Jeremy Lawson::::Photographer

NEW BLOG HERE

2010-02-03T01:17:00.003-06:00

Well its time to put the old blog to rest. she done good.... done real good but we always new this day would come. Its not going to do us either any good to cry about it or talk about what might have been. best just to say goodbye....

NEW BLOG HERE.

Brown family, Abingdon IL

2010-01-11T16:12:00.008-06:00

We did some family photos for Katy and Drew back in November just around thanksgiving (We did there wedding in July). It was one of the biggest families that I had ever done and we drove almost all the way to Chicago to do it. I saw this old hay barn as we drove into town and thought it would make the perfect background for this large family. I love spur of the moment finds.

Wait there are only 5 people in that picture you say....keep going it gets bigger.

>

these little kiddos were cute. And it wasn't like they needed it but grandma broke out the candy just to make just to make sure everyone was in a giggling mood

thats only the first half(dads side)

Here are the rest

The Snooks Maternity

2009-12-18T12:38:00.003-06:00

Brad and Brit

2009-12-14T20:57:00.007-06:00

We showed you some engagement images of Brad and Brit a few months ago. Sara did a great job then but then and topped herself on this vintage styled wedding.

If Pretty People Make you Sick.

2009-12-09T13:26:00.008-06:00

If pretty people make you sick you may just want to turn away now. And by saying they are pretty I have no doubt embarrassed Todd and Laura but they shouldn't be embarrassed. They have in fact been outed as pretty before. They have each done some modeling, and from what I know about them, have many of the same qualities inside as they do out. They are chill and both super laid back. It makes my job editing and creating a style for there photos all the easier. They are both into arts, Todd is a full time musician and Laura paints and works for Evangel college. The first series of photos was right outside the studio doors. The light outside our white marble building does some great things when the sun is headed down bouncing majestically around buildings and windows. We moved around downtown for a bit and then headed to Jeremy Larsons (not Lawson) recording studio for a few other shots. I am really looking forward to shooting there wedding next year.

Laura and Todd Teaser

2009-12-07T21:39:00.002-06:00

Art Walk Tomorrow. MINI Session Gallery

2009-12-03T22:27:00.004-06:00

Thanks to all of the families that came to the studio for the Holiday mini sessions on Tuesday. Below are a few samples but the entire gallery will be displayed in studio Tomorrow Dec 4th at art-walk from 6-10. Everyone is invited to come out and visit the studio. I picked a few favorites from each session to display.

I do have some good news for those who couldn't or didn't do the sessions this last time. I have decided to do one more day of Holiday Sessions Saturday December 12th from 9-3. Call the studio to sign up.

The Simons

2009-12-02T21:31:00.004-06:00

For those that like cute babies. Maya.

2009-11-25T15:09:00.008-06:00

Mini Session DAY 2

2009-11-24T16:30:00.003-06:00

Thanks to the families that came out today. For all of you that wanted to come out today but couldn't I have some good News. We have decided to do as second day of free Mini sessions next Tuesday Dec 1.
The spots will 15 min long and be available from 9-12.
Click the photo below to see the details.

Jer

Free Holiday Mini Sessions

2009-11-23T15:40:00.004-06:00

Check it out tomorrow is our second annual free session day. Yes Tomorrow!

Heres how it works. Once a year we offer free mini sessions with a special theme. Last year we did a fall theme outdoors this year we are doing Holiday (vintage Christmas) mini sessions. Its the only time of year we do these smaller sessions. We will have discounted image discs available as well and online viewing. Then as a cool bonus we will pick our favorites from this fun themed session and display them in the gallery at the December art walk.

After the First Friday gallery showing we also schedule a time for you to come in to the studio and view the remainder of the images from your session. You can order any prints or products from your session at that time.

Send me an email if you want to sign up. I will be checking my mail until late tonight. Spots for these session are available from 9-12 and spots are limited.

Jeremy
jeremy@bigsmilestudios.com

The Pearsons

2009-11-20T13:15:00.006-06:00

Thanks for stopping by the blog. The Pearsons look adorable and we had a really good time in the studio. Dylan is one and is cute as a bug. A lady bug to be exact. Not only did I enjoy shooting her but I got to witness the joy as her family watched her dig into her very first birthday cake. I got to be a part of a Pearson family moment. Grandpa and both Grandmas where there. "Is this going to work? what is she going to do?" I could feel them thinking. Dad was beaming and Jessicas tension about the shoot relaxing. I could almost see her body lanquage saying as she rested on her mom "we made it through the first year, this is good."

Kates formal bridal teaser.

