"The Spark"

Well, now that I have officially broken one of my New Year's resolutions to publish a blog posting at least once a week, I felt I'd better at least make an attempt to correct it. So here is my next blog entry...only 3 days late.

The one thing that I really enjoying shooting are engagement photos. The reason is that I get to work for couples that have plenty of smiles to share and love to express. Their realization of spending a lifetime with one another often starts sinking in at this moment, therefore, true emotions come shining through. It is a tremendous honor to be asked to capture those true emotions.

Out of all of the engagement photos that I have shot, there are couple that have "The Spark". These are couples that not only have a smile on their faces, but a sparkle in their eye. They exude love and devotion to their "soon to be" lifetime partner. Both of them enjoy the moment equally. Generally, I'll walk away from a couple during a shoot with the excuse, "I'll be right back. I have to change out my batteries." This is a wonderful time to sneak up on a couple who can be found gazing into each others eyes, laughing, playing, and having a genuine "personal moment". These are the couples that you'd be willing to place a bet that they'll be together forever. When times get tough, the couples with "The Spark" with go back to these very moments in time, remembering the feelings that brought them together in the first place.

When times get tough and relationships get strained, I personally believe that people should try for a "do-over" by remembering the times that are important and the moments that mean the most, and try to relive the moments that created the wonderful relationship in the first place. By the way, at 10 years of marriage in February, my wife and I have "The Spark" too.

Below is a brief slideshow of Alex and Sandy; a couple that I would definitely place my bet on.

New Year's Resolutions

As with some on New Year's Eve, I take a moment to reflect on the past year and write down those items that I want to improve on within the upcoming year. Most people write the standard year end resolutions; loose weight, eat better, stop procrastinating, spend more time with family, etc. (yes, all of those are on MY list). I also added a few other items that I hope others will mimic.

The year 2009 will be another rough year. Foreclosures rates, unemployment increases, higher costs of goods and services, and longer lines at food banks, are predicted to continue or increase in the upcoming year. I count myself fortunate that I still have a job within this struggling economy. For this reason, my additional New Year's Resolutions are:

* Volunteer my photographic services or labor for worthwhile organizations dedicated to helping people in need. Aside from it being the right thing to do, you never know when you're going to need help yourself.

* Donate clothing items to agencies that give clothing to those in need.

* Donate more food items to those agencies that give food to those in need.

* Donate a portion of revenue from photographic services to the charity of the client's choice.

* Finally, make as many friends as I can during 2009.

I forgot one finally item that has made it to my New Year's Resolution List. As you probably noticed, my last post is dated the beginning of November; therefore, my goal is to add a new blog entry every week - we'll see if this one holds true.

Until my next blog, NEXT WEEK, be good to yourself and to others and have a fantastic New Year!