WEDDING SEASON

Even though March isn't thought of as wedding season, it did get the ball rolling for me with an engagement session for a couple whose wedding I'm photographing this year.

Andy and Lindsay were eager to have the photo session outside, but the forecast apparently didn't share in their plans. Maybe they're a charmed couple because despite a bleak outlook, rain held off long enough for us to get some great pictures, all showing the love that will be on display on their wedding day.

What I really like about them is the like their look to be spontaneous, which is important considering all the important, unplanned moments that unfold at a wedding.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE

With March here, the natural thought is to look toward better things from the coming of Spring.

But, as the Western High School Winter Guard can attest, good things happen in winter too.

The girls turned in a sterling performance to win their class competition recently. Congratulations to them.

Congratulations also to my oldest son Cortlandt for doing so well in his karate tournament. Even though the kids pour out a lot of effort during their performances,they - and the parents - must be commended for the hours-long wait they/we endure waiting their turn. It was worth it, though. The kid picked up a second place medal for chambara (jousting with long styrofoam sticks), and a first place trophy for kumite (sparring). A purple belt, he had to beat a brown belt with a rugged reptutation to get to the championship round.

THE DRAGON LADY AND ME

I'm in a networking group with a woman named Terri who creates fine jewelry pieces in her business called The Silver Dragonfly. I call her the Dragon Lady.

Spectrum Photography and the Dragon Lady collaborated on a photo shoot today so she could have some good images for herself, although I didn't know it would benefit me too, but it did. I got some great shots she's letting me use for my web site.

When you help others, you often help yourself.

Thanks, Dragon Lady.

NETWORKING FUN

The saying "it's who you know, not what you know", is overly simplified. I think it's more a case of who you know helping you to learn what you know. The case in point was just this very evening when Spectrum Photography (photocurt.com) was at a networking shindig at the Junior Achievement center in Indianapolis. It was hosted by B.N.I., Rainmakers and Confluence. Not only did Spectrum get the chance to display portraits at a vendor's booth, but the organizers had three very good presenters who addressed very different, but essential elements of business growth. I was particularly impressed by a consultant named Kyle Lacy, who focused on how to make better use of internet networking sites. That's one reason I'm blogging, because Kyle emphasized the importance of regular blog submissions.

Earlier in the day, I had a chance to put my camera to use at another networking event, The Samaritan Caregivers annual Chocolate Celebration at the Kokomo Mall. I'm simultaneously regretful and proud of myself for not having indulged. Next year, I'll partake, especially if something like this offering by The Windmill Grill is available.

ECONOMIC OPTIMISM

It's easy to find depressing news about the economy. I'm more interested in creating favourable situations to manufacture my own healthy economy.

January has started well for Spectrum Photography: finishing a photo session at a nursing home (commercial work), picking up additional orders from Christmas business (family portraits), winning a modest little job at a local school for its marching members (classic school photography), forging a relationship with Howard County's newest event hall (aptly named Celebrations) and getting ready for a photo session at a music academy (supporting and being supported by the arts - who'd have thought?!).

Every photographer knows that these jobs are the foundation for good things: the money from the session itself can be good, but the residuals can be career-sustaining.

COASTAL LOVE

The San Francisco area enjoys a legacy of beauty, greatness of fame. That includes rolling hills, scenic vistas, the settings of Dashiel Hammet and Bogart movies as well as the starts of the baseball careers of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.

Perhaps those are the things that attracted Johnny Kliegl and Karen to the area, and to each other. Whatever the case, it's an honour for Spectrum Photography to be included in the magic of their relationship and the majesty of the bay area.

It's clear from this engagement session that Johnny and Karen will do well in front of the camera during their June wedding, as well as with each other on the golden road to unlimited devotion.

SAVOURING THE SENIORS

When late October comes, I feel like an autumn leaf on a branch, trying to hang on in the face of gusting winds and dwindling odds. I'm always hoping the dry, pleasant weather hangs in for "just one more week" (and one more after that...) to keep the outdoor opportunities coming.

Here it is early November and the trees are lush with colour - two senior sessions and a family portrait scheduled for this week and successful sessions leading to it.

Photography is great not just because I get to work in these conditions, but because of the fringe benefits. During a session with Eric, I had the pleasure of not only working with a friendly, agreeable individual, but I got treated to a free concert.

Ironically, this is a black-and-white image, so while it doesn't show the colours of the season, I think it does a good job of showing the feel of how I see the saxophone: jazzy, moody and sometimes stark.