Rachelle’s Bridals and First View Portraits

I am so glad to have been the photographer for Rachelle’s wedding events. She is so beautiful and full of life that her images just glow. This is her bridal shoot which also included some portraits with her groom, and so we started off the shoot as a first view – where the groom sees her in her gown for the first time. His reaction is golden!

I took the entire shoot and created this slideshow for their wedding reception, and thought it’d be fun to share it on my blog too.

And here are some of the images from the shoot.

Cox_RSnow_B-798-2Cox_RSnow_B-543-2

Bridal portraits are taken before the wedding so that images can be created for display at the wedding reception, and to create the type of images that you normally don’t have time for on a wedding day. Cox_RSnow_B-813-bwI love the lines framing the bride and the lighting shaping her and drawing you into where she is standing.

Cox_RSnow_B-638-2

And here is one from outside, using the blue sky and shadows to frame and create interest around the couple.Cox_RSnow_B-755

Rachelle is a dancer, so you’ll notice the dancing images of her in the video above. The entire shoot was a blast despite the sweltering heat that day. But it made for some beautiful blue skies and directional lighting.

If you are a new bride, give me a call. I’d love to work with you and create some fantastic photographs for you. 801-728-3317

And until next time, America.

Doug & Anna’s Family Portraits

Years ago I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding for one of my good friends. Just recently I was able to photograph his family and see how much his cute kids had grown. We shot everything here at the studio, outdoor in the studio gardens.

Cox_DBassett-F-116---18x24

These little girls were so fun and adorable. We took some time during the session to create individual portraits of each girl and some groupings of them together as well. One of those groupings I used to created this painting.

Cox_DBassett-F-202-painting-700p

While the painting may portray more of a feeling of being young together, this next grouping shows all their smiling faces.

Cox_DBassett-F-128

I also really liked this trio of all three girls.

Cox_DBassett-F-8x20AnnaMarie_oooAnd here are of the favorites of each girl, printed as individual images so that they can be either hung together in a grouping, or later spread out around the house.

Cox_DBassett-F-185Cox_DBassett-F-174Cox_DBassett-F-153

It was so fun to see these guys again and to create these family heirlooms. I really love to photograph families and kids and would love to photograph YOUR family. Now is a great time to get in. Give me a call at 801-728-3317.

And until next time, America.

Past Portraits of My Grandma

My last grandma has just passed away and today is her viewing. It is interesting that relatives have been reminiscing by finding and posting pictures of her on facebook and on blogs. I myself took some personal time on the day she passed to finish some restorations that I had been working on.

These portraits that I’ve been restoring, are meaningful because they are well done portraits that tell a story of my grandma. She was a florist, and her and my grandpa started a floral which is still run by some of her kids. When I was little, being tended by my grandma meant running around greenhouses and having adventures while she made arrangements for customers. It meant playing cowboys and indians in the orchards, climbing trees, and sometimes picking weeds in the greenhouses for an Orange Crush.

I have a lot of memories of my grandma that I am not going to share because this is a public blog. But I do want to say that portraits matter and I’m glad I do what I do for a profession. I am grateful for portraits of my loved ones because they remind me of memories and of times past.

Slide_Scans_035-edge

Slide_Scans_040-Edge

Today we live in a world of photo-poliferation. We have a disposable mentality due to being inundated by tons of pictures created on every device we have. But where is the quality portrait? Someone said to me this last week that they didn’t think photographs were worth spending money on because they’re just temporary.

I completely disagree. There is almost nothing that I personally can spend money on that my children and grandchildren are going to want when I’m dead and gone. Everything else is just stuff, most of which can be replaced by insurance by a better and newer version. But portraits are going to be fought over by future generations, especially the quality portrait.

