Climate Change

A group of my friends and I just started reading a book: "Primal" by Mark Batterson. In the first chapter the author points out Matthew 22:37:

"love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength."

I think most folks, especially Christians would say "Amen" to that. I mean, how could you really argue with it? It appears to be a nicely wrapped up, well polished, high gloss verse that makes us feel good right? Verse 37 is Jesus' response to the question asked of Him in verse 36; " teacher, what is the great commandment in the law?"

Looking at it a littler closer, it is Jesus' answer to being asked "what is THE most important thing we can do?"

If this is "the great commandment" that I as a christian am supposed to do I asked myself the question "do you love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength."

Honestly, and NOT to my surprise, the answer is "no." "No Ryan, you don't."

Don't leave me alone here...so stop here with me and ask yourself: "do you love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength."

Do you?

No. Really. Do you?

I hope you can honestly, I mean honestly answer that with a yes. If you can't, well you're not alone.

Everyone goes through seasons in a relationship where the warm and fuzzy feelings are more and less present. I would say it is humanly impossible to be in a relationship and always be on cloud 9. The distinction here is humanly. I "know" (not necessarily feel) that God has His hand on me daily and has so long before any of us took our first breath.

If I were just going through a season perhaps I wouldn't be so convicted by the question I asked myself. Seasons however, turn. What I have been forced to acknowledge is that I have had far too many seasons where the answer to the posed question is "No. No you don't." I have found myself in an ever solidifying climate of cognitive, relative obedience.

What the heck does that mean? In my mind I know that God is God, Jesus is His Son who's feet touched the same earth ours do. He was crucified and after being physically dead, was raised. And in His battered earthly body walked again. For what is probably a couple of years I have known about this the same way I know that when jumping a car battery, it is a really good idea not to connect the negative terminal of one car to the positive of the other. I "know" this and can tell other folks about but as far as it really affected my daily life, it doesn't. During and after incredible church services with core shaking messages and music would bring angels to tears am I not moved one bit to fall on the altar, to get on my knees and pray. Am I?

By relative obedience I mean that I "think" that (insert some random percentage which is probably lower than I can guess) of the time, I "know" the "right" things to do, and do them. What is more telling are the things I "know" to do, and don't or conversely, "know" not to do and do them anyway. At this moment I may be tempted to ask "yeah, but, aren't you a pretty stand up guy? You do this, and that, and the other that are all good? You go to church."

The answer to that? Um, maybe? That however, is one, not the question and two, something I think God is ultimately not very concerned with. After all, Jesus did not respond in verse 37 by saying "be as swell of a guy that you can." No. He gave a very clear and yes, tall order.

I absolutely have to get beyond the world's view, and even or especially my own created scale of how good, nice, great, moral, blah blah of a person I am. God could care less what someone else thinks of me (for my benefit anyway). God does care about how I view myself. There will always be trouble when the pendulum swings in "my favor" and putting me out in front of God. Maybe that is where I am now? I don't know. And just one thing about "going to" church. I believe more and more that God doesn't bat an eyelash at the fact that we "go to" church. I think the crux of the matter is what we do when we "go from" church.

What I do know is that I want to want to be able to answer yes to the question of the Great Commandment. I know that I should answer yes. I know that answering yes is the correct Sunday school answer in mixed company but is not the real answer.

Now I am not mad at God. I am not complaining about my life. Conversely, God has been over abundantly good to me and my family in spite of myself. I know that is a little out of place but felt I had to throw it in there.

How do I, or we, get passed this?

For starters I think I have to get passed myself. I mentioned earlier about not being moved to the altar, to kneel and pray, and then asked a question at the end of that. I'm not so sure I haven't been. I'm thinking that I actually have been so moved. I'm thinking that God has nudged me in such ways and after quick and careful analysis, I concluded that the prompted action was unnecessary. Yes, that's right. I concluded that something God wanted me to do was unnecessary. Come on...I know some of you are with me on this.

In the book "Primal" the author says "you cannot just listen to half of what the Holy Spirit has to say. Its a package deal. If you aren't wiling to listen to everything He has to say, you won't hear anything He has to say."

I have found that to be true and compounding. The more I listen, and obey, the more I hear. The less I listen, and obey, the less I hear. Can I just admit that? If you have found any commonality with anything I've said can you just admit that? Can we admit that there is often a strong relationship between how much we see and hear God to how vigilantly we listen and look for Him? It isn't about whether He exists, is active or involved in our lives, it is whether we look, listen, obey and acknowledge that He is.

I have a discipline problem. I have often approached my relationship with God with the same discipline I have approached exercise with. Short lived and when all else falls into place and it is convenient to do it. And of course, after a steady decline in frequency thus not yielding any visible results, I figure, what's the point and I stop. I can only pray that as I age my body will be a fraction as forgiving for my lack of discipline as God is with me. If I decided to be a vegan and approached it with the same determination I approach my relationship with God I would be a vegan for a week, then a vegetarian, then I'd be onto fish, then chicken and steak within 2 months.

