PHOTOGRAPHY-CARA MARTIN

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to photograph this young lady. I enjoy photographing people a lot, and everyone I photograph takes up a special place in my heart. I think in a way, by photographing them, a part of them becomes “mine” — if only for a moment in time — and we find a bond in that moment.

Cara Martin is a force to contend with! She is beautiful inside and out, with a personality that shines. As such, I knew she would be a natural in front of the camera. She did not disappoint!

Cara is a well-rounded young woman who has numerous interests.

This girl has all the potential to make a mark on this world. Stay your sweet self, Cara, and you will go far in this life! Thank you for the honor of photographing you.

These three images struck me as the “Many Faces of Cara,” so I had to post them, too!

PHOTOGRAPHY-DEJA ROZIER

Deja is an impressive young woman with a plan.  Born in sunny Ft. Lauderdale in 1995, she moved to Atlanta in 2003 when her Mom received a job offer.  I think Deja brought the sun with her in her personality because it is just about as sunny as they come. 

She began working at Nelson Mullins in May 2018 and has aspirations to become a powerhouse attorney who is also recognized as a community leader and socialite.  Deja wants to be a door opener for others, encouraging them to come behind her and inspiring them to follow their own dreams through her actions.  Somehow, I believe her door is going to swing widely, and she will be a positive force for many. 

She is a young lady with a vision to create a non-profit down the road with the mission of shedding light on the challenges that Black and Brown children face in our education and criminal justice systems.  Admitting that the idea itself is a work in progress, she is also very certain that the purpose is clear. 

When asked how she wanted people to remember her, she said that “I hope that my legacy is rooted in humility, self-sacrifice, and truth.  Ultimately, I want to be remembered for being a woman who was kind, considerate, and passionate.  When people reflect on my life and all the things that I was able to accomplish, I want them to be able to say, ‘Deja lived a full life, and she lived on purpose.’” 

When Deja is not working towards her career goals, she enjoys shopping, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with family and friends.  She is a big music enthusiast, stating that music has always been a staple in her life, and she loves making random music playlists almost weekly, classifying it as her hobby. 

Deja, you are amazing.  Twenty-three, beautiful, full of passion and purpose, and living the authentic life you want for yourself.  You, my dear, are going to shine bright like a diamond.  You already do. 

PHOTOGRAPHY-CECE DENNIS

Spunky.  Sassy.  Beautiful.  These are some of the words that have been used to describe Cecelyn “Cece” Dennis.  Cece is a female powerhouse wrapped up in a huge personality.  This woman is going places, that is for sure.

Hailing from the sunny state of Florida, she moved to Atlanta for a change of scenery after graduating from college.  She wanted to take advantage of the phenomenal opportunities the city has to offer for those who are ready to dive in and find the oyster’s pearls.

When asked what she wanted to be when she “grew up,” she stated she wanted to be an internationally-known-and-respected empowerment and transformational speaker who creates a non-profit dedicated to emotional wealth and healing through the arts with youth.  Being the bold visionary type that she is, she quickly added “Move over, Oprah!”

When Cece isn’t working toward pushing Oprah out of her empire, she enjoys creative writing, makeup, time spent in nature, cooking, non-profit work, and leadership empowerment functions (she really can’t stray too far from her vision for too long).  She is also a dedicated thrifter and has a previously-unknown-to-most desire to be a voiceover actor for a Disney film.

Cece’s parting words of wisdom are to BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU!  Go get em, Cece!

PHOTOGRAPHY-DUY NGUYEN

Duy is a Project Assistant at Nelson Mullins, the law firm where I work.  He has worked on our team for almost a year, beginning in May 2017.  Project Assistants help the paralegals and attorneys with various different projects.  Putting it bluntly, they work their BUTTS off.

He is one of those guys who is very quiet at first, but given time, one learns that he has an incredible personality and sense of humor.  He was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,  In 2008, his parents were sponsored by his grandparents, and he moved to Atlanta with them. 

Duy will be leaving Atlanta and moving to New York City soon … as he will be volunteering with the Episcopal Service Corp. No doubt, he will make a huge contribution to their efforts.  He likes to read, go out, watch Netflix and work out – not necessarily in that order.  His philosophy on life is to “do unto others as you want to be done to you.”

