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James Bitz Photography bio picture

Put your feet up and stay awhile

I want this page to not only tell you about my photography, but to let you know more about me and what I’M about.
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Up until I started dating my wife (who is from Exeter, NE), I had no idea where any other cities than Lincoln or Omaha were. I’ve since learned of and visited some great places all over the state from Central City to Wayne to Nebraska City, etc. I was really surprised to learn all the cool scenery Nebraska has to offer.
I am a graduate of Lincoln High School. I graduated back in ’99. I’m almost positive that I was the coolest person alive at the time.
Aside from photography I also teach high school at Lincoln North Star. I love teaching and being in the classroom. I’m technically a “shop” teacher, but I don’t work around power tools. I teach engineering and architectural drafting courses, so I’m in a stuffy computer lab all day that has no windows. It’s actually not that bad, considering I have one of the largest rooms in the school, and I don’t have to share it with anyone else.
Growing up in the Midwest has taught me a lot about the value of getting to know people. I’ve never had a hard time finding nice people in this part of the country. There’s always someone around to help you change a tire.


Though my mom is from South Dakota, and my dad is from New Mexico, I’ve learned to embrace both cultural backgrounds. People often confuse my ethnicity as Italian or Greek. Nope, half-German, half-Mexican. It makes a nice combination, don’t you think?
I love to write and play music… though play might be a strong word. I can diddle around on the keyboard, and I’m actually not bad at playing the duduk. *crickets chirping* The duduk is an Armenian double reed instrument. I know you’ve heard it in movie soundtracks, you probably just never knew what it was.
Back to music though… I always have music around me. In the car, in my MP3 player, on my computer, etc. It’s what gets me going and sets my moods. I’m particularly fond of Baroque, Celtic, and Electronic music. I’m not a big country fan, so I hope you’ll forgive me for that. (I promise I won’t make a funny face at the DJ when I shoot your wedding reception.)
I’ve been married to a wonderful woman for over three years and have a daughter that runs amok throughout our house. She has recently learned how to say, “No!” Isn’t that pleasant?

-What I Do-
Okay, enough with my personal life. Let’s talk about photography.
My favorite part of photography is capturing unique moments. Anyone can pull out a pocket camera and snap a picture of your first kiss as husband and wife. You’re probably not going to find a lot of people however, that are willing to crawl on the floor, lay down in the dewy grass, or crouch down in a creek with their good shoes on just to get that perfect shot. (Yes, you heard it right, you’re more important than my shoes)
While I have my own style of shooting, I want to work with you to get your ideas onto your walls, mantles, or albums.
I can’t guarantee that my style will match what you’re looking for, but I can try to take your ideas and adapt them to the way that I work.

-Professional Involvement-
As a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), I strive to provide professional quality and service!
NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep)

New Mexico – I love this place!

I haven’t been to New Mexico to see my extended family in a long time. The road trip made for many unforgettable moments, and part of me was very sad to leave so soon. It was good to see so many faces that were similar, yet different than I remember them. It was a relaxing time and it’s something that I don’t want to have to wait another 8 years to experience again.

700_2404 We always get really excited at the first sign on mountains. Living in Nebraska really makes any hilly structure seem foreign.

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There’s lots of awesome old cars out at my aunt and uncle’s ranch. Actually, it seems the countryside is littered with old automobile’s and appliances. I love it, because they make for such cool photographic subjects.

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I love just about everything about this landscape. The smell of pine in the air is amazing. I wish I could bottle it up.

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I have never seen the NM landscape this green. There was so much actual grass growing that you had a hard time seeing the red dirt. 700_2624

The plaza in Santa Fe is always a fun place to go. There’s lots of neat stores everywhere, and I picked up the cutest dress for Evie. She wore it today, in fact, and was very proud of the little embroidered flowers adorning the collar.

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This place fills with water from time to time and is known as a local swimming hole. It was so tranquil you’d swear that time was standing still.

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This little guy decided to cross the road in front of our van. Luckily we didn’t hit him, but he was still quite upset with us.

Alex + Ben [Wedding] – Country Pines – Lincoln, NE

I don’t know how many people prayed for a perfect wedding day, but it worked. Low 80s and only 50% humidity with a cool breeze is unheard of for Nebraska July. I was either counting on steam bath humidity or thunderstorms… and we had neither. It was gorgeous.

I had never been out to Country Pines before, and it was a treat to be able to photograph a fantastic couple in such a rustic place. Alex and Ben were so "go with the flow" all day, I don’t know if anything could have stressed either of them out.

Everyone had a great time, and I feel so fortunate to be able to have been a part of their day.

Congratulations Alex and Ben!

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Abbie + John [wedding]

A 40% chance of rain always freaks me out a bit on a wedding day. I’m sure the Abbie and John were feeling the stress too as the day creeped up on us. Saturday finally hit, and the skies were clear! It turned out to be a beautiful day. A little warm, but when you were expecting rain, you really can’t be too choosy.