I need to listen. I need to act. I have done so. I know what it feels like. For me, if I find myself arguing away doing something "nice" for someone because it doesn't make sense, it makes me feel uncomfortable, someone else will think I'm weird, the opportunity is right in front of me, my anxiety goes up as I'm debating this out of nowhere strange prompting, yup, that's me trying to ignore God again. And if I may pat myself on the back here...I've gotten good at that. Not something to be proud of. I'm thankful that God knows this about me and continues to present opportunities for me to serve him.

I am thankful for this book "Primal" and the friends that I am walking through it with for being a catalyst to focus my attention back to The only book that I really need to strengthen my relationship with God, to focus on The Great Commandment, and to start on a journey of climate change.

Until sometime in the future - Dayenu.

Catching up

Since my last blog, man...sooo much has happened! The lack of an update is partially do to not keeping up and partially for not having time!

At the end of June we sold our house and moved into an apartment. Then on August 17th our daughter Dayanna (you may recognize the spelling of her name as containing the first part of the word Dayenu) was born. A month later we found out that Dayanna had an aortic coarctation (or narrowing of the aorta) and had to have surgery. That resulted in 5 days at Dell Children's hospital. I am happy to report the surgery went wonderfully and she is doing great!

Finally, we closed on our new house and moved in last week. We are really excited about the move! In addition to the new space and opportunities it will provide our family, it is a new space and opportunity for our clients as well.

Our office will be a dedicated consultation and showroom and we will also have a dedicated studio space! The pieces are still being put together but the excitement is building as everything takes shape.

And now, time to attend to a hungry baby :) !

Dayenu!

Who Likes Italian?

Good late Monday.

I have some exciting news this week! I am pleased to announce a new partnership with industry leading album designer GraphiStudio. GraphiStudio offers a fantastic selection of beautiful hand made, Italian albums. Their pages are gorgeous, their covers are amazing, and their hand crafted quality is unmatched.

We will now offer these albums to our clients in addition to our Zookbooks. These are great for weddings and portraits of all types. Moms, dads, babies, seniors, bridals, engagements, and of course, to showcase your entire wedding.

Be sure to ask about them with your consult and session!

This past weekend we had a heck of a church service! Church was held outside at a subdivision recreation center. The band was set up under a pavilion, brisket that had been slow cooked all day was served, and several baptisms were done in the community pool!

Ages ranged from around 4 to, um, at least over 40 (yes, I joke a little bit with that update so I don't get myself into too much trouble). It was so moving to see 3 dads baptize their sons and even 1 son, baptize his dad. If there was one person that cried there were a hundred! It is simply something one cannot appreciate without experiencing it. Experiencing comes with a caveat too. My guess is unless you yourself have done what Jesus called us all to do and have been baptized, you just can't completely appreciate baptism. Added on to that is the inability to completely appreciate the honor and joy of being able to baptize your own child, or for that matter your own father. A quote from a 7 year old while being tucked into bed the day he was baptized:

"Mom? When I came out of the water I felt totally different."

I can appreciate the baptism but cannot yet fully understand all that comes with seeing your own child being baptized and on top of that, being able to do it. Not yet at least.

I had an interesting moment a few days ago that goes along with this. Many of you know that Amanda and I are expecting our first child in August. I say the following with much love...Amanda is obviously pregnant. That is not a comment on her size, just the fact that she is no doubt, pregnant. Because, she just so happens to be, pregnant. My point is that this is certainly not a revelation for me. I've known about this since December. We are preparing for the baby, going to birthing classes, having wonderful shower gifts given to us, talking about the baby, and even feeling the baby move.

I grin in amazement sometimes that my child is actually with my wife, inside my wife, developing in a supremely divine way. That brings me back to reality that having a baby does not mean having a child on layaway and you just pick it up after the 9th and final monthly payment is made.

The moment that I am leading up occurred after Amanda returned from her first baby shower. She/we/our child was given this precious little one piece that we plan on bringing our little one home from the hospital in and Amanda showed it to me. For the first time I saw my child. I saw my child safely wrapped up in this pint sized outfit, protected and comforted from all of its strange new environment. When I held the outfit I held my child. When Amanda and I handled the outfit back and forth, we were delicately passing off our newborn to the care of the other.

After visually removing my child from the outfit prior to folding it up (the child wouldn't fold very easily) the two words that came to my mind were grace and mercy. We as humans can talk about grace, talk about mercy, see signs of it in the world, in our friends and families. However, until each of us had the opportunity to be brushed by grace, rescued by mercy, we just will never truly understand it. We may have experiences that bring us closer to each one but until we are able to have a personal encounter with them and recognize them as such, we will not understand nor appreciate either.

