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Kids in Costumes
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by maryanne.
Recently as I was chatting with a friend about how to better photograph kids, she came up with a great idea. I was lamenting that I needed to find new ways to help kids feel comfortable, and that I hated trying to take stuffy pictures of kids all lined up being forced to sit and look at the camera all the while getting everyone more and more stressed. ” I just want to photograph kids being themselves,” I told her, ” in their own environments.” That’s when she came with the idea of photographing one of the play dates that her kids had with other kids in the area. ” And being Halloween, they could all wear their costumes!” I was in. A perfect set up for me. I would just show up and capture the kids, in cute costumes, just playing and having fun. Yes! I ended up with so many great photos, I couldn’t narrow them down much, so… here are a bunch of pictures! 
We had a ladybug, two firemen,some princesses,a butterfly, a ballerina, a pirate and a rock star.
Enjoy these sweet photos. I sure enjoyed taking them, and even processing them.
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Catalyst East Coast 2009
Posted on 25. Oct, 2009 by maryanne.
This is the third year I have had the privilege of shooting the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Catalyst, it is a gathering of dynamic speakers, authors, musicians, and many more focused on helping the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential. Catalyst rocks, and I am so excited that I have been able to shoot this event for the past three years. I often find myself emotionally caught up in what is going on and have to remind myself that I am there to capture it for everyone else. This year, I could not help but fall to my knees at the base of the stage as Francis Chan and Aaron Keyes tag-teamed some deep and meaningful moments with God. I wondered if it disturbed anyone that I sat on my knees with tears streaming down my cheeks during Aaron’s song “Not Guilty Anymore”. I doubted it though, as everyone else seemed fully involved in the moment as well.
Other artists that were there included, Kari Jobe, opening up with “Revelation Song”, Eddie Kirkland, who led worship in the Labs, Steve Fee, who rocked us with “We Shine” and so many more.
Below are a few photos from the event. Could post hundreds, but will try to limit it. Loved it. Thanks, Catalyst Team.
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Bokeh Beauty
Posted on 21. Oct, 2009 by maryanne.
I am in love with bokeh. For non photogs, that is the beautiful blur of colors and circles you get in the background when you shoot with a shallow depth of field. It makes me feel giddy when I see it in my own work, and somewhat jealous when I see it in other people’s work. Like all beautiful bokeh should somehow be mine. Yes, give me a serving of colorful bokeh and a dash of sun flare in my photos and I am happy girl. Recently, I took the plunge and purchased the incredible Canon 50mm 1.2. L lens. The very day I got it I had a senior photo shoot. I was so excited to take it along to see what magic we would find. Not halfway through my shoot, I reached for it from my sweet assistant ( Johnny) and somehow it tumbled onto the rocks. Busted. My heart stopped. Well, what do you do in those situations? I reached for my other lens, and put that one back in my bag. We ended up having a great shoot, but in the back of my mind I knew I had to get that lens repaired and wondered what that would entail.
Well, it’s home now, and is snuggling up nicely with my new Canon 5D mark ll. I couldn’t be happier. I have been dreaming of this set up for about a year now, stalking blog’s like Jenny Sun’s who always shoots wide open and gets more lovely bokeh and warm sun flare than I could ever imagine getting! Of course, it takes more than the right gear to get these desired effects. Jenny is extremely gifted and generous with her talent. You should check her out!
Getting this set up reminds me of a story from my childhood though. When I was about five, I remembering trying and trying to learn to ride my siblings hand-me-down bike. It was old and wobbly. I just couldn’t get it! When I my parents finally purchased a new one, it felt like I was born to ride a bike as I soared down the street with no problems. Sometimes you just need the right equipment. Not always, but sometimes. I am so happy with my new lends and camera. Here are a few pics I have taken in the past couple days since I got it home from Canon. Yay, just yay!
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The Simmons Girls
Posted on 15. Oct, 2009 by maryanne.
