Florida Wedding Photography Made Simple

It was a busy few days. 

In the previous post, you saw a preview or Ryan and Julia Roeling’s wedding photographs from Saturday night. 

 On Friday, I had the pleasure of photographing the preparations, ceremony and reception for Lindsey Smith and Adam Johnson.  And, it was a pleasure even though it was the largest, most detail-oriented and specific wedding shoot I’ve had in a very long time.  Adam and Lindsey even insisted I bring a second photographer to the shoot, which is something I’ve always resisted.

  Why?

  The standards I set for photographs that are delivered to the couple are incredibly high.  I didn’t think I could find anyone who had the same  photojournalistic backround and experience and was willing to shoot a wedding.  For various reasons, many true photojournalists won’t photograph weddings. 

   I reached out to a former St Petersburg Times photographer I met and bonded with while shooting portraits of John Travolta and Kellie Preston.  He said yes.  We’re still editing the photographs, but I am impressed  by his credentials, personality, interaction with the couple and their guests and most importantly:  The Power of His Pictures.

    That’s the  focus of this blog. 

 How to make Wedding Photography simple:  Deliver great images.

  I believe in the Power of the Picture. 

  It must have impact, technical perfection, mulitple layers of interest, lighting that’s appropriate for the scene and evoke an emotion.

  Simple, eh?

Lindsey's Pre-wedding Preparations

  It can be simple as you can see from Lindsey’s preparation photograph above.  It’s an incredibly simple composition and shot, yet it’s an incredibly complex, complicated moment as she sits in the chair having her makeup done, amid organized chaos inside the hotel’s Bridal dressing room.  Only she knows what, exactly, is on her mind at this moment.

Bridesmaid's Luscious Lashes

  Again, a simple composition, a true un-posed, unguarded moment amid the organized chaos of a Bride’s dressing area before the ceremony.  It’s also a striking image with power, beauty and drama.

  I always encourage brides to allow me to document these pre-ceremony times.   Often, these are very emotional times, with great opportunities to photograph unguarded moments that help to tell the whole story of the day.

Wedding Rings on Wedding Dress in Extreme Black and White

 

  Simple, yet dramatic portrait of the wedding rings amid the details on the back of Lindsey’s wedding dress.  Yes, I flexed my artistic interpretation on this shot.  Yes, in case Lindsey  doesn’t like the extreme nature of the photoshop finish on it, I’m including a clean, very white version of it as well.

 

Veiled Bride in Thought

  This is also from Lindsey’s dressing room as she had her veil placed on her and adjusted.  Simple photograph, simply-lit, but with a power about it because of the undeniable beauty of the bride, the woman in the backround (also veiled) helping adjust it, but primarily because of the gaze in her eyes.

  What must she be thinking, feeling?  I have no idea.  That’s Lindsey’s private, simple secret. 

    The simplicity of wedding photography goes beyond simple set-ups and compositions.  Those, sometimes are very complex and detailed, but never, ever time-consuming.  One of my roles as your wedding photographer is to make sure that the time spent posing for/with me is minimal.  Time spent with your loved ones and friends is always more important.

Simple set-up, Simple Lighting, yet elegant portrait of an elegant bride

  That’s Lindsey before she left the hotel to get to the Church on time.    Due to the late arrival of Lindsey’s hair stylists, which pushed everything back,  the time we had to do pre-bridal glamorous portraits was cut down to three literal minutes.    We shot several simple set-ups in that time with the results being…..beautiful.

    I wish I would have had more time to do elegant bridal portraits around the breathtaking lobbies and lands of the hotel they were dressing in.  I didn’t, but I have enough experience with wedding photography to know that flexibility is one of the keys to staying sane and staying calm when no one else around you is.

  This is one of Adam’s portraits shot post-ceremony.  For this set up, I always put the bride in the front with the groom in the back (which I did before shooting Adam in the foreground).    This was the first time I ever brought the groom to the foreground and I truly like the finished product.  I am still learning, experimenting and growing.

Firefighter Adam Johnson on his Wedding Day

    Adam is a firefighter, a manly-man who rushes into burning buildings and puts his life on the line to save yours.  I wanted to do a portrait of him that is extreme in it’s finish and, as always, powerful in its presentation.  (I am including a softer, cleaner version of it in the final delivery of images in case Adam doesn’t appreciate this interpretation.)