I am preparing at least a little bit to become a father. Books, prayer, discussions, prayer, close observations of other parents, prayer, and then some prayer as well. With all that I have described I still completely know that I don't know what it is like to be a parent. To in an instance be completely responsible for another delicate soul. I know that at some point Amanda and I will be kicked out of the hospital and there will be this third party with no return policy, no rental expiration, no free trial. That for sure will be the instance I feverishly pray for many more spoonfuls of grace. I know I'll need it.

I also know that it is then I will know what it is like to be like to be a father. I'm not saying I will know *how* to be a father, only that I will have the experience to know what it is like, at least the beginning. I liken it also to knowing grace and mercy. To knowing what it is like to be baptized. Experiencing the blessings that grace brings and the freedom that mercy springs. Knowing what it is like to see a son, a daughter, a father, walk into a pool and declare that because of or regardless of who is watching they are a son or daughter of Christ.

All of these things are available to you. No matter who you are, how old you are, what you have done (both good and not so good).

I pray that you seek these things out and they be made clear to you. I pray that you do this sooner than later. As I write this there is a man, Mr. Nichols who is not going to live much longer and may not live through the night. It was tonight, perhaps his last night, that he embraced grace and mercy by placing what is left of his life into the hands of Christ. Anytime that occurs is a wonderful thing. I pray that for you, grace and mercy will accompany long before you draw your last breath.

Until next time.

-Ryan

Keeping on Track

It looks like I'm keeping on track with what has turned out to be a monthly update.  I obviously haven't gotten any better about updating the blog.  God help me with my discipline.

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

Dayenu

Wow...what an amazing weekend! It was so good (and the crowd responds "how good was it?"). It was so good that it inspired me to write more than my facebook page can handle!

Before I go backwards a bit let me start by introducing this word that I learned at a Seder (or passover) meal that Amanda and I went to that our church hosted on Saturday. That word is Dayenu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayenu ). Rather than me explaining all that it means, feel free to follow the link to wikipedia that does a great job with it. When I heard dayenu for the first time it was such a perfect illustration of my life. I deserve nothing yet have been given so incredibly much.

Our family, our friends, our clients, even our pets are such blessings to us. Amanda and I are so fortunate that we usually have a very short list of clients. How can that be a good thing you are asking yourself? Our clients seem to stay clients for such a short time before they become our friends. Obviously we do the work we are contracted to do but it isn't like a sterile business deal. Our work becomes friends providing a service to friends. We have a genuine interest in the lives of our friends and they in ours.

Dayenu.

Two recent examples of this is I photographed the Enriquez family for the second time since the birth of their Madelyn. While the goal of the day was of course to provide them with wonderful images of their family, we had such a nice time during the session walking by Barton Springs, taking their portraits and visiting like good friends. The photos by the way came out great!

Dayenu.

I also had the chance to visit with and go to lunch with Anna. I photographed Anna and Jayson's wedding on March 3, 2007 and they have since been blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Austyn. They invited me to their home to do maternity photos shortly before Austyn made his first appearance. Anna contacted me again because their two year anniversary had arrived. I was happy to be able to meet Anna for lunch and hand deliver their original images to her. It was great to be able to visit like old friends. I look forward to photographing Austyn in the near future.

Dayenu.

I have also been contracted for Rebecca and Kye's wedding in May of 2010. I am thankful for their trust in our business and look forward to getting to know them better as well. In addition to their wedding in May, I have a follow up with Blake and Carol that should solidify their wedding photography for June of 2010. Each of you provide me with new opportunities to learn, serve, and grow. For that I am grateful.

Dayenu.

Now to this weekend. Friday was Amanda's birthday. For dinner we went to the Belmont on 6th st in Austin and had a nice and quaint dinner for two. Then we walked to Maria Maria, La Cantina for some coffee, dessert, and live music from The Brew. Did you know that Carlos Santana is one of the owners there? Neat place. My wife is such a neat person. I am thankful that she continues to choose to love me. So, in my blog, 2 days later, again, Happy Birthday.

Dayenu.

As I mentioned earlier Saturday we went to the Seder meal. Ever heard of that? For most of you, yeah, me neither. The last supper, a passover meal, was a Seder meal. Of course, most Christians do not practice a real Seder meal because in one oversimplified since, the Seder is to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jews believe the Messiah is yet to come while Christians believe we are waiting on Jesus to come again. So, I don't think I can say we participated in the Seder so that suddenly Elijah would show up with the Messiah known by some other name than Jesus shortly behind him. It did however connect a lot of dots about the history of Christianity and how the things of the Seder all pointed to the life of Christ and the scriptures that he fulfilled. When the word Dayenu was introduced, oh how humbling. The meal was a first and one that I hope next year, at least a hundred more folks get to experience.

Dayenu.

