A Friendly Competition Between My Wife and Me (HELP ME WIN!)

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Are you competitive? Well, I am. And so is my wife. I obviously love that about her, because it keeps things fun. Our latest competition is a RACE TO 1000 FOLLOWERS on Instagram. Now that Instagram is for Droids, too, I thought I'd put out a blog post to encourage you to follow me (not her!) on Instagram so you can stay in the loop on all the crazy antics I'm up to on a daily... er... hourly basis. :)<br /><br />Search my username: dalebenfield<br />DON'T search Mere's username: merebenfield<br /><br />We haven't set up a prize yet, but if it's good... I'll split it with you! :)<br /><br />Here are instagram scenes from our recent trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/punta_instagram.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/punta_instagram.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 792px; height: 1061px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

dominican republic instagram punta cana travel A Friendly Competition Between My Wife and Me (HELP ME WIN!)

Hey everybody! Are you competitive? Well, I am. And so is my wife. I obviously love that about her, because it keeps things fun. Our lat...

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Foot Pictures // Our Tradition

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Every time Mere and I travel somewhere, she always insists on a foot shot. I don't know what it is about these, but they've totally grown on me too! She has an entire facebook album of our feet... all over the world.<br /><br />The latest addition to our foot collection is from our first trip to Austin, TX. There's a famous wall there... maybe you've seen it. Well, when we got there, we had company, and instead of asking them to move, we decided it would be a little more interesting to leave them there. I love our little traditions!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/austin_foot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/austin_foot.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1414px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

personal travel Foot Pictures // Our Tradition

Hey everybody! Every time Mere and I travel somewhere, she always insists on a foot shot. I don't know what it is about these, but they...

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Travel Theme Wedding of Kat and Sarang

Hey everybody!<br /><br />I have such a fun wedding (well... actually TWO) to show you of Kat and Sarang, who love to travel. They love traveling so much so that their American wedding had a travel theme, and their travel theme details are to-die-for! Today I'm going to share those with you, and tomorrow and Monday I'll share the other parts of her American, travel-themed wedding with you. (Then, I'll follow it up with their Indian wedding next week).<br /><br />Enjoy their travel themed wedding details below!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details.jpg"><img alt="travel theme wedding details" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0407_travel_wedding/travel_wedding_details2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><br />P.S. A big thanks to <a href="http://geodun.com/blog">Austin Wedding Photographer</a> Geoff Duncan for inviting me to shoot with him! I had such a great time with a great photographer and friend!

Arkansas wedding photographer Austin wedding photographer texas wedding photographer travel travel theme travel theme wedding Travel Theme Wedding of Kat and Sarang

Hey everybody! I have such a fun wedding (well... actually TWO) to show you of Kat and Sarang, who love to travel. They love traveling so m...

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NSFW: Paris [boudoir] Secret Session

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Today we're switching gears from Vegas (don't worry, we'll come back) to Paris, France, where Meredith photographed some secret sesssions. Yep... boudoir in Paris (hey... "boudoir" IS french, after all). Enjoy some classy boudoir by the fabulously talented Meredith!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_3.jpg"><img alt="Classy boudoir portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1200px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_4.jpg"><img alt="Classy boudoir portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 600px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_2.jpg"><img alt="Classy boudoir portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_1.jpg"><img alt="Classy boudoir portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0302_paris_boudoir/paris_boudoir_photography_1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

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Hey everybody! Today we're switching gears from Vegas (don't worry, we'll come back) to Paris, France, where Meredith photograph...

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Las Vegas WPPI - via Instagram