Yes maybe in the short-term we may change out a wall portrait for a newer updated one, but over time we miss the portraits we took down. They become a window to the past and a way to remember loved ones and past times. Portraits unlike electronics and other expensive items actually grow in value over time, especially if someone passes away. And once someone passes away, there is a search for the one quality portrait that tells a story about that loved one. Snapshots are passed over and everyone searches for and wants a copy of the quality portrait.

Cox-388-Hancock-F-Edge-700p

To close, here is a portrait I did with my grandma a few years back while visiting her at her St. George home. I am grateful for these portraits as they remind me of memories and of times past. I am reminded of what a kind and loving woman she was and the example she and my grandpa set for all of us, and am comforted with the knowledge that she and my grandpa are now reunited.

Blake’s Senior Portrait Sneak Preview

Because school is starting this week, I’m showing a sneak peek of Blake’s senior portraits. We did a Senior Mix Session with an additional location, and here’s what we got! Blake is a drummer, so to showcase that talent, we set up his drums along with a portable studio setup of lights and equipment out in one of my favorite desert locations. The jumping ones were my favorites and I really liked the storm clouds we had that day. It made for some great drama in the sky.

Cox_BJohnson-sr-292-edge

We also did a full session in the studio with a number of different setups. Here is one of my favorites from his black and white series using a very unique lighting setup. The resulting look is hip, edgy, and modern.Cox_BJohnson-sr-114b-edge

This next image at the pool wasn’t shot at a pool at all, but actually created completely in the studio! Senior portraits should show who you are and what you like to do. Doing this image at the studio gives me the creativity to create the best image possible with the most custom lighting.

Cox_BJohnson-sr-347_Pool-edge

And of course, senior portraits are always fun with a cap and gown.

Cox_BJohnson-sr-229-edge

In 20 years looking back to today, what are you going to want to remember about your senior year? Let’s create a portrait for you that shows in a unique and professional way who you are right now.

If you are a high school senior and especially if you are a friend of Blake’s, I can create some amazing portraits of YOU, and right now is the BEST time to get in for some senior portraits! I have some awesome promotions going on, plus the weather is great for outdoor sessions.

Here’s what to do:

(1) Call me at the studio to set up a time, ask any questions you have, and let’s talk about some fun ideas for your shoot, 801-728-3317.

(2) Start thinking of fun outfits you may want to bring, maybe go shopping for a new outfit or two, and most importantly, don’t forget some props that say something about you, like wake boards, a basketball, musical instrument, skis, motorcycle helmet, dance shoes, …anything!

(3) Bring your mom or a friend to the shoot so they can be a part of the whole experience.

(4) And don’t forget your iPod so that you have your favorite music playing during the shoot.

I will post more images from Blake’s shoot soon! Keep tuned in!!

Whitney’s Senior Portrait Sneak Preview

This week Whitney is starting school as a high school senior and I had the pleasure of photographing her and creating some beautiful senior pictures. Here’s a sneak peek of her session.

She has such a great and captivating smile, she was a blast to work with. We did a full Senior Mix Session, meaning we shot multiple outfits, created both in color and black and white, used multiple backgrounds including inside the studio and outside in the studio gardens, and used a mix of lighting styles from fashion to beauty to classic.

Cox_WBigler-sr-8x20-The-Cape-ooo

This wall trio above is one of my favorites. Her eyes pop and her personality really comes through. I love telling a story in three images.

And her close ups, like the one below are superb. I really like her smile in this, and how her outfit works so well and is set off by the funky brown background.

Cox_WBigler-sr-264

Senior photo shoots should always include images that say who you are and what you like to do. Whitney plays the piano, and here at the studio, I have a baby grand just for photographs. Here are some of those images. Whitney is also a dancer, and those images are coming along with many others.

Cox_WBigler-sr-154-bwCox_WBigler-sr-146b

I have many more images to show from this shoot, but for now I’ll leave you with this beautiful outdoor portrait in the wind, taken in the studio gardens.

Cox_WBigler-sr-165If you are a high school senior and especially if you are a friend of Whitney’s, I can create some amazing portraits of YOU, and right now is the BEST time to get in for some senior portraits! I have some awesome promotions going on, plus the weather is great for outdoor sessions.

