Howdy, friends. I was sent some really cool info that I wanted share with the class. It's called the 3/50 project, and I'll summarize here with complete details at www.the350project.net.

What three independently-owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Think about your local dry cleaner or neighborhood coffeeshop/restaurant, pet food store, bakery, music store, ice cream parlor, plumber, printer, etc. Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

If half the working population spent $50 each month in locally-owned businesses it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the working population did that.

For every $100 spent in locally-owned businesses, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

The number of people it takes to start the trend is one ... you.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

This is some great food for thought, and I am inspired by this challenge. We live in a uber-cool neighborhood with lots of locally-owned businesses, many of whom have become fast friends who know our "usual" when we walk in the door. We know their kids, we know their story, and we love their product with is better than their national competitor anyway.

Here's a real-life example from our world: I love coffee. I really love good coffee. When I'm in Nashville, I always choose our local coffeeshops over a national coffee chain. First, I like the locally-roasted small batch coffee better, but also because I enjoy supporting small businesses. While traveling and in want of a quick coffee fix, that's when I'll grab some joe a national chain like Starbucks or Joe Muggs or Dunkin Donuts or similar. Even then, I'll wish I had a bit more time seek out the local roaster.

So, how does this 3/50 Project idea resonate with you? I'd love hear your thoughts and comments. Maybe try it for a few days and share your experience? Cheers to you. ~gregory  

Time lapse photography video of bridal show booth setup for Gregory Byerline Photography, including surprise visits with several colleagues: Dior Whittaker of Face To Face with Dior, Erin & Audrey of Dove Wedding Photography, Krista Chapman of Nashville City Club, Angie Commons and Anna Ferguson of Jacob Marketing, and Donette of Designs in Paper.

We had a great time meeting wonderful brides and couples to talk about capturing your memories in photographs. Dates for 2010 and 2011 are booking quickly. To reserve your day, the next step is to schedule a free consultation so we can talk about your specific dreams and create a plan that's best for your wishes.

Schedule a consultation by calling 615.498.6296. Cheers to you.

If you know me even slightly, you'll soon discover that music is a major part of my world. I don't/can't play or sing anymore, but the inner musician still lives. I am sponge, and music is water. It soaks straight to my soul. Regardless of style or content (for the most part....it still has to be MUSIC), music moves me.

Add to that a longing and forelornness of unrequited or unattainable love, and I'm deeply moved. Here's a song that gets me every time. I just listened to two different versions of this song ten times in a row, and I'm sure I'll go back to the well a few more times this afternoon.

And the loneliest sound of all
Is the sound of love through a stranger's wall
And when their laughter fades
And there are no more words
The silence breaks me most of all

Also check out the version by Jerry Douglas (dobro) and Maura O'Connell from Lookout For Hope. Have a listen and share your thoughts. Cheers.  ~gregory    

FOOTSTEPS FALL
Written by Boo Hewerdine & Annette Bjergfeldt

I'm in a new place now
They don't know me next door
But I can hear their footsteps fall
And every night around this time
Does he take her in his arms
They'll be Django-playing as they waltz across the floor

And the loneliest sound of all
Is the sound of love through a stranger's wall
And when their laughter fades
And there are no more words
The silence breaks me most of all

And the loneliest sound of all
Is the sound of love through a stranger's wall

I'm in a new place now
They don't know me next door
I wonder where your footsteps fall

Howdy, folks. If you've been at a networking event with me, you've heard my elevator pitch introduction as an "award-winning sharp-shooter focusing on People, Products, and Pups" and I'm excited to reveal some recent product photography for Effusions, a complete line of couture bath products. 

Effusions' owner and product developer contacted me to create new images for her online store and catalog. The previous images were 2-3 years old on a plain, light-colored background. While this is a common setting for product shots, which I also updated on solid white during this shoot, I recommended that her product line be photographed in a "lifestyle" format to show the bath products in actual bathroom settings for a real-life flair.

Special thanks to my colleague Anne Jackovich and the team at Kenny & Co, an exclusive showroom for distinctive kitchen and bath products, for the beautiful high-end sets, props, and scenes for this product shoot. Until next time.... ~gregory 

I read this recently in an article. So true:

"The real camera exists in the mind's eye. A great stove does not make a great meal!"

Another analogy I use is "Eric Clapton's Guitar." Put that thing in my hands, and I won't (or rather, "can't") make the same kind of music. Or any kind of music for that matter. But in the hands of the master, true art and inspiration is made.

Cheers to you.

