Editing

I love this photo because it demonstrates appropriate editing.

I made a lovely image of a beautiful woman. I could have been a purist, said DONE! and handed it over. Or I could have given her the 'COSMO' edit and airbrushed her until she looked twenty again. But that would have obliterated everything that makes her unique and beautiful, in my opinion. Instead, I chose to enhance rather than cover up. It was a spa visit for the photo really.

We are all so critical of images of ourselves. I don't know if this is our airbrushed cultural mentality or just that we don't take the time to study ourselves and each other until we are frozen within a frame. But sometimes a photo can seem a little too real, a bit too 'Hi-Def'. My philosophy of photo editing is simply to dust off that top layer of an image. You know, that one that makes us wrinkle our nose up and start counting our flaws. I want to remove that layer to get to the one underneath that makes us smile and say, " I look great/ beautiful/ handsome. That's my favorite picture of me ever!" When I hear that, I know that I have done my job.

Wahine's Take Back Their Title!!

I followed the Folly Beach Wahine Dragonboat Team for the 2010 Dragonboat Festival. It was such an amazing experience to be surrounded by such an amazing team of people all focused on a common goal. To take back their winning title.

This was their third year paddling in the race. After not secruing victory last year due to a change in regulations, they were in top form, ready to regain what had been taken from them.

It is incredible to me how many people it takes to comprise a Dragonboat team. Twenty members on the water; drummer, steersman, paddlers, with alternates and support back on land. This is no quaint intimate gathering. It is an all out mob of people!

This particular mob of surfers and beach lovers was racing for a member of their group, Vicky Horres. Known around Folly Beach and to each other as Ya-Ya (Greek for grandmother). In years past they raced because she had beaten the cancer that tried to take her down. After getting to know her, I'd say she didn't just beat it but kicked it's a** from here to Tuscan. But this year was different. The cancer that she sent packing twenty five years ago didn't stay in Tuscan. This year they raced for her fight, her passion, for her life.

Their competition was no match for the inspiration that was back on the shores of the Ashley River... and, I suspect, the fire of seeing victory slip through their fingers last year. This year was different. They fought for life...

... and they won.

2010 Purse Auction

I had a blast Thursday at the 9th Annual Center for Women Purse Auction! Things are crazy around here, so I don't have time to elaborate about all of the wonderfullness that went on this year. But I won't keep the pictures from you any longer!

To see all of the pics from the event Click Here!

Nutty

I've been feeling like I have been neglecting my child, Peanut, in the midst of this whole puppy fostering business. I have been working like crazy and taking care of the little ones and all of that has left little Nutty time.
I woke up early on this lazy Sunday and Nutty and I finally got to catch up. The overcast skies made the light as lazy as we were, which is perfect for photos. There is little doubt she is a photographers dog. When she sees the camera in my hand she wags her tail and smiles... not kidding. So it can take a bit of finagling to get snaps of real moments. She is too cute not to share these! Enjoy!

I'm a Charleston Chick!

I met the incomparable Alyson Bailey only a few short weeks ago, but have been undeniably changed by her passion, drive and multi-tasking ability. She began with an idea almost a year ago of a website that would feature what's great about Charleston; the people, places and events in a fresh new way. The long process of bringing this idea to light ended in March when http://www.thecharlestonchicks.com/ went live.

When I met Alyson, just a few days after the launch, it all just clicked. A kindred Lowcountry spirit to be sure. By the end of our conversation I felt like we'd been friends for years. It also worked out well that I am a photog about town and insatiable blogger and she's got a website about Charleston. Now you'll be able to read my latest adventures, hijinks and schenanigans about town over at http://www.thecharlestonchicks.com/ too.

What is Charleston Chicks?

Charleston Chicks is all about the back story and all about a woman's point of view. Want to know how intelligent, successful, interesting women in our community got their start? Read about them in Charleston Chicks. Wanna know the best way to spend your weekend? Charleston Chicks has got the the hot list of cool places to be around the Lowcountry. It's all about learning about and sharing your community. So join the conversation! If there is something that you want to read, know or do... share it! This is your community!

Click here to see my curtsy on the Charleston Chicks stage.