David McClain Photography

NEW BLOG!!!

2009-06-18T21:09:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody! Guess What? David's photography blog has moved. Where? Here to http://davidmcclainphotography.com/

It is a little more streamlined for your interactive viewing pleasure! My sites at http://www.davidmcclainweddings.com and http://www.davidmcclainportraits.com are still up and running, but you will be able to keep up with my most recent posts at the new blog.

The Lockwoods!!

2009-06-10T17:39:00.004-05:00

Jordan and Andy invited me for a fun family session over Memorial Day Weekend! They have three beautiful blond nieces - a little shy after a nap, but ready to jump into the pool once we got those "boring family photos" out of the way:) Thank you guys so much for letting me hang out for a couple of hours. Can't wait to meet the rest of the clan this fall!

Enjoy!

Teri + Craig

2009-06-09T19:07:00.001-05:00

Teri and Craig plus an energetic puppy and a chill puppy make for a fun session at the park. A beautiful family altogether I must say. It was a muggy May weekend but we survived the heat and even made it down to Mainstrasse for Maifest! An interesting crowd for sure. Teri and Craig were great sports and even walked through the crowd for a couple "busy" shots for me. We had a corn dog, even though they gave away our first order and had to make more. It was a bit insane down there so I don't blame them for getting mixed up. Thanks for a fun day together, and for being an incredible question "asker" Teri - you make it nice to talk about myself:)

Enjoy!

Erin and Unmesh

2009-05-19T12:32:00.003-05:00

What a fun couple of people! Erin and Unmesh are very laid back, in fact I am excited for their small and simple wedding. I love a huge church and a big bash to follow, but there is a simple yet powerful happiness in the quiet atmosphere of your own backyard. I am so happy for you both and am glad to have met you. Here is our afternoon at the park. Enjoy!!

Mo and Joe

2009-04-27T17:20:00.003-05:00

I am constantly reminded why I love me job, and Maureen and Joe were a great reminder of the fun I get to have! I traveled up to Michigan to do some portraits around Birmingham and went out to St Claire Shores and Grosse Pointe, and ended with dinner and drinks at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak. Maureen found me through another couple of mine - Brent and Danielle - and I am stoked to have met them! Enjoy!

Liz + Art

2009-04-10T17:50:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I cannot wait to edit...Shooting is a lot of fun but occasionally downloading and editing can be the cherry on top of a decadent, delicious, heart attack of a sundae for me - today was one of those days. And I can't wait to share with you.

Liz and Art are a very fashionable and unique couple - she works for Urban Outfitters (one of my fave stores), and he studies Hebrew and Greek. An eclectic match-up and an incredible couple! If I lived in Philly, or they in Cinci - we would be fast friends. Had a great time - thanks for making the trip and being such incredible people to work with!

Enjoy!

The Dodge's!!!

2009-04-08T15:15:00.005-05:00

Barb has been talking about having me take some portraits once the new family addition came along. Well, Maggie is here and I made a trip up to Midland a couple of weeks ago. Allen and Izzy have a new little sister! Izzy and Allen, you guys were totally awesome and did a great job for me - Thanks! Unfortunately Maggie put up with us long enough when we tried to get mom involved:( I think we still got some cute ones still though.

Enjoy

Had to put this one up just for Barb - newborn sessions are a lot of fun!

Sara + Todd at the Madison

2009-03-10T22:22:00.005-05:00

It was an eerie Friday, Friday the 13th to be exact - wait WHAT!?! No it was a beautiful Friday in February - actually it really was - clear skies and definitely warmer than normal temps! Which was so perfect for Sara and Todd's big day! The Ceremony and Reception were at The Madison in downtown Covington, KY. Pam and I met Sara and Todd - I mean we met Todd under the marble gazebo of the Marriott Rivercenter as Sara made ready for her dramatic entrance. Brides know how to get ready, and probably could do it in 20 minutes - but I see through your plan to build anticipation by keeping your man waiting. Getting ready is not about hair and makeup, or vests and ties. It is all about the reveal. And Sara nailed it! Just look at her coming up the spiral stair case! Bravo:)

As with all of my weddings, I had a great time and Sara and Todd made Pam and I feel so welcome. You guys made it very easy for us to blend in to such an incredible guest list. I think the images speak for themselves so enjoy!

To see all the photos - check out the new gallery at davidmcclainprints.com

Gallery is now open!

2009-03-06T13:36:00.002-05:00

The day is finally here and it has been long awaited! (at least by me) www.davidmcclainprints.com is up and running. The most recent sessions and weddings are being updated now and you will receive an email with a link to your gallery. If you would like a past session uploaded to the gallery for ordering, please just send an email to david@davidmcclainphotography.com and I will set one up for you.

