Car seat safety info

Occasionally I write a post on my personal blog that I want to share with you on the studio blog.  The one on car seat safety definitely falls into that category.  I wish I had this information when Sarah was little. 

Here is the blog post on car seat safety.

Time for a new look – new image

Guilty – yes guilty as charged.

What am I guilty of?  Being like most people and waiting forever for a new business portrait. 

Yes, I used every excuse in the book. 

-          The old picture is just fine.  And it was/is.  In fact I still like it.  A dear friend and very talented photographer created it for me.  But, I don’t look like that any more.

-          I need to loose some weight.  Uhhhhh, well I still need to loose some weight.  But I have lost some and need to celebrate that!

These are just two of the excuses.  I could list more, but I doubt you want to read a novel.

As an artist, I wanted my business portrait to be more reflective than most are.

It is summer and like most women, I decided it was time for a new hairdo.  I love the one that Rowena at Salon on 10 did for me.  But it made me realize it was definitely time for a new portrait of me.  A road trip to one of my favorite photography locations and I had a new image showing off my new image.

This got me thinking even more.  I know there are other business people, actors/artists and others that need a quality image to help promote their business or themselves.  And I will bet there are many out there using pictures that they cannot remember how long it has been since it was created.

So, I am offering a special business portrait promotion during the month of July.  For $100 you will receive two (I so wanted to do the classic “not one, but two” line here) business portraits to use to market and promote your business. 

Everyone needs a professional traditional business headshot in their files.

The first one will be the all purpose business headshot.  This is always a good image to have ready to use for a variety of things, such as: press releases, marketing materials and speaking packets if you do presentations to groups.  

The second one will show more of your personality and/or related to your profession and what you do.  We will discuss this and come up with the perfect idea for this portrait.  This image will be great to use in your blog or just do a blog post on it, website, in your newsletter and brochures. Or you could just use it on your social media sites. 

“But that’s not all”  Sorry had to use that classic line.

When you call to schedule your session, I will share my secret on what is the most overlooked thing to consider when having a business portrait done.  This secret could improve the impact of your marketing materials.

Plus, for a while I have wanted to feature some local businesses in my newsletters and blog.  This will give me a chance to get to know you and your business and allow me to feature you and your business.  

So take out your business card or other marketing materials that has your picture on it.  How old is that image?  Do you still have that same hairstyle?  Would the public recognize you on the street from that image? 

It is time for a new one isn’t it?  Call me 828-397-6055

Photographing MerleFest = honor, privilege, fun

Scythian rocked MerleFest

My career has given me many opportunities to meet many famous and interesting people and to see many things and places that well, most people only see in my images.  It has been a pleasure and honor to have the chance to photograph each one of them.  You can imagine the honor it was when I was asked to be an official photographer for the 2011 MerleFest.  It allowed me to do something I had only hoped to do.

Doc Watson

Growing up in North Carolina and being a bit of a country girl, I remember listening to bluegrass and county music since I was a kid.  You did not grow up around here if you did not know who Doc and Merle Watson are.

As a photographer, getting to photograph someone like Doc Watson is such an honor.  Being a photographer for MerleFest gave me the opportunity of creating a memory I’ll cherish forever and I have the photograph of Doc to remind me of it. 

Photographing MerleFest provided many opportunities for wonderful memories to be created.  It also exposed me to some incredibly talented artists and bands that I love to listen to now.

Scythian

Over the years, I have developed a love for a variety of music.  Folk and Americana are some of my favorites.  MerleFest introduced me to the group Scythian.  I became a quick fan of his group.  They are AWESOME! and really nice too.  I just love their music and energy.  They give an incredible live performance that can’t help but leave you pumped.

Lyle Lovett during a press conference

Lost Bayou Ramblers rocked the place too and I could listen to the harmonies of the Wailin’ Jennys all day.  So many talented artists that I had the pleasure to get to listen to while working, including Josh Williams Band, Sarah Jarosz (watch out for this young lady), Jeff and Vida and Balsam Range to name just a few.

Doobie Brothers

I even had the pleasure of photographing some local talent; The Neighbors and The Sigmon Stringers.  I’ll never forget the Doobie Brothers rocking the place and Lyle Lovett has such an amazing voice, personality and charm. 

I tell you it was a lot of fun getting to do what I love, photography, while listening to so much incredible music.  Memories I’ll never forget.  I can honestly say, it was an honor, privilege and a whole lot of fun photographing MerleFest.

Here is a short video of just some of the images from this year’s MerleFest.

Burke County's Relay For Life 2011

Caregivers lap during the BC Relay For Life

Wow, I just realized I have been blogging a lot lately about Relay For Life.  But, that is okay.  It is something I am passionate about.  Many of my family, friends and clients (including some of you) have battled cancer.  I am proud to do what I can to help beat cancer.

This year, the two Relays in Burke County joined together to create an incredible force against cancer.  I was honored to be able to be the photographer for the event and meet so many of you.  It was so good to see and get hugs from so many friends.

I am working on the DVD slideshow of the images from this year’s Relay and will have it ready for the wrap up meeting.  But, I thought I would share just a few of the images from an incredible event. 

Remember, you can purchase the full DVD slideshow for a $10 donation when it is ready so you can remember that wonderful afternoon (I am still working on getting it to all fit on one DVD).  Enjoy this little trailer (as they call it I the movie industry) until then.

This Friday, I get to do the same thing with the Catawba County Relay For Life at the Southside Park in Newton.  I’ll have a pocket full of ift cards to give out again as I did up at the Burke County one.  Just tell me “DCP loves to Relay!”  Come on down and join in on the fun.  Remember, we are all in this fight together.

A quick look back at Relays

God's gift

I thought I would share a quick look back at the 2009 Valdese Relay For Life.  It was a lot of fun, very touching and you have to love the rainbow that was a gift from God.  Be sure to check out the 2010 Relay and preview of 2011.