When asked if he had anything else that he wanted people to know about him, he said that he has a cat who literally entered into his home from the back yard and now claims his house as its personal living quarter. Yep … cats are like that!

I told Duy that he should look up the Humans of New York guy … because he is very comfortable in front of the camera and did a great job!

Go make the world a better place, Duy. I look forward to hearing about your ventures!

PHOTOGRAPHY-ED CORBIN

Recently, I was hired for a mini-session to create updated actor headshots for Ed Corbin.  We had such a great time in our short time together.

He has a winning personality, and as might be expected, he was an absolute natural in front of the camera.  

I try to end a session with a shot or two just for me ... one that I have envisioned when preparing for a session or one that comes to me during a session  Ed was kind enough to let me get my shot when we were finished. 

As a short-statured photographer, I am very glad I brought my little ladder with me, as Ed is anything but short-statured!   

Thanks, Ed, for being so easy to work with. I hope to work with you again. Send your friends my way!  

If you need a new headshot, contact me at jbrunerphotography@yahoo.com, and I can assist you with that. 

PHOTOGRAPHY-GRETCHEN SHANNON

Gretchen is a Senior Operations Assistant at Nelson Mullins, the law firm where I have worked for 16 years.  She has worked with the team I work on since December 2006. 

We on the North Team didn’t think she could possibly do as good of a job as the person who had been handling our operations needs prior to her arrival, and she had some very large shoes to fill.  Indeed, most of us were not pleased at all that our operations assistant was being replaced, and we probably made life a little bit difficult for Gretchen at first.  Sorry, Gretch. 

But, being Gretchen, she persevered and won us over – not only with the quality of her work and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our ability to do our jobs to the best of our ability – but also with her winning personality. 

While little in size, her personality is large and in charge, and it is a rare moment when Gretchen cannot be seen laughing and smiling.  She is an amazing little force to be reckoned with, and she has become not only a vital part of our team, but a friend as well.  

When Gretchen is not devoting her time and energy to us on the North Team at work, she likes to travel or just enjoy some down time with her two dogs, Pooch and Starr.  Gretchen’s bubbly personality is a true reflection of who she is and for what she stands.  In her own words, she “tries to live each day to the fullest.  Life is too short for BS.” 

Keep on living large, Gretchen! 

PHOTOGRAPHY-KEVIN SIMMONS

The BB&T Atlanta Tennis Open took place recently at Atlantic Station.  One of our attorneys has a giant Wilson tennis ball in his office that I’ve had my eye on for quite some time, and I have periodically pondered how I could use it in a picture.  Easier said than done without a tripod and remote.  I have short arms!  

As I am trying to hold the ball and line up my shot so a BB&T Open sign is not only in the picture but in good focus along with the large tennis ball in the palm of my left hand, I hear soft laughing coming up behind me.  Yep.  Enter Kevin Simmons.  And he is watching what I am doing and loving the large tennis ball.  So, I asked him if he would help me get the shot, and he was very glad to help me.  And I then got another shot for him, which is below.  

I certainly wasn’t thinking of Faces in a Flash when I went down there.  I was thinking of my 365 Project. 

Kevin and I didn’t have much time to say very much to each other during this quick encounter.  But it was obvious that he was a guy with a great sense of humor, a fantastic personality, and a caring spirit, as evidenced not only by his presence, but also by his t-shirt.

Turns out Kevin is the Sales Director of the parent group of Sage Foundation.  Sage Foundation is committed to taking action to build sustainable social, economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in local communities.  Sage Foundation provides time, resources, and technology so non-profit organizations can help more people reach their true potential.  To learn more about The Sage Foundation, you can visit www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation. 

Thanks, Kevin, for helping me get my shot.  Keep doing the great work you do.  It was great connecting with you for a little while.  

PHOTOGRAPHY-SANDRA WAKEFIELD

     My second Face in a Flash came to me on the same day that my first one did.  Again, I wasn't trying to find her … but when she appeared in front of me, I KNEW she had to be photographed for this series.

