The Close-up

FEATURE: ESSENCE Magazine

The Wedding of Kadijah and Tory was recently published in the February issue of ESSENCE magazine. They are featured in a story about, "Finding love at any age". Kadijah and Tory have been chosen as the 30's couple!!!!! Special thank you to those involved who made this happen, especially to our fellow friend and blogger who featured their story first on Black Bridal Bliss. This is an exciting moment, and I am very happy and blessed to share it with you.

Special shot out to the bomb make-up artist who helped to enhance the beauty of the lovely bride: Kia Darby

CaSaundra and Brandon

I met CaSaundra (and her business partner Jackie) two years ago at at a Starbucks. The reason for our meeting was to discuss a logo for their non-profit, CAN Dream. After several cups of piping hot and ooooh so good coffee, we got down to business. Had I known this was going to be a platform of services to come, I would have worn my "swagger" cologne. You know...when a briefcase and talent just aren't enough...sometimes you just have to fill the room with some good man stank........(yep, i just said good man stank). Anywho the relationship was formed, and we hit it off. I was able to deliver to them a solid person to work with and lean on for their creative needs. A year and some change later, I received a second call/request...........from CaSaundra, in regards to her Wedding. *I smiled and thought, "aint no business like good word of mouth good people business!

The wedding was to be celebrated in DC, on a beautiful Fall Day in October. Beautiful it was.............Fall, it was not. Sadly, on this day, the sky decided to open up and shower down snow/rain/sleet and anything else it could think of. It was a bummer. Much like when our planned engagement session got shut down due to bad weather and President Obama's issued "State of Emergency". ...................................................(pause for WTF and OMG facial expressions). I mean seriously, it was the ONLY day in October....that snowed! That snowed LIKE THAT!. (where's my hot tottie)

But folks thats pretty much all that happened that I would consider headache moments. The rest was simply spllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeendid. CaSaundra and Brandon had secured the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and were celebrated with some boot tracking friends and family...who weren't going to miss out on a heck of a time.
Special Thank you goes out to the wonderful Nicole Nichelson of NiksNak and her fabulous team. They def. made what coulda been a veeeeeeeery bad day an even paced effortlessly executed day. *Chest Bump

Dear 2011 (Happy New Year)

Dear 2011,

Thank you for an amazing year. In this past year, I established new business connections, stronger friendships, growing partnerships, and overall a more positive outlook about myself. There were plenty of challenges that were presented; some were met and easily conquered, while others left me with lessons learned. I began this photography venture shortly after the passing of my grandmother in 2006, as a springboard to get out there and do more with my life. I was inspired to tackle something different; to work to create art and not just live in it.

Well six years later, I can proudly say...I am doing it. And with all of you guys, thankfully not alone. Being a photographer allows me to live out my dreams - dare to hope, and challenge myself to be a better person. For this, I'm thankful. However, I realize without the love, happiness, and support of clients who believe in my ability, I'm nothing.

To end every year, I often celebrate with a wonderful party at my house and open the doors to anyone who wants to ring in the New Year with Mr. Poteat. This year, I had the pleasure of meeting many new folks, and of course some of my regular buddies. I hope you enjoy viewing these pictures, as much as we had taking them.......................................and there were a lot taken. Happy New Year!!!
~L. Poteat

Michelle & Scott's Maternity Shoot

I met Michelle and Scott, thru one of my dearest friends. Scott is a libra (like me), and Michelle is amazing (like me), so......the awesomeness of us producing such an amazing shoot was DESTINED. DESSSSSSSSSSSTIIIIIIIIIIIINED! Now, a little disclaimer, since this shoot...baby lucas has been born, has tested out of second grade, and is preparing to take his first date to the ice cream parlor..........sike!(basically, i am hella late in posting this amazing shoot). Buuuuuuuuuut, the wait is well worth it. Thanks again Deel Family, it was a pleasure to be a part of such a special moment.

Nikki & Rufus Wedding

I entered the room and heard, "Hey Lucky"...(an old college nickname I used to go by while attending U. Pittsburgh). There she sat, radiant and beaming from ear to ear as she waited for Beaute to do her make-up. The room was packed with gorgeous women -also known as her Bridesmaides - and the Bride herself was not to be outdone.

Her dress by Mori Lee hung in the corner of the SOFITEL suite in downtown, Philadelphia. The couple chose to have their before pictures taken at the Hotel before hoping in their caravans of love...and heading over to the outdoor ceremony, at Curtis Hall, in Wyncote, PA The weather couldn't have been more perfect....and as a photographer shooting outside, This is one of those #SWEETJESUSHALLEILUJAH for not raining on the parade type of moments.

After a few formalities, and a couple of "hey haven't seen you in a while" I picked up my camera and began doing what seemed effortless---capturing an absolutely beautiful woman marrying a handsome man, in a ceremony I will never forget.

They say, like father like daughter.........well, i think they say it??? Point is---you would think this was a magazine shoot, as stylish as both of them look. Dad escorting his daughter, and daughter beaming at the sight of her soon-to-be husband.

This is that moment that I looooove capturing, it's......."The Look". As a groom, I'd imagine it hard to put into words, how you felt the moment she turned the corner, the doors openned, or while she was walking down the aisle to meet you. If I had to guess, what was on Rufus's mind............i'd say, "winnnnnnnning".

I love this bridal party picture.....it really captures the mood and feel of the day. Relaxed, casual, and stylish.

Bridal Bouquet designed by Chrizelle

Special thanks once again to Nikkia and Rufus, for entrusting me the task of trying to match their natural swagger in photos. Wish you nothing but the best!

Please enjoy the video of the day as well :)

DASoul Underwear Line

Its collaboration #2 for Mr. Nowell and Leonard Poteat. After a very successful turnout with the JET spread magazine (shown here JET Magazine Feature ), Mr. Nowell entrusted me with his latest project---a underwear line---DASoul. We worked with models Adam and Eddie on this shoot---and they did an amazing job.....and just for you nosey folks------------"I was not only the photographe, but I am also a client" hahahah

Tekeah & Tron Engagement Session

Every now and then, you meet a couple that looks in you the eye.... squares up shoulder to shoulder, and screams-----"CHALLENGE!" Well, i am exaggerating a bit here, but this couple's engagement shoot definitely challenged my comfort zone (ummmmmmm shooting in the forest of Nottingham -- filled with bugs, mosquito's, and slavelikeheat). Was I prepared for the heat...of course not. Was I prepared for the bugs flying in my face as i tried to get a good shot...nope. Was I even prepared for the sweat staining my eyelids and making me create a funk unGodly---no no no. BUT, what i was prepared for, is to shoot a longtime friend---Tekeah, her fiance--Tron, in what I deem an AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS PRODUCING ART THAT IS MOVING AND LONGLASTING... copyright that :)

All in all, I am extremely elated and proud to have documented such a shoot---and such a dynamic couple. They kept me moving, and inspired the whole time while out in-----Nottingham. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this session, and i hope you do as well.