There's a reason Ben and I are a team in this photography business. I can relate to the girls we photograph; fix hair out of place, chat about wedding dresses, appreciate super adorable outfits, capture flattering angles. And Ben can relate to the guys;....you know, guy stuff (see? I have no idea). Our partnership approach works well because we balance each other out. We are two different people (in more ways than just male and female) so we are able to bring two unique perspectives to the table. I appreciate working alongside someone who can offer something different than what I can offer. Especially when that someone is my witty, adorable husband. :)

I was definitely aware of how much I value Ben's "guy" point-of-view this past week when I was asked to take senior photos for Everett. Ben and I had decided awhile back that I would start taking on more portrait sessions alone because it makes sense with the way that our schedules play out (I run the business and editing end of Starks Photography, and he has a separate full-time job as the head of the music and creative arts area of our church). So Everett's shoot was going to fall into the "I'm-flying-solo" category. Photograph a guy? By myself? Yikes. What if I make him look too...girly?

Fortunately, I've known Everett (and most of the rest of his clan :)) for a few years now, so it wasn't quite as stressful as I imagined. Plus, I may or may not have looked at Gap and Urban Outfitters ads for inspiration beforehand. Just sayin'.

Everett's shoot at Lake Aurora was every bit as hilarious and fun as he is. He's quite the pose-master, and I'm fairly sure that he may have missed his calling as a male model. Maybe one day ANTM will have a guys casting.

Everett, thanks for being awesome and up-for-anything. I had a blast at your shoot, and I hope you love your images as much as I do! :) Congrats on graduating, Mr. 2010.

Those blue eyes are not retouched. I have deemed that color "Nunnally blue" for the representation amongst the whole bunch of them. :)

I typed "handsome young man" and decided that I sounded like his great aunt, and then I typed "so cute" and decided that I sounded creepy. So, we'll just leave it at: This is a fantastic picture.

I could shoot in the orange groves all day. I love it.

It's been M.I.A. for awhile now, but we're bringing it back...The Box of Personality. Or, PB, for short. The PB is supposed to showcase your personality (or, if you're a couple, your personalities). You make faces, we click away. The result? A square of fabulousness. Behold - the many sides of Everett (you'll see Zoolander's Blue Steel make an appearance in a few of these shots):

(Clients - if you'd like your very own PB, just ask! We heart these types of photos)

**As a sidenote: I had such a good time photographing Everett's senior session (and Carolann's, a few months ago :)), that I want these types of shoots to make their way into our schedule more frequently! High school seniors - if you're looking for unique, modern, fun images to celebrate your graduating year, shoot us an e-mail! Our sessions are $200* and include 1-2 hours of photography, up to 3 outfit changes, and a disc with a batch of the best images from your session. If you book us before January 1, 2010, I'll throw in an 8x10 and 5 4x6 prints of your favorite photo from the shoot! That's a pretty sweet deal. Just be sure to type "SENIOR PROMO" in the subject line of your e-mail. Let's hang out soon. :)

(*a travel fee may apply if the session location is more than 30 miles from Lake Wales, FL)