Lady In Red | El Paso, Fort Bliss Beauty Portrait Photographer

White Sands might be my favorite location to shoot.  Yes, the wind can be insane.  Yes, there is no escaping the direct light.  But I find that I do my best work when I am challenging myself to overcome the obstacles that inevitably crop up in on-location shooting.  In this case, it was embracing my recent love of dramatic, direct sunlight.  With the perfectly white sands acting as a massive reflector, getting studio-like shots was effortless.  Mix in a gorgeous gal, a flowing red gown, and the visual interest of thorny shrubs and protruding pillars of gypsum, and this windswept session was a smashing success. 

Art Is Beauty - Part 1 | El Paso, Fort Bliss Beauty Portrait Photographer

When I put out a casting call for models for my Grimm fairy tale series, I received an e-mail from a lovely woman with some incredible body art. She was the inspiration for an entirely different kind of creative series: Art is Beauty. This series will serve to showcase the gorgeous body art of the subject in both studio sets and on-location.

The first part of the series was shot exclusively in studio using a single flash head and softbox, with a reflector positioned for fill light. The wardrobe is provided by the model with the exception of the black tulle skirt, and makeup services were provided by Emily D. Vinyl of Beauty is Art. It was my first shoot in the new studio space, and I was favorably impressed with the variety of shots I was able to get for being in such close quarters. I am looking forward to Part 2 of the series, scheduled for 6/2/13. 

Bridal Beauty | El Paso, Fort Bliss Bridal Portrait Photographer

I feel like I should start this blog post off with a little disclaimer: These are not my lovely model's actual bridal portraits. Those are under wraps until the premiere of her gown on her wedding day. And, oh my goodness, it is hard not to post them. Because she is absolutely stunning in her wedding gown! 

This gown was a little gem I found while antiques shopping in West El Paso. It is a quintessential princess gown, and, for $25, was an absolute steal. It is likely to debut in a creative session in the future. For this particular shoot, it serves to illustrate the diversity possible in a single bridal shoot. Various lighting conditions, locations, and styles from classically posed to editorial drama, bridals are a perfect way to showcase a bride's unique style and vision of their big day. I adore weddings, and more than capturing the details of the day itself I love to capture the excitement and beauty of the bride. The anticipation of the beginning of a new chapter in their lives makes them shine brightly, even in shadow.