These are some recent images I created for Rachel’s modeling portfolio…..
On a recent video shoot, I was asked to capture some stills of a lonely bowler. The trick was you didn’t know he was alone until the end of the spot. For one of the scenes he was supposed to act really excited about getting a strike. I knew this would make the most interesting visual. It’s not often you get this level of intensity from paid professional talent, much less an amateur. He really got into it. Great job Brett! I’m passionate about taking great pictures. What are you passionate about?
It’s a surfing term. As in, “throwing buckets of water.” That’s exactly what these guys were up to at the Reef/Sweetwater surf contest held right here in Wrightsville Beach last month. Hurricane Bertha, perfectly positioned a few hundred miles offshore, created the best swells this area has seen all year. So what do I do since I love to surf (not as good as these guys) and take pictures? Easy. You surf in the morning when the waves are cleaner and shoot in the afternoon when the light is better. Nice!
Mobile, Alabama—Ad agency Red Square hired CDP to capture some of the action at one of the country’s busiest ports. For me, it was an assignment from heaven. Sure, it was hot with 1000% humidity, but there were compelling images around every corner. Although we only had a couple days to shoot, the layouts called for photo collages, so the agency told us, “Just go out and shoot what you see.” This involved riding in a monster crane, climbing aboard a 700-foot cargo ship, and cruising in a working locomotive. Can you say kid in the proverbial candy store?
Sometimes it takes a while. Do you follow your parent’s dreams for you, or search deep down and go off in your own direction? Such is the case with a young lady I met recently. Rachel is brand new to the world of modeling. She’s exploring. We had a blast one hot summer day shooting down by the intracoastal waterway. While it’s often a challenge working with non-professional talent, my approach has always been to create a comfortable atmosphere and let things just evolve naturally. I find that I get the best results if I don’t plan it out too much. It’s a very organic process. And whether Rachel becomes the country’s next supermodel or not, at least she’s got a chance to try. God bless America.
You may have noticed it’s been a while since my last post. I blame it on summer. We all have a favorite time of year, and mine is here. Yes, it’s hot and we sweat a lot. Yes, there are mosquitos and lots of grass to cut. This is all true. But in my opinion, the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Way too many to list here. So I say go outside and trade in the glow of the monitor for some sunshine. Go for a swim. Take your shoes off. Relax and bask in the season which is upon us. Go get yourself some summer!
In response to calls for more people pictures, I’m announcing a new website called FACES. The site will feature some of my most recent portraiture work (though I’m not wild about the word “portrait” which sounds so stiff and formal!) Photographing people is more like directing than simply aiming a camera. The challenge is drawing out what makes the person interesting, and allowing it to be revealed on his or her face. They may be 8 years old or 80, but one thing is for sure – no two are ever alike. http://www.cdphoto.com/FACES 
A recent assignment for a startup pub took me on location to Carolina Beach (Wilmington, NC area) with local model Meagan Reedy. This beach is known for its brightly colored buildings, including a lime-green surf shop, which became base camp for the day. Here are a few of my favorite images from the shoot. Although I enjoy many types of photography, the fashion/ lifestyle genre is pretty new for me. It’s very different from shooting to a well-defined ad layout, and I really enjoy the freedom. Since I’ve had several requests for more “people” samples, look for the official release of my new website titled “FACES”, coming soon.
A few days ago I got an opportunity to photograph one of the contenders for America’s highest office. Barack Obama came to Wilmington’s UNCW campus for what was billed as his largest-ever town hall meeting. Over 6,000 people turned out to see the man and hear his plan for our country. The room was electric. CNN just projected him to win this state in the hotly contested race against Mrs. Clinton. And while I’m not officially endorsing anyone here, it certainly would be nice for some change.
