Allison Senior 2012

We've known Allison since she was 11. Sunday she came out for her Senior Pictures. She made a great model. We did some of her pics at the Natchez Hills Winery in Hampshire. Thanks to them for allowing us to use their beautiful grounds. Also pictured for the cirst time is Simon our 1975 Mini Cooper.

Senior Ambassador Program: Free Senior Session

Our Senior Ambassador Program is new this year. We're looking for one 2012 Senior to give a free Senior Session to. In return all you have to do is show off your free pics and give some cards to your friends. Every one who wants to apply can email me at jon@hampshirephotographyweb.com or call 931 285 0046. We'll set up a time to do an interview with you to ask you a few questions. Everyone who applies will get something free but only one Senior will be chosen. Look forward to working with you guys and gals.

My most emotional gig last year.

Last February I had the privlege to take pictures as Columbia's 278 prepared to deploy to Iraq. This was particularly special to me as my best friend as deploying as part of this unit. These are some of the images I captured that day. On the field you'll see 3000 of the bravest and brightest Americans in the country. It was an honor to get to know these guys before they left to defend our freedom. I'm glad you all made it back safe.

Pheonix: The Power of Pictures

I talk alot about the power of photography. I truly believe a good photographic image has value far beyond the printing cost. Hypothetically you often here , if my house was on fire the first thing I would grab would be the photos. Why, because photos are more than just images. They are snapshots in time. Refrains from a happy days gone by. Sign posts of your past.

This fact was illustrated to me, when I received a phone call from an old customer, Susan Johnson. Sadly Susan told me that her house had burned down in August. Fortunately, everyone was safe but they had lost everything in the fire. I sympathized greatly with Susan because one of my best friend's houses burned down when I was in college. There is no equating the sense of loss this tragedy can bring. Susan brought her three beautiful daughters for a sitting in 2004. Her question, of course, was do I still have copies of the photos she purchased in 2004. Luckily the one thing I am organized about is archiving my images. To my glee I quickly found the images from 2004. Calling her back and telling her I had the images was the happiest thing I've ever done as a photographer.

I look forward to Saturday when I get to meet with Susan and show her the images taken years ago. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she realizes her lost images are safe. The power of photography is illustrated best by the smile on a mother's face. Susan and her family now have a new house and are trying to rebuild their life. I hope the images from back in 2004 will hang on the wall to serve to make that house a home. God Bless your family Susan.

Bridal Shows

I've enjoyed two Bridal Shows in the past week. One at Cool Springs last Thursday and one at Maury Co Park this past Saturday. We won runner up at the Maury CO show for best booth. YEAH!!! I've included a pick of our booth and some of the sweetheart pics we took below. The brides and grooms really had some sweet and sassy messages to write to their sweetheart. Thanks, Brides and Grooms we had a great time meeting you.

D7000 Redux Review

Some of you may have seen my review of the D7000 when it was announced last year. All I could offer at that point was the stats and my projection of what I thought this camera could do. Now that I own one I have some actual experiences to share about this incredible camera.
I purchased the D7000 in Dec 2010. I've used it for about 3 mos as a back up to my D700. I'm completely blown away by this little camera's performance. It is as good or better than the much more expensive D700.
Firstly, believe it or not the high ISO performance is actually as good or better than the already stellar D700. I can get outstanding images out of this camera at 1600 ISO and usable images at 3200 ISO. Incredible for a DX camera. I never really need to shoot more that 3200 ISO so I won't speak to the insane 6400 and above ISO's. The theory was that DX cameras would never be as good as FX at high ISO. But I'm here to tell you that the D7000 has busted that theory.
Secondly, its much lighter that the D700. I've toyed with the idea of just getting two D7000's and selling the D700 just due to the weight issue. Carrying two D7000's would sure make grueling wedding shots much easier.
Other things the D7000 does better than the D700 are a faster shutter and more mega pixels. I believe the D700 still has the advantage with a superior auto focus system having 53 focus points instead of 39 for the D7000. Also I like the more professional controls and dials on the D700. The D7000 has the consumer grade controls.
So am I going to sell my D700 buy another D7000 and pocket the $1000 worth of difference in the price. Tempting but no. Why you ask. Because the FX camera's allow me to use lens that aren't made for DX. Most professional glass is made for FX camera's. And good glass in my opinion is as important as a good camera. But who knows, after a few more summer wedding's lugging around the D700 I may change my tune. Or maybe I could just get in shape.

The Wedding Book

Our albums are something I've never talked about on the blog. Which is ashamed because I believe we offer the finest wedding album on the market. Graphi Studios produce our books and they are stunning.
Love at first sight is the only way to describe how you'll feel about these albums. Combining the uniqueness of the handmade binding, the most advanced digital technologies and the creativity of professional designers; this is the finest wedding book on the market. It’s designed by our staff and printed in Italy then shipped right to your front door. Have European elegance right on your coffee table. You will enjoy these product for years to come because they are printed on durable,
archival materials. Words aren’t enough to describe the beauty of this album.
Make an appointment with us and see for yourself.