My Dad's Wedding

Talk about jumping in with both feet. The first wedding I photographed was my father's wedding to Carol. No pressure. But you won't meet two more laid back folks, so the evening was really relaxed. We met up at Carol's, where some of her friends had gathered to help her celebrate this exciting day. They did her hair, helped her get dressed and brought her some beautiful flowers for her big moment. We started off the events by taking a few pictures outside...before the rain got too terrible.

Then it was off to Wilson Park and the University of Arkansas campus were the "I do's" took place. The weather was not at all what anyone had expected. It rained for most of the pictures, which was both stressful and complicating. But Dad and Carol were so happy that nothing was going to ruin their joy.

After that it was all party and celebration as we took the happy couple to the Northwest Arkansas Airport to hope a flight to Los Angeles where they honeymooned!

Not many moments in life top a wedding. And it was both a joy and an honor to help my dad celebrate his by photographing their special moment. Congrats!

Elizabeth & Fletcher

On July 7th, I met up with the most adorable young couple you will ever meet: Elizabeth and Fletcher. Both graduated high school only a few weeks ago and they are excited about heading off to ASU Jonesboro in the Fall. I had the chance to photograph them, along with their pooches, Lily and Daisy, at Paradise Park in Jacksonville.

Working with animals is never an easy job...but getting Daisy to stay out of the water and away from the ducks was nearly impossible. There is nothing she wanted more than to have a go at those birds.

I've known Elizabeth for several years now and it was such a treat to see her away from our normal setting and have some fun with her and the rest of the gang. Spending an afternoon in the heat and sun (even though there was a 60% chance of rain) was well worth it because we got some wonderful photos that Elizabeth and Fletcher will enjoy for a long time.

Bierman Baby

In celebration of the 4th of July I had the pleasure of photographing the Bierman family's newest bundle of joy. This adorable blue-eyed baby has been lucky enough to be born into one of the coolest, best looking families around! And it was my honor to capture the moment.

I tried to photograph the family in as normal and natural way as possible. No cheesy posing for this family.

"I think not having a studio actually works better for me. Capturing amazing pictures of people interacting with the world around them gives pictures more depth. It helps bring out their personality and adds to the moment. Plus, children are always going to be more comfortable in a place they know. Location shoots are always exciting and challenging, because you never know what to expect."

But when I saw blue this babies eyes were it was hard not to spend the whole time just photographing his beautiful little face. I was lucky enough to get some shots of dad and grandma with their pride and joy and at the end of the day we had some really great photographs.

The Bierman clan were so easy to be around and we had a great time chatting after the shoot was over. Because, lets face it, when you are shooting babies...a nap will work itself into the mix one way or another. But before little baby Bierman could fall asleep we got some really great shots of his wonderful life.

If you want to see a complete portfolio of what I, or any of the other photographers at Creative Bucket Studios, can do check out our website: creativebucketstudios.com

Give us a call to photograph your family and loved ones.

Salazar Family

Nothing is better than having the chance to photograph your best friends; and I have been lucky enough to shoot both of my best friends and their families.

I had the opportunity to shoot my best friend and two of the most important women in her life: her mother and her daughter, on Saturday. We spent time in the beautiful parks around Harbor Meadows in Springdale. And with three generations of beautiful Salazar women we were able to get some lovely shots.

Spending time with these wonderful gals was such a treat. We got to take some beautiful family photos... and joke around and tease each other just a little. I try to make everyone I photograph feel comfortable, but obviously with such close friends the comfort level was maxed out!

Photographing you best friends is always a joy, but any chance I get to take pictures for people that I know they will love and cherish is exciting. I love how creative I get to be. Each new shoot gives me a chance to see what new and fun things I can try. If you want me to photograph for you don't hesitate to check out our website: creativebucketstudios.com for a complete portfolio.

Friends for Life - Jimmy Jam

On Saturday, May 15th, Creative Bucket Studios went out to "Friends for Life - Jimmy Jam", a benefit concert held in Rogers Arkansas for a friend. Jimmy Thompson was injured in a motorcycle accident on April 1st and is still in ICU recovering from traumatic brain injury among other things.
Information on Jimmy's status is diligently shared to all friends and family at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmythompson/mystory

"Jimmy Jam" was all put together by volunteers and brought together many local bands, friends, artists, and members of the community. There were art walls, water balloon tosses, raffle, food, and much more. It's apparent from the photos and so much of what we head from everyone that a great time was had by all. We were lucky enough to be there to document this event for Jimmy when he gets to come back to us.





Jim's Mom had this to say:

"If you've ever needed a demonstration of the power of prayer, just look to this event.  I did a little bargaining with the Big Guy about the weather.  I said I didn't have to have sun; I just needed Him to keep the rain away.  For any of you who aren't familiar with the geography of our home town, there are 3 towns right together on US Hwy 71 in northwest Arkansas; Springdale, Rogers in the middle, then Bentonville and Centerton.  Yesterday morning it was pouring down (a deluge) in Springdale, Bentonville, and Centerton (which probably kept attendance down, with those people assuming the event was canceled).  We had a couple of minor scares, when a steady (not hard) rain came down for a little while; however, the rest was just misting here and there during set-up.  Then, once the event got started, there was NO RAIN ON JIMMY JAM!!  The overcast skies kept the temperature mild and comfortable, and the event proceeded beautifully.  (In fact, around 6:00 when we were packing up, the sun came out for a little while; sort of like God saying, "You're welcome.") If you didn't get a t-shirt, you can order one on-line at www.jimmyjam.info; likewise, DVDs of the whole event.  All the bands were recorded, plus the crowd, the games, everything.  That website will be posting pictures and short videos of the event very soon."

This even was photographed by Jennifer, and we think she did an awesome job.

Monterrey Bay Aquarium

Chris had the opportunity to visit one of the world's most amazing premiere aquariums in Monterrey Bay California. A rare opportunity to shed some photographic light on the underwater realm.
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org

Chris got to discover the mysteries of seahorses and their kin in "The Secret Lives of Seahorses,” and share the stage in "Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea," a compelling new special exhibition. In the "Splash Zone: Ocean Homes" exhibit we were able to experience the crashing waves and see how they impact the life below the water line. We searched high and low for sea turtles, and though they are rare, Monterrey Bay Aquarium has some in rehabilitation that we were able to photograph. We also so sharks, a wide array of fish, birds, and other aquatic life. Here are a few shots to help you see what Chris saw:

Rachel & Tommy's Engagement

On Tuesday, May 18th, Whitney had to chance to photograph Rachel & Tommy for their engagement. The two wanted to go to Little Rock to get a more "urban" feel for their session. The weather didn't help them out any but in the end the photos they got were amazing and really capture the couple's laid back attitude. Rachel and Tommy will be spending their summer in Florida while Tommy works for NASA for 10 weeks.

 

"Getting to shoot Rachel and Tommy downtown in Little Rock's Rivermarket district was so much fun. The shoot had to be rescheduled because of bad weather on Sunday, but when we finally got together all the pieces fell into place and we had a wonderful time. I think I might have overwhelmed Tommy a bit, but he kept up pretty well," said Whitney of the shoot.  

"Tommy was shy, and it took him a while to break out of his shell but when he did I learned all sorts of wonderful things."

As it turns out Tommy has been trying to propose for quite a while...but Rachel kept messing things up! She was never in the mood to go to the special places he picked out. Regardless everything worked out well for both of them in the end.

Rachel and Tommy will be traveling to Florida for their wedding in July! What a dream: getting married on the sunny beaches of Florida. And everyone at Creative Bucket Studios couldn't be happier for them.