2009-11-17T22:00:00.005-06:00

Turn up the volume

2009-11-16T10:30:00.006-06:00

Its time to turn up the volume. My God is a passionate powerful God. Its not that I don't try to listen or obey or make plans to do so, but the things of this world and their influence seem so persistent and seem so loud. My heart mostly beating with its own meager strength. But the truth! Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. Stronger, more enduring more passionate. But how often is that reflected in me. Honestly, my heart, my thoughts, my joy, my life and my hope is so easily drowned out by the noise and the powers of the enemy. His fear has been louder than Gods hope. His persistent buzzing and chaos and agitations more present than the endurance of Gods hope and peace. No matter how loud the enemy is our God is stronger and enduring and more persistent. He is a passionate intensely loving enduring God. And he has called us not to just pursue him, but to do so with his heart to do so passionately. No more letting it be drowned out. IF need be its time to turn the volume down on the things of this world. Cast off the cares and snares that so easily entangle us. and turn the volume up on our pursuit of him of his calling and obedience to his word. We can praise louder and follow passionately, love more deeply. Trust more intensely.

This is the day that the Lord hath made I will rejoice and be glad in it!

2009-11-14T20:39:00.003-06:00

Here is part 2:

Erin and Anthony Part 1

2009-11-13T21:49:00.004-06:00

Part One: Erin and Anthony are Jr. High sweethearts. They have been off and on since the 6th grade. So who says you cant find your soul mate in Grade school. I did there session in two locations both with some historical family significance. The first location was out on his family's land north of Springfield near an old windmill that Anthony's grandpa found and placed on the property.

I will post part 2 tomorrow.

Holly Chris e-session on the farm

2009-11-10T18:53:00.010-06:00

I wanted to post some images from Holly and Chris's e-session on their farm. I had been excited to shoot these for a long time. The farm has been in Holly's family for a generations. There is cattle in its future Chris says. As you can see from the images, some of the old abandon ruins from years past are still on the property. The old farm house was one of the first in the city to have pressurized water(it came from a gravity fed tank on the property) and the building picture used to be the old stone warehouse.

Megan and Riley Teaser

2009-11-02T20:18:00.001-06:00

Here are teasers for the anxious moms. More tomorrow

Jennifer and Eric St. Albans Missouri

2009-10-23T12:55:00.031-06:00

Jen and Eric had beautiful fall wedding in picturesque St. Albans, Missouri over the weekend. The clouds and the sky and the fall foliage combined for some breathtaking scenery. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of such a beautiful emotional day.

HOLLY and CHRIS Teaser

2009-10-14T21:49:00.001-06:00

I know you want to see more.

Brad and Brit

2009-10-09T22:35:00.007-06:00

Brad does contruction (I think) and Brit is a great photographer in her own right, (ive seen some pretty cool Holga stuff on her FB page). They will be tying the knot officially next weekend. Sara Lewis, one of our associate photographers, will be shooting there wedding and did a real bang up job on their engagement photos. They took a trip to the Ozark empire fair back in August. I didn't get to go but from the photos i wish that I had, it looked like they had a great time.

More than just an image

2009-10-06T13:58:00.005-06:00

Note: this is not a rant.

Wedding Photography is more than just about creating an image or making a beautiful couple look fantastic. I see so many photographers popping up locally and across the country and quickly turning out great images. And the process for creating those beautiful images gets easier and easier. I I have been looking through blog after blog of staged moments and amazing locations and images with funky colors, giving them that perfectly popular vintage style. And I like vintage and beautiful locations. That can all be amazing. But in all honesty all It takes is decent camera, photoshop and enough images or enough tries edited in sequence to edit together a perfect looking wedding day. (side note:not every wedding day is perfect ) But our work can go farther than that. more than just capturing the right moment or right looking

moment or expression. A wedding photograph can be more than just an image, it can be more than a post on a blog. Because after all we are more than image makers. We are guests at a wedding. A wedding between 2 living people in love. And this wedding is the first day of a marriage. And these people are real living people with moments that happen after the shutter clicks, not actors or models And we are more than professionals or photographers we are guests. Real live people with real lives after the shutter clicks and real live responsibilities as photographers. With a responsibility and a privilege to do more than click a button 1000 or 2000 times at a wedding. To do more than experience our own fleeting creation but capturing part of Gods creation.

His creation of marriage uniting two people and celebration and joy and love, a reflection of God and his people. We are more than just bloggers and face-bookers and marketers (if we will let ourselves) and image makers or even just wedding photographers, the couples we work with more than just models and weddings more than just staged productions. We are making more than just cool impressive looking images. If we are willing our images can be more than just an image.

Amy+Dustin

2009-10-02T21:53:00.007-06:00

I got to be honest this was one of the most stressful days ever as a wedding photographer. It seemed like everything was working against us. The weather, health, parking, parades equipment issues, the lady manning the desk at the Botanical Gardens. There was more than one occasion where I thought I was going to miss something big. But just as I thought that all was going to be lost, it all came together. Just as it was looking like it was going to downpoor all day. The weather gave us just enough break. Just as it looked like we were going to be stuck taking all of our images inside, rainbow. check that double rainbow. Just as it looked like the bride was going to be late for her own wedding, she made it. Just as it looked like I was going to be late, I made it. (after a good ol fashioned sprint mind you). After a day of almost catastrophies, it all came together just as it was supposed to. I am just happy I was there to capture it.