  This photograph has depth, mulitiple layers of interest, dramatic lighting and a fantastic main subject. 

  This photograph is Adam’s chance to be in the spotlight.  It is with a specific intent that you cannot make out Lindsey’s face, only the dimly-lit white of her wedding dress.  It is with specific intent that you can see the iconic presence of Jesus watching over the two at the In Carnation Catholic Church in Tampa.    It is with specific intent that Adam’s face is somewhat in shadow, bringing out the power, drama and masculinity of this Groom.

  Total set up and shoot time for this shot.  Probably one minute.  Perhaps two.    Complex Simplicity.

  (Experience pays off when hiring a wedding photographer in ways that you probably may never realize until the wedding day)

Lindsey's Light

  I call this photograph “Lindsey’s Light” for two reasons.  One, the incredible, natural light that’s adding a little drama and beauty to this simple, photojournalstic moment at the reception.  Two, because of the joy in her smile and her gaze as she talks with the real Light of her Life, Adam,  during their first moments at the Rusty Pelican reception.

Tipping the Bride during a First Dance

  Lindsey and Adam had obviously practiced their first dance a few times.  It was slick and smooth with twists and turns.  It was this portion, however, of their first dance that I was shooting  for.  It’s one of the moments when their eyes lock on one another like no one else even exists or is present.  It’s the electric connection between them that makes this photograph powerful. 

    It’s an important image that truly captures a special moment between them.  I tell my couples that you CAN  capture emotions like love and romance in a photograph.  This one does just that.

    It’s also simply-done when you have a photographer who truly knows photojournalism and values, above everything, The Power of the Picture.

  Throw in a great-looking, loving couple, adoring parents, siblings, friends, fellow firefighters and a few bubbles and you have the makings of  heirloom-quality, wedding day memories and images.

Bubble-infused departure.

  Thank you Lindsey and Adam for trusting me to do this for you.

  Thank you for reading!

(Ask about discounts for active duty military men and women, firefighters, police officers and others who place their lives on the line for people they don’t even know.  I am available to travel Nation and worldwide for assignments)

Julia and Ryan’s Tampa Bay Wedding

    I can only photograph what’s there. 

    I stress that to the people I shoot for all the time.  Delivering photographs that have power, impact, drama, beauty and emotion is not just the responsibility of the photographer.  The subjects have  more to do with that than I do.    Not even the best photographer can photoshop romance or love into a photograph when it doesn’t exist between your camera’s focus point. 

  The subjects must provide those parts of the collaboration for this kind of result.

 

  Mrs. Julia Roeling and U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Roeling.

 

Mrs. Julia Roeling and U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Roeling.

      Julia and Ryan are the perfect couple to shoot with.  They’re both confident and classy to begin with. 

      Basically, all I have to do is show up, set exposure and focus and press the shutter.

 

Mrs. Julia Roeling (Waters).

  Any hack with a camera could photograph her and have great results.    (It does, however, take a professional photographer with working knowledge of using, manipulating and controlling light, creativity, composition, camera control, working photojournalism, as well as the knowledge of how to inject and document emotion, and create drama to photograph her like THAT.   (Smile)

   Julia and Ryan gave me unlimited freedom to decide how to do their portraits.  So, how do you make those decisions? 

  As always, Julia was beautiful, elegant and regal on her wedding day.  She should be photographed in ways that capture and display those qualities.

  Ryan is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and an active duty Officer in the U.S. Navy. 

  He should be photographed to reflect a sense of power and presence, as well as to capture  his dignity, pride and masculinity. 

U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan Roeling on his Wedding Day.

 

  I always strive to deliver images with power, drama and emotion, but this wedding held kind of a special responsibility to me.  I got my initial training and experience as a photojournalist in the Navy.  It’s one of the reasons Ryan and Julia told me that they hired me for the day.  

    Ryan is quite familiar with the level of professionalism and the incredible amount of training that goes into preparing someone for service in the military.    He knows that whether you’re a U.S. Navy photojournalist, a pilot, a surface warfare officer, a bubble-head (submarine corps), a cook, a yeoman, a security guard or someone’s wing man, that when you’re called upon to do your job, it happens.   Instinctively.

