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Beauty in Unexpected Locations

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Hey everybody!

I'm currently out in California for a handful of shoots and tonight was a pretty rad one.  The subject for this shoot is Chanel, who I knew of from Fayetteville, and has been a professional model in L.A. ever since she moved out here three years ago with one of the best, most respected modeling agencies in L.A.: Wilhemena. We are instagram friends and connected recently and I'm so proud of the shoot. I can't wait to share it. As I was driving around scouting locations, I stumbled on this hidden little gem of a scene - sneak peek over there on the right.

I love finding beauty in unexpected places, and I'm thankful that Chanel brought a true down-for-anything vibe with her because those flowers, though they looked pretty, were littered with... well... litter, and smelled like urine.  TMI? Haha maybe, but anything for the shot!  Stay tuned for the final product hitting the blog soon.
Also, if you're in the L.A. or socal area and are looking for a photographer, reach out to me: dalebenfield@gmail.com




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Happy Anniversary Ashley and Rory

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Hey everybody!

Today is the 1st wedding anniversary for one of the most darling couples: Ashley and Rory! The wedding day was so sweet and full of happy tears. My favorite moment is still when Ashley lost it at the first meeting - so precious! (I put a picture from that below). I'm so so so happy for this couple.













Talk to you soon,
Dale

L.A. Model Mercedes Shoot: No Makeup

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Hey everybody!

This shoots is one of my most favorite shoots I've done in a long time! Mercedes is one of my new Los Angeles friends and she's currently seeking a modeling agency in L.A. (she is signed in Scotland... you should hear her accent!), and she said she needed a shoot done where she was wearing no makeup.  How cool is that? (you're going to see more on my blog about no makeup soon - shameless teaser).  Isn't she gorgeous?





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Fun Personal Project: Bond Video

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Hey everybody!

I've never thought of myself as a videographer (though I did fill in for my videographer friend shoot a wedding once), but I recently volunteered for a job shooting a couple movie scenes. Some of my friends used a simple script and we went out to a fun location in Palm Springs to shoot. I got to play around with my camera (I didn't bring an external mic this time), which shoots HD video. While we started shooting, the bugs started buzzing, so this sound from in the camera is pretty awful... I know... but it's better than the iPhones they were gonna use. Haha! It was a fun little shoot with some cool angles I got to play with and my friends loved watching it. Have a look:






Talk to you soon,
Dale

Create.

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Hey everybody!

The other night I was at a networking event and there was a stamp-bracelet maker there and his slogan was "what's your one word?" One of the friends I went with chose the word, "create" (we had tossed around things like, "inspire" "grace" "love" and "perseverance"). What a great word "create" is, whether you're an artist, a chef, an actor, a mother, or whatever. Putting something into the world that wasn't there before... what a gift.

As a photographer, I often forget that I have a unique gift from God to create via personal projects. I spend most of my days creating for clients: capturing memories and creating art. However, when it comes to creating for myself, it often slips my mind. I don't know that that was always the case, especially when I first started in this profession.

Here's an image I created recently (you'll see a shoot I did at the same location on the blog soon), and I just have to say... I'm thankful for the ability to create.





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Chanel Wilhemena Model Test Shoot

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Hey everybody!

It's really fun working with models, who are already so good a posing. It lets me focus on finding good light and locations. Chanel is a fabulous model, originally from Arkansas and now with Wilhemena LA for the past three years. We recently collaborated on a test shoot - letting me play with locations - and I loved what we shot. I have a few different looks that I'll be sharing before it's all said and done, but this is the first one. Literally right from the start we had good model/photog chemistry. She was fun to shoot, and we were able to get some great stuff. Here's the first look in this series...





Talk to you soon,
Dale

New Logo: New Feel

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Hey everybody!

I've been working with my buddy Scott from Big Bay Co on a new logo and he has sent me his little masterpiece that I'm obsessed with.  I'll share more, and you'll see a LOT more of this in the future, but look how cool:



I think it's important to NOT change your logo very often... they always say "you'll know when you need to rebrand or refresh" and it's so true. I've kept my current logo for ten years and I finally knew that I needed an update. What do you think?



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sunday Superthoughts: On Permission

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Hey everybody!

Permission is a special thing. It's a unique thing... what else is like it? How'd they even come up with what to call such an abstract concept of allowing another to do/say/be something?

I remember the first time I held a girl's hand in a movie theatre.  That rush of excitement, palms sweaty (for someone who never gets sweaty palms, this was a surprise), heart beating out of my chest for fear of rejection. Rejection: another special thing (not in a good way, clearly... but special nonetheless). The fear... the despair of not being allowed to do/say/be something. Holding her hand was a way for her to give me permission. She made me feel worthy. I'll always remember the effect that her permission had on me.