Alexa and Andy e-session

2009-09-26T00:30:00.007-06:00

This was the first time I had met Andy and Alexa and theres nothing like making a first impression by being late. I had driven from Springfield 4hrs to St. Louis and get there in time go directly to my shoot and be 15 min late. Its a trip I take frequently but It just seemed like I couldnt get out of the door that day. Anyway they were very gracious, (thanks again for the patience).

These were shot at the natural history museum where Andy proposed to Alexa. As the story goes the normally laid back Andy was in a rush to get through the museum (a place they visit often) on this snowy day. Andy was so nervous that He kept walking in front speeding through the exhibits, so she would catch a glimpse of the ring in his pocket. The rest is history. As much as they have in common they are both opposites and you know the saying. He likes classic she likes new and modern. They even have their own favorite wings in the museum Andy is a big fan of the masters and Alexa can hang a blank canvas on the wall and its art. (her words) Her favorite piece was the wall sized rainbow ( featured in the last image in this post). It says alot about thier style and there personalities. Hope you guys like the images so far-more to come

Jer

tommy + laura

2009-08-12T21:46:00.005-06:00

The Reynolds

2009-07-29T11:43:00.004-06:00

This couple looks as good on the dance floor as they do in front of the camera. I met the Reynolds at a wedding the weekend before there shoot. I saw them cutting a mad rug on the dance floor. I remember thinking these guys really know how to have fun. I had no idea who they were at the time or that they had booked a session at the studio weeks before. Seeing there smiling faces as I walked up the steps to their house was a pleasant suprise.

jessica and patrick

2009-06-29T09:55:00.002-06:00

jared and alicia teaser

2009-06-28T22:04:00.001-06:00

jessica and patrick teaser

2009-06-27T10:58:00.000-06:00

Pope Prater Wedding

2009-05-27T21:27:00.004-06:00

Don't worry. We are not closing.

2009-05-22T11:46:00.002-06:00

If you visit our studio often or happen to visit downtown Springfield you may have noticed a for Lease sign in our window.Thats because we may be moving from our Current space in the Historic Holland Building to another space in the same building. So dont fret. We are still here alive and kicking!

David and Emily Teaser

2009-05-22T00:53:00.003-06:00

My First Traditional Jewish Ceremony. Enjoy this teaser from David and Emily.

Serena and Dave Teaser

2009-05-22T00:26:00.006-06:00

I know its been a few months since I have posted. busy doesnt begin to describe my last three months. Good news is that I have some new images to share. these are a few teasers from Sereana and Daves wedding. I have more to post.

2009-02-17T22:51:00.001-06:00

Harper is getting so big. I remember his first session. They grow up so fast

Chad & Laura Wedding

2009-02-04T14:29:00.006-06:00

Thanks to Chad and Laura and congratulations.

Amy and Marcus Teaser

2008-12-17T16:14:00.005-06:00

Thanks Amy and Marcus (and the wind), and congratulations, Have fun in Colorado.

Meg and Ty

2008-12-01T16:32:00.004-06:00

Hey Guys, here are just a few favorites. I cant take credit for the second, That one is an original Tyler Manhart, my second shooter for the day.

Stephanie and Lance Teaser

2008-12-01T09:17:00.006-06:00

Congratulations Stephanie and Lance. May God bless you with all the happiness in the world.

Heather and Stu Preview

2008-11-26T15:12:00.002-06:00

The Big Tease.

Kara and Doug Teaser

2008-11-26T14:24:00.002-06:00

Thanks Kara and Doug(and family) for including me in on your special day. The rest will be in your hands very soon.

Niki and Mike Teaser

2008-11-25T11:32:00.005-06:00

I photographed some beautiful people in the bahamas this weekend. Thanks for the great weekend and your generosity. It will come back to you 100 fold. More images to come.

Jer

me in New York City

2008-11-21T04:23:00.008-06:00

So, being as adventurous as i am. I decided to venture into the big city, no directions, a barely functioning cell phone. It was late after my my rehearsal dinner with my latest couple, Kelly and Steven (great folks BTW, funny New Finlanders) I missed my turn off into Newark. With a little inspiration from my friend Ashley Parsons I drive directly into the Theatre district, parked for a ridiculous amount of money and walked around in one of the busiest, loudest, electric places that I have ever been. I made friends and witnessed Beauty and love and crisp wet cold, and smells, A mix between wet shoes and the floor of a Pizzaria. I was approached by a pimp, and told that there was much fun to be had in the Sheraton across the street. With my 16-35 on my 5D the buildings look like the fingers on a slender woman's hand closing in around you.

Ashley and Shane

2008-10-20T07:47:00.003-06:00

Nothin' says Lovin' like moshing with your wife at the reception. The quintessential photo from Ashley and Shane's wedding, complete with tattoos, piercing's, me and random drunk guy. Slayaeerrrrrrr! More to come.

