Shane Snider Photography

Full Circle...

2011-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of fond memories of Michael Bell... As reporters, we shared a dingy office space in Zebulon writing and photographing stories for a community paper. I was there for the death of his beloved plant, "Mr. P." We were part of a staff that won a 1st place general excellence award. It was my last newspaper job before I took the full-time journey into wedding photography. It seems like both yesterday and 10,000 years ago.

Bell has since opened a successful shop in Durham. And he's been busy falling in love with Megan. He proposed a few weeks ago and honored me by requesting my services.

Check out their engagement photos:

Another beautiful Umstead wedding

2011-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

When I met Danielle and Adam, it was clear how important family was to the couple. And during the ceremony, that fact created a touching service filled with loving moments. Living in Wilmington, the duo needed to find a convenient and elegant spot for guests from across the country - so they landed at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. That's always a good decision.

Check out their photos below:

I'm a terrible blog poster...

2011-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been pretty lazy about my blog posts this year. So, I thought I'd catch us up a bit this week.

First up, this is Betsy. She's the founder of petfinder.com. Millions of people have found their furry companions through the online service. I knew this would be a truly unique wedding and knew Megan and Kailey at A Southern Soiree would do an awesome job planning and coordinating the event. When mother nature decided to dump a summer storm on us after the ceremony, Kailey and the team quickly reacted, making sure the dinner and reception would keep guests on the dry side. I'm always amazed how a good planning team can rescue an event.

Check out some of the pics below.

An urbanite utopia...

2011-05-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tracie and Mario love the modern feel of their downtown condo in Raleigh. So, it made perfect sense for these two lovebirds to find a wedding nest at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. The hotel showcases plenty of modern flair while maintaining a unique elegance - much like Tracie and Mario.

These two take after my own heart and are a couple of beer nerds. In fact, I broke my normal "no drinking during weddings" rule and enjoyed a special brew with the groom. (Don't worry, it was just one).

Mississippi Queen

2011-04-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Apparently, bad luck for me translates into good luck for wedding clients. This destination wedding started with me spilling hot coffee on an unsuspecting airline passenger, who screamed as if I had just murdered her husband. Seconds later, I was offered a seatbelt extender. During the wedding reception, a small child punched me in the groin for no apparent reason. And I arrived back in Raleigh tired and hungry to a car with a dead battery sitting in the airport parking garage.

Contrasted with my dumb luck, Clif and Cara's wedding seemed downright perfect.

The wedding in Vaughn, MS (near Jackson) was epic. Cara, a former Raleigh wedding planner, created an elegant event while retaining the southern charm found in rural Mississippi. Personally, it was a great wedding - I got to hang out with some dear friends from Raleigh, including April Sirit, of Evoke Images, Chris and Toni Wheaton, Randy Bennett of Bunn DJ Company. Despite the now-funny hiccups on the trip, I had a terrific time.

Anyway, check out the pics while I go find a bag of frozen peas.

Published in The Knot

2011-01-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

My wedding last year with Ivy Robinson was published in The Knot... check it:

Caleb and Kim - mountain love

2010-11-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'd never been out to Boone before my engagement session with Caleb and Kim. These two lovebirds will wed in June and will use the services of my awesome associate photographer, Liesl.

Enjoy the pics:

The girl with the big smile

2010-11-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Andi has one of those smiles that's not only contagious, it's likely to start an epidemic of good feelings. That's exactly what happened at her beautiful wedding at The Renaissance Hotel at North Hills. The atmosphere was filled with humor and love - with help from the no-stress coordination of the always awesome Grace Beason of Grace Leisure Events.

Tre Bella Florist provided gorgeous decor worthy of such a beautiful event. Hotel staff and Tre Bella worked hard to transform the hotel's ballroom from a ceremony site to an amazing reception space. The Cupcake Shoppe of Raleigh provided a spectacular cupcake display.

Andi and Mike were such a pleasure to work with. I think it comes across in the pictures:

Catching up...

2010-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

October in North Carolina is typically one of the busiest months for weddings. And this year has been no exception. Blame it on the gorgeous weather - and cooler temperatures.

Randall and Kevin decided to make the beautiful Fearrington Village the scene for their gorgeous morning wedding. A reception following proved that you can have a blast at a wedding before the sun goes down. The mighty Joe Bunn rocked it as usual.

Here are some pics:

Rod and Amy score big...

2010-07-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have a confession: I've never really been a hockey fan. I don't have anything against hockey, but it's hard enough for me to sit still for a football game. But after this week's wedding - with Carolina Hurricanes' superstar Rod Brind'Amour and his beautiful wife Amy - I may have to start sitting in on a few games.

My sports fan shortcomings aside, the wedding was picture perfect - with a gorgeous ceremony at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, and a grand reception at the Carolina Country Club. My friend Cara with A Southern Soiree served as wedding planner and her team kept things running smoothly - no easy task considering Rod's celebrity. There were a few Caniac sightings - but everyone was respectful as they caught a glimpse of their Stanley Cup-winning hero.

We started at the Renaissance Hotel in Raleigh as the gals got ready - a great modern setting with lots of great light. Lyn Graves and the team at Fresh Affairs in Raleigh provided the stunning floral arrangements at the reception and Swank Cake Design built a cake worthy of a superstar setting. My new buddies, Chris and Toni Wheaton of Barton Creek shot video - and judging from what I've seen from their previous weddings, their presentation will be stunning. And Mitch from Joe Bunn DJ Company kept everyone moving - he really crushed it.

But enough blabbing from me, let's get on with the show!

Rod's first look at his bride-to-be:

Rod had some really sweet words for his wife:

King of the Hill - Return to Highlands

2010-06-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

I really love the folks at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC. It's not enough that they have a stunning venue in the North Carolina mountains - they have to go and be some of the most professional and downright nice people out there. And that's just the venue. Holly and Colin picked an awesome spot for their families - spread throughout the country from Florida to Massachusetts - to meet for a very intimate experience.

Enjoy the pics:

Cara and Clif: An engagement in Wilmy World

2010-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

I met up with my friend, Cara, in Wilmington and her fiance, Clif. Cara is a wedding planner extraordinaire and owner of A Southern Soiree. I have the honor of shooting her wedding next spring in Mississippi.

Take a look at these crazy kids:

Kelly and Kurt - Double Ks, double the fun!

2010-06-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Kelly and Kurt had a great downtown Raleigh wedding at the historic Haywood Hall. Kelly is such a beautiful gal, she made my job easy. The fact that she's a big New Order fan really clinched our friendship.

