If you’ve ever seen a photo done by Ansel Adams, then you’ve seen “zone” photography. In my advanced creative photography class, we took a walk around Savannah to put “zones” into play. It’s much harder than I ever thought it would be, especially when you have to think very hard about your composition and settings rather than just pointing and shooting. Below are some of my favorite images I shot that...
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Just over three years ago, my somewhat bland life got kicked in the rear when I was hired on to Paula Deen Enterprises. My job title is “Online Community Manager,” but my job duties take about 2 pages typed out in MS Word. One of the more fun parts of my job is photographing Paula and sons at various events, particularly their booksignings. These events bring hundreds of people, all incredibly excited for their moment to share their stories and give hugs. At our last book signing in February, I had just told Paula about some photos I had done for a friend’s 30th anniversary wedding where I had the dad put their sons in headlocks. I told her that I love those spontaneous moments where photos show the loving fun between family members. Leave it to Paula to give me something full of personality to...
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Living in an area for a long time can sometimes cloud your eyes and mind to the history and beauty it holds. In Georgia, the Georgia Historical Society each year offers a chance for residents and visitors to learn something or visit somewhere they never have before for free. Since Super Museum Sunday fell on my 33rd birthday, it seemed to be just the right time to learn more about Effingham County, where I have lived for three years but know very little. The plan was to visit the Old Jail and Living History Site in Springfield, then pop over to Ebeneezer and check out the Salzburger Museum. Since I would be exploring, I had to bring the camera along as you just never know what you might find along country roads. It wasn’t a real surprise that when we arrived to the Old Jail that we were the only guests, which worked great for my tot to explore without horrifying unsuspecting (or child-phobic) visitors. The inside space was full to the brim, so much so that office equipment spills over into the hallway under historical displays. After about an hour, we asked how to get into the Living History Site (I had been anxious to get photos of the old buildings). Sadly, we were informed that the site is only open twice a year for festivals as it takes 50 people to staff. Disgruntled, and murmuring something about how it wouldn’t be that hard to put info on paper and have it up on the building for people to read to themselves, much like Fort Pulaski, I grabbed the tot and headed outside. I took a few shots of the old jail, though there was so much stuff in front of it that distracted from the building. Instead, I ended up taking about 10 or so shots of Ian playing with a neighborhood cat, providing him the most hands-on interaction all day. Ebeneezer isn’t a place you would find just driving around; you really have to be on a mission to drive that far out. I have been a number of times and had always wanted to visit the museum there, but it is most always closed (though a sign says you can...
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There are few people in this world who would do anything they could to try to help you. It’s no big secret that I had a rough delivery and post-partum with my son, made all the more difficult by having no freakin’ clue what I was supposed to be doing. But a long-time friend who is a pediatric nurse came to my rescue, and got me through the first few months. So, when her husband told me that they were going to have a wedding to celebrate their 30th anniversary (since they didn’t have one when they married), I couldn’t wait to help. I have not shot a wedding since college, and I only shot outdoors as indoor light and I don’t seem to ever get along. But I was willing to do my absolute best, and arrived at the church at 7:45 on a Saturday morning, pretending that I was a morning person and hadn’t missed my breakfast. The setting brought some challenges, primarily poor lighting including the two rows of pink skylights that lined the church and zero lights in the reception hall. But I shot on, trying to get as many different takes of every special moment. I figured I was bound to like at least a few of the 500+ images. So, while it will probably be another 12 years before I shoot a wedding again, I’m very happy to have had a small part in such a wonderful couple’s special day. To Jeff and Debbie, thank you for being such an inspiration. I look forward to the 60th...
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The sun was out but the wind was fierce this morning as our class met up to shoot at Colonial Cemetery. I have to say that it’s not near as majestic to me as Bonaventure Cemetery, but I attempted some unusual shots and even got down on the ground to try different angles. I think I might have been more into it if my hands hadn’t been so cold they were almost sticking to my tripod. Maybe I’ll try again when the real spring comes...
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