The concept of permission has been huge in my life lately. Being denied permission puts me immediately on the defensive, or on self-preservation. I've found myself in that place a couple times this year. I've been faced with hard moments, which I hope to use for growth. Being granted permission, on the other hand, can give that feeling of total exhilaration, or even just like you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Today in church, my pastor mentioned the word permission (I had already started writing this blog post mid-week) so my ears perked up and I scribbled down a paraphrase of what he said next: we don't give God permission to work greatness in our lives because we are blocking His grace and goodness.  <<<I'm guilty of this.

We too often give people permission to treat us ways that are unhealthy, unproductive, or destructive. We give permission to make us feel a particular way... break us down. Why? Do we feel we deserve it, maybe subconsciously?

Or sometimes we deny people to treat us ways that are healthy, productive, or constructive.  We deny permission to make us feel a certain way... build us up.  Why? Do we feel we deserve it, maybe subconsciously?

Maybe today I'm going to take away permission for those who mistreat me, speak down to me, or hurt me some way. I don't want to allow them to do things as they have done.

Today I'm going to give permission to those who want to build me up and love me. Today I'm going to celebrate those who invest in me and see value in me.  To you... thank you!


Talk to you soon,
Dale


Jordan and Travis's One Year Anniversary

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Hey everybody!

One of my favoritest couples in the whole wide world are celebrating their one year anniversary today! Jordan and Travis are more than clients of mine; I consider them friends. I have the utmost respect for this thoughtful and genuine couple, and I know they are building a beautiful, healthy marriage. Take a stroll down memory lane with me...













Talk to you soon,
Dale

Instagram Stories: Follow Me! :)

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Hey everybody!

Of course you're aware that Instagram launched ig stories recently and while I love my snapchat, I see a lot of value in sharing my day to day life on instagram stories (I'll be using snap for the silly filters and sending quick an easy personal pic/video messages). Tonight Cece and I went to the Washington County Fair and I took this cute quick video of the little baby girl taking in the lights and ambiance of the fair.  Follow me on instagram, friends! @dalebenfield





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Downtown Fayetteville Engagement Portraits: Teaser

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Hey everybody!

Y'all... I love my place downtown because it opens my eyes to shooting locations like this. I have more from this Fayetteville engagement portrait session soon, but for now... look at this darling couple. Which is the better view?



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Wilhelmina Model Chanel Photo Shoot

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Hey everybody!

I'm OBSESSED with this little gem of a location I spotted driving near downtown Los Angeles. Chanel is such a talented model for Wilhelmina, and working with her was pretty much effortless. The contrast in colors here and the contrast of nature and urban completely speaks to me.




Talk to you soon,
Dale

Building Bridges

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Hey everybody!

I'm in San Francisco today and the weather is incredible, so I was able to go out and shoot some images. This shot stood out and the more I was looking at it the more I started thinking about metaphoric bridges.

Just as bridges connect two pieces of land, we create bridges... And are called to do so. Love one another, love our God... And it seems the more bridges I build and maintain, the better my quality of life.

Today I'm feeling thankful for you, and for the bridges that connect us.



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Celebrate Best Wedding Photographer

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Hey everybody!

It just got wind that Celebrate Magazine is conducting their very best contest and they have a wedding photographer category.  That would be such an honor to win!  I'd love for you to cast a vote for Benfield Photography if you felt drawn.

http://celebratearkansas.com/very-best-2016



In case you need extra convincing, here are a few favorite wedding portraits to sway you. :)




















Talk to you soon,
Dale

Sunday Superthoughts: On Being Selfish

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Hey everybody!

I'm pretty good at picking out the main ideas from conversations, from movies, from songs. Today at church one of our pastors said something that forced me to get out my phone and type it:

"The moment you realize it's not about you, you'll be fine."

In his case, he was afraid of public speaking and realized that when the message was more important than his fear, he was able to overcome it. I happened to love that message because, while I think I do a good job of being selfless in certain situations... I make so many things about me.

Problems that pop up in my life would be so much easier to handle if I just remembered to not make it all about me. While I try to take on the problem, my pride gets in the way. Are we all that way? I believe it would be much easier to overcome problems, fears, struggles... if we can make it about others. Can we just work on that? Marriages, jobs, friendships, parenting, relationships, businesses... all these can benefit from adopting this mentality.


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Mercedes Fashion Model Photo Shoot

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Hey everybody!

Mercedes' agent from Colours Agency in Scotland said before she leaves Los Angeles to return home, she NEEDS to do a location shoot in California. Obviously I was happy to take care of that for her! We found an incredible off-the-beaten-path location for our shoot. Mercedes is a really talented model, and made my work quite easy.

I'll share more about Mercedes and this shoot in a few days too, so come back for more!