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Meredith and I just had a great week sharing and caring with photographers in Las Vegas at WPPI. As with most trips, I wanna share my trip with you using images I took and shared on Instagram. <br /><br />I felt like we ate like royalty (and were treated like royalty, thanks to my very favorite lab on the planet, Millers Professional Imaging). Tom Collichio's Craftsteak was by far my favorite, and ranks up among the top three meals I've ever had in my life (wedding dinner was #1, and Tom Collichio's Craft in Dallas was #2). Other great meals from the trip: Mix, In and Out Burger, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, and Wolfgang Puck, who you'll see gave me a big fat thumbs up. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/vegas2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/vegas2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/vegas1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/vegas1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />I had a great time with my photo bff, JP Elario, and enjoyed hearing him give his platform presentation for the 2nd straight year (great job bro!), and I enjoyed seeing my dropitMODERN friends, and Miller's and MpixPro gang. I also liked connecting with other Arkansas photogs while there (it's funny that we travel a bazillion miles away to get together). I love the time I got to spend with Ryan (pictured above), and Geoff (my ol' pal) - a couple of past mentees who are kickin' booty now. <br /><br />All in all, WPPI is a great time for photographers and well worth the money (and craziness you must endure if you go to Vegas). My advice to photographers is always to go, and always to connect with as many photogs as possible.<br /><br />Lastly, I'm still on Vegas time, so this blog post is NOT late. Actually, I would have already posted it had I not been pulled over on the way home. Erg.<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><br />(PS. If you want captions for all the images above, follow me on instagram! @dalebenfield)

las vegas photographer tradeshow travel WPPI Las Vegas WPPI - via Instagram

Hey everybody! Meredith and I just had a great week sharing and caring with photographers in Las Vegas at WPPI. As with most trips, I wanna...

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Paris Engagement Shoot, part 2

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Here are more from the snowy engagement pictures in Paris! Oh, how I love my job!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_005.jpg"><img alt="engagement portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_005.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_007.jpg"><img alt="engagement portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_007.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_008.jpg"><img alt="engagement portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_008.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_009.jpg"><img alt="engagement portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_009.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_010.jpg"><img alt="engagement portraits in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0219_paris/paris_engagement_portraits_010.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

destination engagement france wedding photographer paris paris wedding photographer travel Paris Engagement Shoot, part 2

Hey everybody! Here are more from the snowy engagement pictures in Paris! Oh, how I love my job!! Talk to you soon, Dale

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WPPI Schedule - Come Say HI!!!

Hey everybody!<br /><br />It's WPPI time again, our annual trip to Las Vegas for the biggest tradeshow for wedding photographers in the world. Meredith and I again have the honor of speaking at WPPI, which makes it my 4th year in a row to share knowledge with bazillions of wedding photographers from all over the world. Here's our WPPI schedule... if you're going to WPPI, come say hi to us!!<br /><br />Monday: <br />1pm - hanging in the dropitMODERN booth with my photo bff <a href="http://joeelariophotography.com">JP Elario</a> to have a Q&A with photogs<br /><a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/cf67a37e564f11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/cf67a37e564f11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 596px; height: 596px;" /></a><br /><br />2:30: Meredith and I are speaking at the Miller's / MpixPro booth. Our topic: Customer Service is the New Marketing - read more about our talk, along with some fun q&a on the <a href="http://blog.mpixpro.com/index.php/02/wppi-2012-the-benfields/">MpixPro blog</a>.<br /><a href="http://blog.mpixpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ProBenfieldWPPI2012BLOG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://blog.mpixpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ProBenfieldWPPI2012BLOG.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 596px; height: 560px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://blog.mpixpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ProBenfieldSecBLOG.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://blog.mpixpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ProBenfieldSecBLOG.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 596px; height: 1039px;" /></a><br />4pm - Millers/MpixPro focus group meeting - I love that I have a lab that seeks our feedback with products, services, prices, etc.<br /><br />7pm - the <a href="http://store.dropitmodern.com/?Click=3160">dropitMODERN</a> gang, JP, and I are heading to dinner at <a href="http://www.mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/mix.aspx">MIX</a> (I'm super excited to eat at an Alain Ducasse restaurant)<br /><br />9pm - Heading to the <a href="http://www.prohibitionrebellion.com/">Prohibition Rebellion</a> party with the dinner gang.<br /><br />Tuesday: Meredith is shooting boudoir / secret sessions at the Barbie Suite at the Palms - How cool is this???<br /><a href="http://www.ladiesgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/the-barbie-suite-from-the-palms-resort-in-las-vegas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.ladiesgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/the-barbie-suite-from-the-palms-resort-in-las-vegas.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 596px;" /></a><br /><br />11:30am - hanging at the DIM booth again for some q&a - come meet me and ask me anything!<br /><br />9pm - VIP get together with the MpixPro/Miller's gang, and a bunch of cool photogs!<br /><br />Wednesday: 2:30 I'll be helping with JP's platform class<br />Dinner at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill<br /><br />Thursday: fly back home, sleep in my own bed. :)<br /><br />Seriously, if you see me come say hi! I love WPPI because it gives me a chance to connect with other photographers!<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

arkansas boudoir las vegas boudoir las vegas photographer mpixpro Photographers Secret Session tradeshow travel WPPI WPPI Schedule - Come Say HI!!!

