Assignment: Make Your Mark On The World...

Monday, March 30, 2009


- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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My Life, My Blog, My Breakthrough - 2007 Flashback

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It seems like I blinked and then two years passed. I remember everything that has happened since I started my blog on January 1, 2007 but time sure does fly. Every once in a while I go back to my first entries and read them for inspiration. When life gets a little shaky, prayer and those words from the past keep me grounded. Today is my 345th blog(!) and as I was reading number 55, I recounted why I blog. The re-post is below.


Why Blog? (2007 Entry #55)

Well, I am getting pretty comfortable with this "being open" stuff. So I thought I would start explaining a few things. The fact about my blog is this - I joined the blogosphere to give my clients an early preview of their pictures and to add narrative about my photo shoots. It has slowly turned into much more than that...at least for me.

I grew up with 1 brother and 5 sisters (see the Knight Clan). We all shared one bathroom and slept 2 to 3 per room. So much for privacy! Picture that, all of us trying to get ready in the morning for school - one shower!?! And don't even think that you were the only one sneaking to the kitchen in the dark for a late night snack...you were up against 8 other people in the house with the same idea. You were bound to bump into someone on the way back to your room. Needless to say, I never wanted to keep personal letters or a diary in my room (or the house for that matter).

Trust me, I'll tie this all together.

I have always had insecurities about writing. Not publicly, but privately. I always felt that if I was open and honest with my writing that someone would violate my privacy...by reading my innermost thoughts...and then using this same information against me. Fear of humiliation I guess. So for my entire life, I have been opposed to keeping a diary.

It wasn't until the beginning of this year (2007) that I discovered the concept of a blog. What made me most comfortable with sharing my thoughts and feelings were my readers. I have "you" to thank. Since I usually work late...I have ideas all the time. Some of these ideas just happen to pop up around 2 AM during the middle of an editing session. My blog has been the perfect place to jot these ideas down. Well, what do you know? After I post an entry, I usually get responses back within minutes! I'll have to admit, I don't always publish all of my readers' comments and some of you blog readers email me directly. But I will tell you this, all of you have been a great inspiration to me. Encouraging me to press on and sharing your similar experiences. It's great!

Out of 55 posts, I have received only 2 bad comments. However, I have learned to take all criticism constructively...even the harshest of words. I have learned to sometimes detach the emotion from a situation and look at things rationally. I ask myself, what can I learn from this?

You folks (yes I am "southern") have helped me to grow in ways that were unimaginable to me. Now I am not ashamed to share any of my thoughts and feelings. Heck, they are now public to millions of people. How is that for a diary? Thanks for helping me to speak my mind and thanks for not being judgmental. So now you know..my blog is as much for me as it is for you..

One day, I hope to print all of my blog entries, put them in a book and hand it to my kids as a gift. Then hopefully they will get a glimpse into dad's life - my accomplishments, hopes, dreams, wishes, failures, successes...

See, I believe that we should all have the notion to improve upon the next generation. Not just economically...but also in our children's spirituality, social consciousness, health, education...you name it. It's our God-given responsibility to do so.

I speak with parents all the time who ask me...how can I truly reconnect with my children? I tell the parents that I think the first step is to stop acting like they themselves have never experienced some of the same issues their children are facing! I believe it is important to sometimes show children your vulnerabilities so that they can understand that no one is perfect. Not even You. If you consider yourself to be perfect then read the biblical story about Elijah or Enoch and decide if you can take the same trip...

O.K. enough for now, I think I am starting to preach!! And I just wanted to talk about why I blog...

There you have it - My Life - My Blog - What a breakthrough!!!


- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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Major Announcement Next Week - 2009 experience KNIGHT Summer Workshop Dates!

Friday, March 27, 2009



- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers


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I've Been Keeping a Secret - The New Studio and Free Wedding Giveaway!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Yes, it is true. I have been keeping a very BIG secret!

On March 2, 2009 my partnership with StudioWed became official. Michelle Gainey from Lemiga Events first approached me last year about the vision she had for a studio where brides could come and meet with the top wedding vendors in Atlanta. This matched perfectly with my need for office space and a great location in West Midtown where I could photograph and meet with my clients. Also, my photography is on display for visitors to view. Wait until you see my 5 ft. tall canvas print in the back room! All of the vendors at StudioWed are becoming quite a family and I am proud to be part of such an amazing venture. Hats off to Michelle for seeing her vision through to completion.

Here is a link to the CBS feature on the studio. You'll notice some familiar albums and images.

StudioWed Atlanta, along with CBS Atlanta and AtlantaOccasions.com, have come together to produce the wedding of a lifetime for one deserving couple. Couples will submit in 500 words or less why they deserve to win a free wedding along with a photo. The winning couple will receive a wedding valued at over $70,000 to include the venue, catering, photography, and more. The wedding will take place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the couple’s choice of either Sunday, January 10 or Sunday, January 24, 2010. Deadline to enter the contest is Wednesday, April 1, 2009.


I am one of the photographers participating in the contest so I could be at your wedding shooting for $0 - FREE! Don't wait, enter the contest today.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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Coming Soon - Faisal + Durre | Duluth, GA

Monday, March 23, 2009


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Fred + Tia | Pensacola, FL

Fred and Tia first met at a lounge while out with friends. They caught each others eye but never spoke until they discovered they had mutual acquaintances. Their friends wanted to party late that night but Fred was the perfect gentleman and wanted to make sure that Tia got home safely. He offered her a ride to her parents house and from that night on the two have been inseparable.

