Reyna Murrell

These past few weeks I've honestly seen my work as a photographer progressively improve. 

I'm always working to hone my craft, but it's nice to see a defined difference. Click this link to see the first photoshoot I posted when my blog began. My work and presentation has matured along with my philosophy behind shooting.

I must admit, I really wanted to work with Reyna because of her fluid nature. I've known her since freshmen year and the best way to describe her perception of life is spontaneous and there. She's an "in the moment" individual willing herself to be as she is. She's never one to complain or let everyday necessities unravel her person. She doesn't walk into a room. She floats and I love that.   

I wanted honesty and natural life. There are a myriad of categories for the perception of beauty, but I have a powerful preference for direct aesthetic. No need for eye-liner, blush, foundation, or lipstick. Just you. 


Reyna gave me exactly that. 

To see more from the set check out the Photo Gallery on QTL's Flickr.

Stephanie Jones

School is starting back up soon and I can feel the weight of another year looming over me. I decided to take a lighter load this semester to off-set the amount of projects I'll be working on.

Fellow photographer, Kevyn Bryant, has been adamant about me taking out the time to appreciate the philosophy behind being a strobist.

     Strobist - A person who habitually usues small, hot-shoe mountable electronic flashguns (or speedlights), off-camera to enhance the lighting quality of his or her photos. Anyone who attempts to generate professional quality photographs by using portable, lightweight and (relatively) inexpensive lighting equipment, creatively.

This is a quick explanation behind what it means to be a strobist, but it's best summarized through the photographic quality of a picture. There is a point as a photographer your camera, on-camera flash, and natural light will suffice. As a photographer, your ability to grow will be determined by your willingness to venture outside your comfort zone, critique your own work, and buy gear which will allow you to shoot beyond the capabilities of your camera.

This is where Stephanie comes into the story. We've talked about shooting together for nearly a year. Unfotunately, one incident after another kept us from doing so. I honestly thought fate was toying with my portfolio.

Surprisingly, fate was only prolonging the date till I was ready to bring the best out in her.

I can honestly see my growth as a photographer and I'm beyond ecstatic about this. A big thank you is in order for Stephanie for being so patient as I put these together.

To see the rest of photos with Stephanie click HERE. To learn more about Stephanie you can find her on TUMBLR. I'm on twitter now as well! Follow me HERE @XLNB as well as my photography account HERE @QueTheLights. Finally, be sure to check out the newest with Que The Lights on our FAN PAGE and TUMBLR.

Little Jailyn

Now that everything has substantially calmed down I'm back to work mode.

In the past week I've worked as a Technical Director for the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, finished up two photo-sessions, went on air at WVUA TV for another feature interview (which you can check out here),  finished up shooting interviews as the DP (Director of Photography) for an upcoming documentary on the aftermath of the Tuscaloosa Tornado, and I recorded two Public Service Announcements for the Mayor of Tuscaloosa.

It's been a lot, but today I want to share a photoshoot I did before I even went to California. I've done child photography before, but it's always been a personal endeavor. A month ago I was asked by a client to catch moments of her only son, Jailyn. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. This marked my first time working with a child outside of my family as well as my first shoot with my own off-camera flash gear.

It wasn't an easy shoot either. Jailyn definitely taught me patience is absolutely key when dealing with infants. You can't tell them to sit still for a long period of time or expect them to understand the kind of creative direction you'd give an adult.

You just have to capture the moments they give you! I was suppose to shoot him outside, but a storm hit Montgomery, AL as soon as my client arrived. We decided to improvise and take Jailyn back to her friend's house and set up shop there.

To check out more of Jailyn's pictures click HERE.