There's a place dear to mine and Lesa's hearts—Oak Alley Plantation—where we got married in 2014, and we try to go by there once a year when we are in Louisiana to see family. It is a popular tourist site. It is right off the Mississippi River, so river boats usually stop there to let passengers browse the plantation home and grounds. They also have cute cottages that visitors can stay in. On a few visits we have been there before sunrise. At that time, there is no one around except for a groundskeeper, perhaps. And there will often be a bit of a misty fog low over the grass. It's the best time to see it, in my opinion. You'll have to wait until the office opens before you can go inside the house, but for just walking the grounds it is so quiet and beautiful. Here are some of my favorite photos I have taken there.

My friend Don Keith co-wrote a novel called Firing Point, a thriller about an American submarine captain thrust into a potential war situation against Russia after a coup in that country. The book was picked up for a movie release and after several years in the works, it will be released in October under the name Hunter Killer. The blockbuster will star Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman and Common. I did a story for B-Metro Magazine on Don and the upcoming movie. That was such a fun opportunity. Don is one of the coolest men I know and was my boss for a while and is a good friend. I can't wait to see the movie. The book is an excellent read, too!

My wife and I recently went to Nashville to enjoy some time away and of course, some music. We went to The Ryman Auditorium (a bucket list item for me) to see Amy Grant and Vince Gill do their Christmas show. And we saw Rory Feek perform at his farm. We stayed at the Opryland Hotel. And I got to shoot some new photos for my friend, singer Kaitlin Walker. I have shot with her a few times in the past decade and I always enjoy the fun times we have trying spots all around the city. Here are a few pics from the day: