More Senior Portraits in Eureka Springs of Caroline!

January 8, 2014, 6:00 am

≫ Next: Senior Portraits in Fayetteville of Hunter

≪ Previous: Fall Senior Portraits of Caroline Fox!

Hey everybody!

One day is NOT enough for this beauty! Bentonville senior Caroline is on the blog again today! I'm not sure exactly how many times she's been on the blog (probably half a dozen from Riffraff shoots!), but I'd run her on here every dang day if it were possible! She's so easy to photograph, and just about the sweetest person Mere and I have ever met! She really is a doll! Enjoy the rest of her senior portrait session below!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Senior Portraits in Fayetteville of Hunter

January 9, 2014, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Morgan's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

≪ Previous: More Senior Portraits in Eureka Springs of Caroline!

Hey everybody!

As many of you who have followed the blog for awhile know, my hometown is Joplin, MO. Benfield Photography was born there and spent it's infancy in that sweet hometown. Even though I live and shoot here in Fayetteville, I still have a lot of Joplin peeps as clients. One of my new favorite humans is Hunter, a senior at Joplin High School. She's got such a good heart, is drop dead gorgeous, and comes from a great family! I felt a bit like a tour guide as I took her around Fayetteville this fall to shoot her senior portraits. Have a look...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Morgan's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

January 10, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Cooper's Senior Pictures

≪ Previous: Senior Portraits in Fayetteville of Hunter

Hey everybody!

It's no secret that I don't have many senior slots available from year to year. But when Morgan called me, the stars aligned and we were able to get her right in! I love when that happens! Little did I know that she was super pretty, had a great little fashion sense, and was about as sweet as apple pie! No, I'm serious! Like, soft talking, but could still be silly. Those are definitely my favorite kinds of people! Anyway... we had so much fun at her senior portrait session in Fayetteville.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Cooper's Senior Pictures

January 11, 2014, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: Fox Twins: Family Photos

≪ Previous: Morgan's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

Hey everybody!

Caroline, who has been on the blog this week, has a twin! Yes, Cooper is Caroline's brother, and is just as nice as she is! What a great family! We shot his senior portraits too, and had such a great time getting to know him! Here are some of my faves:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Fox Twins: Family Photos

January 11, 2014, 11:01 pm

≫ Next: Our BFF is engaged!

≪ Previous: Cooper's Senior Pictures

Hey everybody!

Do you feel like you know this family by now? I sure do! We did some photos with both the twins together. How fun!

Of course I had to pop in for one with them!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Our BFF is engaged!

January 14, 2014, 9:44 pm

≫ Next: Amy's Carnall Hall Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Fox Twins: Family Photos

Hey everybody!

We have such exciting news! Our best friend in the whole world, Kirsten (of Riffraff) is ENGAGED!! We recently took a mini-vacay to Jackson Hole and in front of the fabulous Teton mountains, Jordan proposed! We were honored to be a part of such a special moment, and we'll be showing ya'll some images (and videos) we created in the coming days! Make sure to check back each day! (or better yet, just subscribe to the blog by adding your email address in the "follow by email" box to the right!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Amy's Carnall Hall Bridal Portraits

January 14, 2014, 9:51 pm

≫ Next: Brooke and Jaffet's Fayetteville Engagement Session

≪ Previous: Our BFF is engaged!

Hey everybody!

Amy got married on NYE this year (her kiss was right at midnight!), and we're super excited to show her wedding... but you have to wait! First, you get to ooooh and ahhhh over her gorgeous bridals - she totally rocked the shoot! And she's just about as sweet a southern bride as you'll ever find! Here are some of our favorites from her bridal session at the Inn at Carnall Hall in Fayetteville.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Brooke and Jaffet's Fayetteville Engagement Session

January 15, 2014, 9:24 pm

≫ Next: Kirsten and Jordan's Engagement Video

≪ Previous: Amy's Carnall Hall Bridal Portraits

Hey everybody!

I'm playing a little bit of catch up on the blog, so you'll notice some gorgeous fall leaves... and a gorgeous couple! :) Brooke and Jaffet snagged one of our very last 2014 dates and I was happy to be able to photograph their engagement before the leaves turned brown and fell to the ground this fall. Plus, they picked clothing that was PERFECT for a Fayetteville Fall engagement portrait session! Have a look!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Kirsten and Jordan's Engagement Video

January 15, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: How I Shot Kirsten and Jordan's Proposal in Jackson Hole, WY

≪ Previous: Brooke and Jaffet's Fayetteville Engagement Session

Hey everybody!

Mere and I have been pretty sneaky lately. When Jordan told us he was going to propose, we wanted to do a little something special for our sweet friend Kirsten, so we switched ourselves into videographer mode and filmed some video (and gathered some from Kirsten's friends) and compiled what you see below. We showed this to Kirsten (and Jordan) the night of the proposal. I should also post our video of Kirsten's reaction because she went into the ugly cry, but I'll save that for blackmailing purposes at a later date.

You'll want to watch until the very end of this video because Mere and I have a special surprise video. Heehee!