Abbie and John had the pleasure of not only celebrating their special day with all of their friends and family, but also being the first couple to be married at the Sheldon Art Gallery. Let me tell you, it was gorgeous! Not only was it a beautiful ceremony, but two of the bridesmaids performed an incredible duet with a string quartet to back them up. The acoustics in the great hall were nothing short of amazing!

I have to say that I felt somewhat spoiled lighting-wise. Normally, I shoot in churches which, quite often, have darker walls, and aren’t lit for photography. This was completely different altogether. White walls, white ceiling, and white floors. Perfect lighting all around. It was relaxing to have one less thing to worry about.

Not only was the ceremony cool, but a two minute walk away the reception hall was decorated like a royal ballroom. Let’s just say that everyone had a good time…

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Eisenhart!!!

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Ashley + Chris [e-session] Omaha, NE

Sunday started off with all of us being a bit nervous. It had rained hard the night before, and was continuing to mist all morning. Luckily this was just in Lincoln. Omaha was still dry, but the forecast said rain later in the day. We decided to move the shoot indoors just in case, so we met up at the historic Magnolia Hotel downtown. I had never been there before, and neither had they, but it was a great choice. An awesome antique interior, a trendy modern restaurant, and a gorgeous outer courtyard all made for some great scenery.

After a while we decided to brave the Old Market, since it hadn’t rained yet. They wanted some pics outside of Spaghetti Works, which was the location of their first date! We strolled around, grabbing pictures wherever seemed right.

Overall, it was a great session!

 

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Lindsey [senior] sneak peek – Sunken Gardens – Lincoln, NE

I had hoped for a little sun today, but no dice. It was a bit chilly and completely overcast, but it ended up making for a great shoot anyway. The soft light from the clouds worked to our benefit.

Lindsey made this shoot a lot of fun. She was willing to humor me and try out all my ideas. From sitting on the cold ground, to balancing on the rim of a fountain in heels, to scaling the large fountain across the street in a dress, she did great.senior pictures, lincoln NE photographer, lincoln nebraska photography, outdoor senior

 

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Eli + Dani [wedding sneak peek] Lincoln, NE

So who exactly do you bribe to get such a beautiful day? Friday was cold and windy, and Sunday was cold, rainy, and windy, but not Saturday! The wind was non-existent, and the sun gave off just enough heat to make it comfortable.

Eli and Danni’s ceremony and reception were held at the awesome Wilderness Ridge Lodge. Every time I’m in this building I feel like I shouldn’t touch anything. It’s just a regal structure. The ceremony was out on the wedding island. A small peninsula with a really cool, winding tree out in the middle. It’s like the tree is giving a bow to the bride and groom. Suffice it to say, it made shooting all the more easy with such a pretty backdrop.

The reception was such a party! Wall to wall smiles and laughing amidst the dancing and jumping around. What a fun time!

Congratulations you two!

 

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Anna + Scott [e-session] Lincoln, NE

So I learned two things about these guys today. First, that they don’t mind having a little fun shooting in the rain. Second, that Anna can’t help but smile under any circumstances. I’m actually quite happy about both.

I was really getting apprehensive about the weather rolling in, as the night before it had already stormed. We got together a little early just in case, which was probably a good idea, because just as we went to change locations, the rain came down hard. They were both great sports about it though and we went out and shot anyway. I’m just glad all my equipment is weather sealed. Yet another reason to trust a professional and their quality gear!

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Cory and Gretchen [e-session] Lincoln, NE

These guys were a lot of fun! I love it when I have a playful couple to work with, because I feel like I don’t have to do anything but sit back and press the shutter.

I couldn’t believe what an amazing day it was as well. I feel like I’ve been saying that too often lately, but it’s true. Even just plain okay weather is great after the winter we had, but walking through the cool grass and feeling the sun on my skin just made it all the more incredible.

I’m fairly sure that these two kissed more than I asked them to, but that’s always okay. It just shows that they love each other!

 

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Emily + Ryan [wedding sneak peek] Lincoln, NE

Wow, was Saturday nice! I’m fairly sure there couldn’t have been a more perfect day for a wedding. It was cool in the morning and a breeze in the afternoon kept you just the right temperature.

Ryan was an old high school friend of mine, so it was pretty cool to be able to shoot his wedding.

There were a lot of jitters before the ceremony, and I remember overhearing Emily later remark, “I don’t know why I was so nervous!” That pretty much sums up most couples I photograph though.

The reception was a great time too. Dancing, partying, and such an awesome cake! Hand made roses, and a little set of mice for the topper.

Congratulations guys!

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Nick + Nicole [e-session] Lincoln, NE

I can’t believe what a beautiful day it turned out to be. Earlier in the week the forecast called for thunderstorms, so I was afraid that we’d end up having to reschedule. Nope! 75 degrees, and just a few clouds in the sky. Gorgeous!

Nick and Nicole were a great couple to work with. Nicole is actually the second person this year who’s wedding I’ll be shooting that I went to high school with. It’s funny how things like that end up.

These guys were full of smiles the whole day. It was hard to get some more serious looks out of them, so for the most part, I just let them play and have fun.

 

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