You’re invited! May 1, 2008

Every first friday of the month, the Riverviews Artspace (my studio building), hosts an artists’ studio open house. Most of the artists open their studios for visitors young and old; its over three floors of artists and their work! I’m not in town for most of them but when I am, I love to see all the people who come by! Please consider this your open invitation to drop in at my studio on 901 Jefferson Street suite 207, between 6 and 8 Friday to see some of the latest work and sign up for our free portrait session give away!

Availability Update! April 2, 2008

Hi happy blog readers! Just a note - I limit the number of weddings I photograph each year to ensure my clients receive the best service and all my creative energies; I don’t book something every single weekend! I have about three dates remaining so if you are thinking about booking me for your wedding in 2008, please contact the studio as soon as you have your date!

What the Duck April 1, 2008

is a riotous cartoon about a duck who also happens to be a photographer. I read it daily and sometimes (well, most time) it is JUST so spot on. This morning’s cartoon:

Happy Easter! March 23, 2008

To those who celebrate this holiday, warm Easter wishes!

WPJA awards are out! March 8, 2008

WPJA is an association by and for wedding photojournalists. It’s one of the very few photography associations out there that actually is merit and style based for inclusion so I’m thrilled to be a part of the group. They hold annual competitions and it’s an amazing field of international photographers; just placing is an incredible honor! Lucky 13 seemed to be my number this time around and interestingly enough, both images were color images. Here are the two images and links to the actual award pages (click on the images)!

I’m back! March 4, 2008

Back from one of the most amazing experiences!  I’ll post more about the workshop later but for now, I’m plowing through some of the things that came in while I was gone - including this fabulous artisan style album!  You can view the complete design here.

I thought the name embossing was especially slick - oh and the funny colors are just from the camera moire with that fabric cover; its NOT on the actual book!

Texas Bound! February 24, 2008

Yeehaw!  (or something like that!)  I’m one of the teachers at the Foundation Workshop 6 this year; this is a super intensive photojournalism workshop 12-16 hours a day which will not allow me much internet time.  Please be patient if you email or call me.  I will try to respond about once a day but since most of my duties will involve being on location mentoring students shooting assignments, I may not be able to get back to folks as quickly as usual!  When I get back in the office March 3, I’ll post some more details!

Kennedy Center Honors 2007 February 22, 2008

I had to turn this job around super fast so I didn’t really get a chance to look through the images for blog picks during the holiday rush. It was a complete honor to be invited to be one of two official Kennedy Center photographers for this event; shout out to Joseph Allen for referring me! One of the very fun parts of this particular job was all the famous celebrities and politicians. I started off photographing folks with a full on portrait set up as they first came in. Later, I was photographing a number of people as in a “camera aware” style during the dinner at the specific request of the Kennedy Center; by the end of the evening, I was able to add in some of my personal favorite style images, capturing the moments as they happened! I’ve done my best to identify those in the pictures so let me know if I’ve goofed anywhere!

I’m going to start off with some of the amazing decor, lighting and florals:

And now on to the shameless name dropping! (I must admit, I was quite star struck!!)

Newt Gingrich and friends

Vanessa Williams

Caroline Kennedy and her husband Edwin Schlossberg

Christine Baranski and her daughter

Kristin Chenoweth and Nancy Pulosi

Honoree Diana Ross, Honoree Martin Scorsese, Diana’s son, Evan Olav Ross, and her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross

Honoree Martin Scorsese and opera singer Maria (?Last name)

Honoree Brian Wilson surrounded by lovely Kennedy Center supporters

Martin Short and his wife, Nancy Dolman

Honoree Steve Martin

I just want to add a quick note. I have always been a fan of Steve Martin’s acting and comedic prowess. While at the Honors, I was absolutely charmed by his gentlemanly behavior and kindness. Kudos to a man who wears his fame so well.

Ted Kennedy

General Colin Powell

Aretha Franklin

Another note to add. This lady had PRESENCE with a capital! It was amazing to watch her walk through a crowd and see the ripples of reaction that followed her wake! WOW!

Steve Carell

and some more grab shots from the rest of the evening - no names…

I loved this lady’s look! You know she was a firecracker in her day!!

The dancing had just started when I had to pack it up.

The amazing Kennedy Center Staff

American Heart Association Fundraiser (preview) February 1, 2008

Well tonight was a resounding success! As part of National Wear Red Day, anyone who showed up at the studio wearing anything red, got a free picture! But dont worry, non red wearers were able to get in on the fun by making a contribution of any amount to the American Heart Association. I can’t post them all, but here are some of the evening’s fun images from our special “RED” set.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this evening a success!

Bridal Show at the Farmington Country Club January 29, 2008

I always enjoy doing bridal shows.  Besides giving me a chance to meet with brides and their families, it also offers me the opportunity to see some of the other wedding vendors out there.  Last Sunday’s show featured a veritable Rogue’s Gallery of fabulous wedding vendors including Jennifer Carroll (event planning), Pat’s Floral Design (flowers) and the Farmington Country Club.  I was also introduced to an amazing cake maker, Anita, of Maliha Creations.  If you need a cake in the Charlottesville area, run, dont walk to try her cakes.  (And they look darn pretty too!)