Re-invention, Inspiration, Collaboration

I've been feeling incredibly inspired and driven these past few days. I want to bring something true, something genuine to the table in the coming year. Not only do I want to bring something true and genuine, I want to bring something meaningful. So, I am putting my ear to the ground to hear who is making the biggest vibrations. My hope is that I will learn not only from and about other artists, but also from and about you. Who's work resonates deeply within you?

Here are some of my own places of regular inspiration.

Feature Shoot: This is an awesome site for regular inspiration and new artists' views of the world.

Chicago Artist, Chuck Anderson

Wedding Photographer, Jeff Newsom: Voltron of Awesomeness Check out his bridal light writing portraits. So wonderful.

Wedding Photographer, Ben Chrisman: His use of intense color and composition reflects the mystical and ethereal quality that true love gives to life. I can't think of a more appropriate use of such vibrancy than a wedding of two people who are enthralled with each other. I hope to talk with you someday soon Ben.

Rustica Cafe - Amazing Espresso from Minneapolis roaster, Bull Run Coffee, it's a thing of beauty. You may run in to me here some time.

Writer, Annie Dillard-- Holy the Firm: This is a short, and deep read. Annie wrestles with the question of suffering and the human condition in the most beautiful way. I hope to visit the shore she wrote from in Washington one day. I'm sure it's remarkable.

Photogen Inc.: My most significant source of inspiration and motivation this year. My wonderful boss, teacher, and friend. Thanks so much Eliesa! You are the best!

My Mom, Maureen deBruyn. She has inspired me by helping me believe in my dreams and believing in her own. deBruyn Designs

Last and certainly not least, The Bible. I can't say how much God has used this book to touch me deeply. He shapes me into the person I am every day with the words He has given us through this book.

This post is a place for photographers, artists, writers, friends and family to put their two cents in for their biggest sources of inspiration. Please leave your comments below, and tweet this far and wide. The more people comment, the more we can all learn from each other.

Much love, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year,

tom

Finally, here's a little thing of beauty I captured this summer. I hope you like it.

One Thing I've Learned From Assistant Shooting Weddings

I've been thinking about what I've learned over the past year, and one thing keeps coming up. But first, a word of thanks.
My friend, and fellow assistant of Photogen Inc., Cadence Cornelius, asked me not long ago if I could assist her in photographing one of her weddings. I was thrilled! I have such amazing friends in this industry and I am given so many opportunities to grow in my craft. I can't wait for the days to come when I will be able to give back. Thanks for this opportunity Cadence!
This week I looked over the work I have done this year. I noticed one thing I am continually drawn to as a second shooter is details. I don't just mean pictures of the rings, the cake, and the bouquet. I mean the quiet moments that pass the main photographer by as they are focused on getting all the shots on the "checklist". I love looking for these moments, I hope I continue to develop an awareness of them as they happen at weddings and throughout life.



I love Cadence, and working with her is so much fun. I can hardly wait for WPPI this year in Vegas.
P.S. I have been trying some new editing techniques. If you are a follower of mine, let me know what you think. I'm pretty pleased with these overall. But I'm definitely excited to receive critique and grow.

The Best Couple

When Mike Best and Kristin Gruber asked me to give them some engagement photos, I was so excited. Mike and I were very close friends, and room mates in college, and I got to know Kristin as they started dating our senior year. They do life together so well. I can only hope Mike will write some kind of book about how to date the Best way, or how to bring out the Best in every relationship, that will be filled with all kinds of tips and tricks about how they keep things running so smoothly. Mike and Kristin, I wish you the best of luck, and I'm so excited to shoot your wedding in June, knowing that the best is yet to come. Ok... Ok... my friends, I'm done with the awful puns... and here are my favorite pictures of the best lovely couple.

Cheers,

tom