Bonnie's Fashion Shoot in Nashville, pt 2

March 1, 2015, 5:28 pm

≫ Next: Bonnie's Nashville Fashion Session, Pt 3

≪ Previous: Nathan And Maegan's Engagements

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Hey everybody!

It's no secret that I love fashion. It's also no secret that I love shooting new places. Recently we combined the two and photographed our bff Bonnie in Nashville for her new blog, Bonnie Does It Again. She's a fabulous little model, and is so fun in front of the camera!

So, I posted this outfit in my first post, but I missed these two, and they're two of my favorites, so I'm throwing them on here. So presh, right?


I love this look she put together. Gorge!!




Biggest, best smile. Yes?






Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Bonnie's Nashville Fashion Session, Pt 3

March 2, 2015, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Amy Duggar's Fayetteville Portrait Session

≪ Previous: Bonnie's Fashion Shoot in Nashville, pt 2

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Hey everybody!

We're finishing up our Nashville sessions today with the darling Bonnie from Bonnie Does It Again. During our first shoot we didn't get a chance to shoot any Benny Backlight (we need near perfect conditions and locations), so we set out again the next day for our signature look. And we found it!

And of course, she's perfect. :) And silly and fun.

Me: "Hey Bonnie, go dance in front of those buildings."
Bonnie: "Okay!"


{note to photographers} I'm not one for using reflectors much because I'm working on finding perfect light, posing the subject, setting the camera, etc.  But since Bonnie was already so good in front of the camera it let me play around a little with reflecting backlight - thanks to Rachel for assisting on this shoot! I had Rachel holding the silver sided reflector about 30-45 degrees to my right to bounce light onto Bonnie. I love the light here... the skin tones are perfect and balance out the backlight beautifully.

Sometimes we sit in roads. If the lighting's right.

My favorite. Love the subtle motion in this... like a dancing off into the sunset type of shot.



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Amy Duggar's Fayetteville Portrait Session

March 4, 2015, 7:23 pm

≫ Next: Autumn Ridge Wedding {a Styled Session}

≪ Previous: Bonnie's Nashville Fashion Session, Pt 3

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Hey everybody!

So we recently had the privilege (and insanely FUNNNN time) of hanging out and photographing the sweet and sassy Amy Duggar! You probably know her as "Cousin Amy" from the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting - all about the Duggar fam here in NWA! Amy is hilarious, kind, and SO talented. We can't wait to watch her career as a musician unfold. She is also going to be a columnist for an LA based magazine, and we were happy to take some portraits of her for her new journey! Take a look at some of these fun shots!











And of course, our favorite girl and BFF, Bonnie, did her hair and makeup over at Crown Beauty Bar!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Autumn Ridge Wedding {a Styled Session}

March 4, 2015, 3:12 pm

≫ Next: Storytelling Images from Autumn Ridge Plantation Wedding {Styled Session}

≪ Previous: Amy Duggar's Fayetteville Portrait Session

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Hey everybody!

Our friends at Autumn Ridge Plantation recently let us take over and stage a wedding at the gorgeous new venue. We enlisted the help of Jessica from JLK Weddings and she lined up some of our favorite NWA vendors to team up for this dream wedding in Northwest Arkansas.  It was a freeeeezing cold day, with snow on the ground, but that didn't stop us from joining forces to pull off a masterpiece outdoor wedding!

Other vendors who knocked it outta the park:
Flora - Flowers/Centerpieces
Eventures - Rentals
Tesori - Wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses
Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe - Cake
Event Group - Catering
Romance Diamond - Jewelry
Bonnie Argo - Hair/Makeup
Oh Cecelia - Flowergirl dress
Benfield Photography - Duh! :)

The flowers and the food. Pam and her team at Flora created masterpieces for bouquets and centerpieces that perfectly fit the feel at Autumn Ridge Plantation!
This was the first styled shoot I've done that I got to eat lots of the yummy food.  That'll be a requirement from now on. Haha!



Lindsey picked a "barely pink" wedding dress for Caroline. I was in LOVE!







As always, Jennifer at Shelby Lynn's delivered a home run.  Just breathtaking - and it totally fits the feel of Flora's flowers!







Romance Diamond provided the jewelry, which was completely STUNNING. How about that ring, ladies???





The story and portraits are coming tomorrow, you'll definitely wanna see it! Also, head to Jessica's blog to see her take on the day: http://www.jlkweddings.com/blog.html



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Storytelling Images from Autumn Ridge Plantation Wedding {Styled Session}

March 5, 2015, 11:41 am

≫ Next: Miami Engagement Portraits of Christopher and Kelly

≪ Previous: Autumn Ridge Wedding {a Styled Session}

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Hey everybody!

