Kevin Barre Photography Blog

Tiffany + Grant = Married [Memphis Wedding Photographer]

2012-01-31T15:29:00.000-06:00

These are from Tiffany and Grant's after-wedding portrait session, which—as it turned out—was on the actual morning after their wedding.

I had always wanted to do a session with an old time "waiting-on-the-train" feel to it. This couple fit in perfectly with that plan. We used the Brooks Museum of Art as a stand-in for a train station.

Jennifer & Christopher: Memphis Engagement Photos at Heartwood Hall

2011-11-21T10:46:00.001-06:00

I love this set of images. Jennifer is a true southern belle who has a vision for her wedding. Her idea of shooting her engagement photos in a cotton field was truly inspired. She's also picked a great place for her wedding at Heartwood Hall, in Piperton, TN. Check out the ones of Christopher serenading her with his guitar. Great stuff! What a cute couple.

Kari's Bridal Portrait Session: Memphis Wedding Photographer

2011-11-13T16:30:00.001-06:00

We shot Kari's Bridal Portraits in Dyersburg, where she lives. She wanted the images to have more of an old-time country farm look to them. I'm quite pleased with the way the turned out.

Kari has the bluest eyes of anyone I have ever shot! For those of you who look at these images and think her eye color is the result of Photoshop tweaks—I assure you, I didn't touch them. Her eyes really are that blue!

As we were finishing the session, a massive storm cloud began to roll in. Most brides would have run for the car. Kari chose to go for it! She stepped out into a recently-plowed field, faced into the wind, and let her veil blow! We ended up capturing some of my favorite bridal images of all time.

Lindsay & Kyle: Memphis Wedding Photographer

2011-09-19T19:55:00.000-05:00

I want to share some of my favorite images from Lindsay & Kyle's recent wedding at Memphis Botanic Garden. The ceremony took place in a new section called the hydrangea garden. It's a bit of a walk from the main building, but oh, so worth it! The beautiful light coming down through the trees at the time of their ceremony was nothing short of spectacular.

Also included here are some of the images from Lindsay's Bridal Portrait session that we shot earlier in the year at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and in Harbor Town on Mud Island in downtown Memphis.

Funny thing—there was also a concert going on in the park the night of the wedding, just beyond the trees beside the outdoor reception area. For the guests who enjoyed the outdoor air, they were able to have a listen to the headline act.

"Who was it," you ask?

Let's just say that Lindsay & Kyle can legitimately claim that the Steve Miller Band played live at their wedding!

Elizabeth & Chris {Fairhope, Alabama Wedding Photographer}

2011-09-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

I want to share some of the images from Elizabeth & Chris' absolutely gorgeous wedding at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club, & Spa. The resort is located right near Fairhope, AL, overlooking Mobile Bay. The grounds are covered in hundred year old live oaks with the most amazing sprawling branches. Coupled with the incredible light coming off of Mobile Bay, I'm not sure they could have come up with a more beautiful place for a wedding. Ladies take note—the GROOM planned most of this event. Chris had a definite vision and spared no expense, making sure every single detail was perfect for his beautiful bride, Elizabeth. [Brother Chris, you have really raised the bar, my friend.] The weather was perfect for their sunset ceremony on a pier overlooking the bay, punctuated by teams of Pelicans doing flybys like fighter jets celebrating victory. Just incredible! I can't think of a more romantic place for a couple to begin their life together.

Sasha & Deshawn: Memphis Wedding Photographer

2011-08-02T15:40:00.000-05:00

Today I have a few of my favorites from Sasha & DeShawn's Engagement photo session in Memphis. I really love the way the light was shining when we shot these. You never know what the sky is going to look like before you get ready to shoot. Some days it's not so wonderful. Other days it's magical. This was one of those days. Awesome couple, too! I love the drink bottle images!

Jessica & Jonathan: Memphis Wedding Photographer

2011-07-23T17:15:00.000-05:00

Jessica & Jonathan were so much fun to work with—so easy to photograph. Aren't they flippin' beautiful? We shot these right around Jessica's spectacular home in Hernando, MS. (it's a former turkey coop!) The house also backs up to an old Victorian mansion, which has an old barn on the property. Every one of these images was shot within 300 feet of her house. I gotta say, I'm a little envious.

Also, I heard a rumor that this couple actually started dating at a wedding I shot a few years ago—this from the bride whose wedding it was. Am I right? Guess you'll have to ask them...

Amy & Josh {Memphis Wedding Photographer}

2011-06-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

If you are planning a wedding and haven't been out to Heartwood Hall, you need to go check it out. The place is absolutely beautiful. Proprietors John & Denise Suthoff have turned the place into an incredible location for weddings and events. They only recently opened for business, so I had never been out there before. As soon as I arrived for Amy & Josh's wedding, I knew the pics we would shoot there would be something special.

Joining us for the reception was DJ Mark Malatesta of Jordabella Entertainment. He's a great DJ who knows how to drive a party. Be sure to check him out for your wedding as well.

