Dawn Shields takes Grand Album at WPPI in her heartwrenching work of art

This is absolutely amazing. Be sure to view it in HD, full screen - it's worth waiting for it to load.
I found this on DWF's forum, posted by Mark Lutz. Here is his intro to watching this video - I don't think I could have explained it any better:

"Dawn Shields album is called “Legacy” and it took Grand Album at WPPI this year. Go into it knowing that this album is unlike any album that you’ve probably ever seen before.

A bit of backstory… Dawn created this album for herself, her sister and her brother to help them remember their beloved grandfather after she discovered the full details of his inmate past. An amazing story told in the shape of an album for a man she loved."




There were numerous comments posted by others on the DWF forum - some commending Dawn's work, others admonishing her for even creating it! Some felt it should not have won Grand Album, given that it had "nothing to do with wedding or portrait photography" and that it was simply a "scrapbook". To me - it was both disturbing and profound to watch. It grabbed my heartstrings and swung from them freely. The craft of the album itself, the photography, the lighting is simply amazing. The story behind it is not "puppy dogs and rainbows" as one reader put it, but rather deeply emotional, a glimpse into the private feelings of someone else, and regardless of what you think of the album or whether she should have shared it publicly, Dawn should be respected for the simple fact that she had the courage to do so.

What's the big deal about Senior Portraits?

The million dollar question.  Why are senior portraits such a big deal?  You just need a headshot for the yearbook right?  So why do I need to spend hundreds of dollars and hours of time and preparation?  Just go the school contracted photographer and have him snap a few, right?  Not so fast....

Senior portraits ARE a big deal!  This is the last opportunity you have to capture the real you, as you are at this age before you are swept off into life to become...gulp!... a real adult.  Yes, it's true, someday you may look back at those photos and say "WHAT was I thinking!?" but that's kind of the point of senior photography - to express who you are, what you are all about right now. And, as you look back on your high school years, you will have fantastic images that shout out your character, personality and style.  Trust me, you will be awed by how far you have come, the changes that you have made throughout your life. Your senior year memories are some of the best you will have.  Don't miss the chance to capture that feeling one last time, by a professional, experienced photographer who knows exactly how to do so.

Poker/Trivia night at SLUH

Rick Benz and B. Mary Charitable Benefits hosted their annual Texas Hold 'Em and trivia night at SLU High school on February 27. Dennis Phillips attended and signed decks of cards for fans. Everyone had a great time, and proceeds benefited the Boys and Girls Hope as well as BrendonSmiles.org. Brendon is an energetic 4 year old and it was a task to focus the camera on his ever-moving self! A silent auction was held, with some awesome donations to be won - everything from sports memorabilia to a hot air balloon ride. Oh...and of course, a wheel barrow of booze! Scott and I enjoyed the evening taking pictures of everyone having fun, and met some great people.