Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure to assist Las Vegas’ most fabulous and awesome photography team, Chelsea Nicole and Jayse Hansen. They photographed a very sexy and committed Fench couple who had just flown in from Barcelona to elope and then do some fabulous photography. We ended up shooting out on a highway, with the wind blowing very hard, the temperature just above freezing, and the rain turning to snow turning back to rain. We were out there for a couple of hours. We photographers expect to be out in whatever conditions. But when clients are so committed to great photography that they will bear near freezing, windy conditions, it warms the cockles of our hearts 
I just wanted to give a shout out to Chels & Jayse’s hearty and hale clients yesterday for staying with the shoot through very uncomfortable conditions, and I wanted to thank all clients who value great photography that much.
If you’re willing to put up with an hour or so of discomfort, you’re probably going to end up with spectacular photos that really stand out from the crowd. At least if the photos are from me or Chelsea Nicole
For example, this March 2011 I’m shooting a great couple coming in from Indianapolis – Brandy & Ryan. And they’ve already let me know many times that they want to make strikingly awesome photos. So, in the pursuit of excellence, we’ll all be standing in a cold lake for a while. And we may slog out to a dusty dry lake bed. And they’re going to spend the extra monies to reserve us a spot at the Neon boneyard. As a result of their commitment, I already know that their photos are going to be extraordinary. I love clients like Brandy & Ryan, and like the fabu French couple from Barcelona I assisted with yesterday, who understand that great photography is hard work – and worth it!
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Our friends Suzi & Terrence Lighten have a brand new baby girl, Savannah. The Good Lord, for reasons unknown to anyone, has burdened little Savannah with multiple serious challenges. Her mother, Suzi, tells the heartbreaking tale of her very difficult pregnancy and Savannah’s traumatic birth here in Suzi’s new blog “Savannah’s Journey“. Suzi & Terrence are diving into ways to help their daughter overcome her severe challenges. Please help them in any way you can. Their experience could be anyone’s experience.
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Our youngest son has been growing his hair his whole life. Except for occasional trims of the bangs in his eyes, his hair has never been cut.
Until a few days ago. We’ve always planned to let it grow very long, and then to cut it all off to donate to Locks of Love, who make wigs for children who’ve lost their hair to illness.
It was crazy cute. Here are some pictures to prove it, and to show that there was a cute little boy hiding under that gorgeous hair all this time
1st Haircut! This ponytail is going to Locks of Love to make a wig for a little one who lost their hair.
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“You were so incredibly fun, charismatic and are so talented!… All of our guests…commented to me about how cool and fun you were that night…We are so glad we spent the money on you and just scrimped elsewhere…My married friends were right, nothing else really matters after it all happens.” – Heather + Cale
“I am LOVING so many of these that it’s unbelievable to me. I knew some would be amazing but this is beyond any and all expectations.” – Heather + Cale
“you are absolutely amazing. you don’t know how many times I cried this week just looking at them”. – Debbie + Curtis
“I am … amazed at how hard you work … you really are the most talented photographer I have worked with … you are also my favorite photographer [with] a perfect balance of professionalism and fun”. – Constance + Brandon
“you went way way above & beyond yesterday, you did some amazing stuff & were a joy to spend some time … with. We both really appreciate the heart you put into these photos”. – Shawn + Maythe
“The pictures all look great…Everyone loves the photos you took!” – Yer + Jeff
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I LOVED shooting with Heather & Cale.
These guys really made a commitment to good photography, and prioritized it over a lot of other things. They even made all the arrangements to shoot @ the neon boneyard, not a trivial or inexpensive proposition.
Heather + Cale at the Neon Boneyard
There is nothing a wedding photographer likes more than a fun, real couple who loves & commits to creative photography. I can’t wait to do another round of cool portraits with these guys their next time in Vegas!
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We recently discovered Khan Academy, and now all three of our school-aged boys are enjoying learning math (and earning $1 per lesson) at their own pace. If it’s good enough for Bill Gates’ kids, it’s got my attention
Learning math is fun when I earn one dollar for every chapter dad.
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My oldest boy built a nice strong bike ramp, from an entertainment center discarded by a neighbor. He and a couple of his brothers and a best friend tried it out tonight. It’s cool being ten years old.
Being eight is cool!
Being ten is cool!
Being eight is cool!
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Here’s a great essay from my friend Juliet Douglas, wedding planner extraordinaire, on the ins & outs of getting your photo taken inside & on the floor of a Las Vegas casino. In short, easier said than done!
In my experience, we’re generally tossed out of most casinos within a few minutes of breaking out professional gear (e.g., tripod, off-camera lights). Juliet’s essay gives some good tips on how you and your photographer may be able to get these photos.
Another thing that has helped my brides get photos in the casino (not necessarily on the gaming floor) is for the bride & groom to have a room in the hotel.
During this shoot, we were approached by security w/in a few minutes after we started shooting. As soon as they learned that my couple had a room and had just gotten married there, the Wynn security left us alone.
Judith & Kenneth @ The Wynn
Whereas, without a room reservation, this couple and I were escorted out of The Bellagio within about 5 minutes of the beginning of our shoot. Different hotel. Same photographer. Different relationship of the b&g to the hotel.
Maythe & Shawn @ the Bellagio moments before being escorted out.
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Incentives work. Our kids love reading. Is it because they earn a penny a page, or double that when they read to one of their brothers? Is it because they can instead choose Wii points, one minute of Wii time for every minute they read? Or is it because they get some quality time with mom?
My guess is that it is all of the above Incentives work.
Quality Time with Mom
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Hi! I met your wife at a LVWoman event a while ago and saw her again at the Expo last week , she said you might steel need photographers for this weekend, let me know if that’s the case I would love to help , I’m booked Saturday but I ussually take off Sundays so I would love to help.
Le me know you can contact me at 702.499.8482 also
Thanks
ATI