What a fabulous bridal show at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts today sponsored by Perfect Wedding Guide. We had a blast meeting newly engaged couples, brides and bridemaids, and their family and friends as you start planning your big day.

It's your big day! The day you've dreamed about since childhood. The day you deserve super model treatment. You deserve images skillfully created by an award-winning photographer who recognizes your desire to relive your marriage celebration for years to come with beautiful, timeless images.

We're delighted you visited our booth, and invite you all to schedule a free consultation where we can meet together to talk about your plans and develop a photography plan just for you.

Dates are booking fast so schedule your free consultation soon to reserve your date. Cheers to you. ~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, 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