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Happy Anniversary Amy Duggar and Dillon King

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Hey everybody!

I can't believe it's already been a year since the wedding of Amy Duggar and Dillon King! Two days after my appendectomy, I laced up my fancy shoes and drove to Horton Farms to photograph the nuptials. It was a fun day... okay, and a little stressful. I had to upload on the wedding day to People Magazine's server (shooting a wedding is cause enough for extreme concentration, then add sending pics to one of the biggest magazines in the country adds ten fold).

This morning I sent Amy a text asking her what her favorite memory from the last year has been, and what advice she has for newlyweds. I love her answers below:

We love to travel! But our favorite memory is the one we are making right now: Renovating our whole house together just to 2 of us! It's been alot of work & sleepless nights but we are loving it!

Advice for newlyweds:
A. Don't go to bed angry
B. You can't be selfish, you have to put your spouse before your self and vice versa!😉
C. Argue naked!! Yes, you read that correctly, or at least hold hands during an arguement. One thing is for sure you'll be making up in no time!😉😉




Happy anniversary guys! 😽

Talk to you soon,
Dale

L.A. California Family Portraits: Teaser

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Hey everybody!

It seems I've been able to do a number of shoots in Los Angeles lately, and the latest is a family session for Sarah and Ryan and their 5 month old daughter, Savannah (what a doll!) I've got a fun teaser image that I had to get out as soon as humanly possible because I'm obsessed. Soon, I'll have another blog post from this with some KILLER Benny Backlight (and this light is not too shabby either!)





Talk to you soon,
Dale

Wilhelmina Model Shoot: Chanel, pt 3

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Hey everybody!

Chanel really is a dream little Wilhelmina model. She was open to whatever I wanted to do for the shot. Here, a bunch of petels fell from the surrounding trees and blew into a sort of pile and I asked her to lie down in them. She said yes. Then, when I asked my friends to drop petal on her as I shot, she again went along with it. The results are below and I'm obsessed.





Talk to you soon,
Dale

L.A. Fashion Photography: Cinnamon Candyfloss

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Hey everybody!

My Los Angeles (via Scotland) friend Mercedes is celebrating her birthday today!  I've done a couple shoots with her during her time in L.A. and she's quite the model! And quite the person! I thought I'd do a little interview with her so you can get to know her better. Feel free to follow her on instagram.com/cinnamoncandyfloss

Happy birthday, Mercedes! :)

1. tell me about you in 140 characters or less

I’m tall and ginger. I’ve been told one too many times that I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on.

2. what’s your dream job

Growing up, I wanted to be a plastic surgeon so I could help people who had been in accidents and make them feel beautiful.
That aside, I always wanted to act.

3. who are your inspirations (music/film/tv)

Bruce Springsteen inspires me like no one else, whenever I listen to his music I feel motivated to pursue my dreams.
Audrey Hepburn (maybe this is cliche) but she had fabulous style, an amazing career and was a unicef ambassador.
My ultimate style inspiration in James Goldstein!

4. what has been your favorite LA memory

When I was here at Christmas, I went to LACMA with my friends. The Rain Room exhibition has been sold out since it opened and there’s no chance of getting tickets. We went to the desk just before it closed and the woman told us there had been a cancellation and there was just enough tickets for the 5 of us. It was an incredible experience that I shared with my closest friends. We left feeling blessed, as though someone had been watching over us and us gifted this experience. However, you’re not meant to wear black in it, and i was in black head to toe. I left looking like i’d been swimming in my clothes.

5. what is your advice for someone coming to LA to pursue their dreams

Don’t believe what everyone says they are/do. There’s a lot of phoneys out here, kids.

6. what’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in LA (or your career)

Just because you get told ‘no’ doesn’t mean everyone will. I’ve been told no a lot but I’m not giving up.

7. tell me something fun about you

Number 1 on my bucket list is to go into space! I want to experience anti-gravity.

8. what would be your dream day

When I go to work in Scotland, it's often in a city that I don’t live in. I get the earliest train there and read a book, go to the gym, have breakfast by myself, and go to work. If I have a long break I’ll go to a museum or exhibition (or shopping :P) and go home on the latest train after I finish a show or shoot. They are my favourite days - my job is the dream- so whenever I’m working.

9. what song must I stop everything and go listen to (or book to read, or movie to watch)

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - WRECKING BALL. I use to listen to it walking home from college, everyday without fail. It’s so uplifting and inspiring.

10. what’s your mantra (phrase/saying/quote) by which you live your life, or your favorite quote

‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars’ - Oscar Wilde


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Mercedes has quickly become one of my sweetest friends. She's hilarious, super sweet, and beautiful. Here are more from our shoot for her modeling agency:



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Talk to you soon,
Dale
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