ENJOY!!

davidmcclainprints.com

2009-03-03T13:51:00.002-05:00

COMING SOON!!!!!

Brent + Danielle

2009-02-18T23:33:00.004-05:00

Have to love my job - I get to fly around the country to photograph now! I met up with Brent and Danielle in Chicago last weekend for some engagament portraits. Although the wedding is in Tampa, and they now live in Des Moines, Brent and Danielle spent a lot of their time dating in Chicago and lived right downtown. We spent nearly the entire day together, taking a break for dinner at Lou Malnati's, and then on to Navy Pier to finish the night.

I am so glad that Brent and Danielle came to me for their photography. Brent and I already have a great connection after pushing electronics at Sears and I can tell that Danielle is such a great girl for him. I had such a fun time with you guys and thank you so much for including me in the start of your lives together.

Also a special thanks to my old friends Drew and Karen Wilson for letting me stay. Drew thanks for chauffeuring me to and fro, and Karen, thank you for your help during the session. You were perfect and I hope that we get to work together more!

Enjoy!

Baby Elyse

2009-02-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

Babies are a common thing with my friends of late and I got the honor of photographing little Elyse at just 7 days old. Beth and Ryan have a beautiful old home and I did the photos right in there living room. Hint for all you new mothers who want newborn portraits but are not able to leave the house with such a fragile new addition to the family - I do make house calls:)

But back to Elyse. After our first shot (see below) she was very photogenic, and by photogenic I mean she was calm and relaxed for our session. A beautiful little girl and so extraordinary to meet her at such a young age. I know that we will be seeing more of little Elyse in the year to come!

Enjoy

Baby Bennett

2009-02-11T15:17:00.002-05:00

I am so happy to get some newborn and baby portraits to share with all of you!. Sara and Ben were good friends of mine in college, and it is so interesting to see my old friends in a new light. That new light for Ben and Sara is Parenthood! Bennett is such a little darling and very well mannered:) She was so good for the camera and I could not be happier. Ben is completely enthralled by her and Sara is a great mom and doing an incredible job this first time around! Thank you guys so much for introducing Baby Borich to me. It is exciting to think about watching her grow up!

Enjoy!

Anne and Phillip

2009-02-04T19:22:00.004-05:00

I met Anne at a dress shop while I was waiting to talk with the owner about putting up some of my work in the building. She and her mom were flipping through some albums so I asked if I could do some shameless plug for myself. I was brand new to the area and a friend of mine once said "you can't get lucky if you don't try." I pulled out a couple of my albums for them to look at and Anne called me a couple of weeks later. Phillip and Anne are getting married this coming October and to go along with their fall wedding, they wanted to get some snowy engagement photos. We met at Devou Park and I think we captured some great moments together.

Enjoy!

Elias Row Records

2009-01-20T15:57:00.003-05:00

James (Jamie as most of us know him) is one of my closest friends and he came to me with a great idea for a family portrait. Sister Sarah had been bugging him about a family portrait so he agreed with the condition that it would not be the same old run of the mill portrait. I think this turned out great and if you want to see our inspiration do a google image search for Death Row Records

I think that we pulled it off pretty well!

Enjoy!

3 Generations!

2009-01-19T18:49:00.005-05:00

Many of you may remember the Coston's and their barn. Rope swinging and nights at the pond were some of my favorite memories back in high school! How time flies and we are a far cry from those wonderful carefree days:) What a clan Mike and Marilyn have! This was one of my biggest sessions to date and we all braved the single digit temperatures to get some great images in the old barn. I am going to put some pressure on to come back in the warmer months so that we can spend some more time together, but with the little time that we had we captured some great photographs.

Thank you to Miriam for thinking of me and coordinating with her family for the session. It was great to see all of you and the success and blessings the Lord has given you all. We will be doing this again!

Enjoy!

The entire fam - all 19 - quite a gathering for Christmas dinner!

Mike and Marilyn

Heidi and Dave with Matthew Ian and Steven

Miriam and Mark with Mackenzie, Hunter, Maelyn and Marky

Caleb and Carmen with Cole and Gioia

Micah and Katie

Denise and Joe

2009-01-18T20:03:00.003-05:00

Denise and Joe - your slideshow is long awaited! Thank you for your patience so that I could enjoy the Holidays! I had so much fun with you guys and you both are so incredibly genuine. Mason is going to have such a rich life! Ashley - when you read this know that I am very grateful that you introduced me to your friends Denise and Joe. Enjoy!

Back to Work!!!

2009-01-18T18:06:00.003-05:00

I needed to take a break and felt a need to just talk with you all. Ever have so much information in your head you do not know what to do with it? I am having one of those days and need to release some pressure from between my ears.

