Tooting my own horn: a Fearless Award!

Boy licking his fork after a satisfying bite of wedding cake outside the reception venue at Wyoming Hereford Ranch.

I’m thrilled to announce I just won my second Fearless Award, which is a worldwide competition with many of the best wedding photographers. Out of 15,000 submissions I was among the top 251 winners (1.7%). This puts me among the highest awarded Fearless photographers in Colorado in recent years – it’s that hard to win.

This photo was taken back in 2013, and I’ve grown a lot as a photographer since then, but it shows me how my work can stand the test of time. What I love about this photo is how it’s a simple moment, but how it still tells a story. Sometimes wedding photography is about just being patient and ready for those serendipitous moments to happen. I am always looking for the next moment to catch, so while others may take a break and put their camera down, I am on the hunt. In this case, I was outside taking photos of the venue when I saw this boy sitting on the stairs. Everything seemed to line up in my head, with the reception sign pointing and the leading lines drawing my eyes towards him. I pulled out my telephoto lens so as not to disturb him and waited. All I needed was for something interesting to happen during what would normally be considered a mundane activity – like a quiet, satisfied lick of his fork as he rested his tired head on his hand.

Since joining the Fearless Photographers community in 2017 I have been pushing myself and striving to improve myself as a photographer. I have challenged myself at weddings to capture as many amazing moments as possible, even if they seem a little ordinary at first glance. I went to my first Fearless workshop in Austin, Texas in 2019 and met a great community of amazing photographers. I even documented a stock show to tell the story of a family who was preparing their cattle for show. I don’t know what lies ahead for my weddings in 2021 and beyond, but I’m excited about continuing my constantly evolving journey as a story teller.

Alex & Taran’s Brookside Gardens Summer Wedding

Alex and Taran tied the knot on a beautiful day, surrounded by the the garden scenery at Brookside Gardens.  There were lots of tears and laughter, starting from their intimate First Look, to their touching vows.  “If you’ll be my star, I’ll be your sky”.

Venue: Brookside Gardens Event Center in Berthoud, CO // Coordinator: Linda O’Hare (Elegant Events by Linda) // Officiant: Keith Horstman // DJ/Entertainment: Suit & Tie DJ Professionals // Caterer: Origins Catering // Florist: Earle’s Loveland Floral and Gifts // Dessert: Donut Haus Bakery // Dress: Abelle Bridal Boutique // Bridesmaids: The Bridal Connection // Menswear: THE BLACK TUX