Kyle & Jenny: Engagement

The winter time here in Seattle is so awesome. One weekend you get cold weather and SNOW, then the next weekend you have just COLD weather. A couple weekends ago I had the chance to spend a very cold (32º F) hour with my sister and future brother-in-law. I love it when not even the weather forces us inside for a photoshoot. Not that I don't enjoy shooting indoors, its just so fun to capture the interaction of the couples, just as if they were out spending the afternoon together. We where cut short on time, so we are planning another afternoon out the beginning of next year!Kyle & Jenny, thanks so much for spending the afternoon together and withstanding that cold weather. I am so excited for you both and the adventure you are beginning together. I can't wait for the wedding, along with the SUN and SAND!I also wanted to give a special thanks to Trace Bundy for the amazing music in this show, and others to come.

BJ & Rachel: Engagement

What a great day to be out taking photos, and no I'm not kidding. Saturday was the coldest day of the year in Seattle and the forecast was for snow. The day actually started out looking like it would not be bad at all, just cold. So BJ & Rachel and I headed out to for what turned out to be one of the most fun photo shoots I've done! We laughed over the weather report saying it was going to snow and be really bad. Where we were it didn't even look like it was going to rain, let alone snow.....And then in a blink of an eye it was SNOWING! Not a little, a lot. But that didn't stop us because we had planned on being out no matter what the weather was.BJ & Rachel are such an awesome couple. Even in the cold and wet weather we were having fun. They are so in love and fun to be around. Their energy, love for life and each other is contagious to those around them. I am honored to be a part of your special day. Thanks for the great time on Saturday. An experience that will not be forgotten. Let it snow!This is my favorite moment of the afternoon. If you want to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, check out the slideshow.

Ernie & Kim: Engagement

This past weekend I have the chance to fly back to my old stomping grounds, Denver CO, for an e-session. It was so good to had back home and see my parents and catch up with my good buddy from collage and his wife. In the last 5 years I've only been back to CO maybe 3 times. So going back is always good.Saturday I got to spend with Ernie and Kim. What an awesome couple! We met up in the morning for coffee, I didn't have any cause I didn't want to be jittery for the photos. We started the e-session at Washington Park, then headed into downtown Denver for some Urban feel. After spending an hour or so downtown we headed up into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to a little town called Idaho Springs. We had so much fun together. Ernie & Kim I can't wait for the wedding this summer. Thanks for all the fun and good conversations we had this past weekend.  My favorite shot from the day! My other favorite shot!If you want to see more photos from the day check out the slideshow.

Happy B-Day Auntie!

Lunch Time

Standout In Busy Industry

As I enter my 3rd year of wedding photography, I am continually looking at myself and my work and wondering how can I standout? Dane Sanders from Cut Frame TV put together this great encouraging video.

Understanding. . . How?

As I lay here in bed, my computer off, I find myself unable to sleep. In the past week I have learned of 2 tragic stories of people I know and call friends.Yesterday I found out that a friend from church has a brain tumor. He's a husband and father of 2 beautiful kids. Today he went in for surgery and tonight I am unaware of his condition.Last week I learned that a guy I knew in college was paralized from the chest down in a car accident back in July. Today he fights the long journey ahead of rehab and re-learning.So I find myself with a heavy heart and unable to sleep. Burdened with the question, why? How do I understand? What is God's ultimate plan? God fill me with Your Spirit of grace & peace. And above all be with these brothers of mine, Your sons. Be near to them and their families.Sent from my enV.

Happy Happy Happy!

IN-N-OUT

My first time. I love CA!Sent from my enV.

On the way

I'm sitting in a plane at the airport in Sacramento. That's right, I'm on my way to San Diego for a wedding on Saturday. Another couple hours before I'm in sunny SD. It's going to be fun to shoot in CA. Stay tuned for the pictures.Sent from my enV.

Motoring Along

Bremerton, Aberdeen & Olympia

Yesterday I spent a lot of time on the road. I went to Bremerton, Aberdeen and Olympia yesterday. Comcast is currently doing a campaign featuring techs and customer service reps that have been with company for a long time. They want to feature members of their team from their cable stores in these locations. So I took the first ferry boat out to Bremerton in the morning and came back to Seattle from Olympia in the late afternoon. I hadn't been to Bremerton or Aberdeen before so it was great to see some new places. I would love to get back out to Aberdeen again and do some personal photos round town cause it has got some great old rustic buildings.

