SWOSU Purple Night -Epilepsy Awareness

     January 23, 2012, Southwestern Oklahoma State University held an Epilepsy Awareness "Purple Night" at their home basketball games.  I was asked to photograph and cover this event for a friend and client of mine who lost their child, Kylee McCown, to Epilepsy.  It was nice to see all the people out to support the family.  People of all ages supporting the cause by wearing their purple!!

     Trinity Johnson, Kylee's uncle gave an excellent speech at halftime of the boys game.  Which was very insightful.  If you are like me and know very little about Epilepsy and what the disorder is, here is a quick explanation of what Epilepsy is:

           "Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. It is also called a seizure disorder. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are   considered to have epilepsy. Seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally, which may briefly alter a person's consciousness, movements or actions."
                                                                      -Epilepsy Foundation Homepage

Also, Here are some quick facts of Epilepsy:
     -About 2.7 million Americans have Epilepsy.
     -Epilepsy is more common than Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease combined.
     -This year another 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
This is a disorder people need to be educated about!  It sucks that something had to happen to a wonderful young lady in this community for it to be brought to light.

     During halftime of both games, some of Kylee's dance team got together and did a routine which was pretty awesome.  The dance team had won National and State titles in dance in earlier years when Kylee was on the team.  Also, a solo dance was performed by @merrisamclean , which was amazing.  Take it from me, I know dance.  In my top 10 movies lies, Step Up 1-3, Stomp the Yard, You Got Served, amongst others.  Also, during the games, friends and family had set up a bake sale with SO much grub.  Which I sampled and it was ridiculously good!  Especially the dipped pretzel sticks, whoever made those..... THUMBS UP.  Face painting, tshirt sales, they had it all!  It was an excellent evening to honor a great young lady.

     I don't know who said it or I would give them credit, and I probably misquoted but... "Cherish the time you have with the ones you love.  Because you aren't guaranteed a tomorrow"

Your have been and will be missed Kylee Jo....

Thanks for stopping by...
              Anthony
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New Experience, New Ideas, New Orleans!

     I am back!!  If you follow me on Twitter or are a fan of my Facebook you already know, but if you don't: 1. shame on yourself 2. Click the links and get to "F'n"!! (following/fanning of course)  I spent the last 5 days in New Orleans, LA at Imaging USA.  A photography convention gathering nearly 10,000 photographers from across the United States as well as Internationals!  It was my first time and it was amazing!  I learned more about photography as well as the business of photography.  After all, I am in the business of photography, it isn't just a hobby of mine.  It is a passion I have.  The business side, I have no passion for, BUT after days of getting up at 545 or 6am and hours of sitting in uncomfortable chairs and taking notes; watching these "masters" of both the art in the business and the photography.  I realize, I have to be well versed in both in order to succeed!  And succeed is what I will do. 
     
     Now, I don't want you to think I went all the way to New Orleans and didn't have any fun.  The last night I went to a locals establishment and got to experience New Orleans in a way I had described to me in the past.  The JAZZ.  Though exhausted,  a few photography friends and I drug our butts out and was lucky enough to hear an 8 piece jazz band just kill it for a couple hours!  In a city where music is a passion and many people have talent; I hate to think these guys will never be heard by the masses, but the talent in that small room on that small stage was anything but small. 

     I am excited about this year 2012 and if the Mayans are wrong, the future years of Butler Photography!

Thanks for reading.  I hope you enjoyed....

 Anthony "The Master of Light" Butler
**that is what I want my title to be when I am the one on stage teaching and inspiring.... one day... i hope**

Valentines Special (oklahoma photographer)

Sooooooooo, (that's a drawn out, sort of questioning 'so')

I haven't tried this before. Directing potential clients to my blog for advertisement of a special. Since I am probably top 5 worse bloggers I thought this may create traffic and in turn make me be more involved with my blog! So here it goes!

I had a couple of emails wondering if I would be doing a Valentine special:

"hey anthony, are you going to do a Valentine
special this year? Me and my bf are
wanting some fun pictures. let me know! (:"

"anthony, i was wanting to get some cute shots
of my daughter for Valentines. Have any
specials going on?"

See! questions about a Valentine special. [that is me being funny and sarcastic] any way!, I think that both ideas would work well! So, with that being said, I think we should do something "special" for Valentine's Day!

I am going to do 2 options:
Option 1:
Girlfriend/Boyfriend - Husband/Wife
Couples come in and get a 20 min session. Session may be indoor or outdoor. This does not have to be something that is formal. Its a fun cheap session so dress up and be yourselves. Thunder gear, Sooner, Cowboys or whatever. Each session will include 2- 5x7's and have an online gallery posted for 2 weeks. All orders will be given a 25% discount! Session Fee $40 (due upon booking to hold date and time)

Option 2:
KIDS!!
I will be having a Valentine's kids background. I have a few ideas via Pinterest. (i know that has caught your attention ladies) Kids session is $10. Session is due at booking. Each child session will come with a 5x7 included! This session is to do something FUN! not to just squeeze in your childs 3 year photos. The session will be directed towards journalistic images as well as my normal portrait style. Bring props!! I will have some Rose petals and flowers for the kids. But think this is fun, not fancy and blah. so props ideas would be, Chocolate covered hearts, little sweet tarts, teddy bears, just Valentine cheesy. ya, Valentine cheesy, that is exactly what I am going for here!

Ok, so get with me and let me know if you are interested. Photo dates will be January 30 and 31. With only having 2 days, the sessions will fill up quick. So get with me and get the time YOU want not the session that I have left.
Here's how!
anthony@butler-photography.com
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580.302.4782

aaaaaand I'm spent
anthony

comment, let me know if you like this type of information on the blog or if you would rather it be strictly email?