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.

A whole new me... well, sort of

I had a quick photoshoot with my friend Ameilia Philips-Hale at Kudu coffee downtown this morning. I was in desperate need of a headshot of some projects that I have been into lately. What do you think of these?

The thought of getting a headshot done made my stomach churn.... I am on the other side of the lens for a reason. I can say that I have a new found compassion and sympathy for the comfort level of my clients in front of my lens.
I have long admired how Amelia and her husband Dan capture the essence of real people. After being award winning photojournalists out in the big wide world, they began a wedding photography business based in the idealic wedding destination of Charleston, so they are well familiar with working with all types of people and situations. Not to mention, they are funny ( a photography requirement in my book). They have a sense of how to relax you and get you laughing right from the start that makes the whole process easier.
Check out their website: http://www.dreamlandimages.com/ for some rockin' pics!

Java flows through my veins!

Untold amounts of thanks to you Amelia!

I've been a bit quiet here on the blog... but for good reason! I've been really busy over at this one:

http://www.thefosterpets.blogspot.com/

I've taken on the challenge of fostering 3 puppies and am writing a blog about the experience. It's chock full of day to day anecdotes and information about raising/fostering puppies. And of course it wouldn't be complete without a ton of super cute puppy pictures! So hop on over and have a good laugh.

P.S. If you know of anyone who might be interested in a super cute and lovable-gonna-be-a-big-dog then send 'em my way. I can't keep them all to myself forever!

An evening at Saks

In a strained economy non-profit organizations feel the pinch in big ways. They must work twice as hard to just keep up with current plans, let alone expand programing. This week's news of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra shuttering it's doors for the remainder of this season was a harsh reminder of what can happen when the community doesn't rally to support organizations that do so much to aid our collective growth and development.

The Center for Women is as creative as I have seen, by way of creating unique events... and prolific too! There is at least one event within the community per week and the women at the helm are pro's. They don't even look like they are breaking a sweat! Partnering with businesses and stand-outs in the community for varied programs is a way to open up new audiences and gain exposure.

Tonight's event was heald at Saks Fifth Avenue, downtown Charleston. Carol Perkins of Harry Barker spoke about how her business began and became what it is today - an International Luxury Dog Accessory Brand. Harry Barker was born inspite of and even because of a rare brain tumor, years ago, that took her back to the begining where she could start over - this time, doing what she loves.
The interactive portion of the evening was the Trish McEvoy demonstration and make overs at the beauty counter. Followed by - shopping at Saks! A portion of tonight's sales will go to the Center for Women. And with thirty + women in attendance, one can hope that will go a long way to assuring that women's development events at the Center can continue.

All in all a smashing success... even if I didn't win the Harry Barker goody basket for Peanut.

For more see:

http://www.c4women.org/

http://www.harrybarker.com/

http://www.trishmcevoy.com/

Exercise your right to vote!

Had a fun time with Aldwin and his fiance Christine on downtown this weekend. I'll be shooting their wedding in the fall. Now, usually if you are gonna shoot a wedding, an engagement session or bridal portrait session is first in line. So why was I taking pictures of Aldwin?

The short story is... Christine entered him into the PETA "Sexiest Vegetarian" contest on a lark. He was one of 1000 entries and he's made it to the top 10! Go Aldwin! The grand prize is A vacation to Maui.... they have a wedding coming up.... I suspect that might make a nice honeymoon.

So click here to vote for Aldwin.

A VOTE FOR ALDWIN IS A VOTE FOR LOVE (and animals).

Oyster Roast 2010

Saturday night I headed out for a bit of fun on the town at the Pet Helpers 9th Annual Oyster Roast. I love the friendly atmosphere of a Charleston Oyster Roast. Everyone always seems to act like you've been friends forever who haven't seen each other in a while. Nine years ago a Pet Helpers benefactor turned the tragedy of a losing a pet into a way to further the mission of Pet Helpers by starting this annual event. I can't think of a better way to look at life then to use difficult situations to mulitply joy and life tenfold. Thank you for the inspiration! I heard through the grapevine that there were 450 people at this year's event. Thanks everybody for supporting the organization that brought me my little Peanut!

Have a look at how it all went down...

Remember Goldie? Here she is with her new Daddy! Yay Goldie, I am so happy for you!

The Pet Helpers Gang.

If you'd like to see more pictures from the event... have a look here.