    And, one never forgets it.  I’ve been off active duty for more than 15 years, yet my shutter finger and my mind still function as a single unit. 

    There was one other reason I wanted to do an incredible  job for Ryan and Julia (and their warm, fun families and friends) is because I respect Lt. Ryan and those like him for the sacrifices they give to us all with their Military service.  And, of course, to Mrs. Julia for her new role as a Navy wife.  It’s also a very difficult, demanding responsibility.

  Stepping down from my soapbox, I will close with this:  I can only photograph what’s there.

  You’ve seen the romantic, formal photographs (albeit only a tiny, tiny fraction of them).  Believe me, those shots were only the beginning of what Ryan, Julia and, myself and my assistant Broderick Winn did together before the ceremony.    Ryan and Julia chose to see each other before the ceremony and to spend an hour together shooting pre-ceremony portraits.  It’s becoming quite the popular trend)

    But, of course Julia and Ryan like to do other things than simply appear regal.

  They appreciate humor and laughter.

One too many paparrazi in the limo following the ceremony.

  They understand and embrace love, romance and passion as in this shot from their first dance:

Romantic First Dance.

 And, Julia especially, knows the value of tossing a Coach purse as opposed to a bouquet of flowers to make sure that “All the Single Ladies” (ALL the Single Ladies), pursue the toss with vigor, passion and enthusiasm. 

 

Modified Bouquet Toss with a Coach Purse.

    I can only photograph what’s there.   In this case it was romance and passion, laughter and love and  formal military protocol,  but also sexy shots, scenes from Top Gun, hijinks and highlights.

  PS:  If you’ve never seen their engagement session, see my main web site cover photo:  www.timboylesphotography.com

If you wish to be notified when their  photos are publically posted, leave me a comment or email.

Thank you for reading!

Headshot Hotel

  Headshots are important shoots.

  Your clients are counting on you to provide powerful images that cannot be ignored.   When your 8×10″ glossy  lands on a casting agent’s desk, you can be guaranteed that it will not be alone.  There will be hundreds of other smiling, two-dimentional faces looking up at them begging for the job. 

  The key is to make your headshot stand out,  jump off the page, grab their interest and imagination and ultimately book the job.  

Steve Atkins

   This is from last week’s headshot session with Steve Atkins.  He’s 23, works a full-time job outside of modeling, but desparately wants to do something else with his life.  And his looks.  And his personality.  And his charm.  And his warmth.

Steve Atkins

  Modern headshots are not traditionally delivered in black and white anymore, yet I thought this shot was particularly powerful in black and white.   Color in a photograph can enhance and enrich the photograph.  A black and white photograph must stand alone on the image itself.   I think Steve’s face and smile are enough in this case.  No color required to make this shot stand out.

  Oh.  One more thing.  Steve’s got more going for him than his killer smile, bright eyes and charming personality.  He’s also got a killer body, heterosexually-speaking.

Steve Atkins

Hardcore Steve Atkins

    These are not traditional headhots.  The body shots are for his comp card, which for models normally consist of five different views of the model showing other sides of their personality and attributes. 

  One of your goals in shooting these is to provide different looks for the casting director.  Do they need a smiling, sweet-looking, handsome young man for the role?  Steve can do that.

  Do they need a tough, intimidating, photographically-frightening thug?

  Steve can do that.

  Do they need someone somewhere in the middle?

Steve Atkins

  Steve can do that too.

  The entire key to good headshot photography is to get your photograph noticed.  Make it stand out.  Make it clean and technically perfect.  Add a little drama and mood.  Have a great model.  Do not submit anything less than a professional shot.  You won’t get a second look.    You won’t even get an audition without a great headshot. 

  I’ve had incredible success with my headshots.  The  models and actresses I’ve photographed have been hired by HSN, TV commercials and for a soon-to-launch national TV show, as well as on the boxes of a lighting product endorsed by Tampa Bay’s Martha Stewart-equivalent Darlene Cahill. 

  Do you need headshots?  I’m offering 100 dollars off.  Email to set up an appointment and mention “Headshot Hotel” for the discount.

