Beth Hall

Kids Photography

2012-01-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas break I took family photos for a couple of my friends.

I love how lighting can change the look and feel of an image. The photo on the left is lit with a white lightning and softbox, and the one on the right is available light. Same camera, same lens, same time of day... completely different images.

With the next set of photos, I really tried to play with the available light. It seems like I've been working so hard on my lighting over the past year that I've forgotten about natural light. I've been looking at other photographer's work and realizing that I need to be more aware of my surroundings.

The last set of images were taken over the summer.

I love the attitude in this last photo.

Suzie Stephens of Nibbles in Fayetteville, Ark. - Editorial Photography

2012-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

I recently photographed Suzie Stephens of Nibbles Academy of Cooking for the January edition of AY Magazine. We had a fun shoot, but then again she is a fun person so it was hard not to have a good time!

The Duggar Family

2012-01-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

While waiting for Hap to get a hair cut, I thumbed through a November issue of People magazine, and came across a photo of the Duggar family that I shot back in June. It was taken right after the birth of Josh Duggar's second child, Michael, was born and it includes all but of the family members. Thank goodness for a wide-angle lens in a small space!

Photography Dangers...

2012-01-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

I found the video of Arkansas Razorback Basketball player Marvel Waithe jumping over me as he tried to save a ball from going out of bounds.

While I have a cool job, I am by no means cool... at all.

Watch and enjoy!

Photography Work

2012-01-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

I was recently flipping through an online magazine when I came across my images in an advertisement for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport XNA. While I knew the job was going to be used for an ad, I wasn't really sure where. I'm so used to stumbling across my sports images on the internet... this was a new one for me.

Northwest Arkansas Help Portrait

2011-12-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

Photographing Help Portrait last year was a completely different experience than I last Saturday. I was in a different place in 2010 than I am now. Last year, I had just finished an ugly divorce, stepping out from a part-time photographer/stay-at-home mom to full-time shooter on faith alone. I felt like I had spent 4.5 years falling behind all of my newspaper colleagues, and all of the sudden I needed to be better than everyone else just to provide for my 4.5 year old son. I am a bit competitive, so I probably put WAY too much pressure on myself.

I walked away last year feeling frustrated with the technical side of my images. I am not a studio photographer, but I guess I thought I could become one that day.

This year I decided to "tag-team" with my wonderful friend Jason Ivester, who is a staff-photographer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. We decided that we would work together and practice our studio lighting. I thought that it would be fun to work with him and it would relieve a little bit of performance anxiety.

I went into the day thinking I would walk away with more knowledge about my craft. What I walked away with was more confidence in myself as a photographer and artist, and a little more skill in relating to my subjects.

The first person I photographed was a man who walked into our room carrying an urn that held the ashes of his deceased wife. He said it was the only way they would be able to get a photograph together this year.

No pressure here.... at all. At this moment, this man changed everything for me. All of a sudden I had to relate to him, and an urn. All of a sudden it was my job to get this man to be comfortable and relate to me while showing the love he felt for his wife. I enjoyed working with him, making him comfortable and making the warmth of his eyes reflect in the photo. The lighting is simple and the moment was wonderful. I am so happy I was able to give him a copy of his photograph, and take time to pose for a photo with him. I think he made more of a difference in my life than I did in his.

Thanks Spencer Tirey!

Thanks brother Ivester.

I guess I'm not the only one who liked his photo. It ended up being one of the photos posted on CNN.com's blog, and used in a story on ABC news to represent the event.

Over the years, I've learned that taking photographs of people isn't just about smiles, it's about capturing personalities.... I can say this with confidence following my second subject as she informed me that she doesn't smile because she "doesn't have any teeth." It took us a little while to work through and get comfortable with each other, but in the end I think we found a happy place.

Finding a comfortable, happy places summarizes that day… and what I will now carry over into my work.

I also photographed two daughters with their mother. We started with the youngest who arrived in her Sunday best, fur coat and purse in hand. She had some spunk. He blonde hair started out in curls, and I thought it would be fun to make her feel glamorous.... after all, she had a fur coat! Not too far into shooting, she asked if she could take off her shoes. ABSOLUTELY! By the end of her shoot the curls had fallen out, her hair was messy and she looked like the tom-boy I imagine she is.

I photographed her with her sister. A heavier set, curly red-head with glasses, who seemed to lack confidence. She started off saying that she did not like having her photo taken but by the end, she relaxed and showed her beautiful smile. My "job" with her was to make her feel special and beautiful... isn't that what every woman wants?!?! I absolutely LOVE the photo of her with her sister. I feel like I really captured a loving moment between them.

My final family was a mom, dad and two wonderful daughters. The oldest daughter was a bit timid, while the youngest was full of excitement. While photographing the oldest with her curls, purple glasses and bright lip-stick, I asked her sister to put bunny ears on my head... It was important to me to make the experience fun for these little girls. I wanted them to walk away with smiles. They were absolutely precious children, and I had so much fun with them.

Jason Ivester ROCKS!

I grew that day, though not as expected. While I was able to improve on the technical side of photography, I gained invaluable experience of learning how to tell a person's story... with one click.