Enjoy some photos:

A blast from the past...

2010-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were lunch buddies when I was a reporter at the Eastern Wake News many moons ago. We tackled many a buffet together. Well, when he left for a job at the mothership News & Observer in Raleigh, he met the love of his life - Jennifer. I'm really happy for him and he seems really happy.

You can tell the photos from their big day:

Congratulations Chad and Jennifer! You can check out the slideshow here.

First wedding of the year hits close to home

2010-04-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

When I first met Lisa, she was 12 and I had a mullet. I'm not even sure you could call it a mullet - it was long in the back, cut on the sides and had some business going on in the front. I started dating her sister Amy when I was 16 and it was nearly impossible for me to not act like Lisa's overprotective older brother. And I'm sure the first couple of boyfriends who came around got a healthy dose of, well, me.

Fast forward 18 years or so... my mullet is gone and Lisa has found her man, Michael. I wasn't around to give him crap, so he stuck around. Maybe Lisa had something to do with that, too. Whatever the case, I'm happy for both of them.

Enjoy some pics from the wedding:

Photographer of the Quarter!

2009-11-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

I've really enjoyed watching the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers grow over the past year or so. The organization is run by Joe Milton, an incredible wedding photographer who knows his stuff. Boasting some of the best photographers in the world, the quarterly contest produces some seriously stunning images from all around the globe.

This quarter, I had seven images place and earned the Photographer of the Quarter title with the most contest points. I'm humbled by the honor and proud that my name is even up there with some of my photographic heroes.

Here are the winners:

Umstead shoot

2009-10-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

I don't really consider myself a fashion photographer, but man did we have a blast during this model shoot at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. Tre Bella Bridal of Durham provided the dresses, VIP Formalwear of Raleigh provided tuxes, and Ginger Mullins did an awesome job with hair and makeup.

Our models Ken and Gretta did a great job... Enjoy:

The Ivy League

2009-10-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

When Kerry contacted me last year about shooting her wedding, she was full of ideas. She's a graphic artist with particular tastes and really wanted a unique event. By the third time she called, I could sense a little stress. Well, a lot of stress. Trying to plan a North Carolina wedding while you're working full time in New York City is no easy task. So, I suggested hiring a planner.

Well, Kerry took my advice very, very seriously. She went straight for the best. Enter Ivy Robinson from stage left: Ivy is more than a planner. She's an event stylist. A good planner keeps everything running smoothly. A great planner does not just schedule times. A great planner povides the little touches that make for transitions from moment to moment - handling seemingly impossible situations with grace and ease.

Ivy is a great wedding planner.

The event took place at the already-gorgeous-but-dressed-up-to-be-absolutely-incredible Weymouth Center in Southern Pines. An all-star cast of characters added southern charm and sophistication: including Kermit Ruffins, a jazz trumpet virtuouso from New Orleans, Total Productions Services of Raleigh for amazing lighting and ambiance, and a host of other fantastic vendors, including White Rabbit Catering - some of the best barbeque and Filet Minon I've tasted.

Anyway, enough of my blathering, check out some pics:

And you know I don't normally post a tone of detail shots, but these are too beautiful to leave out:

I think this should be Kermit's next CD cover:

Some night details:

And onto the show-stopping reception:

Kermit led everyone out for a one-of-a-kind (at least around here) sendoff... called a "Second Line Parade":

And here's the lady who styled the whole affair:

Thanks, Ivy! And thanks to Kerry for inviting me to play a role in such a unique event.

Brianna, Matt, and the Finger Lakes

2009-09-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

I grew up about an hour from this gorgeous wedding at Keuka Lake in upstate New York. Wineries abound around the lake, including Bully Hill, where Brianna and Matthew held their rehearsal Dinner.

They picked an amazing location: Garrett Chapel is a little gem hidden at the top of the lake.

Enjoy some pictures... a lot of 'em!

And the slideshow is here.

Back with some new contest wins...

2009-09-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

I had several pictures place in the top ten for the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers. I guess I can retire a couple of these pics now. The cool thing about ISPWP is that the contest allows entries from up to one year before the competition deadline. So, if I really believed in a shot, but it didn't do anything for me in previous competitions, I can give it another go.

Here are the wins:

Wish me luck for the next round!

Hitched at Duke

2009-08-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

I normally don't get in the middle of all the college rivalry stuff that goes on in North Carolina. But my UNC buddies have to give it to Duke University - their chapel is one of the most beautiful churches in the country and easily one of the most recognizable. The reception venue at Sarah P. Duke Gardens is absolutely gorgeous.

Brandi and Matt made sure the place was decked out for their big night.

Congrats, guys. Enjoy some pics:

And the slideshow is here.

Fearrington Village people...

2009-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Megan and Jeremy picked the best date to celebrate their beautiful marriage - July 25. And it was a great day for me because it was my birthday. So, I made sure to swipe an extra piece of cake.

Set at the beautiful Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, it was a perfect day.

Enjoy some pics:

The slideshow is here.

This one takes the cake...

2009-07-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist the cliché in the title. This one really deserves it.

Ashey and David's beautiful New Bern wedding featured a cake made by Ashley's dad, Scott. Now, I'm not recommending that other fathers or moms try to pull something like this off - for the most part, you should leave this stuff to the professionals. But this was a special case. Scott had baked all of the cakes for his two girls' birthdays - and he wanted to extend that sweet treatment to the wedding.

Anyway, he did a terrific job.

I was joined by my buddy Ken Holmes of Bunn DJ Company. He really rocked it.

Enjoy some pics...

And the finished product:

And the slideshow is here.

My love letter to NYC

2009-07-04T07:59:00.001-07:00

Shoshana and Neal weren't afraid to take chances to make their wedding unique and stunning. Mixing Vera Wang style with punk rock sensibilities, they made a very unique party. Planner Vivian Santora, a former top aide for Hillary Rodham Clinton, tied everything together and kept this train running smoothly. Planning any event in Manhattan is no easy task.

We made a brief pit stop at the Empire Diner, a city landmark that has been in Shoshana's family for years.

The ceremony and reception site was breathtaking. Nestled in the heart of the city's trendy Chelsea district, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers is a truly unique space. A wall of windows provided a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Once the ceremony was finished, the amazing staff at The Lighthouse converted the space into an amazing reception Hall.

I love this one... Looks like a Lillian Bassman shot.

The Unbelievable Umstead

2009-06-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

Rebecca and Sten are such a fun couple. During their engagement session, they would bust out dancing. They truly have fun together. So, it was nice to see them carry on their usual antics at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC. DJ Joe Bunn rocked it out once again. And guests were treated to an amazing performance by lion dancers. That was a first for me.