  Thank you Steve!

  Thank you all.

A Patriarch’s Passing

  Bob Schindler never wanted to be in the public eye, but he was.

The media followed Bob Schindler's every move.

  He never wanted to have his family’s private life exposed to a world-wide audience, never wanted the noteriety of being involved in a case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, but he was.

Jesse Jackson stands behind Bob Schindler.

  But, more than that, he didn’t want his daughter to die, but she did.

 Bob’s daughter Terri Schiavo died in March, 2005 after years of legal and political wrangling.   She died after three separate court rulings that allowed her estranged husband to remove her feeding tube.

Bob Schindler comforts those who came to comfort him.

 

Bob Schindler comforts those who came to comfort him.

Bob Schindler Sr.  followed her August 29, 2009.

  I got to know Bob and his family while covering the Terri Schivao case for various media outlets.  I spent more than five years reporting and photographing the story as it made it’s way through the legislature, the courts, the media and the White House.    I learned a few things from Mr. Schindler along the way:

  1.  Family is always first.

  2.  Fight for what your heart tells you is right.

  3.  Never give up.

  Bob didn’t just teach these lessons.  He lived them every day.  He stayed by his daughter’s side.  He stood strong against immense opposition to those who felt that her right to breathe died when she had a cardiac arrest at a young age.

Bob Schindler, his wife Mary and daughter Suzanne.

  As a news reporter and photographer, you’re not supposed to take sides and I didn’t.  I accurately portrayed what was happening during the case, but I never could lose the feeling that Terri’s mother, father, brother and sister should be able to hold her hand, brush her hair, talk to her, see her and love her regardless of her medical condition.

  Bob Schindler Sr. will never be forgotten.  His legacy will live on with everyone who knew him, but also to many who didn’t know him, only knew of him. 

  His memory to me won’t be as the father of Terri Schiavo.

  It will be as the father we should all be so lucky to have.   (I am)

  I will miss you, my friend.

RIP Bob Schindler.

Historical Heirlooms

  One of the great things I love about photography is the ability to document and preserve history.    It’s one of the most important things I do. 

 

George and Mary Lou Cahill

  Mary Lou Cahill turned 80 recently.  She and George have eight children.  Those children have their own children and some of those even have their own children as well.   Photographing her on her 80th birthday is obviously an important shoot.   Generations from now,  her descendants will still have these photographs in their albums, on their walls and in their wallets.  I can hear her grandchildren bragging about how beautiful their grandmother was when she turned 80.  

  Mary Lou Cahill is truly a family matriarch and a woman who carries her class, beauty and pride with every step she takes. 

Mary Lou Cahill

   

George and Mary Lou Cahill

  Her husband, George, is the charming patriarch of the family. 

  I got one of the greatest compliments from him about these photos.  He told me that he’s been married to Mary Lou for SIXTY ONE years and of all the times she’s been photographed, he thought these showed her at her most beautiful. 

  I am humbled, but what I always remember about being a photographer is that it’s a two-way street.   I can only shoot what’s there.  None of my photography tricks or techniques can put class and beauty when it’s not there.  George and Mary Lou brought their “A” game to our portrait session.

  And, the result…..is History.

Portrait Session with Teeth

 

Hillsborough River Alligator

  Sometimes I like to shoot things other than glamorous  models, blushing and not-so-blushing brides, tragic news events and celebrities pitching their latest projects.

  Sometimes, I want to shoot things I can sink my teeth into.

  Sometimes, I want to shoot things that can sink their teeth into me.

Hillsborough River Alligator

    The Hillsborough River, just north of Tampa, is a wonderland of nature.  It’s a clear, vibrant river and when you’re on it you have no idea you’re so close to a metropolis like Tampa.  It’s more like being transported back to a time before human beings became the dominant forces in nature here.

  Yesterday, I was the only person on it.

  I’ve been there before, but always with other people.   When you’re alone, you really understand how isolated and scary it can feel.  There are no other kayakers making noise in the boats ahead of you and as a result, when you come upon an alligator sunning itself on the banks or on logs you become the initial disturbance that spooks them.