There are so many beautiful images from this mock wedding at Autumn Ridge Plantation, I just had to do another post! I feel like I need to do a wedding album! Haha!!

Shoutouts to the following vendors who made this all possible:

JLK Weddings - Planner/Coordinator/All around awesome team
Autumn Ridge Plantation - Gorgeous Southern Wedding Venue
Flora - Flowers/Centerpieces
Eventures - Rentals
Tesori - Wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses
Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe - Cake
Event Group - Catering
Romance Diamond - Jewelry
Bonnie Argo - Hair/Makeup
Oh Cecelia - Flowergirl dress
Benfield Photography


Caroline is (and will be in the future... for real) a STUNNING bride.  You'll see that she completely looks the part thanks to Bonnie from Crown and Lindsey from Tesori. Plus, doesn't she look so happy?



My favorite cast member, however, was Cece as the flower girl. :) Aw, my babe!

And since it's a family affair, Mere's dad walked Caroline down the aisle. Ha! Thank for the help, John-O!

Okay, y'all... get ready! Is this not the dreamiest wedding venue?  I love a good Southern Plantation Wedding!



This makes me warm and fuzzy!

Quick little portrait on the porch... how about that rockin' bouquet?!!!  Well done Pam and the team at Flora!

And the ring... Oh Em Geezzzzzzzzus. I won't say how much it cost, but I'd know some brides who would rather have it than a Land Rover. :) It's a show stopper! Thanks for letting us use it, Romance Diamond! XO!

Then, we set up out back too! How about that view, y'all!  Does it get better?





Playing the part; looking the part.  These two were just great!

Time for cake!! Silly and fun - I just adore this.

Aye aye aye! Magic.

The way she's looking at him = what every groom wants.

Then I kicked him out to do a shot of just Caroline, because she's the most stunning ever. My word.

Portrait time!  Working a little Benny Backlight for these two sweethearts.

presssssshhhhh!!

Selfie with the bride! My favorite part of the day! :)  Caroline, thank you so much - you're the coolest, best, prettiest fake bride in the entire world! XOXOXOXOXO!

Then we took a lil' group shot of some of the vendors, helpers, and models.  So fun!


Thanks for looking, y'all!  I'm glad you stopped by!! :)  Have a fabulous day!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Miami Engagement Portraits of Christopher and Kelly

March 6, 2015, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: More Images from Amy Duggar's Portrait Session

≪ Previous: Storytelling Images from Autumn Ridge Plantation Wedding {Styled Session}

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Hey everybody!

How are y'all? I've been busy! I recently took a trip to Miami Beach, FL, to photograph Christopher and Kelly's engagement portraits. I had so much in common with this couple... they're total foodies. They actually met while both working in the restaurant business! They recently had a sweet little boy so I insisted that he be in some of our pictures! Such a precious family!  Here are some of my favorites from the session...












Talk to you soon,
Dale

More Images from Amy Duggar's Portrait Session

March 7, 2015, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Shindig Invitations

≪ Previous: Miami Engagement Portraits of Christopher and Kelly

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Hey everybody!

Y'all! I have some more portraits of my favorite Duggar, "Cousin Amy!" My favorite people on earth are the ones who become friends after only a few seconds. That's all it took with Amy and me. She's really great - super open, bubbly, lively, but also sweet. This was a really fun shoot for me... we were literally laughing the entire time! Those are my favorite! Anyway... check out a few more of my favorites!














Talk to you soon,
Dale

Shindig Invitations

March 8, 2015, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 1

≪ Previous: More Images from Amy Duggar's Portrait Session

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Hey everybody!

I forgot a very special wedding vendor friend who helped out with our recent event at Autumn Ridge Plantation: Shindig Paperie. Y'all, seriously, they're so great! They're always there to help out when we need, and they're super talented! I photographed the invitation she sent over... totally to-die-for!

If you're an NWA bride in need of some fab paper products, they're your team!



Talk to you soon,
Dale

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NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 1

March 9, 2015, 5:06 pm

≫ Next: NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 2

≪ Previous: Shindig Invitations

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Hey everybody!

I'm not just saying this because she's my wife: Meredith is probably the best boudoir photographer there is. Period. She has such a way of making girls feel comfortable in front of the camera, no matter their body type. She has a way of posing girls in a way that is flattering, and she has a way of editing that creates beautiful, stunning images. Y'all, she's seriously the best. Here are a few favorites from her recent session with Cameron.








