Escape……From Downtown

It’s official.  We have moved!  We have escaped the carnage of downtown Oklahoma City construction insanity and the illustrious Project 180.

We loved being downtown.  We loved the perspective it gave us.  But like all good things, this too came to an end.  We know that in 2013 or so, downtown OKC will be spectacular and Main Street will be beautiful.  However, like living in a house that is being remodeled, even though we know that the house will be great, the enthusiasm has just dried up.  Tired of the day to day headaches and insults hurled at the downtown businesses from ignorant project planners (the “Fly on in” signs added insult to injury as the only way to get to the Montgomery building for nearly a year was to “fly on in.”), the strain of the constant banging and pounding, the shaking of the ground, the massive lack of consideration to local downtown businesses through the pitiful and often twisted logic of the planning of the reconstruction projects eventually wore down the desire to stay downtown.  Yes, it will be awesome, but like the remodeled house, we just lost our enthusiasm for living in it any longer.

We will miss our beautiful suite in the historic Montgomery Building.  We have called 500 W Main our home for three years.  Many, many great things happened there and we are so grateful for all of our wonderful clients who landed in front of our cameras.  Missed will be the great people of the Montgomery.  The wonderful smells wafting from Trattoria Il Centro and the bustle of downtown….well when it used to bustle, before all this construction began that is.  Unfortunately, as the construction began, it was clear that the right hand did not know what the left hand was doing.  Frustration began to set in.  Not only frustration for the annoyances we lived through, but the frustration for our clients who so bravely dealt with walking a city block in 110 degree heat to have their portraits done or consult for a wedding or album or just to visit.  Our clients deserve so much better than this and with the seemingly daily changes, even with all of our creativity poured into ideas of working within the whims of the city, there was simply a limit and it was reached.

So here we are.  We have escaped the ravages and stresses of being downtown.  Gone are the headaches of trying to figure out the latest route to the studio.  Gone is paying to park (assuming a space can be found).  Every client deserves a safe, easy to access, family friendly spot to spend magic time with us in front of our lenses.  All of our clients, through email and/or Facebook, will be updated on our new location information.  As always, if you have any questions, just give us a call or email us.  Everything is the same, just the location has changed.

We hope you will bear with us as we get things settled down and work on the future, which looks mighty bright indeed.  Yes, downtown will be awesome when it is done. We look forward to it.  However, the peace and sanity of the ‘burbs is welcomed and we embrace it whole heartedly.  We hope you will too.

 

 

Ava’s A Year Old!!!!

   

Ok, actually she is 13 months, but hey….she qualifies.  :c)

Just a bit over a year ago I had the opportunity of meeting this awesome little girl.  From day one, she had such a light and  sparkle in her eyes.  Seeing her grow and getting to know her has been a delightful opportunity that I will always cherish.

So Ava celebrates her first year in style.  All dressed up and ready for the party, this little gal has got it down.

Seeing her, you just cannot help but melt into that sweet face. But there is a hint of mischief in her eyes, fun of course, that makes you wonder just what is she thinking.  Already, she is her own person and knows how to make a statement!

Brittany & Joshua – Part 3 – Perspective……Bride

Summer weekends at the lake house were a family tradition growing up.  Along with this time, came the countless memories that I hold near and dear to my heart.  One of which, I could never forget….

…After spending a day together in the hot sun, the darkness moved in and the sky filled with thousands of stars.  In the stillness of the night, it seemed as if the only motion in the world was the two of us gently swaying back and forth in an old porch swing.  Joshua said to me, “All I know is that just being with you isn’t good enough.”  His words came from out of the blue;  as I turned and looked at him, he continued by saying, “I want to be committed to you for the rest of my life.”  My eyes welled up with tears as he dropped down on one knee and pulled the most beautiful diamond ring out of his pocket.  His next words…”Will you marry me?”

I must have still been in shock as all I could do was shake my head in disbelief.  Then a look of panic came across his face when I suddenly realized I hadn’t answered.  ”Yes, yes!” was all I could say as I threw my arms around his neck and cried the happiest of tears.