Liz & Matt {Memphis Wedding Photographer}

2011-06-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

I love these pics from Liz & Matt's wedding at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. The couple were obviously soooo in love and it shows in the pictures. Check out the ones when they first see each other in the garden before the wedding. The look on Liz's face is priceless!

Be sure to notice the pics of the Mozzarella Bar manned by Andrew Adams, Chef de Cuisine at the Museum's Brushmark Restaurant. This is some of the best food I have tasted at a wedding, folks!

Also, check out the images of the Soul Shockers. They rock. Hard! They provide the perfect mix of soul, pop, and dance that will have your guests partying the night away. I've shot many weddings where they played, and every one of them was a hit. If you're looking for a party band, be sure to check them out.

Morgan & Ben {Memphis Engagement Photos}

2011-06-02T17:49:00.001-05:00

These are some of Morgan & Ben's Engagement Portraits. Their wedding is coming up in July.

Morgan graduated from Rhodes College, which looks fantastic, so that's where we started the session.

Ben is apparently a total romantic (sorry, bro). When he decided to propose to Morgan, he arranged with a downtown building owner to let them have access to the rooftop, where Ben had dinner waiting for them. He took Morgan up there, popped the question, and they enjoyed the sunset as they ate.

We had not arranged rooftop access for their engagement session, but as luck would have it, the owner came out of the building right as we were shooting in front.

He let us up on the roof, so we were able to get shots of them in the exact spot where they were engaged. Super cool!

If you want to look the rest of the images from their session, have a look here.

Sneak Peek: Zachary {Memphis Senior Photos}

2011-05-17T02:13:00.001-05:00

Here's a look at a sneak peek image from a recent Senior Photos Session with Zach. More coming soon...

Baby Christian: Memphis Family Portrait Photographer

2011-05-03T19:51:00.000-05:00

I've said it before, but one of the greatest parts of being a photographer is forming lasting friendships with my clients. I love meeting my couples when they are first engaged, then shooting their engagement portraits, wedding photos, and ultimately baby portraits as well.

These pics are of baby Christian and his very proud parents, Allison and Yi. They chose our First Year package, where you get four portrait sessions during baby's first year for the price of three. They grow so fast in that first year, so it's great to be able to visibly see their changes every three months. We'll finish out the year with a session for Christian's first birthday. He's so cute! I can't wait to see how he grows in the next few months.

We Made the Cover of Mid-South Wedding Guide

2011-04-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

I'm excited about this one. One of our images—of beautiful bride Allison Adams DeJarnette—was selected for the cover of the inaugural issue of Mid-South Wedding Guide. You may recognize the pic, as it has become one of our signature images.

The new publication is the brain child of Editor-in-Chief Allison Brigance. As she says in her very first column, "Our goal is to give you the wedding you've always dreamed of. A wedding that reflects your unique personality and style. A wedding that you and your guests will delight in, right here in the Mid-South area."

Allison contacted me a couple of months ago about doing a bridal shoot that is a main feature of the issue. The location for the shoot was a beautiful new facility down in Coldwater, Mississippi—Cedar Ridge. Hair design by Amanda & Company; make-up by Carey Ann Pearce; dresses provided by David's Bridal; jewelry by Stella & Dot; and flowers by Dorothy K's. Here are some of the images from the shoot.

Also in the issue is a two page spread of pics from the wedding of one of our previous couples—Lee & Glenn Opie. Their beautiful wedding was last October at the Inn at Hunt Phelan.

Mid-South Wedding Guide is a free publication, which is available now throughout the Mid-South. We wish Allison and her entire staff much success!

Sara & Andrew: Memphis Wedding Photography

2011-04-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

Here are a few sneak peek images from Sara & Andrew's wedding at the Inn at Hunt Phelan on historic Beale Street in downtown Memphis. This was a small afternoon wedding with no attendants and only a select few guests—SUPER romantic!

Sara purchased two dresses for the wedding—long story—so she decided to wear both. Good for her! She looked fabulous in each of them.

Be sure to note the fantastic flowers—particularly the archway—by Lynn Doyle Flowers of Memphis.

Ginger & Nathan: Memphis Engagement Portraits

2011-04-12T12:46:00.000-05:00

I had a great time recently with Ginger & Nathan shooting their engagement portraits in various parts of Memphis. Current trends have most wedding couples asking for an urban style, but they were looking for more of a rural look. We headed out to Shelby Farms for their session. I hope you like them.

We did it again! A Bride's Choice Award for 2011

2011-01-28T11:22:00.001-06:00

We're excited to announce that we have received the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award for 2011 (our second year in a row). This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate quality and service excellence in the wedding industry. The awards are given based on the actual ratings of our previous clients.

To those of you who rated us—THANKS!

My Favorite Things: Hangin' with Jack

2011-01-20T09:00:00.039-06:00

Jack is my guy. I love hangin' with him. He's like a time machine that let's me step back into my childhood. I look at him and see myself 30 years ago. We don't even have to do anything special together to have a great time.

On this particular day we drove down to south Memphis to pick up a roll of canvas for my printer. On the way back we decided to grab some lunch, and found quite the little jewel. Las Delicias on South Mendenhall.