Here’s what to do:

(1) Call me at the studio to set up a time, ask any questions you have, and to talk about some fun ideas for your shoot,  801-728-3317.

(2) Start thinking of fun outfits you may want to bring, maybe go shopping for a new outfit or two, and most importantly, don’t forget some props that say something about you, like wake boards, a basketball, musical instrument, skis, motorcycle helmet, dance shoes, …anything!

(3) Bring your mom or a friend to the shoot so they can be a part of the whole experience.

(4) And don’t forget your iPod so that you have your favorite music playing during the shoot.

I will post more images from Whitney’s shoot soon! Keep tuned in!!

Tara’s Family & Graduate Portraits

My friend Tara recently received a graduate degree with honors from the University of Utah. With that big moment and also because her family was all in town, we did a mix session creating some family portraits and some graduation portraits of her as well.

Cox_TDeWitt-8x20-Trio

Cox_TDeWitt-F-131

Cox_TDeWitt-F-109-bw Cox_TDeWitt-F-173

Her family was so nice and it was great getting to know them better.

After photographing the family, we focused on some individual portraits of Tara. I have photographed Tara on other occasions and I love it. She’s very photogenic but also has a great personality that really shows through and is fun to photograph. Here are some of my favorites images from the shoot.

Cox_TDeWitt-F-224b

Cox_TDeWitt-F-198 Cox_TDeWitt-F-239I always feel it an honor to photograph families, and especially felt that way and loved having the opportunity to photograph Tara’s family at this time. I appreciate them asking me. I would also love to photograph your family as well. Give me a call if you’d like me to create something special for your family. 801-728-3317

Until next time, America.

 

Emotional But Important Family Portraits After Losing a Loved One

Last year, tragically a border agent with family ties to Utah was killed on the border. I knew this man and certain members of his family very well. It was a tough and sad situation.

Recently, their extended family was all going to be back together in Utah, and they asked me to create a large group portrait of everyone, as well as smaller group portraits of each family. This was a particularly emotional and hard shoot to do, but again reiterated to me the importance of families, loved ones, and of having great portraits — not just for us, but especially for our loved ones.

For this shoot, I brought my entire studio to the home of one of the family members who was hosting the get together. I set up the background, lights and gear in their home, and I began photographing each individual family.

BryCox_FAM_02

BryCox_FAM_03

Then because of the size of the large group, the lack of space, and because of the needs of various versions of a large extended family portrait for various people, I instead created a digital composite. Instead of actually shooting the entire group at once, I instead invested some serious digital creation time to blend and mix the smaller family group portraits together into one beautiful panorama. It’s designed so that smaller group relationships are shown while portraying the entire family’s adhesiveness.

The largest finished version of this was a 70 inch canvas which looked amazing!

BryCox_FAM_01

We then created these smaller groups, like the original family…

BryCox_FAM_07

…and another of just grandkids. A large group of grandkids in one portrait is always a challenge. There are so many young people who don’t want to sit still, let alone where I need them to sit for balance, let alone to look forward and show personality. But they are always a fun challenge and I love how this one turned out. Everyone has such personality and years from now they will love looking back on this image and seeing each other.

BryCox_FAM_06

It was an honor to be asked to create the photographs for this family. I really appreciate the opportunity to be apart of these memories.

And now is a great time to book your own family portraits! Kids are out of school, the weather is great, the studio gardens look amazing, and the July Family Portrait Special is still going on! I’ve got some opening still before the end of the month, and if you at least call by the end of July but need to make your appointment during the first part of August, that’s okay too. My number is 801-728-3317 and you can see more details here as well.

Until next time, America.