The days passed and seasons changed.  Before I knew it, the moment had come.  As I rounded the corner into the waiting area, I listened for the one cue that I had prepared for.  The music played as each attendant walked down the aisle.  Then, “January 24, 2009.”  After two years of dating this blue-eyed boy, the carefully selected journal entries I had written, day by day, were shared, to tell the world (and the love of my life) the many memories that enveloped the love I felt.  My voice was sounding from the speakers as I kept hidden until finally, “May 21, 2011.  Dear Lord.”

My words continued as I thanked God for all of the joy that came from waiting for this, for him.  ”You know the innermost desire of my heart and you have answered my prayers faithfully.  Thank you for the man that you have spent a lifetime molding into the man you wanted him to be…for me.  Thank you for creating Joshua to be my best friend, soul mate, leader of our household and now, and forever, my husband.”

As I turned the corner, I saw the one thing I wanted more than anything.  Without saying a single word, the tears, streaming down his cheeks, spoke straight to my heart and I could see how much love was felt within.  I grew deeper and deeper in love with my groom through each step of the ceremony until…finally…”You may now kiss your bride.”

My hand reached up and touched his face.  In this moment, for a split second, the world stood still.  Every emotion of joy flooded into my heart.

All I could think about was the fact that this man, this man is my husband.  And we are living happily every day thereafter.

Lake Hefner – Oklahoma Magic

I doubt there is a soul in the Oklahoma Metro that doesn’t know of or hasn’t heard of Lake Hefner.  I for one, pass it every day and often don’t really pay a lot of attention to it.  I mean really, Lake Hefner isn’t exactly an extraordinary pond now is it?  Or is it?

Fed by the North Canadian River, Lake Hefner, being a man-made lake, was completed in 1947.  With a small canal that feeds into Lake Overholser (another man-made lake).  At its Southwestern end, Lake Hefner is part of Oklahoma City’s main water supply.  The lake is home to Seagulls, Geese, Heron and other wildlife.  There are beach areas, nightlife, bike and walking trails.  Wonderful wooded and tall grass areas abound on the South side of this 4 square mile lake.

Ok, so maybe all that isn’t really that extraordinary.   It’s important info, sure, but doesn’t necessarily fit the bill for magic, inspiration and romance.  So why then are so many people…couples in love, photographers, etc., so enchanted by this lake.  Well, simply put, it is beautiful.

I have shot many times at the lake.  Portraits,  engagement sessions, bridals to weddings and this oasis in the middle of the city, never disappoints.

My hometown is on the Northern coast of the panhandle of Florida.  I grew up around spectacular sunsets, gorgeous beaches, boats and everything else that goes with coastal life; and while Lake Hefner certainly is no Gulf of Mexico, amazingly it is able to hint at a coastal lifestyle right here in Oklahoma.

Take the lighthouse for example.  Sure it is a touristy spot and there have been more proposals at lighthouse point than stars in the sky, but on that peninsula, overlooking the water, there is a feeling of warmth and quite frankly, the open sea.  Watching the sailboats on the horizon as the sun sets into its final moments of the day creating a blaze of color across the Oklahoma sky, is magical.  The sparkle of the sun across the water lends itself to memories of family and friends; quieter, more peaceful times when the craziness of the world, just a few dozen yards away, seems to melt away and bring sense of sanity and serenity back into life.

As the sun sets, its light gives way to nightfall and the lights of shore come to life as if a thousand fireflies landed on shore and danced across the water.  And if you are fortunate enough to be there on a clear night with a full moon, the blue-white cast over the water and the deep azure blue of the night sky bring forth an ethereal sense that can almost let you fly.

If you haven’t ever really paid attention to Lake Hefner, I encourage you to do so.  Just take a little time, go down to the lighthouse or sit along the shoreline with your sweetheart and witness the magic and beauty that is Oklahoma City’s oasis.

Brittany & Joshua – Part 2 – Perspective…….Bride

Over the years, I have come to realize more than ever, that life changes. The plans, goals and hopes for your future may come to an abrupt halt at any given moment. It is in those life altering moments that we find ourselves, and in some cases, our very own love story.

Back in the day, I was that girl.  You know, the Girl! Valedictorian, high school’s “Most Humanitarian”, never see me without a smile on my face, every guy’s little sister.  However, somewhere along the way, things changed.  The innocence that I held so dear was crushed not long after something, or rather someone, came into my life.

