I chose to lead a walk at EPCOT because of all of the photo diversity. There’s no where else where you can see so much in just a mile long walk.

We started with a group photo in front of Spaceship Earth, and then headed slowly back through Future World. It was first weekend of the Food and Wine festival, and Ocean Spray had a cranberry bog which was a big hit with the photographers.

We then walked around the countries of World Showcase ending at Nine Dragons at the China pavilion for a great lunch. Lunch also gave everyone a chance to share the photos they took and to talk photography.

After getting home, I was very impressed with all of the participant’s photos. I created a flickr group for everyone to post their photos from the day. I encourage you to check it out here. I was a little disappointed with my own photos. But, it was to be expected as I spent more time talking to the participants and getting to know one another than I did on my personal photos.

One thing you’ll notice is that many the photos aren’t the typical theme park photos. One of the honors of leading a walk is that I had the responsibility of picking the best photo of the day. I gave the group an assignment of staying away from the “post card” photographs.

Curiously though, the winning picture was of Spaceship Earth, the quintessential post card subject. The image by William Beem is the most beautiful photo I have ever seen of Spaceship Earth. Mostly, because he took something that is so large (18 stories) and overwhelming and made it feel small and delicate to me. The photo looked more like a Christmas ornament than park icon.

You can see William’s photo and all of the other submissions for the contest at my official photo walk page at www.worldwidephotowalk.com.

Overall, it was a great day, and I was so proud to have led my own Photo Walk! There’s already talk about doing another one in the not so distant future. I can’t wait!

Below is the image we took to start the day of the great group of photographers that joined us!

Giving back to the community has always been very important to me. Throughout the year, I try to offer my services and support to many different initiatives.

In the past I have mentioned Operation Love Reunited, an AMAZING charity that I’m privlidged to support. I still get overcome with emotion everytime I think back to being part of when our military depart or come back home to their families from a tour of duty.

I have also volunteered for several races in the past, such as the IOA 5K in downtown Orlando. Later this year, I will announce more details about my involvement in a fantastic worldwide charity called Help Portrait.

So, when I got a call a few weeks back from the East Orlando Kiwanis asking for my assistance, I was very happy to participate. They are having an inaugural Family 5k for The Kids, on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 8 a.m. with the proceeds benefitting the East Orlando Kiwanis charitable operations.

I will be the official event photographer for this event at Waterford Lakes which consist of both a 5K Run/Walk as well as a Kids Fun Run. It’s for a great charity and the weather is supposed to be beautiful on Sunday morning. So, I encourage you to support this cause and come out to this event!

For more details or to register online, visit eockiwanis.blogspot.com.

Some of the areas that the East Orlando Kiwanis support include:

Elementary Schools
• 8 K-Kids Clubs at Andover, Arbor Ridge, Cypress Springs, Riverdale, Sunrise, Union Park, Waterford, and Cub Scout Pack 59
• Terrific Kids programs at 8 schools
• Teacher of the month Programs at 14 schools

Middle Schools
• 5 Builders Clubs at Corner Lake, Discovery, Legacy, Odyssey, and Union Park

High Schools
• 2 Key Clubs at East River and University

College
• 1 CKI at the University of Central Florida

Adults with Disabilities
• 2 Aktion Clubs in Apopka & Winter Park

I was contacted by a wife of a member of the Air Force. Her husband – and several other military servicemen – would be coming home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. This would be the first time that wives, children, friends and families would be seeing their loved ones in over six months. After meeting with officials at the Orlando International Airport, we were escorted to the gate where their flight would be arriving.

The men left Afghanistan four days earlier, and this was the final leg of a very long trip home. Intermixed with passengers excited to go to Disney World, these men were just looking forward to sleeping in their own beds again.

After waiting for a few minutes as theme park-bound guests got off the plane, I felt this crazy rush of adrenaline as all of these mini reunions were occurring around me. I was snapping my camera as fast as I could, not knowing what to shoot next. It was crazy and exciting at the same time. I said to one of the other wives that at a wedding, the main focus is usually the love between the bride and groom, but this time, all around me were couples reuniting for the first time in a long time.

I had a chance to step back a second and observe what was going on, and realized that all of the outbound passengers were now on their feet applauding these brave young men.

The families were very appreciative that I was there to capture the moment because, as one military wife said, “It’s much easier to give hugs without a camera in your hand”. As I got on the monorail headed back to the terminal , I felt very emotional about the amazing event I had just witnessed, and am so glad that I could do a little bit to help.

Out of respect to the families, I have decided to keep their emotional private celebration just that – private. They will be given the images from the day, but I will not be sharing any of the images publicly.

Family and friends gathered for a beautiful ceremony at the Cathederal of the Incarnation in the College Park section of Orlando.

After the ceremony, I accompanied the bride and groom to Lake Eola for formal pictures. We then joined the guests at the Embassy Suites on International Drive for a fantastic reception with wonderful food and music.

VENDORS:
Ceremony: Cathedral of the Incarnation www.orlandoweddingchapel.net
Officiant: Rev. George Hobbs www.abeautifulceremony.net
Florist: Jonathan Gray Florist www.jonathansflorist.com
Organist: Julie Shatley
Reception & Catering: Embassy Suites www.embassysuitesorlando.com
Wedding Cake: Michael Anthony Cakes www.michaelanthonycakes.com
DJ: E.N. Entertainment

Congratulations to the newlyweds! Please enjoy some highlights from the day.

Several weeks ago, I had the fortune to photograph Trina and David’s wedding. Their wedding ceremony and reception took place at The Summerlin House near Lake Eola in the heart of downtown Orlando. This large estate, built in 1915, is perfect for weddings and receptions. Affiliated with the Veranda Bed and Breakfast, the Summerlin House has several large courtyards that can be utilized. The Veranda offers quaint lodging options to house out of town guests or as a wedding suite.

The bridal suite located upstairs in The Summerlin House, has several spacious rooms – perfect for the bridal party to get ready.  And downstairs is a warm and comfortable setting that can be used to host cocktail hours or small receptions.

For more information on The Summerlin House, please visit their website.

More Images of Trina and David’s Wedding to Come.

We had the pleasure to volunteer our time as part of the Baldwin Park 5K Corporate Challenge in downtown Orlando benefitting Audobon Park Elementary School!

Here are some photos of Smart Chicks Consulting.  They are a great group that help organize and promote involvement and service to the community.  You can find out more about their mission over at http://www.smartchicksconsulting.com

Baldwin Park 5K

Smart Chicks Consulting

 

 

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