I join so many across the country and across the world in hoping that Gustav slows or redirects - or that at least as many people in New Orleans and other areas being affected can stay as safe as possible. In the course of this year, gearing up for Image X (a gathering that is just as much about revitalizing the fascinating city of New Orleans as bringing together photographers), I've become good friends with one of the key coordinators, who has decided to stay in the city and document the hurricane. I'd rather he leave with his family and stay safe, but if he's choosing to stay, hopefully more people can send great thoughts and prayers down to everyone who is being hit by this new storm.

I also wanted to help spread the word that one of my favorite organizations, Save The Children, is distributing evacuation backpacks for children (with flashlights, safety whistles, etc.), as well as assisting thousands of childrens and families as they arrive at evacuation shelters. To find out more or to donate, see this page.

After a surreal week of traveling to speak at the Florida PPA State Convention (more on that very soon!) and heading back for a day before flying out to Ohio to cover the MCain Campaign's VP pick, I'm just now back at home and in catch up mode. I will post more images from this series of shoots - as well as some new photographs from a very recent Barack Obama town hall meeting - in the next few days. Many more to come, but I'm holding back several images for the article I'm doing for the October issue of Rangefinder Magazine, a piece on the general election and a follow up on my article in Rangefinder's June issue about the Democratic primary race. In the meantime, a few photographs from this week, starting with a shoot at a private airstrip in Vandalia, Ohio for the landing of the Air Straight Talk Express:

Then the rally in Dayton with 10,000 people (including a few hecklers) and John & Cindy McCain:

The VP pick wasn't officially confirmed until the rally was underway - so when Sarah Palin came out for the first time, there were plenty of cheers but also a lot of "who?"'s, especially from supporters holding up signs with the names of who they thought would be picked...it was definitely a stunning announcement to many:

And the new Republican ticket...

I was flipping through Martha Stewart Living and saw another one of my photographs in the magazine, this time for a Nestle Toll House Cookie ad. My kids soooo approve. And, huge bonus, it's one of my sweet friend (and client!) Alisa & her bubbly, beautiful daughter Parker. I immediately emailed her, thinking it would be this huge surprise, and she tells me she's already heard from everyone and the calls just keep coming in. (I guess it's a pretty big circulation, and I am quite late to the party.) Still cool to see, and I'll be blogging my recent regular ol' portrait session with this photogenic family very soon!!

A few favorites from my shoot this afternoon with RuthAnn and Mark. They are getting close to welcoming Baby #2 (Baby #1 being of the canine variety) into their gorgeous home. I loved spending the afternoon with both of them--they are so welcoming and so fun, and I loved getting a peek into RuthAnn's fabulous closet...... :)

One of my favorites

Congratulations to you both--I can't wait to photograph your new little one very soon!