Lot to Post about

There has been so much going on that I have a lot of posting to catch up on. Here's a quick highlight of where I have been with my camera!9/18 - Drove to Bremerton, Aberdeen, and Olympia for some Comcast Corporate photos9/15 - Edmond's Farmers Market and Marques Nicon & Assoc. photos9/8 - Covenant Shores Golf tournament and Lunch Banquet9/1 - Nurbek & Lindsey Wedding at Hollywood SchoolhouseLook for some photos from these events soon.HC out. . .

Google Analytic

Google Analytics is so nice. In the past month my site has been viewed in 27 states and even in Canada. It's really interesting to see where people are viewing my site from other than Washington. Even though WA has the most views, which is to be expected because it is my home base, it's neat to see the places people are finding me from. I really haven't spent much on advertising because, in this industry, I feel that Word-of-Mouth Marketing is so much more effective. To see these different states my site if viewed in tells me 2 things, 1) That people Google Searched and found me or 2) That someone has told someone else about me. I'm reading some great books that talk about this trend, Word-of-Mouth Marketing, but I will post more on that later. What I'm reading and then actually seeing it through these stats is really interesting.If you haven't setup a Google Analytics account, you should. There so much more in there then just the number of Visits. You're just going to have to find those out for yourselves.HC out. . .

Nurbek & Lindsey

What another beautiful day for a wedding! Today Nurbek and Lindsey got married at the Hollywood Schoolhouse in Kirkland WA. They could not have asked for better weather for an outdoor wedding. I had so much fun getting to know your families and spending the day with you. Thanks so much for allowing me to take part in your special day. Enjoy your honeymoon and I will see you when you get back.

Nikki

This past weekend was full of events from the Canby Rodeo to senior pictures with Nikki, and not to forget spending lots of time with the little Ez. My wife and I planned a trip to see family and enjoy the rodeo, but when we got to the house the first thing they asked me was "Did you bring your camera?" I never leave home without it!My wife's cousin, Nikki wanted to get her senior pictures taken. She actually had them done already but wasn't too happy with the way they turned out. So I spent an afternoon with her and we got some great shots. Nothing like giving a nice northwest feel to a California girl. Her friends are going to wonder where in the world did she get her pictures done :)Here are a few more shots we got. . .HC out. . .

canby rodeo

nothing like a good old rodeo. if you have never been to a rodeo, you are missing out! Sent from my enV.

Changing Direction

So far I have made this blog about recent events, and small happenings. I'm not going to stop posting about these things but I am going to start blogging more about technique and tips. Everyday I learn new trick for this industry and I want to share them with those that want to learn. I am by no means the expert but what I learn you can too.You might be thinking, "why share your secrets with other photographers in the industry, aren't they your competition?" But in reality, other photographers aren't my competition. I read a great quote the other day and this is what I want my company to be about."If you always make your business about helping other people - you'll always have plenty of work" - Phil JaySo stay tunned, Subscribe through RSS, because you are about get all the secrets.HC out. . .

Celebration time

I can't believe I forgot to mention this until now, last week Thursday my little sis got engaged!!!Kyle owns Blackout Creations, a videography company specializing in weddings and sports videos. His wedding videos are pretty unique and I highly recommend him if you're getting married. I believe that wedding photography and wedding videography are the two most important things you should really invest in when you're getting married. The location will be forgotten, the party favors will be forgotten, the messages will be forgotten... but the photos and videos will last a lifetime. So invest in them, you won't regret it.That being said Hage Creative and Blackout Creations haven't officially partnered up in business but we do offer a complete wedding package for those that are interested. You get photography and videography coverage all in one package. If you're interested in our 2008 specials, shoot us an email...

Time saver

The big thing that I am working on is creating more freedom for myself. One of the ways that's helped when editing in Photoshop is this cover. It has saved me so much time. With all the PS shotcuts color coded I don't have to have my tools palette open any more and with the touch of the right finger I have the editing tools I need instantly. If you don't have one already go get one at kbcovers.com.They also help keep the dust or any other substance out of the keyboard.Sent from my enV.

Another beautiful day

I just love weddings even when I'm not shooting. Today I had the opportunity to attend a wedding of some friends of mine. What a beautiful event they had. There was joy, laughter, friends, family and so much more.Congrats Leah & Alan! Many blessings on the two of you.

Technology is beautiful!

I love technology. I can now post to my blog using my cell phone. I will be posting more often now. It's my goal to post everyday and with the aid of my mobile, it's going to be easier!Sent from my enV.