I have been busy with both vacation and work over the last month and have some exciting new ways to make the David McClain Photography experience tastier and more fulfilling. The past few months I have been thinking a lot about what I want to offer my clients, and I decided it is not just photography and a bag full of prints. I love photography because I am passionate about people and cherish those relationships. I do not love photography because of a paycheck (although those paychecks make it possible to do what I love).

Photographing you and your families is such an incredible honor and I believe that in the uncertain times we are all going through right now it is crucial to remember what is important. I believe in strong family bonds and my sessions are based on those bonds. First and foremost you will have fun in one of my sessions.

Here a just a couple of the ways that I am improving your experience. One of which is Projecting - I am modifying my proofing sessions to make it easier for you to decide on print sizes. I can show you exactly what size your print will look like on a wall and even show you in relation to the wall you want to hang it on at home. I am excited about it because it will help us get the perfect prints for your home. Nothing too big or too small for where you want to put it. Here is how it works. Send me a photo of the wall or walls that you want to hang a print or canvas. Square up to the wall and put a yard stick or something against the wall that shows me the size relationship. I can then take and "virtually" hang the picture in the room for you.

Another new way to order will be available in the next couple of months. I am going to have a new online store. This store is going to be unbelievable! It will allow you to crop the photos as you like and even apply some of the enhancements that are my signature styles! I still prefer to have you order in what I will now be calling the Ordering Session. I have streamlined the experience for future sessions to allow us to make the decision process easier. I know that I struggle with picking a size and location for my own prints and canvases, so I have taken that as a base and the past 6 months of proofing session experiences to help us get the most out of our time together.

My desire is to help you get what you need and want out of the images we created together. I would rather you get the 5 right prints/canvases than 10-4x6's 7-5x7's, 3-8x10's, and a 20x24 that you aren't sure where to put because it should have been a 16x20 or a 30x40.

So in short:) - Please let me know how I can help you in figuring out what to do with all of the images that we created together. If you have not created any images with me, give me a call and lets plan a session already!

An old college friend just emailed me to tell me how proud she was of what I am doing, and I feel so blessed to have found my niche and thank you all so much for being a part of my journey.

Oh and for those of you who are thinking - "This is a photography blog! Post some pictures already!" Here is a sneak peak of a session I did on New Years Day!

A nice long break!

2009-01-13T10:46:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Holiday and that you got son incredible compliments on your beautiful Christmas cards and gorgeous prints! I have been absent from my blog over the Holidays but wanted to give everyone an update. I am in Phoenix right now for the Professional Photographers Association's Convention learning to be a better photographer but more importantly how to serve you all better. My sister Pam also came along to help me collect all of the incredible information provided here. Cincinnati has been an incredible experience for me and I am very excited about the coming year. Many new thing will be added to my service including a great new way for us to preview your wonderful images together.

I will be back in town this week and many of you will be receiving calls and emails and more calls about finishing your portrait orders. And we have a few weddif albums to design together as well.

Welcome to the new year and talk to you all very soon!!

David

Jason and Kristen!

2008-12-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

This story needs telling because I could not believe the way that Jason and I bumped into each other, literally, after 5 or 6 years since our last meeting in college. I went to Devou Park in Kentucky to get a great view of downtown for some Riverfest photographs (which you can see here). Keep in mind that Riverfest draws over half a million people to the downtown area on one night and Devou park probably had well over 1,500 people alone. Well on the way back through the crowd to our cars, I heard a familiar voice sarcastically directing foot traffic and looked up to bump into Jason. We did a quick catch up on our walk and a couple of months later I am shooting his engagement photographs. I did not have much time to meet Kristen that day, but we had a lot of fun during our session and I can see how much her and Jason click. She even caters to his goofy ideas and put on some cowgirl gear towards the end of our session. Good thing because I think the photos are swell.

Enjoy!

The leg kick is a suggestion Jason brought back from his modeling days!

the shirts and hat were a great idea!

Alissa and Kelly the ALBUM!!

2008-12-07T18:54:00.002-05:00

I have a special treat for everyone. A slideshow of Alissa and Kelly's Album.

Enjoy!

Alissa and Kelly

2008-12-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

When Alissa and Kelly came to me a few months ago to discuss their wedding photography, they were actually just a step away from going with someone else. I was brand new in town then and am so glad that they decided to check out one last photographer before signing. I had a great time at their wedding and can tell you that these two were meant to be. From the little whispers during our portrait session to their shared passion for friends and family.

Thanks for having me be a part of your day!

Here are some of my faves from the day...

Sara and Todd!!