I love this family. They are near and dear to my heart. Craig is a fellow worship leader with my husband Chris at 12 stone Church and Kristin has served with me on the dance ministry for several years now. Chris and I have known them since they fell in love, and Chris even officiated their wedding. Riley came along very soon after, and then her sister Reese. Their family is like ours in so many ways! Riley and Reese are so unique from each other and yet both completely beautiful. So glad I got to spend time with them this week. My only regret is that I didn’t get Kristin in any shots, as she was hiding behind the scenes. Craig tried to hide, but we pushed him in for a few shots anyway. Enjoy the lovely Simmons girls.
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Scott and Lauren
Posted on 01. Oct, 2009 by maryanne.
I adore this couple and am so happy to be part of their journey towards marital bliss. They are so wonderful on so many levels and a joy to be with. This post is a bit overdue as we shot these over the summer! We had so much fun! I am looking forward to their wedding next May. Blessings and joy, Scott and Lauren. Breathe and enjoy this season as much as you can.
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Fresh Air
Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I admit it. Things have been tough lately. My son has been very sick for several weeks, first with a major colon infection for which he was hopitalized, and now with the flu. In addition, I have been sick for over a week with stomach issues, and it’s beginning to get to me. Today, I felt so bad, had a sick child at home and it was unbelievably beautiful outside. The juxtaposition of the brilliant sunshine and the gloomy indoors felt so frustrating to my artist’s heart.
Also, like most artists, I struggle with measuring my life by my accomplishments. When I am forced to slow down, ( and I continue to read every one else’s busy and exciting tweets), I often feel depressed. Anyone? Anyone at all? Hmm, I don’t think I’m alone on this one.
Anyway, while I was crying on the phone to my husband today, he encouraged me to get outside. I hesitantly took his advice. My three dogs, (also depressed I think), happily accompanied me to the back pasture where the sun was setting.
There, I found God. Why am I always so surprised to find Him in nature? He speaks through the setting sun, the flare on my lens, the playfulness of my dogs as they run circles around me, the strong oak tree that stretches over the path. It felt like He was whispering to me consistently, “p.s. I love you”. I needed to hear that so badly. Remembering that I had a pin at home saying just that, I decided to place it in key places that I felt God’s presence, and photograph it there, so I could remember. Yes, He loves me. I am so thankful. He loves you too.
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Those Crazy Kids
Posted on 27. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
This year, Johnny had his first homecoming dance and date. It was a big deal to us both. He asked if I would be the photographer for the group, as I have photographed his sisters’ groups in the years past. ( I miss those days!) Of course, I jumped at the chance! They had 12 in their group and they were so excited about their pictures. Unfortunately, it rained. I mean it RAINED. There were even flash flood warnings and severe weather alerts. So, our lovely outdoor location was a no-go. Thus, my trusty ( but small), studio came in very handy. I ran to the local Kroger and picked up 12 red helium balloons and dozens more to toss on the floor. This is what we came up with. They had so much fun, and of course I did too! We played music and danced and snapped some great shots. I am going to miss these days.
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rain rain go away
Posted on 22. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
It has been raining here in Atlanta for weeks now. We are breaking all kinds of records and several lives have been lost. It is very hard on everyone, the constant day in and day out of rain, rain, rain. We have also had all kinds of sickness going on in my house, including a stay in the hospital with my youngest last week.
So, I am continuing to stroke the chords of hope and creativity by looking through some of my favorite photos, and happier times. Here are a few more of my favorites. I am hoping to hang some of them as canvasses someday soon. Praying for sunshine…
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some favorites
Posted on 20. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I have been thinking a lot lately about my nature photography and how I miss it. I want to get back to it. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE shooting people. People’s spirits mingled with beautiful light is a magical mixture I hope to always capture. However, I do miss this, and need more time for it. I find God in the dew drops, the evening and morning light, and in yellow flowered pastures. He tells me He loves me in these things, and my life and soul are enriched in finding and capturing them. Enjoy some of my faves I recently put together as possible wall canvas ideas.
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Not your ordinary bride
Posted on 20. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
This is Aubrey, my brave and creative bride from this summer. I had to repost her photos on the new blog as she is so stunning. I loved her attitude about getting the most out of her dress! Thanks so much to Allen Mullins and Year One, who got us the smokin’ Camaro. Wouldn’t have been near as cool without it! She is most happily married now. I am so glad we took the time to photograph her in her gown before the big day!