Help Portrait Northwest Arkansas - Images by Beth Hall

Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State - College Football

2011-11-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I made a short trip up North to cover the Cowboys vs. Cyclones game in Ames, Iowa. Going in, I had no idea that it would turn into such an exciting game, and end up being such an upset. After 2 overtimes, Iowa State defeated No. 2 Oklahoma State, and the fans took over the field. It was quite a sight!

Oklahoma Iowa State Football - Images by Beth Hall

Butterball Turkeys... Gobble, Gobble - Ozark, Arkansas

2011-11-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

I spent a couple of days in Ozark, Ark., working with a reporter from the New York Times on a story about Turkeys for the Thanksgiving Day paper. We visited the Butterball, LLC., processing plant in Ozark and watched turkeys get sorted, stuffed, bagged and packaged for shipping. Pretty interesting process. On day two we visited a turkey house in Scranton, Ark., then headed back to Ozark to walk around and talk with people in the town.

I was really amazed at how nice the light was inside the processing plant, and also in the turkey house. I cracked up the farmer when I told him he'd probably never heard someone use the word beautiful in the same sentence as turkey house. The light and the massive amount of turkeys made for nice photos.

I really enjoyed the two days of walking around and creating. I really enjoy being a journalist, seems like my work lately has gotten away from it... it was nice to get back, even if it was only for a couple of days.

Overall, I walked away from the shoot feeling confident with the mood in the images. Nothing was really set up, or posed, just shot as is... I feel like those photos sometimes have the most to say.

Butterball Turkey - Images by Beth Hall

Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Wedding - Fayetteville, Arkansas

2011-11-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

I recently photographed the wedding of Phil and Rebekah at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville. It was an absolutely beautiful fall day with a little chill in the air, which seemed to be very fitting to this outdoor couple. We had a little bit of a race against the setting sun, but managed to have just enough light for a splash of color in the photos shot after the ceremony.

I met Rebekah several years ago through her work, and love that she called me to photograph their special day.

Congrats guys!

Penny Wedding - Images by Beth Hall

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Auburn Tigers- college football photography

2011-10-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

Arkansas played Auburn on Oct. 8 and won 38-14. This was my first home game to cover this year, and it was nice to be on the sidelines... though it seemed like there was an excessive amount of people who all tried my patience!

To be honest, I'm so far behind on updating my blog, that I can't really remember anything from the game. I just remember walking down the sidelines before the start and running into my little boy. He was at the game with his dad, and got to watch the team warm up before the start. Fun to run into him, and fun to shoot a couple of picts with him on the sidelines! They're included in the slideshow.

Arkansas v Auburn - Images by Beth Hall

Arkansas v Auburn - Images by Beth Hall

Ok Jason, let's see if you really do check my posts! Nice shirt!!!

Arkansas Razorback - Football

2011-09-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

In the spring, I photographed the football on the 50-yard-line at Razorback Stadium. I thought it would be a nice detail shot for ArkansasRazorbacks.com and I focused on the Nike logo since Arkansas recently switched from Adidas. (You can view the spring photo here)

At media day in August I was asked to shoot a few more photos of the football, but this time to focus on the Razorback side of the ball. I shot some with the stadium in the background that were similar to the ones I shot in the spring, but I also played around a little. I had to shoot around noon, so the light was not ideal, but with a little goofing off I think I came up with a couple of fun, and colorful picts.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. New Mexico Lobos

2011-09-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Sept. 10, 2010

The Hogs played the Lobos in Little Rock and defeated them 52-3. My first game of the year, and I'm definitely rusty! Here are a few images from the game...

Arkansas vs. New Mexico - Images by Beth Hall

Arkansas Women's Basketball Portraits - Fayetteville, Ark.

2011-09-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

I recently photographed the Arkansas women's basketball team for what they call their "glamour shots." The girls have a large frame hanging in the locker room that holds a photo of each player taken during this shoot. This is the second year that I've done the shoot, and I really enjoy seeing the girls all cleaned up, and in regular clothes. It's nice to see a little bit of the personalities as they interact with each other and have a little fun during the shoot. I always enjoy meeting and interacting with the Razorback athletes "off the court."

XNA airport new concourse grand opening

2011-09-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

I recently photographed the grand opening of Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport's new $20 million concourse. The features include a moving walkway (the first in the state), free Internet access, rocking chairs made from recycled seat belts, a new restaurant and 11 gates. There are built-in cases to display art, large planters full of trees/shrubs, etc., Terrazzo flooring, and tons of natural light. The space is really beautiful, and one that you won't forget. To all of those who don't really know Arkansas, I think it will be impressive to walk through after flying over all the chicken houses and mobile homes that sometime distract from the beauty of the state.

The image at the top of the screen is 14 images "stitched" together to create a panoramic photo of those in attendance. I was told that over 500 people were invited, and even with a 14mm, you can't fit that many people in the frame. I had fun experimenting, and even more fun putting the images together when I got home that night. A big thanks to NWA Media photographer Justin Wedgeworth for being in the right place at the right time. Sorry you happened to be "chimping" as I took the shot!

