I love photographing people. While I primarily end up shooting large, corporate events I really enjoy the opportunity to document the moments that unfold during smaller, private events.

My goal is to build lasting relationships with individual clients. These smaller groups trust us to be the guardians of their memories, capturing the essence of their events and the personalities that define them. Regular interactions create the opportunity to get to know the individuals and their stories over time. One such example is my experience working with Citadel here in Austin, Texas.

Over the last two years, I've had the privilege of photographing Citadel's team gatherings, which range from swanky bar meetups to high-octane experiences racing go-karts at the Circuit of the Americas and even tailgating at University of Texas football games. This extended relationship has allowed me to immerse myself in their world, getting to know their personalities and capturing the best of them. There's a unique intimacy that comes with being a regular presence at these events, and it's something that enriches the storytelling aspect of my work.

While private events may be smaller in scale, the principles of my style photography remain the same. It's essential to capture the full spectrum of the event, from wide shots that showcase the space and atmosphere to medium shots that highlight smaller scenes within it. However, what truly distinguishes my style is what I find when zooming in, both literally and figuratively, on individual interactions and emotions.

The ultimate goal of my business is to showcase the emotions and atmosphere of both the individuals and the whole, letting the viewer experience what it felt like to be there. Whether it's the joy of a racing each other at the Circuit of the Americas or the excitement of a 9am party before a University of Texas football game, I aim to transport viewers into those moments through my images. The secret lies in capturing the raw, unscripted moments that make each setting unique.

Photography is all about storytelling. I aim to create a visual narrative that not only reflects the shoot but also tells the story of the people who make it special. I want viewers to feel like they're flipping through a personal photo album, reliving those precious moments.

In the world of private event photography, smaller groups become a canvas for us to paint stories and capture personalities. The unique advantage of getting to know my clients over time allows me to create a bond that transcends the mere click of a shutter. While the principles may align with those of larger events, the intimacy of private clients adds depth to my work. By focusing on conveying the emotions and telling a compelling story, I create a visual journey that allows viewers to experience what it feels like to be a part of these special moments.

A few years ago I photographed a group getting their faces painted before a Dia de los Muertos celebration in San Francisco. There was a professional face painter on-site to individually decorate each person's face.

Dia de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead," is a Mexican and Central American holiday that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. It is a vibrant and colorful tradition that typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

The main idea behind Dia de los Muertos is to create a joyful and festive atmosphere to remember and commemorate the lives of those who have passed away. It is n

ot typically a somber or mournful occasion but rather a celebration of the continuation of life beyond death. Families build altars, called "ofrendas," in their homes and at gravesites, adorned with photographs, candles, marigolds, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. These offerings are meant to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the world of the living for a brief visit. It serves as a way to strengthen the connections between the living and the dead while preserving cultural traditions.

Face painting is often an integral part of Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Many people have their faces painted to resemble sugar skulls, which are ornately decorated with colorful designs and floral motifs. This face painting is a way to further embrace the festive and artistic aspects of the holiday, and it allows individuals to embody the spirit of the celebration as they remember and honor their deceased loved ones. The painted faces symbolize the fusion of life and death, showing that even in death, there is a sense of vibrancy and continuity.

For many this can be a very emotional experience. This is my favorite capture of this night - a woman remembering her recently passed mother.

My goal with my photography is to not only capture what it feels like to be there, but to create an experience between myself and the client where we come up with something together. Here we created a space together to be vulnerable and empowered to feel the weight of the moment.

You can see more of the images from this night here: https://jimstone.pixieset.com/...

As a professional photographer, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to capture unique moments in iconic spaces, like the Moody Theater - the home of the legendary Austin City Limits television show and ACL Live. Nestled in the bustling downtown area, it is a symbol of Austin's rich musical history and cultural diversity.

The moment I entered the venue, I was struck by its striking ambiance - a perfect blend of modern sophistication and rustic charm. The walls adorned with stunning images of past performances served as a reminder of the legends that once graced its stage.

As I prepared my camera and equipment, I knew that my challenge was to capture the essence of the theater while highlighting the uniqueness of the event itself - 3,000+ members of the National Electrical Contractors Association, or NECA, not only took over the theater but the whole building!. This corporate gathering, though a different breed from the concerts typically hosted in this space, was still an opportunity for me to feature the energy and excitement of the space and the feeling of the crowd.

Photographing the Event:

During the event, I focused on capturing candid moments between attendees, ensuring that the photographs told a story of genuine connections and shared experiences. The warm lighting and intimate atmosphere of Moody Theater provided a perfect backdrop for these interactions, and I found myself drawn to the natural expressions of joy and excitement among the guests.

In addition to the candid moments, I made sure to document the key elements of the event, such as presentations, speeches, and entertainment. These images serve as valuable memories for the attendees and help illustrate the professionalism and creativity of the organizing team. The unique setting of the Moody Theater added a layer of sophistication and flair to these photographs, further elevating their impact.

Why Your Event Deserves the Same Passion:

Whether you are planning a small team-building event or a grand corporate celebration, the right photographer can make all the difference in capturing the spirit of your gathering. My passion for photography and experience with iconic venues like the Moody Theater allows me to bring a unique perspective to your event, ensuring that your memories are preserved in a visually stunning, elegant, and engaging manner.

No matter the size or scale of your event, my goal is to showcase the unique qualities of both the venue and your gathering, creating a collection of images that will serve as a testament to the energy, excitement, and success of your event. By choosing me as your photographer, you can trust that your event will be immortalized with the same passion and attention to detail that I brought to this group.

The Moody Theater provided an unforgettable experience, both as a photographer and an observer of the event. The iconic space and its rich history added a layer of depth and intrigue to the photographs, making the memories of the event even more special. My dedication to capturing the essence of your event in iconic spaces like this one is a testament to my love for the art of photography and my commitment to making your event stand out, no matter how big or small.