Crazy good authentic West Coast Mexican food. And CHEAP. I think we got fat for about $15 bucks. Even better than it being cheap was seeing Jack experience it for the first time.

Both of my kids are foodies. They will try just about anything you put in front of them. Jack and I shared a plate of raw monk fish liver at Anaba in Knoxville over Thanksgiving.

If all you ever feed your kids when you go out is chicken nuggets and pizza, you are doing them a disservice. Broaden their horizons while they're young. They might just broaden yours in return.

Changes: Things are never quite what they used to be.

2011-01-19T10:25:00.001-06:00

I put on a pair of pants this morning that I must not have worn in quite some time, because I found this when I reached in my pocket.

It's a movie ticket that went through the wash for The Bourne Ultimatum. Apparently I saw it on September 8, 2007, and paid $8.50 each for two tickets. I took the kids to see Tron Legacy over the holidays and paid $12.50 each for us to see it. That's a 48% increase in three years. Interesting.

Then I check my e-mail this morning and there was a message there from Zillow. I have the site set to track the value of my home and send me updates any time something significant changes. Well this is what it sent me.

A $2500.00 DECREASE in the last 30 days. Which would be okay, I guess, if they hadn't already sent me 10 copies of the same message over the last two years. My home is currently worth $50,000 less than I paid for it three years ago.

So, movies are up 50% in three years, and my home is down $50 Grand in two years.

Very interesting.

Amanda & Nick

2011-01-18T18:26:00.001-06:00

Our engagement sessions have been turned up to eleven for 2011. Get it? 11 in 2011? Anyway...

In all seriousness—these sessions are about showing the love, commitment, and chemistry that our couples have. We don't just insert you into our standard list of shots. We actually discuss with you what it is that makes you tick.

Tell us about how you met. Tell us about what you like to do together. Tell us why you love him. Tell us how she makes you smile.

We really want to know, because it helps us design a bad-ass portrait session that is right only for the two of you.

Melissa & Patrick: Fun Fall Engagement Portraits in Memphis

2010-12-22T11:43:00.001-06:00

Shot a fantastic Fall engagement portrait session recently with Melissa & Patrick. Enjoy...

Natalee & Jacob: After-Wedding Session

2010-11-18T14:18:00.001-06:00

These images are from Natalee & Jacob's After-Wedding session. The session took place about a month after their actual wedding day, at a completely different location.

The After-Wedding session is perfect for you if you don't wish to see your groom/bride before the ceremony on your wedding day, or if you had bad weather on your wedding day. What the heck—maybe you just want to get back in your wedding clothes! The session lasts up to three hours over multiple locations. It's a great way to get much more elaborate pictures of a couple together without the constraints of time and weather—plus, if we get the dress slightly dirty, it won't be the end of the world.

Charlee & Gene: Charlee's Take

2010-10-12T14:44:00.000-05:00

After I posted the images you see below, Charlee took to her own blog to comment on the experience. It's a fun read (entitled "Trashed"), including...

...it also helps to have an incredible photographer, so if you're in the market for one of those, you HAVE to call Kevin Barre. i can't emphasize his badassedness (he's so bad ass, that i just created the word badassedness for him) enough.

If you're thinking of having your own Trash-the-Dress session, or you're just curious, go see Charlee's page to get her whole take on the experience.

Love you, Chuck!

Charlee & Gene: Trash the Dress

2010-10-07T10:18:00.001-05:00

I shot Charlee & Gene's engagement session in the Spring, wedding in the Summer, and now a trash the dress session in the Fall. I LOVE this couple. They were up for anything, which is fantastic for a photographer with a vision.

Meagan & Corey

2010-09-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am sucker for a cool car. Meagan's dad gave us access to a very cool car. That would be a 1954 Chevy decked out as a Tunica, MS police car. Get this—it's real—and he let us take it out for the shoot! The car ran perfectly—even the air conditioner was quite cold—which was nice, since it was over 100˚ outside while we were shooting these.

Imagine me, lying in the middle of the road, sweat running like a river through my eyes, trying to get these shots. I look up and here comes an 18-wheel tank truck. I'm thinking I'm about to be squished, when Meagan tells me it's just her dad coming by to watch.

This was one I won't soon forget. I'm sure the wedding will be just as fun.

The Stephersons: Family Portraits in Collierville, Tennessee

2010-08-23T17:56:00.001-05:00

These were a blast! The Stephersons' kids are the same age as mine—heck they even look a little like my kids—so we got along famously. For these we hit the Collierville Town Square, which is normally covered with photographers on any given day. There's a reason for that. Have a look...

Bethany & Mike: Wedding Photography in Memphis

2010-08-23T16:08:00.003-05:00

You know it's going be a great wedding when the bride is not wearing any shoes.

That was the case for Bethany & Mike's wedding at Memphis Botanic Garden. The Botanic Garden is simply one of the most beautiful paces in Memphis for a wedding. There are so many different places to shoot fantastic wedding images—or any kind of portraits—all within one confined space. It is a photographer's dream location.