Enjoy:

The slideshow is here.

Stephanie and Christopher

2009-06-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

There was plenty to keep track of at Stephanie and Chris's wedding in Atlantic Beach, NC. There were 24 people in her bridal party. They barely all fit in the church! But when you have loads of great friends, I guess it's hard not to want to include them all.

Enjoy the pics:

And the slideshow is here.

Mountain love...

2009-05-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

Reneé and Pete live in Colorado and have family scattered throughout the Southeast. So, her mom helped search for the perfect spot for an intimate wedding. She found the perfect, dreamy location in The Farm at Old Edwards Mill in Highlands, NC. Whenever I shoot at this location, I always hear the same question from guests: "How did you find this place?" Beautifully tucked away in the mountains of way-western North Carolina, it is truly a hidden gem.

This was just a gorgeous little wedding. Enjoy:

I even made time to grab a quick self-portrait.

Lisa and Joe

2009-05-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

I met Lisa a couple of years back. At the time, she was the single roommate of our friend, Mellony. I remember joking that if Lisa got married, maybe I would shoot her wedding. Along came Joe. He didn't waste anytime, and our friendly banter about photographing their wedding became reality.

I love it when a plan comes together.

The wedding was at the beautiful Treyburn Country Club in Durham.

Enjoy some pics:

And the yummy slideshow is here.

More contest wins...

2009-05-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to start this without feeling like I'm milking these contests for all they're worth. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't proud of my contest accomplishments over the last several months.

I found out that I placed 5th overall for the first quarter for the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP). I had eight top 10 placements. I already have a huge head (literally), so I'm hoping this won't inflate it to the point where I float off into space. Though I'm sure the astronauts working on the Hubble Telescope wouldn't mind an extra hand.

But I digress.

Here are the winners:

The Family Mullins

2009-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Brian Mullins is a good friend of mine and a great local wedding photographer. So I was humbled when he asked me to take some photos of his beautiful family. This guy is putty in the hands of his little girl. He's a great family man and his wife Ginger is a terrific person. This all adds up to a great shoot.

Enjoy:

Somebody buy this guy a beer...

2009-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the final results came in for the 2008 overall contest standings for the Wedding Photojournalist Association. I'm pleased to announce that I've cracked the top 10 for the first time. I tied for seventh place. I'm really excited for my brides, though. They get all that cool international exposure and I get bragging rights.

To my clients: Thanks for all the inspiration.

Meghan and Mitch - one cool couple

2009-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

I really loved shooting Meghan and Mitch's wedding. They are sort of royalty in Chapel Hill. Meghan is opening a chocolate shop in Chapel Hill soon - be on the lookout for that. (I know I will). Their wedding started in Chapel Hill on the day of the Tarheels vs. Villanova game. There were lines around the corner for bars at 11 a.m. Crazy. So, it was a pretty amazing atmosphere for the getting ready portion of the day.

Then, we were treated to an amazing ceremony at Pine Lake Pavilion in Mebane, NC. This place is gorgeous - beautiful land and a pristine lake. An amazing backdrop for this couple. If the scenery weren't awe-inspiring enough. Meghan had to go and show up in a horse and carriage that rode her around the lake. Now, that's an entrance.

The tent was spectacularly lit by SimpSound of Raleigh. And my officemate Joe Bunn of Bunn DJ Company got the party rockin'.

Thanks for a wonderful evening guys. Here are some pics:

New Wins...

2009-04-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

I feel really lucky to have had an awesome year with weddings in 2008. I've been proud of my accomplishments with one organization in particular - the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). I know I've been posting a lot of contest wins lately - I'm just really excited for the brides when one of their special moments does well in competition. And this competition is TOUGH. The winners are picked from thousands of entries from photographers throughout the world.

The WPJA is making some cool changes to its website - so go on in and click around and get inspired.

Here are my winning images from the fourth quarter contest:

First '09 wedding!

2009-03-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

Marc and Courtney gave me a real gift for my first wedding of the year: An absolutely beautiful intimate wedding followed by a rocking and fun reception. My head is still spinning! I try to be unobtrusive, but I admit to busting a few moves out on the dancefloor. (Mostly the robot).

Another stellar year!

2009-03-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was amazed last year when I managed to pull out a No. 4 ranking overall for the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. The AG membership is comprised of some of the world's very best wedding photographers.

So, imagine my surprise when I pulled it off for the second year in a row! Competition was super stiff this year. And I still can't believe that my name is up there with some of my idols.

Congrats to all the winners!

Higher Education

2009-03-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

Wedding photography is constantly evolving. Styles change, new techniques emerge and clients are inundated with an ever-changing stockpile of portfolio images. The question arises: How do you stand out amid a growing heard of wedding photographers. How do you define your vision and present it to brides?

I've always believed that good workshops can help us rejuvenate and find new ways to serve our clients. When I took Jose Villa's workshop in Mexico a while back, it helped force me to go through a period of introspection that helped define my business. I forged incredible new friendships during that amazing week. I also hosted some pretty outstanding workshops right here in North Carolina, including Zach Arias's OneLight Workshop and David Beckstead's "Shoot with Beckstead."

It can be tricky finding the right workshop that will encourage and inform.

Back when I was just beginning to become a serious professional wedding photographer, Joseph Victor Stefanchik was a huge inspiration. He was producing work that I didn't think was possible. He's a master of lighting, composition and post-production.

When I ran across JVS's new workshop offering, I couldn't help but copy and paste it here:

"Date: April 14th & 15th
Location: Dallas, Texas
Who: JVS and Anne
Name: 2 Day Lighting Workshop + From RAW to WOW! 1 Day Workshop

Start your new season with a hands-on Workshop!

JVS & Anne's 2 Day Lighting Workshop will show you how to make
small strobes look big along with hands-on shooting (yes, you will be shooting)
in 10+ lighting scenarios!

Explore the world of artificial light with JVS through multiple demonstrations and
in studio learning. You will learn how to effectively use your own strobes,
modify your strobes and have the chance to shoot with AlienBees monolights.

New for 2009 is the From RAW to WOW! 1 Day Workshop on April 16th.

From RAW to WOW! will teach you the importance of a calibrated monitor
and color managed workflow, RAW conversion and working with the Totally Rad
actions. JVS and Anne will also present live printing demonstrations with
Red River inkjet papers.

JVS Workshops are open to all professional photographer’s, including studios in the
DFW area.