Gallery Opening

Where does the time go? I have been meaning to write this post over a week now and am just now getting to it. For those of you who are in Seattle several of my photographs are going to be in a gallery and this Saturday is the opening. I'm very excited for this because the group of photographers that are a part of this, all have different styles of work making this a very diverse gallery. If you're interested the opening is at 5 pm this Saturday (July 21st) at the Q Cafe. Come down and visit with us, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy some beautiful work. See you there.

Through Their Eyes Africa

As a photographer, it's been my desire to help those who are less fortunate then myself. As most of you know I already donate a percent of my earning from each wedding I photograph an organization called Grip International. Today I came across another great way to give back, Through Their Eyes Africa, a "photography project designed to show the world cultures they have not seen before." Yet another way we can invest into peoples lives. Check out their website and if you feel led to give do so, if not please pass this on through your blogs. HC out. . .

Mike & Grace

I had the opportunity to spend the day with Mike & Grace Nichols on their special day. What a beautiful couple and on an absolutely beautiful day! Both the Nichols and Casey families were so much fun to be with. I felt like I was a part of the family. Thank you some much Mike & Grace for letting me photograph your wedding. Not only are they moments and treasures for you but for me as well. Also thanks to Ben Feria for helping me capture this day.Enjoy some of the special moments of the day.

Tomorrow's Day

Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day for two people that are truly in love.

Photos (x3)

Three photoshoots. One weekend. . . It was a busy weekend filled with 3 photoshoots. Two of them were for some really close friends of mine. I really love family portraits cause I enjoy seeing whole families interact with each other. What amazes me every time is how each family is so different when it comes to their interaction together. It is a beautiful thing. This upcoming weekend I will be shooting Mike & Grace's wedding. The weather is supposed to be beautiful! Make sure you check back next weekend for a slideshow of the day. Also if you would like to be notified when their pictures are online for viewing click here. HC out...

Inspiration. . . superhero?

To reinforce my post from yesterday.Enjoy!

The Beauty of it

You know what the beauty of being a Web/Graphic Designer as well as a photographer is.... that I can change the look of my site without having to spend a dime! Check out the new look when you get a chance. Drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Fun in the sun

Summer in Seattle is officially here! Yesterday i kicked off the true summer photo season with an amazing engagement shoot with Nurbek & Lindsey. What a fun couple to spend the afternoon with! Check out some of my favorite shoots from the afternoon in the sun. I can't wait for the wedding day, it's going to be amazing. Enjoy!

Children of God

this weekend was just a blessing from above. i had the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather we had here in seattle, have lunch with my pastor, spend some time with some really close friends (who sadly will be moving in a couple months), listen to the rich history of an incredible church and bare witness to close friends dedicate their child to God. these moments come and go so fast that we often miss them or take them for granted or never really reflect on them. but as i reflect on this past weekend and all that took place i can only say that it was all directed by my Creator. seeing my honorary "nephew" be dedicated to God brings tears to my eyes. to truly know the blessing that he is to my friends in so many ways, and to see them give him back.....is God moving, the whisper as it pass by. but what does any of this have to do with photography, where are pictures? there are no pictures, this one you're just going to have to close your eyes to picture. this journey or quest we're on is about relationships both vertically and horizontally. that's where photography comes in. it's for the friends i will make, the family i have now, the Creator i serve.

What an afternoon

i had the chance to hang out at Children's Hospital a couple days ago and what a great experience. really puts life into perspective when you get to spend some time in a place like that. what an amazing place to work, my hats off to those who work there. keep up the good work. here are a few of my favorite shots with one of the kids.

My Hearts Cry

Jesus, please forgive me of my crimes.Sanctify this withered heart of mine.Stay with me until my life is through.And on that day please take me home with you. lyrics from Relient K "Deathbed"

Good Samaritan

today i was riding the metro downtown and a handicapped lady got the seat-belt wrapped around the back wheel of her motorized wheelchair. the bus driver yanked on it for 5 min. but couldn't get it loose so she called metro service. then she told us that the bus would be a while so if people wanted to get of they could. so as you can guess everyone got off except 3 of us. as i sat there i felt i needed to try and get that belt loose cause no one else was willing to offer. after 10 min. of me trying to wiggle it loose the metro service showed up. he ended up just cutting the belt but in the mean time the brake system on the wheel chair broke. i know trying to help is/was better then not doing anything at all but part of me just wishes i could have gotten that belt loose. is that selfishness or is that just really wanting to be a good Samaritan? what is being a good Samaritan, solving the problem? even though i tried to help i still feel like i did nothing for the situation but wiggle a seat belt and entertain the 2 other people on the bus. the more i think about it, as i write this, the better i feel that i wasn't just one of those people that was inconvenienced by the situation and made me late. the sight of everybody getting off when they heard the news was pretty sad. are our lives too busy for us to stop and try to help someone in need, even if we can't solve the problem?...... i'm glad i tried.