Pictureline Blog Article – Model Shoot Testing Rogue Flash Gear

About a week ago, I told you I had a cool shoot to share. Well this is it. Pictureline, which is my favorite camera store in the country, asked me to review the Rogue line of flash diffusers for a blog article. I tested the pieces by taking a model out to shoot in high-bright sun, low sun, bright shade, and deep shade.

See the images I created along with my setups in the article today at http://www.pictureline.com/blog/rogue-flashbender-review-and-giveaway-with-bry-cox/

Cox_MCall--133

Cox_MCall--113

I want to thank Pictureline for asking me to do this. They are a fantastic store with a fantastic staff. Being a photographer, random people are always asking me what camera or lens they should buy. Though I may share my opinions, there really are too many options now for consumers, especially those who are not full-time pros. The best place to get advice and to buy any gear whether you’re a pro or not, is at Pictureline in Salt Lake. Even if you live further away, they are still the best place. If you go there, you’ll see why it’s my favorite store.

Well until next time, America.

July Family Special

With kids growing up, families changing, the weather being beautiful, the studio gardens in bloom, and this July family promo, there isn’t a better time than right now to get a new family portrait!

BryCox-July-Special

Whether you have a big family or a small family, or whether you’d like a painted portrait or something entirely different, give me a call and let’s talk about creating something emotional and timeless for you.

BryCox_Fam_01

These two images are examples of my painted canvas portrait series, where I paint in an abstract way over the photograph to create something new and entirely different.

BryCox_Fam_02

Portrait sessions can be inside the studio or outdoors in the studio gardens for free with this promo, or can be on location for an extra fee. However, right now the studio gardens look amazing! To give you an idea of where some of these images were created, three of the images in this post were created right in the studio gardens, with the others being created on location in places that are special to the clients.

BryCox_Fam_03 BryCox_Fam_04

This is a great time to get your extended family together for that once-in-a-lifetime portrait, while at the same time creating portraits of each smaller family while they are together. If you’d like to see more examples and stories about each of these family portraits, many are posted right here in past blog posts as well as on my main portfolio website.

BryCox_Fam_05

So what’s the catch? Call now to make your appointment in July. By doing so you get a free session (usually $200-$400 depending on the size of your family), a free retouched and hard-mounted 11×14 with leather protective finish so that it isn’t damaged by handling or fingerprints and doesn’t need glass (value $199), as long as you purchase any framed wall piece like a 16×20 portrait of your group, or a child’s trio, or a multi-image collage for example.

The image you purchase can be larger of course. For instance you may want a painted wall canvas like the samples at the top, or perhaps a long panorama canvas of your extended family so that you can see each child’s face from a distance. What you get is up to you.

Many are doing the free 11×14 as the portrait of their children with their wall portrait of their entire family. Some are doing the session of their children using the free 11×14 as their group portrait and a wall collage as a way to showcase each child.

BryCox_Fam_07BryCox_Fam_06

You know it’s time for new family portraits. Don’t settle for average photography. You will look amazing and will get portraits that are real, emotional, timeless, and that don’t have all the plastic skin effects or weird washed out retouching.

Give me a call for any further questions and to set up your appointment to get the best options for dates and times. My number is 801-728-3317. Again, check out my main portfolio site at BryCox.com to see more samples, or the blog here too.

And until next time, America.

Portraits for Lisa Hullinger’s Music CD

Lisa Hullinger had me create some portraits for her commercial project, her music CD titled Fairytales. We did two different shoots to get some variety of both studio and outdoor, and here are some of my favorite images.

This first one ended up as her album cover. It’s a very pretty image of her that shows personality, and also has a sense of spontaneity with her hair blowing.Cox_LHullinger-S-2046-color

This next image is great! It’s got a nice feel while being very simple in its composition.Cox_LHullinger-S-2139-cn

The pretty weather and location I think fit the mood of her design, as well as having a nice, relaxed feel. It was hard picking a favorite!

Cox_LHullinger-S-2006-cnCox_LHullinger-S-2099-cnCox_LHullinger-S-2102-cnCox_LHullinger-S-2157-cnCox_LHullinger-S-2197-cn

And here are a couple of my favorites from the indoor studio shoot.

