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.