  I didn’t see the first alligator that I happened upon, but he saw me.  Imagine the peace of floating down the river with nothing but the sounds of birds calling each other being broken by the splash of a spooked, 200-pound alligator diving from his sunning spot into the safe zone of the river.  It’s a huge, disturbing noise and it made me realize that I was in their territory.   I know the hairs on the back of my head were called to attention as were the rest of my senses. 

  The river is primarily only a few feet deep and I started feeling the fright of being in a kayak, alone and basically sitting at sea level with these creatures.  I also started making more noise with my paddle as I pushed through the water.  I didn’t want to spook another gator.  I wanted them to know I was there.

 

Unspooked Hillsborough River Alligator

  I went on the river to photograph alligators from my kayak.  I was using my Nikon D200 with an 80-200mm lens.  I didn’t wish to shoot the glorious scenery with a wide lens.  I wanted tight shots of the gators. 

  I didn’t have a lot of time.  Sergeant’s Park, where I launched from closed at 7pm and I didn’t get there till 5pm. 

  The alligator that I spooked happened to be the only gator I saw until I was heading back to the launch site and decided to go slightly north of the site since I had another 10 minutes till closing time.

  That’s when I saw this glorious creature on a log.  He must have been comfortable with me because he laid there while I shot about 45 frames of him.   I was within about 20 feet of him during that time.  I wasn’t the first kayaker he had laid eyes upon.  He was apparently comfortable with my presence.

  He wasn’t a huge alligator.  Probably about seven feet from nose to tail tip.  We sat in a mutual admiration for about 10 minutes before he slithered away.

Hillsborough River Alligator

    I love the Hillsborough River.  If you’ve never been on it, try it.  Take water, a camera, a friend and a spare pair of pants.

Technical info:  Nikon D200.  80-200 f2.8 lens.  Spot metered due to the high contrast between the shading of the river and the alligator being in the direct sun.  F4.5, 1/640th of a second.

Lighting a Landmark

 

The Landmark St Petersburg Pier

  The Pier in downtown St Petersburg, Florida is truly a landmark.   More than 100 years have passed since it was constructed.  During that time, it was always referred to as the “Million Dollar Pier”.  I guess a million dollars went a lot further then than it does now. 

  Now, it appears as that if we wish to keep it, St Petersburg council will have to find 50 million or so to do needed repairs, updates, etc.  There is a group studying whether it’s a worthwhile allocation for tax dollars.

  I think it is. 

 

July 4, 2009

    First of all, it’s like Seattle’s Space Needle and the Arch of St Louis.  It’s our iconic visual.  It’s an instantly-recognizeable landmark.   It’s our calling card.

  And, it hosts the most amazing fireworks shows.

July 4, 2009. St Petersburg Pier.

  This is a photography blog, not a political one, so I’m not going to delve further into the reasons why it should remain intact.  Anyone who’s been there can identify with the welcoming ambiance and breathtaking views from all points. 

  And, they host amazing parties too.  I’ve photographed Ashley Judd, Gene Simmons, Danica Patrick and the entire Andretti family there.  Some of them several times.   

  Every time I’m there to shoot an event, it’s packed with people.  All kinds of people.

Beatnicks.

Drum Circle

 

Young

Young Patriot

 Happy

Small Groups

 

Waiting for the Show.

 

Not-so-Young

Politicians

Mayor Rick Baker

  Shy Guys

Shy Guy

   Large Crowds

    I’m not good at estimating crowds, but there had to be 10,000 people in downtown to see their fireworks display.

  They were not disappointed. 

  The following photos were shot from the 23rd floor of the tower in the left side of the photograph above. 

  Disclosure:  The shots with fireworks bursts in the right side of the frame are photoshopped to add the second burst. 

  Why?  I thought the shots with the real fireworks bursts in the left of the frame lacked a little something in the frame.  Sure, they are striking, but I was playing with photoshop and exercising my creative license.    I copied the bursts in the right side of the frame from other shots that night. 

  Now, you know the rest of the story.

  Enjoy!

  If you wish to purchase a print, a canvas gallery wrap, a digital file, a T-shirt, coffee mug, mouse pad or any other products with these fireworks photographs and others on them, please go to this location:

  www.timboylesphotography.zenfolio.com

Thank you for reading!!!!

