Shelton Family Fall Portraits

December 5, 2015, 8:16 pm

≫ Next: Maddie's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

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Hey everybody!

Love love love this family! The Shelton's are the coolest, funniest gang I shoot. And little Liam isn't so little now! And he's stinkin hilarious with the biggest open mouth smile of any sweet kiddo since Cece! Look at these!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Maddie's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

December 6, 2015, 2:28 pm

≫ Next: Maddie Newman's Fayetteville Fall Senior Pictures

≪ Previous: Shelton Family Fall Portraits

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Hey everybody!

I was excited to photograph Maddie's senior pictures in Fayetteville - I photographed her sister Morgan's senior pictures and knew that they were super cool and super laid back. Maddie was just as cool. Just as laid back. The shoot was mega fun. Here are my favorites:




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Maddie Newman's Fayetteville Fall Senior Pictures

December 7, 2015, 12:56 pm

≫ Next: Arsenic and Lace New Line Shoot

≪ Previous: Maddie's Fayetteville Senior Portraits

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Hey everybody!

Maybe my favorite thing this year has been this group of senior friends who all have had me shoot their senior pictures - they're all so fun and have such great style. Plus, they all come to each other's shoots so I get to see them all multiple times. Maddie, who is such a total sweetheart (she even traded her her original date to a friend who had a scheduling conflict pop up!) was a total rockstar. Like seriously... she could be a little model! Check it out...





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Arsenic and Lace New Line Shoot

December 8, 2015, 3:21 pm

≫ Next: Madison Watkins + Tulsa State Fair + Portraits

≪ Previous: Maddie Newman's Fayetteville Fall Senior Pictures

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Hey everybody!

My sweet friend Meg, owner of Arsenic and Lace, has come out with a lot of new, fun shirts! She and I recently collaborated to to photograph the new line with some great little models (including my darling friend, Madison Watkins - she's the coolest). Check out some shirts, and if you wanna buy some, click here (I don't get commission or anything... I am just a big fan!).





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Madison Watkins + Tulsa State Fair + Portraits

December 9, 2015, 9:38 am

≫ Next: Brown Family 2015 Portraits

≪ Previous: Arsenic and Lace New Line Shoot

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Hey everybody!

Madison Watkins hasn't been on the blog since... yesterday. ;)  Blogging those images made me remember that I hadn't blogged the shoot we did in Tulsa at the OK State Fair.  I did the shoot at night and used my favorite little gadget, the Ice Light, to illuminate Madison. Have a look at what it did with the light, and notice how I was able to balance the light on the face with the background light.  Yummy!






Talk to you soon,
Dale

Brown Family 2015 Portraits

December 10, 2015, 7:32 pm

≫ Next: Art Feeds Springdale

≪ Previous: Madison Watkins + Tulsa State Fair + Portraits

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Hey everybody!

One of my favorite little families has a new addition! The Brown family got to bring Camilla home recently and Chelsea asked me to come over and photograph the little beauty! She really was precious... already a great model! Slone was fun and energetic, and the shoot was a success! Have a look...





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Art Feeds Springdale

December 11, 2015, 11:03 am

≫ Next: Ellie's Rudolph Christmas Dance Performance

≪ Previous: Brown Family 2015 Portraits

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Hey everybody!

I'm so fortunate to have had a front row seat to watch Art Feeds grow and grow. From going to Africa with them to now photographing them in my own backyard, it's been such a blessing in my life. Art Feeds is now in Springdale, AR, just a stones throw from me! I'm really excited they've been able to expand into Arkansas and look forward to seeing them change lives here! To give to Art Feeds, click here!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ellie's Rudolph Christmas Dance Performance

December 12, 2015, 10:51 am

≫ Next: 5 Minute Fix: Get it in time for Christmas!

≪ Previous: Art Feeds Springdale

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Hey everybody!

It's no secret: Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I start playing Christmas music way too early, I keep my tv tuned in to lifetime or hallmark channel, and there are recitals of every kind! Ellie had two recitals last week: a dance recital and an orchestra recital. She was great in both! I had Cece with me for the orchestra so I didn't get to photograph or video the performance, but I was able to shoot the dance numbers and wanted to share a couple images and a video with y'all.

Ellie is so stinkin' precious. Can I just leave it at that?




AZ6A0492 from Dale on Vimeo.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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5 Minute Fix: Get it in time for Christmas!

December 13, 2015, 11:28 am

≫ Next: Gift Certificates from Benfield Photography: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

≪ Previous: Ellie's Rudolph Christmas Dance Performance

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Hey everybody!

Ya'll!! You still have time to give 5 Minute Fix as a great Christmas present for that photographer in your life! Love this review from Breanna Schaap from Drop it Modern - XOXO!

