abandoned beauty

In Justin, Texas on the outside of town, rests this old Victorian style home. If anyone who knows me or seen any of my previous work you know that my lens has a strange attraction to old runned down buildings. I have had my eye on this particular one for the past few years, today I decided that I would finally obey my instincts and photograph it.

the blog.

It's been nearly two months since I last posted anything in this space. To some, like my mother who is one of my biggest fans, this has been brought to my attention; but in today's constantly changing world I don't know how useful this blog has been. Lately I've been actively not seeking freelance work, choosing only to shoot for myself and engage in those projects that are personal. I have a few baking, and others that I've bought ingredients for but just haven't been in the kitchen lately. Don't worry, they are still there, and they will come to light soon, but until then I'm taking my time-something that is hard to come by when so many things demand it of me. This is excluding my family of course, I always have time for them. With technology advancing so fast, and the exchange of information so instant these days I have been really giving thought towards taking the counter-culture route and slowing things down a bit. I plan on digging out my old film cameras and getting out early some mornings and hopefully pitching my tripod up beside some scenic wonderland, some abandoned gas station, some forgotten hotel, and take my time remembering how much I love this medium. Until then, this blog may be a bit barren, but don't worry. I am sure to have some beautiful images to share once the film is developed. Thanks to all who still follow.

merry christmas!

As we pack for Louisiana this will be my last post until after Christmas, so to all of you out there who still read, have a Merry Christmas! Thank you for your devotion, I hope you and your families enjoy each other, the holiday, and the season. May God Bless...

christmas in new york-cont'd

The holiday is getting close now. The presents are all wrapped, the stockings are hung, and now we are in pre-preparation for our trip to Louisiana for Christmas. The only question is how in the world are we going to fit all of these gifts into the CR-V? Anyway, another NY shot. Later.

city of lights

Last year the family vacation spot was Disney World. We bought tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party where the Magic Kingdom is literally lit up like a Christmas tree and it snows on Main St. As we walked around the park, taking in the sights and rides and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies we turned a corner and came upon this sight. The entire street looked as if it was made up of Christmas lights. It was awesome. This photograph was all I could come back with, I hope it does it a little justice.

magic

It hardly ever snows in South Louisiana. Okay, it never snows, but in December of 2008 about two days before my wedding it covered the state. I'm sure there are those northerners who can't stand the stuff, there can be too much of a good thing. It can't be denied though that snow is incredibly photogenic. It transforms the landscape into this beautiful purified simple line drawing of all the familiar settings you see everyday and makes them new again.

christagram!

In case you haven't noticed, instagram is an app you can get on your smart phone that helps us regular folks take artsy fartsy fancy phone photos and share them with the whole entire world. I'm not sure I would shoot a wedding with it, but it takes me back to the greatness that is analog photography-you remember film don't you? Anyway, here are some shots taken last Christmastime that you could find originally on my instagram account. Oh, and hey, if you're not on instagram you should check it out...it's free and it's fun. Who can argue with that?

the morning of...

This was last year's Christmas morning, presents layed out like a spread sheet all orderly as we take turns giving everyone a present at a time, until all are openned. It's all about suspense...

13 days and counting...!

Faced the mall today for one of the last few gifts we need. I worked on our Christmas card this evening...an annual tradition to make each year's card better than the last. The coffee's on and the excitement of the coming holiday is seeping into everything. School is nearing the end and the boys have endless guesses on what it is wrapped under the tree. To quote Sam the talking snowman, "I love this Christmasy time of year."

mmmm...sugar cookies.

This is an image I've had in the photo library for a while. It's one of the pictures I plan on using for the Livingston, Louisiana project. One of the best parts of the holidays is of course the food. This cannot be denied, but one of the better parts is my Mother's food which I have on high authority is better than most Mother's food. Sorry, it just is. My mom makes these sugar cookies every so often, more often around the holidays, and more often when us boys where in the house. I prefer them without powdered sugar, but she usually finishes them off with it and every now again, she'll add chocolate chips for buttons on the gingerbread men or the snow men shaped cookies. Either way, they are a part of the holidays in the Hayman household, and they are the best. If you doubt me, just ask my best friend. They're his favorite too.