      I was outside with a group of friends waiting to be seated at a restaurant in Grapevine, Texas. We were in front of a local shop, and out she walked.  She was striking, and I smiled just to see her.  I told her that I loved her dress.  She lit up, and her glowing presence became instantly obvious.

      We talked for a little while.  I learned that she is a Christian author, and she was on her way to a book signing for her latest book at the local coffee shop, Holy Grounds.  Cute name for a coffee shop, huh?

      Her name is Sandra Wakefield, and she is an amazing woman.  Not only is she an author, but she is a conference speaker and an award winning actress and vocalist.  She truly walks her talk, and she is a force to contend with.

      Thank you so much, Sandra, for agreeing to be one of my Faces in a Flash.  I am so happy that our paths crossed and to have spent a moment getting to know you a bit.

      You can learn more about Sandra at www.sandrawakefieldministries.com. 

PHOTOGRAPHY-KAYE AND MINDY

A couple of weekends ago, I was in Texas working with some fellow photographer friends on off-camera flash.  We scheduled three sessions, two senior sessions and a maternity session.  

I was taking a break and enjoying our venue, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, when I spotted this beautiful lady enjoying the day and walking her dog.  I knew in an instant that my first subject for a series I have been tossing around in my mind for a few months had just presented herself to me.  

I asked Kaye if I could photograph her and her sweet little Mindy, and she was more than happy to pose for me.  I explained that she was my very first subject for my new series, which I am calling "Faces in a Flash."  She was absolutely thrilled.  She lived in Savannah, Georgia for 20 years and had recently moved to Grapevine.  She is an active volunteer at The Rec there, where she helps with programs for the senior citizens.  

She has a contagious zest for life.  Her shirt (which I didn't notice until I was working on this post) absolutely reflects who she is.  She was thrilled to learn that I was visiting from Georgia, and that my husband had been born and raised in Savannah.  What a small world.  I think there was a reason that she became my first Face in a Flash.    

Thank you, Kaye and Mindy.  My day became brighter because of our brief connection.  

PHOTOGRAPHY-TERESA MORGAN

Today, I had the pleasure of photographing a woman I have known for some time online.  She lives within a half hour of me, and we have never met in person until today.  I am glad we did. She has a beautiful spirit.  

She wanted headshots for a blog that she is close to launching.  She wanted to go to Sweetwater Creek State Park and take photographs down by the ruins.  Photographing her was a blast, and we had a lot of fun with it.  

Teresa Morgan at Sweetwater Creek State Park

I believe that people are brought into your life for a reason.  When we met, it felt like we had known each other for forever.  Getting to know each other a little bit was like the icing on the cake.  We are both in the second half of our lives.  We both know extremes of joy and sorrow. We are both reinventing ourselves and finding positions of strength in our worlds.  

On some days, a photo session goes way beyond being simply a photo session.  Today was that. Indeed, today was about support, growth, and encouragement.  It is so uplifting to find folks who are in the same tribe as you.  

Teresa Morgan

Thank you so much for the pleasure of not only photographing you, but also for sharing some of your truth with me.  

PHOTOGRAPHY-STAFF HEADSHOTS

So, I've come to the determination (again) that blogging is just not my strength.  Which is weird because I really like to write.  Go figure.  New Year's Resolution 2016:  Really put some effort into this blogging thing and see where it takes me.  There!  It's out there.  Moving forward and all that.  

A couple of times a year, I am asked to create headshots for the staff members where I work for our interoffice purposes.  It's always a "chore" I enjoy.  It's so much fun to work with people and create portraits that they love.  Some are naturals; some are less comfortable in front of the camera, but I really enjoy working with all of them and often hear that I made the session fun.  Hearing those words (especially from those who are less comfortable in front of a camera) is music to a photographer's ears.  

Watching a client smile big the first time they view an image I created for them which they love is the best! 

Cecelyn Dennis

Seeing a client's incredible personality come shining through in a portrait I have created is one of the most awesome things on earth for me.  Each person is unique, and everybody's light shines bright!  