John and Kristen in Pennsylvania

2008-10-16T17:32:00.008-06:00

Casey and Nick

2008-09-26T09:00:00.008-06:00

Jordans senior pics

2008-09-16T22:52:00.001-06:00

Hey jordan, great job today. here are a few samples for you.

Kara and Corey Teaser

2008-09-15T14:31:00.003-06:00

Kara and Corey should be finished this week. They had a beautiful ceremony in Lake Tahoe. It was my first time there. I cannot wait to go back.

The one and only Sabine and George

2008-09-03T13:52:00.008-06:00

thanks guys. I had a blast at this wedding. It was at the History Museum in St.Louis. Sabine is an actress from germany andand George is the drummer for a band called Agent Sparks. You have probably heard them before. As big and as elaborate as this wedding was, they were so laid back, and up for anything, even a little stroll in the woods at forest park. These are a few samples hope you like.

Jer

Amanda and Eric

2008-08-31T22:19:00.005-06:00

I had the privilage of shooting a beautiful wedding in my hometown, Branson. With ideas from Amanda, Joyne Criswell and the staff at Chateau on the Lake put together and amazing spread. This was definitely a high class wedding, with some amazing style and beautiful moments all day long. Thanks guys for including me in your day. Here is a sneek peek. more to come..

-jer

Amanda's Bridal

2008-08-28T20:31:00.005-06:00

Images from Amanda's bridal. Her wedding is at the Historic Firehouse on Commercial Street. Great little unknown venue here locally. we were able to get in a few days early to get some great shots. enjoy

More Workshop Info

2008-08-13T11:58:00.003-06:00

I am really getting excite about the workshop. I have to admit I am a little more than nervous. but I am excited to share my inspiration and love for what I do, my love for my work and my love for the people that I do it for. Whether you are just beginning to pursue your passion of photography or just need a pick me up this will be one workshop you don’t want to miss.

I have two dates available for this workshop. The first is October 23, 2008 at my downtown studio in Springfield, Missouri the other is November 6, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri (location undecided) each date will include a pre-workshop dinner the night before for those that can make it and chill time just to hang out afterwards. Registration is now open. Total cost for this workshop is $395 There is limited availability and a deposit ($150) is required to reserve your spot. You can reserve your spot by calling me at the studio 417.499.0399.

Anybody that is interested, feel free to call me. I can answer any questions. Its going to be great time.

Jer

NEW SITE COMING SOON!

2008-08-06T08:36:00.002-06:00

KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED. WE HAVE AN ALL NEW BLOG/SITE EXPERIENCE COMING SOON!

Jer

WORK SHOP THIS FALL

2008-07-24T13:38:00.003-06:00

Allison and Jim's Wedding

2008-07-22T09:32:00.009-06:00

Here's some photo's of Allison and Jim's wedding back in June. Enjoy!

Logan :)

Meg and Ty e-session

2008-07-19T20:21:00.005-06:00

I get to shoot Meg and Ty's wedding in Tulsa in November. I am looking forward to it not only because they are great but I get to see a some old Friends, Hailey and Adonis, a couple of mine from a few years back. Hope you guys like the samples I will get the others up as soon as they are finished.

Jer

Sally and Tommy e-session

2008-07-18T07:29:00.007-06:00

Hey, These are photos from an e-session from a few days ago. Tommy is my lawn guy, and sally is a good friend of my head designer, Jesse. This couple has pretty much been together since they met. Tommy is a war veteran and spent a lot of time over in iraq. They came in a few months back to ask about having me shoot their wedding. I was super excited, they are a fun couple and both pretty easy on the eyes. (i am secure enough in my masculinity to say that) But soon after we visited Tommy gave up his overseas security job to spend more time with is fiance' and I didnt fit in the new wedding budget. But fortunatly thats not the end of the story. Sally was in a few months later, still no photographer, talking to Jesse. I overheard that they had started a lawn service. Sally joked that they would trade me, lawn service for wedding photos. Little did she know, that was a deal I would jump all over! dont get me wrong i love mowing, and I love the smell of fresh cut grass, but summertime/wedding season, I would rather spend what little time I have at home, playing with my family on my grass not 3 hrs mowing it. I had been spending a fortune for a so-so lawn guy, that I was about to can. Tommy swooped in and did a bang up job. So good news is, we are shooting their wedding, and I have a beautifully manicured lawn. In fact my yard looks better than it ever has. So if your looking for a great inexpensive lawn guy, that does a great job, let me know, I will get you in touch with Tommy. Thanks guys hope you like the pics

WORKSHOP??

2008-07-17T12:07:00.003-06:00

Hey, I have had a few inquiries lately about holding a workshop. So I though I would put a some feelers out to see how many people would be interested in attending either a full workshop or maybe a one day "Tricks of the Trade" intensive, It would probably be in Kansas City Sometime in the Fall. Send me an email if you would be interested. It would probably cover everything from Lightroom/photoshop, workflow, marketing and business and I can also explain our unusual business plan a little.

let me know

Jer

Rhiannon and Nathan's Wedding

2008-07-10T14:04:00.004-06:00

These are some shots from Rhiannon and Nathan's wedding. It looks like it was a lot of fun!Congratulations guys!