2008-11-26T19:47:00.000-05:00

Sara is an old friend from college and I knew her back in her "MurphDogg18" days. If you knew Sara in college you will know what I am referring to, if not just try sending an AIM message to that name sometime. Thanks to FaceBook we were able to connect and get together for some engagement photos. We started at Union Terminal, then tried to brave the cold at Fountain Square, but eventually retreated into the Hilton Netherland, and even snuck into the Hall of Mirrors for a few.

I think it was worth getting a little cold that day, but judge for yourself...

Playing with borders

Playing with textures

Thomas

2008-11-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

I have to credit my sister with most of my business so far here in Cincinnati, because beyond all of her coworkers she even brought her dentist/orthodontist to me for portraits. Peter and Lori are also new to the Cincinnati area and have fairly recent addition to the family - a handsome little man, Thomas. He was so well behaved for the portraits and I couldn't have asked for better help from Dad in getting him to laugh and smile for the camera.

Here are a few from our afternoon in the park, Enjoy!

The Harris'!

2008-11-20T19:08:00.000-05:00

Emily and Chris met up a few weekends ago with me for some fall family pics! What a crew they have - Jack, Kate and Lisla. They all fit their parts well. Jack is a gentle older brother who did a great job with his little sisters. I always find personality in kids so intriguing and a lot of fun, and jack has plenty of personality! Kate is an independent middle child and found her own things to do that day in the park. Loved her energy and she was nice enough to let me grab a few cute images during her adventure in the park. And Lisla, well she can't do too much just yet, but she has the only blue eyes of the family and showed them off well. An incredible bunch you guys are!

Enjoy!

The Hall's!

2008-10-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

Julie and I moved our session up for fear of bad weather and did a spur of the moment session in Ault Park. Of course our original date ended up having beautiful weather but it was a safe bet to move it up. I have to commend Julie and Matt for keeping watch over their three boys . They are a ton of fun and come with a lot of energy. Joseph is quite independent and the twins, Nathan and Daniel, are a curious pair. They were not sure what to think of my camera. but those blue eyes are incredible all the same.

Some Football in their future perhaps?

An impromptu hike!

The Smith's!!

2008-10-23T18:58:00.000-05:00

Michelle, Jeff, and their little boy Ethan met up at Woodland Mound Park. I never even knew that we had a park so close, but Michelle made a great choice. Although we got booted from the waterfall we found some really neat spots. Thanks for spending the afternoon with me guys!

Small and quaint

2008-10-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Melissa and Randy!!! I just met Melissa just back in September and am so glad that she came to me for her wedding photography.

Brookville, Indiana. October 12th, 2008. What a beautiful day it turned out to be! Just the drive through southern Indiana that morning passing harvested fields, tobacco barns with drying leaf and rustic old barns with undiscovered hidden character was worth the trip. I only wish we had more time and could have visited some of those barns When Melissa met Randy, it was love at first smile, at least that is what Maid of Honor and longtime friend, Allison, made us privy to during the toasts. I was very touched by the relationships Melissa and Randy are fortunate to have. Close friends and supportive family are blessings in anyone's life, and these two have both. Any guy who is tight with his sister is ok by me, and Randy and sister, Kyla, are so close that she was his Best Woman. I admire relationships such as theirs, and know how invaluable ties like that are. Oh, we can't forget about little Lexi. Kyla's daughter was the cutest little flowergirl. Her flowergirl title was taken quite literally as she was determined to hold all of the bouquets during our portraits. She was a handful, but a doll nonetheless.

Thank you guys for letting me be a part of your day. Small and quaint as it was. I hope Melissa does not mind me sharing a little something that meant a lot to me and really brings a lot of pride and sense of responsibility to what I do. Melissa and I made a special package to fit her budget and she later told my sister that she cried when she found out that I could do her wedding photography. Thank you for sharing that with her. Most of my time is not behind the camera. Although that is vital to what I do, a majority of my time is spent at this keyboard staring at this screen. What you said reminds me of the meaning in my work and keeps me inspired when I get burnt out or tired. I realize what all of the hours mean when I can bring that kind of emotion out of people.

Okay, lets see what Melissa and Randy's day looked like!

Private moment before everything got started

Lexi

Notice Lexi collecting all of the bouquets in the background

Randy and Kyla

Melissa and Allison

I really admired the relationship between brother and sister

First Dance

Dad was very happy

Friends

Just having some fun

A little R&R with the B&G

The Donnelly's!

2008-10-18T16:32:00.001-05:00

Tim is an old friend of mine and I'm happy to say still a good friend. We met in high school, but the catch is, Tim was my science teacher. Tim and I related in our shared interests in the outdoors, our similar senses of humor, and our curiosity for science. In fact, one Saturday in the lab, our curiosity left Tim with a ringing in his ears for a few days. After Tim married Mary, I sulked for a bit after loosing my bachelor buddy, but a set of twins and a boy later I am really happy for them. They have their hands full with twin daughters, Meredith and Emma , and the ever full of energy, Spencer.