Howdy friends. I recently had the privilege of making pictures for a local model for a new comp card (short for "composite card" and also called a zed card). Essentially, a comp card is a leave-behind promotional piece used by models to showcase their various looks for prospective creative directors casting for modeling jobs.

Nashville's business market is home to several/many ... well, a ton, actually ... of corporations providing products or services to families and "Middle America" audiences including health care services, "typical" families and parents, insurance providers, book publishers, and the "soccer mom" represents a large demographic category for these products and services. The client will need to see that a model can play this particular role, and it's tough for many of them to make the jump from a high, European fashion style look to a soccer most, so it's best to show them an example.

The Professional

Similarly, these same corporations also create internal projects for their sales and marketing teams (called "industrials") including training videos and brochures that show models and actors in professional attire. This is not the time to show a sexy swimsuit photo if you're trying to land a modeling job for a large insurance or financial firm.

The Swimsuit

There is, however, a time and place for the swimsuit shot. In this case, Kim is a fitness trainer also interested in landing work as a fitness model for yoga/aerobics videos or activewear lines or running magazines or the like. Swimsuit shots serve two purposes: first to showcase a model's physical appearance and, even more important in my book, to showcase a model's presence and poise in "nothing at all" (while still clothed). For example, I recently shot for a tanning company so swimsuits were a main part of their wardrobe requirements. Being able to submit models' swimsuit photos to show their physique and fitness so the ad agency and client could make their selections was a must. In Kim's case, we selected a shot of her in a fitness pose that accentuates the results of her exercise diligence. If she were planning to work for other companies (say, Hooter's or Frederick's of Hollywood or Fruit of the Loom, for example), the pose and "feel" of her swimsuit image would be completely different.

The Clubber

When considering Nashville's music video crews and area nightclubs in tourist areas, there's a need for this style of look, and The Block Agency regularly fills those needs. For this image, lighting totally changed to replicate dramatic lighting and shadows of nightclubs, and we cranked some dance music at the studio to set the mood. If I were casting for a job like this, I would be more interesting in knowing the model can play the fun-loving role without a deer-in-the-headlight facial expression, so it's more of a "feel" and personality thing than what the model looks like. Although, in this case, the model looks pretty great, of course. She brought it and nailed the image.

One person, five different looks. These clearly defined objectives laid the groundwork for how I would approach the proper lighting for each look as well as the right stylists to have on board to achieve each look. Big cheers to Lisa Proctor for her great make-up work and Amber Wilburn for diverse hair styles and on-set cutting and trimming. For wardrobe, Kim brought several options for each look, and final outfits were discussed and selected by everyone on set. 

That's a pretty great way to make a living, if I may say so myself. I had a blast getting to know Kim during this shoot. Until next time....  ~gregory       

Mid-November brought the distinct privilege of photographing a bridal fashion shoot editorial story for Premier Bride Nashville, and I am excited to unveil these images for your viewing pleasure.

Major thanks to Angie Commons and Anna Ferguson of Premier Bride Nashville for coordinating this uber-fun project with 2Duce2 Video, Accent Designs, Adornments, Ambassadors Formalwear By Gilda, Arzelle's Bridal, Belle Fleurs Custom Floral Design, Branching Out Event Florist, Debbie's Weddings & Things, Enchanted Florist, Eye Candy Salon, Face To Face with Dior, Glitz Bridal & Formal Salon, Olia Zavozina Designs, Reflection Model & Talent Agency, Sara Marie Couture Designs, The Spoiled Lady, and The White Room.

Gown: The White Room Flowers: Branching Out Jewelry: Adornments Model: Lauren

Gown: Olia Zavozina Flowers: Enchanted Florist Jewelry: Adornments Model: Leah

Gown: Olia Zavozina Flowers: Belles Fleurs Jewelry: Adornments Model: Heidi

Gown: The White Room Flowers: Debbie's Weddings & Things Jewelry: Adornments Model: Leah

Gown: Couture Designs by Sara Marie Flowers: Accent Designs Jewelry: Adornments Model: Katie

Gown: Glitz Flowers: Belles Fleurs Jewelry: Adornments Model: Heidi

Gown: The Spoiled Lady Flowers: Accent Designs Jewelry: Adornments Model: Ashley

Gown: Glitz Flowers: Belles Fleurs Jewelry: Adornments Model: Lauren

Gown: The Spoiled Lady Flowers: Debbie's Weddings & Things Jewelry: Adornments Model: Kasey

Gown: Arzelle's, Tuxedo–Ambassador Formalwear Flowers: Enchanted Florist Jewelry: Adornments Models: Katie & Matt

Gown: Arzelle's Jewelry: Adornments Model: Heidi

Gown: Couture Designs by Sara Marie Tuxedo: Ambassador Formalwear Flowers: Enhanted Florist Jewelry: Adornments Models: Ashley & Ryan

Finally, our friends Eugene & Heather at 2Duce2 Video created this cool behind-the-scenes video footage. Thanks to everyone who came out to play. Cheers to you all.

