Winter | The Seasons | El Paso, Fort Bliss Stylized Portrait Photographer

Winter has been a tad unpredictable for the 2013-2014 season.  El Paso has seen no more than a light dusting in areas, while the East coast and Midwest are being hit with a one-two punch of snow and ice storms.  I'm sure that the people who have to deal with iced over roads or shovel their driveways are sick of dealing with it.

Personally, I love it.

Winter can be harsh and unyielding, but it can also be soft and serene.  An overcast sky and a fresh white blanket of snow is more appealing to me than a beach on a tropical island.  I know, I know.  It seems crazy.  But there is something soulful about the solitude of winter.  It brings a special kind of peace.  At least until my son is itching to get outside to run around in the pretty white stuff.

My ultimate goal with  this shoot was to portray the wonders of winter in all of its aspects: The magical, the peaceful, the commanding.    Using the light to portray various moods, and post-processing to bring a little extra magic to our White Sands shoot, we created a set of winter wonderland portraits that I am so, so proud of.

**  WARNING:  The slideshow has music!  Turn the volume down if you are at work!  ;)  **

The Notebook | Cinematic Inspirations | El Paso, Fort Bliss Stylized Couple's Portrait Photographer

Walking through the streets of downtown El Paso, I found the perfect little area: A somewhat secluded cobblestone street framed by trees and brick buildings. I was immediately reminded of the dancing in the street scene in the popular film adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel "The Notebook". It had been a while since I had photographed a couple's session, so as soon as I got home I put out a model call to local friends and started planning.

Models were secured, screenshots were shared, wardrobes discussed, and a date set. Then the cold front came, just in time for session day. It was freezing. And wet. And windy. Not ideal conditions for a shoot inspired by a love story that mostly takes place in the warm, vibrant summertime. So we adjusted the wardrobe and, when the overcast afternoon rolled around, we steeled ourselves against the winter weather advisory and met up. After a small hiccup that may or may not have involved my not packing a CF card in my bag, we dove right in.

And they rocked it.

If they had reservations or were uncomfortable in any way, it did not show. Not one little bit. By the end of the hour, my feet were practically blocks of ice, but when I sat down in my car to thaw them and quickly flip through the images, I couldn't help smiling.

Love is an amazing thing. Even when essentially acting a part, it isn't forced. It flows naturally, and can be captured with breath taking clarity, regardless of obstacles or discomforts.  This family has love in spades.  And, boy, did it make them perfect for their roles.

**The slideshow plays music!  Just a fair warning!**