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I find that every once in a while it is a good idea to seize an opportunity to step back from the business of photography and capture images or explore Photoshop techniques simply for the love and passion of photography. These images are the fruits of that endeavor.

These portrait and texture images were captured while in Ireland in July and were then layered together and blended in Photoshop CS 3. This digital technique is similar to the concept of double exposures in the era of film photography; with what can be argued to be a more dramatic output. Although that is, of course, entirely a matter of opinion.

Azure is THE newly completed luxury condominium building that is an exceptional addition to the to the uptown Dallas skyline. From the outside, the stone building with glass and metal detail well compliments the modern feel and architectural ambiance of the area. The contemporary vibe carries through the main lobby much like the waterfall that flows under the dutiful watch of the enigmatic Samurai Statue. The lush pool-side oasis perfectly compliments the structure’s modernity and provides an escape from an oft times all to busy life.

Within the walls of the residences, it is immediately clear that no expense was spared from design to construction. From the floor to ceiling windows and expansive balconies to hard wood floors to custom built in appliances; Azure gives new meaning to the word “Luxury’ and sets the standard that all others can only hope to attain. The bar has officially been raised.

Visit the Azure website at www.azureliving.com to find out more or to tour the photo gallery of images taken by yours truly!

October 18, 2008 will be a very special day for two great people. Angela Alioto & Andrew Holguin will wed at 7:00 PM amongst friends and family at La Buena Vida vineyards in Grapevine, TX. Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement portraits and in just the brief time that I spent with them, it was exceedingly clear how very special they are and how genuine their love is. It was an exceedingly fun and inspirational morning that resulted in me being that much more anxious to photograph their wedding. I expect that October 18, 2008 will be a special day for me as well.

While in Ireland, the lot of us had the pleasure of inhabiting an exceedingly quaint manor on 40 acres just outside the small Irish town of Six Mile Bridge. I chose inhabited over stayed because during our time at this enchanted time at this peaceful location we were no mere travelers but rather were transported to a place and time where we were locals to the lush and green Irish countryside.

Owner’s Patrick & Annette were hospitable, kind and genuine. The small town just up the road offered comfortable establishments with personable proprietors that became friends in very short order. Stop by the Mill Bar for both traditional and modern entertainment. A visit to Casey’s where Cora or Miss Casey will greet you with a smile will allow you to check “Traditional Irish Pub” off your to do list. Finally, for a little taste of France, have and exceptional dinner at Dine and Wine where Jacques and Marjella will treat you like family!

There was some time to work with models in Ireland and as you can imagine, between the stunning landscape and the beauty of the models, it was clearly a very pleasant opportunity. Sinead is a professional model based in Shannon and at the tender age of 17 has had the opportunity to be photographed by a number of well known and talented European photographers.

In this photo she was kneeling in a pasture of tall reeds and plants. As the afternoon sun peaked out from behind the Irish clouds she needed a moment to rest her eyes and it was at that moment that she looked
so peaceful. Her pale complexion reflects the suns light in an almost ethereal way, drawing my eye to her serenity.

I came upon this Irish Lass while on location at the Domoland Castle; which I wrote about earlier this week. She was with her mother and two siblings staring wide eyed into a wishing well. Their mother carefully shared with her children that they should each clasp their penny in their hand, make a wish and toss the penny into the fountain. She held that penny so tight, closed her eyes seemingly tighter, if that is at all possible, and then cast the penny into the fountain.

I approached her to say hello and told her that I hope her wish comes true very soon. She replied with “hello ” in the sweetest accent and said that it will because she would never tell anyone what she wished for…not even her mum!

Here’s to all your wishes coming true!

One of the location photo shoots here in Ireland was held at Dromoland Castle in County Clare. This majestic edifice stands tall and proud in the lush Irish countryside today just as it did when it was built in the early Eighteenth Century. One of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, Dromoland was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) High King of Ireland in the eleventh century.

In the 1960′s the castle underwent major renovations to transform the ancestral home into a luxury hotel and quite recently a consortium of mainly Irish American investors purchased the castle and estate. Through their continued investment and management, the castle has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for excellence and is regarded as one of the great resorts in Europe.

What a historic and yet contemporary location to host and event and photograph!

All work and no play is a saying that I have heard fairly often in my 32 years. Family and friends repeat it from time to time as a reminder to stop, look around and enjoy life. Those we work with may utter it when we are not being at our most productive with a twinge of irony in their voice.

Well, I posted the above picture to ensure that everyone knows that we are making sure to soak up some of the local culture here in Ireland between all the travel and various photo shoots. It certainly makes a perfect pair. Cheers!

I have heard that few places in the world compare to the beauty and splendor of the landscapes in Ireland. Having been here in Shannon in the County Clare on the South Western coast of the Emerald Isle for just a few days; I most certainly agree! We are on location in a fairly rural quaint little town called Six Mile Bridge where we have rented a 40 Acre property called Mount Cashel Stables. Our home away from home consists of a main house and 2 cottages beside a charming lake with a small dock ( as seen in the images above) and all the lush and gorgeous landscape a photographer could ask for! There is no shortage of company either as the property comes fully equipped with 2 donkeys, two dogs and a horse.

I am sure that most all of you know that Ireland is famous for rainy, drippy and dreary weather and that weather has not been elusive since our arrival! Despite the moisture, we persevered and in our first few days we have visited the Dromoland Castle, Clare Abbey and Quinn Abbey. I aim to post images every day or two to chronicle our adventures so please stop back by!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the national launch of Jimmy Choo’s new eye wear line on behalf of Modern Luxury Dallas Magazine.

The infamous Ghostbar at Dallas’ chic W Hotel was packed with everyone who is anyone on the social scene! Stunning models strutted down the runway adorned in Abi Ferrin’s “Fashion with Freedom & Purpose” and sporting Jimmy Choo’s new shades. The crowd drank and danced into the night; a great time was had by all…especially me!