Premier Bride Fashion Shoot from 2Duce2 Videography on Vimeo.

Yes folks, over a month later, I have a small break to blog a bit. The last several weeks have been a blissful blur with shoot after shoot after shoot, and, since that's what I love doing most, the blog took a back seat. At the end of a three-day family visit with no computer or camera (llooonnngggg time since that has happened), I thought I'd write a little about the Christmas tunes hit list that has fueled the ears recently.

Here's a personal top-20 from the studio's playlist, our own little Top-20 "Billboard" chart, if you will...(links to Amazon provided for your listening pleasure):

1. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" ... Beegie Adair Trio ... Christmas Jazz

2. "Winter Wonderland" ... Fleming & John ... unreleased

3. "Behold the Lamb of God" ... Andrew Peterson ... Behold the Lamb of God

4. "All Is Well" ... Michael W. Smith ... Christmas

5. "Away In A Manger" ... Mindy Smith ... My Holiday

6. "Winter Wonderland [Live]" ... Stryper ... 7 Weeks: Live in America, 2003

7. "Deck The Halls" ... Tamir Hendelman ... unreleased

8. "What Child Is This?" ... Vince Guaraldi Trio ... A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special

9. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" ... Beegie Adair ... Quiet Christmas

10. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Take A Break Guys)" ... Brian Setzer ... Christmas Rocks: The Best of Collection

11. "O Holy Night" ... Celine Dion ... These Are Special Times

12. "Blue Christmas" ... Chris McDonald Orchestra ... Big Band Christmas

13. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" ... Chris Rice ... Living Room Sessions: Christmas

14. "Angels We Have Heard On High" ... David Lanz ... Christmas Eve

15. "The Holly and The Ivy" ... George Winston ... December

16. "Winter Wonderland" ... Harry Connick, Jr ... When Harry Met Sally: Music From The Motion Picture

17. "Sleigh Ride" ... Harry Connick, Jr ... When My Heart Finds Christmas

18. "Bethlehem Town" ... Jars of Clay ... City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time

19. "Petit Papa Noël" ... Josh Groban ... Noel

20. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" ... Lee Ann Womack ... The Season for Romance

Merry holidays to you all. Pick your holiday, and make it merry with your friends and family.

One of my favorite aspects of the photography profession is the wide range of people and talent I have the opportunity to meet. In recent months, I have photographed models, financial advisors, lawyers, babies, brides and grooms, mothers, families, entrepreneurs, jazz musicians, bluegrass musicians, and ... a first for me ... an opera singer. As a musical theatre fan and admirer of dedicated performing artists, I knew this would be an interesting session, and I'm excited to introduce Katherine Sandoval Taylor (soprano) to you.

Ms. Taylor, a native of Asheville, NC, has appeared in oratorio, concert, musical theater, and opera performances throughout the Southeast, as well as in various venues in Massachusetts. Studying voice and pedagogy under Mark St. Laurent, she earned a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston, MA. She also holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Furman University, in Greenville, SC, where she studied with mezzo-soprano, Trudy Hines Fuller. She has also studied with the renowned Pierre Vallet, John Moriarty, Marc Astafan, and Metropolitan operatic soprano Patricia Craig.

At 8pm on November 20, 2009, The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro, TN will present Katherine Sandoval Taylor in An Evening of Songs and Arias, a benefit for the renovation of The Center for the Arts building. Audiences who were fortunate enough to see the Center for the Arts production of The Sound of Music will remember Ms. Taylor’s portrayal of Maria Von Trapp. In addition to her stunning beauty, audiences will recall her stunning voice.

The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro presents Katherine Sandoval Taylor in An Evening of Songs and Arias, a benefit for the renovation of The Center for the Arts building. Murfreesboro audiences who were fortunate enough to see the Center for the Arts production of The Sound of Music will remember Ms. Taylor’s portrayal of Maria Von Trapp. In addition to her stunning beauty, audiences will recall her stunning voice.

