Tennis Championships

Shawn played an INCREDIBLE match against Louisiana on Sunday. My previous doubles partner, Dan, got bumped up to the 4.5 league this year. He and I had a long and successful run together. So I'm sad to see him go. But Shawn and I are going to team up this year. I'm REALLY excited and looking forward to playing with him. He's got EXCELLENT form on his volleys (as you can see), and very consistent ground strokes. I think this year's going to be a lot of fun...

Tennis Championships

This trip to Baton Rouge was a TON of FUN! I played three of the matches, teaming up with my friend Steve - the nicest, kindest guy you could ever meet! We won two of our three matches together, beating Kentucky and Mississippi. We BARELY lost the match against Tennessee (6-4, 6-4). Unfortunately, our team didn't make it to the finals. But sometimes that's just the way the ball bounces. We're all still proud of being State Champions, and the accomplishment of defeating several other states along the way. Besides, there's always NEXT YEAR, right?!?

When we weren't on the courts playing, I did a lot of walking around town to train my eye. It's funny...a lot of folks think being a great photographer is a gift you either have or you don't. However, just like any other gift you might poses, if you want to push it to the next level, you have to TRAIN IT! Lance Armstrong, who had a gift for cycling long distances, didn't rest on his backside during the off-season. He TRAINED! During my walk-about one evening I happened upon this row of flagpoles along the River Walk. By turning the camera, I created the diagonal lines that lead your eye to the main subject, the flag. I also used a slow shutter speed so that the billowing flag would blur and create a sense of motion. And I used the Rule of Thirds to place the flag off-center, creating a more dynamic composition. I think I'll call it "Half Mast". What do you think?

The Alamo at Dusk

OK, OK...I got a few requests for a shot of The Alamo. I guess when you tell someone you visited "San Antonio", that's what everyone thinks of. :-) Anyway, here's my interpretation of "The Alamo at Dusk". It's actually pretty cool inside. They have old muskets that Crockett used and some knives made famous by Bowie. If you ever get a chance, make sure and visit! VERY COOL!!!

Pumped Up

Now that I'm back in Charleston, I have to say I had an INCREDIBLE time at the Imaging USA Conference in San Antonio. I got to hang out with this guy - Joe Buissink - probably the most creative American wedding photographer of our time! His list of wedding clients is like the who's who of Hollywood. I also enjoyed lunches with some of the cutting-edge guys like David Jay, Kevin Swan, and Nathan Holritz who are pushing the outside of the envelope and setting the trends of today's photographic styles. All I can say is I'm PUMPED UP and just can't WAIT to see what 2007 has in store...

Friends in Foreign Places

This week I've been in San Antonio, TX for the Imaging USA photography convention I attend every year. It's always great to be inspired by all the speakers, share ideas and techniques with other photographers, and learn about new products from all the vendors. I went with my friend and fellow photographer, Robin Knight. In spite of the freezing ice-storm that blew into town, we decided to go do a little sight-seeing and take a few photos. (How odd...photographers playing "tourist" while attending a photo convention...hmmm?!?) Anyway, we were practically the only people visiting the San Juan Mission this afternoon since the weather was so ugly. When suddenly this lonely dog came up to greet us. Being a sucker for beautiful dogs, I had to pet this young lady, who happened to be VERY pregnant. I immediately realized she was STARVED for attention! As she followed me around while I photographed this historic mission, I talked to her and petted her. When Robin & I were done, she followed us over to wait for the bus with me. I missed our dog, Henry. And she needed some TLC. So we kept each other company until our ride came. It's always nice to make friends in foreign places!

My Best Friend

Katie & Steven tied the knot yesterday in a BEAUTIFUL evening service at Christ Episcopal Church. While hanging out with Katie and her gorgeous bridesmaids before the service (I know I have SUCH a ROUGH JOB), I was truly taken by a comment she made. "I'm marrying my BEST FRIEND!". Doesn't that just melt your heart?!? I'm sure that as family and friends, we couldn't ask for anything more for these two. Those who were in attendance may not have heard that private conversation. But they certainly witnessed the outward display of their love for each other in that looooong kiss at the alter! :-) Anyway, I was truly blessed to be a part of their Big Day. Here's one of my favorite images as they admire her ring...made of precious metal in a circle that never ends. Katie & Steven, may your lives together be full of precious moments that never end!

Magic Hour

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE time of day to photograph is during what's known as "Magic Hour". This is the last hour of daylight before sunset. The quality of light at this time is soft and beautiful - which is PERFECT for portraits. But this is also a transition time. The sun is setting, the moon is rising, the winds are dying, the seagulls are settling in for the night. And if you're lucky, on the very edge of this transition, something MAGIC will happen! The sky might burst into color, the clouds might roll into an imposing presence, the moon might rise over the ocean, and the lighthouse in the background might flash into life. :-) Here's a Magic Hour image from Russ & Maggie's family session. I had a wonderful time getting to know them and their two beautiful daughters. We got a ton of great shots, but this remains one of my favorites!