How classy does this couple look? It goes without saying that they were fantastic to work with. I love couples who are open to just about anything, like Bethany & Mike were. We were able to shoot the majority of these images within twenty minutes, right after their ceremony.

Mary: Senior Portraits in Memphis

2010-08-03T18:56:00.003-05:00

I received an e-mail a few weeks back from Mary asking me if I would shoot her Senior Portraits. Of course I said I would, and asked for a few more details about her—at this point, all I knew was her name. I asked a little about the things she was interested in, if she had any hobbies, etc. All I got was a vague response—not a single detail. I knew nothing about this girl before we shot these pics. Nothing. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived.

Boy, was I in for a surprise. Talk about easy to photograph. Super fun, super nice, super cute, and extremely comfortable with who she is. An absolutely fantastic senior portrait session!

Thanks, Mary, and thanks Jennifer (mom), for letting me capture this part of your lives.

PLEASE Don't get a Spray-On Tan

2010-06-15T15:49:00.002-05:00

Hey, I understand. You want to look your best for your wedding. If you are a bride, you've probably dreamed of this day all of your life. You've scheduled a time on your wedding day to have your hair and makeup done so you'll look your best. I also understand that those last few weeks before your wedding are totally hectic. You most likely don't have time to go to the bathroom, much less time to lie around day-after-day working on your tan—but you don't want to look like a ghost in your wedding dress either. I get it, really I do.

Do me (and yourself) a favor. Please, PLEASE, skip the appointment you had to get a spray-on tan. Go ahead if you must and get the regular tanning-bed tan, but I implore you, don't get the spray-on variety.

Why?

Because you will be orange in all of your wedding pictures. Not just a little orange, but Oompa Loompa orange. I am not kidding on this one.

To the eye, the spray-on tan looks just as good as a regular tan, but to the camera you will just look orange. Everyone else who didn't get a spray tan will look fine, but you will be forever orange in all of your wedding pics.

See the picture above. This is EXACTLY what you will look like. I'm not exaggerating. I would post examples (I have many) of real brides with spray-on tans but I don't want to embarrass any of my clients.

BTW—If you are a recent client of mine who did the spray-tan thing, I'm not writing this message about you. I'm not writing this message about anyone in particular, I'm just trying to avoid a lot of future heartache for my clients. The fact is, I can fix the orange tint, but it has to be done by hand and won't be covered in the standard editing and color-correction that is included in all of my packages. This type of retouching is done at an hourly-rate.

"How much is it?," you ask.

Don't get a spray-on tan and you won't need to find out.

Emily & Chris: Engagement Photos in Memphis

2010-05-26T16:54:00.004-05:00

Here are some of my favorites from Emily & Chris's recent engagement photo session.

This is the session I was on when I was told by the Memphis Police Department that I couldn't take pictures of the bridges that cross the Mississippi for reasons of Homeland Security, which as it turns out, was completely bogus. There's no law or local ordinance that prohibits a photographer from shooting images of any Memphis bridge. Go figure.

Kate & Bo

2010-05-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

Some days my job is really difficult. Some days it's a struggle to be creative. Maybe the light isn't right or the location isn't right, or the couple is uncomfortable having their picture taken—although that part usually goes away quickly, as I tend to have a calming effect on my nervous clients. That's all a part of being an experienced wedding photographer—understanding what my couples need, before they know they need it. It's part of the true art of making images.

Other days my job is all about showing up. Showing up and seeing the light, and then making damn sure I capture it. Shooting Kate & Bo's engagement session was one of those days. They were practically exploding with chemistry. About the most instruction I gave this couple during our session was “Go stand over there.” They were so perfect together, so clearly in love with each other, so flippin' sexy I wanted to just squeeze them. I think I may actually have before the session was over.

The really crappy thing? I won't actually have the pleasure of shooting their wedding. They had already booked a photographer for their out-of-town wedding before they found me. They saw some of my engagement images and wanted some of their own. Moral: I don't have to shoot your wedding to shoot your engagement images, or bridal images, or trash-the-dress images. Heck, why not check me out for anniversary images, or we're just really in love images? I don't discriminate. I'm an equal opportunity photographer.

Assistant Wanted

2010-04-15T11:51:00.002-05:00

I need to hire an assistant (immediately) who can help me edit and color-correct wedding and portrait session images, and perform various other photo studio duties as assigned. If you (or someone you know) is interested in earning some extra money working 15-20 hours per week, please submit a cover letter/resumé to kevin@kevinbarrephotography.com by April 21, 2010. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous professional photographic experience. Macintosh, Photoshop, and Adobe Lightroom experience are all pluses. Pay will be negotiable based on experience. Applicants must be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

This blog has moved (Thanks Blogger!)

2010-04-13T15:29:00.002-05:00

Blogger has decided to stop letting users publish their blogs to their own domains using FTP, so my blog had to move. If you're reading this, it most likely was a seamless transfer. You may wish to update your bookmark if you are a reagular reader.

The new address is http://kevinbarrephoto.blogspot.com/.

