Why I'm there.

This is what we mean when we talk about looking for connection. These are the photos that make me tick. I had a couple minutes to chat with Jessika’s Dad just before the ceremony. The church was bustling, everyone rushing around doing last minute tasks and he was just gazing out the window watching guests arrive. My inner curiosity took over and I had to ask…what’s going through you mind right now? He asked if I had children. “Let me tell you. It goes by so fast. Better make sure you’re enjoyin’ it!”

Sage advice from a guys who’s been through parenthood, minutes before he walks his beautiful, well mannered, empathetic, successful daughter down the aisle. I hope some day I’ve got a couple of well mannered, empathetic, successful boys that are at the end of that aisle. Congrats Mr. Williams. You’ve arrived!

Disclaimer, if you hire me as your photographer, I may seek parenting advice from your parents. I hope thats ok.

Let real happen

I heard an interview with Suroosh Alvi, co-creator of VICE recently. He was asked about how they approach creating authentic content. "We asked, how do you create REAL? The way to do that is to get as close to the source as possible." It's true in journalism and it's true in wedding photography. If we're not emotionally connected throughout the day, how do we expect to translate such an a profound day through photos. Sometimes that means hanging with bridesmaids as they laugh/cry/bustle right after an amazing ceremony. #stayclose #letrealhappen #momentsovermountains #bridesofok

Grace

I’ve been collecting images for a new portfolio in the hopes to show how different brides can be. Some are bridal portraits and some are passing moments from a wedding day. But they all show just a glimpse of each girl’s personality. Much like this photo of Rebecca. It really shows how graceful she was that day. Weddings are so personal now, in that a couple is able to shape the whole experience of their wedding day. I’m glad to be able to document so many different couples and different wedding days. It keeps me curious and always on the lookout for that subtle layer of personality and meaning just under the surface.

The mind of a photographer...

I'm working through this wedding and reflecting on all the stuff that goes through my mind as I’m shooting now as compared to 10 years ago…

10 years ago….

Whats my exposure?! Should I shoot this in AV mode?  Which lens should I use now? Is my aperture right? Wait, did I format this card? How can I make them look happy?

Now….

Are they comfortable? What are they getting too hot?  What will they take away from this? Are we taking too long? Is this a pose cliche? Will they show this to their kids…would I show this to my kids?  What does this photo feel like? … Wait..what’s my exposure?!

A note on bridal composure...

I'm spending the day recuperate from an exhausting but wonderfully honest wedding day.  Joseph and Amy were a joy to photograph. It can be a challenge for couples to be fully present for the entire wedding day. It's a full day, with a lot going on. Distractions and questions coming from every angle. People like Lindsay Gibson help a great deal with those things. It was clear to me that Amy wanted to soak in every minute of the day with all her loved ones. When I'm able to photograph that experience; that's when I feel most at home. 

What is a group portrait?

Maybe the better question is, why do you need a portrait of your best friends on your wedding day? 

To remember how you felt! How great it was having them all in one place to celebrate. All the stories that got re-told. The shared history...and of course to remember how great you looked!

So what's the best way to remember that feeling? How about a photo of the feeling itself? 

men and engagement portraits....

Let’s be honest. Most guys don’t just love the idea of shooting engagement photos; at least not the way a bride does. I don’t want to generalize, but as men it’s not necessarily our skill set to parade around and dial up affection on command. My shoots are always casual, and normally start and end with a pint. But even then, having portraits made is not something us guys find natural. It’s always great to see when guys are clearly doing something outside their comfort zone for the girl they love. It’s great practice for a long marriage! Atta boy Richard.

Pretty is great, but it's not enough.

A photo should communicate a feeling. It should be more than just pretty. We ,all photographers, should be looking for connection, emotions and depth. When it comes to wedding photography it also requires a natural experience; a synchronicity with your subjects. That starts by understanding their values and genuinely helping them remember their experience. You have to care more about their memories that your portfolio.

Karly is a woman of few words. She could be described as reserved. Her quiet, sweet sensibility was a joy for me to document the subtle moments of her wedding day. Like this split second after her Mom helped her finish getting ready. To steal a phrase from my friend at Todd Scott I would rather do  "photography at weddings" than #weddingphotography. Less about control and and directing and more about observing and reporting.

Embrace the unexpected | One Frame

Weddings are interesting. I've been to 300 or so, and things never happen exactly the way we plan them. Just ask Chelsea. We had a bit of rain on her day.

That many wedding days has taught me remarkable moments are kinda like summer peaches. You can't tell them when to be ripe. They just happen when they happen. That's why I'm moving away from hourly wedding coverage. My contract now includes full day coverage with me and an assistant. No compromises. I want to be there for it all. I'm thankful for families like Chelsea's who get it. Here's to embracing the unexpected with a smile and remembering the experience well!

One Frame // Sarah's contagious smile

What makes a good bridal portrait? A smile that that is a great place to start.

Josh & Leslie | One Frame

Here are a couple of great smiles from a recent shoot. I picked up some architectural knowledge of Tulsa's downtown great skyline. As a commercial realtor, Leslie knows all the hidden gems.  Looking forward to spending some time with these two and their families in Seaside this Fall!

Nick and Anna

Nick and Anna tie the knot this weekend. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of their story!

Brandon and Lindsie

Spring wedding season is here. Looking forward to photographing these two again this weekend! 

Joe and Anna

This moment. One that I look for at every wedding. Can't beat it in black and white!

Jimmy and Lauren

Couldn't pass up sharing some real smiles from these two in Dallas a couple weeks ago!

Hank & Brit | One Frame

Had a novel idea today. I think I'll start blogging my photos again! As we're winding up another great season of weddings, I'm a little sad about all the beautiful moments and settings I've been able to photograph this year and I haven't really had time to share any of it. 

We've had one of the craziest, most challenging and exciting chapters of life during what we've called our "life edit". The short story is that we sold everything, moved into a vintage trailer and are toiling to build a small house mortgage free. It's a trip, but we're soaking up every struggle and victory along the way. You can read more of that struggle and victory on our family blog themccullocks.com

Sometimes if goes without being said publicly, but we're so appreciative of all our couples. Old and new couples; that have been tracking with us through this process. Here's one of those couples. These guys just have such a real chemistry!

One Frame | Tyler and Ashlee

More to come from this beautiful Ponca City wedding!

One Frame | Joe and Anna

You can add Milwaukee to the list of cities I could spend a few days. Joe and Anna were great hosts. We had a nice relaxed afternoon of shooting around town and wrapped up on the shore of Lake Michigan for an amazing sunset. More to come soon!

One Frame | Alex and Lauren

I really liked Alex's navy and black tux. These two have some seriously good taste. Sooner or later, I'll share their beautiful Tulsa wedding!  

One Frame / Ben and Jill

Just a quick post from an awesome evening spent with Ben and Jill.