the HAKMANS

The smiles, the posing of the hands, the spacing of the faces together with each on a different plane.....but those that know me well will say "Wess, it's the red isn't it?".....and to them I would have to say, "of course"! What a great Christmas portrait you allowed me to create.

the JACKSONS

New couples are one of my favorite subjects. The light on the hair, the colors in the clothing complimenting the background colors, as well as the warm friendly expressions tie this all together for a wonderful portrait. If you have not met them, Curt is the owner of Jackson Jewelers here in Enid, and is an incredible artist, Lee is a grade school teacher, a very warm, fuzzy person. Best wishes!

JUSTIN

Justin, I have to say this is one of my favorite portraits from last year. The simplicity of your pose reminds me of a "Rock Star" photograph out of Vanity Fair. Thanks for making me look so talented!

REAGAN

........also because she just couldn't be any cuter!

TYLER

For 32 years now, one of my favorite times to photograph a child is when they lose their front teeth. It is a special time that "hopefully" will not be repeated.
Tyler was a lot of fun with a lot of energy, but I think he may have met his match with me!

EVAN

Hey "Apple Boy", or should I change that to "Apple Man", or "Apple Brother" (I like Apple Brother). Thanks for letting me pursue this idea for your senior portrait. All I really wanted to do was to keep it real, I hope that happened!

BRUCE & MYNA

What makes a great family portrait? Some photographers may tell you it is a great location, or perfect lighting, or a strongly posed group, or the colors of the clothing working together, or proper retouching. But I say that it is the "love" within the family that makes it a great portrait.

KATIE @ 16

Too fun, too cool, too Katie!

JAYDEN & REESE

I am always amazed (as Huey Lewis sang) at "The Power of Love". Even at the young age of the girls here, you can see the love they have for each other, pretty amazing. I suspect it's because they are just sharing what they what they have seen in their family.

MAYRA

Here is one of my favorite clients as well as photographs. Her session was a blast, we talked about family, school, work (she helps out at Port Lugano), and of course her portraits. I really like the green background with her green eyes and the warmth of the wood in the chair highlighting the dark streaks in her hair, and of course her warm friendly smile.
Mayra, best wishes to you and yours!

JENNIFER & BRAD

One of my favorite styles of photography is this close-up, intimate type of portraiture you see here in the portrait of Jennifer and Brad. For those who do not know Brad, he is the owner of Performance Audio, and in addition to some great audio and visual gear at a great price, the installation of this equipment is nothing short of stellar. Check him out.
Jennifer, thanks for the kind email you sent this morning, we are thrilled that you and everyone who sees the portraits love them!

BROWN/CUMMINGS

Just in case you missed it, "The BROWN/CUMMINGS FUNERAL HOME" is having a seminar on pre-planning funerals, the details are in yesterday's newspaper.
If you do not know this family, I can tell you they are as nice as they come, we have been friends for almost 25 years and it has been my pleasure to see all three of their children grow into fine adults.
This portrait was taken in their chapel, a beautiful dignified place that is probably one of Enid's best kept secrets.

ALICE

You may recognize Alice from her portrait on the first page of our web-site that led you to this blog. She really gets the award for traveling the furthest (Bentonville, Arkansas) last year to see us as she has no family here in Enid, she came just to have her senior portrait taken. I have photographed her since she was an infant and it was wonderful to see the incredible woman she has become. Congratulations to her parents, you did a great job!

DR. FERGUSON & STAFF

One of my favorite projects this past year was a Christmas card for Dr. Ferguson and his staff. I had a blast! This group had a lot of positive energy and was very fun to work with. My hope is everyone had as good a time as I did.

SHERRY & PETE

These are the grandchildren of one of Jolene and my favorite clients. We photographed their mothers in junior high, senior portraits, family portraits and portraits of these six since they were babies. What a collection of personal art they have allowed us to create.

My humble thanks to all in their family.

SOPHIA & BENJAMIN

And the award for the clients who traveled the furthest for a portrait goes to.....Sophia & Benjamin....who traveled from Panama.....to see their family.....and their photographer (but mainly their grandmother).
Thanks again!

LINDSAY

Lindsay, what a beautiful bride! Both you and the dress are great. I like to kid the father of the bride, "not only is this the last dress you are going to buy your daughter, it is also the most expensive." I think your dad went out with a bang.

OWEN

Owen my man, you're looking sharp and happy, could anyone want anything else? Thanks for being a great subject!

The VAUGHANS

Jolene and I love the families whose portraits we are entrusted to create.
The mom in this portrait has been a family friend since she and our oldest daughter, Nicci, met in pre-school. In this portrait my intention was to show a relationship in size between the daughter and her brother, as well as the love between the four of them.
Happy New Year to all, we look forward to 2008!