For more information please visit this link."

While I'm endorsing Stefanchik's workshop, let me tell you a little bit about my own. I've entered the seminar and workshop fray. I know a lot of photographers become jaded about workshops and their leaders. I can only promise you that I wouldn't try to sell something I didn't believe in 100 percent. I feel like I have a unique perspective and way of doing business. You can learn more about my workshops here.

I'm also looking to fill remaining seats for a seminar featuring myself and Matt McGraw. Our seminar is called "Duel" because we're presenting two different yet effective styles in marketing and shooting.

When: March 23
Where: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Time: 9:30 a.m. until completion
Cost: $250 ($100 extra for optional shooting day with Matt on March 24)

To register, you can paypal $250 to shane@shanesnider.com or make other arrangements by contacting shane@shanesnider.com or matt@mattmcgrawphotography.com

Prelude: a new engagement

2009-03-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

I love it when couples really dress the part for an engagement session. Jeremy and Megan didn't disappoint and they had a great time. We had a gorgeous day in Durham. It was 80 degrees! Not bad, considering we had snow last week.

Enjoy:

Great kicks!

Duel - A seminar with me and Matt McGraw

2009-02-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

Back when I started this crazy business, I emailed this photographer I really admired. He was working out at the beach in Wilmington, NC and he had all this great work popping up all over the place. My career as a journalist was winding down and I was getting more and more weddings. On a whim, I called Matt McGraw to get some advice about starting my business. In the following months, Matt gave me more than advice. He provided enough referrals for me to actually leave my job.

I really owe the launch of my business to this guy. Since then, our businesses have grown in different ways. We're pretty close friends and talk at least once a week. And his lovely wife Tina loves chicken wings - so we were friends instantly.

We had talked about doing a seminar for a few months. Finally, after my StepUp workshop in January, I said, "Let's just do this thing." So, Duel was born.

Matt's blanket approach to shooting and marketing nets more than 300 inquires per year - and he shoots between 50-60 weddings per year. And he has a successful family portrait business as well. I wanted to do things a little differently. So, I focused on getting 20-25 weddings per year and providing very personalized service. Neither way is right or wrong. But we've both had a lot of success, despite a sagging economy.

I imagine it's because we both really care about our work. But we run our businesses very differently.

Seminar: Duel
When: March 23 (optional shooting with Matt on March 24)
Time: 9:30 a.m. until completion
Where: Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Cost: $250 per photographer ($100 extra for Matt McGraw shooting session on March 24)

To register, email me or Matt:
shane@shanesnider.com
matt@mattmcgrawphotography.com

Courtney and Marc

2009-02-15T15:34:00.001-08:00

Usually, when I'm at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Raleigh, I have a beer in my hand and my ears are ringing. When I saw Dinosaur Jr. there a year ago, it was one of the loudest shows I had ever heard. Great, but loud.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw GNR tribute band Appetite for Destruction there. It was a great show. I was sad, though... because it reminded me that I never started my own GNR tribute, Fat Axl. But I digress.

So, it was cool to hang out with Courtney and Marc this afternoon. I'll be shooting their wedding next month.

More contest wins

2009-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

There's a relatively new group of wedding photographers I joined a couple of months ago called the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers or ISPWP. The ISPWP has a rigorous approval process. You need to be sponsored to gain entrance. I was sponsored by one of my favorite photographers in the world, Sergio Lopez. If you've never seen his work, grab a box of tissues and check out his website.

The organization holds quarterly contests for members. It's another very competitive contests with photographers from all over the world.

I placed 14th overall for the quarter. You can see the photos below.

My workshop - I love Charleston.

2009-02-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

There are defining moments in everyone's lives. Usually, they are centered around a big event. Others come along quietly and when least expected. When Juliet Elizabeth offered her family's beach house as a location for a workshop, I took a leap of faith and just answered immediately, "Sure." Fast forward a couple of months and you would have found me losing a lot of sleep during the days leading up to the workshop.

A dozen different artists invested time, money and faith in me. I didn't take it lightly and truly tried to pour my heart and soul into the workshop.

It went beautifully. People were enthusiastic and excited to learn. Punam Bean really evened things out talking about her style of blog marketing. I spent a great deal of time discussing my belief that the real value of a wedding photographer should be found in the pictures, not just the stuff we sell. I think I made my case.

Then we moved on to shoot at two gorgeous locations. I really wanted the attendees to get outside of the box and have fun with the shoots... trying things they may not normally try. We had some spectacular results. As you'll see below.

Here's me, flapping my gums. Thanks for the photos, Juliet:

The incredible Punam Bean teaching us how to crack the destination wedding market:

And my good friend Joe Bunn, who talked about vendor relations:

Some of the pics I took at Lowndes Grove Plantation and The American Theater in downtown Charleston:

From The American Theater

I will post student photos soon!

Here's my great crew of attendees:

:

[AG]WPJA makes me happy...

2009-01-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well, 2008 is going to be hard to top, professionally. I had a lot of luck with contest results and some really fantastic weddings. I found out today that I placed 4th overall in the [AG]WPJA's third quarter competition. Check out the list of countries of the top 30 winners. Poland is taking over! Seriously, there were awesome entries from all around the globe. Congrats to all the other winners. And congrats to my clients in the pics as well.

Here are the winners:

WPJA results in... I had a couple placements.

2008-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Photojournalist Association's quarterly contests are getting more and more competitive. I think it's kind of cool to see different names up in the top ten each quarter. What I'm learning about the competition is this: When you think you have it figured out, you don't. Anyway, I was pretty happy with my placements.

Introducing... d i f f e r e n t family photography

2008-12-08T17:48:00.001-08:00

I was a little unsure about offing family portrait sessions from the onset of this photography venture. I wanted to focus on the real moments at weddings and set myself apart with my work. But, I have to tell you, after a couple of really great sessions - I'm stepping into the game.

Of course, I may have spoiled myself because little baby Ryan here was a little doll. I really had fun with my buddy Maureen (Ryan's mom) and her husband, Ben. Ben is from New Zealand and I thought about asking him if he knew Brett and Jemaine from Flight of the Concords, but I thought better of it. He probably gets that a lot.

So, be on the lookout for a new website and leg of the business dedicated to family and kids photography. I'm definitely going to approach these sessions with the same candid approach I take with wedding photography... there will be very little direction and a lot of great real moments.

Enjoy:

The slideshow is here.

StepUp - a workshop

2008-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

If someone would have told me a couple of years ago that I'd be holding my own wedding photography workshop, I might have laughed in their face. I've never considered myself much of a public speaker. But, apparently, some people liked what I had to say at OSP-South in Charleston a couple of weeks ago.

