Quarters Road at Chick-fil-a (Free Photo Contest Inside)

On January 3rd I was presented with a very unique opportunity. I was approached by a young band entitled "Quarters Road". They were looking for some photos to use with a new CD they are going to launch in the near future. The oldest band member is mearly 15 years old, but I will be the first to say, they do not play like a bunch of teenagers. I was very excited when they approached me for photos, as I have a strong feeling they are going somewhere. And fast.

The day started as my alarm clock went off at about 6AM. Quite early, even for someone like me, a 21 year old with a 60 year old's sleep habits. I had to de-ice my windshield before I headed off to Chick-fil-a's headquarters for the shoot. The band, Quarters Road, was playing a small devotional concert for the "Head-Hanchos" of Chick-fil-a. In attendance, Dan Kathy, Truett's son, as well as others such as the CFO. I was in heaven to say the least. After the band finished up, it was my time to shine. We packed up the gear and headed over to the main campus just across the street. Once on the grounds, I was instantly overwhelmed with the amount of spaces I could utilize in my shoot. A photographer once told me "Fake it 'till ya make it." And that is exactly what I did, I showed NO fear. We started walking and snapping pictures, ya know, like it was my job.

The campus was absolutely beautiful, I could've spent the entire day taking photos there, and never taking a picture of the same thing twice. It was quite the treat. After about 2 hours of shutter clicks (taking pictures) we heard the lunch bell. Literally. I bet you can't guess what we had for lunch! (Keep reading for your chance for a free headshot)
On to the photos. I started off with simple headshots. As it lets me get warmed up, and it allows the subject, or subjects in this case, to get a little more comfortable in front of my camera. A win-win.

This was my first band shoot. Its definitely different, but I had a blast with everyone. Definitely a fun group of kids. I mean, young adults.

Do you want a headshot? How about a kickin' new profile picture for Facebook/Twitter? The first person to guess what we had for lunch in the comment section below will get just that. A free headshot session! Think HARD!

Ready, set, and....... GO!

Help-Portrait Augusta

Help-Portrait is an absolutely amazing new movement in which photographers, make-up artists, and others devote their time and skills in order to provide breathe taking photos for those less fortunate. All too often I think we really take for granted the value of a photograph. Think back to the last time you had your picture taken, you probably immediately turned the camera around to check out the photo on the LCD screen. If it was a good picture, it was probably followed by a nice smile. I think its safe to say everyone gets excited when they are tagged in some new pictures on Facebook from the previous weekend. Especially if it compliments their looks. Seems like a simple life pleasure. Unfortunately, there are some who live just down the street from us that don't get to experience that simple life pleasure. Now I may be romanticizing just a bit, since after all, pictures are pretty important to me. But putting a smile on a child's face with a photo is one of the greatest feelings I've experienced.

Jennifer and Brandon's Wedding

   What an honor. Jennifer and Brandon are the all american couple. She is a beautiful blonde, and he served in the military. It was a complete honor to shoot their wedding this weekend and I came away with some of my most favorite photos I've ever taken. It's late so I am going to be quick.

I took 1776 photos yesterday. I picked around 30 of them to share with you all. More details to come.

Published: Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

I finally did it. A piece of my work was published in a magazine this month! It's not a substantial full-page spread with an detailed biography about yours truly, but its a small victory!

My sister is currently working at Bee Atlanta, a brand new, eco-friendly interior design boutique in Atlanta's East Andrews. One of their many eco friendly product lines includes locally harvested Honey. They have an assortment of flavors and I got my hand on a jar. Its a simple design but its eye catching. I had just bought a new lens that is excellent with macro shots so it was a perfect match. Surprisingly I was able to control myself and waited until after I took the pictures before I cracked the top and started taking spoonfull after spoonful. Little did I know, one of the photos I took would find it's way to Atlanta's Home and Lifestyle magazine!

Here is the original photo:

  I am also now on Twitter. You can follow me @michaelknowlton.

Joe and Chasity's Engagement Shoot

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Chasity and Joe's engagement this afternoon and I couldn't have ask for a more wonderful couple. Chasity and Joe are both intense Green Bay Packers fans and their passion for each other is even more intense. Even in between juggling work/school and planning a wedding, they both remain incredibly happy and optimistic. It was am absolute pleasure hanging out and getting to know them better and I look forward to what has the making to be a beautiful wedding.

I recently picked up the update for lightroom and am absolutely loving it so far. I can upload to facebook and flickr inside of lightroom and the ability to design custom albums has opened some new creative doors. I will hopefully be picking up Adobe InDesign soon in order to offer custom wedding albums to my future clients. And I get to completely absorb myself in learning something new. Something i'm starting to realize I really enjoy doing.

Do what you love, make the world a better place

One of the percussion players today said "do what you love to do, it will make the world a better place." Being here in Brazil has really shown me that money and material goods don't always bring happiness. Our tour guide thanked God for blessing him multiple times. Was he rich? Not one bit. But he talked of the relaxed atmosphere and mindset in Salvador. He told stories of leaving work and going straight to the beach or to the hillside to watch the sun set with a drink in his hand.

He loves his life, not because his drives a shiny car or because he lives in a fancy house, but because he does what he loves and surrounds himself with great people. I have been blessed with being able to do what I love alongside the people that I love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

The Blogger is not allowing me to upload any photos, but if you go to www.flickr.com/photos/mknowlton

Brazil Day 1 Teaser!

Well I don't have much time, after what seemed like a flight that would never end, we finally got to Brazil and I immediately had the camera out taking pictures (and video now!) We even got to get off the plane on the tarmac instead of going though the tunnel like most boring airports!

The computer is about to die so I am just going to upload some pictures. But, I am having an absolute blast and it is a challenge to take a BAD photo here. It's just too beautiful.