Logan :)

Jeramey and Jennifer

2008-07-07T10:27:00.006-06:00

The Hensons are a awesome couple that we met last year. They have a family already and tied the knot last fall. Well, they have a new addition to their family coming in a couple of months, a boy Noah. Jen wanted to get some belly pics before she popped. I think you would agree that Jennifer looks amazing, and has a pregnant body that a lot of women would die for. We also did some family pics for them and the two girls they have already. They signed up for our 1st year baby plan so you will be seeing alot more of them. Check these out and show them love.

My Friends - The Parsons

2008-07-07T07:00:00.007-06:00

Man I love these guys. Not only are they talented, but just plain fun to hang out with. I had the chance to just chill with these two at their new home in KC last week. We met a couple of months ago and had dinner while i was up visiting with some clients.

------side note----- I just realized that i have almost no recent pictures of myself anywhere. I discovered after looking at this image that I may be bald, but I could probably hide it mostly by combing back my eye brows. I'll try it and let everyone know how it goes.--------

Anyways---They are just super cool people. When every I am up in the KC area i give them a buzz. So any blog stalkers of mine need to link over to their site when ever you get a chance, you will be gad you did.

Jer

Ireland

2008-07-02T20:59:00.009-06:00

I just got back from Ireland last week. I was fortunate enough to be asked to shoot a wedding there for a family back in the states. The location was a place called Ashford castle, in mayo county. It was anything and everything a photographer could ask for. Great people, beautiful scenery, foreign country. I dont usually get nervous at weddings but this one i did for some reason. It was a quick trip and (only 1 full day actually there), and i managed to loose luggage and reck my rental car, but the wedding more than made up for it. Here are a few of my favs. Hope everyone likes them

.

Brittney and Mark's Wedding

2008-07-01T13:48:00.009-06:00

I know its been a long wait and I know that there are a lot of people waiting to see these photos. i am happy to announce that they are done and online. It may be a bit before they are release to the public but here are some to hold you over. This was such an amazing day with a bunch of great people. Brittney and Mark, I hope you guys like them. If you haven't pre-registered to view this event you can click on the title link of this post and it will send you to page where you can do just that. If you have already registered it will send you to the gallery. happy viewing!

Jer

My Little Ruby Jean

2008-06-20T15:57:00.004-06:00

I know that everyone has been asking for new pics of Ruby, so here are a few. The fam and I went to the park and took a few shots. There are more coming I just havent had a chance to work on them yet. The bottom one is my idea for her birth announcement still have to clear it with the Mrs.

Elizabeth and Matt's Wedding

2008-06-18T14:22:00.007-06:00

Finally some images from Elizabeth and Matts Wedding. These guys were so much fun to work with. You may even recognize a few faces from another wedding I did up in KC. Hope you guys like them. thanks for your patience.

Jer

My Little Buddy

2008-06-13T13:18:00.005-06:00

Photographer, ball player, hippy, professional ice-cream taster, or all of the above. who knows, your guess is as good as mine. A dad can wonder

NEW OFFICE

2008-06-12T10:28:00.004-06:00

Things have been growing and changing so much around here that we finally had to do some rearranging. The good news i get a cool new office. its a little eclectic but i like it, not much but i call it home. Its actually the purchasing and viewing room. There was enough space so i moved in a desk. I am not sure if the girls in the office are glad or sad to have me segregated off from the rest of our little society. I feel like I am in my own little country. I miss you all. I promise i will visit often!

Few more Thao and Adam

2008-06-09T16:01:00.008-06:00

Its been a couple of weeks and I know that I posted a few from this wedding already, but I am just about finished editing this one, and i wanted to share a few more.Thanks again guys for being so awesome.

Jer

Cool New thing we are doing- Portrait Composites

2008-06-05T10:09:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are now offering 10x10, 20x20 and 5x10, 10x20 and 20x40 gallery style image composites, for all of our portrait sessions. Finally we are offering a cool way to display number of images from you session, beyond the typical prints (something we should have been doing a long time ago) Here is a sample. They come mounted but we will probably offer a framed version as well. I am still working on pricing but if you want one for one of your sessions or a combination of session let me know ASAP and we will get you one (or two!)

Erin and Michael e-session

2008-06-03T17:59:00.000-06:00

Another Whitney wedding that I had the honor of doing their e-session. Thanks for being such a fun happy affectionate couple. Whitney is a lucky girl. Enjoy!

Amy and Josh e-session

2008-06-03T12:22:00.003-06:00

Here are some photos from Amy and Josh's e-session. Whitney from our sister studio, Big Smile Photo is shooting the wedding, but Jeremy had the pleasure of shooting there engagement photos. Here are some of our favorites. ENJOY!

