Is This Seat Taken?

Because of how much I have been traveling these last few months for work I came up with an idea to jazz up those long flights... environmental airplane portraits! So I decided I would try take portraits of the people sitting next to me in airplanes. I thought it would be an interesting exercise in personal comfort zones, some how portraying the awkward tension of two strangers sitting hip to hip on a crowded craft hovering hundred of miles above ground (not unlike being squished next to strangers on a crowded subway car underground). The task simple as it may sound, deemed to be trickier than anticipated. People ignore you. They want to sleep. They want to pretend I am not sitting inches away from them holding a camera on my lap. I had to get brave. I started asking when I knew I wouldn't get punched in the face (which would make for a extremely awkward flight). People were receptive. It was quite a bonding experience...but when is stealing part of persons soul not bonding?

Here are some of the first few attempts with more sure to follow.

Kaitlan and Bubba-Salt Lake City, UT-July 7, 2007

Oh those cupcakes. Man I wish I could eat one of those cupcakes right now..and the bounce house for the kids?! I have never seen children at a wedding having more fun. You guys are great. Thanks for letting me be a part of such a memorable wedding.

KC's Bridals-San Francisco

We had so much fun shooting these. Despite the early morning start and at times the unruly wind....we killed it! I could take photographs of this girl forever. props go to the construction man for inspiration, the dad and brother for letting us boss you around all day and KC for being so willing to lean her head on that grimy wall. Its photo shoots like this one that remind me how much I love my job.

Janie and Dave-Raleigh, NC-June 29, 2007

I love working with this family for weddings becuase they are so well thought out. From timing to details to choice of a reception site, everything is breathtakingly beautiful and classy. I am so glad I jumped in the back of your car driving from the ceremony to repection. Not only did it give us a chance to bond a little bit more together, but some of my favorite shots are from that car ride. The slideshow presentation that Larry gave his daughter was so touching. There is no doubt this couple is loved. Thanks for letting me be a part of such a memorable day.















to see a slideshow of this wedding click here.