Here are a few images from our afternoon at Dow Gardens. Enjoy!

Susan and Co.

2008-10-16T21:26:00.005-05:00

Susan has been a good friend of my sister Pam's for years now and I finally got to meet the family last month. I love laid back sessions, and besides a sister running a a little late, we did just fine. Susan and Mitch have a model daughter, Natalie. And by model I mean this little girl knows how to pose. I prefer to catch the kids more off guard, but Natalie had her eye on me the entire session. In fact she found it necessary to try to be in every photo:) But why not? She is adorable, and an energetic little thing to boot. Susan's parents, Mick and Judie, are the cutest grandparents. You could swear that they are still dating. I wish I could have heard what he was whispering in her ear all afternoon. Whatever he said was always followed by a big smile and a laugh. Susan's sister Tina and friend Nita definitely made sure that things were laid back by treating me to a burger and a beer at Party in the Park after the session. Thanks for hanging out with me and perhaps I'll have to go to a Bengal's game with you guys sometime.

The Kellogg's!

2008-10-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

I went home to Michigan last weekend to visit friends and family, well actually my sister Amy has been bugging me to take her family portraits for a while now and we wanted to get some fall colors before winter set in. We were a week early for some really great fall color, but we had a great time anyways. I am rarely serious with my niece and nephew which made it a little more difficult to photograph them, as they are just used to being goofy around me. But that is who they are and that is what I enjoy capturing.

Enjoy!

Christmas already?!?

2008-10-13T16:00:00.009-05:00

I know that this is really early, and I really think that Christmas should not start until after Thanksgiving, but I think that showing off some Christmas cards is justified because we need to plan ahead to get these in your hands in time for the Holidays. To start we need to take your portraits. Then pick out that perfect pic, the perfect card to go with it, and then you get to write, stamp, lick and seal!

So really we need to schedule your family portrait for October, which just happens to be Family Portrait Month. And I am donating a portion of all my October portraits to Operation Smile and PPA Charities to help kids with cleft palettes put on a big beautiful new smile.

I have both sleek slimlines (3.5 x 7 or 5 x 7) and folded greeting cards (4 x 5.5, 5 x 5 and 5x7) I can also design a custom card to give you a one of a kind card this Holiday Season. Here are some examples to give you an idea of what your card will look like this Holiday. These are the slimlines, but most of these have a folded version as well. If you already know of a great card and all you need is a photo from our session to put in it, I am now offering a Christmas card release of the photo of your choice. Pick it out and I will get you a high res file of the photo to use at your favorite lab.

Enjoy and give me a call so we can get these ready for you!

A quick disclaimer - these photographs were provided by my print lab and were not taken by me. I just wanted to give you all a sampling of what I can offer

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Courtney, Mike, Addison, & Isla

2008-09-30T13:26:00.002-05:00

Addison has a new little sister! Courtney and Mike just had a baby and I am proud that I had the opportunity to photograph the new addition to the family at only one month old! Wait until you look at the beautiful eyes that these kids have. Little Isla has some amazing strength and stamina for being so tiny. She gave me a few pushups to show off her clumsy coordination. Also, I want to thank Addison for sharing popsicle sticks with me and Pam...

The Graham's!!

2008-09-30T13:07:00.001-05:00

Ault Park has a lot of potential and was the backdrop for my session with the Graham's. Michael and Kara have two beautiful children, Ryan and Ellie, who were a lot of fun. A joke and a smile at every turn. They even shared the spotlight well. Each took turns sneaking into the others photo. We started out at the pavilion and made our way over to the playground for some swinging and sliding. Thanks for spending a Saturday morning with me!

My favorite has to be "Super Brother" Scroll down and you will see what I mean.

The McFarlands!!

2008-09-26T13:29:00.000-05:00

Another Bases referral - I am going to have to run a year round Bases special with all of the business you all are sending my way.

What a family! I had a great time with the McFarlands. Ashley, Richard, Nancy, Junior, Amanda, Chris, Kalysta, and Ethan, you guys were great. It was a squeeze getting all of us in the proofing room afterwords, but we made it work. Chris and Richard are firemen in Northern Kentucky and we had to grab some with the kids wearing the oversized hats. Thanks for spending the morning with me.

Rachel and Damon July 26, 2008!!

2008-09-17T23:58:00.001-05:00

Today's post is a personal one, but photography related nonetheless. Back in July I flew out to San Diego to my friend Rachel's wedding. Rachel and I met one of the first days that we were at Cedarville University (well college at the time). Although distant we have remained friends. She became very close friends with Chad Billsby, my childhood friend, college roommate and his was one of the first weddings I photographed. The San Diego Bay was a beautiful backdrop for their wedding at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. I hope they are doing well and wish them the best!

