Kristina and Troy's Wedding

I am blessed to have wonderful, beautiful friends, and it was a pleasure to capture their big day. This wedding took place at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC, and I thought the weather was perfect for an evening ceremony. They couldn't have chosen a better backdrop.

*Originally posted 10/5/09*

Art, Squared

I am definitely drawn to art in all facets. I photographed graffiti and store fronts in Asheville and Austin. In both cities, I was happy to find spaces where graffiti is treated with respect, blossoming as a more artistic form and painted on abandoned buildings, or with permission. I loved touring the River Arts District in Asheville, and I hope these photographs honor the artists that put their time and their love into their work.

I am seeing more and more that art covers our world. It thrills me when artists collaborate, and I enjoy stretching and bending combined aesthetic styles. I like to think of it as art, squared.

*Originally posted 6/8/09*

Engagement Photos

I photographed this lovely couple, Troy and Kristina, along with my friend and colleague, John Glose. We enjoyed a beautiful day at the NC Arboretum. I am excited to shoot Kristina's bridal photographs (with the dress) and the couples' wedding in September. It has been wonderful working creatively with them!

*Originally posted 6/8/09*

OASES

I am so privileged to be living in the mountains of North Carolina. I photographed OASES, a workshop for middle and high school kids at Eagles Nest near Brevard. Not only was it a gorgeous day and I was exposed to the different activities around the camp, but the workshop focuses on sustainability. The topic is very important to me. I love to be able to offer my photo services to help at something as important as keeping our planet pristine for generations to come, for kids and artists alike to play.

*Originally posted 5/12/09*

To All the Artists Playing....Across the Universe

My friend quoted another photographer last night and said, "We don't take pictures; we make pictures." I agree. I find that I enjoy myself immensely when I simply play with photography.

The first photo in this series is taken still. Whenever I see a string of lights, I get inspired and play often with slow exposure and dragging the camera. So I thought I might see what happened with a movie showing in the background. The film was Across the Universe.

I think it's fitting that many images remind me of instruments and music- especially the third, as I see guitar frets, and the last, which brings to mind a saxophone. These were taken during the musical numbers. And yet others are like sea anemones, and those appeared during the credits where someone else has created abstract, water-like forms. That's my favorite part of abstraction, when something unintentional happens along and brings it all together.

I took these photos several months ago, but I happened upon them today after having a very creative afternoon. I thought about how as artists, we piggyback on each other all the time, drawing inspiration from all the various corners of our universe.

*Originally posted 3/26/09*

Mardi Can Gras Me Anyday

What can I say? I can't stay away from New Orleans; it has seduced me, and so of course I visited for Mardi Gras. What I loved about it most was not the stereotypical boobies and beads, but the color and creativity. Walking down Bourbon on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, I saw more ingenuity in dress than I witnessed while I was there for Halloween. And every face was smiling. This is why I have fallen in love with the city.

And of course, I had wonderful friends to photograph, as well as strangers. Of over the thousands shots I snapped, I would guess 50 probably had cameras in them. I am happy to share a common passion, as we all delight in seeing good pictures.

*Originally posted 3/11/09*

High Octane Chess

High Octane Chess

Along with my friend and colleague, John Glose, I shot a product called High Octane Chess, a chess set created from engine parts. I am happy to report these photos are being published in a magazine, Chevy High Performance, and that Jeremy Twiggs, the creator of the chess set, has ideas for more of his original creations. You can find more information on the chess set here.

*Originally posted 3/1/09*