welcome_pic.jpg

welcome to our blog!

Thanks for stopping by! We're Ben and Amy Starks (that's us in the photo to your left :)).


Our blog serves as our online diary. Here, you will find lots of eye candy, stories about our photography experiences, and other random tidbits about our quirky life together.


Feedback makes us super happy, so feel free to leave some! And if you have a few minutes, check out our site!


(*We switched over from our old blog on 4-10-09. R.I.P. old blog.)

Twitter
64
NYC truly lives up to it's catch phrase. I'm still trying to make up for the z's I missed while I was visiting there this past week. But I'm definitely not complaining - it was so worth the post-travel tiredness.

This was my first time in New York, and I came in with high expectations. Bright lights. Fast pace. Hustle. Bustle. Fashion. Entertainment. Glitz. Glamour. And shopping. Oh. Shopping.

I left feeling energized. Excited. And absolutely fulfilled.

The trip was everything I was expecting, plus some bursts of unexpectedness that made the experience that much more thrilling (for instance, who knew New Yorkers were so nice??)

I'm going to be dedicating an entire Fab/Drab post to my trip (highlighting details), but I couldn't wait to post a few photos. This city is a photographer's mother ship. I felt a reconnection with my passion that was invigorating and much needed.


So it rained. A lot. But that didn't deter the good times. :)

NY_blog1.jpg
Times Square and Radio City Music Hall. Pretty sure these will be gracing the walls of my home.

NY_blog2.jpg
...along with this one. I like it split into 3 frames like this. I'm thinking a canvas print. :) This shot was taken at the Top of the Rock. The view cannot be adequately described in words.

NY_blog4.jpg
A little New York 'love.' <3

NY_blog3.jpg

NY_blog5.jpg

NY_blog6.jpg
And more Central Park. How much would you love for this to be your backyard view? Yes, please.

NY_blog7.jpg
Check back for more New York fun! :)


(9) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Andy:

These are great photographs!

(09.16.09)
Lisa:

Ummmm.... we want more.... please?!??!

(09.16.09)
Bethney :

Ugh, can I just live there please? It's impossible to live in a place like Tavares after going to New York. My life feels way too ordinary.

(09.16.09)
Ben:

I wanna go!!!

(09.16.09)
Kimberly:

These pictures are gorgeous!!!

(09.17.09)
Kristin:

OMG Amy Lee! These are so great!!!!!!!

(09.22.09)
Becka @Studio222 Photography:

Oh my. NYC is my favorite city in the United States. I'd move to the Village in a heartbeat if Nate would be down for it. But he isn't, so I'll have to settle for vacations. Isn't just lovely? The photos are gorgeous!

(09.22.09)
Amy:

@Becka & @Bethney - I feel the EXACT same way. Being there makes me want to reside there permanently!

(09.23.09)
Stefan Brummel:

Wow. I love the "A little New York 'love.'" shot!

(09.27.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: the city that never sleeps. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://starksphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/63
digg del.icio.us technorati
63
ny.jpg

(0) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: out of the office. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://starksphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/62
digg del.icio.us technorati
62

On a totally personal, unrelated note, in three short days I will be boarding a plane and flying across the country. Destination? NEW YORK! It will be my first time in the Big Apple, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm sure my family and close friends couldn't be more thrilled either, because I've been ridiculously obnoxious in the weeks leading up to this trip ('Countdown is at 16 days! In 16 days I will be in New York! YAY!'....'Have I mentioned that I will be in New York in 13 days? 13 days! YAY!'

I wanted to throw out that little piece of info for 2 reasons; one, because this is my blog, and I can be obnoxious if I want to. ;) Two, Starks Photography 'office' will be closed during my absence. All e-mails, messages, and calls will be returned as soon as I get back into Florida (which will be on Tuesday, September 15). I'll be taking my camera (of course), and I can't wait to post an overwhelming "all things New York" blog when I get back!

***

Ashley and Reid were married at Shades of Green in Orlando Florida (Disney area). This was a first time for us shooting at this location, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the whole experience. 

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center, designed exclusively for men and women in the service. Ashley and Reid are both part of the dedicated group of people who protect and serve our country, and Ben and I were so honored to be a part of their big day. The wedding was beautiful, relaxed, and full of emotion. Ashley and Reid have an awesome bunch of family members and friends, and we felt completely comfortable throughout the entire day. 

