Final Vision

rain clears out

2012-01-27T14:25:00.002-06:00

The rain clears out and sunny skies return. Highs is the 60's.

more hoops

2012-01-21T07:20:00.002-06:00

hoops

2012-01-18T20:45:00.002-06:00

Its been a while since I've shot a high school basketball game. First, the good part, they had added a few lights, so now its a dimly lit cave instead of a dark cave, but its better, whoo who, I'll take it. Next, shooting sports with an ancient (original 5D) is frustrating. I love a good challenge but when things are moving fast its like I can hear the mice running on the wheel making it focus and they chisel each image on a slab of granite. I feel like the seasons change between the blazing three frames per second. But, all that being said I still love that camera but something faster would be nice. So, you just make the best of it, you have to battle all the way and when the guy next to you fires off 10 frames a second you with his fancy Nikon D3S just look at them and say "cheater, stop with the video camera... really come on"

backyard portrait

2012-01-15T19:10:00.001-06:00

I made this portrait of my daughter yesterday afternoon in the backyard with available light. She did the photoshop work.

Mitt Romney

2012-01-13T21:54:00.000-06:00

untitled

2012-01-06T21:21:00.000-06:00

end of the year portraits

2011-12-31T21:26:00.003-06:00

We spent the last day of 2011 at the outlet mall, the beach and a had a great seafood dinner at a place called Jasper's Porch. Oh and I tried a little portrait session with my daughter.

untitled

2011-12-28T16:26:00.000-06:00

prayer vigil

2011-12-26T21:18:00.001-06:00

Hundreds mourn a slain public safety officer at a prayer vigil

lights

2011-12-24T14:09:00.000-06:00

will you?

2011-12-19T20:24:00.000-06:00

she said yes!!

TNC Christmas Bash

2011-12-18T22:10:00.001-06:00

TNC held it's Christmas Bash the afternoon, I'm always amazed at these folks.

neyland

2011-12-17T22:14:00.000-06:00

another pooch in the crowd

2011-12-17T21:09:00.000-06:00

wild man carl

2011-12-14T21:17:00.001-06:00

92 year old WW II veteran Mr. Carl rides shotgun on a Harley waving the flag. He's such a cool guy.

clown car

2011-12-12T20:23:00.003-06:00

While I was shooting pictures at a recent Christmas parade, one of the clowns decides to run this little remote control car into my foot. A few people around me laughed, I thought it was funny to. But, I almost picked the little car up and gave it to a kid and said "the nice clown said you could have it"

waving at santa

2011-12-11T21:15:00.002-06:00

Well, today was the last Christmas Parade in the area, wow December is flying by.

happiest clown ever

2011-12-10T20:30:00.001-06:00

little tiny feets

2011-12-09T19:44:00.001-06:00

parade fun

2011-12-06T21:21:00.001-06:00

these guys were a hoot.

Yuck

2011-12-05T19:50:00.001-06:00

And the crowd goes wild

2011-12-04T19:37:00.003-06:00

the crowd cheered today as this guy was cleaning up after the horses in the parade

foggy morning

2011-12-03T19:30:00.000-06:00

sad night

2011-11-30T19:57:00.002-06:00

Well the season ended for the Jackets last Friday night with a heartbreaking lost to the Gators from the low country, 49-6 was the final. They were just one game away from going to the state championship. Honestly, I almost didn't take the photo above, why you might wonder, well, as a journalist you have to tell the story bottom line and sometimes that can put you in an uncomfortable position. I have huge respect for the young man above, all world athlete and a great guy to boot. This young man works like a beast and lays it all out there, he holds nothing back and it was a honor to watch him play this year. I was worried he wouldn't like me there taking this photo even though I felt like it was the photo that told the story for the Jackets that night. They had came so far, worked so hard but lost. Here comes me with the camera swooping in to shoot this heart felt hug. I felt like I was intruding, I know it's my job but maybe I was a little too close to this team. Maybe I liked them a little too much ( I'm supposed to be unbiased). But, I knew I had to shoot it, I hesitated and almost missed it. I've been doing this a long time now and have gotten kinda thick skinned sometimes but this one got to me a little because I know how hard these guys worked for it. I looked in their eyes walking up an down the sidelines and I thought about how much I'd seen them grow this year. And in their loss they showed they could lose with honor. No trash talking after the game, they knew they played hard and never gave up. I hope that never quit attitude will stays with them for a lifetime. There was a reporter there that walked away from the field after this game with tears in his eyes though he will never admit it. As I left the field headed for the computer I took one more look at the field with parents still hugging their boys and I thought wow what a night. Time was ticking I had to go, quick five minute edit, caption and send photos for the morning paper and then the long ride home. Well, I'm already looking forward to next year, I'll miss hearing the band playing those fight songs, the hot dogs, the jokes we tell and occasionally getting hit in the privates with a football. Tell next year, GO JACKETS.