“I fell in love with The Center for the Arts when I first entered its doors to audition for The Sound of Music. It is my hope that this concert will contribute to the overall success that the Center has already achieved this year, as well as assist financially in the renovations needed,” said Taylor.
 
One hundred percent of the proceeds from this concert will go to The Center for the Arts, Inc. Christy-Houston Matching & Development Fund 2009, wherein the foundation will match dollar for dollar all donations up to $45,000. Funds will be used to replace much needed air conditioning and heating systems, worn-out flooring and myriad other issues in the 100 year old building.
 
The cost for the red carpet evening will be $75 per person which will include a cash bar and dinner at B. McNeal’s Restaurant, a silent auction, the concert and a champagne/dessert reception in the art gallery after the concert.
 
“This event promises to be one of the most elegant, exciting events ever in Murfreesboro”, states Anthony Cimino, the Center’s Executive Director. “It will be like nothing Murfreesboro has ever seen, actually, more like something out of Hollywood!”
 
Tickets are very limited and must be purchased prior to November 10, 2009 by calling The Center for the Arts at 615.904.2787 or on-line at www.boroarts.org 

Oughta be a wonderful evening. Hope you can make it to the show.

For one day only, photographer Gregory Byerline is offering a special pageant headshot rate to a select number of contestants. Here's your chance to shoot with award-winning photographer Gregory Byerline at a reduced rate!

Hair and makeup will be provided by experienced pageant and beauty professionals specially-selected to create that perfect, polished look sure to grab the judges' attention. Slots are booking quickly...only eight slots remain! Don't miss your opportunity to put your best face forward! 

Gregory Byerline is a Nashville based photographer who specializes in capturing You...at your best.

A respected and award-winning photographer, Gregory boasts two state Most Photogenic awards and is the go-to pageant photographer for successful pageant winners and organizations such as Beth Hood (Miss TN America 2000 and Miss TN USA 2003), Mrs. Tennessee America, Mrs. Mississippi America, Miss Spirit of the South Cash Prize and Miss Motor Speedway Cash Prize pageants, and numerous state winners and contestants.

Call 615.498.6296 or email getshot@gregorybyerline.com to book your slot!

(That's "in black and white" to those of us who don't speak French without the help of www.freetranslation.com)

If a couple could preorder the perfect weather for their wedding day, that lucky couple would be none other than Becca Stinson and Will Wilson, whose lovely outdoor wedding at Dyer Observatory in Nashville, TN saw a rare break in a long period of rain as the season's first comfortably cool weather treated their guests to a clear, starry sky.

Becca and Will deeply enjoy the great outdoors, and a waltz through their personal photo albums would show scores of mud-soaked spelunking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and camping fun. The marriage celebration took place at Dyer Observatory, which sits atop a secluded hill just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville (yet far from the city's light pollution), and guests were treated to stargazing at Saturn's rings through the high powered telescope after nightfall. 

Will is an accomplished fine art photographer (www.willwilson.com) who appreciates the simple yet complex elegance of black-and-white photography, so it is only fitting that their wedding story be told through the monochromatic medium, a dream of mine for a while now.

Special thanks to Helen Morisette of Weddings By Helen for planning and coordinating this great event, and these fine vendors for their talent and expertise: Kate Crafton (second photographer); Josh Milliken (photo assistant); Jan Giordano (flowers for wedding party and natural decor); Turnbull Creek Farm, part of Fresh Harvest (table and cake flowers); Bacon and Caviar (catering), Valerie Wilson of Tennessee Cheesecake Company (cake), plus musicians Craig Duncan Music and Entertainment Services (bluegrass trio), Sherry Francis Merideth (violin), Kelby Ray Caldwell (guitar), and DJ Frank.

Hey gang, I received the following dog info from a friend today who asked me to post on my blog in hopes this furry friend can find a home. Photos provided by Belinda.

Belinda writes: "I posted about this puppy following us home a couple days ago. No one has claimed her so it's time to try to find her a home. I haven't found a rescue that is accepting animals, and I already have two dogs in my small place and I cannot keep a third.

Jane (Doe) is a mix, about 25-30 pounds and we're guessing she's 7 or 8 months old. She has played wonderfully with my other two dogs and has shown no signs of aggression. She has a GREAT disposition. I gave her a bath through which she trembled last night, but she did fine, and kept her inside last night. When I do take her out to go the bathroom, she goes immediately, so I'm guessing she has some housetraining. 

If you can help find this puppy a new home, she would be an outstanding new addition to a family. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Even if you don't want/need a dog, you may know someone who could give this girl a home.  Please forward it around and contact Belinda at 615.477.9719 or melmak443@yahoo.com.