I've never been one to hold anything back. So, when a couple of people suggested that I do my own workshop, I thought, "Well, why not?"

So, StepUp was born. This workshop will be about pricing, marketing and the art of wedding photography. We have some great guests lined up, including Punam Bean - a remarkable photographer based in New York City - and Joe Bunn, one of the southeast's most successful DJs.

We'll also have a live shoot with a bride and a full day of image critique.

Some quick facts:
When: Jan. 29-31
Where: Folly Beach, SC (near Charleston)
Cost: $600 ($300 retainer required to hold seat)

Here's the flyer:

The PDF version is here.

Hope to see you there!

Simon and Janet - renewed

2008-11-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

Simon and Janet enjoyed getting married so much ten years ago, they decided to throw an amazing party for their ten year reunion and included a vow renewal ceremony. I knew right away I would hit it off with these two. Simon is a budding photographer himself, so he really appreciated all the work that went into the pictures.

They picked arguably the finest venue in town, The Umstead Luxury Spa and Hotel - an upscale, modern hotel with amazing grounds. The mighty DJ Joe Bunn laid down the soundtrack for this lovely couple. Fresh Affairs handled the amazing decor. These guys make my job a lot easier!

Charleston and the Karaoke machine

2008-11-18T06:41:00.001-08:00

I've been a member of a photography forum called Open Source Photo for a few years. Wedding photographer and entrepreneur David Jay started the community back in 2004 to promote the sharing of ideas between wedding photographers. It has also become a place where you can go to get some moral support. When I left the newspaper world, I knew I would miss the human element of having a day job. OSP has helped fill the void. I've met lots of great people.

So, I offered to help organize this year's Open Source Photo meetup in Charleston along with Jason Tench of Blue Mountain Photo Works in South Carolina and Jill Higgins, a fantastic photographer from Georgia. It was a pretty incredible experience. It was my job to get speakers for the event. I asked several prominent photographers who are regular contributors to OSP - including David Jay himself, Kevin Swan, Carrie Viohl, Nathan Holritz, and Amber Holritz. And I thought I would even try my hand at speaking.

I was nervous as heck, considering the quality of the other speakers. But despite the lack of sleep the night before and some nervous rambling, I thought it went pretty well.

After all the learning, it was time to party! Not only did I rock Karaoke. I turned it into a verb.

I Karaoke.

This is me and the amazing Timothy Beckford of Timco Photography. "Listen all y'all, its sabotage... "

This is me absorbing Kevin Swan into my massive cranium.

The great Matt McGraw on the mic.

Here's me and my beautiful wife, Amy.

My good friend Christobal Perez of Azul Photography also came out to Charleston. He held a lighting workshop and I've heard some pretty rave reviews. Be on the lookout for a future lighting workshop with Chris. He's a magician with a strobe.

Bull City Engagement

2008-10-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Joe love downtown Durham. And I can't say I blame them. In the past few years, the city has undergone some dramatic changes. They boast an impressive roster of restaurants, potential haunts and lots of character. Durham is a little bit of a hard luck story, which is why I can identify.

Here are some pics:

And the slideshow is here.

A town named Oriental

2008-09-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Leah and J. really have great taste. They found a little (and little-known) town outside of New Bern, North Carolina, to throw their party of a lifetime. Oriental is a town wedged between the Neuse river and the intercoastal waterway. With this much opportunity for boating, it's no wonder that beautiful developments like River Dunes are starting to pop up in the sleepy town. Beautiful Charleston-style homes, a dollhouse of a church, and a reception venue that backed right up to a dock for quick escape all provided a beautiful backdrop for this wedding.

Leah had the most pleasant disposition and it was really awesome to work for her. She never stopped smiling.

Enjoy some pictures:

We also had a lot of fun the next day with a day-after session, which is available as an add-on for select dates.

And a couple from Leah's bridal session... (This is what full-service is all about).

The slideshow is here.

Second in the world? I'm just floored.

2008-08-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

I got home last night after a delicious dinner in Chapel Hill at the famous Crook's Corner restaurant. Already content that the evening was going pretty well, it was quite a shock to get an email from my great friend Christobal Perez. He was congratulating me on my performance in the latest Wedding Photojournalist Association contest. Another email came soon after, from Matt McGraw, another buddy and WPJA member. Christobal and Matt have been slaying the contest in recent years.

I mention these two in particular because they have served as incredible mentors over the last couple of years. They certainly didn't have to waste their time with my dumb questions and offer advice, but they did.

In any case, these are the winning pictures. They are all from a wedding I shot in Virginia at the beautiful Berry Hill Estate.

A (d i f f e r e n t) office

2008-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

After a few months of anticipation and planning and moving and sweat... I'm pleased to announce that I've moved to a new location with the amazing Joe Bun of Joe Bunn DJ Company. Joe found this great house near the Five Points area in downtown Raleigh and it really suits both of our styles. I have to give Joe credit for finding an amazing designer: Susan Tollefson. I think she really did an incredible job.

The goal was to create a comfortable, fun atmosphere for our clients. I look forward to meeting many of you soon!

The streak continues

2008-08-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

I've been pretty lucky in the last year with contest entries. While I don't let photo contests define my career, I'm pretty excited about my standing in one particular organization. The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association recognizes wedding photojournalists who use creative techniques to enhance images after capture.

For the second quarter of 2008, I had six images place in the contest. I really love looking through all the photos and seeing how truly international the contest is becoming. Stunning entries from Poland, the Philippines, Finland, and many more countries are showing brides the possibilities of artistic photojournalism.

Congrats to all my peers as well!

Here are the winning pictures:

The Trifecta

2008-08-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful chance that brought Whitney and Ben into my office several months back. Whitney said she loved the way I documented her friend Jennie's wedding a few months prior. But the clincher was when Whitney realized another friend, Caroline, had also hired me to shoot her wedding. Tie it up with a Grace Beason Planner Extraordinaire bow tie, and the story is complete. '

Grace beautifully planned all three weddings! What a small world.

Whitney and Ben found a gorgeous mountain getaway in Highlands, NC, called The Farm at Old Edwards Mill. It was absolutely stunning. The grounds were immaculate and the decor was perfect. The beauty was truly overwhelming.

I'm thankful that Whitney and Ben are such amazing people with amazing friends and we all found each other. What a cool world.

Enjoy some photos from the rehearsal through the ceremony and reception:

'

And the slideshow is here.