XNA airport - Images by Beth Hall

Marta Collier - Little Rock Business Portrait Shoot

2011-08-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Little Rock for a photo shoot of Marta Collier, a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas. She recently began working as the education outreach coordinator and professional development supervisor for the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority. I had a good time talking with her and working through my lights and poses. It's always nice to photograph a happy person who is willing to be patient as I figure out how I want to shoot.

Quote

2011-08-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn’t understand the assignment.
I told them they didn’t understand life."
— John Lennon

First Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

It was a fun filled week as Hap started Kindergarten. I don't think he was the only one who was excited. July tends to be a slow work month for me, so I decided to spend as much time as I could with my little 5-year-old. Things are starting to pick back up, and I'm finally able to take the time to get things back in order... now it's time to get back to work!

We capped of the week with a fun evening on the slip-n-slide, which quickly became a mud slide because of the lack of grass in my yard. Now I know that these photos look like I have a lush green carpet outside my house... it's amazing what a little bit of motion blur will do for a yard!

Arkansas Razorback Soccer

2011-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Oh good lord, it seems like I'm always ending up somewhere! You can see me working in the background while shooting head shots of the Ladyback soccer team and photographing the volleyball team.

Kiva Systems Robots - Acumen Brands

2011-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's not everyday that I get a call to photograph robots. An E-commerce company in Fayetteville has started to use Kiva Systems, which do a ton of things including cutting down on the physical side of fulfilling orders at their distribution center. The robots carry the shelving units of items to the employee instead of the employee having to walk through the warehouse to fulfill the order. Pretty amazing to watch these things run all over the place!

You can view the article by Bloomberg that talks about retailers and how they are revamping e-commerce operations.

Can you fry and egg on the sidewalk??? - Northwest Arkansas Heat

2011-08-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Imagine having a 5-year-old inside a house, all-day, because the outside temperature reached 110°. Well, I can't really imagine it either so Hap and I set out today for a little scientific/photographic experiment. I thought I could spend a little time learning to use the time-lapse setting on my camera while testing out the saying, "it's so hot you could fry and egg on the sidewalk."

We tried cracking an egg on both the sidewalk, and a cast iron skillet that we left in the sun for several hours before our experiment. Sad to say that 110° is not hot enough to fry an egg... at least during the attention span of a 5-year-old! We had fun trying and to my concerned neighbor, I washed the mess away. No worries about ants here!

Thank you Wynn Varble & Refried Howdy (from the album The Only Honky In This Honkey Tonk-live at the Dixie Theater) for your perfectly fitting music.

I thought it was time to post some HAPpy Summer Fun!

2011-07-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hap was a again a mutton buster at the Rodeo of the Ozarks in Springdale, Ar., Boy was it hilarious because he got a much more energetic sheep this year and was able to hold on and ride it clear across the arena. He even advanced to the next round of the competition and came in 3rd place for the night. I never thought I would say... I'm proud of how my boy held onto that sheep!

I posted a video onto YouTube and it's pretty funny that it ended up being posted on Deadspin.com. Just ignore the bikini clad Russians and scroll down a bit on the page.

You can follow this link to YouTube to view Hap's Mutton Busting ride!

I thought this last photo might be a nice refresher in case anyone had forgotten what water looked like... wow, it's been hot lately!

Travel Photos

2011-07-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I recently took a little trip up north and thought I'd post a few photos from a day of playing with the camera. It was fun to get out and just shoot. There were no pressures to produce, light or make someone look good... just have fun!

Dave and Tami Wedding-St. Catherine's at Bell Gable, Fayetteville, Ark.

2011-07-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful location, beautiful day, beautiful couple.

I really enjoyed photographing Dave and Tami's wedding, and their reception. The couple met at Arvest Ballpark, where we shot their engagement photos a few months ago, so it seems fitting that they had a tailgating themed reception at the Pratt Place Barn. A very wonderful couple, and I wish them the best!

Dave and Tami Fayetteville Arkansas Wedding - Images by Beth Hall

The Duggar Family welcomes a second grandchild.

2011-07-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I first met the Duggars when covering primary elections for US Senate in 2002. I was working for the Arkansas-Democrat-Gazette, and I remember standing outside Westside Freewill Baptist Church in Springdale, Ark., with April L. Brown (AP) and waiting for the Duggars to arrive so we could photograph Jim Bob and Michelle casting their votes. We were both shocked when we saw them walk around the corner with the entire family walking in a straight line... what a photo op!

Since then, I've photographed the family on multiple occasions, but mostly after each new addition. It's been fun to get to know them a little bit, watch them get bigger, and now to watch their oldest start a family of his own.

Josh, the oldest Duggar son, and his wife Anna welcomed their second child into the world earlier this month. I photographed the family for TLC shortly after James Michael was born... and I mean shortly, as in an hour. My business is a funny one because sometime I never know how my images will be used. It was fun to get a text the next morning from a good friend after he saw my photo of the newest grandchild posted here on People.com and to watch the photo announcement on The Today Show.

