Celebrate Magazine Feature!

February 23, 2016, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Hilton Family Portraits

≪ Previous: Celebrate Magazine Feature: Katie and Ethan

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Hey everybody!

I haven't been able to post a feature in awhile and then I found one yesterday. Well, today Leigh instagrammed this and I didn't know about it either! What a fun surprise! Congratulations to Jake and Leigh :) Celebrate couldn't have featured a sweeter couple.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Hilton Family Portraits

February 24, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Benny Booth: Now Offering On-site Printing!

≪ Previous: Celebrate Magazine Feature!

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Hey everybody!

I've known Wade for more than a decade. He's a photographer himself and I've always been impressed with his eye (he was one of my college photography students). Now, look at his sweet family!  His girls are blessings. :)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Benny Booth: Now Offering On-site Printing!

February 25, 2016, 6:36 pm

≫ Next: Review: Canon 200mm f/2

≪ Previous: Hilton Family Portraits

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Hey everybody!

This is cool... I love shooting in the Benny Booth, and now I'm able to print 4x6s right at the event! For just a little add-on to the wedding packages, I can set up a printer at the reception that prints out pretty much immediately (less than 30 seconds!), allowing wedding guests to have a great souvenir from the event. So fun, right?

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Review: Canon 200mm f/2

February 26, 2016, 6:45 pm

≫ Next: Mallori's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Benny Booth: Now Offering On-site Printing!

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Hey everybody!

I recently had the opportunity to shoot the Canon 200mm f/2 lens and thought I'd post a few thoughts on what I liked and didn't like about the lens...

First off, I LOVE the hokeh of the lens.  The background melts away into pretty much nothing.  Second, it's much lighter than the previous f1.8 version and I can even hand hold it for the entire portrait session (see an image below shot with the lens). The downside is obviously price and it's difficult to fit in my shootsac (I turned it upside down and it fit in, but I was sweating the entire time that it would fall out).  Overall, I really want to buy this lens and add it to my repertoire. For low-light ceremonies in Catholic church, it would be my saving grace (pun intended). Haha!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Mallori's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

February 27, 2016, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: Mallori's Bridal Portraits, part 2

≪ Previous: Review: Canon 200mm f/2

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Hey everybody!

I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but Mallori is absolutely one of the kindest Benny Brides of all-time. We're in Dallas photographing her wedding with Zach (also kind!) so I'm excited that I finally get to share these bridal portraits with y'all!  We photographed these bridal portraits at Pratt Place Inn in Fayetteville.





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Mallori's Bridal Portraits, part 2

February 28, 2016, 9:43 pm

≫ Next: Wedding at Chapel at Ana Villa Details

≪ Previous: Mallori's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

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Hey everybody!

I've got more of this DARLING Benny Bride today! I just got home from her Dallas wedding and will be working on those images tomorrow and sharing them soon. In the meantime, check out these bridal portraits we took at Pratt Place in Fayetteville.





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Wedding at Chapel at Ana Villa Details

March 1, 2016, 1:44 pm

≫ Next: Chapel at Ana Villa Wedding of Mallori and Zach

≪ Previous: Mallori's Bridal Portraits, part 2

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Hey everybody!

I have such a stunning wedding to share with y'all over the next few days. The mother of the bride created such a masterpiece vision and with the help of Todd Events in Dallas, the Chapel at Ana Villa was transformed into a floral wedding wonderland. Here are some of my favorite floral details. In-Cred-Ible!

asdfsaf



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Chapel at Ana Villa Wedding of Mallori and Zach

March 1, 2016, 3:26 pm

≫ Next: Ana Villa Reception in Dallas for Mallori and Zach

≪ Previous: Wedding at Chapel at Ana Villa Details

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Hey everybody!

I hope you got to see those incredible floral wedding details yesterday from my recent wedding at the Chapel at Ana Villa in Dallas! If not click that link above to see some jaw-dropping details that made Mallori and Zach's wedding so special.

