Directions USA

Directions USA

I had the privilege of working with talent from Directions USA for the NIka ad in Seventeen Magazine. 

The model for this shoot was Kelsey Childers and the makeup artist was Jami Svay. The professionalism from 

the talent of Directions USA and my contact was outstanding. 

The exciting news for me is they mentioned me in a blog post and a couple of tweets in early January. I have to confess this is amazing news. Directions USA provides talent to the largest fashion events/designers/publications in the world and I’m simply flattered my name made the list of credits with them. 

Many thanks to the talent Kelsey & Jami including my contact with Directions USA.

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

A beautiful diamond necklace from Diamonds Direct Southpark and a Photo Shoot with me are up for grabs during The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film 30th Annual Art Auction. Its exciting for several reasons but most important to bring attention to the arts is key... So buy a ticket, show some love for the arts, bid now or later just bid/buy/support, I'm counting on you readers to show some love for the arts.... if you can't buy share the auction info in your social media let's all work together to show support, links below.

The exciting thing for me was being asked to accompany a diamond necklace due to my fashion photography background. To know I hold a value with the arts for shooting portraiture &  fashion is really amazing. Again to be asked is key for me... I have been a volunteer for a long time so when they call I say yes even before a finished sentence. To know I'm on this auction ticket & I could keep the lights on for 1/2 a day is worth it to me to just say yes when I answer the phone. 

I also have to laugh knowing after the stunts I have pulled of bringing in custom sets to christen, live plants even trees and processing all my photos after the shoots (I'm a control freak, thanks) these people really must be crazy like me.. Just crazy about the arts! It makes me think back to my first volunteer position for TLF I was a shy props girl and now look I'm on the ticket with a diamond necklace. I blogged about it last month when I was asked so again no matter what I recommend to all photographers just dig in and support the arts and NEVER think what do I get in return... because you should know supporting the arts is fashionable... and maybe one day you can be on the block with a diamond necklace.. I never dreamed this would happen and truly flattered The Light Factory thought of me... Many thanks to The Light Factory!

direct link to auction info

http://www.auction.lightfactory.org

direct link Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

http://www.auction.lightfactory.org/artist-directory/-diamonds-are-a-girls-best-friend

Ms. Arabella & Evolution Talent Agency

Ms. Arabella is something pretty special. Not only is she the younger sister of a model I photographed a few months ago but she listens. She listened to Adrian & Larry both when they gave her tips on hair and makeup customary to her age. She even listened to me when shooting. It was amazing when she looked to her sister for advise, I immediately thought Oh she is so smart for her age.... Ms. Arabella is a brilliant, sweet natured aspiring model/actress with Evolution Talent Agency. So if you are looking for this type of talent I suggest contacting Scott of Evolution and contract Ms. Arabella fast... kids like this don't come often!

The left image reflects the agency choice for portfolio/comp card and the bubble photo.... I'm a big kid at heart and love it!


Location - Charlotte, N.C.  
MUA - Adrian D. Howe
Hair - Larry D. Webb Salon Vivace

Ms. Kendrick Allen Bridal Shoot Video

Ms. Kendrick Allen - 'Do not place brides on tables'

I simply adore brides and Sweet Kendrick for taking a risk. Thank you KK for a beautiful morning and photo party....

Prior to Kendricks (KK) arrival I scouted the locations interior and exterior. In my mind I knew it was best to leave the classic staple vignettes for the day of the photographer but also knew it was my job to place her in a few..... so I did. I did a lot of furniture moving such as the shot where she is sitting in the chair on the B&W floor but my favorite is KK on the table. Yes I did this... I pulled the girls into a dining room that was in transition. At first I believe they thought what is she up to... OK so yes the natural light is pretty but Erin the room is full of tables and chairs... I swiftly closed the door and smiled at the girls... I believe at this point KK knew what I was up to. I told everyone in the room I would 'take the heat' and have no worries to the mother of the bride. Yes Mrs. Allen was in attendance and I think she like me is NOT a rule breaker.... BUT I did not see in any rules posted that says 'Do not place brides on tables' so I went for it.... We had so much fun, a room full of rule followers laughing and encouraging KK to have fun and she did..... we all did!

When I left the staff asked for my business card... I froze and thought Oh Hell I just made the 'crazy photographer' list.... pretend you don't have one and give a fake name..... when handing over my information I thought be proud you took a risk and who cares we had a blast!  The images here are my favorites and not necessarily the best. As usual I show what I like and I'm so in love with these. Thank you for viewing!