Logan :)

Dani's Trash the Dress Session

2008-06-01T15:24:00.004-06:00

Officially the craziest bridal session that I have done. Dani works for the Zoo here in Springfield. Her job is to do educational programs with kids, that come to the park. They get to pet and experience the animals up-close. Dani's idea. "Lets shoot at the zoo!" Sounded like fun to me. So here i am less than 10 feet away from a Hippo, and handling snakes. I have photographed couples with their dogs, their cats and even fish, but never a bride riding a giant turtle. SAY WAA!

Brittney and Mark

2008-05-24T21:30:00.003-06:00

Natalie and Frank

2008-05-22T09:30:00.002-06:00

So I told Natalie and Frank Yesterday after we shot that they couldn't get a sneak preview of their engagement images before they left. But I know that they wanted to see a few really bad, so i managed to make some time to get one on the blog this morning. Hope you guys like it, there are many more to come!

Katy and Janson

2008-05-17T08:30:00.011-06:00

Katy and Janson's wedding was a fairytale event from start to finish. Everything was beautiful including the couple. My goal was just to capture images that reflected just how amazing it was.

Steph and Dan

2008-05-16T21:00:00.005-06:00

I have really been looking forward to this wedding for a long time. Some of my favorite e-session images are from this couple. (the flying people) They are the type of couple that I wish that I could have every wedding. We had so much fun shooting them and i think we got some amazing stuff.

Adam and Thao

2008-05-16T20:40:00.003-06:00

Check out this couple, Adam and Thao had a super fun, Beach themed wedding and reception at Lumen, a new venue Downtown St. Louis. This couple has an amazing story, and beautiful fun friends that I got to know while we drove around St. Louis taking photos. We met for drinks at Harrys on Market Street and then spent most of the afternoon on the bus in the rain. But we managed to get a few shots outside before the downpoor. Adam and Thao told be up front they were up for anything. They even were willing to be a little dangerous for a photo that i wanted to get near a busy over pass. After this wedding I rushed down to Springfield and made it just in time to see my new baby girl born.

This one is mine!

2008-05-13T13:19:00.004-06:00

I manage to shoot a quite a few kids through our sister studio Big Smile Photography. And they are all cute but none quite as cute as this one. She is mine and her name is Ruby. She arrived on mothers day. I drove like a mad man from a wedding in St.louis on Saturday, arrived just in time Sunday morning to help with the breathing and the pushing. (I actually did very little breathing or pushing) It was amazing! I am sure we will have tons more pictures to post later. Thanks Tina for these.

Workshop photos

2008-05-09T13:37:00.006-06:00

Here are some photos

from the workshop in

April taken by two of

our Big Smile photographers.

Megan & Nick e-session

2008-05-07T16:01:00.004-06:00

My First Tattoo

2008-04-01T20:12:00.006-06:00

My First tattoo. its been along time coming.
For My Son Liam
His name means unwavering warrior.

Thanks Tina for the Photos

Shannee and Mark

2008-04-01T15:39:00.006-06:00

Thought i would repost these fun images from Shannee and Marks e-session. They are one of Tina's couples from Big Smile Photo the other studio that i own. I had the pleasure of doing their e-session. if you are a blog stalker, stalk on by the Big Smile Studio blog. I know the girls would love to hear from you. Click the link above to visit.

Another for my friends

2008-03-29T16:01:00.001-06:00

see... I told you it would get better. maybe not the way you thought it would, but better none the less.

To everyone in my life. Including myself

2008-03-27T16:42:00.002-06:00

To (just about) everyone I know:

If you need to cry, just cry. It Sucks. It all sucks right now. But its not permanent. With love there is hope.

Tattoo... will I or wont I?

2008-03-13T18:07:00.003-06:00

Alright, Im going to Vegas for wppi. Last WPPI, after some prodding from Dawn Shields and Mike Mirimoto, was the first time I donned the completely shaved head thing. My poor wife freaked (honestly though, it had been going on its own for a while). of course she loves it now. So this year something else maybe. I am thinking a tattoo. A BIG ONE. (already have wifes approval) Its something that i have wanted to do for a long time. I finally picked a design, will WPPI in Vegas be the place?

Maybe i will rally some support to go with me. To the tattoo parlor!!! Vegas baby!!

Jer

New Blog Coming Soon!!

2008-03-13T17:51:00.002-06:00

So I have decided to finally get my butt in gear on a new blog. The blog you are probably looking at now is not it! (bland, black, grey..... not it.) It will have larger images, be easier to navigate and a whole lot awesomer. (Not a real word i know)I have a few things that have slacked and my marketing and business side are throwing a fit about it. A few other things, an updated website, a new (consistant) logo (that you loyal blog readers will help me pick)I figured if my name is on a list as one of the top 10 wedding photojournalists in the world (no matter how valid it actually is or is not) And If I want it to be true then I better start acting like it. No more goofing around, time to get serious..... uh oh, this may get interesting.