Luckily I was also able to photograph the entire family (minus one son), so I thought it might be entertaining to post this old photo from the 2002 election to compare to the recent one from 2011.

2011 Annual Wal-Mart Shareholder Meeting-Fayetteville, Arkansas

2011-07-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., held it's annual shareholder meeting at the beginning of June. It's always a fun event to cover, and it's always exciting to see the celebrities and their performances.

Will Smith was the emcee this year and there were performances by Alicia Keys, Scott McCreery (American Idol), and the Black Eyed Peas.

Walton siblings from left, Alice, Jim and Rob Walton, children of the late Wal-Mart Stores Inc. founder Sam Walton.

Mike Duke, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Arkansas Razorback Football-Spring Red v. White

2011-05-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Arkansas Razorbacks held their annual Red v White Spring football scrimmage last month, and this year it was televised on ESPN. I enjoyed walking around the sidelines photographing the former hogs and current NFL players. It's fun to see the "kids" I covered move up in their careers and succeed.

Joe Martin Stage Race- Fayetteville, Arkansas

2011-05-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

It was so rewarding to watch Hap "compete" in the kid's race at the Joe Martin Stage Race this afternoon around the Fayetteville square. He was so excited to bump up and compete in the 1-mile ride with the big kids, and he handled the last hill like a champ!

The ride has become an annual event, and it's always enjoyable to see friends and their kids, and their excitement as they finish the race. I had to laugh at Hap after he finished b/c he was more excited about getting to jump in the bounce houses then getting a medal...

Dave and Tami Engagement Photos, Fayetteville, Arkansas

2011-05-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

I recently shot engagement photos of my long-time friend Dave, and his fiancee Tami. While I don't really shoot many engagement photo sessions, we had fun photographing around the square, on the trail and at Arvest ballpark where they met. It was nice to finally get together under a blue sky, after having to cancel several times because of all of the rain we're received here in Northwest Arkansas.

This last one is just a random flash accident... I was trying to get my exposure adjusted when I snapped off this frame, and for some I really love their expressions.

Arkansas Razorback Baseball and Softball-Sports Photography Fayetteville Arkansas

2011-05-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

You can view and purchase photos of the Arkansas Razorbacks at RAZORBACKPHOTOS.COM

Arkansas Razorbacks Softball Baseball - Images by Beth Hall

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner visits Springdale, Arkansas

2011-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

March 25, 2011

From left, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner speaks while standing near Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of NanoMech, Dr. Ajay Malshe, and Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., while visiting the NanoMech Laboratories and manufacturing plant on Friday, March 25, 2011 in Springdale, Ark.

Northwest Arkansas Receives Heavy Rain

2011-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, we have received so much rain over the past few days, and it's amazing how much water is in the area. I couldn't get over how difficult it was to drive around Fayetteville today, and I'm now realizing just how many creek crossings we have in this city!

I set out late this afternoon to take some personal photographs of the rising waters, and stumbled across a water rescue at a residential community in Johnson, Ark. A little bit of luck and a little bit of wondering just where all of those fire trucks were headed paid off.

I think it's time to stop the rain dances, we're super saturated here in Fayetteville!

Northwest Arkansas Flood - Images by Beth Hall

Arkansas Razorbacks-Sports Photography

2011-04-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I feel like I hit one out of the park...

While it was an overcast day, I like that the sky is blown out and all you see is the Red and White of the Razorbacks.

I'm glad the girls let me in their circle, and I'm glad their yelling didn't kill my eardrums!

Go Hogs!

Find Your Footprint--P&G Future Friendly/National Geographic -- PR Photography

2011-04-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Last week, I photographed the P&G Future Friendly/National Geographic Find Your Footprint winner's assembly. Schools across the nation submitted their best ideas for going green, they were narrowed down to six entries and the the public voted on the best one. Wouldn't you know it that the second-graders at Walker Elementary in Springdale, Ark., won!

You can view their contest entry here.

The students didn't know they had won the contest until it was announced during the assembly. Before the excitement began, their teacher Betsy, handed out special shirts, told them they were going to an early earth day celebration and kept the secret. You could tell she was very proud of her kids.

Springdale superintendent, Jim Rollins, gives a second-grade student a high-five after speaking during the assembly.

The kids won a bunch of cool things including 5 Promethean interactive whiteboards. They are best described as a whiteboard and a computer rolled into one. The two photos below show the kids watching their video entry on the board and writing their names on it after the assembly.

The greatest part of the day was watching the kids react when the announcement was made that they won. My favorite picture is of this little boy, Hunter, who was brought to tears by his excitement... such a sweet moment!

Secretary Treasurer Timothy Geithner

2011-04-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

After a weather-related cancellation of a trip in February, Secretary Treasurer Timothy Geithner made it to Springdale, Ark. to tour the NanoMech and meet with local entities.

Welcome Home Mike-Go Hogs!

2011-04-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Mike Anderson, former assistant coach under Nolan Richardson, returned to the University of Arkansas as the head basketball coach for the Razorbacks. A press conference and an arena of supporters welcomed him back.