Kimberly Heaton

I enjoy it thoroughly, and taking portraits is always a lot of fun, which brings me to the title of this post.  No prompting needed.  This lady just struck her own pose, and I was ready!  I have dubbed her "Sassy Pants"!  I think you will agree it is a perfect nickname for her!  

Rita Treadwell a/k/a "Sassy Pants"  

PHOTOGRAPHY-GEORGIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES

On Friday, May 29, 2015, I volunteered to photograph the opening ceremonies and dance for the Georgia Special Olympics Summer Games at the Emory University Campus in Atlanta, Georgia.  It was my first experience with the Special Olympics, and I hope to have more involvement with this very special organization and the athletes whom it serves.

It was a night full of excitement which marked the beginning of incredible competition and feats of accomplishment by all the athletes.  What sweet, sweet spirits I ran into over and over again as I watched the night's events unfold ... in the athletes, the staff of Georgia Special Olympics, the volunteers, and indeed, every person who came together to make opening night a success.  

Being involved in this event was incredible.  I was scheduled to be a Fan in the Stands through my full-time job on Saturday at the tennis courts.  When I responded to Special Olympics about having to miss an upcoming conference call due to being out of town, I put aside the normal discomfort I often experience with putting myself out there and mentioned that I would love to photograph this event.  I truly thought that all the photographers would have been lined up by then.  One thing led to another, which goes to prove that you can't get what you want if you don't ask for it.  I'm learning to put myself out there more and more and thoroughly enjoying the results.  

If you are looking for a very worthwhile organization to become involved with, look into the Special Olympics organization in your area.  I highly recommend it.  Not only would it be good for the athletes ... it would be pretty good for you, too!  

PHOTOGRAPHY-A PRESIDENT AND HIS FIRST LADY

I was so excited to attend a fundraiser for Project Interconnections held where I work on Thursday, May 14, 2015 and to be given the opportunity to photograph former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.  It is not often that one has the chance to get up close and personal with such a powerful, amazing couple.  Project Interconnections provides housing to well over 400 people in the Atlanta area who struggle with mental illness, and Rosalynn Carter has been very involved with this organization over the years.  

President Carter began the program portion of the evening by talking up his wife and her many accomplishments over the years in the mental health field.  What a great intro!

What a sweet moment between the President and his First Lady as she makes her way to the podium to give her speech!  

Rosalynn Carter as she gives her presentation.  It was so fun to watch the interactions between her and her husband, as they joked and kidded back and forth between each other!  

One of the absolute highlights of my evening was watching John (the son of one of our attorneys) and his pure, unbridled excitement at the prospect of meeting Jimmy Carter and hopefully having the President sign his president's book that he had brought along.  Of course, President Carter signed the book and took some time for a photo opp with John.  I understand that John has made the statement that this was the best day of his life. John, watching you and your enthusiasm put it right up there on my list of best days, too!  

John proudly displays President Carter's autograph on his book!  What a moment!  What an experience for all of us who were there!  

PHOTOGRAPHY-A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

On Saturday, April 25, 2015, Mary Lesh and I had the pure pleasure of photographing the wedding of Mitchell Fowler and Chantal Kellett in Madison, Georgia in the backyard of Mitchell's father and stepmother, David and Sally Fowler.  What an absolutely beautiful location for a wedding.  

The weather had been bad and was threatening to unleash all sorts of nastiness, but the clouds parted, the sun came out, and it was a beautiful day to get married.  The groom's father married the couple, which added to the beauty of the day.  David incorporated into the ceremony special wording to honor and recognize the creation of a new family for Mitchell; daughter, Paige; and Chantal.  The bride was the calmest I believe I have ever seen, and the groom was literally awestruck when he saw his bride in her beautiful wedding dress for the first time.  All was right with their world with this wedding, and that fact was reflected in every aspect of the day. 

The owner of Madison Oaks Inn and Gardens gave us permission to use their property across the street for formals and bridal portraits.  What an absolutely gorgeous venue!  We were all so very thankful that this gift was extended.  The reception was a blast.  The cake was divine.  The DJ rocked it.  A good time was had by all! 

Thank you so much, Mitchell and Chantal, for allowing us to photograph one of the most special days of your lives.  We enjoyed it tremendously.  It was beautiful.