(fyi... when Benny Bride Hillary shares her congrats... SHE did that to her voice, not me! Apparently she doesn't like the way her voice sounds. I think it's the funniest part of the video, and laugh every time!!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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How I Shot Kirsten and Jordan's Proposal in Jackson Hole, WY

January 16, 2014, 11:38 pm

≫ Next: Jackson Hole Engagement Portraits of Kirsten and Jordan

≪ Previous: Kirsten and Jordan's Engagement Video

Hey everybody!

It was our first full day in Jackson Hole, WY, and Meredith, Jordan, and I knew something Kirsten didn't: She was getting engaged today. We were set to go on a safari in the Grand Tetons and National Elk Refuge, and Mere had a secret phone conversation with our guide before we left. During that conversation it was determined that there would be a signal... a code word... that would set the plan into action. Hundreds of elk, moose, big horned sheep, and bison (not buffalo) later, it was time.

I never get nervous when I shoot. Ever. I photograph weddings and special events and proposals all the time. But let me be honest... I got butterflies in my stomach when our safari guide said the code word: panoramic pictures.

Acting nonchalant as we were making tracks in the snow, but trying to get into the perfect position, I distanced myself from K+J and put the Tetons behind them. This situation is a great example of how Meredith and I can work together without speaking a word (years of doing this every weekend totally set us up for success!), because we were silent in our approach and were able to capture the moment. And then I heard it: Kirsten made a sound (Mere and I can't come up with a name for the noise she made, but of course it was TOTALLY ADORABLE - we later found out that Jordan had said, "Kirsten..." which he only does when he's mad at Kirsten or has something important to say. Apparently, this clued her in to what was going on). I couldn't hear what Jordan was saying, but I did see Jordan drop to a knee through my lens. From that point on I was a snapping mess, and loving it!

Shooting moments is what I love to do, and doing this for my best friends was such an honor and a pleasure! I love seeing our friends so happy!

SNEAK PEEK! We're going to show some more pictures tomorrow (Saturday) from a little engagement session we did in Jackson Hole! Yay!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Jackson Hole Engagement Portraits of Kirsten and Jordan

January 17, 2014, 11:03 pm

≫ Next: Sarah and John's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: How I Shot Kirsten and Jordan's Proposal in Jackson Hole, WY

Hey everybody!

Staying at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, WY, is pretty legit. I don't say this to brag on us by any means... I say it to brag on them. They loaned us a Mercedes SUV for the day while we were there to go exploring. Like, for free. Nothing is free, but a Mercedes at the Four Seasons is... apparently... free. Anyway...

We pulled into the Grand Teton National Park to find a cool backdrop for pictures, and to test our survival skills in the elements of nature, and found ourselves having quite the adventure. As I pulled the car over to the side of a snow-covered road, I asked Kirsten to get out and "just go right over there and do this {as I strike a pose}," and she did what she was told... until she sank into three feet of snow.

I'm not lying! It was hilarious, but I also wanted her to not-die, so I had her come back to safe land to pose instead.

The wind was a bit chilly, and it was below freezing temps, but we were on a mission! It's not every day you are in one of the most scenic places on the earth with one of the most sweetest and amazing couples!

Probably the cutest engagement picture I've ever taken.

It was SNOWING! That obviously didn't stop us from shooting in downtown Jackson Hole on the square. So charming!

During our adventures...

I love the way girls can look at boys. ((sigh...))

Snuggly cuddly time! The funny thing about this picture is that just off-camera was a watch-out-for-bears sign. I think it said something like, "be bear aware" I think it should have read, "be bear-y aware." Hahaha!

Love these friends!

We ended by being a little silly, as we often are.

So, that's it for installment one of Kirsten and Jordan's engagements. We have a couple cute ideas for other shoots with our best buds in the future! Get ready!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Sarah and John's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

January 19, 2014, 8:58 pm

≫ Next: Lauren's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Jackson Hole Engagement Portraits of Kirsten and Jordan

Hey everybody!

Sarah and John are such a sweet couple! They had to move far far away, and we aren't able to shoot their wedding (super sadface!), but they made the trip back to Fayetteville this Fall for some fabulous photos! We ran around Dickson like idiots and a couple other of our favorite spots... here are some of our faves:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Lauren's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

January 20, 2014, 12:08 pm

≫ Next: Lauren and Matt's Joplin Wedding

≪ Previous: Sarah and John's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

I love bridal sessions because they are ALL.ABOUT.THE.BRIDE. Lauren is one of those drop dead gorgeous brides who you can't help but love because she's sweet as can be too! We've finished up her wedding images and will be showing them soon, but I had to get her bridal portraits up on the blog - and Lauren did an amazing job! Yay! Have a peek at our faves!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Lauren and Matt's Joplin Wedding

January 21, 2014, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding Details of Alex and Wilson

≪ Previous: Lauren's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

Hey everybody!