Business Portraits

2011-04-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Business portraits are always a challenge for me... trying to make something nice, or fun, rather than just take a portrait in a office. It takes a little extra effort to get people to warm up, and relax, and just enjoy having their photo taken.

I really enjoyed taking the photos of Chef Michael Huefner, with Northwest Arkansas Community College. We were going for a photo of him flipping food in the air, but I really like the happy expressions on the other two photos. We had a lot of fun and made a big mess!

Don Bacigalupi, director of Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.

Arnold "Tuffy" Lehman stands next to the entrance of a subdivision he is building in Berryville, Ark.

Anyone ever see the beautiful log cabins while floating down the King's River from Trigger Gap to Hwy62? Well, this is the man who builds them and is working on a subdivision of beautiful homes. It was kind of fun to see the homes from land!

Track and Field

2011-04-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

Arkansas hosted several indoor track meets this season including the Tyson Invitational, Razorback Invitational, and the SEC Indoor Championships. I covered the events for several schools, which is always fun because it gives me a chance to photograph a variety of athletes, and work with schools outside of Arkansas. I've recently come to the conclusion that track is one of my favorite events to cover, even though the days are extremely long.

College Basketball

2011-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy covering basketball at the University of Arkansas. I'm sad the season is over, and I look forward to covering the hogs next year!

And we'll end with a shot of former head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks, John Pelphrey. Your wonderful expressions will be missed!

A couple more weather photos

2011-03-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

I wanted to upload a couple more photos from the snowy weather we had in January before moving on and catching up on my other work. I had fun photographing Hap playing in the snow... and he only hit me with one snowball while we were shooting!

Snow Day!!!

2011-02-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

Fayetteville received a record 15 to 19 inches of snow yesterday. Here are a few photos I shot for the Associated Press, as well as some that were shot this morning just so I could get out and play in the snow. On top of the record breaking snow-fall, we had record breaking low temperatures... my weather channel app reported it was -16° when I left the house this morning. Burr!

Random Shots

2011-01-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

I took some time in New Orleans to take a few personal photographs, and play around with a Nikon D700 I borrowed from my mom. I really enjoyed the camera, the 50mm and just playing around. It was nice to spend the afternoon just looking at things, and not worry about having to come away with a photo.

I also took a little time to enjoy the snow, and area surrounding my parents' home in Little Rock earlier in the month.

Sugar Bowl- Arkansas v Ohio State

2011-01-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

The week was filled with press conferences, pep rallies and an exciting game with a disappointing end.

Go Hogs!

December Photos

2011-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Basketball Razorbacks.

Sports is not always about the action or people, sometimes it's about the new surface at the Randall Tyson indoor track facility.

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Help Portrait

2011-01-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hayot Tuychiev, with the U of A Journalism department, put together this video from the Help Portrait event this year. I enjoyed the day with colleagues, and the chance to give back.... not to mention my front page photo by Tony!

Help Portrait NWA

Santa Mail

2010-12-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

I took Hap to the Springdale Post Office yesterday to mail his Christmas wish list to Santa. They have a cute mailbox designated for "Santa Mail," that I learned about while on an assignment years ago. I'm pretty sure that "Santa" even writes a letter back... let's just hope that Hap has been good this year!

ABB Buys Baldor for $3.1 Billion to Bolster Drives

2010-12-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

A few for Bloomberg News.

It's just business

2010-12-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Arkansas Basketball

2010-12-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Basketball season has just started and Pelphrey is in full swing already. He has to be one of the most entertaining people to photograph, always with a great expression!

The last two photos are from an assignment I picked up from the Memphis Commercial Appeal. I was asked to cover the Victory basketball team as they prepared to play, and played, the Razorbacks. It was a fun assignment, and a nice change of pace.

It's all in the details

2010-12-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

While covering the Razorbacks for the University, the thing I've struggled with the most is not shooting action. Everything is important, not just the action on the field. I've really had to push myself this year to come up with more of the "detail" photos from the events we cover. I've had to really retrain myself to realize that it's ok to miss a play, and make of photo of something on the sidelines or in the crowd.

Arkansas Football

2010-12-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

The photo of Mallett was a text request from my dad during the game. Most people want actions shots, but not my dad.... he wanted him in his "stocking cap."

Jake Bequette (91) has become one of my favorite players to watch during games. His level of intensity is unbelievable throughout the entire game... you never see this kid tired!

The energy level on the field after the Arkansas v. LSU game was wonderful. It was great to see the team and coaches so happy, and feel the excitement from the win.

Portraits

2010-12-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

I don't usually shoot portrait sessions, but it's sometimes hard to say no to a cute kid. I photographed Sara Kate when she was 2 weeks old, and it's hard to believe it's already 6 month's down the road! I wasn't expecting to see those beautiful blue eyes!

Superman. Need I say more?

Josaphine.

A family portrait session with the Pelphrey's.

I'm now a professional!

2010-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have a logo thanks to Mark Fonville, and I'm excited about the design.

You can check out his work at markfonville.com

Go Hogs Go!

