Characters

I'm very fond of this portrait — a character in every sense of the word, Jim has earned the right to live life on his own terms. He and his wife are within days of purchasing this house with the sole purpose of giving it away.

These are images I created for the front pages of a tab format community newspaper, The Victor Post. They appear in different sizes depending on what ads were sold that particular week. They are designed to capture attention and drive readers to the main story inside.

It always surprises me how well the details actually tell the story. And no one ever has to say "smile!" I'm for that... the bride and groom should be enjoying the moment and thinking of nothing else. Later they can re-savor the lovely details they've spent so long planning for.      

This invitation was from a wedding I shot for a family member. I'm not much for landscapes but I can go pretty overboard when it comes to focusing on the details of an event or situation. That's probably telling of my personality. I've got so much love, such a strong appetite, for the details that could slip by if you're not paying attention. After a year and a half, their marriage is still as lovely as the handmade paper in their invitations. Understated, clean, artistic, unique. Just like Claire and Chris.

One of the things my daughter and son-in-law are really fussy about is not posting images of their first baby online... so here's a way I obeyed the letter (and intent) of the law, but still recorded a stroller ride we enjoyed together one afternoon. Photo was processed "Orton" style. Walk was enjoyed "Whitney and Mimi" style.

One of the greatest joys in my life these days is the chance I have to spend time with my sweet girl — my granddaughter — Whitney. One afternoon this spring we took a stroller ride along the lake shore, just before it came back to life for the summer. It was a memory I'll never forget, and one she was too young to remember. No matter — there were smiles, fresh air, she tried to "eat" the breeze as it blew by, and I'm quite sure I sang a few songs as we walked. Yes, I am rich. One day I hope she thinks so too.  

Now that father’s day has come and gone, I can finally write — not because the calendar says so, but because I mean it. My dad’s a real character. Everything about him proves that — his enormous musical talent, his corny sense of humor, his magician-like ability to create a masterpiece out of trash can lids, kazoos and power tools, his unending love for his bride. He’s not a demonstrative man, not apt to give casual praise or deliver prepackaged sentiments just because it’s “time to.” But he is very likely to look you in the eye, wait a beat so you know he really means it, and then say with voice breaking, “you did great” or “we’re proud of you” or “that was your best ever.” He taught me about value, purpose, honesty, humility, pride, and perseverance. He taught me to work hard and long, and to do it with passion. He taught me that excellence is worth pursuing. He taught me that heart is even more valuable than excellence. He taught me never to settle, never to give ...