The loss of your first love stings…..bad.  And, believe it or not, the loss of each one following hurts just as much.  Time and time again, I found myself searching, hoping and praying for my prince to find his way into my life.  Each time, I gave everything I had to offer, fully committed until the end.

However, somehow, God provided me with a way out (sometimes against my will, accompanied by a lot of tears).  At one point, I was four months away from walking down the aisle to a man I believed to be “the one.”   Yet through it all, my heart was being protected until my real fairy tale could come true.

I remember when I was a little girl, I would dream of the day that my Prince Charming would show up in my life and sweep me away from my little village and into his own castle.  Over time, I realized how sad I would be if I had to leave the kingdom I had come to love.  Thus, God gave me the amazing gift of hometown love.  On January 24, 2009, something magical happened.  Twenty-two years of living within miles of one another, my prince finally took the right turn and so did I.  After weeks of a very persistent (and very handsome) boy asking to take me out….I let him.

Reluctant at first, I slowly began to open my heart.  Within months, this boy that I had known my entire life, unfolded into the man I love today; and when he looked me in the eyes and said the same three words I had heard so many times before….”I love you”….I believed him and it made my heart soar!

Contributed by Brittany

Stay tuned for the final chapter in Brittany & Joshua’s love story, continuing from her perspective….coming soon.

If you would like to tell your wedding love story and are a Colorband bride, we want to hear from you.  Send  an email to lovestories@colorbandproductions.com and you may be featured on the blog and fan pages.   A few lucky brides may even be featured in the new BridalifeStyle Wedding Magazine and/or website as one of Oklahoma’s Real Weddings!

Brittany & Joshua – Part 1 – Perspective……Photographer

The first time I laid eyes on Brittany was from a stage at a wedding workshop back in 2008.  The question was posed about how a bride can make her photos better.  I had stated that having fun, laughing and lots of energy contribute to great photographs.  As I was saying this, looking out into the sea of brides, I saw this beaming, bright and intensely energetic face and I said…..Look at her!  That is what I am talking about!  I could see that beaming face turn about three shades of red and I had no idea of the wonderful photographs and friendship that was about to come into my life.

Unfortunately her original wedding, planned for May of 2009 did not come to fruition…but the friendship was well underway and I am so happy that she finally met and married the man of her dreams…Joshua…who oddly enough, had been right in front of her for a good piece of her life.  So when it came time for them to marry, I had the honor of being asked to photograph what would be an incredibly magical day.

Brittany was so excited.  Not only full of love but, if you could put pure joy in a bottle, I think she would have had consumed a 12 pack.  Now Brittany has a distinct sense of style and I wanted to capitalize on that fact.  This girl knows what looks good on her and loves bringing edge and drama to the photo party.  She and Joshua had rescued an old grand piano cabinet and it was special to both of them.  In addition to some awesome locations, we all felt that this piano simply had to be in the image.  So it was brought with them and we unloaded it into a field, adding them and their love in, creating incredible,  incongruent and dramatic works of art.   This piano cabinet, as it would turn out, became a character, not only in their engagement photographs but also at their wedding reception as the cake table.  Old and sun bleached, what has now become an old friend is part of their home decor….a tangible memory and a thread that has been woven in their precious lives.

So fast forward to May of 2011.  It’s Brittany’s wedding day….ok it’s Joshua’s too.  :c)  Upon first arriving, we find that much has not gone according to plan and Joshua is wrapping up getting things set up for his bride’s moment.  BTW, this guy adores Brittany.  But even with the shortcomings that have already plagued this event, the love is palpable.

Seeing Brittany in her wedding dress for the first time was amazing.  She, wrapped in her wedding dress, her sense of style ever present, was simply enchantingly beautiful.  The realization that this was the day she had started dreaming of so many years ago, the dream that was dashed 2 years earlier, was about to come true.

The wedding was at Surrey Hills Golf Club.  It was a spectacular day and the ceremony was held outside under God’s sky.  As Brittany stood in a doorway with her father, recordings of some of her journal entries were being played.  This was her way of telling the world, but especially Joshua, her deepest feelings and this moment of sharing touched everyone, especially Joshua.  Then she started down the long, green path to her future.  There waiting, emotions flying, was her Joshua.  The man she virtually grew up with, was friends with, but for whatever reason, the paths of love never crossed for them until now.  As her father gave her away, fate and God took over.  Those people who were blessed to see this moment were those who meant the most to Brittany & Joshua.  From friends and family, the officiant to the flowers…the catering and yes, to the photographer, Brittany surrounded herself with those she loves.

