My brother, Ryan

Back in the Fall of 1994, I was a college student at the University of Texas at Austin studying photojournalism. I seemed to be most drawn by documentary work which is what I still love today through weddings and family reunions I shoot. My brother, Ryan, was 5 years-old and a great subject. I used to come home to the D/FW area to shoot him just being himself. He turned 17 this month. It takes me back to such a simple and happy time. Today he's not much of a talker nor happy-go-lucky like he was back then. He's more pensive now, although, a good kid, stays out of trouble and VERY smart. I gathered over 300 images from the project that was all done by hand, it's been a lot easier to edit using CD's and Photoshop! The little girl behind the tree was one of his classmates and the woman he's leaning against is our mother.
I love you, Ryan, I hope you can see that in my work then and now!

Wisconsin Trip

I was in Wisonsin from Sept. 15 thru the 19th. I took a lot of photos like I usually do and picked up a couple of clients like this beautiful Senior, Abbey. We shot most of her images on her late great grandparents farm near West Bend. I LOVE those old red barns and all the history of these farms. My own grandparents had something similar so it felt very comfortable to me, it even smelled the same. Abbey was a dream to work with and so was her mom, Beth.

Mike Modano photos

These are some photos I took of Dallas Stars Hockey player, Mike Modano. He was very nice and easy to work with. These are two of my personal favorites.

Remembering 9/11 5 years later

Since today is the 5th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 I thought I'd tell you where I was when I found out.

I was just waking up and turned on the TV. I saw a close-up of the 1st tower hit and it was on fire and smoking. At first, I thought I was watching a movie and then I started listening to the commentary. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, then moments later I saw the 2nd plane hit, live. Now we knew this was no accident.

I remember being afraid and concerned the rest of the day as we found out about the crash in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. I live near D/FW International Airport and the sounds of planes flying overhead is about as common as birds chirping so the silence was noticeable. We didn't know what was going to happen next.

A year later we visited the 9/11 exhibit in Washington D.C. You could have heard a pin drop in that section of the American History Museum and it was packed with hundreds of people, elbow to elbow. This really was our nation's history.

I think having lived in a time like this is makes me appreciate my family and friends just a little bit more than I did before because you never know what's going to happen next.

The image posted is of a soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Where were you? What is your story and experience?

Margaret Lake Photography

Hi, my name is Margaret Lake and that's me on the job! Huy Nguyen took that photo when he worked with me to shoot that bride's wedding. Yes, she had a RED veil, it's an Italian tradition to ward off evil spirits.

One thing I love about shooting weddings is all the interesting things you learn about people and family traditions.