Senior Photos!!

2008-09-15T18:15:00.000-05:00

Another new addition to David McClain Photography is Senior Portraits!! I have really enjoyed adding contemporary portraits to my services that this is an obvious choice for me to make.

As a promo to this new offering I will be doing $75 Senior sessions in September and October in the greater Cincinnati area. If you know of anyone who would be interested please send them to my site and have them contact me. I will be including 40 free wallets with any booking! Appointments should fill up fast so give me a call or send an email to set up a time.

Paige

2008-09-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Paige and I had some fun at the Boone County Arboretum in Boone County, KY. We hiked for a little bit on the trails and then played in the playground for a bit. It was an incredibly muggy day but we made the best of it!

Eddie, Aisela, Dominic, and Eric!!

2008-09-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Eddie and Aisela, along with their two boys, Dominc and Eric. Dominic was a ham for the camera, not shy at all, and Eric was just very curious about the big lenses that were pointing at him - which made for some great portraits of those big dark eyes! We had a good time and even warned about stepping off of the path. We needed some good backdrop and we were careful not to trample the beautifully kept gardens at Ault Park.

Enjoy some of the photos of this handsome quartet...

Thanks for spending your Saturday morning with me!!

Help Create a Smile

2008-09-06T16:47:00.002-05:00

October is Family Portrait Month and as a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) I am participating in Operation Smile for PPA Charities. The program helps children with cleft palettes afford surgery to correct the problem and create a beautiful smile. Here is a slideshow from PPA Charities and Operation Smile. I will donate proceeds from every portrait session that I do in October. Which by the way would be an incredible time to get some beautiful fall colors in your photography. So please view the slideshow and consider that if you book with me for the month of October you will be helping to create a smile.

Riverfest Cincinnati!!!

2008-09-02T18:21:00.001-05:00

I braved the half a million plus crowd on Sunday night to watch the WEBN Riverfest Fireworks over the Ohio river. I decided to get an early start (which ended up not being early enough) and snapped some quick photos of the fireworks. It was difficult to find a vantage point as Devou park had well over a thousand people attending. Over 500,000 people from the Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport areas gathered in and around downtown for the show. Enjoy...(Some of my AC Nielsen Bases clients may recognize your building in the shots)

AVP Crocs Tour Cinci

2008-09-01T20:23:00.000-05:00

The AVP Crocs Tour stopped in Cincinnati again this year and I got the chance to go. I have been playing beach volleyball for 6 years now and I didn't want to pass up a chance to see Misty May and Kerri Walsh, or Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. A special thanks to everyone who said no to going with me because since I bought a single ticket I was able to sit courtside directly behind Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. The other Olympic Women's team of Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh were there as well. Even though their medals weren't with them it is the closest I'll probably ever get to a Gold. Phil is so tall he makes it look so easy, but he is actually very quick and able to get all of his 6 foot 9 inches down to the sand for digs if he needs to.

Here are some pics from my prime seats...

Misty and Kerri waiting for the serve

Misty May - Treanor spike

Stretch Walshstrong

Misty May - Treanor serve

Misty May - Treanor dig

Misty May - Treanor

Walsh missed block

Super Serve from Dalhausser

Stretch DalStrong - All without touching the net

This is how close I sat to them...no zoom on this one

Elaine Youngs signing autographs after her match

Serve by Nicole Branaugh

Nicole Branagh spike, block by Jen Boss

Elaine Youngs jump serve

April Ross jump serve

April Ross block

Since there is not a lot of fabric real estate for logos and sponsorship the players don temporary tattoos

Exciting NEWS!!!

2008-08-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

It has definitely been far too long since my last blog post and I am going to start keeping up so that you all can see what I have been up to. I will have quite a few posts in the next week to catch up on some fun sessions that I have had recently. Many of you may know that I have been in the Cincinnati area since July. I have been extending my stay after all of the new interest in my portrait photography.

In the next couple of weeks look for a post about my TWO new websites launching. I have some exciting new things to share and look forward to the next few months.

Paige and Sam

2008-07-19T16:33:00.000-05:00

My first shoot in Cincinnati was with two wonderful little girls, sisters Paige and Sam. We had some fun on the playground and tried out some knock-knock jokes! Thanks for a a fun time girls and thanks to you your mom Vicki for cutting loose a little bit and playing some tag. Here are some of my favorites from the session...

