Dogwoods

Spring has arrived with a vengeance (especially for the allergy sufferers in my family) but fortunately it's not all bad. We are lucky enough to have many trees in our backyard and the dogwoods are in full bloom.

Ugly Shirts

I woke up early this morning and flicked on the television. As I searched the channels I stopped at one of those biography shows called "Beyond the Glory," which was featuring Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Even though I'm a Carolina fan, it brought back memories of my days as a sports photographer when February and March meant covering college basketball in hoops crazy North Carolina.
The Burlington Times News hired me as their Director of Photography in the early 90s and I found myself smack in the thick of "Tobacco Road." Covering the likes of Duke, Carolina, N.C. State and Wake Forest on a regular basis was a unique and special opportunity.
Fast forward a few years and many ACC Tournaments later and I had joined the staff of The Charlotte Observer and I got many opportunities to cover the NCAA Regionals and several Final Fours.
Duke was making another run at the national championship in 2001. We had a close-knit group of photographers from the state who were picked to cover whichever of the Big Four schools had a dog in the hunt that particular year. For some reason I can't remember, the North Carolina contingent covering Duke's run in the Final Four all decided to wear Hawaiian shirts - the uglier the better. We even made a special trip to the Mall of America in Minneapolis to make sure everyone had them.
Now Coach K had picked up on the trend and got a kick out of it. After Duke defeated Arizona, 82-72, for its third national title, Krzyzewski was surrounded by photographers sporting these extremely loud, tacky shirts. It was pretty funny.
The game was over and Coach K had finished most of his interviews as we spotted him walking through one of the tunnels in the Metrodome. Somebody asked him if we could get a quick snapshot. He laughed about the shirts and was gracious as we got a nice memento minutes after his historic win.
Pictured with K are, from left, Bob Jordan, the legendary Associated Press photographer who retired but keeps on working, me, K, former Observer photographer Patrick Schneider, and Raleigh News & Observer photographer Chuck Liddy.
Even though I sometimes hate Coach K when he beats Carolina (not so much this year), I must admit he is a great coach and give him his due as a leader.
A quote from Krzyzewski: "When you are passionate, you always have your destination in sight and you are not distracted by obstacles. Because you love what you are pursuing, things like rejection and setbacks will not hinder you in your pursuit. You believe that nothing can stop you!"
I threw in another photo from the 2000 Final Four in Indianapolis. That's me on the upper left with Charlotte Observer photographer Jeff Siner and Patrick Schneider in the front. Michigan State won that year.
Even though Duke had beaten Carolina, 77-75, at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the last photo, I still love the moment. Steve Wojohowski, now an assistant coach, had helped the Blue Devils to the win and he rushed down the court to find Coach K. I happened to be in the right place with a wide angle lens to catch the moment.
So here's to March, college basketball and ugly shirts - and go Heels!!!

Great Clients

Got a really nice note today from Sarah.
"Just wanted to say congratulations on your new studio!
It looks great in the pictures! It seems like your business is really growing fast- very well-deserved. I love checking your website for new wedding picture postings. Ben and I still constantly receive compliments on our wedding pictures. Best of luck to you and thanks again for capturing the perfect moments of our wedding!"
I had a great time working with Sarah and Ben and their families. Their rehearsal dinner was at the City Club, the wedding at Myers Park United Methodist Church and the reception at Carmel Country Club.
I'm going to get a chance to work with them again because Sarah is a bridesmaid at her friend, Katie's, wedding in September. (I really like the cool, colorful shot of Katie and her fiance William taken at Sarah's rehearsal dinner. The detail shot of the wine glasses was taken there too).
I had a funny experience this summer when I was driving to Wilmington for a wedding. I got a call on my cell from Laura, a friend of Sarah's. Sarah had just logged onto her pictures on Pictage and Laura was looking at them with her.
Laura liked the photos so much that we set up a meeting and I'll be doing her wedding in Morehead City this June.
Thanks Sarah!

Sarah and Ben

Katie and William

Beautiful Day

It was a beautiful day in Davidson with temperatures in the mid-60s and abundant sunshine. Betsy and I worked in the studio as we prepare for three weddings in April.
I decided to take a walk around town and grabbed a few photos on the way.
The first shot is Davidson Presbyterian Church on the Davidson College campus. Davidson, which was founded in 1837, is an excellent private school with about 1,700 students.
Then I got a nice reflection of Main Street in the window at Kudzu on the Green, a fine dining restaurant with some great seafood and steaks.
I also got a shot of Betsy hard at work.
Stay tuned for some favorite photos from 2006 and some photo tips.

Betsy at work

Exciting Times!

After taking a huge leap in January by leaving my job as a newspaper photographer, the changes continue as we open the doors to our new studio.
Betsy and I have been working much of the past month preparing our new space above Main Street Books on South Main Street in Davidson, N.C.
We are excited about the results and we are looking forward to giving our clients a unique all-around experience!