Talk to you soon,
Dale

NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 2

March 10, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ellie in Oh Cecelia

≪ Previous: NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 1

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Hey everybody!

We've got another handful of images from Cameron's recent secret session. Isn't she and Meredith the best team? :) Enjoy!
And if you want to schedule Meredith for a secret session, email her here: meredith@benfieldphotography.com









Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ellie in Oh Cecelia

March 11, 2015, 1:27 pm

≫ Next: Rebecca and Reid's Fayetteville Engagement

≪ Previous: NSFW ~ Cameron's Secret Session, pt 2

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Hey everybody!

I had quite the weekend with my sweet babe, Ellie. Singing, dancing, playing, and shooting... we did all our favorite things. Mere was able to order one of her Oh Cecelia outfits in Ellie's size, so we thought we could do a quick shoot in it. I go back and forth on Ellie's hair and makeup: while I love it, it's a sure sign that she's no longer a little girl and is now a young lady. Major dad probs. I do adore how these pictures came out though! Y'all should see!










Talk to you soon,
Dale

Rebecca and Reid's Fayetteville Engagement

March 12, 2015, 7:47 am

≫ Next: More Portraits of Rebecca and Reid's Engagement

≪ Previous: Ellie in Oh Cecelia

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Hey everybody!

One of the COOLEST couples I've ever photographed today on the blog! Rebecca and Reid saw the forecast called for mega snow. And mega snow it did. Did she want to postpone? Nope! I love that! She was down for pics regardless of how cold it was, or how much snow was on the ground. I'm so glad, too, the weather wasn't as bad as we thought, and the light was great! Check out some of my favorites...















Talk to you soon,
Dale

More Portraits of Rebecca and Reid's Engagement

March 13, 2015, 10:41 am

≫ Next: Walters Family Portraits

≪ Previous: Rebecca and Reid's Fayetteville Engagement

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Hey everybody!

Yep... I have more of this DREAMY couple for you today!  And more portraits in the snow! Yay!  Let's admit it... these two would make PRETTY babies!! :)














Talk to you soon,
Dale

Walters Family Portraits

March 14, 2015, 8:14 pm

≫ Next: Brandon's Proposal to Hope

≪ Previous: More Portraits of Rebecca and Reid's Engagement

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Hey everybody!

It's been awhile since my last Walters family update.  My best friend since childhood, Tom and I have remained close after all these years and he with his family has appeared on this blog many times. I got to spend the morning with them recently and was able to photograph this sweet family.  I just love them so much!



Chloe is a total babe! I can't believe how fast she's grown!! I love this kid like she's my own daughter!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Brandon's Proposal to Hope

March 15, 2015, 9:23 am

≫ Next: Ellie's I Love Lucy Competition Solo

≪ Previous: Walters Family Portraits

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Hey everybody!

I got to spend yesterday with a long time friend as the man of her dreams proposed to her!
I first met Hope in August 2009 and immediately was struck with how outgoing and fun she was. She's so excitable (if you've read my blog for any length of time you know that's one of my very favorite qualities), so I was thrilled when Brandon called me to see if I could help capture this proposal.



We came up with plan a. Then we came up with plan b. Then on the morning of the proposal, the rain didn't stop like it was supposed to so I called my friends at Pratt Place Inn in Fayetteville and got a solid plan c.  Plan c was better than a or b because it created a truly dramatic moment.  The moment I was hoping for when I knew that sweet Hopey was getting proposed to... two of Hope's friends slid back the white double doors, revealing Brandon.

Her face here is priceless.  She obviously had no clue (Brandon said he couldn't come to Fayetteville this weekend, which totally threw her off the scent of a ring)

And I just LOVE this moment.  She realizes what is happening. If I stare at this long enough, I get teary.

And here, on the left... she's taking it in. She's waited for this!  And on the right, classic Argo contained-excitement face that usually ends up in burst of yelling/laughing/dancing.

She said yes. And Brandon got his prize.

I thought this was really sweet. After he put the ring on her finger, he spend some time reading scripture and praying for their relationship and marriage.

And this moment. This is what photography is about, y'all. Capturing moments like this make me fall in love... IN LOVE... with my job all over again.


After the proposal, I hopped in my car and raced to Little Rock (don't worry, I was very good in my driving) to shoot the 2nd part of the day... the party. I was so thrilled to be able to surprise Hope by being there. I know that pictures are so important on a day that whizzes by in such a fun blur. Brandon flew her in a plane from Fayetteville to LR and I had a couple coded texts that indicated my position and when I was ready - how sneaky, yeah?

