Why hire a photographer for a headshot when AI can generate one for you? Maybe because you want your potential clients to be able to trust you. Read on as to how AI-generated headshots are made. Are they for you?

Over at my Smoky Mountain Marriage Proposals website, I wrote a post for ther newly engaged about advice for choosing a wedding photographer. Wedding planning can be both headache and heartache. I have some advice on how to choose a wedding photographer.

Is your photographer “published?” Does that impress you? I recently took a closer look at what many photographers do to be “published” and the business model that provides that.

When two beautiful ladies come into my studio, the portraits are amazing. Of course, one is a French Bulldog and if you do not think this dog is adorable, check your pulse because you’re dead, m’kay. Nothing says “love me, love my dog” more than a sort of “Mommy and Me” portrait session!

I visited the country of Cuba and naturally experienced it in the way I know best - through my camera lens. Have a look at some street photography from my travels. And even better, consider visiting Cuba yourself. Travel broadens the mind!

Not every dog arrives in this world in safety and comfort - and these puppies certainly did not! Born in an evironment hostile to their lives, volunteers came to the rescue and all are now safe, warm, and fed. But homes for them are needed! Read more about these cave dogs, these spelunking mountain hounds on the blog.

Picture Day! At a regular school that means a rapid automtaic smile and it is on to the next child. But for homeschool groups, fewer number of students and more flexibility means not only can you have school pictures done, but more variety and genuine expressions. Read about one homeschool group’s experience with their Picture Day!

It is a new year and let’s talk about resolutions - no, not a promise to hit the gym more and cut calories. This is about what makea a “full resolution” digital file that a photographer may be promising!

When Sarah wanted elegant maternity portraits for herself but could not travel to the studio, I simply brought the studio to her at her mom’s home in Chattanooga. Studio Anywhere means having your session done in the privacy and comfort of your own sanctuary - home!

Are you like me, where your dogs are your life? I see a lot of family photos where the Dog is included but seems like a prop - why not have a photoshoot not simply FOR your dog but WITH your dog? Here are three good reasons why you should book one today!

This is it! Tabby and Moragn’s marriage proposal was the 100th I have photographed and despite the threat of rain, Nature held back and produced a beautiful setting atop a mountain for these two. You cannot ask for a more gorgeous morning!

I have a personal project that I do each April where I grab some free time and head out to the Smokies to do portraits of the hikers on the Appalachian Trail, heading from Georgia to Maine. Aroudn April they’re coming through the Smokies and these pictures are my gift to them. Any photographer worth their salt does personal projects because like any other artist or craftsman, we need to PRACTICE.

There is a difference between a professional headshot and a portrait - and you and your photographer need to be mindul of the WHY and FOR WHOM before deciding on HOW. A headshot is a marketing tool so think about who is part of that market. Learn some tips in this blog post.

Unfortunately, there are photographers billing themselves as professionals who don’t mind flouting the rules to provide service to a client. But that can come at a cost to a local business - and do you want to be part of that?

Setting Spotlight: let me show you some of wonderful places I ahve used for sessions. In this inaugural post for this series, let me introduce you to Tsali Notch Vineyard, a beautiful place for all types of sessions. Enjoy the photos of Kristina and Luke who enjoyed a combination engagement/family session there!

I often get asked, “Is marriage proposal photographya real thing?” The answer is yes and there are very good reasons for sharing the monment with a professional photographer present.

You want a lovely wedding but you just cannot see having a huge affair. Let me suggest three things to consider that might help you make the decision to keep your wedding smaller, more intimate, and save you money! Illustrated by a delightful smaller wedding of Jessica and Tylor in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

I went to Italy and brought just one camera - my iPhone! Can you take quality vacation shoits on your camera phone? the answer is yes and I provide some tips for how to do so.

When your photographer takes a picture, they get more than a digiotal file or a negative on film - they get a piece of intellectual property called a copyright. And that copyright can limit you in how you use the photo your photographer delivers to you. Learn more here (without a lot of legalese!).

Congratulations to Kelee O’Brien, the new Mrs. Farragut! An 11th hour notification meant a headshot needed to be done NOW - so when the call comes, I respond! Now let’s cheer her on to Mrs. Tennessee!