After some formal photos, we moved on to the reception.  In an open air venue, the feeling was almost one of life in the deep South.  With a spectacular golden sunset casting the most delightful light, a magical world was created.  More like an elegant barbecue than a wedding reception, the mason jars for glasses and flowing white linen seemed more like something from a sweet dream than reality.  In the center of  it all was the magical piano with a crystal chandelier hanging overhead illuminating Brittany’s beautiful wedding cake bringing us full circle to a touchstone of their lives together.

Jamie and I often fall in love with the couples that share their lives with us.  It is not hard to do actually.  But Brittany and Joshua hold a place that goes beyond client and friendship.  They have become family and I will forever be grateful for that day in June of 2008, when this precious spirit came into and brightened up my world.

So while there were some issues where some aspects didn’t happen as planned, it was a spectacular day.  And honestly, in my experience, it has been proven time and time again, that no matter what happens, from the fanciest gig to the simplest, if things go perfectly right or not, when you focus on the day, your love and the love of those around you….NOTHING can be wrong.

Thank you Brittany and Joshua for your friendship and fellowship, the sharing of your lives and your love!

If you would like to see more of their wedding, visit our fan page at www.facebook.com/colorbandphotoartisans and view Brittany & Joshua’s album.

You Set The Tone!

“You Set The Tone” was a phrase spoken by the church coordinator the night of Sarah & Micah’s wedding rehearsal.  Picked up on by their friends and played out about as far as one could take it (by me included)….it got me thinking.

As I had the pleasure of visiting with Sarah & Micah a little over a month after their wedding, this phrase (yes we were joking about it again), started to take a different meaning than the tersely uttered phrase from a seemingly over zealous church coordinator.

Fact is…Sarah & Micah are a hoot!  There is simply no other way of putting it.  But beyond that, beyond the banter and teasing, these are two of the most real people I have met.  Sarah, who is as outspoken as they come, is tack sharp in her wit and you better be prepared to be lovingly, yet brutally picked on.  Micah is the quiet one.  He is a good tactition,  quietly listening and waiting for a moment of weakness to which he can pounce upon you with a stinging one liner.  Put the two together and you have a powerful combination and two people who are one heck of a lot of fun to hang around with.

Sarah is detail oriented (ok, she is anal) to say the least.  She knows what she wants and will make sure it happens.  She is also good at tempering this with keeping a warmth and loving feeling…but she was stressing a bit prior to wedding day (no she didn’t go Zilla).  When we sat at our final, pre-game meeting before the wedding, there was a definite feeling of tense energy.  Almost like lightning in a bottle.  But on her wedding day, as she donned her gown, that harried energy had turned into a palpable feeling of fellowship and love and a genuine realization for what was happening around her.  The tears shed when special friends arrived and the incredibly friendly banter among Micah and his groomsmen set in motion a wedding that was going to be a hoot and filled with warmth!  Just like Sarah & Micah.

At a wedding some trifle almost always goes haywire.  It was a scorching hot day and air conditioning was not always working its best.  But how life’s curve balls are taken, whether in panic or in stride, and whether those involved choose to put aside any family issues for the sake of what the wedding day is all about, truly makes a difference between a blah wedding and a spectacular one.  It doesn’t matter the cost of the gig either.  I have shot high dollar weddings and weddings on the tightest of budgets.  On all sides of the spectrum, it boils down to the tone, the feelings and love set by the bride and groom that make even the most modest wedding end up looking and feeling like a million bucks.

It is no wonder that with the tone, set by Sarah & Micah, this wedding ended up being great fun with some pretty awesome moments thrown in to boot.

So it occurs to me that every wedding is the same and every wedding is unique, all at the same time.  But it is how the bride and groom…their friends & family ultimately deal with the day and each other that truly sets the tone for the day.

So remember, you set the tone!

Nice camera. You must be a great photographer

If there is one thing that just burns me up in this world it would have to be the calloused lack of respect people show one another regarding what they do.

