In May I had the priviledge to help Laurin and her family “stop time” at least for a few moments and we created some great imagery. Laurin is a beautiful young lady with a fun personality and she was a joy to work with. Her mom and dad accompanied us for this photo shoot and were a great help moving props, watching for details, and even holding lights and reflectors!

Here are some of the images we created. Enjoy!

Let me know your thoughts and especially if you’d like to accompany me for some great on-location portraiture.

So, when I mentioned that I’d always wanted to go to the Everglades for a portrait session, Brenda and the family were interested!

Back in 2006 I went on an air boat ride with Everglades Island Boat Tours, got some great photos, and have recommended them to friends who always come back saying they had a great time. So I arranged with them to utilize an air boat for photos along with an alligator.

We drove from Naples to Everglades City and found everything in order – we had a great time and got some great shots.

Then we headed for our second stop, something distinctly “Everglades”. We found the perfect spots along the Big Cypress Boardwalk including some massive cypress trees. All in all, a great afternoon. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

We had a gloriously beautiful night with calm seas and a gorgeous sunset – which highlighted the beautifully attired participants.

From the food to the fun, the photos to the friends, many good memories were made and I had the opportunity to capture some. Here are a few of my favorites. The rest can be found in the gallery created for the occasion.

Enjoy!! And give me some feedback while you’re at it!!

Thanks in advance!

You know me. You know I am a man of many passions: I love to travel, am passionate to the point of obsession about photography, have an unexplainable love for humanity, flora and fauna – in short, God’s creation. You know I am drawn to ADVENTURE.

For the past 10+ years these passions have smoldered, but within the past several months they have been stoked into a fire – a burning, beautiful blaze that yearns to be set free to grow and move not with the whim of the wind, but with the breath of God Himself. This fiery passion has given birth to Rare Earth International.

ADVENTURE AWAITS!!!
Far too many modern travelers are spoon-fed the world on immaculately planned and generic outings all of which pack about as much originality as a trip to the closest Taco Bell. But it is clear that in this age of endless options our world is still a wild and beautiful place to explore. Rare Earth International knows that the harder you push and the further you stray from the well-worn path of conventional vacations, the more gratifying is the experience.

So join with us as we launch Rare Earth International – it’s an adventure and you know you want it!

Michael J. Barnes Photography LLC and Lord Byron Photography have partnered to deliver the most comprehensive and most memorable photo tours available. Together, we are Rare Earth International ~ join us on one of our next adventures!

Congratulations Drew & Sara!!

I was able to be at the beach before they arrived and while Drew knew I was there, Sara did not. Needless to say I captured some precious memories of this sweet occasion. Here are a few of my favorites.

The sunset was not as beautiful as we have seen, but is was still nice. The no-see-ums were out in force and we all had itchy legs for the better part of last week.

What turned out to be the most fun part of the evening was doing some lowlight photography. This is one of my favorite things to do and it’s always fun when you have willing models. Here are a few of my favorite images.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge the image and begin a slideshow. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Colonel Oliver North

Everything went exceptionally well with the Big Life fund raising event in Dyer, IN. I’m back home now and have edited the images. Enjoy them in the slide show below (click “Continue Reading” for the slide show).

The music is “Yours” by Steven Curtis Chapman, used with permission.

Col. Oliver North

Next week I am looking forward to traveling with Big Life Ministries to Dyer, Indiana for their annual fund raising event. The featured speaker is Colonel Oliver North, a combat decorated Marine, business founder, columnist, and host of Fox News Channel’s “War Stories”.

Check back September 19, 2010, for images from the event.

Also, be sure to visit the Big Life Ministries website for more information and prayerfully consider financially supporting this ministry that is faithfully accomplishing the Great Commission the world over.