Lefty spent a little time in the studio this evening. With his natural white beard and jovial mannerism one can’t help but find themself believing in Santa.

Lefty spent a little time in the studio this evening. With his natural white beard and jovial mannerism one can’t help but find themself believing in Santa.

Want some Senior photos that are something a little different… kind of special… a bit “out of the box?” Here’s your chance chance to not only get some images that really express you individuality, but to get them at no cost! It’s time to start thinking about senior photos for the class of 2010. I’m looking for two Senior representatives each from; West Carteret High School, East Carteret High School, Croatan High School and Havelock High School. In exchange for helping me find classmates for clients each Senior Rep will receive:
• One free in-studio portrait session.
• One free on-location portrait session.
• One 8×10 print of their choice.
• Two 5×7 prints of their choice.
• Three e-files suitable for sharing via Facebook, Myspace and various electronic devices.
• A 5×5 “Memory Book” with images from their sessions.
• 20% off print orders from their senior portrait sessions.
• Fifty Photo referral cards to share with their friends and help them earn reprint credit.
In addition to the above the Senior Reps will receive a $20 credit towards print purchases for every classmate that they refer that books a Senior Portrait session with me. The classmates they refer will also receive a discount on their sessions. This program provides a wonderful oppotunity to area High School Seniors to earn photography credits and special discounts.
There are a few simple terms and conditions. The Senior Representative’s photo sessions must be completed at least 8 weeks prior to the end of their Junior year. A model release must be signed by at least one of the Senior Representative’s parents or guardians. To receive credit referred classmate must present the Senior Reprentative’s referral card. Credits are only issued upon completion of the referred senior’s session.
How ’bout it Class of 2010! Any takers?
I still have a photo gallery to build but my new site, www.;photosatthebeach.com is live!. I chose to go with a blogsite rather than a traditional website for this project. The site is targeted at beach and location portraits. Areas I service for this kind of portrait session include Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Emerald Isle. I also service waterfront communities such as Beaufort, Morehead City, Harkers Island, Swansboro and Jacksonville. I’d love to hear what you think so feel free to comment away on the new blogsite.
Check it out. Charlotte photographer Neal Cowley is giving away textures, LR presents and other goodies for photographers. Find ’em here.
Not long after the Christmas Holiday the area’s bridal expos will be firing up. I’m currently planning booths at three bridal fairs this winter. If you’re attending any of them be sure to stop by and say “hey.” My first show will be the Crystal Coast Bridal Fair, January 17, 2009. The largest bridal expo in the area, it will be held at the Crystal Coast Convention Center, Morehead City, North Carolina. Next up will be the Lejeune Bridal Gala. The “Gala” will be held Sunday February 15 at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center, Jacksonville, NC. My third event will be the New Bern Bridal Fair, Sunday March 8, 2009. The New Bern bridal fair offers free admission for attendees and will be held at the Abilina Plantation, New Bern, North Carolina. Be sure to check my booth for show specials and a chance to win a wonderful prize at each show.
A high school senior, Dani will graduate this spring. I’ve had the pleasure of making her portraits on a couple of occassions in the past but this is the first time taking her photo in the studio.



Mark stopped by after the Newport Christmas Parade. Here’s a few of my quick picks.



I ran a year end contest for my 2008 couples. The deal was that the couple that got the most comments on their blog would earn a $100 print credit to apply towards print purchases. Congratulations to Beau & Krista Braxton this year’s contest winner! And a shout out to Rich and Amber Dawson who ran a close second. While I didn’t offer a second prize I’m going to drop them a $25 credit for such a good effort!
Check out their posts and comments:
I recently attended a networking meeting for wedding vendors at Promisied Hearts Wedding Consultants in New Bern, North Carolina. Had a chance to share ideas and make friends with a variety of wedding vendors from around eastern NC. These kinds of affairs are always nice as there just isn’t any time to visit or small talke when working a wedding. Afterall, the wedding day is all about you, the couple, and you do deserve our undivided attention. Thanks for hosting the meeting Pam Duval. I’m looking forward to my next trip to New Bern to network with even more wedding vendors.
In today’s economic conditions many brides are looking for ways to scale back on costs. While you may need to give up a trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii for a romantic beach wedding, there are more affordable options. For example, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers an escape to the beach but is within comfortable driving range of many urban areas such as Washington D.C., Long Island NY, Richmond VA, Charleston WV and many other East Coast and Midwestern cities. Featuring uninhabited barrier islands, quaint sea faring communities, and a history dating back to colonial times, the Crystal Coast is a wonderfully exotic spot for a wedding yet more affordable than most popular destination wedding locations.
The Crystal Coast features one of the few southern facing beaches along the United States’ east coast. Bogue Banks, the largest inhabited barrier island in the area, strecthes 21 miles, bordered by lovely beaches on both the ocean and sound sides. Fort Macon State Park is located at the East end of the island and offers a pristine beach uncluttered by beach houses, condos and hotels. On the opposite end of the island is the community of Emerald Isle. A number of other popular resort communities are located on the island including Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Salter Path. The beaches and associated beach houses are all popular locations for Crystal Coast wedding photography, wedding ceremonies and receptions. A variety of beach clubs, such as the Dunes Club,
the Ocean Club and Dolphin Ridge Club are popular wedding venues as well. Additionally the North Carolina State Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores makes a spectacular setting for weddings. There are a number of island themed bars and restaurants that also make great locations for wedding receptions.
On the mainland side several communities sit along the sounds and waterways. Beaufort is a quaint town with a rich sea faring history. Stories of pirates, colonial ghosts and other romantic historical figures abound. There are a number of venues in this sea side community that are available for weddings, receptions and wedding photography. The Beaufort waterfront is an excellent location for capturing romantic,engagement, bridal or wedding day portraits. Morehead City is the largest community on the Crystal Coast. While not as historically quaint as Beaufort’s, it too has a lovely waterfront lined with charter fishing boats, seafood restaurants and specialty shops.
There are a number of activities to entertain guests and members of the wedding party before and after the wedding. The Crystal Coast is known worldwide for both its off-shore and inshore saltwater fishing. There are many charter operations in the area. There are also several nice golf courses that are open to the public. Of course, being a resort community, boutique shopping opportunities abound. There are also a number of museums and educational attractions such as the Core Sound Waterfoul Museum, Fort Macon State Park, The History Place, and the NC State Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
When planning a Crystal Coast wedding from outside the area a wedding coordinator is almost indispensable. You can find additional information about the Crystal Coast and local wedding planners by visiting the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority’s site, Crystal Coast Bride Magazine, the Coastal Event Planner and Trendy Bride Magazine. Enjoying a romantic, beach wedding doens’t have to break the bank. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is close enough to drive, yet far enough away to escape!