Wonderful Wednesdays - "Eric Shanteau - Olympic Inspiration"

Since it's the first week of Olympics, I thought this week's edition of "Wonderful Wednesday" should be all about the Olympics. Searching through some blogs I came across this incredible story and one you may or may not have heard. A powerful swimmer. A long-sought-after dream finally accomplished. And yet there's more...

"The U.S. men's and women's 2008 Olympic swim team had finished dinner, had taken a team photo and had filed back into a meeting room at their Palo Alto, Calif., hotel that night, the atmosphere in the room getting drowsy, when men's coach Eddie Reese announced that breaststroker Eric Shanteau had something to say. Only a few people knew what was coming, ..." click here to continue reading

Mallory Williams ~ Bridal Portraits (Pt 2) ~ Arkansas State Capitol

I promised more pictures from Mallory's beautiful bridal session at the State Capitol Building and here they are. Warning though, be prepared to lose your breath a few times. :)
If you missed Part 1, click here.

Stunning....reminds me of old Hollywood







The lines of the stone wall really caught my eye in this one.




Relaxed and gorgeous.

Having some fun in front of the Senate Chamber. We "borrowed" an awesome wingback desk chair outside the entrance. Shhh. Nobody tell. :)

Mallory Williams ~ Bridal Portraits (Pt 1) ~ Arkansas State Capitol

I first met Mallory a few months ago after her then fiancee, Aaron, became the new worship leader for the Student Ministries at our church, Fellowship Bible Church, in Little Rock. They were married on May 17, 2008. I didn't shoot their wedding since they had already hired someone else. But Mallory was game for a bridal session at the Arkansas State Capitol Building in Little Rock. So on Sunday afternoon we headed to lunch at the awesome Delicious Temptations for some strawberry pancakes (Yum!) and then off to downtown Little Rock.
As you can see I didn't have to work very hard to get beautiful images.




My hands-down favorite image of the day. Click on the image to see it a bit larger.

Stay tuned on Tuesday to see some more images from this gorgeous session. Mallory, I so enjoyed spending the afternoon getting to know you even better. You're as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.

Amy

With Hope - Steven Curtis Chapman on Good Morning America & Larry King Live

On May 21, 2008, Steven Curtis Chapman and his family lost their beautiful daugther, Maria Sue, in a tragic accident at their home. As he is one of my most favorite Christian singers, I have followed his family through their blogs since that terrible day. This week they have opened their lives for all to see as they have shared their story on Good Morning America and Thursday evening on Larry King Live.

My heart absolutely aches for this family. But, as they continue to say, "We grieve with hope."

On the Larry King Live show I was moved most by Larry King himself, though. Click on the following link to see why. Larry King remarks about the show last night, the Chapmans and their faith on a clip at CNN.com.

Visit the blog of Jim Houser, SCC's manager for the links to the full interview. Larry King's Thoughts & Links.


I pray that God would continue to heal their deeply hurting hearts and show Himself in unimaginable ways. Steven and his family haven given so much of themselves to share the Gospel with those of us around the world. Now it's time for us to love on them and lift them up before our Jesus.
If you're in the Central Arkansas area, Steven is performing Saturday night at Magic Springs in Hot Springs.

Photographers 4 Africa

Today's "Wonderful Wednesday" post is very special to me because it involves one of my favorite wedding photographers, Annette Biggers of Triple Cord Photography in Laguna Beach, California and founder of Photographers 4 Africa along with her husband, Mike. She also just happens to be one of my photography mentors! :)

"In late 2006, Annette and her husband Mike hosted a Ugandan children’s choir at their home, while the group was performing in Southern California. They had several kids spread all over their home, in beds and sleeping bags. One night she struck up a conversation with the choir leader, Alex Mutagubya, and he mentioned that he would be getting married soon back home in Uganda. Annette knew that most Ugandans cannot afford to hire personal photographers for their weddings, so she immediately told him, "I am going to come to Uganda and photograph your wedding for you." The man's eyes welled up with tears as he told her he could not believe he was receiving such kindness from someone he barely knew. When she showed him ..." -click here for the rest of the story

Annette's story was also featured on the blog of highly-acclaimed Daryn Kagan (formerly of CNN).
Watch the powerful video "Power of a Single Gift"

Annette,

Just in the short time I have known you, I have learned so much. Your photography stands alone, but more than that, your servant's heart to share the gifts and talents given to you from God's hands is humbling and inspiring. Through your images we see the souls behind the faces and are forever changed. Thank you for giving of your time and knowledge and most importantly your prayers to me. You do not know the powerful reach of your gifts not only to me but the to the many people your generosity has touched around the world. And I most definitely hope to be joining you and the Heart 4 Africa staff on your next journey to Africa!

With much love and many thanks,

Amy

Scott Kelby's Worldwide PhotoWalk - Little Rock

I'm really excited about this! I signed up for this awesome photo walk that is taking place on August 23, 2008 in cities around the world. The Scott Kelby Worldwide PhotoWalk has added a walk for Little Rock this weekend, and I think I'm the first to join besides the leader.


So here's the premise:

It's a social photography event where photographers get together, usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town, to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.



What's even more awesome is you can win prizes for the best image of the day. Since this Worldwide Photo Walk is to celebrate the release of the update of the world's bestselling Lightroom book (Scott Kelby's "Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers"), the best photo from the day (as chosen by your local walk leader) will win a copy of Scott's new book. Check out the following link for all the F.A.Q.s



So if you're in Little Rock or in any of the cities listed around the world, sign up. It's going to be a ton of fun. Although I am secretly praying it isn't 105 degrees like it was this weekend. :)

Wonderful Wednesdays - "Blink"

I've decided to start something new for Wednesdays and share something special. Whatever I find during the week that touches my heart or maybe something going on in my life that's uplifting I'm going to share. We'll call it "Wonderful Wednesdays". And the best part, you can join in the fun. Maybe you've had something really exciting happen or something/someone has really blessed you. Just post a comment. Share! Share! Share!

So here's this week's edition:

This incredible post "Blink" is from a blog I've been following for a while. An amazing mom who had to give her baby girl to Jesus after only a few hours. As I read this post I couldn't help but see myself and everything Life Breaths Photography is about woven through it. Be blessed!

And don't forget to share!!!!