Ewe-Phoria

Today I trekked through what must be the best place in southern Oklahoma just outside Comanche. Now, I've driven this way for years, but never left the main highway in this particular part of the county. Wow, was I surprised. These photos really just show the reason why I ended up at Lee and Kim McGarr's dairy sheep farm at KS & A Orchards, where they have managed to start a great business using Friesen sheep.
They make soap, lamb jerky and this weekend their first batch of bleu cheese will be ready for retail and wholesale orders.
I'll have more on this later, but meanwhile enjoy these photos. It was muddy, the sheep were dropping babies and it was just a great joy to be at the McGarr's place. I plan to go back many more times just for photographic purposes. They have a gorgeous pecan orchard and other wonderful country treasures (like an old barn). Lee is a pilot and was a bush pilot in Alaska. They are full of great stories.
Thanks again Kim and Lee! It was fun, in spite of the fact that I wore my best flip flops and walked through sheep poop!

Geese family at the lake

Please don't!

Just have to post this after hearing from a wonderful photographer what ugly thing happened to her. I won't post her name here, but I will say, this photographer out of California is just unbelievably awesome. Her work is like none that I've ever seen and she has gone to great lengths to become one of the most sought after young photographers around. She's like half my age and I want to do photography like her 'when I grow up!' Plus she's spent thousands of dollars to have the best sets, best gear, etc...

But, the reason I titled this entry "please don't" is because one of her senior clients scanned in the prints they ordered from that photographer and then sent her an email about how they loved playing with the images in photoshop.

Needless to say, the photographer is extremely upset. Like she said, it's like saying to her that her work isn't good enough the way it is, that it is a slap in the face. NOT to mention all the COPYRIGHT VIOLATIONS this girl has just committed by scanning in the photographer's final prints.
So, no matter how tempted you are, just DON'T. Aside from being illegal, it's just plain RUDE! If you've paid a photographer for their services and talents, and bought the images and or CD, etc...then you should be happy with them the way they are presented to you.
Don't take it upon yourself to 'play' with them.

If you have a session with a photographer and want something special, even if it is just a border added, or your name, just talk with the photographer ahead of time or at your proofing show to make sure they can do it. Don't assume it's OK for you to play.

Congratulations Seniors!

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors of the Class of 2007! And thank you to all of you who chose me to do your senior portraits. You were all fun and I wish you the best of luck in the future! Just remember, no matter how stressful the day, or how old you are - always, always remember to have fun and love what you are doing in life!
Thanks again! Don't forget each of you receive a complimentary cap and gown mini photo session lasting about 20 minutes. I encourage you to also bring your parents for a group shot. I will provide the images with a permission to print release on CD so that you will always have them. Call me now to schedule your session and I can do them on a Sunday before or after baccalaureate. Those who haven't had a session with me, there is a small cost to cover my time.

Seniors!