untitled

2011-11-28T19:39:00.002-06:00

birds at the pond

untitled

2011-11-26T20:43:00.001-06:00

Spent some time at the lake on a little R & R. Man I really didn't want to leave but hey I gotta eat.

my best friend

2011-11-21T21:21:00.001-06:00

pond reflection

2011-11-19T21:51:00.006-06:00

I told my friend Ron the other day that I'd shot so many pictures at the pond that I felt like I'd shot it from every angle. Had I really done all I could do with my limited little brain. Then I remembered what a former L.A. Times photographer told about there being a million pictures in any given area. I thought at the time to myself ( a million?) Now I'm thinking maybe more like two million. Ron are you ready to host a workshop with me?

playoffs

2011-11-18T22:03:00.002-06:00

Only a few games left..... it really flew by. Hard to believe the season started off in the mid 90's and tonight I saw some frost on the sidelines.

fans

2011-11-15T19:47:00.000-06:00

music

2011-11-13T19:54:00.000-06:00

i still think this would be the best job in the world

Touchdown

2011-11-12T19:15:00.001-06:00

Tez scores again during the first round of the playoffs.
I promise I'm not turning this into a football blog. Fall leaves coming soon.

pre game pep talk

2011-11-06T13:15:00.000-06:00

nothing like time in the woods

2011-11-05T21:34:00.001-05:00

vinny....one tough customer, me, not so much

2011-10-29T07:43:00.005-05:00

230 something yards on a cold and rainy night puts him over 2000 for the season. The Jackets have one regular season game left and at 8-1 they are already assured a spot the playoffs and this young man is one tough customer. Me on the other hand not so sure now. I've been dealing with back spasms the last two games and man is it painful at times, but you keep on trucking somehow. And last night, as I have to be a little extra careful on the sidelines because I'm not moving as quickly, I saw Hillary roll out and throw a pass that was a little high. I knew it was uncatchable, I saw it coming and thought about catching it for a moment.... you know, catch it one handed to show off a little but it took a odd one hop bounce and caught me below the belt (yep yes uhmmm there). I thought man, what gives, hurting in the front, hurting in the back and with sweat beads popping out all over I thought please don't let the TV guys have that on tape....

punt pass and kick

2011-10-28T08:54:00.000-05:00

TNC building relationships at the Great Pumpkin Party

2011-10-25T14:01:00.002-05:00

The 3rd annual Great Pumpkin Party was a huge success.

boo

2011-10-24T18:39:00.000-05:00

off the field

2011-10-23T09:54:00.005-05:00

Finally football weather arrived 3/4 of the way through the season. No more 90+ degree game time temps. Now I can wear my favorite Carhart hoodie, the leaves are changing and I now feel complete. Doesn't take much does it. Just a few shots from off the field. I'm always looking for something off the field that tells a story or is just different.

small town parade (just a snapshot)

2011-10-22T20:47:00.004-05:00

I usually hate this kind of photo. But for some reason I kinda liked this one. I guess I thought about how small this town was and how happy this guy seemed to be on film so to speak. So I guess I'll keep it.

a queen is crowned

2011-10-22T07:51:00.001-05:00

Bolivia Run

2011-10-20T18:35:00.001-05:00

A few photos from a benefit run that a local church has every year to raise money for their missions work in Bolivia. It was a beautiful morning with bright and contrasty light.

saints v.s. devels

2011-10-19T19:01:00.004-05:00

battle of the 1A teams. I've been using a Nikon D7000 that the paper has and I tell you it's a pretty good little camera. Not as robust as a D series camera but a lot of bang for the buck. The above photo is at 3200 iso.

put me in the band

2011-10-18T14:57:00.001-05:00

pre game prayer

2011-10-17T19:21:00.004-05:00

Time with the devil

2011-10-16T11:16:00.004-05:00

This little guy was so mesmerized by the Blue Devil Mascot. He finally walked over and asked me if there was a man inside. I told him I don't know. Then he asked me if he was bad and I told naw I think he's alright. He then told me later I think I see somebody in there. This little cute moment was at a 1A high school football game in the middle of a rural part of the state. Who needs to shoot an NFL game, the smaller the better for me.

spruce up

2011-10-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

A worker prepares a window at a local church for paint. And yes the cameras are finally out of repair, yea. I could right a book about it but I'll spare you.

whale of a game

2011-10-08T21:35:00.001-05:00

What a game this week 59-56. Just a few photos from last Fridays' game.

from the locker room

2011-10-02T18:10:00.003-05:00

I shot this in the locker room just before Friday nights game. Later after the game I sent the pictures to the paper from McDonalds while eating mcnuggets. Good game good night full belly.