If you are on the old site, you will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://kevinbarrephoto.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Snow Pics

2010-02-17T18:51:00.004-06:00

I've always wanted to shoot some decent snow pics, but in Memphis we rarely get enough to shoot before it all melts. Last week was a rare exception, so I dropped Jordan off at work and the kids off at school, and then scrambled back to the house to get my gear. There was this place I wanted to go (see the water images below) that I have wanted to shoot for some time now. I had envisioned buying some chest waders and actually getting down to the water line for some dramatic early morning shots, but thought better of it in the sub-freezing temps. Maybe I'll visit the spot again soon.

I originally posted these images yesterday on Facebook. In only 24 hours, I've already had a couple of people inquire about purchasing prints from this series. If you're interested, click here to purchase copies directly from my web site.

Hudson

2010-01-28T17:49:00.004-06:00

Check out this little man! Hudson is the son of Stephanie and Tanner, who are previous clients of mine. He looked totally dapper in his little hats.

This session—like all of our infant sessions—took about 3 hours with lots of time for feeding and changing. Hudson was such a trooper, and the images turned out great.

Christie & Sean

2010-01-13T18:27:00.006-06:00

Every time I schedule a portrait session, I pray for good light. With this session it actually worked. We had perfect golden light for three hours.

Not only was the light perfect, but so were Christie & Sean. I absolutely ADORE this couple. We had so much fun. Shoot a little, laugh a little, shoot a little more, REPEAT. And did you SEE Christie's red hair? And Sean's? HA! LOVE this couple!

The only problem was that we had icicles hanging off our noses when we finished. FLIPPIN' cold!

Erin & Dusty

2010-01-11T11:40:00.003-06:00

These are from Erin & Dusty's engagement session earlier in the Fall.

Our engagement sessions are a blast. We usually start these two to three hours before sunset, so the session ends during the "magic-hour" of light just after the sun goes down (more like 20 minutes). We try to go to as many fun locations as we can in three hours. It's a little like a drive-by-shooting, but without the bullets. ;)

Michelle & Ryan

2010-01-08T11:44:00.003-06:00

Seems like all of my couples lately are just a blast to work with. I love the ones of Michelle below where so goes through an entire range of emotions in about 10 seconds. Super cute!

Teaser: Adrienne & Jack

2010-01-04T10:27:00.005-06:00

These are a few images I let out of the bag for yesterday's wedding show at the Agricenter. This wedding was at Cedar Hill Farm in Hernando, Ms. What an awesome venue for a wedding!

The wedding show was fantastic, BTW. I've already had a number of serious calls from it about dates for this year. If you are thinking about booking with us, give me a shout soon! The best 2010 dates are going fast.

Kara & Josh

2009-12-29T15:57:00.003-06:00

These are from a fantastic engagement session with Kara & Josh. We had perfect weather and a super perfect sunset. Also, it never hurts to have a fun couple to work with. On to the pics...

Ann Parker

2009-12-19T20:47:00.005-06:00

Here are few from a recent session with little miss Ann Parker of Tunica, MS. She's such a cutie! And what a little trooper. We shot for 2+ hours with hardly a peep out of the little darling.

We love shooting babies! Let us capture the moments of your baby's life. Call me today to set up a session with your little bundle of joy.

Hurry! She's not getting any younger.

Emily Blair & Brett

2009-12-19T16:25:00.005-06:00

These are from Emily Blair & Brett's wedding at Castle Hill Resort in Oxford, MS on Halloween. Great people, great party, great wedding!

Thanks a ton to Peter Conrey for his second shooter work on this wedding. Peter has been shooting with me for most of 2009 and has become an invaluable part of the Kevin Barré Photography team.

I want to give a BIG FAT shoutout to the boys at Ragin Cagen DJ Service for their part in this wedding also. Not only was the music thumpin' and the tunes spectacular, but the LIGHT SHOW these cats put on was better than I have ever seen at any wedding in 18 years of shooting. Be sure to check these guys out, because they are a big part of why the images below are so good. Remember, this reception was outside at night, with little in the way of lighting from the venue. Most of the color from these images was from their lightshow. Truly awesome!

Brooke & Hossein

2009-11-15T22:28:00.002-06:00

In 17 years of shooting weddings, I had never shot an Iranian wedding until Brooke & Hossein's.

The beauty! The happiness! The pure joy! This was a great wedding. One I will remember forever.

Kelly & Jared

2009-09-11T12:12:00.004-05:00

What an awesome couple! I had to get on Facebook and send Kelly a quick note while I was working on these images, just to tell her how fantastic they were! I can't wait to shoot this wedding in late October.

Check out the images below. I really love the ones in the water.

Have a look at some more at my main site.

Jacque & Jeremy

2009-09-02T12:49:00.003-05:00

Jacque and Jeremy's wedding is coming up later this month here in Memphis. I thought I'd post a few images from their engagement session. We had yummy skies that night!

Have a look at some more at my main site.

Joanne & Jake

2009-08-27T17:39:00.003-05:00

Here are a few from Joanne & Jake's recent wedding at the Tunica Riverpark. It threatened to rain all day long, but the skies cleared up just in time for a beautiful outdoor wedding on the mighty Mississippi.

