Fourth of July recap in photos

I spent July 4, 2011 much like I did in 2010, workin' hard for my money! Like last year, AnnArbor.com assigned me to cover the annual Ann Arbor 5K and parade in downtown. I really enjoy shooting both these events, there is a ton of holiday spirit and a TON of holiday color to boot. Check out the full galleries for the Firecracker 5K and the Ann Arbor Jaycees Parade.

Here are a few of my photos from a busy day of shooting.

Grandpas and smiles everywhere you look!

Most clever use of eyeshadow award goes to:

I've seen a lot of things at parades, but this was my first macaw. Meet Chessie.

Photos in this post are © AnnArbor.com 2011

Ann Arbor attorney Nick Buondono

When I moved to Ann Arbor, TWO years ago (where does the time go?) I reconnected with friend, former Central Michigan classmate and CMLife editor Nick Buondono. Nick's been busy since we left CMU. He moved on to Michigan State where he earned his law degree and has been practicing law ever since. Nick recently launched his own firm (<- check out his new web site!) With the new practice and new web site, Nick needed a few photos, so we hit up the Univeristy of Michigan Law Quad for a portrait shoot.

Here's my favorite outtake from our shoot. Gotta throw a little cheesy moment in with all the seriousness of practicing the law!

Photographing Amanda and Ryan

Meet Amanda and Ryan. Both are of the midwestern variety and hail from our neighbor to the west, Wisconsin. They have relocated to Ann Arbor as Amanda is attending the University of Michigan as a nursing doctoral student. They have planned TWO weddings for this summer with the first at a California vineyard this July.

We recently met up in the peony gardens at Nichols Arboretum to enjoy a beautiful evening and a little camera time. 

Unpredictable Michigan weather reared it's head and our original date was rained out. Fortunately, the photos Gods rewarded us with amazing weather for our make up day. I'd say it was worth the trouble.