2010-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Arkansas vs. Alabama

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M

I must say that being on the sidelines and wandering through Cowboy's Stadium was pretty fun! Here are a few photos from Dallas and a few others from here and there along the way.

Look hard, I'm in there somewhere!

(thanks for the photo Ryan)

Arkansas Athletics

2010-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of months I have been busy shooting photos for the 19 different sports at the University of Arkansas. While there have been numerous, not so glamorous "mug" shots, I thought I would upload some of the more entertaining shots from my outings. It has been fun to work with the athletes from each of the sports, and work on pushing myself to create images. Some days I feel successful... other days, not.

I really had to think about what photos to post this time. I finally decided to edit down to the ones that I thought most represented me, and leave out the ones that I thought were more "common."

For a lot of the sports we only shoot one day, so we have to get mug shots, action shots and detail photos for use throughout the season. On top of that, ArkansasRazorbacks.com has an odd photo size at 16x9 for the main photo, so it adds to the thinking process. What will fit the hole, and what would be a nice photo to lead into a future story.

I had a blast shooting the women's golf team, but I'm kind of partial since my friend Shauna is the coach. We had fun shooting at their amazing facility and walking around the course photographing the girls! I'm looking forward to next year!

Men's cross country at the Agri park.

Women's volleyball.

Ok, I must say I had the most fun shooting women's basketball. The U of A is setting up a TV studio with a green screen, and the girls were very entertaining with the poses... This one is my favorite!

And this one is my second favorite... I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play on a green screen!

Arkansas Tech University

2010-10-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

"I just looked at the photos from Saturday and before I got busy doing something else I wanted to write and say thank you for a great job.....these photos are just what we needed and they will help us with a wide assortment of upcoming projects. Some photographers are good with the crowd/spirit photos, and some can get the game action. You did a great job of capturing both!"

-Sam Strasner, Director of Communications, University Relations, ATU

AP newsworthy events

2010-10-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Barbara Burlsworth receives a hug from former Arkansas head coach Danny Ford on Monday, August 23, 2010, in Fayetteville, Ark., following the unveiling of the Burlsworth Trophy in honor of her late son, Brandon Burlsworth. Brandon was an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks from 1996-1998, and was selected in the third round of the 99 NFL draft by the Colts. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident 11 days after being drafted.

I was in college at the U of A when Brandon played, and I remember hearing about his death. Though I never knew him, I now know of him through the efforts of his friends and family. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation was established in his honor, and it's always fun to see the group with thick black glasses standing on the sidelines before every game, and think of him.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe was endorsed by 73 of the state's 75 sheriff's in his bid for second term as Arkansas' Governor. The press conference to announce the endorsement was outside of the Sebastian County Courthouse in Fort Smith.

I always like it when I can get a nice shot out of a press conference!

Portraits

2010-10-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Every year the women's basketball team has portraits taken that they hang in the locker room. These are a little bit on the "glamour" side, so we shot at The Gardens next to the arena. I had fun photographing the girls and seeing them in cute clothes with make-up on, and hair fixed. It's just fun to play dress-up every once in a while!

I also photographed Jane J. Thompson, President of Financial and Consumer Services for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for American Banker. It was a fun, windy shoot on the Bentonville square.

LPGA

2010-10-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

The P & G NW Arkansas Championship came to town Sept. 10-12. I feel like I walked around a little lost the first couple of days, but by Sunday I was able to focus in, and work on making pretty pictures.

I was entertained by the sidewalk art this year and thought I'd share my favorite one...

Winner Yani Tseng watches her ball from the 18th tee. This year was another exciting ending as it came down to the final putt.

Karin Sjodin drops her club as she watches her ball after teeing off 17.

Michelle Wie reacts to sinking a birdie putt on the 17th green.

Hap's first day of pre-K

2010-08-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

A few images from the Fat Tire Festival in Eureka Springs

2010-08-26T12:14:00.001-07:00

Shelter Dogs--aren't they cute!

2010-08-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

A few work related shots.

2010-08-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking this could be easier...

2010-07-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

if I would just do a little at a time instead of one huge post every month. Here we go, busy June!

I shot some photos for the Engineering Career Awareness Program (ECAP) for the College of Engineering at the U of A. I always enjoy my shoots with the department, we always manage to have fun and laugh a lot!

I spent an afternoon riding around with Don Nelms and stopped to snap a few photos of the flowers on his land. Such a pretty place!

Here are some of the portraits from last month.

Fun times with the "old" Nelms family. We need to do a session soon with the new little one!

Carol Reeves at the University of Arkansas.

Brent Hanby with National Home Center in Springdale in front of the Legacy Building.

I also shot some images of Razorback Relief: Operation Haiti. What a cool event, and Go Hogs! for beating the record!

And now, the long anticipated photos from the Rodeo........

Our friend Skyler also participated in the Mutton Busting competition, but I'm pretty sure he was given an undersized sheep. It's back legs buckled right out of the gate!

Now these are the kind of photos I was expecting to take of Hap, but...

We got a tame sheep. At first the momma in me came out and I was a little excited about our slow friend, but now, I wish we had gotten one that was a little more excited.