Happy Holidays from the McClain's

2008-01-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

Hey guys I have been real busy the past few weeks in my new venture with Eclipse Studios, but wanted to say hi and hope that my absence will not keep you from checking back in. I will be migrating this to a more personal blog, as you can stay updated on my photography over at the new Eclipse Studios Blog

Jim and Adrienne

2007-11-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

Wanted to say thanks to Heather Essian for having us photograph Jim and Adrienne's wedding with her. We met Heather through Pictage, which many of you may know is one of the professional labs that we use to print your amazing photographs. The wedding and reception were at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI. A very elegant venue to have your wedding. It was a bit cold but all of the excitement and emotion warmed everyone up. Thank's Jim and Adrienne! I wish you the best and can see that you will make a wonderful life together.

Pam and Brian Slide Show

2007-11-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

The pictures are ready!! Grab some refreshments, sit back, and get comfortable because there are a lot of images to go through. You can check them all out here, or you can check out a condensed version in the slide show below.

Pam and Brian update

2007-11-05T15:42:00.000-05:00

Good news!! Everyone who has been checking in, and waiting silently for the complete collection of Pam and Brian's wedding photos to be up, the day you have been waiting for is coming very soon! I appreciate everyone's patience as there were so many photos to process. For those of you who pre-registered, you will receive an email informing you that the photos are ready for viewing and purchase. If you have not registered you can do so at Pictage - http://www.pictage.com/270362

Check back soon...

Smith Family Reunion

2007-10-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

This morning I photographed the Smith family...Sarah is a good friend of mine and a couple of years ago I shot some portraits of her and her brother and sister for their Mom's birthday. Janeen has wanted me to shoot more of them and today was a perfect day with most of the family in town. They have a beautiful new home out in Hemlock with plenty of woods in which to get lost.

The whole family

Janeen, DJ, Tyler, Stephanie, Sarah

Janeen and DJ

Sarah and Mike

Sarah, Mike, and Waylan

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish

2007-10-08T15:47:00.000-05:00

While I have been playing catchup the past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about what I am doing with my photography and where I want to go with it. Then I ran across this transcript of a speech by Steve Jobs (Apple Inc.) at Stanford University's commencement in 2005. It is a lengthy read but well worth taking 5 minutes out of your day to do so.

The mental attiude that Jobs describes is a comforting way to think. Knowing, or believing rather, that although the path we take is not always very clear, and you never know what turns you might have to make, but not knowing does not necessarily mean we will not like what is around the next bend or that a detour may take us to a better place. We may not be able to anticipate every bump in the road, but we can make sure the fire inside us always stays lit.

What I get to see through my lens

2007-10-07T20:12:00.000-05:00

Young as I am, still in my twenties, I have come to realize a few things about people, about life. My family has taught me that you never stop learning. You should constantly be maturing, improving, benefiting those around you. If you are just running the rat race, then I suggest you reevaluate some things and consider an existence of giving and . I have learned this lesson more from example and through experience than through lecture (which ironically substantiates the lesson itself - learning to grow and improve is growing and improving).

Life happens. We wake up, take a shower, go to work, come home, have dinner, gripe about our long day, maybe watch some TV and then go to bed, only to wake up and do the same schedule all over again the next day. June turns into July, July into August, August into...Next thing you know Thanksgiving is here and the end of another year. Most days are the same with little variations that make some OK, some not OK. Then some days you wish you hadn't even gotten out of bed. There are some days though, in this theatre of life, when we are hit up side the head and reminded that there are many more subtle details happening behind the curtain, than we were aware. In truth, those details are not so soft, so indistinct, but are really the validations to our lives. Those so called incidentals are what make us tick, and help us define who we are. Or, conversely, they can turn us into who we never thought we could be. It is all in your response to life.

Life happens. You can choose to ignore the details, or take the time to appreciate all of the understated circumstances that make this existence worth every cut and every bruise, every trip and every fall.

I previously posted this image from my sister's wedding, but I think it is perfect proof of the intricacies that are our existence. Pictured below are my grandparents, Delmer and Donna, in their mid 80's and (mostly) happily married for 62 years. I took this photograph during a special dance for married couples. The DJ proceded to dismiss couples from the dance floor based upon the number of years married. After all the other couples had lwft the floor (per my sister's plan), the DJ announced that Delmer and Donna had been married for 65 years. Knowing that they were being caught off guard I concentrated my attention on them and caught this reaction:

They are kindly informing the DJ that it has only been 62 years, not an entire 65. I have to believe that everything in the last 62 years led to the lucidity portrayed in that moment. All of the love, all of the pain, the laughter, the tears, the hope, the trials...everything that these two people have experienced together that has kept those synapses firing to recall 62 years ago in 1945, when they exchanged their vows. Some people will just see Grandma making a funny face and a peace sign gesture. But for those who paid attention, a lot more is to be said about this particular moment.