Hey everybody! It's WPPI time again, our annual trip to Las Vegas for the biggest tradeshow for wedding photographers in the world. Mere...

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Paris Engagement Pictures - Ooh La La!

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Most of you have heard that Meredith and I just got back from Paris. While we were there, we worked (Mere had secret sessions), and Lauren flew over from Rome to help me shoot this engagement session. Yep, engagement portrait session in Paris, France. Bananas.<br /><br />Here's a teaser from the shoot, which we'll be sharing with you shortly!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/paris_engagement_teaser.jpg"><img alt="engagement shoot in Paris" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/paris_engagement_teaser.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

destination engagement paris travel Paris Engagement Pictures - Ooh La La!

Hey everybody! Most of you have heard that Meredith and I just got back from Paris. While we were there, we worked (Mere had secret session...

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Paris iPhonography

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Today's post is a bit of a recap from our recent trip to my favorite city in the world: Paris! We went to Paris to photograph an engagement, and Mere scheduled a couple boudoir shoots at our Paris hotel. We love photographing in Paris, whether it be scheduled shoots or just walking around with our iPhones. This post is full of iPhone pics in and around Paris.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_00.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_00.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_01.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_02.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_03.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0210_paris/paris_iphonography_04.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

paris travel Paris iPhonography

Hey everybody! Today's post is a bit of a recap from our recent trip to my favorite city in the world: Paris! We went to Paris to photo...

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Upcoming Travel Schedule! Book A Dream Shoot!

Hey everybody!<br /><br /><br />Upcoming Travel Dates:<br />Paris France - Feb 2-7<br />Las Vegas - Feb 19-22<br />Austin TX - March 14-19<br />Austin TX - March 31-April 1st<br />Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - April 12-19<br />Rome, Italy - Lauren is available! Now-May 10<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You don't have to be getting married in a far away place to have your engagements, bridals, or secret session there! <br /><br />Just ask <a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/lindseys-nyc-bridal-portraits-session.html">Lindsey</a>...<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/1110_lindsey/nyc_bridal_portraits.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/1110_lindsey/nyc_bridal_portraits.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><br />Or Jamie...<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/oak_alley_engagement_portrait.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/oak_alley_engagement_portrait.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Or Bradley and Meridith, who we photographed in Versailles, France, for the ultimate Day After Session... (remember this wonderful 2007 wedding couple?)<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_1.jpg"><img alt="Wedding Portraits in Versailles France by Benfield Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_2.jpg"><img alt="Wedding Portraits in Versailles France by Benfield Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_2.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_4.jpg"><img alt="Wedding Portraits in Versailles France by Benfield Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_4.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_3.jpg"><img alt="Wedding Portraits in Versailles France by Benfield Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_5.jpg"><img alt="Wedding Portraits in Versailles France by Benfield Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0128_meridith/france_wedding_photographer_5.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px;" /></a><br /><br />They all had us photographer super fabulous portraits at super fabulous locations that weren't in the same state/country/continent as their wedding!<br /><br />With that said, if you're one of our couples and are interested (or if you want to schedule a session with us), you now have our upcoming travel schedule. We're already working at each of these destinations, so putting you into the mix should be pretty easy! Email me if you're interested!<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

destination engagement Destination Wedding travel Upcoming Travel Schedule! Book A Dream Shoot!

Hey everybody! Upcoming Travel Dates: Paris France - Feb 2-7 Las Vegas - Feb 19-22 Austin TX - March 14-19 Austin TX - March 31-April 1st Pu...