 

 

 

 

Megan and Justin

Megan

  When I’m shooting something as intensely emotional as Justin and Megan’s wedding, I very seldom hear things.  I’m focused, so to speak, on my shots.

  During their ceremony, however, my ears picked up something the pastor said and I couldn’t forget it.  Apparently, this union was truly love at first sight.

  Justin is a manager at a local business and Megan was applying for a job.  The pastor said that Justin was so taken by her beauty that he was literally shaking during the interview process. 

  I’m sure you can see why.

  Weddings are about beauty, emotion, committment, love and family.  This union had it all. 

  Megan’s father was incredibly emotional while getting ready to give her away.   They have a very tight bond and it showed.  Emotion is one of the things that separates us from other creatures.  I feel so fortunate to be able to see and document these moments for the couples and their families.

  Laughter and joy, of course, were also quite evident.

  The ceremony and reception was held at the Bilmar.

Romance

 

First Dance

 

Shooting the shooters.

 

Justin's mother sheds a tear while dancing with her son.

 

Justin celebrating.

 

 

Lynn and Jerry Part 2

  Thank you all for for all your comments and views of the earlier post of HSNs Lynn Murphy and Jerry’s wedding photographs.

HSNs Lynn Murphy.

  Lynn and Jerry are incredibly flattered and thankful that people have been so interested in seeing their union, the love they have for one another, their families and friends and they have graciously allowed me to post some more photographs from their wedding day.   

Lynn and Jerry D'Hulster

  I guess I was kind of naive about who I was shooting that day.  Lynn and Jerry are both so down-to-earth, kind, friendly and caring that I very seldom thought about her “celebrity” status.  She doesn’t wear that cloak.  I wonder now if Jerry even realizes just how many people know her from her job as a host on HSN and what it’s going to be like to be the man that captured her heart and soul.

  It was kind of overwhelming to me that so many people would visit this blog to see parts of her wedding day.   

Lynn laughs with her mother, Maddie, before the ceremony

 Again, thank you all. 

   If you’re a family member or personal friend, leave me a comment or email me at:  tim@timboylesphotography.com and I’ll let you know where you can purchase prints and other items.    If you’re getting married, or know someone who is, and is interested in talking with me about shooting your wedding and giving you the same kinds of images,  please contact me the same way, or call me at:  727.504.9425.   I will travel anywhere for you. 

  You don’t have to be Lynn Murphy-beautiful to have stunning wedding photography.  All brides glow on their wedding days. 

   Enjoy the photos. 

The Romance of a First Dance

Father-Daughter dance with Lynn's father, Jim.

The emotion of joy and sharing it with those closest to you

Lynn, Jerry and Diana Perkovic

John Creamans, Colleen Lopez and their spouses

 

Special time with close friends

Designer Anthony Mark Hankins and Lady's Day host Amy Leah Axelrod

Lynn and Jerry on the Gulf of Mexico

Only have eyes for you

 

Jerry admires his Love.

Hulk Hogan’s Divorce

  Hulk Hogan is a worldwide celebrity living through a very public and ugly divorce and it shows.

  He’s got millions of fans around the globe, but he’s also got millions of people who are very critical of his lifestyle, his actions and of his very public family dramas and disasters.

   He’s what is known in the journalism world as an all-purpose public figure.     It’s a term used by the U.S . Supreme Court in defining and protecting the first amendment:  The right to a free press.   In short, it means that if you choose to live your life in the public eye, you also agree to endure public criticism as well.   

  It’s the reason why tabloid newspapers, web sites and magazines can make a fortune over the latest Jon and Kate escapade, Paris Hilton’s alleged sexual promiscuity and whether Florida Governor Charlie Crist is gay or not.    It’s the reason every television station in Tampa Bay, as well as TMZ and at least one freelance videographer can show up, shoot and broadcast every tawdry tidbit said in court or outside it.

  There are limits to what the press can print about all-purpose public figures and there are penalities for writing or broadcasting items that are libelous or harmful to their reputations.  But, to win a civil suit for libel, a public figure must prove “actual malice” or that the news outlet KNEW the item was false or used “reckless disregard” when publishing an item it thought MAY be false. 

