I love being an artist and photographer. I have been taking photos for years, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized how similar photography is to painting. Photographers are painters themselves, but the medium is not oil or acrylic based, but pure light. As we move and adjust ourselves and the lens, we form the most pleasing composition in our eyes.

When I start a painting or approach a photography session, most often I have a vision in mind. Often times I may not express it aloud but as soon as I look through my lens, I do everything in my power to make my vision a reality. Most often this vision is sparked by some form of inspiration. Sometimes my vision may not be clear until I begin getting acquainted with whomever or whatever I may be taking photos of. The worst is when I have been deeply inspired by something, and struggle to relay that vision through my work. I can kinda be a baby. :) BUT, one of the best things in the world is being blindsided by a big ol’ dose of inspiration that I never saw coming. I love it. That’s what this session was to me.

My brother had the spontaneous idea to do a photo session for his new solo album he’s working on. He is an artist himself in MANY ways, his current outlet being-creating music. He is in the band “The Wading Girl,” home based near Roanoke, Virginia (click HERE to check them out). While he was in town we concocted this idea, and a few days later we met up to shoot. It was the evening of the 4th of July and we had a total blast! (That was a pun, yes.) I took my little ideas, we went to a part of town that neither of us had ever explored, and we ran around like we were little kids again.

This session was special to me not only because it is my baby brother and we got to spend time together, but because I found myself so excited and inspired, shooting for the sheer joy of it.

My brother is now in love with my umbrella. He is adding one to his permanent wardrobe.

My brother is a kick butt harmonica player. :)

this session SO rocked. thanks Billy. love you.

We hooked up with Melissa and Brandon through my buddy Chloe. Melissa is sister’s with Chloe’s Mama Jessica, and I remember about a year ago when Jess said, “When my sister gets married, you have to do her wedding!” Well, Melissa got engaged, and soon Jess began helping her with wedding plans which included booking us. Currently Melissa and Brandon are living out of state, so having Jess handle the wedding planning worked out great for Melissa.

It wasn’t until a few days before our engagement session that I even spoke to Melissa. She told me about how she had met Brandon, how they had their first date in downtown Cincinnati eating dinner at the famous Montgomery Inn, and then taking a walk across the Ohio river on the Purple People Bridge. She had mentioned liking the idea of having the session on and around the bridge, and Brett and I LOVED the idea! Anytime we have the opportunity to make a photo session more personal and memorable, we jump at the chance.

Well, we found out the day of the session it was PARTY time down by the river, and was jam packed. We met them, and began walking around. It was within the next few minute that we realized that Melissa was a weeeeeeee bit camera shy. :) I told her I would do anything- a dance, stand on my head, whatever I could do to humiliate myself if that would make her feel better and more at ease. :) We got some good laughs out of her!!  So despite the shyness, the party on the river, and the heat, we had a great time and got some great images.

We had a pretty good walk to the bridge, so we shot at places along the way.

Isn’t this ground cool??

What are they laughing at??

What????

Ohhh, it’s the crazy studio3z stunt man. Of course.

Seriously. Insane.

Finally made it to the bridge.

and we went a little bridge crazy….. :)

Brett got this shot looking over at the Ohio river and the Serpentine Wall. It’s beautiful.

Thanks Melissa and Brandon for putting up with us in your face, pushing and bugging you!!  We are so glad you made the suggestion to go to the bridge- it was an amazing location. You two are beautiful people, and we loved having the chance to get to know you. Looking forward to next April’s wedding! :)