Keep your eyes peeled for something new!

Jer

Back in Black (and White)

2008-03-11T20:00:00.005-06:00

Sometimes the best way to do things is the old way. Not because its old but because its right. For this couple Black and White felt right. There are color also but I wanted to share these. When shooting it really forced me to look at my light. No fancy tricks, just photography, enjoy. (ok if you look close maybe few tricks ;-)

jer

WHAT!!!??? INTERNATIONAL WPJA RANKINGS FOR 2007

2008-03-08T09:16:00.002-06:00

I received this email last night about 9:30pm. notice anything strange?

-----------------------
To All WPJA Members,

We are proud to announce the 2007 WPJA Photographer of the Year and the overall top ten wedding photojournalists in the world:

Photographer of the Year: Ben Chrisman, California, USA

Second Place: Eric Lagstein, New Jersey, USA
Third Place: Carlo Carletti, Italy
Fourth Place: Christian Keenan, England
Fifth Place: David Murray, Maine, USA
Sixth Place: Jeremy Lawson, Missouri, USA
Seventh Place: Mark Earthy, Sweden
Eighth Place: Christobal Perez, North Carolina, USA
Ninth Place: Noah Wolf, Minnesota, USA
Tenth Place: Robert Mirani, Massachusetts, USA

- - - -
A huge congratulations to Ben Chrisman and the rest of the top WPJA wedding photojournalists of 2007!

Sincerely,

Jason Hackley | WPJA.com | AGWPJA.com | WedPix.com

____________________________________

How about my name in 6th place. Pardon my french but WTF!!!!!? This cant be right can it? (....insert sarcastic tone here) 10th,probably... eighth, maybe.....but 6th (wink wink ;-) )

THE WPJA me ranked as one of the top ten wedding photojournalists in the world!.....hello!!! is this thing on!!???..... in the world! How, who, what!?

I didnt believe it either and then i here

This has got to be the most awesome thing ever. All I can say is thanks to all of the awesome couples that I get to work with. Thanks for opening up and sharing your lives with us, and being vulnerable in front of the camera. You are the people that are doing it all and making it happen. I am just clicking the button.

Somebody pinch me!

Jer

Maternity Photos (warning!!! not for the faint of heart)

2008-02-25T17:04:00.004-06:00

Of course its bound to happen. Married people tend to have babies. Jennifer and Travis were a wedding couple of mine from a few years back. After the wedding i was so excited that they were letting me shoot some belly pics of them. I new that they would let me be fun and different. They were nice enough to let me post a few for you all to check out.

HELP WANTED!!

2008-02-15T12:16:00.004-06:00

This past year has been full of ups and downs for me. My Studio, Big Smile Photography has grown light years in size and complexity. For the first time I added talented new photographers to the ranks. Big Smile has gone from being a small one man show to a successful multi photographer studio. Our clients and market have responded. And almost doubled the number of weddings from over 50 last year to projections of almost 100 this year. There have been growing pains, and new challenges, but we continue to move forward. With those challenges have come more success than I could have even imagined.

That brings us to 2008, and we are not done growing. My desire is to continue to inspire and enable young talented photographers (or even old talented photographers ) to do what they love and grow and develop as artists and be able to actually make money doing it. Our plan for this year is to add additional talent to our staff.

THE SEARCH IS ON! WE NEED YOU!
You, meaning talented, creative, fun photographers that are looking for a way to do what they love! Maybe you are a new talent looking for a way to break into wedding photography as more than just a hobby. Maybe your an old talent thats fed up with the business side of photography and you want to do more of what you love, actually shooting weddings!

This is a place where you can grow and develop, do what you love, have control over your art and vision, and connect with great people that are interested in having you shoot their weddings!

If you are interested in finding out more information send me an email or call me at the studio 417.499.0399. I look forward to speaking with you and finding the next great Big Smile Wedding Photographer!

- Jeremy

contests entries

2008-02-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

I feel like my photographic style is a little ADHD at best. each person i deal with is different and i see different things in each of them. my approach stylistically to each project varies (at least in my own mind). Much of my actual wedding work is puristic photojournalism. and all of my contest entries or photo submissions have been to the WPJA this week i entered the AGWPJA contest for the first time. ( The Artistic Guild of the WPJA ). below are my entries. I would love to get everyones opinions. As you may know or read before in my blog. the WPJA has strict rules about image editing(submissions must be straight out of the camera with only select modifications (contrast, Black and white) and no photoshopping really of any kind, the AGWPJA allows photographers to bend and break those rules. because most of my wedding work (with the exeption of portraits only has minor photoshop work done to it. most of my "funky stuff" is done during portrait session. so most of my contest entries are the in the engagement photo category.

thanks for checking them out.

some of these you may have seen before. some are new.

