How Hot Was It?
Posted on August 23, 2010
Some of you, like myself, are old enough to remember the late Johnny Carson during his reign as the undisputed King of The Late-Night Talk Shows. At times during his opening monologue, he would allude to the heat in Southern California by stating, “Man, it was hot today!” The audience would knowingly respond, “How Hot Was It?!?!?” Then Johnny would offer a fitting one-liner that would have the audience howling, both in studio and at home. Now while not all of these can be directly attributed to the late Mr. Carson, they are funny nonetheless!
It was so hot, that …
… I saw two trees fighting over a dog.
… today I saw a chicken lay a fried egg.
… Floyd Landis tested positive for Snapple.
… I saw a funeral procession pull into a Dairy Queen.
Well, you get the idea … and yes, it was hot at this past Saturday’s wedding of Bridgette Steuck & Ryan Jacobs, but what a beautiful setting at Robertson’s Farm in Fosters, Alabama.
Congratulations, Bridgette & Ryan! Enjoy your cruise!
- Bobby








The Good Guys
Posted on August 18, 2010
Greetings, Friends … and thanks for taking the time from your busy schedules to stop by today. I can assure you that no one understands the value of ‘time’ any more than I do. Please know that it is greatly appreciated!!
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Sadly, we know that bad news surrounds us in these perilous times. Our vision of ‘Main Street, U.S.A.’ is vanishing right before our very eyes. The concept of ‘Mayberry’ is seemingly on its deathbed. But just when you begin to lose hope, you meet people like Valerie Kenner & Alan Cook. These two wonderful young people are delightful to be around. Not only is their moral compass intact, it is certainly pointing in the right direction. What a comfort to know that, in a world whose value system is built upon shifting sands, their foundation is built upon solid rock. Congrats, you two. I wish you a life filled with joy and happiness. You are indeed two of ‘the good guys’.
- Bobby
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My Look
Posted on August 13, 2010
From time to time people have asked me about my philosophy regarding my wedding and portrait photography … i.e., how are your images different from anyone else’s? I never gave it much thought until recently, but I suppose that there are as many artistic interpretations as there are photographers. And yes, that’s a lot! But what makes mine different than a lot of others? Well, here goes …
I guess that I have always subscribed to the old axiom that ‘art imitates life’. With photography, of course, art ‘captures’ life. I firmly believe that my photographs should, quite simply, be a means of:
a) communicating a moment to an individual that was not there when the moment actually occurred, or
b) capturing a moment for present and future generations. As one who documents these moments, it is my prime objective to deliver these images in as crisp and as clear a manner as possible.
But … I do occasionally take artistic license with a few images per event … maybe 1 in 20 or 25. When I first started out, I was enamored with what is known as ‘selective color’ (one item in a photo in color, the bridal bouquet, for example … the rest of the photo in black and white), but I don’t do much of that anymore. I find it to be faddish and outdated. But, if that’s what you want, I can do it for you … no problem. But, by and large, my images will give you a very rich, very realistic depiction of the moment.
Rich and realistic as opposed to what, you might ask. Well, if I am being quite honest, I have grown weary of seeing images that have:
a) ‘overexposure’ with copious amounts of blown highlights (which seem to be all the rage lately … it escapes me as to why);
b) ‘vignetting’ so excessive that it gives the impression that the viewer is looking through a pinhole;
c) excessive use of ‘glow’, ‘diffusion’, toning, etc.
Quite frankly, I find that images with an excess of any or all of the above to be an attempt to disguise technical errors with regards to focus or exposure. This is usually due to lack of experience on the part of the photographer and/or inferior equipment. As with all things, you will usually get what you pay for. Photography is no exception. Anyone can call himself or herself a photographer … but do their results confirm their assertion? As for me, I let my results do the talking. I want my images to be so realistic that you feel as though you can reach out and touch them.
What say you?
- Bobby

Simply Southern (House)!
Posted on August 8, 2010
For those of you who are native to Alabama and the Deep South, I don’t have to tell you about the incredibly hot temperatures and high humidity values that we <ahem> ‘enjoy’ each year from June through August, and sometimes beyond. But the good news is that we realize that college football season is not far away as we swelter under a baking sun as if we were closed in an baking oven all the while being sprayed with hot water as the beads of sweat form from head to toe!
Another benefit of living in a hothouse is that our landscape is lush and as green as an emerald. Alabama is such a beautiful state and is richly blessed with a natural beauty that is second to none. But natural beauty is not just limited to the landscape, my friends. Brides such as Rebecca Stapp do nothing but increase the beauty of our state beyond the norm. As I shot through my viewfinder yesterday, I couldn’t help but think how much she reminded me of the lovely and talented Carrie Underwood. I’m sure that you will all agree that Rebecca was an absolute vision in her wedding gown. There is no doubt that the great state of Alabama was even more beautiful than usual because of Rebecca and her handsome groom, Steven Walker.
Here are a few images from the day … I hope you enjoy them! These were captured at the Southern House & Garden in Fosters, Alabama, which is about 10 minutes south of Tuscaloosa. What a gorgeous place that Angie Summerlin & Terri Raymon have there! Thank you both for being so accommodating in every possible way!
Bobby ![]()









