Most people want to break out of prison.  Patrick and I, we break in.  Ok, so maybe it's not an functioning prison anymore, but it was once.

I've wanted to shoot at the Atlanta Prison Farm for quite some time and Patrick Logan, a super talented actor friend of mine, was the perfect person to bring for the occasion.  Not only is he big and could protect me if some crazy person came out from behind a set of rusty prison bars, but his look and vibe lend perfectly to the atmosphere there.  This historic East Atlanta location was in operation from 1945 to 1995, but now sits burnt and defunct, overgrown with kudzu and splattered with graffiti.  

A really cool thing about shooting with Patrick was that I got to play around with some shots that aren't my typical style, but that I think turned out pretty great.  I love the dark, tough, gritty nature of these.  

**Though this abandoned place is surely calling to all urban explorers, be warned that you are at risk when going here.  We were lucky enough to wrap up our shoot just as some SWAT guys showed up to kick us out... and very, very lucky not to get in more trouble than just a stern talking to.  I recommend getting permission before entering.  

About three years ago, my dear friend, Lidia, made a big decision for her family.  She and her husband moved from New York to Illinois in search of a simpler life for their sweet twins, who at the time were a year old.  Though she and I have been able to see each other and work together several times over those three years, it was never in her new home, so I finally set aside a long weekend to head up there to visit them... and their little new addition!  They added another boy to their family, Christian Henry, a month ago!  We didn't do a traditional family photo session, rather, we took photos here and there throughout the weekend-- at home, at a farm, in a cornfield.  Between one cloudy day that made the skies so interesting and another perfect fall day with that golden light every photographer loves to play with, we snapped quite a few photos.  Here are a handful of them! 

I just love when babies make this "whatchu talkin bout" face!  (above)