January Ice

We were greeted with a glaze of ice this morning from a foggy mist that settled over the Richmond area. This Dogwood bud was gracefully enshroud with a thin layer of "frozen fog."
With all of the gloom we hear about the economy, we are reminded each day of the beauty our Creator has given and awaits us each day, just outside our own front door.
My good friend and fellow photographer (one of the best), Don Rutledge would often comment how we need to maintain our childhood curiosity as we walk through life and to continue to appreciate the many visual wonders we pass each day.

Image copyright: Robert Harris

Leigh Lambert

Leigh and her mother, Sylvia


Leigh Lambert...I first met Leigh when she was 4 years old. Her father, a pharmacist in South Hill (my hometown) asked that I photograph his daughter's four year old birthday party in their front yard. (I used to buy my film from his drug store; the only place to buy b/w film in town back then) I was a teenager and had just bought my first camera (Nikkormat FT3) by helping my brother-in-law in the tobacco field in the summer and working part-time in the local grocery store. Leigh's birthday party was in her front yard where, this past year her wedding took place (30 years later). Leigh has an infectious personality and she definitely enjoyed her wedding day. Her Dad's old "Junk Truck" was immaculate (rust and all) and was specially fitted to accommodate Leigh and her husband, Erik for their ride to the reception a few miles away.

I think its safe to say that Leigh is one of my longest standing clients...but she is not as shy as she was when she was 4 years old....

On The Cover

The current issue of the "Wedding Guide" features our portrait of Erin Bailey on the cover. Erin was married in October to Doug Banks in Gloucester, VA at his family home, "White Hall" on the Chesapeake Bay. The portrait session was scheduled a few weeks prior to her wedding so we could take advantage of favorable weather and allow Erin to wear her gown for an hour or so.
This portrait session also served as a "trial run" as this was the only time Erin would have her hair, makeup, gown, flowers...you get the idea... before her big day. The results of the session not only produced wonderful images, but also provided a level of comfort for Erin on how she would look in her gown on her wedding day. This session also gave us perspective to build on for her wedding day images.

If you'd like to see how the portrait was made, scroll back to an older post in November. You will see this image featured.

James River 20 degrees

James River
"Ice Bells"

The James River is full of life even with the temperatures hovering at a bone chilling 10 degrees in Richmond. The wind blowing off the river cuts to the bone, but the birds and ducks don't seem to mind. I did have an hour to "see" what the river might display with the temperatures so low.
Little "Ice Bells" form on branches that brush the water and over time, frozen ice formations appear. These little gems go unnoticed by the casual observer, but if you stop and "look" its amazing what appears.

Images copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Phoenix

Just back from Phoenix. (74 degrees and sunny!) What a great time to take a short break as well as attend our annual photography convention. Wanda and I spent most of our time in seminars, although we did take a side trip to Sedona.
Whether in Sedona or Phoenix, the natural and architectural wonders are amazing. Phoenix is a visual feast whether you're looking at a building built in the 1800's or just recently completed. This photograph taken in downtown Phoenix shows a visual contrast of both.
We're glad to be back, but we do miss 74 degrees and Sunny!!
Image copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Our daughter,Katie 1993

One of my favorite pictures of our daughter, Katie (now a Senior in High School) was taken when we were on vacation at Holden Beach, NC in 1993. Katie developed a respiratory infection so severe, that we spent virtually our entire vacation in the hospital with her. This photo was taken in the hospital as Wanda dozed with Katie in her arms. Katie awoke from her sleep and stared directly into the camera as the image was made. I'd like to forget THAT vacation, but not this moment...
Katie still has her blanket, but has long since ditched the pacifier.
(Nikon w/ Kodak Tri-x film in natural light)

Image copyright: Robert Harris

" Seniors '09" Kyley von Bargen

Kyley von Bargen is our featured "Senior of the Week" Good genes run in Kyley's family. She is not only a wonderful subject to photograph but also a soccor player at Midlothian High School while her brother, Kurtis is a defensive back for ECU football and played in this years Liberty Bowl against Kentucky.

Congratulations Kyley on your senior year!

Images copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Kit Wilkinson

Award winning novelist, Kit Wilkinson is featured in the above images taken in a recent shoot for publicity for her new inspirational romance, Running From Trouble, winner of the Golden Heart award 2008 (to be published in September 2009) I first met Kit when she was married 12? years ago. We have crossed paths over the years, most recently photographing her son Jonah and her niece Laura on her wedding day in October.

The objective for these images was to project Kit's personality in a way that the viewer would "get to know" her through the photographs in addition to her writing. Kit has traveled and lived abroad. She also speaks fluent French and projects an engaging personality that made our session with her a true joy!

Watch for Kit's new website coming soon and in the meantime visit her blog @ kitwilkinson.blogspot.com

Images copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Ashley and Seth

A chilly December day could not cool the warmth shared by Ashley and Seth during their engagement session on Buggs Island Lake (Ashley's childhood home). In fact, the overcast sky displayed a brush-like, painterly quality that enhanced this beautiful winter setting.

Our photographs always prove to be extra special when the surroundings are so personal and meaningful to the couple.

Congratulations Ashley and Seth!

Photograph copyright: Robert Harris Photography