This weekend brought a little sun and blue skies to Nashburg, though still chilly on the back end of winter, and we had a great time hanging with Sasha & Patrick for their engagement session at the historic Traveller's Rest Plantation & Museum. Here's a sneak peek at some favorites from their session. Their June wedding will be a fun one! Cheers.  ~gregory  

Hey gang, I'm excited to share new images from a recent photo shoot of a photographer and his lovely bride. If you're thinking/hoping to see pictures of the overdone and obligatory "photographer with a camera up to his/her face pointing at my camera," you won't find that here. He's not that kind of photographer. Me neither.

Evan Baines is a great friend and an amazing photographer whom I respect highly. We share a favorite "hero" photographer in Richard Avedon, a deep passion for fine wine and gourmet food, a natural aversion to being in front of the camera plus dozens of other mutual interests.

Add a little prop that's appropriate for the subject, in this case a wine glass, and that creates interesting photograph opportunities, and this is a subject worth its own blog post.

Even better, let's add a beautiful wife to the mix, and magic happens. Though not visible in these b&w photos, Amanda has amazing red hair, gorgeous cheek bones, and a warm smile sure to make Kate Winslet green with envy.

Evan & Amanda gave me complete creative freedom with one request: b&w film plus digital. These are favorites from the digital batch, and we're excited to see the film captures. Yes, film. Remember that? Though not immediate like digital, film rocks. Period.

I'm a big fan of couples who are into each other. Really into each other, and my two favorites from the digital lot are these two.

Tastefully done yet passionate. Smiley, happy portraits like others shown here are wonderful in their own right, and I'm certainly not knocking them. Images that tell a story take photography to a different level. Meghann and I have a signed print that Evan made of us hanging in our living room, and I'm honored they entrusted their portraits to my eye so I can return the favor.

Big thanks to Amy Lynn Larwig (www.amylynnlarwig.com) for outstanding hair and make-up work too. Cheers, everyone.  ~gregory  

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 

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.

(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.

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

While photographing a cover shoot for Nashville Paw magazine (Oct/Nov 2009 issue) at the Humane Society of Sumner County, I had the privilege to photograph four darling little girls who are currently being fostered by a lovely family in Hendersonville, TN. These sweet girls will be available for adoption soon. The cuteness is too much! 

Being able to meet such adorable furkids is a definite perk to my dog photography projects. I'll keep the cover images under wraps until that issue hits the newstands, but this one has been begging to be shared. Enjoy.  ~gregory

Although I was already booked for Michelle's wedding date, Michelle brought me on board to make her bridal portraits based on some previously posted images. Hair & make-up pro Lisa Proctor enhanced Michelle's natural beauty and radiance.

Michelle's wedding festivities are now completed, so these images can be unveiled.

Cheers to Michelle and Tim on their marriage this weekend, another successful Match.com love story! Welcome to the other side.

This Summer I had the distinct pleasure to photograph four beautiful children. While I had photographed darling children before, this shoot was distinct because these children belong to a long-time Nashville friend with whom I had recently reconnected through Facebook. 

Tammy and I sang in Christ Church Choir, together with ~100 others, back in the '90s, but we lost contact after we both married and found other church homes. Fast forward over 10 years to this Spring while Meghann and I are expecting our first child, Tammy introduces us to her four children: Corbin, Cameron, and twins Carson and Catherine. 

As a soon-to-be first-time parent, this children's shoot resonated differently than previous children's shoots which were also wonderful in their own ways. Then today, I received a wonderful note from Tammy that made my Sunday even more delightful:

Tammy wrote: "First of all, I've known Gregory for years. He has such an amazing eye which translates into unspeakable beauty and creativity in all his photographs. My children are generally shy, and they warmed right up to him. The photos he took of my children looked like something out of a New York magazine! You can look at each photo and know exactly what each ofmy children's personalities are without even knowing them! If you want what everyone else has, go to the chain store photographers. If you want a story in your photo; if you want something that's completely unique to you, without question, hire Gregory Byerline!"

Our little girl arrives in less than seven weeks. If Meghann and I do half as well with Mollie as Tammy has done with her four children, we'll be pleasantly surprised with ourselves. With many great examples of friends who are wonderful parents, we'll at least have plenty of helpful resources along the way.

Stay tuned for a blog post of Meghann's recent maternity photos. She's quite the glowing expectant mamma. Cheers for now.  ~gregory

So this one might need some explanation...at least regarding the "why" and not the "what" (the "what" is probably obvious to anyone who has viewed photography over the last 30 years).

Here's a slideshow of select favorites from Megan & Markus' lovely wedding at Cheekwood Botanical Garden's and reception at The Parthenon in Nashville, TN. Fabulous day for an even-more-fabulous couple. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your day. Cheers to you.  ~gregory

Photos by Gregory Byerline Photography (Gregory Byerline & Kate Crafton, photographers).

Hi Friends,

One of my photos from our Italy trip is available for voting to be included in an upcoming issue of JPG magazine ... click here or the small photo below to vote. Voting closes June 2, 2009.

If this image resonates with you, please cast a vote. Also, if you're so inclined, I'd appreciate you forwarding this info to your photo-loving friends as well. Cheers everyone.  ~gregory

Yesterday, a client of mine was awarded First Runner-up in the Miss Southern Tennessee Teen 2010 pageant. Caroline Sessoms, in her junior at a Hendersonville high school and a Harvard Summer Student, also won the Interview competition.

Twenty delegates from across the state of Tennessee competed at the Annual Miss Southern Tennessee Pageant held at Wright Music Hall on the Middle Tennessee State University campus in Murfreesboro, TN. Delegates competed in Personal Interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown before the Semi-Finalist was announced. The competition continued for the Semi-finalists with on-stage interview. The top three were then selected and each finalist answered a final on-stage question determining winner and runners-up.

Congratulations, Caroline. Here's to continued success with your endeavors. Way to go!  ~gregory

Hair & Make-up: Lisa Proctor www.lisaproctor.com

Click image to purchase at Amazon.com

I shot this CD cover for a friend's acoustic trio, and the cover was revealed last week. These acoustic musicians are real musicians who are more concerned about their music than their image. When shooting my square format film camera, this image was intentionally shot with no heads to emphasize their musical instruments. At the shoot, I KNEW this image would become the cover. So excited.

Matt Flinner (mandolin), Ross Martin (guitar), and Eric Thorin (bass) will be performing at Norm's River Road House this Friday (April 3, 2009) to celebrate the upcoming release of Music du Juor, the latest from Compass Records. The CD features 12 tunes from MF3's Music du Jour tours over the past couple of years ... each day they wrote music to perform on that night's show, and they picked their favorites for the new disc. This Friday's show is a "du Jour" show as well, so you never know what might happen! 

Norm's is located at 7695 River Road Pike on the banks of the Cumberland River on Nashville's west side. The sound quality and food are both excellent so arrive come early! Additional info at Norm's MySpace page or 615-356-6314.

Check out this record, whether recorded or live. World-class musicians making some great music. Cheers everyone.  ~gregory