Creative Bride's Wedding Idea + dropitMODERN sale!

Hey everybody!!

Today I wanna let you know how cool our bride from this weekend is. Ashley, who had her ceremony at the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock in the outdoor patio, spruced up the venue with a dropitMODERN backdrop (greydient)!!! How cool is that?!?!

I think it was the perfect touch (especially if you would've seen what was behind the backdrop) and added a great flair to the ceremony that few brides would have thought to do!

Oh yeah... and she's completely gorgeous!

In related news... dropitMODERN is having a sale today only!! They are taking 20% off antlers, crossbars, the camera case, and reflectors. If you were thinking about getting any of these... TODAY IS THE DAY, FRIEND!!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Alda's Magnolia Hill Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

When you pull up to Alda's Magnolia Hill, your jaw drops when you take in the scenery. And then when Alda herself comes out to welcome you (she and I are both huggers!), you feel like you belong there and are family! So... it's no wonder why Brittany and Blake chose the location for their engagement portraits. Seriously... engagement pictures in a canoe out on a pond, a restored old truck, an amazing tree swing... there are so many spots for engagement, bridal, or wedding photos! Have a look at some of my favorites from their engagement session.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Ashley's Crystal Bridges Bridal Portraits

Hey everybody!

When we checked in to Crystal Bridges for Ashley's bridal portraits, the art museum's employee said we were officially the first bridal session to take place at the recently opened venue. I couldn't help to think we were going to be a Trivial Pursuit answer - haha!!

Though it was a lot of climbing and hiking, the work the bride went through for her bridal session totally paid off! The grounds are super gorgeous (and so was Ashley!) and even though they are quite strict about where to place your feet at Crystal Bridges, we were able to capture some fabulous portraits.

Today Ashley gets married in Little Rock and we are so honored to be a part of it! Her wedding images will be on the blog soon!

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Joplin HS Prom Benny Booth

Hey everybody!

I had the great honor to head back to the place where I was both a student and a teacher, Joplin High School, for their prom. As part of the surprise ambush team that madeover the JHS prom, the Benny Booth and I (along with Ellie and Mere) helped make some dreams come true for a fabulous prom for a deserving senior class.

I was lucky to work with some amazing people, but most wonderfully, Jenessa Bailey (of J Bailey Occasions). It was great to see her hardworking team make the design come to life for the pre-determined theme. Check out a fun pick of the team below.

The JHS Junior and Seniors were so fun, and I feel like I had a three hour dance party (yeah... well... I was dancing as much as anyone, and Ellie kept joining me!).

Here are some of my favorites from the Benny Booth...

And of course, a couple Benny Stop Actions...

Talk to you soon, Dale

Iris' 6month Portraits, pt 2

Hey everybody!

I just HAVE to share more images of Iris, the fabulous 6-month-old girl who stole my heart with her gorgeous locks of hair and sweet smile.

She has a million different faces, all of which make my heart melt.

Like this one...

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Punta Cana Underwater Bridal Couple Portraits

Hey everybody!!

I have such an incredible shoot to show you today!  I've been teasing these underwater bridal couple portraits that we photographed in Punta Cana on my instagram and facebook, and now the entire post is ready!

Katya and Rob were such amazing hosts while we were in the Dominican for their wedding, and we were so happy to treat them to an underwater adventure for their couple's portraits.  Katya donned her wedding dress (which is TO DIE FOR, by the way), and we headed off to a fresh water lagoon, underwater housing in hand to dive deep for some sublime and out-of-the-ordinary wedding portraits!

When you're underwater... mostly all you think about is, "DON'T DIE!" which of course is helpful... unless you're taking portraits underwater.  What makes this tough is that while I'm underwater I have to remember f-stops, shutter speeds, isos, focusing, lighting, and of course composition.  What makes it tough for the bride and groom under water is that they have to think, "shoulders back, cheeks puckered, keep the profile, don't cover faces, and so on.

I'm not gonna lie... it's tricky shooting underwater!

But the results we captured are breathtaking.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Let's Get Baby Fever!

Hey everybody!

If you're on Instagram, chances are you've seen this insanely adorable baby with a head of hair that'll make most grown men cry (I know... I've cried). One look at sweet little Iris and something in Mere started itching... yep, the baby itch!

I don't know how many babies will be born because of the cuteness of one, but we in Fayetteville might just have a baby boom since her momma started posting daily pics of the little sweetie.

We recently photographed Iris for her 6mo portraits, and it was so... SO hard not to throw down my camera, pick up the baby, and run away as fast as I can. Somehow, though, I seemed to manage, which is good because I wouldn't fare well in prison. :)

Have a peek at some of my favorites from the session... and try to keep your baby fever at bay.

Talk to you soon,
Dale

Amanda and Ryan's Fayetteville Engagement Portraits

Hey everybody!

It's pretty-light time! I love shooting in April because the weather is so gorgeous and it's warm enough to get some gorgeous light without freezing your toes off! It's also engagement shoot season, which is a perfect duo... just like today's couple! (Was that a cheesy segue or what?!?! Haha!) Ryan and Amanda are as classically sweet as they come! We shot around Fayetteville for their engagements, and I just adore their images!! Have a look!
Oh! I forgot to mention - pay attention to their clothing choices - I think Amanda and Ryan did a really great job choosing clothes that coordinated without being too matchy - and of course Spring loves color! (and so do I!)


If you would have seen where/how I got this next shot... you wouldn't believe it! I'm keeping it a secret, though. ;)







Talk to you soon,
Dale

A Friendly Competition Between My Wife and Me (HELP ME WIN!)

Hey everybody!

Are you competitive? Well, I am. And so is my wife. I obviously love that about her, because it keeps things fun. Our latest competition is a RACE TO 1000 FOLLOWERS on Instagram. Now that Instagram is for Droids, too, I thought I'd put out a blog post to encourage you to follow me (not her!) on Instagram so you can stay in the loop on all the crazy antics I'm up to on a daily... er... hourly basis. :)

Search my username: dalebenfield
DON'T search Mere's username: merebenfield

We haven't set up a prize yet, but if it's good... I'll split it with you! :)

Here are instagram scenes from our recent trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.


Talk to you soon,
Dale

Spring Photo Tips - Featured on MpixPro

Hey everybody!

I've got a fun tip on the MpixPro blog, along with some superstars in the industry, Bree Schaap (owner of dropitMODERN and fab photog) and Laura Winslow (fantastic photographer). Read our tips by clicking the pic below!



Talk to you soon,
Dale

Indian Wedding Portraits of Kat and Sarang

Hey everybody!

I'm finishing out Kat and Sarang's colorful Indian wedding today with some stunning portraits - we literally had FIVE minutes (that's not usual... we typically spend about 30 with the couple on the wedding day for the couple portraits) with them and someone was over our shoulders announcing the time as it ticked away.

Good thing we work fast!!!
We shot right outside the temple and quickly captured some keepers (oh how I love alliteration).






Talk to you soon,
Dale