Oh, then today. Easter. The day upon which the Christian church rests. But not for today and the empty tomb, the risen Christ, the past 2000 years is nothing but history's greatest sham. Some may read this and say it is a sham. In that case, I simply invite you to find evidence it is. All of the evidence I have read through biblical history confirms it and secular history absolutely cannot deny or disprove it. My life is a series of miracles and wonders that could only be possible through hands of a risen, living Jesus.

Dayenu.

Many of you know that Amanda and I went to and were married at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin. We loved the church and had/have such great respect and admiration for the pastor, Dr. Bowman. Just over a year ago God called us away from Hyde Park to start going to Austin New Church. Leaving Hyde Park was hard to do. We were not at a point like many where the pastor said something to make us mad so that we were going to "show him" and leave. Quite the contrary, we looked forward to Dr. Bowman's sermon every week. Well, this morning we attended the 11 o'clock sermon at Hyde Park. I have to admit, in some respects it was a similar feeling that I get when I go home to Houston. The house always feels like home no matter where you may live or how long you have been away. After the sermon Amanda and I were able to run to the guest reception and visit with Dr. Bowman for literally a minute or two. What a blessing he has been to Amanda and I as individuals and as a couple. We are very thankful for the guidance he has provided us before and since he married us.

Dayenu.

Then there was Austin New Church this evening. Same mission, different method than Hyde Park. Tonight while there was not a sermon, there most definitely was a message (borrowed that from Tray). The evening was focused on worship and workmanship of a living God. Trace, Shonna, Tabitha and Sabrina are members of the church that were so incredibly brave to allow their stories to be videotaped and shown in front of hundreds of people. It is so evident that the leaders and members of Austin New Church are following the path that has been lit beneath our feet. The people mentioned above have come through and overcome some major hurdles in their lives and in their faith. What a powerful message of faith, hope, and love that was delivered this evening. I was in the light booth and was responsible for playing the video and then transitioning back to the lyrics for the song the band was going to play next. After each video I wasn't sure if I could get the tears out of my eyes fast enough to see which button I was supposed to push next! If you are reading this, you will be one of the first to find out that those videos are now on line at www.austinnewchurch.com for viewing.

Dayenu.

In closing let me acknowledge that gratitude is usually not displayed enough. Please take this blog as just a small expression of it to each of you who allow me to be in even the smallest part of your lives. God blesses me when I am blessed by you.

Dayenu.

Say What?

I woke up to a strange surprise today.  My voice left sometime during the night.  It has gotten progressively worse today.  I found that two other people I know are experiencing something similar.  Hopefully it will be short lived.

Although scheduling a consult this week isn't the best idea because I can't talk!!! I am now taking bookings for 2010!

The last almost 4 years have been great and I have all of you to thank for it. I know I have the best clients and friends!  I look forward to 2010 and the exciting new opportunities, challenges, and fantastic clients that are around the corner.

So, if you know someone looking at a 2010 wedding, I am ready to get them signed up!

Be blessed,

-Ryan

African Children's Choir

Yesterday I went and saw a concert put on by the African Children's Choir   (www.africanchildrenschoir.com) as they came through Austin.  WOW! What a great show!  Many of you know that I spent 2 weeks in Kenya in July of 2007.  Since then I have had a higher level of awareness and compassion for that place.  When I heard the choir was coming through town there was very little that would have stood in my way of seeing the performance.

All I knew when I showed up was that kids, from Africa, would be giving a choir concert.  Makes sense yes?  I learned from being there that the choir is so much more than  music.  While music is a huge part of what they do, they are really about changing lives (to read more about their mission see their webpage).  Of course I took photos.  I'm talking with the organization now about where to send a disk with all of the images to.  I hope that my images can in some way be used to further their ministry.

I used to get frustrated at the television commercials for "feed the children" and other organizations like that which depicted African children as all shoeless orphans huddled into a run down shack.  I wondered to myself how long the film crew had to search to find those sorts of kids.  Well, from my time in Kenya, I can assure you it is much more difficult to avoid those types of kids than to find them.  That is truly how the majority lives and goes to schools (for those that have schools).  Many do not have shoes.  They walk through fields that have thorns you could use to build a house (I know, I had one go through my shoe!!)  Street orphans are real.  Just outside of our hotel in Isiolo there were 3 kids, probably around the age of 12 addicted to sniffing glue, trying to "cook" food found in the garbage,  in a soup can from the garbage, using sticks and matches.  This is how they survived.  They had no one to look out for them.  Their hopes lie in finding scraps to eat and the next glue bottle to sniff.  Our prayers were for God to get through to them, somehow, some way, in such a way only God can.  Largely because of the glue, human attempts to communicate with them were pointless.

Many of the kids that are selected to the choir are in similar situations or are at high risk for being there.  Parents are either dead or just simply gone.  To see innocent children being so brave to embark on a journey and bring blessings half a world away was truly moving.  Despite their hardships, each child in the choir had a smile that I only wish I could keep for a few days at a time.

