dustontoddblog

i came to learn of this ad image from a fellow photog friend of mine, melissa niu, she writes “The world of Photoshop is beginning to be a plague. What happened to the days of a photographer mastering light, skillfully researching and practicing shutter speed and f-stop, and brilliantly capturing an image the second the photo is taken?”

we live in such an incredibly cruel, fickle, and superficial society…
these “imperfections” called freckles and tones is what gives us personality and character.
there are stories behind the crooked teeth of life.
the imperfect is perfectly beautiful.
embrace who you are.

i loved this shoot. during the session i kept saying what a refreshing and exciting dynamic it was, to photograph two loving brothers.
the mother of the boys later told me that the younger son had said (about me) “i like him, kind of like how I like a cousin.”…compliments don’t come any more honest or flattering than that.
thanks burton family!!!

as the letter written by my 7 yr old daughter states above, i like to snowboard, i like to make snowmans (snowmen?) with my daughters, and yesterday just happened to be my birthday.
i received an outpouring of birthday wishes thanks to this lovely life of technology in which we live.
i, in return, want to wish you all well and thank you for all your continued love and support in me, my family, and my work.
as this being the week to celebrate gratitude, my heart is full. i am grateful for you all.

cheryl and collin chose mom and dad’s place in norway maine as the sacred grounds to publicly share their vows. during a toast cheryl had said this place was almost holy to them, and after being there i can agree, there is definitely a spirit and peace that rests amongst the burning painted light as it falls upon the leaves. almost everything displayed was hand made. from the cute signs, to the fire pit, the bar awning, to the ceremony site. all DIY. tractors, buckets of paint, rock stacking, earth moving, wood cut and nailed…see how easy it is to throw your own wedding! (haha). never before have i shot an event where i was surrounded with so much talent and creative forces. many within the group are professional dancers, (as is cheryl and also collin’s brother), there were singers, and various forms of art that kept me on my toes the entire length of the day…and much into the night. we ended the day with a mini concerto by the fireside. i will always remember this event. i felt at home, amongst friends, and forgot that i was working.
to see all the images from this event, and to place orders, visit here.

yes..it’s true, i am duston…the luchador…
no, thats no true, what is true is my work was featured on the hippest wedding blog today.
yes, style me pretty, featured me on their blog.

see the blog feature and read the story here.
see the gallery of all the images here.

many thanks to Michelle for all her hard work to pull off such an amazing DIY wedding!!
in addition to Michelle’s stunning DIY wedding you should check out the following:
her UNREAL and INCREDIBLY COOL (maybe even add FAR OUT) engagements, visit here.
and her bridal session with an asian flare, visit here.

i love the ever changing world above our heads.
remember to look up.

(funny story behind the bird photo…i was in the middle of shooting a family session, when these birds were flying about overhead…you can put two and two together…i got pooped on by a bird. i looked down at my shirt to see a gooey green bird aftermath and i blurted out “sh*t!”…my client was timely to point out and follow up with “literally”.)

Robert Sterling Wardrop
served in WWII as a tailgunner in a B24 bomber.
this image is his POW german identification photo.
his plane was shot down, while spinning through the sky he managed to escape the wreckage only to be followed by civilians on the ground as his parachute floated one way or another. he remained as a POW for a number of months and eventually returned back home – to be married, raise a wonderful family, and give me the blessing of one day marrying his granddaughter.

posted in honor of veterans day.
god bless and many thanks to all the veterans and those who are active for their service.
freedom is not free.

inspired words by Kevin Spacey, aka Keyser Soze.
but seriously, this is beautifully said, and going up in my home as an important reminder to stay focused, that every step should have a purpose, to determine where i am going and to achieve.

i had the incredible privilege of not only witnessing but also photographing the genuine love and joy that Nicole and Jeff shared as they were married and became one family.
Nicole had seen my work about 5 years ago and knew at that point i was to be her future photographer to her wedding. (you can bookmark me too if you’d like)
thanks so much Nicole!!! i love working with real people and real emotions and you packed the event with both!

shot on location at the Blanc-Strong home, St. Mary’s church in Annapolis and William Paca House in Annapolis, MD.
all coverage shot on film, portra VC, C41BW, and Ilford 3200BW.

if you want to see all the images from this event, go here.

falling in love in the fall. the colors, bike, leaves, stunning couple. i like.
to see all the proofs from this session visit here.