The Loveliest Village on the Plain
Posted on July 12, 2010
“Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain,
Where health and plenty cheered the labouring swain,
Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,
And parting summer’s lingering blooms delayed.”
- ‘The Deserted Village, Oliver Goldsmith, 1770
This past Friday, Nancy and I took to the road for our first-ever visit to Auburn, Alabama. Most of you probably know at least two things about Auburn … 1) It is the home of Auburn University, and 2) it got its name from the poem above. Most of you also know that I have lived in Tuscaloosa for the past 29 years and, in so doing, I have become a die-hard Alabama Crimson Tide fan, ever the nemesis of any and all things Auburn … well, at least for one day of the year, usually sometime in November. But for the other 364 days, I prefer to co-exist in the commonality that Alabamians share, namely the adoration of the natural beauty of our great state and for the blessings that come from living in such a relaxed and casual atmosphere. All of those things were on full display this weekend in Auburn as we drove down College Street towards our destination … the crepe myrtles in full bloom, the grass so green it could have easily been used as ‘legal tender’.
But there was nothing so beautiful this past Saturday than Miss Kaitlyn Killion, the beloved of Graydon Gettier. They were wed on Saturday afternoon, and here is a very small sampling of the images of the day. Congrats to you both, and my most sincere wishes for a long and happy life together … with your 13 kids, 4 dogs, 2 cats, and a ferret … or something like that.
- Bobby








Boy, oh Boyington!
Posted on June 30, 2010
Say hello to young Bryson! His mom and dad brought him by this afternoon for a session in my front yard. We had been trying to set this up for a few weeks now, but one thing or another came up and kept us from getting it done. As is always the case in the end, the results show that the timing was just right. Just look at these expressions! You don’t always need a big smile to make the magic happen, agreed? Heck, this was so good that even Mom Sheri and Dad Brian got in on the act. What a great looking family!
Y’all holla!
– Bobby




All Grown Up!
Posted on June 27, 2010
Friends,
Please say hello to Lynn Smith. Lynn is entering her senior year at Gordo High School in August. I have known Lynn’s dad for almost two decades, and have known Lynn herself since she was 11, having bowled on a fun league team with them both back in the 2002-2003 season. As you can see, Lynn has (quite obviously) grown into a beautiful young woman. After graduation, Lynn plans to enter Mississippi State University on a scholarship and become a veterinarian. Best of luck, Lynn, and thanks for your patience with me yesterday!
- Bobby




It’s That Time of Year Again!
Posted on June 25, 2010
Nothing quite marks the time as that of the high school senior. Each one of us that is a high school grad remembers it well. True, those years can be awkward, but for most (myself included), they are years for making wonderful memories as well as bonds that can last a lifetime.
And so it is with the lovely Hannah! She is entering her senior year at Northside High School in August. As beautiful as she is, it is easy to see why she is a cheerleader for the Rams.
I have more High School Senior shoots on the horizon, so stay tuned! And i fyou have a senior or know someone who does, I can probably save you some $$$ over those stale, traditional, canned, oh-so-20th-Century school portraits! Hit me up!
- Bobby

Sarah & Roarke’s Wedding Now Available on Collages.net!
Posted on June 18, 2010
You may now order prints from Sarah & Roarke’s wedding! Just click ‘View My Event’ below!
Little Reese
Posted on June 6, 2010
I just love repeat customers. Thankfully, I have a number of them! That fact alone tells me that I must be doing something right. Economic considerations aside, it is a sheer pleasure to watch these children grow. I first saw Reese when she was only 3 months old. In a couple of weeks, she will be 9 months. And as you can see, she is becoming quite the little beauty.
Thanks, April and Robert! She is a joy to work with!
Bobby




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Such a sweet couple. These pictures are absolutely beautiful!!
Mom of groom. These are great pictures. They are a good match.
First of all, thank you for a job well done at the wedding! You were a delight to work with! Second of all, thank you for the words you said here to describe “two good guys”! They are two of the best friends you will ever meet! I can’t wait to see more of your great work!
Great pics!
Your Pictures are Wonderful….these captured moments are priceless…
WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO. OUR PRYERIS FOR A LONG LIFE AND MARRIAGE. WE LOVE YOU.
My husband and I are good friends of the groom. These are great, as they always are
You’re awesome Bobby!
Sweetest wedding ever!
Dear
Valerie and Alan,
we enjoyed the wedding so much. I wish you joy and happiness for all the years to come. Your wedding will always be special to us. Love Uncle Larry and Aunt Terri