So what does any of this matter and how does it apply to you?  Well, if you have a couple of minutes check out the choir's website (www.africanchildrenschoir.com) see what they are about, and if it is something you lead to do anything with.

I can assure you however, if you do choose to something, you won't regret it.

Be Blessed.

-Ryan

A really New Year!

I hope everyone has had a very successful New Year!

I have been somewhat purposely putting off this update.  So much has happened since the last post.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years just to name a few.

The last wedding was Paul and Soo at the Omni in Austin.  The post production is almost done and all of the photos turned out great!  It was a nice treat to see many of Soo's family dressed in traditional Korean attire.  I haven't experienced that before.  Soo's brother was flying out for a Army deployment early the next morning so I was honored to capture the family photos since it will be a long time before they are able to be back together.  I should have the proofs posted online this week.

Also, I just returned from a 2 week photography school in Virginia on Friday.  It was a great experience.  Thanks to Tom our instructor and all of my fellow classmates for making the 2 weeks so enjoyable.

On our layover weekend we went from Stafford, VA into D.C. on a Saturday and Sunday.  We walked alllll over the place.  I took some great photos at the National Botanical Garden and of some of the DC landscapes and memorials that I look forward to sharing soon.  There were some great photos of our group skipping all around town too.  The weather was COLD but tolerable.  The one thing that they DC area seems to lack is real Mexican food.  It was good to get back and have fajitas directly from the Airport!

Big changes are in store for me and Amanda.  We recently found out that Amanda is as they say, with child.  We are really excited about that!  This will be our first child.  Even though we have 2 dogs and a cat to take care of, I suspect the human will be a completely different experience (yes, that is said in jest).

We have also put a contract on a new house.  We will soon be putting the house we are in  on the market and prayerfully it will sell.  If this home doesn't sell then we won't be able to get into the new home.  Ultimately we know that God is in control so whether we are able to move or not, that is ok.  We still have a lot of work to do just to get it on the market.

Because of all of the changes that are rapidly approaching I have decided not to take on any more wedding clients this year.  I am still taking on portraits however.  Thank you to my clients who are already booked and I look forward to your weddings!  I will begin booking for 2010 in the late part of this year.

So, I ask for prayers from those who are reading this my wife and our developing child and all the other changes that are on the way.

Until next time. God Bless.

Turkey Day! Albums! Football!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope all of you are having a quiet Sunday spending it however you like!  Thanksgiving is just a few days away.  With that, for those who follow college football, you know what that means...the Longhorn vs. Aggie game!  I have my favorite but mostly, I am looking forward to a close game!  That way it will at least be exciting until halftime.

Well, my last post had me ready to go to Kristina and Daryl's wedding.  What a wedding it was!  The pictures turned our great!  A beautiful hill country sunset also added a nice spice to them.  The Terrace Club in Dripping Springs was an excellent choice for the outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.  Texas in November always leaves a question mark as to what the weather will be.  For their wedding, it could not have been better.

I also have met with Brent and Sande for the wedding album consultation.  The photos they chose for their album were good choices!  I of course have seen all of their wedding photos and spent several hours looking at them after the wedding. The photos they chose however, reminded me of how elegant and fun their wedding was!

I pause for just a moment to do something I normally do not do, and that is to really highlight one of my services (I'm feeling inspired). With Brent and Sande's album and with each one I have prepared for my clients before I am reminded of the huge value that an investment into an album is.  Brent and Sande's wedding is only a couple of months old yet it is amazing how moments from the wedding  slip just beneath our consciousness so quickly.  Even for me who is concentrating on every minute and attempting to capture so many of them, the moments eventually fade.  When I was going through the photos that Brent and Sande chose for their album there were several photos that had me laughing again.  Imagine for a moment opening your wedding album 5,10,15,20,25 years from now and having so many special moments come to life again on the pages of your album.  If cared for properly your wedding album will outlive your grandchildren and pass down your legacy for generations to come.

All that being said, our albums are still completely optional and you can choose to invest in one at any time.

Back to Thanksgiving for a moment....as this short work week comes and goes, I challenge each of you pause for 5 minutes.  Go somewhere without any distractions, close your eyes if you need to (this would rule out doing this while driving) and reflect on the things that you are deeply thankful for.  If you are having trouble coming up with anything, try appealing to a higher power to reveal some things to you.  If you are sincere, I think you may be surprised at what comes to mind.

Have a safe week, God Bless, and GO Horns (oops, that last one just slipped out)!

-Ryan 

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween!  Mine was ok.  I was on 6th St people watching.  It seems there were 10's of thousands of people walking around.  Some of the costumes were pretty creative.  Some were barely costumes at all.  Either way it appeared most people had a good time.

