Stories & Notes
Journal
Stories behind the portraits, personal projects, creative process, and the moments that inspire the work.
Featured Story
The Climb
Featured Story
The Climb
A fragmented portrait about resilience, uncertainty, and forward motion.
Some stories are not told in a single moment. They are shaped by seasons of change, quiet courage, and the desire to keep moving forward. This is one of them.
General
Teaching the Next Generation of JurorsLarry Lourcey on teaching PPA's Jurors Workshop, why judging photography is harder than creating it, and what keeps experienced jurors coming back.
General
What One Small Camera Taught Me About CreativityA small camera, a trip to Arles, and a lesson every photographer eventually learns: creativity often comes from fewer choices, not more.
ONE Project
The FiddleThis project has produced some very emotional stories, but this is one you won't forget. Here is Marsha's story.
ONE Project
Tony's Kookulele"Tony's Kookulele" The latest addition to my ONE Project. This one features the legendary Tony Corbell - perhaps the nicest guy I've ever met. Here is Tony's story
ONE Project
The Receipt"The Invoice" The latest addition to my #ONEProject is a portrait of my good friend Don Chamblee. He has an actual invoice- in his own handwriting- for a purchase his wife made years ago when they first met. Prepare yourselves for another great story!
ONE Project
The QuiltThe latest addition to my ONE Project - a portrait of Cheryl Locklear and her quilt.
ONE Project
The Proposal Poem"The Proposal Poem" I'm very excited to unveil the latest addition to my ONE Project - this one featuring my dear friend Ronda Gunther. Years ago, she wanted images to use on a dating app- and I like to think my photography helped her to find her husband! Here is Ronda's story....
ONE Project
The Mask"The Mask" The latest addition to my ONE Project features PPA President Kira Derryberry and one of the most unique items so far.
ONE Project
The BoxThis latest ONE Project portrait features the incredible Meg and her box full of letters. It is a fantastic story-enjoy!
ONE Project
The Birthday BoyOk- well, it is not officially a part of the #ONEProject but I created this portrait of Bandit to commemorate his 4th birthday today!
ONE Project
Stephanie's CalendarStephanie's Calendar Here is the latest portrait in my ONE Project. This one features the wonderful Stephanie Rinks and her grandmother's calendar. Read on and enjoy!
ONE Project
Sandra's Bracelet"Sandra's Bracelet" Here is the latest addition to my ONE Series. This one features the incredible Sandra Pearce with her very special bracelet. You are going to love this one. Here is the story in Sandra's words:
ONE Project
Rojin's GavelRojin's Gavel For this next ONE portrait, we have our youngest participant so far - Rojin Farzad and her gavel.
ONE Project
Rich's Scoring Machine"Rich's Scoring Machine" If you are one of my photography friends, this will need no explanation. If you aren't in the photography world, you've just met a really cool guy.
ONE Project
Makayla's BookMakayla's Book Time for the next installment of my ONE Project. This time, it is my friend and fellow Board member, Makayla Jade Harris. Good luck making it through this one without getting a little misty. Here's Makayla's story:
ONE Project
Letter From Dad"Letter from Dad" The latest addition to my ONE Project is a portrait of Gregory Daniel and a letter from his father. It is a pretty cool story- enjoy
ONE Project
Jill's Mixer"Jill's Mixer" My latest addition to the ONE Project features Jill Wohldmann Harper and a kitchen item that is near and dear to her heart! Here is Jill's story:
ONE Project
Gary's Picks"Gary's Picks" Here is the latest installment to my ONE Project- a portrait of the always cool Gary Hughes and his Fathers Day guitar picks.
ONE Project
Don's Camera"Don's Camera" This week's portrait features one of my good friends and Texas photography legend, Don Dickson - and his childhood camera.
ONE Project
The PaintingDaniel brought a painting created my his mother. He told me about how he grew up watching her paint and she created this awesome painting of his wedding day.
ONE Project
The ONE ProjectAn introduction to the ONE Project. My latest personal project: a study of people and their sentimental items.
ONE Project
Father's ClockMy good friend John Stanley is pictured with his father's clock. Here is the story John shared about the clock.
General
Award Winning Monochrome ImageBack From The UK Well, I’ve fallen a bit behind on my blogging lately and realized that I never really mentioned something BIG that happened to me earlier this year! I had the opportunity to speak in London at the Societies’ 2014 convention- which was a blast. The Society of Wedding and Portrait Ph...
Behind the Scenes
Photographing Families Who 'Hate Photos'
How we turn hesitation into confidence and create honest, beautiful portraits.
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The ONE Project
The Most Important Thing in Their House
One item. One story. A glimpse into what people hold most dear.
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Creative Process
What Makes a Portrait Feel Timeless?
Light, connection, and intention — the elements that never go out of style.
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Masterpiece Portraits
Inside a Masterpiece Portrait
A look at the craftsmanship, texture, and artistry behind each piece.
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Artwork & Design
Designing Portraits for Your Home
Tips for selecting, displaying, and enjoying your artwork every day.
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Personal Work
A Portrait Session Inspired by Vermeer
Finding inspiration in the masters and bringing it into the modern studio.
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Behind the Scenes
From Capture to Canvas: The Process
A behind-the-scenes look at how your portrait becomes a work of art.
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The Newsletter
Stories, inspiration, and studio updates.
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