Can you see these little nuances of life? Do you pay attention to the little details? If you can and if you do. Think about them. Learn from them. Apply what you have taken from it. Maybe I am just a hopeless romantic, lamenting on love and life anywhere I can find it. Maybe I am spending too much time behind my camera and in front of my computer. Or maybe there is some substance here. Something that can be considered, pondered, and give service to someone.

Here is an article from the Washington Post that caused me to think about the pictures I take, why I take them, and what can be learned from them, if anything. Thanks to New School of Photography for posting this article on their blog

Garden Cross Spider

2007-09-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

I love finding new things to photograph, especially when I put in a bunch of hours in front of the computer screen. It's good to take a break, and get back to what I love, clicking the shutter. Here is a spider that we found in front of my parents' house today. She was a little shy at first but finally warmed up to the camera so I could get these. Notice the cross on the abdomen...

Honeymooners!

2007-09-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

Pam and Brian got back from Greece this week and gave me their photos from the trip. Here are a few from their week in paradise. They said the colors are just so rich and vibrant. The atmosphere is kind of surreal. I'm so glad they had a great time and after looking at these I may just have to hire my sister as a second shooter more often...

The Murtha's

2007-09-13T20:17:00.000-05:00

We made some time during the wedding plans to squeeze in some family photos with the Murthas, Mike, Heather and their two boys Micah and Luke. Mike was Brian's best man this past weekend and they met us for photos on the way to the rehearsal dinner. Pam scouted for a great location for us on one of her previous trips to the Charlevoix area and found this wonderful park in Petoskey, about 5 minutes from the Stafford Bay View Inn, where we we had the rehearsal dinner.

There was a storm moving in but we took advantage of the light we had and made a wonderful time out of it. They were such great sports. We had to wake the boys from their nap, but it was worth it. I'm sure Micah and Luke will someday think this was pretty cool. Also Happy Anniversary to Mike and Heather again, I think it was neat that the photos got to take place on their anniversary.

Pam and Brian

2007-09-13T13:22:00.000-05:00

What an amazing weekend we all had. Northern Michigan rarely disappoints, and this past weekend was phenomenal! Many thanks to everyone who made it up. I can't thank Scott Huck and Joel Hernandez enough for working with me this weekend.

The emotions ran deep on Saturday and I had to play double duty as brother and photographer. I witnessed so much of the day through the viewfinder that I found myself tearing up behind the camera

Thanks again to everyone who was there and to everyone who chipped in. From transporting flowers, decorations, and gifts, hooking up a monitor, putting on a kissing skit, holding sparklers, dancing, smiling, laughing, to making the long journey to share the day with my sister, Brian and our families. thank you friends.

Pam and Brian are honeymooning in Greece as you read this, but I have heard that everyone wants to see some photos from the wedding. I have been working hard to get some other projects finished so that I can devote my time to Pam's wedding, but in the meantime I will give you all a teaser.

Me pulling double duty as photog and brother of the bride...

My sister is a details girl and each table represented international destinations significant to her and Brian.

Jeff and Connie gave everyone a lesson in the progression of the "kiss"

Grandma and Grandpa were quick to inform the DJ that they have been married not for 65 years but merely 62 years...

The first dance was a lot of fun

My favorite image of the day - my dad and my sister dancing

Castle Farms where it all happened...

Scott and Joel, you guys made my day. Although I am drowning in digital images right now, these pictures could not have happened without your help. Thanks...

Stay tuned for the slideshow

Val and Rod

2007-06-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

Val and Rod's was the first wedding from Saturday. My sister Pam actually helped me out because I decided to shoot two weddings on Saturday due to the fact that both couples are good friends of mine. I could not have pulled it off two weddings in the same day without Pam's help.

Chad and Rebecca

2007-06-18T13:52:00.000-05:00

Chad and Rebecca tied the knot Saturday at Dow Gardens. I have known Chad since kindergarten and we were roommates at Cedarville University. I have only known Rebecca for a short time but they are incredible together, and we all had a blast on Saturday. I shot two weddings this day and this is the other one that Pam helped me shoot. She went to Rebecca's house and took the photos of the girls getting ready while I was at Val and Rod's ceremony. The Pam and I switched spots and she covered Val and Rod's reception while I was at Chad and Rebecca's ceremony. It was a beautiful day other than the humidity and a little downpour right after the mother's were seated. The rain only lasted a few minutes and we continued with the processional. I wish that my cameras were weather sealed because I was only able to grab a couple photos of the mayhem and then I needed to protect my gear from the rain.

The talent runs in the family because Pam did a wonderful job getting the girls during hair and makeup.

First Post

2007-02-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would start a blog, but it is a good way to display new work as I photograph new people, and to share the joy I have taking photographs and making new friends in the process.

Welcome, and please check back in every once in a while.

David