"Learning about photography and how to use a camera can be overwhelming to a newbie and frustrating to keep up with for a seasoned photographer. Benfield’s book will take away that sense of urgency and leave you feeling satisfied by seamlessly (with a bit of humor–so it’s a great read!) guiding you through his all-inclusive toolkit of photography “how-tos” that are necessary to establish yourself as a serious player in the game."

–Breanne Schaap, Drop It Modern

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Gift Certificates from Benfield Photography: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

December 14, 2015, 12:21 pm

≫ Next: Photoshop Before & After

≪ Previous: 5 Minute Fix: Get it in time for Christmas!

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Hey everybody!

With just a handful of days left before Christmas, it's time to wrap up that last minute list and I'm here to help!

Portrait session gift certificates are in and they are pretty! :)  I've done them in gold foil this year and come with gold foil lined envelopes. If you're interested in one of these (you don't have to be a current Benfield Photography client!!) email me: dale@benfieldphotography.com - I'm only selling 10, so get yours quick!

Hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Here's a preview of the front of the gift certificate (looks pretty fancy, yeah?)





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Photoshop Before & After

December 15, 2015, 5:30 pm

≫ Next: Kate & Co // Featured Wedding Vendor

≪ Previous: Gift Certificates from Benfield Photography: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

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Hey everybody!

I never do these, but I am pretty proud of this before & after I did in Photoshop. Chelsea had said she wanted "just one" image where Slone was holding his baby sister. I told her I got a cute one but she had her pacifier in her mouth (I like to start with pacifiers if necessary to keep the baby asleep, get all set up, and then pull it - this original was from my "get all set up" phase).  She didn't know I was going to head back to the computer and try to work a little photoshop magic.  Check out the end result. :) Yay for photoshop!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Kate & Co // Featured Wedding Vendor

December 16, 2015, 8:05 am

≫ Next: 6 spots left for 2016!

≪ Previous: Photoshop Before & After

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Hey everybody!

I've had the privilege of working with some amazing and talented wedding vendors in NW Arkansas. Recently a new vendor came to town and I jumped at the chance to work with them. Kate & Co is a super successful wedding designer and coordinator from St. Louis who has recently expanded to NWA. Elizabeth, the planner and designer for the shoot below, came back to NWA from STL to head up this branch, and I'm so happy she's here! She killed it on this styled wedding at Sassafras Springs Vineyard.
If you're one of our brides looking for someone to design or plan or coordinate your wedding, add them to your list!
















Talk to you soon,
Dale

6 spots left for 2016!

December 17, 2015, 7:17 pm

≫ Next: 8th Annual Benny Awards Save the Date!

≪ Previous: Kate & Co // Featured Wedding Vendor

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Hey everybody!

If you're newly engaged, or about to be engaged, it's time to start that planning!  I currently only have 6 spots left for 2016 (if you follow me on instagram, I posted this last night).  This morning I woke up to a few panicking brides.  Don't worry, but don't wait!

Email me: dale@benfieldphotography.com

Thank you all for another great year! I'm so pumped for 2016! XOXO!


Talk to you soon,
Dale

8th Annual Benny Awards Save the Date!

December 17, 2015, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Photographers: Two Helpful Articles Posted

≪ Previous: 6 spots left for 2016!

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Hey everybody!

This post is for 2015-2016 Benny Brides! YAY! Mark your calendar for the 8th annual Benny Awards! The nominees are coming soon, so stay tuned for that, and start working on your vote strategy because the prizes this year are going to be FANTASTIC!

The date: Friday, January 29, 2016! Bring your beau, or if he can't make it, bring a bridesmaid or MOH! I'll be sending out the official invites soon enough, but I wanted to make sure you marked it on your calendar - you won't wanna miss it!

I love this shot from last year (retrotender will be there again to get us all feeling good!) And my friends at Kate & Co. will be making it look all pretty! Woohoooo!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Photographers: Two Helpful Articles Posted

December 19, 2015, 12:41 pm

≫ Next: Happy Christmas Week!

≪ Previous: 8th Annual Benny Awards Save the Date!

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Hey everybody!

When my book, 5 Minute Fix, came out, my publisher asked me to write a couple bonus tips for their blog that have to do with the holiday season.  Now they're live!  If you're a photographer looking for ways to be profitable in the winter months, this is a great couple of stories!

5 Tips to Maximize Profits for Your Wedding Photography Business During the Holidays


5 Pro Photography Tips to Help Families Look their Best During the Holidays
http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=2465603







Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Happy Christmas Week!

December 20, 2015, 9:01 pm

≫ Next: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Details for Jenny Kate and Eric

≪ Previous: Photographers: Two Helpful Articles Posted

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Hey everybody!