Our little guy came walking out of the gate, so Marcus thought if he pinched him, he might get going.

This progressed into a little push from the clown, followed by a little chasing. The sheep got up a little speed in the end, but the announcers had to finally ask Happy the cowboy to "dismount." (Seriously, what 4-year-old know that word?)

~Good job, no broken bones this year~

Doggie anyone?

2010-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I spent Sunday morning taking photos of and writing about some of the dogs that are up for adoption at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. I thought this would be a great way to give a little time and honor my friend Josh, who passed away last year.

I really enjoyed my time with each animal and I hope that my photos will help them find a new, loving home!

2010-06-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how busy I've been, and the month isn't even half-way over. Yeah!

It kicked off with my usual business portraits, mixed with the annual Wal-Mart Shareholder's meeting, a little NCAA Regional Baseball, football mugs and Petrino football camp photos. Whew, I'm glad to finally be able to sit down for a day and catch up! I must say that last week was the most consecutive days I've worked since I "quit" my job.

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Even though I found myself standing half-awake outside of Bud Walton Arena at 5:50, I really enjoyed the shareholder's meeting. I always have fun trying to shoot fun pictures of the celebrities, and work a logo into the background of a CEO. I think they made my job easy this year... that and Wesley's 400mm.

(p.s. if you're a Wal-Mart hater, don't post ugly comments on my blog. It got a little annoying last year)

Jamie Foxx gives his impersonation of Ray Charles to open the show and later came out in Wal-Mart attire.

Josh Groban

Tom Schoewe

Enrique Iglesias

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Now onto baseball... I really enjoy sitting at a baseball game, eating a hot dog and drinking a beer. There's just something about shooting a game that just makes it not as much fun. Maybe it's the pop fly into the 3rd base photo pit and getting in the way of the 3rd baseman going for that foul ball.

Anyhow, I must say my fellow photographers made the 4 evenings of baseball much more enjoyable. Here are a few shots.

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And I'll cap it off with a few portraits.

Wesley is turning 1

2010-05-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

I've been cracking up all day at this picture... this is Wesley's newest face. I wanted to share in case anyone needed a laugh.

I think he's practicing for his birthday in hopes that he'll keep the other kids away from his cake!

Hike with Hap

2010-05-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

I went for a run at Lake Fayetteville today and came across a Mulberry tree as I was trotting along. I stopped, ate a few berries and went down the path. I started thinking about how my dad and I grew up in the same house and how as kids we both used to pick mulberries off the neighbor's tree, cover them with sugar and gobble them up. I figured I need to let Hap in on the tradition.

Our little friend we met along the way.

Karma found a massive mud puddle... yuck!

Hap's loot.

We had a blast hiking at the lake and REALLY enjoyed the cobbler we made out of the mulberries!

Laura Bush Book Tour

2010-05-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

Laura Bush stopped by Fayetteville and Rogers today to sign copies of her memoir, "Spoken from the Heart." I must say, she's a very pretty lady!

Kid Picts

2010-05-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Neighbor Kids

Abraham

Paxton (Trey Marley's kiddo)

Charlie Pike-we had a very informal photo session when I was watching him one day. I just couldn't pass up the crazy curly hair!

Sara Kate @ 2 weeks

"Hapnin" Hall

My newest niece Madeline @ 12 hours old!

Couple of randoms...

2010-05-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

I had to shoot a few picts of downtown Fort Smith, and I just like the way this one turned out.

I also recently took some photos at the annual awards banquet for the U of A College of Engineering. I thought this one of the chancellor and former chancellor came out great!

Ozark Medieval Castle

2010-05-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Lead Hill, Ark. last month to photograph the Ozark Medieval Fortress. I must say this place is pretty cool! They're building a 13th century castle, 13th century style. It's expected to take more than 20 years to complete. If you're in the neighborhood of Harrison, stop by... it's a beautiful location!

http://www.ozarkmedievalfortress.com/

Work Portraits

2010-05-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

A few of my recent portraits for the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

Wal-Mart Picts

2010-05-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

I recently shot a few exterior photos of Wal-Mart store #1 for Bloomberg News. They needed updated photos to go along with a story they released about the company that recently recaptured the number one position on the Fortune 500 list from Exxon. I got very lucky that they sky was so beautiful while I was hanging out in the parking lot shooting picts!

NCAA Indoor Track 3/12-3/13

2010-05-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from the 2010 Indoor Track and Field Championships.

I personally like the "L" on the left...

Fun Times

2010-04-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hap and I had a fun hike on the Shaddox Trail in Hobbs State Park back in March. I thought I'd put up a few photos from our adventure.

Nothing like hanging out in the car during a rain storm... I just don't know what we would've done without that movie on the iphone! (now, if our tent pad hadn't been flooded when we arrived, we would've pitched the tent and had fun in there... we just had to make due in the back of the Subaru Outback).

My other exciting adventure was the annual Mountain Bike Festival at Devil's Den State Park. I look forward to the women's ride every year, and I had the honor of leading a group of fun women on the ride! It's a great time to get together and test new skills, laugh and stop to look at the flowers.

