph on 6th Street in Gretna is a wonderful old church with a marvelous courtyard for pictures.
Blair and Mom before the ceremony.
Chris and the guys arrived via mini-bus

A view from the balcony during the ceremony, thanks to a fisheye lens. The reception was at the Belle Chasse Auditorium, which has plenty of room for a lively party, complete with the band "The Topcats".

Ashley and Chad

Ashley getting ready at the Iberville Suites in the French Quarter

The Ceremony took place at Our Lady of Good Counsel on Louisiana Ave.

Photos in the church after the ceremony add a special touch to the wedding album when time allows (with permission from the church) The reception was held at the Rose Garden in Elmwood. As always, a great venue with an A+ staff.

Ray and Ann

Ray and Ann had a terrific day for their wedding, which took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Canal St. Ann got ready in a beautiful suite with a great view of the French Quarter in the Maison Orleans.
Detail of the back of Ann's wedding dress. Putting on her grandmother's Benrus Watch

The ceremony took place in the courtyard on the 14th floor of the Ritz Carlton.


After the ceremony, the wedding party second-lined to Galatoire's Restaurant for a sit down dinner/reception.

Texas School 2008

Always looking for a better angle to photograph, I just got the degree on angles. Thats a degree from Texas School of Professional Photography. Most people consider this as "continuing education". I consider it the most fun I've had learning in years! Classes take place on the campus of Texas A&M in College Station, TX. The main entrance to the campus is pictured below. This year at Texas School, there were 34 classes, 995 professional photographers attending from 39 states and 3 other countries. I had the honor of being a student of world renown Wedding Photographer, (as well as portrait photographer) Hanson Fong. His posing techniques are key classic techniques which are becoming a lost art. Below are some pictures of the Master at work.

Not only did we learn in class, we also took outings to local churchs with models as brides to enhance our learning experience. Below, Hanson explains the importance of measuring light by metering instead of relying on digital camera readings.

Below is yours truly in the Oval Office. (at the George Bush Library)
These last two images are of the memorial to the students who died when a bonfire collapsed. A terrible tragedy and a reminder to all of us that life is uncertain. Take time out of your busy lives to soak up what will be your future memories.


Thanks to Hanson Fong, my classmates, the school director Don Dickson, Texas Professional Photographers Association and Texas A&M for a great first year of Texas School!

Eric and Jessica

Jessica's bridals were taken at the Columns Hotel on St. Charles Ave, a location typical of old New Orleans grandeur. Jessica's dress was a beautiful 30's style that matched her personality gracefully. Enjoy a few of the terrific bridal poses she took that afternoon.

Eric and Jessica's wedding day was perfect. Starting at the Marriott Hotel on Canal St., everyone was on time, calm and ready for the exciting evening to begin.

An unusual idea that I haven't seen in my 8 years of wedding photography was for the bridesmaids to each write a personal note to the bride while she finishes up with makeup and hair. She will probably sit down to read them after the honeymoon and have a good cry... At first, we were not allowed to take photos in the lobby of the Marriott : (

The front desk manager intervened and allowed photos. The pictures came out great, very bright and colorful.

The wedding was at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church on Canal St. Here are a few of the guys waiting with great anticipation for the ceremony to begin.

Weddings are not boring events. I still view them as sacred events which should be the highlight of a couples life and I am lucky to be a part of that union. This wedding did have a "moment" when the grooms mom lost her shoe while going to light the unity candle. As a hush came over the congregation, she calmly slipped her shoe back on and continued. Only, the mother of the bride then lost HER shoe! Laughter broke out. Still more laughter when the lighter was low on fluid and you heard.... click....click....click.... you get the idea. On the way to the seats, both moms took a graceful bow to the applause of the entire crowd.

After the ceremony, the bridal party boarded a street car and headed to the reception.

The brass band onboard made the ride memorable, with lots of dancing and action.

The reception was at the Plimsol Club in the Trade Mart Building at the foot of Canal St. on the river.

The reception was a very lively one with live enterainment provided by The Mixed Nuts.

Lead female vocalist brings on her powerful vocals as the party rolls....

This wedding rates as one of the top all-time best weddings not only because the day was perfect, but also the bride and groom seem so perfect for each other.

Congratulations Eric and Jessica!