Paige and Andy

2008-01-28T15:04:00.000-06:00

Springfield Missouri : hi - 13* F
Boca Grande Florida : hi - 73* F

Tough call but I think I will go to Florida. And thats just what I did this past weekend. I was originally going to work/have a family vacation and but my pregnant wife and my sick son bailed at the last minute. :::::::RANT:::::pneumonia!? Come on son your almost two! stop being such cry baby and get over it all ready! Oh and get a job for crying out loud, its bout time you started pulling you own weight around here!

Any way despite being alone in florida, I had a great time with Paige and Andy and the rest of there wedding crew. You may even recognize a few familiar faces from a few months back Elizabeth and Russell (One of Tina's couples from Big Smile Photo) I got to do there bridal session. (look down the blog a few dates).

We had fun in the sun and a beautiful wedding on the beach followed by a great dinner and awesome music right next to the beach. (I recommend the salmon!) I could have photographed this group all day. I made a several new friends as well as deeped relationships with the few people that I already new. It was definitely worth the trip. Cya later guys and have fun on your cruise!

Jer

new pics for a new year

2008-01-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

Devon and Stan are on fire. check back soon for more pics or preregister to view there pics on pictage.com.

Elizabeth and Russell

2007-11-28T15:41:00.001-06:00

Elizabeth and Russell. What can i say? Tina shot there wedding a few weeks back and they came back afterwards to do a post wedding bridal session. I was so excited to shoot them and it was everything i hoped and more. Here are a few good ones. These photos can serve as a reminder. Great photos reley as much on the photographers ability as the couples willingness. Colaboration can make all the difference.

Jer

Check this out

2007-11-15T18:50:00.000-06:00

I am super excited to be a featured photographer on Dontboxusin.com. This cool site is dedicated to spotlighting some of the creative, odd different and supertalented wedding photographers in the industry today. I have been highlighted as this weeks photographer. Click on the link above and read a little about me and other photographers and find out what makes our shutters click.

Autumn e-sessions

2007-11-15T18:10:00.000-06:00

I would have to say that I have photographed more Engagement photos in about a 3 week period than I probably did the entire summer. Unfortunatly fall Colors this year were a little elusive. Some of these couple like Katy and Jansen, Meganne and Kelly and Brittney and Mark are personal clients of J.Lawson Photography and are quickly becoming good friends. These other great couples are Big Smile Clients and are going to be the lucky subjects of Tina or Whitney in the coming months. But instead of making a dozen or so blog posts I am making one big one. Enjoy, and thanks for trusting such an important part of your lives to us, we feel honored.

Jer

Stephanie and Dan's e-session

2007-10-22T12:27:00.000-06:00

How did I do it. The winner gets 1 million dollars. Steph and dan are excluded from winning they were there. ok not really, I dont even have a million dollars. Thanks guys for being so fun and creative. The rest will be online soon.

Jer

:::::EDIT

By request i have posted a few more shots from this session.

Katie and Ryan

2007-10-18T12:38:00.000-06:00

Katie and Ryan were so much fun. In fact when it came time to actually leave for the night I wanted to stay. In fact I would have but I had to be in K.C. the next morning to set up for a wedding show. Here are a few of the images from there wedding day slideshow. Thanks guys for letting me be a part of your special day. Talk to you when you get back from the honeymoon!!!

Jer

Sara and Matt E-session

2007-10-16T16:48:00.000-06:00

Every once and a while I get in one of those creative moods. Don't get me wrong, I try to be pretty creative most of the time, but sometimes i just want to do something different. Today was one of those days. Here are a few of the products of my wild hair. Ijust shot them like 10 minutes ago and I should probably be working to get caught up from the busy season we have be having, but I just had to share a few enjoy!

Jer

Monica and Chad E-Session

2007-09-25T11:10:00.001-06:00

This cute little couple has the pleasure of having Tina (one of my Gals that shoots for Big Smile Photo) do their wedding on Nov 3rd. (I am going to be in Mexico shooting yeah!) They were fun and I got to shoot in Rogers Arkansas at the home of their Videographer, the husband wife team of Cineast films. They had a cute little place in the country with some land and horses. It ended up being a great spot. These guys really put out some great work. (you can check them out at cineastfilms.com) I had a chance to chat with them for a bit and get the inside scoop on the wedding video industry. Thanks again for letting us use your place it was fun and great to finally meet you. Hope everyone likes the pics.

Sara and Jeremy

2007-09-19T13:48:00.000-06:00

We have had several sarahs this year and probably a few to many jeremys, But never a Sara and Jeremy together until now. And what a pair! These guys were great. Sara used to work with my mom at a local private school and Jeremy is the grandson of a pretty famous evangelist Kenneth Copeland. God really had a plan to bring these two together. Sometimes its when you arent looking that God that someone in your life. Not only are they so nice, man are they hot. I have yet to go through that many of there photos because we have been so freakin busy, but here are some shots that just popped out to me. There are tons more where these came from. They had a beautiful ceremony out at Prayer Mountain with a tent reception outside on the the grounds.

jer