South Carolina... yes, it really is that beautiful

2008-07-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

I always giggle when I see the tourism ads for any given state. "Yeah, sure, they don't show you all the crappy parts..." But I can tell you that much of South Carolina is exactly like what's described - beautiful Spanish moss, gorgeous beaches, and plantation homes.

Wow, Emily and Jarod picked a great location for their destination wedding. Hilton Head boasts some beautiful scenery. Strip malls and shopping centers are carefully tucked away with some of the best urban planning I've seen for a beach town. While it's a bit difficult to find your way around at first, once you get used to it, it's like driving through paradise.

Congrats, guys!

Beauty in Benson

2008-06-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

It is seldom that driving is a pleasant experience for me. But when I get a chance to get out to the quaint and cozy town of Benson, NC to enjoy a beautiful wedding at the fabulous Preston Woodall House, I really don't mind the drive.

Samantha and David met with me on Valentine's Day and booked me on the spot. I always feel lucky when a couple has a connection with my work and is excited to work with me. It probably didn't hurt, though, that I was wearing a ton of cologne for my own big date that night.

Whatever the case, enjoy some images from their wedding:

I didn't even write a speech...

2008-06-13T03:23:00.000-07:00

I just found out yesterday that I cracked the Top 10 for the Artistic Wedding Photojournalist Association ([AG]WPJA) - for the third straight time. I have lots of people to thank for the honor; but most importantly, I need to thank my clients Brooks Ann and Charles. They gave me a really unique wedding to cover and I was just inspired to be around them. In fact, all of the winning images are from their wedding.

It's a pretty humbling experience having your name up there with some of the world's greatest photographers. I'll do my best not to let the noggin' swell too much.

"A big photographer for a big wedding..."

2008-05-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe it when the words rolled off my tongue.

It was about a year ago when I met Caroline to discuss her wedding in South Boston, Va. We met at the Mellow Mushroom in Raleigh and I was in a particularly silly mood - even for me.

Caroline asked me the usual questions - if I was married, or if I had an assistant. Then she asked if my wife ever assisted me at weddings. I said she probably wouldn't be much help, considering that she was only 3-foot, 4-inches tall. Of course I was lying. I didn't know why. Caroline gave a sort of uneasy laugh. I maintained my composure and went on to the next piece of business.

She said her wedding would probably have between 300-350 guests. While I've documented a lot of wedding up until that point, I hadn't covered one quite so big. With great stealth, I dodged the question with, "Well, for a big wedding, you need a big photographer. I would say you need about a pound per guest, so I'm right in your range."

It was one of the dumbest things I had ever said to a bride. She hired me a few days later. Of course, the fact that I had met with and bribed her fiance Chad first didn't hurt.

The wedding was at the gorgeous Berry Hill, in South Boston, Va. The amazingly talented wedding planner Grace Beason was on hand to make sane what normally would have been an absolutely chaotic environment. I'm honestly amazed at how these things come together. Without folks like Grace, I don't think they would. It was an absolutely stunning event.

Thanks Caroline and Chad, for trusting a big comedian wannabe.

Enjoy some shots:

And the beautiful slideshow is here.

Sand, sand everywhere, sand...

2008-05-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

I don't want to complain here, 'cause I absolutely loved shooting Morgan and Ben's wedding at Wrightsville Beach. But after two beach weddings in a row, I feel as if I'm taking a little too much of the beach with me when I come home. It has somehow migrated to my bed, my other shoes... I could have sworn I picked a piece out of my coffee.

Oh well, such is the price for covering a gorgeous ceremony. Morgan and Ben were wed at Beach Access 43. It's a really great part of the beach with a little sand dune (mound really) right in the center of the ceremony site. The reception was at Oceanic Restaurant, a fantastic spot right on the beach.

Thanks for having me out, guys!

Yeah mon. I'm back from Jamaica...

2008-05-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my trip to Negril, Jamaica to cover the beautiful wedding of Joanna and Charles. The couple lives in San Diego and found me several months back after seeing a picture I had published in BRIDES magazine.

The ceremony was held at the Moondance Villas and the couple stayed at Country Country. Both are beautiful spots for vacationers.

While I did manage to avoid a sunburn with the help of about a gallon of 45 SPF lotion, I will be rethinking my summer outdoors wedding attire. It was hot - and I wore all black. Ouch. I can't say my wife didn't warn me. "But dear," I said. "I need to look like a ninja."

Instead, I ended up looking like someone pushed me into the ocean.

In any case, enjoy some images:

Whitney and Tripp

2008-04-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Whitney is such a classic girl. I can imagine her on the silver screen holding her own with Cary Grant. Whitney and Tripp married in beautiful downtown Concord, NC. Then danced the night away at their reception in uptown Charlotte.

But her dad stole the night. As if being a member of the band - occasionally hopping onstage to sing or play trumpet - wasn't impressive enough, he had to go and make everybody cry, too. He sang "Unchained Melody" to the couple. Not a dry eye in the house.

'Tis the season... for engagement sessions

2008-04-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh.... nothing says that spring is in upon us like some shots of beautiful couples rolling around and having fun together. Throw in some urban spice and you have a recipe for some d i f f e r e n t engagement portraits.

Enjoy:

To see more of Hannah and Ryan's engagement, go here:

See more of Julie and Keith's engagement here:

No rust here, thank you very much

2008-03-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Of course, before the big first wedding of the year, I get a bout of nerves. But I was so blown away by the coolness of my couples unique ceremony, I didn't have time to think about anything but their big day.

Brooks Ann and Charles lucked out - storms were threatening to drive their ceremony indoors. It would have been a wonderful ceremony regardless, but the fact the weather held out just made the day that much more special. The couple sang a Velvet Underground song to each other during the ceremony. How cool is that?

After the ceremony, we headed to The Carolina Club on the UNC Chapel Hill campus.

Enjoy some pictures from one amazingly d i f f e r e n t wedding:

my favorite detail shot of all time:

The slideshow is here.

Plantation session

2008-03-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Crystal ran out of time before her big day to get a portrait done. So, we decided instead to find a cool place where we could get some shots of her and her new husband, Josh. When I was a reporter out in Eastern Wake County, I wrote a story about Beaver Dam Plantation in Knightdale. At the time, the home was being renovated to its original glory. The owners took painstaking steps to ensure the property would be, in almost every detail, the same as it was built in 1810.

And it makes for a beautiful backdrop for a beautiful couple.

And the slideshow is here.