QB

2011-09-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

I've sent my cameras to the repair center and await their response

cowboy watches

2011-09-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

Last night and the death of the 5D's

2011-09-24T20:20:00.003-05:00

Well last nights game was a blowout 52-7. And I was blown out too. I got up this morning and shot a few portraits and both my Canon 5d's bit the dust at the same time. Hard to believe but true. Wow what does a poor man have to do?

last of the rain drops

2011-09-23T13:23:00.001-05:00

last of the rain drops this morning as blue skies replace overnight rain.

hiking

2011-09-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

Took a little hike Sunday afternoon down a trail I'd never been down before. A nice view of the river awaits you at the end.

bluebell grocery

2011-09-18T09:59:00.001-05:00

fans in the rain

2011-09-17T11:53:00.002-05:00

had a little rain in the game last night. I like shooting in the rain but keeping the camera dry can really be a pain.

untitled

2011-09-16T06:43:00.000-05:00

we win

2011-09-14T20:19:00.002-05:00

Middle school football players celebrates after making a touchdown.

national anthem

2011-09-13T20:01:00.001-05:00

pre game

2011-09-12T19:38:00.002-05:00

I just love school spirit.

today

2011-09-11T13:58:00.001-05:00

today at true north church

this is why we should care

2011-09-10T20:14:00.001-05:00

boys in the band

2011-09-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

morning light

2011-09-09T13:38:00.002-05:00

i was stalking a deer this morning near the pond and just couldn't quite get what a i wanted so i settled for some morning light

end of the day

2011-09-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

young golfer hits range balls at the end of the day

labor day vacation, end of summer

2011-09-05T19:31:00.005-05:00

end of the trip, end of summer, why am I excited?
the road less traveled
t-man beats the crap out of dad's bike
view from the camper
mom forces son to drink from the dog's bowl
daughter fishes as the day ends.

Highlights and lessons learned from the trip.
1. never let a 3rd grader have unlimited HiC
2. my daughter caught the most fish
3. saw a 6ft. long black snake
4. finally got much needed rain
5. ate some good camp food
6. always bring an extra tarp so your wife doesn't have a hissy fit
7. public showers aren't my favorite
8. kids can still keep up with their friends via text messages
9. kids won't study for test while camping
10. dogs will poop in the water

mustangs v.s. t-breds

2011-09-02T23:20:00.003-05:00

good game last night. red team won, 1st home win in almost 2 yrs.

after lunch bike ride

2011-08-30T21:37:00.001-05:00

friday football

2011-08-26T22:25:00.002-05:00

Strange game, 7-6, team in white wins

open house

2011-08-26T07:05:00.000-05:00

open house at the school house.

last weeks friday football

2011-08-24T21:35:00.001-05:00

last weeks game was a blowout, rebels beat blue devils 45-8. week 1 in the books and it's still 95 degrees.

raft race

2011-08-23T21:22:00.002-05:00

These young men took to the river Saturday in a homemade raft as the participated in the annual raft race.

tnc turns 7 and nearly 900 have been baptized

2011-08-21T13:45:00.004-05:00

TNC church turns 7 years old today. It started with a few couples and a vision. Today it's a growing and thriving place where lives are being transformed. Thanks Steve for having the courage to step out and take that chance.

fans, i just love 'em

2011-08-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

a fan from last night's football game.

Defense

2011-08-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

my new favorite fan

back to school

2011-08-14T12:32:00.002-05:00

I did a few portraits of my kids for back to school.

H.S. Football begins

2011-08-13T12:03:00.003-05:00

Well high school football season began on a hot and muggy night. Once again the 5d chugged away at a blazing 3 frames a second. My competition, well actually he's my friend, is riding the motor on his D3s like a video camera. I feel like I'm bringing a bow and arrow to a machine gun fight. But hey, it's a challenge.

random pic from the pond

2011-08-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

my son the golfer

2011-08-10T21:45:00.007-05:00

We walked the course until dark today. He works so incredibly hard, expects so much from himself, seemingly never happy with anything less than perfection which we all know seldom comes in golf. 15 years old 5'10'' 126 pounds soaking wet and out drives me by a mile. He's gotta heart full of desire, sometimes it's hard to watch, sometimes his temper gets the best of him but I know it comes from drive, desire and sheer want to (the stuff you can't teach). I counsel him about attitude, perseverance and self control, all the things that one must learn on their own. It's been a treat spending time with him on the course even though sometimes he hates my lectures. But to be honest, I think he's taught me more than I've taught him. I've seen some incredible golf shots in the last few years and I know there are many more to come. Keep at it little buddy you'll get there.

getting closer

2011-08-08T21:24:00.001-05:00

the cross at the future home of TNC

hot day cool down

2011-08-05T12:03:00.004-05:00

High school band members get cool down courtesy of the local fire dept. Today's heat index 110.

