BRIDES MAGAZINE!

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!!!!

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...

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.