Bride gets framed

2008-03-05T04:06:00.000-08:00

Brooks Ann is a true artist. She's a framemaker by trade and a genius when it comes to clothing. She designed and made her own wedding dress. I have a feeling you'll be hearing a lot more about her in the coming years - she expressed an interest in designing custom bridal gowns for brides with a taste for something entirely original. What a cool world we live in!

For the shoot, we headed to a few spots around Hillsborough, NC, including the beautiful Ayr Mount - the site of the ceremony and reception. But enough of my blabbing... Enjoy a few pics!

Graced with a very beautiful fashion soiree

2008-02-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't consider myself a fashionista by any means. I always depend on folks who have an eye for fashion to point me in the right direction. That's why I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work with the amazingly talented Grace Beason of Grace Leisure Events and my new friends at Tre Bella at their Midwinter Night's Dream fashion show hosted by Six Plates Wine Bar in Durham.

The folks at Tre Bella had some beautiful models showing off the hottest new dresses from designers in New York City.

And here's Six Plates owner Matt Beason reflected in his wine cabinet.

Here's the slideshow.

I'm a weiner! Again!

2008-02-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

I got a bit of exciting news when I got home last night. The results of the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association's fourth quarter contest are in and I had four images place, making me No. 4 in the world for the quarter. It's a really cool contest for artistic, manipulated photojournalistic images.

But my beautiful clients were the real winners:

Like Whitney Carpenter, whose beautiful face won me this award:

Or Caroline Hope and her fiance Chad, with a smoldering kiss that won me this:

Or Brooks Ann and fiance Charles, whose tender moment garnered this:

Or Eleni Flowers, whose awesome reception gave me this amazing moment:

And the result:

Congrats you guys!

Kate is Great

2008-02-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

That's the title of one of my favorite songs by The Bouncing Souls. It's also the name of one of my very favorite brides. Kate and Andrew's wedding was both classic and d i f f e r e n t. Held at the Carolina Inn on the campus of the UNC Chapel Hill, the couple wanted an all-in-one experience for their ceremony and reception.

Kate and Andrew have a taste for alternative music, which was sort of surprising to hear in a classic and beautiful place. But it all made for an eclectic and memorable evening.

Thanks for having me, guys.

Oh... and the slideshow is here.

d i f f e r e n t. Bridal Portraits.

2008-02-06T05:22:00.001-08:00

I love it when brides aren't afraid to toss the assumption that portraits have to be taken in a studio, with backdrops and a bouquet placed conspicuously at their side. Getting outside your comfort zone when it comes to portraits can lead to some cool shots and will definitely set your bridals apart. These are a few of my favorites from last year.

How will your bridal be different?

Ode to 2007... self-discovery and rebirth

2008-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

I've been procrastinating on posting about my amazing experience in Mexico in November. It was such a profound experience, I was sure I couldn't do the trip justice - despite the supposed skills gained in my former career as a professional writer.

Then I remembered I had plenty of images to fall back on should prose fail me.

I decided earlier in the summer to attend a Jose Villa workshop. Jose is an intriguing character. Just in his mid-20s, he has risen to superstar status as a wedding and portrait photographer. Despite (and perhaps in spite of) his young age, he insists on shooting 100 percent film. That's right. I said film. You remember that stuff - I think they invented it alongside fire.

Anyway, I've always big fan of Jose's work, although it is much different than mine. It is light and colorful, with an almost pastel quality. Part of that is due to his use of film, but it's mostly because he has many of the same qualities in his personality.

The other big draw for me was an appearance by Jesh De Rox, who is doing some amazing things with wedding photography and portrait work. Rounded out with the wisdom of the U.K.'s Dennis Orchard and a few shots of tequila, and it had all the makings of a very fun trip.

But any expectations I had about the trip were crushed. It was more than reinvigorating. It was respite for my creative heart. I call it my artistic baptism. It's the reason I'll be shooting a portion of every wedding in the next year with film.

Here are some of the pictures:

And some film shots (I shot with a 35mm, a medium format twin lens, and a plastic toy camera; the Holga):

Anyway, the trip made me feel even luckier to be doing what I'm doing and to be on the path I've chosen.

So, thanks Jose.

Jamie and Spencer

2007-12-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

I met Jamie a couple of years ago through a friend at work. I was a reporter at the time and Jamie worked as an advertising rep for the News and Observer in Raleigh. We'd sit and laugh about work and life. I was starting to get serious about my wedding photography business and I remember teasing Jamie about hiring me if she ever got married.

Well, I'm glad I planted that seed. Jamie has been such an awesome client. And her wedding was fantastic. She got ready at the Clarion Hotel in downtown Raleigh, married at Jones Chapel on the Meredith College campus, and had her reception at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh.

And my new officemate, the mighty Joe Bunn of Joe Bunn DJ Company in Raleigh, got the dancefloor shaking.

Anyway, thanks for hiring me, Jamie. You and Spencer are sure to have an amazing life together.

Brooks Ann and Charles and their AMC Eagle

2007-12-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

I really love it when people are into older things. I've never been much of an antiques collector, but I could see myself easily getting obsessed with unique items from the past.

Brooks Ann and Charles love taking their hound for rides in their classic AMC Eagle. It's the kind of car that rumbles down the road, proudly announcing its presence and persistance. Charles explained, "With this car, it's all about torque." That made me think about life in general. You can ride through life nice and smooth, like in a brand new car. Or, you can appreciate the bumps and imperfections. Sometimes, the little struggles are worth appreciating too.

For me, life is all about the torque.

For this couple's engagement session, I tried a new approach learned at the Jose Villa Workshop in Mexico last month. (I'll have a separate post on that later). Jose was wise enough to bring along Jesh De Rox, who is perhaps the most intriquing photographer to hit the wedding scene in a long, long time. One of the big reasons I decided to make the journey to Mexico for the workshop (aside from being a longtime Jose Villa fan) was that I wanted to hear how exactly Jesh gets great real emotions out of portrait sessions.

I've always hunted for emotions and moments during my wedding coverage. During portrait sessions, I focused on fun compositions. I figured there was no way to get a real moment out of a posed situation. Jesh proved me wrong. Brooks Ann and Charles were my guinea pigs. I couldn't be happier with the results. Enjoy.

You can view the slideshow here.

Jennie and Rebekah

2007-11-09T11:13:00.001-08:00

I felt truly blessed to be a part of Jennie and Rebekah's wedding. The amazing ceremony was coordinated by the one and only Grace L. P. Beason of Grace Leisure Events. It was held on the banks of the Eno River in Durham and the reception was held at Bay 7 in the American Tobacco Historic District.