     It’s very difficult to prove actual malice, yet a few celebrities have been successful in suing news outlets and many have also been successful in getting retractions and apologies without going to court.

    I’m not here to cast judgement in the case.  I’m merely an observer with an insight.  A man with a camera hired to document the hearing and put the images in the public domain.

  Hulk no longer looks like the wrestling superstar I grew up with.   I understand he was a character there.  He was a man playing a part, a role.  He was making a living.

  The reality of his life lately is much less glamorous and much more traumatic.  Hulk looked like a man who was losing this round.    He often appeared to be praying for relief.

      Hulk’s estranged wife, Linda, currently gets $40,000 a month to maintain her lifestyle.   Her attorney said she had over $740,000 in her own bank account when she was given the monthly alimony.  This hearing was held because Hulk is trying to have that 40K figure reduced, claiming she spends it on drugs and her 19-year-old boyfriend.

  Linda denies using drugs and has produced a drug screening that says she’s clean.  Hulk brought two witnesses to court to say differently.

Hairdresser Tracy Morgan testifies

  Tracy Morgan used to style Linda’s hair.  She’s also done work for both Hulk and his current girlfriend Jennifer McDaniel.  Apparently, Morgan doesn’t style Linda’s hair anymore.  She testified that Linda used to ask her to cash checks for her, then have Linda’s drug dealer deliver drugs to Morgan’s business in an attempt to hide the purchases from Hulk’s attorneys.  Linda’s attorney called the testimony a “complete fabrication” and repeatedly asked Morgan why she kept looking into the jury box where the press was seated.    It was a dynamic battle during the cross examination.  Linda’s attorney was very aggressive during his questioning of Morgan.  Morgan was equally aggressive from the witness stand and was reprimanded several times by Judge George Greer to answer the question that was asked.  Ironically, Judge Greer at one time also was known world-wide.  He was the Judge that presided in the Terri Schiavo case and ruled that her feeding tube should be removed.  She died in 2004 as a result of his rulings.

Judge George Greer admonishes the witness

   Divorce cases are notoriously ugly, more so when celebrity and large sums of money are at stake. 

Linda reacts to a witness's testimony

  The hearing ended without any decisions.  Apparently, Hulk has more witnesses to testify regarding Linda’s spending habits.  The hearing will resume in July.  The divorce case itself has yet to begin.  Both Hulk and Linda are also facing a civil suit from John Graziano’s family regarding Nick’s careless driving and the devestating injuries that cost John a normal life.  Some people even say that this divorce is an effort to hide and divide the family’s wealth in preparation for the large amount of money that could be awarded to Graziano’s family.

  I don’t know.

  Both Linda and Hulk brought their current paramours to court for some reason.  It may be spite.  It may be companionship and support.  It may be for public relations.  It may be because the press was there.  I cannot speculate. 

Linda Bollea (Hogan) and Charlie Hill

Hulk Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel leave the hearing

  Am I a paparazzi?  Nope!  Getty Images does not endorse paparazzi behavior.  I do not hide in trees, stake out restaurants nor chase people down the street.  This was/is a legitimate news story.  Many people don’t care about it, nor wish to hear about it.  Many people do.   

  Do I like covering the case?  I must admit I do to an extent.  It’s a slice of life.  I’ve spent many days in courtrooms over the years and there are powerful emotions and decisions exhibited there.  This hearing was especially dramatic with accusations of drug use, fame-seeking witnesses, lying, cheating and alimony-money-hiding. 

  I like shooting stories with drama and emotion.  I like capturing them.  I like the challenges of shooting in a low-light courtroom with no flash.  I like bantering with the baliffs and court security people and other press that are there.    I like being an observer. 

  An intern from FOX 13 was sitting beside me during the hearing.  I asked her afterwards if this was her first time in a courtroom and she said it was.  I told her to savor it.   Few court hearings have this much drama in such a short period of time.

  For me, it’s also a dramatic change of pace from shooting weddings and models and actors and families and children and everything else I do.  I actually believe that it’s good to shoot a wide variety of  things.  It challenges me, it makes me step outside comfort zones. 

  I think it makes me a better photographer.

  And, it makes me happy that I’m on the viewfinder side of the camera and not the opposite one.