Nutcracker 2010

On Saturday, December 18th Main Street Dance Works presented the Nutcracker at Gaston College. This was the first year the studio has done the Nutcracker.
I played the part of Drosselmeyer, and helped backstage.

Perfect opportunity to get the backstage photos that the audience could not get!

The Canon 50mm 1.4 lens does great in these low light situations.

Check out the full gallery!

Graduation Head Shot

When my friend and neighbor asked me to take a head shot of her for her graduation, I was glad to help. The best shot we got was with the black background, with a spot light (courtesy of my LP120 flash) on the backdrop to add a nice effect. We also took a nice portrait with her husband.

Continued success as you work towards completing your Divinity degree!

Ryan and Jason

Aili wanted to get some portraits of the boys against the beautiful fall foliage. Didn't even have to leave the neighborhood for this one! We're fortunate to have
so many choices for portraits so close to home.

She took advantage of the "Fast 5 for $25" special offer for these shots. Fast for me, good deal for her!

Julia's First Birthday

You mean I get to come to the party, and take lots of pictures of your adorable 1 year old daughter? Of course I agreed to attend and capture images from Julia's birthday party. We did a mini-shoot in the grandparents terrific back yard, and of course caught the cake lighting, eating, and... squishing!

Marine Corp Ball 2010

Marketing pays off. Not right away or as soon as we business owners might
like, but it does pay off. A year ago, I did some complementary shots at
the Riverbend Fall Festival. Months later, a parent of a child I photographed
remembered my work, which led to getting the job to provide portraits at the
USMC Ball.

It was great working with everyone that evening. It was a pleasure and an honor
to work the event; looking forward to next year!

Nora

When do you need a professional photographer? How about when it's time
to get that special photo of your new daughter in a family heirloom dress!

The dress Nora wore was worn by her mother as a baby, and I think her
grandmother as well. I was honored to be trusted with such a special
portrait.

Megan

The best compliment a photographer can get is repeat business.
I was excited to have a chance to shoot Megan again. I just
knew she's pop with a black background!

Her brothers are next, coming soon.

MICS Dedication

On Wednesday Sept 15th, I attended the Mountain Island Charter School dedication service as the official, invited photographer. How cool is that?? Not a paid gig, but hopefully it will offer some additional exposure for my business.

There was a luncheon for the VIP guests, followed by the dedication ceremony held on the fields under a big tent. We learned what our mascot will be (Go Raptors!), and gave thanks to the board members whose efforts the past few years made the school a reality.

Very glad my kids are both attending MICS!

Marine Corp Ball in November

Back in October at the Riverbend Fall Festival, I setup my camera, lights and backdrop and offered free portraits as a way to raise awareness about my photography studio. I recently got a call as a result of that day's work when I was approached to do portrait photography at the Marine Corp Ball at the Great Wolf Lodge this November.

I wanted to see exactly where the shoot would be, and they wanted to see a few test shots as well to see how it would go. So...we did the test shoot on a stormy Friday night a few weeks back. All turned out well, and I'm booked for the shoot.

Looking forward to seeing all the handsome couples in their best attire!

Here's one of the test shots that was taken that night. No flags draped in the background, and his wife was not there in her gown, but you get the idea!

MSDW Recital

Wow - time to feel like a "real" photographer. Busy week taking pics during class, followed by another busy week getting galleries ready.. followed by another busy week completing orders! The 11"8' white backdrop worked great. Other than some issues with lights on Thursday (fixed by Friday) all went well.

Very grateful for the chance to be the photog for everyone, and pleased with the results.

Mom and Son Date Night at Chick-Fil-A

Tonight was the mom and son date night at Mountain Island Chick-Fil-A. I was asked to come by and take some candid photos of the event. Everyone was very accommodating when I asked if they'd like their picture taken. Very enthusiastic group! I had a great time taking the pictures; I hope you all enjoy viewing them!

Mount Holly HS Reunion Class of 1970

I was invited to take pictures at the Mount Holly High School class of 1970 reunion. It wasn't until I was editing the pictures that I did the math...40 year reunion! How cool!

Ok, so I'm going to this gig, only knowing one person, basically unannounced. Time to turn on the charm and outgoing personality!

I got my inner DJ out when I stepped up to the podium to announce it was time for group pictures.

Setup included my tripod, pocket wizards and one speed light with a silver umbrella to soften the light. Came out good if I do say so. Adjusted for just below the ambient light, then added some flash till it looked right.

The event was held at Little Big Horn in Dallas, NC. Great place for events like this. You can check em' out here:

Anyhow, here's one of my favorites from the event, and it's not even of the members of the class. One of the guys in the kitchen preparing all those steaks.. Yum!

Family shoot with Dupree and Jennifer

Had a shoot 2 weeks ago with my neighbors Dupree and Jennifer. This wonderful big family just got
a little bigger with the adoption of their new 18 month old daughter. They wanted to get some great family portraits before she got much older. We got this terrific shot of all of the kids that I wanted to share with everyone. Dupree and Jennifer have a private gallery, but agreed to let me share this one with everyone. I just love it!

First Modeling shoot

Ok, it wasn't exactly a modeling shoot, but I can't come up with a better name for it! Heather
is interested in acting, and wanted to get some professional portraits made for her portfolio.
A bit of a change from the family shoots I've done, but I was ready for the challenge!

Heather was a terrific model, as her father is also a photographer so she's had lots of practice posing.
Still to come are some on location shots either in an urban setting, or a nice park. Maybe both.

Here's the sample for you. I just love black and white, but do visit the gallery. The color pics are great!

There's a new gallery category called "Modeling" where you'll find the rest.

Three Generation Family Shoot

It was a privilege to be asked to do a family portrait for the Moua family. They brought all three generations to the portrait session. And, they did both casual as well as more formal pics in their traditional Hmong attire.

Highlights below; visit the gallery for all the rest!