Have a look at some more at my main site.

Stephanie & Tanner

2009-06-19T14:55:00.004-05:00

These are a few images from Stephanie & Tanner's Engagement session. Cute couple and crazy fun to shoot with! The ones of them on the foot bridge were so funny to shoot. They're 100 feet away from me with rush hour interstate traffic buzzing below them (including lots of honking from onlookers!). I'm trying to tell them which way to turn, etc., and they CAN'T HEAR ME. So I'm making all kinds of weird hand gestures, trying to get them to do what I need them to do, and I sit down for a better angle—right in a puddle!

Nice.

But the shots turned out great.

Jack

2008-10-13T13:41:00.002-05:00

I meant to post these images a few days ago, but the weekend was kinda busy. On October 9, my son Jack turned 10. The time sure flies. Way to go big guy!

By the way, I remember my own 10th birthday in 1980. My dad took me to see the Christopher Reeves version of Superman in the theatre (only the wealthy had home video at that point). When I told my sister that the other night, she said I was "old." Well, duh!

Allison & Yi's Engagement Images

2008-10-08T23:31:00.003-05:00

Today we have another set of favorites from a recent Engagement Session, this time featuring Allison & Yi.

Sarah & Austin

2008-10-02T15:09:00.005-05:00

These are some of the pics from Sarah and Austin's wedding at St. Mary's Episcopal and the Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis. The flowers and decorations at the reception were by Southern Event Planners.

Jordan

2008-09-26T16:20:00.003-05:00

This gorgeous woman is the highly intelligent, funny, caring, dependable, thoughtful, independent, and loving woman I married four years ago yesterday.

I love her more today than even the day we were married.

I'm biased, of course, but DAMN she's a hottie!

Katie & Greg

2008-09-10T21:15:00.005-05:00

These are some of my favorites from a recent engagement session I shot with Katie & Greg. Their wedding is coming up in a few weeks at the Brooks Museum of Art.

Cathy & Kav

2008-07-06T19:56:00.004-05:00

About a year ago (or so) I shot a rehearsal dinner for a couple in Sewanee, TN. The groom's family hired me based on a recommendation from a family member, but the bride's family had already hired another photographer to shoot the wedding. When it was all said and done, they were happier with my pictures from the rehearsal dinner than they were with the other photographer's pictures from the wedding. Apparently they liked me enough to recommend me to Cathy & Kav.

Here are a few images from their recent wedding. You can see the whole gallery here if you like.

Meredith & Donnie

2008-06-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Meredith & Donnie finally tied the knot! You may remember their engagement images from a while back, but these are from the recently added proof pages of their wedding.

The ceremony and reception were at Le Pavillon in Memphis. Check out all of the images from the wedding here.

The image above is of the crazy beautiful Katie Maxwell, who was Meredith's Maid of Honor. She was also the MoH in Jordan's and My wedding.

Wendy & John

2008-06-23T14:45:00.006-05:00

These are some of my favorite images from Wendy & John's recent wedding at Le Pavillon in Memphis. As you can tell from the pics, these two are really in love, and were kissin' and huggin' all night long.

Le Pavillon is a cool little wedding location, with gorgeous light and—best of all—climate control inside when it's hot outside.

You can see the entire wedding here.

Robin & Peter

2008-05-30T17:40:00.003-05:00

These images are from Robin & Peter's recent weddings in Marion, Arkansas. Some of you may recognize the Groom as Peter Edmiston of AM 560 Memphis, where he co-hosts the Morning Rush each weekday from 6-8 a.m.

This was the first wedding I ever went to where they did karaoke. Peter and groomsman Will Askew did a surprisingly good (and thoroughly disturbing) rendition of "Afternoon Delight." Incredibly fun!

Abby & Carey

2008-05-01T14:06:00.005-05:00

These are from Abby & Carey's Engagement Session. We started out at their house, shooting some more traditional images for posting an engagement announcement in the paper. Then we loaded their dogs in my truck and headed off for an extended session downtown. The doggies were awesome, and the images didn't turn out too bad either. See the entire session on my site here.

Laura & Evan

2008-04-17T17:43:00.003-05:00

These are of Laura & Evan from my latest Engagement Session in Memphis. Aren't they cute? You can check out the whole session here.

Published Again

2008-04-17T14:18:00.003-05:00

Some more of my images have been published in an international magazine.

A few months ago I shot some images for a friend, who happens to own EgglestonWorks. Their newest speaker line, the Nine, received a glowing review in the April/May 2008 issue of The Absolute Sound. These things are freakin' beautiful (and they sound even better)! Too bad I can't afford them, 'cause they sure would look and sound good in my TV room. (Are you listening, Jim?)

The only bad part: they didn't give me a photo credit. Losers.

Sara & David

2008-04-11T16:04:00.003-05:00

These are pics from Sara and David's wedding at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, with the reception at the Train Station in downtown Memphis. We had to dodge the rain to get the outdoor pics, but I think they turned out great. What a fun couple!

Have a look at the whole set here.

To the MOON!

