Cristina and Lucy

Remember back in 2019 when I posted that changes were a-coming? The idea was that I would be adding more portrait photography into my work. Then, just as things were picking up, 2020 happened and we all know what that year brought. 2021 wasn’t much better and the last thing on most people’s mind was new portraits. The economy was tanking and a large portion of the world was hunkering down in their homes. Now we are in 2022. And while still having its own challenges, it is starting to see people get out and mingle once again. And for me, I had the chance to get out and mingle “wildlife” and portrait photography together in one session when I was asked to do a senior shoot for Christina and her horse, Lucy! Of course, you know I jumped at that opportunity!

We met at a local ranch where Lucy stays, and the shoot began. We started by allowing Lucy to get used to me and the equipment. As much as I love animals, I also respect them, especially when they are much larger than me. I let her smell me, my camera, exposed her to the flash, and all went well. I might add, we did all that BEFORE Christina got on her back.

Then we started the photography with a few shots of Christina riding Lucy. We were still letting Lucy get comfortable with the camera equipment and me just to make sure there would be no surprises.

Once we were all comfortable with each other and how each of us worked we did a few closeup shots.

And since this was a “senior shoot” after all, the obligatory cap-n-gown shots were a must. At this point we are all feeling pretty comfortable together and Christina and Lucy are both being total professionals and easy to work with.

Then came time for a wardrobe switch and a change of scenery. We moved inside of the stable and got a few studio type shots. This is the first time I’ve used a stable as a studio, but in this case, it was the perfect setting.

Time was wearing on, but our goal was to get some shots during the sunset, so we continued. We took a few in a few more settings and then the sun began its descent out of the sky. This brought us that beautiful sunset light we were waiting for. So we set up our position and let God light the scene.

At the end of the day, Christina and Lucy were great to work with. I had the happy chance to combine two styles of shooting, and Christina ended up with some portraits that she can be proud of. So, a win-win for everyone!

So, just a reminder that now things are starting to return to normal, I still do portrait sessions, with or without animals. If you are in need of portraits, be it for a senior, a family, or other, give me a shout and we’ll see what we can get scheduled! I am based in the Overton, TX area and look forward to taking your photo!

Until Next Time,

Michael

All words and photos copyright 2022 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses

A Trip to Mississippi

Finally, after a long time of saying we were going to do it, we finally make a trip to Gautier, MS to visit our friends William and Claudette Owens.  We were so glad that we went.  They not only showed us a great time while we were there, but they also showed us a few new things.

For instance, they took us to the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point MS, where we not only got to see gators up close and personal in their facility, we also took an airboat ride and were able to see them in the wild as well.

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

Of course, its little mouth was banded to keep from customers losing any fingers, but something tells me that the little guy wouldn’t have hurt a flea.  Just rub its neck and it just purred.   Smile

Yes, they have bigger gators there, but you wouldn’t want to pet them!

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

After looking around there, William thought it would be a great idea to take the airboat ride through the local swamp. 

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

I guess William forgot that he has a tendency to get a little motion sick, or perhaps he had never seen the videos that show just how much of a “ride” an airboat can be! But he was a trooper and stayed strong for the entire ride. No extra “feed” for the gators this trip!

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

Yes, there were gators out in the wild as well as the ones at the “farm”.  This is just one reason why they said to “keep your hands and arms inside the boat at all times during the ride!

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

The swamp was very cool with all the overhanging trees.  Other than the gators we saw, I didn’t see any snakes, so I was good with that!  For an example of just how “wild” the ride was, here is just a three minute clip of the ride!  Check out the 360 towards the end!

After the gator ranch, we had lunch and then headed for the beach in Ocean Springs, MS.  Karen wanted to at least stick her feet in the water while we were here, and I just wanted to see what I could take pictures of.

Mississippi 2012

And no, I didn’t wade in the water.  Not really sure why, just didn’t.  But here are Karen, Claudette, and William while I shoot from the dry sand.

Mississippi 2012

If course there were birds…

Mississippi 2012

I was almost able to walk all the way up to this Heron that was perched on the pier.  Good thing too since all I had with me was my 24-105mm lens!

Mississippi 2012

And shells, with someone at home…

Mississippi 2012

And the requisite couples shots on the pier…

Mississippi 2012

Mississippi 2012

But Karen caught the best sunset picture when we drove over to Gulfport for dinner to the Back Bay Seafood Restaurant.  The food was as good as the sunset!

Mississippi 2012

It was a great trip and one I’m glad we made.  Thanks again to our friends William and Claudette for making it an enjoyable trip that we will remember for a long time to come!

Happy 4th of July!!!

As has been our tradition for the past several years, family came for a visit over the 4th of July weekend here at the Hampton House.  And as always, we had a great time visiting and playing around the pool.  Sadly, our fireworks got rained out this year, but that just made an opportunity for the girls (and Bryan) to go shopping!  🙂

Here are some family shots!  I have a great family and I love them all!

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010Meet the whole gang!

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010Mom and Dad and their great-grandkids Kolby, Alyssa, Cathyrn, and Adrianna.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 My sister Pam and brother-in-law Dan.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 My daughter April and son-in-law Heath.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 My niece Melody and nephew-in-law Gerry.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 My nephew Bryan and niece-in-law Katy.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 Me and my beautiful bride Karen.

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010 And me and my brood.  🙂  (That’s Daisy in Kolby’s arms)

Hampton 4th of July Gathering, 2010  
Grammy and the girls.

It was a great weekend.  We love seeing them every year and look forward to our next get-together.  I hope your 4th was as grand as mine.