Today's vlog is about my photo life this week.  I love photography for all the experiences I get to enjoy while earning a living.  Take a peek at what a day in the life of a pro photographer.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
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I was approached by USB Memory Direct to review their flash drives.  I told them I'm pretty picky on my quality standards so, I'll be super honest if you are ready for it?  They said that is what we need...brutal honesty!  I did ask for an affiliate link so you boys and girls who purchase any products from them would have my referral link with a discount but they aren't there yet.  NO CODE FOR YOU!    hehhe   :)

When the flash drives arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see how they were packaged.  You can keep these drives in the packaging for easy storage.  I would be able to see through the plastic cover and see how many are left in the set.
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I love having my logo on our products because our branding is important!  There is just something about seeing a personalized logo engraved on the metal that makes the drive look more first class. Speaking of first class...I am very impressed by the quality of metal the logo is printed on.  The high gloss grey feels so good in the hands.  It gives the flash drive some weight and sturdiness.   I know we are talking about a flash drive here but you have to get everything into perspective.  My brides who spend thousands of dollars with Elizabeth and I expect quality, and if the one thing they grab the most to access their images is the flash drive, then I need the flash drive to emit quality immediately!  To be honest, I like these drives way better than the company we have been using, so I'll be making the switch asap!
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The read and write speed is really fast as well.  This makes my transfer time quicker when adding so many images to the flash drive.  As a working photographer I rely on speed for so many digital aspects to my workflow.  When the drive is plugged into your computer the led light will illuminate the drive color.  This helps to see the light blinking when data is being transferred.  These drives rock!

Go check out their web site and tell them GK sent you!
​www.usbmemorydirect.com

This is my buddy Chris.  He is an actor, model, director and lover of all things positive.
He came to the studio to update some images but we got way more content then just some images.  He is the example of the young guy working towards his hustle.  The undying need to work harder and find the smaller gems in life that have a much larger impact is what he is about.  
We both believe in the same ideas of humanity and how it could be.  I find that you attract the people in your life you can both help and learn from.  This day we recorder a podcast about the struggles with the creative hustle.  We took our thoughts and ideas so you the listener can be helped and motivated.  Humanity isn't about who wins. It should be about who you helped to succeed.  we all win.

How in the heck did the holidays get here so darn fast.  Seriously though?  How?
​I feel like we just had Halloween and BOOM...Thanksgiving is this week! WHAAAAT is going on.  I don't know about you but the time change has kicked my butt this year.  I don't remember a time in my life when it took me so long to adjust.  Can we please vote to do away with the time change.  Not all states conform to it you know? The time change actually messes me up pretty badly with my business.  When the sun goes down at 8 pm, I'm out shooting till then.  Now with time ending at 5 30 pm, it's much harder for my clients to schedule any sessions after work. 
I don't know about you but when 7:30 pm hits now I feel like I could hit the bed.  

​My Fav of the week.  This little cutie!

I have to say...I attract the coolest couples for my wedding photography.  This is Christa and Jon.  Walking around the French Quarter with them was fun for all of us.  The day was perfect weather and the sites all around us did not let us down.  The unique colors and textures downtown New Orleans offers simply never gets old. 

I recently created my hashtag that accompanies my images and represents my brand completely called #SimpleCleanBeautiful
To see more images from this session
click below.

Shrimp and grits are a New Orleans staple but why?  What makes this simple dish so delectable? The fact that two simple components coming together can be such an amazing experience together.   Grits by themselves are good. Shrimp by themselves are also good.  The marriage of the two together with the proper seasoning can be quite delish!  This is what New Orleanians are known for! We take a simple experience and help make it amazing.

Take my job for example.  A wedding can be a bit simple and boring for friends and family. The only good part of the wedding could be the free booze and food, but when your photographer, band, hostess and 2nd line band deliver their best performance, you reap all the benefits of one amazing experience. This is the real reason why you hire the best vendors who enjoy working together. We know what it takes to deliver the goods on demand!  Doing your job and loving your job is a drastic difference in performance.

I will never forget my buddy John Michael telling me this job is a professional performance. Hey are just the photographers right???? Hell no!  We make or break the experience of the event.  I heard his words and could totally relate to what he meant. Some people like being in the shadows but I enjoy the stage. I enjoy the opportunity for helping your event be memorable and fun because I know how to party. I know how to help the crowd get into the fun. I know my encouragement will relax and enhance the experience for everyone there so let's rock!

Lets's be like the shrimp and grits and create something amazing together! Regular people coming together with the right spices will create an experience you won't forget.  
When you hire me you aren't just getting my talent and my experience, you're getting my desire for you to have the best experience possible.  This is what I do. I love being a vital role in your event so you enjoy the best experience possible.  We are each other's shrimp and grits.  

You would think after two decades I wouldn't be struggling for the hustle but it's actually everyday all day long!  I had to make this video describing me thoughts on why I believe the hustle is worth the struggle.  Anything you have a burning drive to accomplish makes you prepared for the struggles that come with it.  If you are almost ready to quit or your frustration is becoming too much...watch the video.

Julia and Mark have been a cute couple for many years and their wedding day showed the world their bond.    Ok, I know that sounds sappy, but seriously that are fun, beautiful, down to Earth and just one heck of a family. I was so excited to capture their wedding because I just knew it would be a blast.  When you have the Bucktown Allstars as your band YOU WILL NOT LEAVE THE DANCE FLOOR!!!    

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If you have an event at Marche', you'll be speaking with my friend Stephanie.  She and her staff create a fantastic downtown New Orleans experience for you and your guest. This bride's name is Julia.  It has a tad bit of irony that my oldest daughter is named Julia so I had times of pretending my Julia was the bride in front of me.  Both girls are beautiful brunettes with smiles that illuminate a room.

When Julia wanted her bridal portraits at Marche' I was soooo excited.  I always LOVE working at Marche' with Stephanie. The main ballroom has the most amazing window light coming in from all sides. I have been sitting on these images for a little bit because you cannot show off bridal images before the wedding, so as you can imagine I'm super excited to hit the POST NOW button.  Enjoy!

My hashtag is #SimpleCleanBeautiful and these images are the best representation of my style. I love simple posing that looks natural with background selections that compliment my subject and enhance the mood I'm capturing.  

I love using items within the setting to give me depth of field or mood for the image.  The following image was captured by closing the doors just enough to shoot through the crack of the doors which framed Julia.

The next 2 images are the perfect example of exposing for the sky compared to exposing for your subject. Notice how image 1) shows the golden sun putting Julia into shadow while illuminating her profile perfectly. Image 2) shows Julia exposed for full detail while allowing the sky to NOT be the subject matter, yet still complimenting her profile perfectly.

If you are on the fence about having a bridal session you should remember these images could be you if I'm your photographer.   (shameless plug)    :)