2008-04-09T20:59:00.002-05:00

I believe I have mentioned here before that I'm a bit of a nut about the American Space Program. Everything about it fascinates me, and whenever the chance to see any real space memorabilia up close has presented itself, I have always taken the opportunity. My kids are also fascinated by the stuff, so for Spring Break this year, Jordan and I took Sarah and Jack to the rocket center in Hunstville, Alabama.

When you get to Huntsville, it's pretty hard to miss the full scale mockup of the Saturn V rocket on display at the entrance to the center. Standing as tall as a 36 story building, you can see it from virtually anywhere in the area.

They have a new building at the center that was just dedicated in January of 2008. It houses the original test version of the Saturn V. It never actually flew, but instead was the source vehicle for all of the engine, transport, and assembly tests.

While we were there, we took in a 3D movie about Mars. Here's Sarah sporting her 3D glasses.

There's also a Zero Gravity ride outside by the rockets. You strap in and are hurled upward, feeling zero-g for a couple of seconds on the way back down. Unfortunately Jack didn't quite make the height requirement, so he hung out while the rest of us took off.

There were a number of flown items from each of the Apollo moon missions, including this flight suit worn by John Young while inside the Lunar Module on the surface of the moon. John Young is my personal hero. Here are a few of the things he did in his lengthy NASA career.

He flew on the first manned flight of the Gemini spacecraft with Gus Grissom aboard Gemini 3.
Flying again as Commander of Gemini 10, the mission was the first dual rendezvous with two Agena Target Vehicles.
He first went to the Moon aboard Apollo 10, flying the Command Module solo - the first person to do so in lunar orbit.
He flew to the Moon again as Commander of Apollo 16 and was the ninth man to set foot on the Moon.
He is listed in the Guiness Book of World records as setting a speed record for travel on the surface of the Moon with the lunar rover (11.2 mph!)
He was again Commander on the maiden flight of the Space Shuttle.
He flew the Space Shuttle again on the very first Spacelab mission, also making him the first man to fly in space six times, and is the only man to have commanded Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle missions.
He worked for NASA for 42 years and retired on December 31, 2004 at the age of 74.

This is one of the modified Hasselblad cameras used during the Apollo 11 mission, the first time man set foot on the Moon.

These are plaster casts of Neil Armstrong's hands, taken to make custom gloves to be worn on the surface of the Moon.

This is the Command Module "Snoopy" in which John Young, Ken Mattingly, and Charlie Duke rode to the Moon.

Here's Sarah trying her hand in the original Apollo command module simulator.

Jack shows us the shuttle Pathfinder, which was the first Space Shuttle mockup used for construction and transportation testing. It never actually flew, and is in fact hollow. The fuel tank, however, is the very first shuttle fuel tank constructed, used for all of the static launch tests of the shuttle system. The lower two engines on the back end of Pathfinder are the actual engines that flew on the maiden voyage of Columbia, the very first Space Shuttle flight. The booster rockets are inert mockups.

Defection to the Dark Side?

2008-03-13T17:35:00.003-05:00

I did it. I made the switch. After being a die-hard Nikon guy for 25 years I made the leap today and switched to Canon.

Earlier this week I purchased a whole 40D setup, but the cameras actually got here today. First impressions: It's really different from my Nikon stuff. That and HOLY CRAP this thing is fast and silent! Perfection in a wedding camera.

Of course, here are the very first images shot with it. The girls were out playing in the yard, so I shot them.

This is Emma. She's the lady. At six, she'd not the oldest, but we've had her the longest. She is definitely the queen bee.

This one is Zoe. She's the puppy, and don't you forget it. She's nine months old and eats EVERYTHING. If she can't find anything to eat she will attempt to eat one of the other dogs. I am only slightly kidding here.

Lastly, we have Victoria, or as I like to call her “Mrs. Victoria Graybeard."

We adopted Victoria from the Humane Society in October. She had lived there for over a year and I didn't think she needed to do that anymore. It may be because I saved her, but she never leaves my side. Ever. Oh, except when I pull out the camera. She seems to be terrified of my cameras, no matter how small they are.

Amy and Ben's Engagement Session

2008-01-23T00:15:00.000-06:00

Who says you can't shoot an Engagement Session in December? Well, maybe me. Amy and Ben's session was delayed twice due to rain, but we finally got it done. What a cute couple! They also booked me for the coveted 06-07-08 date this year. It seems like EVERYONE wants that date.

Well too bad, they got it first.

Sir Edmund Hillary: RIP

2008-01-11T09:49:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note this morning to mark the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with sherpa Tenzing Norgay, became the first men to summit Mt. Everest in 1953. This was a guy with a pretty big pair. He died yesterday morning of heart failure, at age 88.

I'm not sure what it is about Everest that calls to me, but those close to me know that I would like to someday climb it myself. Maybe I feel the need to somehow test my own mettle. I don't really think I want to go there "because it's there" or just to be able to say I did it. Adventure has always interested me. When I read for entertainment, I prefer to read adventure non-fiction. I find that my favorite books have been about Everest. It's just my thing. I'd also like to go to the moon, but that's a story for another day.