Here'a s little peek at what that post looks like:


For today, I want to share their getting-ready and ceremony images with you. Mallori of course is a stunner and needs nothing to look absolutely stunning, but her hair and makeup was beautiful. I love this shot Bonnie got of her getting airbrushed with her bridesmaids looking on.  So sweet.

And this won't all be a Bonnie-shot post but these images of Mal being dressed by her mom are pretty much perfect.

Here was my view of MOH Ally putting on Mal's shoes. The Chapel at Ana Villa bridal suite is bomb.

We got a lot of great first look shots (the groom was emotional - I love that!) but this one was just so perfect as the two finally came together and hugged.

Then Mallori and Zach exchanged letters, but of course Zach couldn't even finish his without starting to cry.  I love how happy that made Mallori.

After the first meeting, the bride and groom went back to their respective wedding parties to spend some time in prayer.  I just adore this shot Bonnie got of the girls with their hands on the bride. So sweet!

Cutest wedding kiddos ever?  yeah, probs.  I know ring bearer Beck because he is the son of Benny Bride and one of my other 2nd shooters... Chelsey!  It was so wonderful to get to hang out with her and Josh at the wedding.  They're such a special couple and I'm so proud of them and of this sweet boy they're raising.

Mallori's dad made me laugh about 50 times on the wedding day.  He's a goofball with a big heart, as you can see here in his eyes as he walks Mallori down the aisle to Zach.

And just about the same shot from behind... aren't those floral arrangements to die for?

Haha... I spy me on the side, but I love this overview shot of the ceremony venue.  The Chapel at Ana Villa is a dream venue.

I love so much when couples spend time with the Lord during the ceremony. This communion was such a sweet moment.

And then... they were married!

Let me end with this.  I don't typically do a lot of bridesmaids and family photos, but these girls are just so stinkin' precious.  They were so warm and loving, and served the bride so well all day.  #squadgoals

Come back tomorrow for some fun dancing and partying at the reception!


Talk to you soon,
Dale

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Ana Villa Reception in Dallas for Mallori and Zach

March 2, 2016, 6:21 pm

≫ Next: Ana Villa Chapel Wedding Portraits

≪ Previous: Chapel at Ana Villa Wedding of Mallori and Zach

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Hey everybody!

I last left you with a ceremony kiss that sealed vows for Mallori and Zach. Wasn't that a gorgeous ceremony? The Chapel at Ana Villa is a dream, and it has a reception venue attached! M+Z hosted their reception with about a million flowers, and the coolest Benny Booth backdrop of all time (stay tuned for that!). Let's continue with our story.

Gorgeous cake, gorgeous couple, and gorgeous lighting. Photographers: Bonnie shot this holding the ice light for a perfectly exposed image that balanced a subtle background light for this cake cutting shot. Yummy.

And how sweet is this kiss with their toasting glasses.  Also, these two cake cutting shots required literally no photoshop.  Perfect exposures and beautiful couples sure cut down my editing time!

I love this laugh during the toasts. Totally sweet (even if you know the best man is hitting on the bride... hahaha!)

For the first dance shot, I wanted to showcase not only the couple, but this gorgeous venue.  The gobo lighting was a show stopper.

Let me give a shout out to my main man, father of the bride, who showed all us gentlemen in the crowd how it's done. Well played, sir. One of the best daddy/daughter dances I've seen.

Kappa time.  This group of girls is so sweet and gorgeous and fun.  We had a blast all night!

Another Bonnie shot... I was impressed with how well these reception images turned out (not the easiest thing when you are shooting in my particular style... but she nailed it).  Mallori is priceless.

Haha... not sure what's going on in this shot, but felt a burning deep in my soul to include it.

Let's pick up the groom and toss him in the air.  Why not! These kids know how to have a great time.

Bonnie's send off shot was pretty rockin'...