Last week was Jamie and Leslie's engagement session at the Capitol.  Jamie and I have been close friends for about 20 years so this was more than just a photo session.  It was a lot of fun and perfect weather!  The photos turned out really nice as well.  After the photo session we went for some good Mexican food at Iron Cactus on 6th St. It was the day before the Texas OSU game so it was really busy!  After that we went and kicked up our heels a bit at Club 21 just southeast of Austin.  If you have never been as I had not, it is a cool joint!  Old, no frills dancehall.  That was long overdue.

Also last week was Erica's Sweet 16 birthday party.  We started at her house and then went to the church in her uncle's very nice motorhome. It definitely was better than a limo!  There were 5 young ladies being honored at the church that day and then going off to their separate parties.  For Erica, what a big party it was!  There were at least 200 people at the reception!  Everyone had a great time.  All of the kids looked great and showed off a lot of their dancin' skills.  Erica's parents, Brenda and Cid pulled off a really nice party!  I was even kidnapped by Erica's grandmother when the song Neon Moon came on.  I was wrapping my job and about to leave when she told me that was her favorite song and asked me if I danced.  Of course I said.  So, we went out on the dance floor and cut a rug for the song. 

Today I am preparing head out to  Dripping Springs for Kristina and Daryl's wedding at the Terrance Club.  I am looking forward to a fun evening!

Hope everyone has  a safe Saturday and Go Horns!!

God Bless.

-Ryan

Art Line Premiere

Many of you may have gotten emails debuting our Fine Art Line.  This weekend marks the official launch of our line.  Our feature is Espana Exquisita.  These are prints from our recent trip across Spain and Germany.  We have marked this event by offering a 30% discount with the promotional code of " premiere".   This discount is only good through October 31st.

Also, if you refer a friend who makes a purchase please ask them to let me know in the service notes field of their order.

You can get to the photos by following the view and order tab of our website or by visiting our Fine Art Line Store directly: www.providencephotography.photoreflect.com 

Time flies...

So again it has been too long since my last post.  It has been a busy month.  Among the notable events:

I was thrilled to photograph Rolf and Iris' wedding at chapel dulcinea.  They were here on vacation from Germany and planned to get married in our great State while here.  They asked me not only to photograph their wedding but, to arrange the minister, pick the venue for the wedding and the reception!  Not sure I'll be going into the wedding coordinator business anytime soon.  Amanda would be great at it but, for me, I'll stick to photographing them.  The day for Rolf and Iris was great! Sunshine and just a little warmth in the afternoon made the chapel and its hill country appeal shine well.  Congratulations und danke Rolf and Iris.

Also, I did Kristina's bridal portrait at the Capitol.  Kristina and have known each other for a while and have mutual friends.  She brought Heather with her to assist and to heckle me a bit.  I am so happy Kristina decided to have her bridal portraits done.  They were included in the package so certainly nothing was lost. I don't twist anyone's arm to  have the sessions done but, this is most likely the only chance a bride will have to get them done.  At first she was reluctant but after my suggestion and some pressure from her friends, she went through with it.  And...they came out beautiful!  She was very happy with them.  We had a lot of fun during the session as well.

Most recently I photographed Tammy and David's wedding in Round Rock.  What a neat little church it was.  the ceremony took place in the center of the sanctuary with seating arranged 360 degrees around it.  The church was evenly lit from every angle.  The lighting and my freedom of movement made for some nice shoots.  One in particular of the groom turning off his cellphone which rang only moments after the minister reminded the guests to turn theirs off. It was funny!

Lastly, everyone is very worried about how deep in the canyons our economy is going to go.  It certainly isn't good.  I am not a financial advisor but only offer this...make intelligent, thought out decisions prior to selling off any of your assets.  Panic will only breed more problems.  Stay focused and wise.  Perhaps the biggest comfort in all of this... God is still God and will be through all of this.

Many blessings,

-Ryan

Sweet Art

Our most recent session was with Erica for her Sweet 16. We had a good time at the Texas History Museum and the Capitol.  What a great change in the weather!  Nice and cool!  The photos will be ready shortly!

Also, I was told about an article about our art show in New York City earlier in the year. The article appeared in Art Business News:

New York
The Quattro Gallery of Austin hosted an exhibition of world photography at the Audi Forum New York City. Austin residents in attendance at the reception are shown in back from left: Ryan Herring, David Sackmary, Dean Buschick, Greg Davis and Steve Moakley; (in front from left) Gray Hawn and Rama Tiru.

God Bless!

-Ryan

Ike

Ike is all of the buzz right now.  It is currently approaching Galveston.  I hope everyone's family and friends are safe for the weekend.

Fortunately, this is a free weekend for me so I will not have to contend with Ike for any sessions.

Stay dry and safe!

God Bless,

-Ryan

Bells to Babies

My last post came just after the Dupre wedding.  Today I write after Kristina and Darrel's engagement session at Perdenales State Park and photos of Madelyn Enriquez, the first born of Ron and Risa.