I've known today's couple for YEARS! Matt (aka Robo) was one of my Younglife kids a bazillion years ago, and I've known Lauren since I was a teacher at Joplin (and maybe earlier?). The two are such sweethearts, so I'm a bit overly excited to know that they are going to spend the rest of their lives together! Good things happen to good people! :)
Lauren and Jess photographed some pretty pics of Lauren and Matt (too be fair, the couple is pretty dang gorgeous), and captured super sweet moments as well!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Crystal Bridges Wedding Details of Alex and Wilson

January 22, 2014, 9:28 pm

≫ Next: Crystal Bridges Wedding Portaits of Alex and Wilson

≪ Previous: Lauren and Matt's Joplin Wedding

Hey everybody!

The team at Bates Events are just rockstars. Plain and simple. They have quite the set of eyes for details, they always keep things on schedule (without appearing rushed), and they're so creative! Most importantly, though, they have the same mentality we do at Benfield Photography: take care of your clients no matter what. We all realize that the wedding day is a really special time for our bride and grooms, and that we should do whatever it takes to deliver perfect service to them. I'd love to keep raving about them, but I know you... you want to see Alex and Wilson's gorgeous wedding details from their Crystal Bridges wedding and reception.
I don't blame ya.

How STUNNING is Alex? Good grief.

So, this shot wasn't my idea. I'm actually not sure who yelled over my shoulder to the boys, but whatever was said turned into photographic magic.

But as much as this wedding party loved to be silly (I love that), they knew how to be sincere and in the moment (I love that even more!) This moment is so precious to me, as I'm sure it is to Alex and her girls.

This little dude should look familiar to Benfield Blog fans! Jack jack! :)

Such a pleasure to photograph a dream wedding at Crystal Bridges! Be sure to come back tomorrow to see some portraits!

Want a sneak peek? Okay!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Crystal Bridges Wedding Portaits of Alex and Wilson

January 22, 2014, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: 6th Annual Benny Award Winners!

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding Details of Alex and Wilson

Hey everybody!

I've now shot a handful of weddings at Crystal Bridges, and every time I get inspired all over again! That's important because you don't want to see the same images over and over, right? I found a couple new spots to shoot on the grounds of Crystal Bridges, and Alex and Wilson were perfect little models! Here are my favorite portraits from the wedding day:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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6th Annual Benny Award Winners!

January 24, 2014, 9:49 pm

≫ Next: Amy and Doug's Wedding Portraits at Springdale Country Club

≪ Previous: Crystal Bridges Wedding Portaits of Alex and Wilson

Hey everybody!

The votes are in, the prizes have been given... here are the 2014 Benny Award winners!

Best Wedding Portrait:

1st place:

2nd place:

3rd place (tie):

Best Bridal Portrait:

1st place:

2nd place:

3rd place:

Best Engagement Portrait:

1st place:

2nd place:

3rd place:

More on the Benny Awards coming soon!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Amy and Doug's Wedding Portraits at Springdale Country Club

January 25, 2014, 6:02 pm

≫ Next: Amy and Doug's Springdale Country Club Wedding - in REVERSE!

≪ Previous: 6th Annual Benny Award Winners!

Hey everybody!

Amy is so excitable! I love that in ANYONE, but especially in a Benny Bride! She and Doug are a really sweet couple, and photographing their portraits at the Springdale Country Club was a breeze (even on the last day of the year!). Their wedding was really unique, which you'll learn all about tomorrow!

Maybe my very favorite portrait from the day: (see?! Excitable!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Amy and Doug's Springdale Country Club Wedding - in REVERSE!

January 26, 2014, 6:58 pm

≫ Next: Fall Family Scheduling Time! (we plan ahead!)

≪ Previous: Amy and Doug's Wedding Portraits at Springdale Country Club

Hey everybody!

I've never shot a wedding in reverse before, but it was SO fun! Amy and Doug got married and kissed at the stroke of midnight as 2013 turned into 2014, but that's not where the fun started. Actually, the party had been going on for hours, because Amy and Doug had their reception first!

Amy and Doug trusted the team at Bates Events with the logistics of the non-traditional timeline and they of course made it fun and everything ran so smoothly. One of my favorite memories from the day was seeing Amanda (from Bates Events) signaling the time for the preacher from the back of the ceremony room so they could for sure get that midnight kiss. Well played, team!

Isn't Amy just darling?

We had our special first meeting on the twirling whirling staircase at Springdale Country Club. Love this!

Then it was party time! See? Backward... but crazy fun!

Then it was time to start the ceremony. Is this not the most precious moment? SO.MUCH.LOVE.

5...4...3...2...1... KISS!

Oh, and here are some more portraits from the wedding day. Yay!

I absolutely LOVE capturing the way girls look at boys! :) Here's a new super fave!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Fall Family Scheduling Time! (we plan ahead!)

January 27, 2014, 7:37 pm

≫ Next: Katie and Ethan's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

≪ Previous: Amy and Doug's Springdale Country Club Wedding - in REVERSE!

Hey everybody!

Yo... where all my families at!
Our fall schedule is filling up and that's always the time families want to schedule their sessions to get some fab Christmas cards. Families... it's time to get on our schedule to make sure you get a great time slot for your family! Shoot me an email or a text to get on the calendar! :)

By the way... how gorgeous is the Sbarra family below? It's an easy day when this family is the session!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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