The lovely/muddy ladies on the women's ride stopped for a photo in front of Lee Creek.

So this next series is classic and shot by my father... I checked the level of the creek on Friday night, a little anxious that I needed to make it across since I was leading the ride (I set the bar a little too high when I made the crossing last year). When it came time for the final creek crossing I went for it, but didn't take into account the 2 inches of rain that came down the night before. OOPS! Talk about hitting a hole!

But I will say... check out the end of the ride on Sunday!

Creek Crossing at Devil's Den

SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships

2010-03-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthdays!

2010-02-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

We've eaten lots of cake over the past couple of days while celebrating Marcus' 40th birthday and Hap's 4th. We started with a few cupcakes at the dealership, moved on to cake at home, took a couple of days off, then went for a little more cake followed by a few extra kids overnight. I'm completely worn out, but Hap's ready to do it again!

If you ever want to get a kid excited, put sparklers on the cake instead of candles... it's very entertaining!

The guestlist...

HHH Red Dress Run-ON! ON!

2010-02-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

The local chapter of the Hash House Harriers held their annual Red Dress run the day before Valentine's Day. As always it was a blast, and a great time to catch up with friends.

The race started at the castle at Wilson Park and led us through the south side of town... even through the Mardi Gras parade! It was a great trail, though a little long to carry a camera!

Nothing like the sight of a man in a red dress pushing his son down S. School!

SUGAR!

Such a sweet little boy!

ON! ON!

Work Photos

2010-02-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Razorback Invitational

So i thought i would throw in this last photo of London Crawford just to show off his tattoos. To think that I've covered him during football season, and I had no clue he had this much ink!

Here's a shot of a few guys from C.R. Crawford for the Business Journal.

Snow, snow and more snow!

2010-02-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

We have had such a great time playing in ALL of the snow this year. While I keep hearing people complain about it, I can't help but enjoy running around like a kid again!

I'm going to go ahead and start by poking a little bit of fun at Jason. He stopped by the ever so picturesque Wilson Park and ran into us sledding. I couldn't help but snap a few photos of him slip sliding up the hill... and yes Wes, I did laugh when he fell!

NeighborHOOD kids having fun in the ice and snow.

A little Sara, Sarah sledding.

One of our snows this winter was THE BEST snow, EVER. We built an igloo! I hope Hap can one day look back at the photos and realize just how much fun we had... or at least, I had a blast!

Portrait Update

2010-01-27T13:50:00.001-08:00

The last week has been a fun one full of old friends, their kids and a new addition.

Lori and David dropped by the house 12 hrs. before Lori was scheduled to deliver their newest little girl Riley. One thing led to another and next thing you know it was lights, camera, action!

Of course we took some of the more "traditional" pregnancy photos, but we also had a lot of fun!

It pretty crazy that these photos were all shot within 24 hours, but that's just how quickly life changes. I've known Dave and Lori for years and it's been really fun to watch them go from dating, to marriage and now kids!

Little miss Mia and those eyes!

Little miss Mia and those eyes!
Riley sucking on her lip.

Momma and her girls.

The Renko family.

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The next stop was Amy's house for a 5th birthday party for Lola and Ava.

I got the biggest kick out Lola when it was time for birthday cake. She got really upset that her kitty cake was going to get cut and eaten. I like the next series of photos and think it's so adorable that her friend tried to comfort her. Oh, to be 5 again and only have to worry about birthday cake!

Brother Max.

I closed out the weekend with photos of the Wise kids at Wilson park. We had fun and it was great to hang out with my friends who live WAY too far away!

I love Oliver's tongue in this photo...

Random events

2010-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dec. 3, 2009

Sarah Palin stopped by Fayetteville to sign autographs at Sam's Club on a REALLY COLD day in Fayetteville.

This was my hail-mary with my 80-200 to get a shot of the crowd. I cracked up at this woman who had a baby blanket wrapped around her head as she waited to meet Palin.

Jan. 8, 2010

Ryan Mallett announced that he was staying to play football for another year.

My sister-in-law is the Executive Director of the Cancer Support Foundation in Fort Smith, and she asked me to take a couple of photos for the new website. This place is really amazing and offers so much to so many people! Here's a fun photo from the Salon where people who have lost their hair during treatment can go to be fitted with wigs, hats and turbans at no cost.

It's pretty entertaining to look at all of the styrofoam heads that a volunteer painted with eyes, lips and make-up!

Basketball update

2010-01-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it really been a month since I last updated my blog?

I've covered several basketball games over the last month and I thought I would just post a few frames from each game. Here you go!

Dec. 22, 2009 — Arkansas 66 - Missouri State 62

Rotnei Clarke celebrates after shooting a three-point basket in the final seconds of overtime to secure the lead against Missouri State .

Jan. 3, 2010
Ladybacks 53 - Florida 59

Jan. 7, 2010
Ladybacks 38 - LSU 65

You gotta love a foot to the head!

Jan. 2, 2010
Arkansas 72 - Alabama Birmingham 73

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T13:04:00.000-08:00