Yesterday was Pedernales.  I met Kristina and Darrel bright and early at 7:30 in the morning and we headed to the park.  They were kind enough not only to offer to drive but, to buy me lunch too!  They realized that a drive and somewhat of a hike in the park was not quite the normal photo session.  Their offer was very much appreciated.

We made it out to the site around 8:30 and walked down to the rock shelf where the falls were.  Already the sun was high and in this part of the park there be no shade.  We took a handful of photos with water cascading down the rocks as the backdrop and then headed hiked back to the car.  From there we went to the beach/swimming area.  It is a really pretty part of the river with calm, green water and cypress trees reaching over the water from both sides.  It was a a tad longer of a walk with a few more stairs than I had remembered.  Never the less we got there.  The day was a bit later and the temperature had already gotten higher.  The water and cypress trees made for a beautiful natural setting.  After some shots and a hike back to the car we left the park and headed for lunch.

We set our heading for the Nutty Brown cafe on W 290.  It was a welcomed chance to sit, cool and refuel (the humans needed fuel).  After a good lunch and great conversation it was back in the car to drop me off and wind up the day.  We had a really good time.

Thank you KO and Bone for a fun morning and into the afternoon.

So today was baby Madelyn.  At only 3 weeks old she is a cutie.  Ron and Risa had a few different looks and wardrobes in mind for her. With only a few breaks Madelyn was such a trooper.  She did so well!  There are some adorable shots that I hope the family has a really hard time choosing from.  If that is the case, it just means I did a good job!

Congratulations guys on a beautiful baby!

So, all for now.

God Bless,

-Ryan

Photography and Not

Since I last wrote I wrapped up a maternity session with Tammy and Michael. Just like the rest of my clients...super people. We had a great time.

Brent and Sande followed through on their vows last Saturday.  Brent and I have known each other for 10 years so it was a privilege to not only attend but to photograph their wedding.  It was good to see some other mutual friends that I have no seen in a long time.  Sande looked beautiful.  Brent, you did good.  The reception was a blast.  Your peoples are crazy.  Maybe that is why I liked them so much.

I have also done a complimentary session for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (www.nilmdts.org) . The organization provides sessions and a cd/dvd of images to parents who give birth to babies that never make it out of the hospital.  Either the baby is a still birth or has some other condition that will end in death shortly after birth.  It is a humbling and solemn experience to be in a stranger's life during a time of such intimate grief. My prayer is that images from the session provide something tangible to the parents that their boy Ayden, was here, and did live if only for a short time.

Last week I met a man only known to me as Alex.  Our meeting took place not long after he found out his 18 year old son was killed in combat in Iraq.  It was one of the most difficult conversations I have experienced in a long time.  Alex was a combat vet himself who has been suffering from mental and physical trauma for years.  Among other things he was feeling guilty for "letting" his son join the military.

The point of including this into this post has nothing to do with the politics of the war.  I want it to serve as a reminder that whatever your stance is on the events in the Middle East, people are dying there, and friends and family are being devastated here.  If you pray, keep those that are fighting and those who had to watch them leave in your prayers.

All for now.

God Bless.

-Ryan

The Frames in Spain...

Good evening. If you have been checking in on the ol' blog here you have read about our trip to Spain. I am finally caught up on all wedding and portrait work and have begun working on the photos from our expedition.

I hope to have them online in the next couple of weeks.

The first print debut will be in September at the Austin Humane Society's Casino Night Fundraiser. I will be donating a canvas print for auction.

We hope all are blessed.

-Ryan

Matrimony to Maternity

Isn't ironic when people say "don't rush, you have plenty of time" and in the next breath "I wish I had more time"? Time is so relative and can pass by so quickly. That leads me to this blog entry.

Charles and Erica had a nice and intimate ceremony downtown. The Old Pecan Street Cafe has a hidden little gem of a place upstairs right on 6th St. It started off hectic with crazy traffic and family getting in town late. All that was laid to rest once the ceremony started. The peace that is supposed to be present during such a commitment to God and each other definitely prevailed. It is always encouraging to be a part of a ceremony where God gets the focus and not just a honorable mention just to be polite.

The following week I met my friend and attorney Dax (www.daxlegal.com) at the Capitol for an executive session. We met early in the morning and started outside before the sun got hot After that, we went inside to the House of Representatives chamber and view gallery for a few more shots. Some of the photos are displayed on his website.

That brings us to Fred and Irma's wedding in Round Rock. It took place at First United Methodist Church in Round Rock. What a beautiful Church. It was a great day for a wedding. Everything went off without a hitch. Fred, Irma, and party looked smashing. As always, Amanda and I were honored to play a part in the wedding and really enjoyed getting to know everyone. Photos coming soon.

Then there is Anna and Jayson. Amanda and I photographed their wedding in March of 2007 at the Oasis. Now they are parents to be and called on us to do maternity photos. I always say I have the best clients and of course that still holds true in this case. The portrait session went well and it was really nice to be able to catch up with them and see how their lives have grown since the wedding. We look forward to the arrival of a healthy Austyn and putting him in pictures as well.