For this shoot I traveled to my hometown, Pensacola. Oh how I miss the beach and the seafood! And my family. My younger brother tagged along to assist me with equipment. He now knows the difference between an 85mm, 24 - 70mm, and 70 - 200mm lens. He can also tell you what I would do to him if any of those lenses were to drop while he was holding them. Thanks for your help bro!

Back to the shoot. After a crazy flight delay Wednesday, I arrived in Pensacola and went straight out to research locations to shoot. I quickly decided on the bay front, downtown, and the pier at the beach. Tia and I exchanged a few emails and we were set for the next day.

We all arrived early on Thursday for the session. An empty bay front the day before turned into a buzzing attraction as my subjects' steamy shoot was hotter than the sunset to the west. I had several people tap me on the shoulder to ask was I filming a Hollywood movie scene (with a still camera???).

I'll shoot Fred and Tia's wedding later this summer in Destin, FL. The ladies at Bliss Events are really working hard to make the occasion unique and I can't wait to capture all of the details!

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers




















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Coming Soon - Fred + Tia | Pensacola, FL

Friday, March 20, 2009

Fresh off the plane from Florida and I am already headed to another shoot here in Atlanta. A 3-day wedding to be photographed in 3 different Atlanta suburbs! I wanted to post a quick image for you.


Yesterday, I photographed the engagement session of Fred (New York Giants DT) and Tia. The sun cooperated wonderfully during our afternoon escapade from the bay front to the beach pier.  

More images to come soon...

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers



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Donna Brazile Breakfast and Yet Another Flight Delay

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

This morning was going great. I woke up early at 6 AM and finished packing for my midday flight to Florida. Before going to the airport I had a quick photoshoot of a breakfast meeting with CNN Political Commentator - Donna Brazile. 



I had no clue she was so hilarious! Brazile has been part of every presidential campaign for the last 20 years and was the campaign manager for Al Gore. Check out her resume. Just before I rushed out of the meeting I was pleasantly surprised with a full breakfast display at my disposal. Sweet! Things still going good at this point.

Now I am stuck at the airport...again. First there weather delays...then maintenance problems...then cleaning issues...then Delta just started making up stuff for fun. Patience I tell ya. I have a photoshoot down in Florida tomorrow for a couple getting married this year so I need to do some location research.

Back to the good stuff - Delta gave me a free pass to the Sky Crowne Room. Glorious! Now I can get some work done and hopefully I will be off soon.

Blog you later...

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Destination Wedding Photographers

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And The Winner Is...

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Thanks to everyone that voted. By an overwhelming margin I was defeated in the snow challenge:


The happy and victorious winner:


Thinking back, I knew I should have posted the two-handed hand stand to put me over the top:


- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers

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KNIGHT Internship Opportunity Available!

Friday, March 13, 2009



I am actively searching for two ideal interns to help me with my post production this summer. Although this is a non-paying position, in exchange for your time I will teach you valuable information about the basics of photography and how to run a successful business. If you are a current college student enrolled in a program specializing in Graphics Design or Photography then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Requirements:

1. Current college student (2 or 4 year program)
2. Advanced knowledge in Photoshop CS3 or higher/Lightroom 2.2/Adobe ID and AI
3. Willing to travel and have a valid U.S. Passport
4. No photography business owners or professionals need apply

If you are interested, send us one paragraph (info@rossoscarknight.com) about your future plans in photography and why you want to intern with us. Summarize your current studies and photographic skills. A select group will be sent formal applications along with more information regarding the program.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination Wedding Photographers



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Robert + Adria | Atlanta, GA - A Match Made In Heaven

Thursday, March 12, 2009

What a beautiful day Saturday was! Not just because of the weather but because of the wonderfully emotional wedding I photographed. I knew that after my trip to Cincinnati for Robert (NFL Bengals Defensive End) and his fiancé Adria's engagement session, photographing the wedding would be an experience. They both have such warm personalties and can't help laughing when together. Add in their cute little son and you have the picture perfect family to work with.

The location of the ceremony was in Midtown Atlanta at St. Mark UMC and the reception was at The Four Seasons Hotel. Wedding planners Randi and Chandra (Profile Sports) along with my friend Cate (Four Seasons) coordinated the day while Legendary Events handled the florals, decor, and lighting. Kudos to all of them for helping to make the day truly spectacular. After the ceremony the couple was transported up Peachtree Road by horse and carriage. Being the adventurous person I am, I jumped in the buggy with them to continue shooting!

To say that details were important to this couple is an understatement. Adria wore a beautiful Mia Solano wedding gown for the ceremony and then changed for the reception into a captivating dress by La Sposa. Everyone sighed just at the sight of her. Robert sported a custom tailored suit made especially for a man of his stature. Most of the time I had to stand on a stool to photograph him! The color purple echoed throughout the wedding and I used warm hues from the stained glass and reception up lighting to capture moving portraits - my favorite! The DJ was phenomenal and had guests dancing late into the night.

Congratulations Robert and Adria! It was an honor to meet your family and friends. Thank you for entrusting my team and I to document your most precious memories.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Destination Wedding Photographers
































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