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Mexico, Part DOS

Hey everybody!<br /><br />Today I wanna share my Ellie portraits with you! If you wanna know more about where we were, read yesterday's post. Let's dig in!<br /><br />This first dress is one of my favorites that Ellie has ever had. Since it's prime school shopping time, I'll letcha know that this is a <a href="http://carolinaherrera.com/content.php?l=en">Carolina Herrera</a> dress - I can't find it online. :( The necklace here was from <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/kids/girls.jsp">Crew Cuts</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br />When I showed this image to Ellie, she said, that's my...<br />"Daddy... pleeeeeease??????" face. :)<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0002.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0003.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0004.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br />One of my favorite Ellie pictures ever. The necklace is from <a href="http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc&Page=1">Forever21</a>. The dress is <a href="http://www.beetlejuice.co.uk/">Beetlejuice London dress</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0006.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0005.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br />Ellie had the bright idea to recreate a shot we did at the beach on a previous family vaca. She's so cute.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0007.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0009.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

Ellie mexico personal travel Mexico, Part DOS

Hey everybody! Today I wanna share my Ellie portraits with you! If you wanna know more about where we were, read yesterday's post. Let...

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Mexico, Part UNO

Hey everybody!<br /><br />One of the questions I get asked by photographers most is how I balance family life with work life. Honestly, it's tough. When I was building my business (and, in fact, it's always in the building process), I used to be terrible at it. I get consumed by projects, feel compelled to immediately answer emails, and feel that the hardest worker usually gets the best results. <br /><br />I feel completely humbled that I'm able to support my family doing something I love, and I'm often paranoid that if I let up [my constant 24/7 work], even for a second, it'll start a chain reaction. <br /><br />However...<br /><br />When I see Elizabeth's sweet face, and when I see how hard Meredith works, and when I realize that a break from work is sometimes necessary to maintain sanity, I realize the importance of getting away from the world for a bit. So, months and months ago, I just blocked out a weekend and promised that even if a bride called wanting that date, I'd say no.<br /><br />We decided to take Ellie to Mexico, both because she's never been there (and she learns so much when she travels) and because Meredith and I loved it when we went for our honeymoon. As an added bonus, it was only 85 degrees and breezy everyday (when NWA was setting record high temps)!!<br /><br />As with every trip, I took a few images of the scenery and some of Ellie. Today, you get the scenery (tomorrow, Ellie).<br /><br />All these were taken at the Grand Velas resort in the Riviera Maya<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0012.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0013.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0013.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1200px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0011.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0010.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0010.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 533px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0807_ellie/0014.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 1200px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale<br /><br />P.S. I'd love to know what you think, both about what I wrote (life balance, and how you handle it), and the images!

personal travel Mexico, Part UNO

Hey everybody! One of the questions I get asked by photographers most is how I balance family life with work life. Honestly, it's tough...

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Dallas Wedding Story of Emily and David

Hey everybody!<br /><br />I feel a monster post coming on. :) Let's get right to the photos and story of Emily and David's Dallas wedding.<br /><br />Here's Momma (who I ADORE!) finishing up Emily's divine dress…<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />This was so cute… Emily had snacks and games to entertain her girls. Connect Four? Yes please!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_002.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Then it was time to get down to business.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_003.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_004.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_005.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_006.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />A short car ride, and then an elevator ride, and we arrived at the reception. <br />WITH.THIS.VIEW.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_008.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_008jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Emily had such a fun time during her first dance with her husband, David.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_010.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_010.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />But a Dad is the master when knowing how to get a girl to laugh.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_011.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_012.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />One of the bridesmaids had to leave the next morning for a YEAR-LONG mission trip across the world. Meredith captured this poignant, bittersweet moment.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_013.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_013.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />A dab'll do ya! :)<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_014.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've been having some really great luck with grooms lately. David lived on the dance floor.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_015.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_015.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Emily told me that the number one thing she wanted on her wedding day was for her guests to feel like it was a great party. She told me near the end of the night that her dream came true. I agree. They had a great time!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_017.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_017.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_018.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_018.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />And her dad (who is two-parts funny and three-parts silly) continued to crack me up all night with his stellar dance skills.<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_019.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_019.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Such a sweet family!<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_020.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Dallas Wedding Photography" border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/11Blog/0730_emily/dallas_wedding_photography_020.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px;" /></a><br /><br />Emily and David, Lesli and Steve…<br />I have loved our time together! You are the reason I LOVE what I do! I have the best job in the world because of families like you! Lots of love to y'all!<br /><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

Carson Castellaw Dallas texas wedding photographer travel Dallas Wedding Story of Emily and David

Hey everybody! I feel a monster post coming on. :) Let's get right to the photos and story of Emily and David's Dallas wedding. He...

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