You could really tell these two beautiful people were in love.

Take a look at the slideshow here.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jennie and Rebekah: Thank you for letting me be a part of your amazing day!

BRIDES MAGAZINE!

2007-10-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

As a burly, beer-drinking guy, I never thought I would be so excited about an upcoming issue of Brides Magazine. But this is different!

I won first place in the dancing category for a competition held by Brides and WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association). An all-Pulitzer-winning panel of judges picked the winning images. I took the photograph on New Year's Eve last year during the wedding reception of Peta and Brian Williams. I saw some amazing moments going on, but I had a dilemma: There was a big mirror in the background and I couldn't keep my big butt out of it to get the shot. So, I held the camera over my head and hoped for the best.

The result:

The image will be featured in the November/December print edition of Brides. I feel all giddy now. I need to go do some man things.

I'm King of the World!!!!

2007-10-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

I got a bit of exciting news a couple of weeks ago that I've neglected to share. I won first place in the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalism Association's lastest quarterly contest. I also ranked sixth (IN THE WORLD!) for the quarter. It wasn't first place, but you know what they say: Coming in sixth place is better than stepping in number two.

Here's the winning photo:

And here's the proof that I'm not lying:

Where I've been...

2007-10-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last week or so increasing my skillz by hosting two major workshops with two of the best photographers in the world: David Beckstead and Zack Arias. I really believe in continuing education and shooting with these two guys was an awesome and humbling experience. I'm doing all this to make myself a better photographer for my brides.

The first workshop, Arias's OneLight workshop was held in Raleigh. I had an awesome time hosting and throwing the mixer for a dozen fantastic photographers from Raleigh and beyond.

Here are a few of the shots from the first workshop:

Gorgeous ladies, huh? They are both clients of mine. (Pats self on back).

A couple of days later, I had to scoot down to Wilmington, NC to host Shoot with Beckstead with my good friend and mentor, Matt McGraw. This was a completely different, but equally amazing experience. Beckstead is a master of composition, finding light and lines that enhance images and make you look like 4 billion dollars.

Here are a couple of shots from that workshop:

In short, hosting and attending these workshops ultimately adds value to my work and I feel blessed to have held these events. Now, I need a nap.

Those crazy kids...

2007-09-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

Caroline hired me after I bought her pizza at the Mellow Mushroom a few months back. I'm not above bribery to hook a hottie bride. She really lucked out, because I kicked her engagement session's booty.

Check it.

I'm (almost) famous!

2007-09-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite photographers right now is Jesh De Rox (www.jeshderox.com). I've never really liked stuff that felt overly processed - it usually comes off as pretentious or heavy-handed. But Jesh is doing amazing things with Photoshop because he doesn't just slap an effect on for style's sake. The processing is part of the picture to him... It's just like using a special film.

Anyway, Jesh has this contest going and he nominated one of my pictures for a people's choice award. Right now, I'm dead last, which is a familiar feeling for me. However, I have no doubt that with your help, I can come in at least second to last. So, vote early and often. And if you find a way to cheat, let me in on the secret. Just kidding (but not really).

This is the picture:

And this is Jesh's blog with the voting... jeshderoxweddings.blogspot.com

Some day, I will learn how to put live links in this stupid thing.

Actually, I would really encourage you to vote for the second picture of the guy on the bench in the fog. I have no idea who took it, but it's really an amazing and emotional image.

Hot night with a hot couple!

2007-08-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Kelley and John are getting Married here in Raleigh in October. They wanted something a little different for their engagement pictures. Lately, I've been trying to sell folks on the idea of nightlife sessions. What better way is there to remember being young and having fun than to have a night on the town documented?

Anyway, we started at Fletcher Park in Raleigh and hit a few nice spots on Glenwood South. I'm amazed by all the growth that's going on downtown. It's very cool to see the renewed interest in a more urban lifestyle.

Enough chatter from me... here are some pics.

No bridals for you!

2007-08-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's like bridal portrait season or something. I'm starting to get dizzy with all the scheduling going on. Add 100+ degree heat and you have a recipe for a very sweaty Shane. I had to make an emergency Costco run to replenish my deodorant supply. That way, even if I look like I just jumped into a swimming pool, I'll smell like fresh... uh... sport scent.

But I digress. I'd love to show you some recent bridals but I don't trust those pesky grooms-to-be... they don't need to sneak a peek before the big day. So, I'll share some more fun pics from recent shoots.

First off: Nate and Robin. What an awesome couple. They agreed to be my guinea pigs for a night shoot in Chapel Hill and it really paid off for them. We nabbed some unique and interesting shots. Far from your traditional couple, Nate and Robin stayed out late with me and the wife and we drank a few beers and traded punk rock show stories at Milltown Tavern in Chapel Hill. Fun night. Beer is yummy.

The funny thing is that Nate was really nervous about the whole idea of a portrait session. But I think nervous people make for more interesting subjects - they tend to laugh more and be more spontaneous. So, it's OK to be nervous around me - just like all the ladies. (I can hear my wife laughing in the background).

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Hello world!

2007-08-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

I decided today to take the plunge into the vast blog universe. I had been avoiding blogging because I have a famously big mouth and a penchant for controversy. Also, in my previous life as a newspaper reporter, sharing your thoughts publicly was frowned upon. Now free from the chains of journalism ethics, I'm baring all. Think of this blog as soul-nudism.

I want this place to be honest. Yeah, sure it's a marketing tool. But you'll also be able to learn about me and get a feel for my personality. On second thought, maybe it's not such a good marketing tool.

I'll be posting images from weddings and thoughts about my journey through this crazy life.

Thanks for reading. I'm adding some of my favorite wedding pictures so you can get a feel for my work.

This one is an absolute favorite. It's a real moment (not set up). It's my first AGWPJA award winner (I have a few under my belt now). Oh, and that would be the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalism Association - of which I am a member.

This one is featured on my website. It looks like a setup shot, right? Wrong. It's a real moment. The bride was laughing because the wind caught her veil. While I do setup portraits, I don't try to fake real moments. I think that's cheating.

Guys, do not do this. It will make your honeymoon very awkward. Of course, this particular bride kind of had it comin'. She got him first. This one is another *cough* award-winner for the WPJA.

OK, this is probably my most recognizable shots. It was my first WPJA top ten placement. It's reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock, which is no coincidence. I'm a huge fan of old movies and one of my favorites is Hitchcock's Vertigo. My creative eye is very influenced by cinema.

That's enough for now. I hope you return and enjoy some photography and some random observations on life.