Anna Mary & Chad's Wedding

2007-11-06T17:17:00.000-06:00

Enjoy and, as usual, let me know what you think.

River Arts Fest

2007-10-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the images I shot at the River Arts Fest last weekend in downtown Memphis.

Meredith and Donnie

2007-09-27T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the early proofs from a recent engagement set for Meredith and Donnie. They were so yummy I couldn't wait until they were all ready to post these. Let me know what you think.

Those Beautiful Baker Babies

2007-06-20T14:41:00.001-05:00

These images are a new twist on family photos. I'm tired of shooting boring sit-down family photos where the kids are uncomfortable (and the parents even more so). On monday I hooked up with Rachel and Adam Baker and their three children Laura Beth, Kess, and Wil. We went to a park in Germantown to let the kids have some fun. The result: 1100 images in 90 minutes! Have a look at the full set of session proofs in my Online Proofs section.

A Boy and his Bat

2007-05-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

If you keep up with this blog you know how much I love my children, Sarah and Jack. They are just phenomenal kids. I'm very lucky.

This is Jack. He's 8 and he loves baseball. The day these images were taken was on the weekend after he was smacked in the mouth by a line-drive during practice. There's even a pic below of the sore in his mouth, EWW! (I waited until a few days after the blood went away. Trust me, it was not pretty.) Not only did he not miss his game, but he batted like a champ, cracking a two-run single and a two-run double to help his team win a 12-10 game.

I was not so sure his heart was in it back when he was playing T-ball, but I think he really likes it now in his second year of coach-pitch.

I love you, Jack-Jack.

More Flowers

2007-05-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

I'm having fun with these flowers. I shot these magnolias at Rhodes last night. Then, when I got up this morning and took Emma out for her walk, the light mist on the green leaves was calling me.

Fun with a Macro Lens

2007-04-17T17:07:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been pulling out all of my old manual-focus lenses and working them back in to my shooting. As it turns out, I like them better than my hot new zooms. These old things are like tanks–huge and heavy. But they also have just beautiful glass and make some really nice images.

I feel like most photographers today wouldn't know what to do if I gave them a full manual camera and told them to go shoot. Sometimes I think I rely too much on the technology. Lately I want to get back to my roots. All manual, all the time. That's how I shot all of these flower images. Tell me what you think.

Kate & James got MARRIED

2007-04-11T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is a slideshow of my most recent wedding in Jackson, TN. Kate and James are such a super cool couple with really fun families. This was one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to. Be sure to check out their entire set of pics in the previews section of my site.

A Big Girl Haircut

2007-04-10T18:40:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are the images from Sarah’s first “big girl” haircut. My favorites are the ones with the lolly-pop. No matter how hard she tries to be big, I think she secretly wants to remain small.

I love you, Bear.

Easter Babies

2007-04-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Jack and Sarah spent the weekend with us for Easter. They are getting so big. On friday I took Sarah to have her hair cut for the first time in a nice salon. I'll have pics to share of that event later this week, but you can already tell from these images that she looks fantastic. Special thanks to Jordan for helping the kids with their Easter outfits. She's fast becoming their own stylist.

God, I love these babies!

More from Mexico

2007-03-16T10:15:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not in Mexico, but this weather has been making me want to go to the beach. It's getting warm and everything is blooming, so here are a couple of images to get you in the mood.

Happy Birthday, Jordan

2007-03-05T10:39:00.000-06:00

The love of my life turns 25 today.

She is my best friend. She makes sure I don't leave the house wearing clothes that don't match. She loves me when no one else does. She's so smart and so witty and so good at her job. She really has become quite a success. At 25 she has graduated from college, become the greatest step-mom in the entire world, purchased TWO homes, had a couple of jobs where she blew everyone away with her grace, style, and organizational ability, and now she has become the president of Kevin Barre Photography. Not many people can claim as many accomplishments before turning 25. The best part is that she makes it all look so easy.

I love you, J.

Happy birthday.

St. Louis, Part 2

2007-03-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

As promised, here is the second set of images from my recent photo excursion to St. Louis: Pet Portraits!

Here kitty kitty kitty.

Dueling Powerbooks

2007-02-27T12:40:00.000-06:00

Who, besides me, finds this image funny? This is my father-in-law, Tom Badgett, along with my daughter, Sarah, from this past weekend.

St. Louis, Part 1

2007-02-20T17:02:00.000-06:00

We made a quick trip to St. Louis this past weekend to shoot some pics. It was snowing when we got there.

I really like St. Louis. I think I like its grittiness. I like the old industrial look from the 20s and 30s. Anyway, here's the first part of what I got...

Flowers

2007-02-15T15:02:00.001-06:00

While I was shooting food last weekend at the Brushmark in the Brooks Museum of Art, I grabbed a few frames of a flower sitting on the table. Here's what I got...

I'm thinking about adding a section to my site of Fine Art images for sale. These might be my first additions.

More Laney

2007-02-13T15:51:00.001-06:00

Here’s an update to one of my earlier shoots, with Laney Mann. The full session is now online here. If you’re interested in hiring an up-and-coming model, she’s a natural. These images practically took themselves.