Dakota & Bonnie of Aradia Fitness

Last week while in Cary, NC, I had a fantastic opportunity to photograph Dakota and Bonnie of Aradia Fitness.  These ladies are so strong and graceful.  They truly defy gravity. 

After accomplishing all the shots I had planned for, I offered the opportunity to try some light painting.  For those of you not familiar with this it is creating an image in total darkness by creatively using light to paint your subject in one single long exposure. 

In order to light paint them, they had to hold their poses for several seconds while I created the image.  I was so surprised at their enthusiasm and willingness to attempt this.  The results were, WOW.  They have incredible control over their bodies.  I have included the exposure times so you can appreciate how long they had to hold these poses.  Remember these times were just for the exposure.  They had an additional 5 - 10 seconds just getting into the pose before I could start to light paint them.

24 Seconds

22 seconds

27 seconds

2 poses in 47 seconds

33 seconds

32 seconds

Here is a slideshow of my best images from the session.  Enjoy!

Using Video Lights for Photography

Ever since I attended AfterDark in Charlotte, NC this September,  I have been intrigued with using video lights in photography.  I purchased one light a few weeks ago and loved the look I was getting.  WYSIWYG!  It is very easy to mix ambient with the daylight balanced LEDs.  All images were shot at 2.8 at iso 1600-2000.

These images were shot using one small CN126 LED battery operated light.  No modifiers.

I soon realized that having another light on the same stand would allow more control of the shadows and mood.  The following were photographed using two CN126 LED lights mounted above and below on the same light stand.

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South Meck Soccer Seniors

For the last few years I have been photographing South Meck Soccer games and shooting the Senior Photo for the programs.  This year's image came out really nice.  The night was nice and cloudy and with a little photoshopping everything just pops.

AfterDark Charlotte, NC 2011

Wow, time flies when you don't update your blog!  


Three weeks ago I participated in AfterDark Charlotte.  For those not familiar with AD, here is their link.  It was 3 days of 12 plus hours of shooting, classrooms, mentoring and fun.  It was aWeSOMe!  I learned so much.  


AD Charlotte pulled in over 35 mentors from across the country.  All types and styles of photography were at my fingertips for 3 days!  It was photography overload!

I was very focused on learning, absorbing and watching instead of actually shooting.  I had a blast.  If you ever have the chance to attend, it will be the best investment in your photography you could ever make.

Max Andrew

Last week I had to pleasure to photograph Max Andrew in Greenville, SC.  He has an awesome look and is very easy and natural in front of the camera.  I even got to do a little light painting during this session.  

CAboose, cabOOse, caBoose!

While visiting Greenville, NC this week, I discovered this collection of abandoned cabooses.  What a lucky day!  Or morning, I should say since these were shot at sunrise.

Varsity Soccer: South Meck 2 - Ardrey Kell 1

Last night South Meck had an awesome game against the number one ranked High School, Ardrey Kell in the region's 4A conference.  


In the first half, South Meck scored quickly followed by a goal from Ardrey Kell.  In the second half, with about 20 mins remaining, senior, Bennett Yort got his second goal of the evening.  The remaining minutes were delayed a few times for injuries, but South Meck was able to hold them off.  


It was such a beautiful night for a soccer game and what a game it was!