Thursday, October 11, 2007

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:

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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.

Friday, October 5, 2007

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:

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

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Thursday, October 4, 2007

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:
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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:

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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

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.