It's Sunday, and officially the week of Christmas. I've been listening to Christmas music since Halloween (maybe a few days before... don't judge) and I have to admit that I'm a tad sad that Christmas is almost over. Speaking of Christmas music, I have a Spotify playlist of some of my favorite songs of the season for this year - I'll list a some favorites below:

Home for Christmas - Maria Mena
I'll be Home - Meghan Trainor
Silent Night - Pentatonix
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Sam Smith (but also Christina Aguilera's version, and also James Taylor's version) <<< probably my favorite Christmas song this year (more on that below)
Snow Globe - Matt Wertz
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Colin & Caroline

I've been doing my fair share of movie watching too, as I do every November and December (even when I am editing images, you can find them on in the background).  As a Lifetime and Hallmark addict, I of course have been watching all those, but this year I also got turned on a to a few of the classics that I've never seen before: White Christmas, Four Christmases, The Family Stone, etc. And rewatched other classics (well, I call them classics because they are to me): Home Alone, The Holiday, and Elf. Christmas movies, while always try to force me to cry in some way (hey, it's an emotional time of year), always uplift me and make my spirit bright.

This year has been a crazy one. Well every year is a little crazy, isn't it?  But those of you who know me know what I'm talking about.  We all have crazy things happen - good things, blessings, bad things, but that brings me back to my favorite song of the season.  In "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - there is a line that is so hopeful to me: "next year all our troubles will be miles away." The things that are bothering us right now will be history by next Christmas, which of course is all the more reason to be excited for Christmas 2016 already. Don't get me wrong... I'm not wishing away this Christmas.  I can't wait to see Ellie and Cece's faces on Christmas Day.

Wow, I haven't rambled like this on the blog in some time! Haha! How does this Christmas season have you feeling?


A few years ago I posted an arrangement on the blog that I wrote of Christmas carols set to Canon in D - I just remembered it and want to share it again with y'all!  I'm thankful my mom made me take all those piano lessons!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Magnolia Gardens Wedding Details for Jenny Kate and Eric

December 21, 2015, 3:13 pm

≫ Next: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Story of Jenny Kate and Eric

≪ Previous: Happy Christmas Week!

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Hey everybody!

I'm wrapping up the last wedding of 2015 on the blog this week and it couldn't be of a NICER, more PERFECT couple!  Jenny Kate and Eric are everything we all should hope to have in a marriage.  First off, they both love the Lord! Eric and Jenny Kate both are part instrumental at Cross Church (Eric proposed to JK right on stage during church!). They love each other fiercely and if you follow JK on snapchat you know that they are both total goofballs! Well, I'm so happy for them and wish them a lifetime of happiness, closeness with Jesus, and lots of babies. :)  Here are some details from their beautiful wedding at Magnolia Gardens:





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Magnolia Gardens Wedding Story of Jenny Kate and Eric

December 22, 2015, 4:06 pm

≫ Next: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Portraits of Jenny Kate and Eric

≪ Previous: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Details for Jenny Kate and Eric

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Hey everybody!

Get ready for some sweet moments, gorgeous location, an stunning fall leaves. Magnolia Gardens has some of the prettiest trees I've ever seen, and made a stunning backdrop for Jenny Kate and Eric to marry one another. Here's their story in pictures...


I love this shot of my dude waiting to see his bride for the first time.

He was ALLLL SMILES!

They wrote each other letters. I'm guessing Eric did a good job. ;)

More of that fabulous wedding party, with the cutest flower girl (I'm biased, obvi)



My precious babe...

I love this pic... and the longer you stare at it... BAM! You notice Toby, Eric's brother, and his reaction to the kiss. Haha!







Such a fun party celebrating a beautiful couple!



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Magnolia Gardens Wedding Portraits of Jenny Kate and Eric

December 23, 2015, 2:06 pm

≫ Next: Merry Christmas Eve!

≪ Previous: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Story of Jenny Kate and Eric

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Hey everybody!

Oh what a great way to finish the real wedding posts of 2016! Jenny Kate is a beautiful and lovely bride, and her man Eric is as cool as they come. We shot a few Fall wedding portraits of the couple at Magnolia Garden before their wedding ceremony there and I'm just dying over the colors! Take a look!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Merry Christmas Eve!

December 24, 2015, 3:43 pm

≫ Next: My Christmas Gift

≪ Previous: Magnolia Gardens Wedding Portraits of Jenny Kate and Eric

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Hey everybody!

Merry Christmas Eve! This is a crazy Christmas Eve for me... a crazy year, no doubt. God is awesome and in control and y'all... I have no idea what's in store for me! While that comes with some mixed emotions, I'm so thankful to be blessed with some truly great, caring friends and family members. I'm blessed to have two amazing daughters, both completely unique and wonderful. I'm blessed to have a thriving business and a promising 2016. I'm blessed to have good health.

Praise Jesus!

With all my mixed emotions of this crazy time, I am encouraged to go to scripture to find comfort.  This verse is kind of perfect for me right now (and for Christmas):
"The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:26-7

That's good stuff for the soul, y'all! I'm thankful that God sent Jesus to earth to teach us, and I'm thankful for His peace. I hope you all have a Blessed Christmas!





Talk to you soon,
Dale