Every now and then I get a call from someone putting an event together that is usually looking for a photographer at the last minute. Sometimes these are charity events and sometimes not. Either way, I do try to work with them to a point. As is usually the case, by the last minute, there is too much event and not enough money. I do my best to work with them and, depending on the event and my schedule, especially in the case of charity events, try to keep costs to a minimum (I have even shot events pro bono). I recieved a call from a person putting an event together….yup, you guessed it…2 days before the event. This was a charity event but I still had some hard costs to deal with. I cut it to the bare bone minimum, a mere fraction of what I would normally charge for an event with the same amount of time. Then I hear the magic words: “Well, we already have a person that has a pro camera, do you still have to charge us?” Whaaaaaaaaatttttt? Are you serious? This is a 4 hour event. My next thought is “gee, now that I think of it, we already have something scheduled that night.”

It reminds me of an old photographer’s joke. A highly sought after photographer was showing his work at a gallery party in New York. A best selling author came up to the artist and said, “Wow! Just incredible photographs! Real Art! You must have a great camera!” The photographer thought for a moment, feeling insulted, then quipped “Oh I just love your books. Really well written. You must have a fantastic typewriter!” While this is a joke, it is something that unfortunately happens frequently. The author, without batting an eye, and in that one quick moment, told the photographer that all of his ability, experience, emotion, pain, life experiences and everything else that culminated as well as his very soul, which he had poured into his art, his craft, hanging on the wall for all to see, was merely a result of a purchase he made of a camera. Don’t get me wrong, great equipment allows one the freedom to more easily capture their visions. But a great photographer can use an iphone and still capture great, emotional moments. It is the talent behind the lens, behind the typewriter (computer for your younguns), behind the scenes of the great film that makes things great.

An example of what I mean took place back in school. I had lots of great teachers and lots of not so great ones. I recall my disinterest in US History in high school. That is until I entered Mr. Minnock’s classroom. Previously, I had a teacher (can’t even recall his name now) who, during his class, read straight from the textbook; spewing dates and places in such a drab monotone that my ears and brain simply dried up like flower withering in the desert. About mid semester, the school had a bit of a personnel shake up and classes were reorganized. I ended up in a new US History class….with my new teacher…Mr. Tom Minnock. I learned more in my first class with this man that I had in weeks with the other teacher. He was interested, inspiring, engaged and most of all, engaged the class and got us excited about what made this country great. We actually discussed, much like the Founding Fathers did, the Constitution and what it meant. Just an incredible experience. Both teachers used the same textbooks. But now, instead of a book that I would have rather left in my locker….I wanted to take it home and read it. I wanted to know more and now I have a great love of history. Both teachers had the same tools. But rather than take those tools and hammer away, splintering and shattering the stone of our minds, Mr. Minnock carefully chisled away small bits of that stone; crafting, shaping, creating and molding his students, teaching us to think and more importantly, teaching us to understand He was a great teacher.

The tools are only as good as the individual who uses them. I am forever learning new things. So many other photographers out there, local and abroad, I admire and they inspire me so much to go on creating and finding different ways to cultivate and craft the photographic moment. Yes, it is what we do with those tools , whether a photographer, painter, teacher, secretary, parent, etc., that makes each of us great (or not so great).

So here I am. I am fortunate, blessed really. I have great tools with which my imagination can soar. Tools that allow me the freedom to craft my photographs and portraits in the way I envision them. I do have a great camera, but for myself, the guy behind the lens, I believe, I am also a great photographer.

Roy Groat, Photographer

Welcome to the Photosphere!

Strength and style is the feel when Amanda teams up with her bridesmaids.

Yes, I have done it again. A brand new blog. This blog will allow easier access to articles in a more organized fashion. I also get to create rich content in a cool format that I hope you will find interesting.

Some of the new features are being able to subscribe to the blog and categories that let users gain access to particular posts. It will load much, much, much faster and is smartphone ready. LOVE IT.

Some future coolness will be adding videos and podcasts of our awesome clients as well as event and personal insights into what makes us tick.

With a goal of 2 to 3 posts weekly on average, I hope to entertain you, maybe, with a little luck, inspire you and most of all, show you what Colorband PhotoArtisans is all about!