What in wide wide world of sports has been going on (I could insert photography but totally kills the reference)?
I left my last blog in a spirit of thanks and humbleness. I'm not far from that now. It seems the last month (as does each month) cruises by so fast. I did meet with Blake and Carol and solidified their wedding photography plans for June of next year. They are getting married at Dunvegan Keep here in Austin. GREAT place. I have done numerous portrait sessions there but this will be the first wedding. I'm looking forward to that. Maybe Craig at Dunvegan will have the air conditioner fixed by then (joking, outdoor venue with some exception). At any rate I was happy to meet Carol and get to spend some time with Carol and Blake together. I know I can add them to my list of great clients.
Michelle and David's wedding in Bastrop was great! Both of them looked fantastic! The proofs are done and posted for Michelle folks to view. One of my favorite photos is of Michelle and David after the ceremony in a cool green vintage Dodge wearing aviator sunglasses. Classsssic!
I also met with Daryl and Kristina to finalize their album choices. I know Kristina worked hard at picking out the images for the album. It is in the design process now and I know it is going to turn out beautifully.
On the topic of albums we are preparing to expand our album choices. We are partnering with Italian GraphiStudio to offer their amazing product lines. We will continue to offer the timeless Zookbook from Zookbinders as well. This just means more options for our clients. That is a big part of our business philosophy: give our clients options and let them choose. That is why contrary to industry wisdom we won't "sell" you anything. We will counsel you on what we offer, what we have done, what others have done, and let you choose. It's your wedding. Not ours.
At the end of last month I had a chance to reconnect with an old friend (no reference to age Dan, just that we met...14 years ago!!!!!!). Some of you may know I have a background in Fire and EMS during highschool and college. Dan was a paramedic during my first EMT school. Fittingly, Dan is also a photographer and largely thanks to Facebook we keep up with each other now. He and his girlfriend Kristie came to Austin and we walked around 6th St and the Capitol taking photos and catching up. Really enjoyed that. Next month Amanda and I, Dan, Kristie and some other friends will being going to San Antonio. We are going to fellowship, go to the missions, and hopefully turn out some beautiful photos.
Pete is another friend that I met just about the same way I did Dan. Pete is an Austin firefighter and photographer. Since he is a bit closer than Dan (Houston) I have the chance to visit with Pete from time to time. We went to a workshop together which was interesting...and have plans to go to a seminar in San Antonio next month as well. It is so cool that I have such long time friends to just hang out and talk our craft and improve our trade with.
I also need to acknowledge 2 of my family members. Last month, Amanda's sister Jackie, completed her first year of vet school at ATM. We went to their White Coat Ceremony during which those that complete the first year of school get ............. a yellow lab coat (yes its white but hey, with Aggies you never know). Secondly, last weekend we went to Houston because my brother Jason received his MBA from Rice University. What an accomplishment! Full time job, wife, daughter, 2 dogs (we always include dogs in our family) and completed his MBA....from Rice. Congratulations Jackie and Jason (congratulations Cybil for making it through too. When we come down for Matt's graduation I'll introduce you to your husband)!!
Lastly, its Sunday morning. Here is how my morning as gone. I woke up to no alarm clock at 8. Kicked the dogs out. Had breakfast, coffee and watched Sunday Morning on ABC (I like that show). Finished putting together the slides for church this evening. Caught up on facebook. Wrote this blog. All while listening to Pandora Radio on my David Crowder Band station that Pandora swears was crafted just for me.
Who cares? I write this to provoke some thought. Today I prepare myself for church that starts at 5pm. I used to go to church at the time most folks go to church, early for Sunday school and then church immediately following. Did that for well, all of my life minus the last year. Each Saturday night ended knowing it had to end because I had to get up early Sunday and hurry to get to the church on time. Honestly, it was a chore more often than not. Sunday mornings are nothing like that anymore. Most of my Sunday mornings go just like this one. When I check facebook I see members of our church updating their facebook status with things like "breakfast with the kids. doing yardwork. being lazy sipping on coffee." I don't see anyone needing to hurry up and get out of the house.
The thought is this: Is the latter the type of Sunday and worship preparation that God wants for us versus the chaos that often comes with making sure we scurry out of the house to get to church on time in the morning?
Just a thought. Let me put this fire out before closing: NO, I am not saying morning church is bad, ungodly, not wise, lesser, or any other negative implications that some touchy, defensive, or insecure folks might attribute to my thought. I am also NOT on a recruiting mission for our church.
Take what I have asked at its face value. Think about it and come to a conclusion on your own.
Many Blessings.
-Ryan