It was easy to see why Ashley and Reid are so 'right' for each other - they both possess the same down-to-earth attitudes, and easygoing, approachable personalities. I don't know how Ben and I keep scoring these fabulous, laid back clients, but I couldn't be happier with our luck! :)

Enjoy a few from the day...more to come soon!

AR(T)_wedblog2.jpg
Ashley's jewelry was gorrrrrgeous.

AR(T)_wedblog1.jpg
AR(T)_wedblog3.jpg
Ashley and Reid passed through an arch of swords after the ceremony, making for a really unique exit. :)

AR(T)_wedblog4.jpg
AR(T)_wedblog5.jpg
I think this next image says a lot about Ashley and Reid's fun personalities - they could only hold the 'serious' pose for about 5 seconds before breaking into laughter. This is one of my most favorite couple shots ever. :)

AR(T)_wedblog6.jpg
The bling. :)

AR(T)_wedblog7.jpg
This groom's cake topper is made out of rice crispy treats. For real. That's a seriously cool cake.

AR(T)_wedblog8.jpg
First dance love.

AR(T)_wedblog9.jpg
This kid deserves special recognition for his killer moves. He kept the dance floor alive all night.

AR(T)_wedblog10.jpg



(5) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Becka @Studio222 Photography:

Hellooooo super cute grooms cake!

(09.08.09)
Erin Avants:

Awesome pics!!

(09.08.09)
Alexandra:

These are great shots :)

(09.12.09)
Wendy Klingele:

Tears. You both radiate happiness & love!!

(09.17.09)
Brenda Welman:

Delighted to see these beautiful photos...you both look so happy and full of love!

(10.30.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: ashley & reid : sneak peek! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://starksphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/61
digg del.icio.us technorati
61
Not too long ago, I posted 'part 1' of Larissa and Justin's Winter Park engagement session. Well here's round 2 - this couple totally rocked our cameras. :) We can't wait for their wedding at Casa Feliz in 3 weeks!





(0) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: larissa & justin : engaged [part 2] . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://starksphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/60
digg del.icio.us technorati
60
I'm really going to have to stop calling these "sneak peeks" - I can never actually narrow down the images to an appropriate number for that category. I start clicking and compiling and before I know it, I'm making a folder. A folder for what is supposed to be a "sneak peek." Hi my name is Amy and I'm the most indecisive person on the planet.

I suppose that's not such a bad thing though, right? Having a tough time choosing means that there are tons of fabulous photos to select from. :)

I have a lot to say about Annie and Reeves' big day, but I think the surplus of images below should speak for themselves for now. A bigger blog post is on the way very soon with details about this beautiful couple and their absolutely gorgeous wedding celebration in St. Augustine, Florida. :) :

Annie made a ridiculously stunning bride.

AR_Wedblog01.jpg
I lovvvve the expressions from Reeves and Annie's sister-in-law when they see Annie walking down the aisle with her father. :)

AR_Wedblog02.jpg
AR_Wedblog03.jpg
Pretty happy about that new ring on her finger. ;)

AR_Wedblog04.jpg
First kiss as Mr. and Mrs.!

AR_Wedblog05.jpg
Annie and Reeves gave us plenty of time for photos after the ceremony, which made us super happy photographers. :) P.s. I have officially decided that I'm entering into a love affair with St. Augustine. Every corner, street and building is photo-worthy. Be still my heart.

Annie and Reeves just so happen to be outrageously photogenic as well. Awesome scenery + awesome couple = win-win. :)

AR_Wedblog06.jpg
AR_Wedblog07.jpg
Two things: One, that photo on the right is my favorite from the day so far. Two, could Annie be more gorgeous? Seriously.

AR_Wedblog08.jpg
AR_Wedblog09.jpg
Something about this first dance shot completely draws me in. It's dramatic and filled with emotion - I love it.

AR_Wedblog10.jpg
This series was shot towards the end of the night and I think it sums up the whole event perfectly; excitement, love, and happiness. :)

AR_Wedblog11.jpg
A sparkly exit!

AR_Wedblog12.jpg


**More to come soon!**




(3) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend
Heidi Mitchell:

Ummm, the portraits you did of those two are FAB. Nice work :) And she is really gorgeous!

(08.31.09)
Ashley McCormick Photography:

Amy these are beautiful! St. Augustine is so amazing and you total captured their wedding beautifully! I can't wait to see more :)

(08.31.09)
Megan:

that last photo? LEGIT! I love it.

(08.31.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: annie & reeves : sneak peek! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://starksphotography.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/59
digg del.icio.us technorati