...and here's mine.  Sweet reactions. The snow send off was fun because it was 70 degrees in Dallas. In February, well, you never know!

And then Bonnie captured this excitement.  I've laughed at this image every single time I've seen it.  Zach is something else.  Good luck Mal... ;)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ana Villa Chapel Wedding Portraits

March 3, 2016, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Most Amazing Photo Booth Backdrop... EVER.

≪ Previous: Ana Villa Reception in Dallas for Mallori and Zach

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Hey everybody!

Wedding portraits are something I'm super proud to be able to create in 1) short amount of time and 2) places that don't even have to be picturesque.  Fortunately for me, the Chapel at Ana Villa is absolutely GORGEOUS.  Unfortunately for me, the wedding day was running behind schedule and the planner cut our portrait time short (erg!).  I'm so proud of these portraits given that huge constraint, and I'm thankful for Mallori and Zach who spent that short amount of time we had together focused all on each other.  It sure makes my task easier. :)  Here are some of my favorite wedding portraits:

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Most Amazing Photo Booth Backdrop... EVER.

March 4, 2016, 6:29 pm

≫ Next: Story Behind the Shot: Mallori's Bridal

≪ Previous: Ana Villa Chapel Wedding Portraits

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Hey everybody!
When I asked Mal and Zach what backdrop they wanted for their Benny Booth, she answered that she had her own thing in mind.  I walked into the reception to a WALL OF FLOWERS!  What?!  Are you joking?  Coolest Benny Booth ever.  Props to Bonnie for getting everyone involved and enjoying the booth while I worked the reception.  I just love these!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Story Behind the Shot: Mallori's Bridal

March 5, 2016, 12:38 pm

≫ Next: Sunday Superthoughts: On Humility

≪ Previous: Most Amazing Photo Booth Backdrop... EVER.

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Hey everybody!

A lot of times I get emails from photographers about how I get this shot or that shot and I'm always happy to reply with a quick explanation, but today I'm going to share something slightly different.  Today I want to share with you the story behind the shot - not a technical camera setting or anything... just how this shot came to be.

Photographers: shooting weddings is an honor and a privilege. I take every single wedding and shoot it with passion, and every moment of the date I try to utilize.  When things don't run as scheduled any people are just standing around, I use that time to create.  I hope you read this and feel inspired to do the same.

The shot below is maybe my favorite artistic portrait from Mallori's wedding.  We shot it because we were waiting on the bridal bouquet to start the wedding party photos, and since every one was just standing around, I took the opportunity to create something special.  The aisle had a really gorgeous floral arch in front of the glass-backed chapel... instead of shooting head on (like I did for the traditional wedding portraits), I changed my perspective by moving to the side and standing on a chair to raise myself up slightly.  I used the window light (read all about using tricks like window like in The 5 Minute Fix), exposed for the shadows, and hid the fact that she didn't have a bouquet.

What I ended up with is the gorgeous portrait of the bride that would have never been taken if I just waited around like everybody else on that stinking bouquet. (the bouquet, by the way, was worth the wait!)

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sunday Superthoughts: On Humility

March 6, 2016, 2:27 pm

≫ Next: Glow Release Concert: Madison Watkins (you just HAFTA go!)

≪ Previous: Story Behind the Shot: Mallori's Bridal

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Hey everybody!

I'm a huge C.S. Lewis fan, and his way of using words to communicate concepts. This quote is something I've been mulling over in my head and just love and love and love.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” 
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity


In life I was taught (wrongly) about building myself up and if you want something great, you go out and you make it happen.  The thing is, there is nothing I can do to be successful in life that doesn't come from God. I've pat myself on the back so many times for building a business that I'm proud of, and I need to remember that it is because of God, not me, that my business is anything. I'm grateful, obviously, and feel so honored that He gave me a gift that I am able to use to help Him create (if only a little piece of the huge puzzle) beautiful marriages.