Of course sweet Bonnie was the first to run up and hug her newly engaged sister.

Then they gave a he said/she said account of the day, which had their friends and family laughing, oohing, and ahhing.

I pulled them outside for a quick pic.

Then with dear ol Dad. This was my first time meeting Fred... total goofball and sweet as could be!

Speaking of goofballs...

Then we pulled the fam out for a quick pic.  What a great day.



Truly, it was an inspiring day. One that I won't forget. One that Hope deserved.



Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Ellie's I Love Lucy Competition Solo

March 16, 2015, 2:54 pm

≫ Next: The Final Frame

≪ Previous: Brandon's Proposal to Hope

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Hey everybody!

Proud dance dad here...

This was Ellie's first year doing competition dance. She's sure come a long way in the past couple years, and has been practicing non-stop it seems. Well, it really showed in her most recent competition. I recently drove to Joplin to watch her perform and she totally killed it. She got a diamond award, and also the category cup award (high score in her age and category). The video below isn't from that performance... it's from one a couple weeks ago. Ellie admits that she had a couple slip ups in the below video, but I can't tell. Haha! She also got first place in her group competition. Anyway, check out my babe in her I Love Lucy dance solo...



Ellie's I love lucy solo dance from Dale on Vimeo.



Talk to you soon,
Dale

The Final Frame

March 17, 2015, 12:14 pm

≫ Next: Woods Family Portraits with Newborn Gage

≪ Previous: Ellie's I Love Lucy Competition Solo

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Hey everybody!

When I'm doing a shoot, I never finish until I know I have THE shot.  After I get that feeling down in my soul, I can keep shooting, and maybe take a few risks, knowing that I'm good with the shoot regardless. When I was shooting the Woods family recently (you probably remember Mariah from the blog half a dozen times), I kept getting sweet shots of the family (which I'll share soon) and kept getting that good soul feeling, but the final frame of this shoot... after I captured it, I knew that was the perfect moment and the perfect shot.  When I got home to my computer I downloaded and looked at the image and fell in love with it all over again.

As a dad of a 10 year old daughter, the thing that gives me the most joy in life is seeing her love her baby sister. Maybe that's one of the reasons this image means so much to me.





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Woods Family Portraits with Newborn Gage

March 18, 2015, 12:06 pm

≫ Next: Carter Hulsey Concert Getaway

≪ Previous: The Final Frame

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Hey everybody!

Yesterday was a pretty sweet teaser, yeah?  Today I have the rest from this family session. It was raining on shoot day, but we outsmarted mother nature.  First, my brother and his gracious wife let us shoot some newborn portraits at their new house (which is SUPER cool!), and then we snuck around outside, avoiding the rain as best we could.  Can't even tell, right?  Here are a handful of favorites from the family session...





















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Carter Hulsey Concert Getaway

March 19, 2015, 4:57 pm

≫ Next: In Screaming Color: Donut Stop Believing Fashion Shoot

≪ Previous: Woods Family Portraits with Newborn Gage

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Hey everybody!

Last night, I stole Mere away from the house to go see our friend (and Benny Groom) Carter Hulsey play at Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, OK. I love watching Carter perform (I used to watch him years ago when he was still in high school!). He's a passionate performer and totally drew me in to his performance. I of course brought my camera and shot a few images. Check it out! And check out his tour page to see him live. Oh, and check him out on Spotify or the iTunes store!








Talk to you soon,
Dale

In Screaming Color: Donut Stop Believing Fashion Shoot

March 20, 2015, 1:04 pm

≫ Next: Tressa's Southern Plantation Bridals at Autumn Ridge

≪ Previous: Carter Hulsey Concert Getaway

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Hey everybody!

On Bonnie's fashion/hair/mu/lifestyle blog today (bonniedoesitagain.com), she shared her shoot we recently did in her Arsenic & Lace's "Donut Stop Believing" graphic t-shirt. That means... I can share them too!  This is one of my all-time favorite fashion shoots because it screams color (most fashion stuff out there is so drab and gray... I'm glad we could have lots of pops of color for ours!).


She's a perfect little model. S'cute!

Haha... there was still snow on the ground, y'all! I think poor Bonnie was cold. But.... anything for the shot!

Colorful beanie is from Shopriffraff.com :) For Bonnie's makeup, head to her blog for a smart tip!











Head to Arsenic & Lace for this shirt, and others! I love everything they have, y'all!

Talk to you soon,
Dale