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.
Matt Blair, singer and songwriter has decided to come back home to Wilmington and we’re thrilled. Matt took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville to follow his dream of making music for a living. Now he and his family have decided that our little beach town is where they belong and we welcome them back with open arms. I was honored to be asked to shoot his album cover entitled “Letting Go”. I still remember the looks on their faces when I suggested having him toss an acoustical guitar into the ocean. Hopefully Matt will be playing at more of our services at PC3 as well at other venues around town.
You can find his inspirational music on iTunes and look for his new album later this year.
As many of you already know, I have been volunteering with our very cool church PC3 (http://www.portcitychurch.org) for a couple of years now. About a month ago my very talented friend Evan Vetter, director of e*Media at PC3, asked me if I would serve as Director of Photography on his largest production to date. Of course I said “Yes!”
The result is a short film that enhances the weekly worship experience and sets up the message for that particular sermon series. In this case we are learning about the “pursuit” of Wisdom. What better way to bring these passages from Proverbs into the 21st century but by creating a car chase!
A few quick facts regarding this production:
1 Custom score created for this film
2 Automobiles worth over $100,000
3 Panasonic HVX-200 high definition video cameras
5 Professional stunt drivers
6 Shooting days on location
7 Actors (3 pros—can you tell which are the amateurs?)
25+ volunteers, all of whom attend our church
And numerous in-house CGI special effects
Check out my latest effort as Director of Photography below….
“Connected” was a message series at church featuring my daughter, Lucy. My responsibilities included shooting the printed program, lighting the video, wardrobe selection and of course wrangling my four-year-old. This is another great example of PC3’s dedication to excellence in branding their individual sermon series.
We just found out that our local surf documentary has been selected to run at this year’s international film festival in Rincon, Puerto Rico!
For those of you who missed it, last year I had my first stab at Director of Photography. A friend of Katy’s (Laurel Hughes) asked me if I would help her tell her story about an eclectic group of surfers that frequent a certain break at Wrightsville Beach.
Our film entitled “Any Given Morning” was shot entirely on a shoestring
budget and all of the interviews are real surfers (no actors) and use their own words to describe their passion for the sport.
“Any Given Morning” debuted at Wilmington’s Cucalorus Film Festival 2007.