Professional Makeup Artist - Adrian D. Howe

Professional Hairstylist - Larry D. Webb / Salon Vivace Southpark

Location - The Duke Mansion

Random in Print



UCity a Charlotte Observer spin off 5 total pages of images




So excited to notice this cover, not mine but noticed this happy face read caption ..
my photo is to the right



Cute Girl Cute Dog top right image

Charlotte Douglas International Airport image sighting

Many thanks to Sharon Frazier for snapping these photos of a final image product for me...

I'm so happy I could scream... It's really really big and on display w/ back-lite so fun... What you ask... On display inside the airport past security is a photo I took and what makes me happier is 95,000 people walk the airport everyday (the sign says it) and to think someone might just stop to look at the image makes me even more happy because it real.... no tricks real model legs (wow right) and motion. The real fun part is a photographer friend of mine as kids we would talk about just walking in and placing framed photos on the wall inside the airport. We thought it would be funny to see how long it would stay...

Thank you again Sharon for snapping these photos and for grabbing them from two separate parts of the airport...

Charlotte Style Magazine Top 5 most stylish

The following preview video is a teaser of the photo shoot for the cover and individual portraits of the top 5 most stylish for Charlotte Style Magazine. Everyone had a great time at Hotel Sierra but take a look can you guess who will sit for me on this beautiful purple velvet couch... also enjoy the credits and save the date for the reveal...

SEEN Uptown Magazine Shoot & Outtakes Video

Bridal Portrait - Jennifer Gamboa

To keep it short & focus on visuals I present Jennifer Gamboa. Ms. Jennifer has a beautiful spirit, a great attitude and she is just a knock out in photos too. Many thanks to Dude the dog who payed us a surprise visit and looks fetching in photos and to professional makeup artist Adrian D. Howe for creating a perfect bridal look for Jennifer.

Location - Historic Dyestuff Lofts

Subject(s) - Jennifer Gamboa & Dude

Penelope & Paul

Penelope & Paul were married in Pittsburgh, Pa on October 16, 2010. Sure the actual wedding was special but for me it was way more than that. Penelope is one of my life long best friends little sister and I know her as Penny. But now that she has grown up, traveled the world studying crazy brainy stuff and now known as Dr. Penelope Morrison. It was such a honor to capture her day with a wonderful guy named Paul Nelson. OK so Paul is more than just a guy he is super amazing and so perfect for Penelope. So what if Paul is a collector of estranged music, antiques and has the "Leg Lamp" from the movie A Christmas Story.. he is a keeper!!!! A balanced match of sorts, one of those things were you stand back and say .... good lord Penny don't let this one go!!!!

Many thanks to Penelope and Paul for allowing me to capture this day and for the wonderful comments they keep sending me.. I just think they as a couple are pretty special... Love you both!!!

** as a side note Penelope and Paul are also sponsors of my All Arts Photo Shoot for the Light Factorys 29th Annual Art Auction... as they support the arts and education they have donated a art supply package to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.... Yes they are all about academia .. go smart people!!! *****

KK Bloom Boutique Video - behind the scenes

Clink on the image above to review the behind the scenes video for the KK Bloom photo shoot... Many thanks to everyone involved but truly to Jerome Simmons for his perfect music... Yes can you believe I get to work with such wonderful people and to have custom music.. Thank you Jerome!!!!!

Location - KK Bloom Boutique
Custom Music - Jerome Simmons
Stylist - Kendrick Allen
Professional Makeup Artist - Adrian D. Howe
Professional Hair Stylist - Faye Karanikas Salon on Selwyn
Photographer Assistant - Jaclyn Nash
Subjects/Models - Dana Banks, Caroline Early, Molly Prince, Courtney S. Schrum

Lifestyle - Mommy Fabulous Charlotte Style Magazine

The portrait to the right is a larger version of a image featured within a article titled Mommy Fabulous for Charlotte Style Magazine Fall 2010. This portrait was documented in the home of the magazines publisher Bridgette West. The surprise to me was the request to use the image within this article as these shoots are for the most part are kept private. I'm so happy to share a different stylish way of capturing a portrait within the same magazine.

KK Bloom Boutique

KK Bloom Boutique is located on Selwyn Avenue in the Heart of Myers Park and is such a wonderful place for a fashion forward type of girl. Me fashion forward well maybe not but I do know what I like so to help me remember the look and feel I snapped a few images after discussing our photo shoot scheduled for late September. Fun times ahead with a team of creative fashion forward people and I can't wait to see what Ms. Kendrick Allen has chosen for the real shoot.

Final Video Charlotte Style Magazine cover shoot & top five

Click on the image to view the final video.. It's pretty funny as each personality comes to light in just a few clips. Thank you for your time.