Girls BBall

2011-07-30T22:05:00.002-05:00

Shot a ton of girls basketball this week. Most of which I can't show you here because I was on assignment for someone else. This was one of three frames I shot as I was leaving of another game tonight. I kinda of wanted to stay and shoot a little for myself but after running what seemed like a million frames through my struggling 5d and acquiring a bruise on my nose (because my eyepiece is broken) I called it quits. Fun though, I think I shot some of my best basketball this week.

at the links

2011-07-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

evening swim

2011-07-22T20:35:00.002-05:00

my lab takes a swim at the river this evening after another 100+ degree day

best western parking lot

2011-07-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Flowers from the Best Western parking lot Waynesville North Carolina.

this evening

2011-07-15T20:47:00.003-05:00

A young alligator waits for a snack down at the pond July 15, 2011.

TNC building relationships

2011-07-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

road trip

2011-07-06T19:30:00.002-05:00

Shot out the window while traveling down hwy 278 in South Carolina

untitled

2011-07-05T19:27:00.002-05:00

Daytona Speedway July 2, 2011. I heard a few negative comments toward him but most just walked by, simply ignoring him.

race fan

2011-07-03T22:51:00.001-05:00

race fan plays in the water at Daytona Speedway, July 2, 2011

last cast

2011-06-24T21:23:00.002-05:00

I saw these young guys fishing off the dock at the pond yesterday just before dark. Not a great shot but a great sky. It was just a nice feeling just to get to see it.

2011-06-18T20:53:00.005-05:00

had a little football camp for the younger guys at the high school this week. Here are a few frames from the last hour. Hard to believe Friday night football starts in about 8 weeks.

splashdown

2011-06-17T21:48:00.001-05:00

the local department of public safety had a splashdown for residents thursday evening

Tommy, Fishin and Spitting on the Hook

2011-06-13T20:22:00.002-05:00

I met a guy at the pond today named Tommy, he seemed to be a gentle soul who just enjoyed spending a little time wetting a hook. He told me about all the fish he had been catching this year at various ponds and at the big lake up the road. I noticed he shared his bait with the others that were there fishing and offering his help if they needed. Such a like able guy. Then I saw a friend of mine who had his 7 yr. old grandson Drew with him. This little guy was full of questions and was smart as a whip. I pulled my bait up out of the water and he asked if I had caught anything. I said "no". He said "you have to spit on the hook for luck if you want to catch something" I first heard that saying 40 yrs. ago, so I decided to put it to the test. I said "OK Drew, do me a favor and spit on the hook for me" He quickly obliged and I put the bait back in the water and said to his grandfather kinda quiet like " I'd give dollar to see it work right now" and almost instantly the cork went under and I caught a bream. Drew said "I told you it would work" I laughed "Wow Drew it did work" So I showed him the fish and he gave me a high five and he and grandpa headed home. Then he stopped and said "you owe me a dollar" Then my son proceeded to catch 4 more right quick like. So Drew, maybe you do need to spit on the hook for luck, it worked today. And I'll have your dollar when I see you next time.

witness

2011-06-11T20:58:00.008-05:00

Today, I suddenly realized I was witnessing history. I not sure why it took me so long to figure this out. For some odd reason this little community that I call G-ville begs my heart to photograph it. I may never get as deep as I want to get here but I see lives being changed in this place. I see trust being built by a wonderful group of church goers here. I see love abounding for the people in this little community. I see leaders being born. I see Jesus here.

new road crossing

2011-06-07T20:53:00.002-05:00

A photo for a story on a new road crossing for bicyclists.

fish fry

2011-06-07T20:46:00.001-05:00

R and R at the lake

2011-06-06T18:16:00.003-05:00

We spent a long weekend at the lake and it was great. Good food, family, friends, fishing swimming, kayaking did I mention eating. Saw my friend who is retiring from the Marines after 30 years of service and I told him after he sees his honey do list he might just re up. A wasp flew up the back of my shirt while we were talking and stung me so I tried to look cool after reading his shirt that said "pain is weekness leaving the body". Then later at the end of the day while I was breaking down the camper one of the mechanical thingys got stuck and the kindness of a stranger came through with just the right tool for the job. Turns out I went to school with the guy and didn't even know him. Small world.

memorial day

2011-05-31T20:00:00.001-05:00

Face of a Veteran

2011-05-30T13:13:00.004-05:00

95 year old WWII Veteran Herrington Delray.