I had the opportunity to visit the Wat Carolina Buddhajakra Vanaram, Boliva, NC (between Wilmington & Southport, North Carolina). It was an interesting opportunity for some photography and not something one would normally expect in North Carolina. I’d like to visit again for additional photography in conjunction with one of their holidays/celebrations.

The Wedding Photographic Society, a networkiing group of wedding photographers based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, recently hosted a model shoot in conjunction with their May “unscripted” meeting. I had the pleasure of attending and taking part in the shoot, along with 20 other photographers. Five models participated and we broke out into separate groups, each with one model. You can check out a slideshow of more of my images from the event by clicking here.

As a boy, when the other kids were playing “cowboys and indians” I was frequently playing “newspaper reporter.” I was always fascinated by the idea of reporting news. Though I never pursued that side of photography I couldn’t resist giving it a try at a local “Tea Party.” Please note I’m not posting this as a political statement. This was simply my attempt at documenting a current event.

These peaceful examples of “civil disobedience” took place all over the country April 15. It struck me as a newsworthy and unusual occurence. These photos were taken at the “Tea Party” in Morehead City, North Carolina. The event was held in the parking lot of the Kmart Plaza and was attended by about 1000 people. I’d love to hear comments about whether you think I did a good job covering this event.

I had the honor of being asked to capture an “autunm/harvest” image for the November cover for the “Newport Voice.” While we eventually settled on a shot of the fall harvest display located at the Neport Mini-park, I was really taken by the simplicity of this image of a red leaf floating in the Newport river. I hope you enjoy.

I had a little time to kill following a consultation with one of next year’s wedding couples. So I set-up a lighting scheme in front of my white seamless background, set my camera on self-timer mode and hammed it up in front of the camera a bit.

I spent Thrusday evening at the Very Alt-F workshop in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by Zack Arias at the Used Film studios, the workshop was presented by John Michael Cooper and his wife Dalisa. John and Dalisa’s altf studios is known for making inovative, artistic wedding images and anti-bridal portraits. In 2007 American Photographer magazine named John one of the “World’s Top Ten Wedding Photographers.” John shared a great deal of information on where he finds inspiration for his unique images, his approach to the business of wedding photography and how he works the images after they’ve been captured digitally. I know I came away with some useful information that I’ll apply to my work.

I’ve always been fascinated by near-infrared digital photography. It can produce some very gorgeous wedding images and landscapes. I recently acquired a Canon Powershot G2 camera that has been converted to IR only capture. It’s going to take some time and practice to get using it down, but I like the possibilities. Here’s a little landscape example… taken behind the North Carolina Visitors Center on Hwy. 17, near the Virginia border… Big Dismal Swamp Canal:

Wedfog.com is dedicated to providing answers and clearing the “fog” about selection of a photographer for your wedding. In addition to FAQ’s and a very good photographer data base, they publish articles of interest to brides. An article I prepared about planning a wedding along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast was published on the site today. If you’d like to read it you can find it here.

I had a fun shoot with Michelle Wednesday afternoon. I wanted to expand my fashion bridals portfolio a bit and she was interested in having some photos done. To make it a bit more challenging we chose to start the shoot at mid-afternoon, i.e. harsh, strong sunlight. There are a few of the edgier, “rock star” photographers that never shy away from harsh lighting conditions. I wanted to give it a go myself. Here are a few images from the shoot.

I had the pleasure of second shooting a wedding for Charo Photo, Wilmington, NC. Also helping out with the wedding coverage were Allegra’s Studio of Lynchburg, VA and Paige Buchbinder of Richmond, VA. I’d never worked as a second shooter before but it was really fun. Obviously you’re under a little less stress to get the “safe” shots but the really great thing is to watch other professional photographer’s in action… and one thing for sure, these three ladies know how to shoot some great images!

My introduction to second shooting wasn’t my only first for this job. It was also the first time I’ve photographed a traditional Indian Hindu wedding! The colors, sounds and smells were simply amazing! It was a wonderful expereince to say the least. The rehearsal dinner, prayers and mehndi were held at the home of the bride’s parents in Richmond, VA Friday evening. The wedding ceremony took place the next day at the Westover Plantation, a James River plantation.

I could easily post 25, 50 or 75 images from this event, but I’m trying to control myself. The following are a few of my favorites, though my favorites list contains many, many more! Hope you enjoy.