Cox_LHullinger-S-208-bwCox_LHullinger-S-132-bw-with-Bry's-Custom-Retro-Edge

Lisa did a great job at the shoots which made the sessions very fun. All of the songs on her album are original, she sings and plays on them, but you can tell that she paid attention to making sure that everything sounded great. I love it when artists follow their dream to write songs and take all the steps to produce an album, while paying attention to the fine details. I appreciate her including me in her project as her photographer, and I wish her luck with her project.

If you would like more info on her album and to hear samples, check out her website, LisaHullinger.com.

Until next time, America.

New Portraits of McKenzie

This last week I photographed McKenzie for an article I am writing on a product. That article will be released in about a week or so. I can’t wait for you all to see those images! They are some really fun, outdoor portraits, but I can’t publish them or share them yet.

So in the meantime I thought I’d share these two images I did of her totally impromptu on a completely different day a while back when she was at the studio for her sister’s senior portraits. No prep, just two really beautiful images!

Cox_BCall-sr-280b-edge-bCox_BCall-sr-270-2-edge-c

So enjoy these for now. And until next time, America.

I Love Photographing the Same Families Over the Years

Being a photographer is a satisfying job. I’ve spent years perfecting the craft because I feel that there is an important need to create not just pictures, but heirlooms that connect with people emotionally and are different from the other offerings. When I do shoots like this, I am reminded of that importance and it makes me grateful for the opportunity to create great images for people.

I had a blast photographing these cute kids that come into my studio every few years. I’ve done shoots for this family as each of these kids came into the family. It’s always been fun to see how much they’ve grown and changed. In fact for this post, I’ve pulled up some images I did last time for comparison. But first, I did a series of square wall portraits of each child. This first little girl was the newest in the family, and I hadn’t photographed her yet. She was so adorable and full of personality as you can see.

Cox_Zeh_Stand-Outs-3

And here are the other children, each with their own square wall print, which looked beautiful hung together on the wall.

Cox_Zeh_Stand-Outs-4

Cox_Zeh_Stand-Outs-1

Cox_Zeh_Stand-Outs-2

And here are the first three children, each from the shoot I did of them a few years ago as well as today. It is so fun seeing these comparisons. It’s another reminder to me me of how fast children grow, how fast families change, and how important it is to get great portraits over the years. I really love the personality in each of these images.

Cox-1017-Zeh2-canvas

Cox_LZeh-F-127-11x14

Cox-1032-Zeh

Cox-1035-Zeh

Cox_LZeh-F-204-11x14

Cox-1052-Zeh

Cox_LZeh-F-164-11x14

With each shoot over the years, I photographed each new child to create a personal wall collage. Here’s an example of this boy’s collage from the past when he was much younger.

Cox_Zeh_21x21-Nine-Print-Composite-2

Every child has their own collage at about the same age. For the newest little sister, we did a collage for her on this new shoot.

Cox_Zeh_21x21-Nine-Print-Composite-white

And another one of just her alone.

Cox_LZeh-F-103-11x14

Here is a new collage I did of all the kids at this recent shoot. They were such a fun bunch that day. They were so excited and were an absolute blast. You can see how fun the shoot was from these images as well as their individual personalities.

Cox_Zeh_21x21-Nine-Print-Composite-dark

It’s hard to describe how grateful that I am to be a photographer, and to be able to do this for a living. I love that I can create and preserve memories for my clients and create real heirlooms that are enjoyed for years. It’s working on jobs like this that makes it feel all the more important, especially when I see these young children grow and change over time. And it was gratifying to deliver this order and see portraits from the past that I had created, hanging in the home.

So thank you to these clients and everyone else for hiring me over the years and allowing me to create images for you. And if you are looking for some updated portraits, there is no better time than now to set it up. Give me a call, 801-728-3317.