A Sick Feeling

this morning i headed out the door to my car to find that someone had broken into it and just made a mess of it. i know you're thinking that there was broken windows and everything was just destroyed, but that's not what happened. this is a very strange story, i'm still trying to figure it out myself. someone broke in to my car, with out breaking a window or picking a lock. then instead of stealing all the stuff that was in there (cds, converter, sunglasses, straps, tire pump, etc..) they just dumped everything on the passenger seat. they emptied the glove box all over the seat too. it's like instead of stealing anything they decided to rearrange everything. the big Bible i keep in the glove box must have scared them away. what i have yet to figure out is how did they get in with out a key, or breaking the window, or setting off the alarm. what i do know is that God was definitely watching over my stuff. what a miracle!! thank you Jesus!!! even though i have this sick feeling in my stomach that someone was in my car, i feel very blessed that God was watching over me.

Unfortunate

yesterday was one of those days that nothing went the way i had planned it. i had some errands to run but those didn't get done for one reason or another. looking back, i feels and looks like i accomplished absolutely nothing even though that's not true, it sure feels like it. one thing that i did get done was find some images that i took at my sisters wedding last summer that i hadn't posted yet. Click here to see the slideshow.

Lifestyle Gallery

check out my lifestyle gallery if you haven't already. i just posted a bunch of new images to it. that gallery will consist of engagement photos, music photos, yes even maternity photos and anything else that relates to lifestyle.

Storehouse ECC

the past week has been very busy putting a lot of hours in front of this computer. i've been working with a church in Chicago called The Storehouse ECC, to get them a web presence. Pastor Miller and i have put in a lot time to get this thing up and running. we have both been really gracious with each other as fart as time this has taken. it as been a real blessing to work with Michael. so i am proud to announce that, from the both of us, the site is up and running. check them out at thestorehouseecc.org. if you're every in Chicago go check them out, i'm planning on it.

Dreaming

how many people out there are doing what they truly want to be doing when it comes to work? how many people have given up on their dreams because of failure or because they doubt they can make them happen? what happened to your childhood dreams and creativity. at one time in life didn't we all think we could fly or have super powers? i know i did. the other day i was sitting in a crowd of 100+ people at the q cafe listening to tyrone wells play an acoustic show. one of the songs he played got me thinking about those dreams of mine. not so much flying or super powers but dreams of making a difference through the work i do, investing into the lives of those i come across through photography. it got me excited about where my photography will take me. if this is truly a dream of mine then no matter if i fail at times or succeed at times i am going to keep pressing on and keep dreaming big. this is my dream and i am living it. don't give up on your dreams. Dream Like New YorkTyrone Wells So many dreams come and goWe blink our eyesTime flies by we don’t knowWhat ever happened to those childhood years?When we thought we could flyWe got to keep those dreams alive And dream like New YorkAs high as the skylineAim for the stars above those city lightsI want to dream like New YorkI’m running down BroadwayI got to catch the next trainI’m making my way Race to work again todayFrom nine to fiveI only strive to stay awakeBut the child inside meDares to believe I still can flyCan’t let those dreams just die I got to dream like New YorkAs high as the skylineAim for the stars above those city lightsI want to dream like New YorkI’m running down BroadwayI got to catch the next trainI’m making my way How many times have u tried and failed?Have you watched your dreams slip away?Well every hero falls and every soldier crawls.And every dreamer dreams againGot to dream again Go on and dream like New YorkAs high as the skylinesAim for the stars above those city lightsGo on and dream like New YorkRun on down BroadwayCatch the next trainGo make your way Go on and dream like NYAs high as the skylinesAim for the stars above those city lightsYou got to dream like NYRun on down BroadwayCatch the next trainGo make your wayGo make your wayGo make your way listen to "Dream Like New York" at tryonewells.com

Maternity Shoot

here are some photos from a maternity shoot i did this past weekend of my beautiful wife. we had sun in seattle so we took advantage of it.

New Year. New Blog.

can you believe 2007 is already here? it seems just like yesterday we were all wondering if our computers would work when the clock turned to the year 2000. i can already anticipate that this year is going to be full of many surprises that i am really looking forward to. i hope you all are excited as well for what is ahead this new year. many blessings to all of you. happy new year!