That pretty much makes the blog current. I hope all have a blessed week.

-Ryan

Free Wedding Chapel Time Lapse

At my last post I was getting geared up to photograph Alfredo and Elizabeth's wedding. Well, it has of course come to pass. The weather was let's say...interesting. Chapel Dulcinea provided a beautiful setting over looking the hill country as always. What was a little unexpected was a constant wind of around 15-20 miles per hour and gusts well over 30! It certainly helped keep the temperature down though. Even with the wind, it was a great day for a wedding.

The ceremony went off with out a hitch (and no one was blown over the railing). The recently constructed reception hall on the chapel's grounds also contributed to a carefree wedding. A short walk from the Chapel itself and there we were. The folks out at the Chapel did a really nice job with it.

Thank you Elizabeth and Alfredo for inviting us to share in your day. Also...we had a lot of fun!

The proofs should be ready and posted by the end of the week.

Next up, Charles and Erica. Amanda and I are looking forward to it!

Full Swing

Good Sunday afternoon!  What a beautiful day we have been given in good ol' Austin, Texas.  The sun is out, the clouds are scarce and there is even a good breeze blowing.

I write today from the patio of Austin Java at Southpark Meadows.  It has been over a week since my last post.  My failure to to update the blog however does not mean I there hasn't been anything happening.  I know in my earlier blogs I wrote about getting motion sickness after our last train ride in Germany.  Well, I was out of commission for 3 of  the first 5 days back.  I initially thought I was having the mother of all migraines until I realized that no combination of migraine medication and miscellaneous other drugs that focus on migraines/headaches were working.  What it took to finally make me feel better was motion sickness medication, meclizine and scopalomine.  I went to the doctor and he said I had an inner ear problem called areo-otitis which is what was definitely making me sick.  It is a common thing amongst travelers and scuba divers that deals with the pressure inside the ear not equalizing properly.  So, for now, I still am using the scopalimine patch and per doctor's orders, taking sudafed and using a nose spray to try to clear things up.  Let me just go on record by saying the nose spray is nasty.  Prayerfully the problem will go away if for nothing else so I don't have to use that disgusting stuff.

Immediately upon our arrival back at our home there were photo orders waiting to be processed.  Our first weekend back had us in full swing with Misty and Josh's wedding in Elgin.   Misty and Josh looked great and so did all of the bridal party.  The ceremony had an attendant making an unscheduled appearance.  Misty's little boy, Wyatt, decided he was much happier up with Misty and Josh than with the rest of the guests.  So, he helped himself and climbed on up to the elevated stage. It certainly got a few laughs. Kids are Kids.  The reception was south of Smithville at Kovar Hall (http://www.austin360.com/music/content/music/stories/2007/12/1209dancehallmap.html      look at # 11).  It is a neat country no frills dance hall that reminded me a bit of Gruene Hall in New Braunfels.  It was definitely a "roll up your sleeves" kind of joint.  I say that because one of the modern amenities that Kovar Hall lacks....air conditioning....and it was hot!  Unfortunately, Amanda started feeling really sick (had nothing to do with the wedding of course, just bad timing) and had to leave.  So, she didn't get to sweat with the rest of us.  Despite the temperature, it was a lot of fun.  Good food, good music, good people equals a good time.

Later in the week I met with Fred and Irma about photographing their July wedding.  Fred and I already knew each other so it was nice to have time to meet Irma and talk about their big day as well.  I look forward to being able to provide then with unforgettable images and service.

Saturday morning had Amanda and I started early and met Michelle and David in the booming metropolitan city that is Rockne, Texas for their engagement photos.  We met at the church that has special meaning to them to start with and then went next door to the grounds of the Rockne museum. Yes, that is right, Rockne has its own museum.  No really, I'm not joking.  David and Michelle looked great with the white shirts, jeans and boots.  They made for some really nice photos.  The location came with a bit of irony for Amanda and I.  In both of our lives we have never been to or near Rockne.  Now, in one week's time, we had been the twice.  We drove through Rockne to get home from Misty and Josh's reception.  Go figure.  Of course if not before, we will certainly be back for Michelle and David's wedding next April.

So that brings me to the present.  Amanda and i went to church this morning (www.hpbc.org) and will head over to Austin New Church (www.austinnewchurch.com) in the next hour or so.  The rest of the week will consist of a lot of computer time doing post production on the photos we've taken since we have been back.  We are also looking forward to Thursday and Elizabeth and Alfredo's wedding out at Chapel Dulcinea  (www.chapeldulcinea.org).

I want to end on a  thank you to everyone who has ordered photos over the last couple of weeks.  Your orders are greatly appreciated and one way I know that I did a great job.

Until next time, be blessed.

-Ryan