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.

Let’s Relay!

2010 Valdese Relay For Life

Do you relay?  I do! In fact it is very special to me.  Today, I have the pleasure to attend and photograph the 2011 Burke County Relay For Life at Freedom High School.

For the past three years, I have had this pleasure for the Valdese Relay For Life.   This year, all Burke County will be celebrating, remembering and fighting back together.  I am proud to be just a small part of it.

As in the past I will be there photographing the event and then creating a DVD so we can share in this special night for years to come.  If you would like to purchase a copy of the 2011 Burke County Relay For Life DVD, you can order one at the Survivors table. They are $10 each and all (every penny) goes to the American Cancer Society.

Sarah and I were honored to be able to attend the Survivor Dinner last Saturday night in Valdese.  It was a pleasure to get to meet so many of you and to see many of you back celebrating another year!

As I said, this is something very special to me. My first Relay For Life occurred while my grandmother was in the hospital dying of cancer.  I left her bedside that night to go do my time on the track.  I remember there was a light rain, but that did not stop the relayers.

If you are in the area, come by Freedom High School in Morganton and help us beat cancer.  We are making strides, but we can’t stop now.

While you are there, look me up.  Tell me that you “love Denise Clay Photography” and I will give you a gift card to use at your next portrait session.  One per person and while supplies last, of course.

See you at the Relay!

Here is a look back at the 2010 Valdese Relay For Life