I've been reading a book called The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim Keller (who is a pastor, so the book is biblically based) and it has so many great insights (the above quote included). I've literally written pages upon pages of notes from it, specifically what I am going to need to do to be the spiritual leader my wife will need me to be. Y'all, if you're engaged or newly married, I SO encourage you to read this book!

I didn't mean for this post to turn into a book referral, but it flowed into that. I do recommend it, but I just wanted to put out there that I'm thankful to see this business thrive, knowing that I'm using a gift the Lord gave me. I want to be the person who thinks of myself less often and realize more that He is the reason we are anything good.


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Glow Release Concert: Madison Watkins (you just HAFTA go!)

March 7, 2016, 3:50 pm

≫ Next: Shoot Your Kids Workshop Announcement

≪ Previous: Sunday Superthoughts: On Humility

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Hey everybody!

You might remember a post I did for my friend Madison Watkins awhile back where we ran over to the Tulsa State Fair to shoot.  Well, the time has come for her to release her new album, Glow, and she's putting on a concert at George's Majestic Lounge.  If you wanna be part of the action and celebration (and wanna have the BESSSSST time!), clear you calendar for this Thursday, March 10 and come see our girl! I'd love to take credit for the picture below (which I did shoot), but the real credit goes to Madison for being fabulous, Bonnie for rocking the hair and makeup, and Courtney for assisting with the lighting. All I ended up having to do was pushy a silly button on my camera.







Talk to you soon,
Dale

Shoot Your Kids Workshop Announcement

March 8, 2016, 3:40 pm

≫ Next: Shoot Your Kids Workshop: SOLD OUT :)

≪ Previous: Glow Release Concert: Madison Watkins (you just HAFTA go!)

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Hey everybody!

I'm back at it with another shoot your kids workshop!  The fun and laid back workshop will give you the tools you need to take better pictures from whatever camera you want to bring to the workshop, and will teach you how to use that camera!  You don't need a fancy camera, but of course they are welcome!

This workshop will last from noon-3pm on Saturday, March 26th, and is $75 - space is limited to keep the class size small (that way I can make sure each attendee will leave with a brain full of fun tricks and tips!). We will learn about composition, lighting tips and tricks, and how to set the camera, which some time to practice and play with your new knowledge.

The details for the workshop are:
Saturday March 26, 2016
Noon-3pm
located in Fayetteville

To sign up, email me here: dale@benfieldphotography.com - I'll update this post when the spots sell out.


Talk to you soon,
Dale


P.S. Some FAQ's I normally get, answered: no, you don't have to have kids (fur babies count!); no, you don't have to have a fancy camera; no, you don't have to know how to turn your camera on; yes, you can buy these for a friend. :)


P.P.S. Here's some feedback from past attendees:

"Dale, your workshop was so much fun!!! You're really funny, too. It was nice to be among other photographers while listening to you share a lot of cool stuff with us. I came home and played on my photoshop and was actually able to do one of the tips you shared & looking forward to tying the other tips-thanks! Can't wait to receive those actions I purchased. The food was awesome, thanks Mere! 
Sincerely,
Fran"

"Had SO much fun at the workshop! I cannot wait to shoot some cheerleading pics this afternoon and edit them! Before the class I was scared to use Photoshop Elements... now, I'm excited about it! Thanks for making it a great experience! I cannot wait for the next class!" - Tiffany

"I just wanted to send a quick note thanking you for the AMAZING workshop on Saturday. My husband kept asking me how it went and I just kept saying, “my mind is officially blown!” Not only did I have SO much fun, but I still can’t get over how much I learned. I’ve been using my camera for about 9 months and learned more about the functions and capabilities of my camera in your one-day workshop than I EVER would have been able to figure out on my own. I left on Saturday with a whole new appreciation for photography as well as a desire to keep learning. I HOPE HOPE HOPE you’ll decide to do more workshops like this…..consider me signed up!" - Laura

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Shoot Your Kids Workshop: SOLD OUT :)

March 9, 2016, 7:00 pm

≫ Next: Sneak Peek: Madison's Release Party

≪ Previous: Shoot Your Kids Workshop Announcement

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Hey everybody!