Another of my pageant clients was awarded Miss Photogenic, my personal favorite pageant award. Sarah Nicole Yarbrough competed for the title of 2010 Miss Tennessee Teen USA in Clarksville, TN recently where she was awarded First Runner-Up in the overall competition as well as Miss Photogenic honors. Hair & make-up for both of these photos by Lisa Proctor.

Representing Miss Teen Spirit of the South sponsored by Tenacious Teens 4 Christ, Sarah met 37 wonderful teenagers who all had unique ambitions who competed in five categories: private interview, evening gown, swimsuit, and on-stage question.

Leading into the final days of competition, Sarah trained intensely with Mamie Jackson and Tiffany Love, directors of the Miss/Teen Spirit of the South Pageant, and owners of Queen by Experience, a pageant consulting and development program.

Placing First Runner-Up and Miss Photogenic has opened doors for Sarah, who will use her award to tell a story of how far she has come. Since the competition, Sarah has been invited to model for several gown designers and will have the opportunity to be seen in Pageantry, Savvy, Seventeen, and Prom magazines. Sarah has been offered modeling jobs in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas, and Dallas.

Sarah is a senior at North Side High School in Jackson, TN from where she will graduate in May with distinguished honors as a technology scholar. She plans to attend Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN and major in Elementary Education to become a teacher. Sarah has plans to return to Miss Tennessee Teen USA in 2011, and wants to continue to promote integrity and individuality.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing Sarah on three occasions, or “thrice” as our British friends would say, and I’m excited share news of her accomplishments. This makes the second Miss Photogenic award for my clients this year, following Alyssa Janaye Dugger’s award (see Sept 21 blog entry below).  

This weekend I learned that two clients won top honors plus multiple categories in area pageants as they prepare for the statewide Miss Tennessee Teen USA in October.

Pictured on left is Alyssa Janaye Dugger, recently crowned Miss Humphreys County Fairest of the Fair plus Miss Photogenic (!), a particularly exciting category from my perspective. Pictured on right is Logan Sparkman, recently crowned Miss Nashville Fairest of the Fair plus top honors in Best Dress and Overall Grand Supreme categories. Both ladies will compete in Miss Tennessee Teen USA on October 1-3, 2009.

I have also had the privilege of photographing more contestants competing at the Miss Tennessee USA event, left to right:  Kelly Dutton (Miss Spirit of the South USA), Caroline Sessoms (Miss Sumner County Teen USA), and Sarah Yarbrough (Miss Spirit of the South Teen USA). Hair and make-up for all five of these girls was beautifully done by Lisa Proctor.

Big congratulations to each of these girls for their achievements. Meghann and I will be cheering for you as you compete on the state level for a chance to compete at the nationwide Miss USA competition, following in the footsteps of the current Miss Teen USA, Stormi Henley from Crossville, Tennessee.

Now that official wedding festivities for Beth Hood & Andrew Fromm are in the record books, I am excited to now unveil a few favorites from Beth's recent bridal shoot.

The crew ventured into what seemed like the middle of nowhere about an hour outside of Nashville to a friend's private lake home which had previously been featured in Architectural Digest. We were so far into neverland that all cell phone, text, and email communication was rendered impossible. We were entirely off the grid!

So many spots on this property to use, and we shot in only four of them. All elements were in place: beautiful hair and make-up by Andrew Pentecost, beautiful designer gown by Jim Hjelm from The Spoiled Lady, beautiful surroundings, and a beautiful bride. Give thediverse location options, this shoot employed a combination of lighting scenarios including full studio light, all natural light, and a mixture of studio and natural light.

I'm normally a proponent of selecting that *one* key image from a shoot, but this shoot begged an exception. Even narrowing to these six was a challenge; so many favorites that could be shared.

Photos from Beth & Andrew's gorgeous wedding festivities will be posted soon. Until then, I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed making them. So glad to be able to do what I love.

Cheers to the lovely newlyweds as you begin your life together as husband and wife. Here's hoping that gorgeous song for their first dance, co-written by Andrew Fromm, Nick Carter, and Gilles Godard hits radio stations soon. Pop over to Andrew's MySpace page to hear "Two Forevers" performed by the newlyweds themselves. Given Andrew's songwriting success in recent years (songs recorded by Backstreet Boys, Marc Anthony, Jesse McCartney, Phil Stacey, Francesca Botistelli, and more), that will likely become a reality as the right people hear the song. Definitely a romantic hit in my book.

~gregory