Once again I'm humbled and so thankful that y'all support me the way you do.  The workshop has filled up and I'm gearing up for some fun! I'll be practicing my "teacher voice" over the next 10 days or so. Haha!

If you sent me an email by 2pm on Wednesday, you should have received an email of acceptance - if you didn't get it, let me know asap so I can get you in to the class!




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sneak Peek: Madison's Release Party

March 10, 2016, 9:38 pm

≫ Next: Madison Watkins' Album Release Concert at George's Majestic Lounge

≪ Previous: Shoot Your Kids Workshop: SOLD OUT :)

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Hey everybody!

I had the unique honor tonight of photographing Madison Watkins' album release concert at George's.  I'll have a full post about this incredible night for one of my sweetest friends on the blog very soon, but let me leave you with this fun picture of the two of us taken before her show...

Madison, you are such an inspiration.  Period.  So proud of you.


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Madison Watkins' Album Release Concert at George's Majestic Lounge

March 11, 2016, 5:10 pm

≫ Next: Casey's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

≪ Previous: Sneak Peek: Madison's Release Party

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Hey everybody!

Oh what I night one of my sweetest friends had last night! Madison straight up killed it with her performance at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. This was her EP Album release performance and I could not be more proud of her.  Here are my favorite shots from her performance.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Casey's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

March 12, 2016, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Sunday Superthoughts: Power of a Praying Couple

≪ Previous: Madison Watkins' Album Release Concert at George's Majestic Lounge

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Hey everybody!

I'm at Big Cedar today photographing Cody and Casey's wedding - I love it here! I get to finally show off some of her precious bridal portraits we shot in Fayetteville a few weeks ago.  Stay tuned for images from her wedding coming soon!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sunday Superthoughts: Power of a Praying Couple

March 13, 2016, 3:46 pm

≫ Next: Sneak Peek from Big Cedar Wedding: Casey and Cody

≪ Previous: Casey's Fayetteville Bridal Portraits

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Hey everybody!

Growing up, I didn't have a ton of good influences. I had people who loved me, teachers who cared for me, and friends who wanted to spend time with me, but when it came a prayerful, Godly influence... well, I just didn't have that. I don't mean to get too personal, so I won't go into details, but it was on my own shoulders to figure out some of the major things in life.

Like everyone else, I'm not perfect. Not even close. And I've failed miserably at times. I've been married twice and (as of last year) neither have worked out. As someone who is surrounded by marriage + love + weddings for a living, you'd think I would clue in a little bit better. Well, I've begun to! I talked last week about the book I've been reading, The Meaning of Marriage, by Timothy Keller. In the book he breaks down (biblically) what the vows we repeat mean, and explains how truly significant the words we speak on our wedding day are. I have to admit that I didn't see the true meaning of SERVING a spouse until I read these pages. And I have to admit (and hate to admit) that even though I believe in Jesus, that he died for me, and that he rose and conquered death... I did a pretty lousy job of initiating prayer in my past relationships. I did a bad job of going to the Word when I was faced with life's choices.

I'm thankful that God has led me to this place in life (this HARD place!) where He is showing me how to rely on Him, showing me how to make Him the focus and center of my relationships, and I'm thankful He has put friends in my life that I pray with now. Though I know it'll probably be awhile before I have the opportunity to pray with my future wife, I look forward to building a relationship with her having the Lord be in the center. And if I never get that opportunity, I'm thankful at least that I have my friends who also love Jesus, who have shown me grace and forgiveness, and have provided me with some good spiritual influence we all could use more of.



I love this shot of Maggie and Kevin, who embody the blog text today. They are a couple who practice grace and prayer and believe in the Lord as the center of relationships, and I am so proud to know them.

Talk to you soon,
Dale