Occoneechee Mountain Trail ~ Hillsborough, NC

 

 More work from today's hike about Occoneechee mountain near Hillsborough, NC.  Thought some full color images were due, not that these examples are all about color.  I've been on a serious black and white binge for some time.

Portraits of Boys

Had a great chance this morning to test out some new equipment indoors and out.  I'm very pleased with the potential of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L telephoto zoom lens.  Fast glass, superb autofocus motor, and smooth zoom action make this an incredibly versatile lens that backs it all up with some of the best image quality I've seen, especially from a zoom.  As a fan of prime lenses, primarily for their inherent IQ, speed and light weight, it is hard to be persuaded to the clunkiness of a zoom lens.  However, this one stands to challenge my stubbornness.  I guess it all goes into the bag as a tool; the lens, zoom or prime, is nothing without me.

My Office

Working under poor lighting (high pressure sodium lamps) the wide aperture of a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens and high ISO performance of the Canon 5D make a great combo.  This is a picture of the 1958 90-kilo Probat roaster at Counter Culture Coffee in Durham, NC; where I spend most of my other working hours. 

Business Cards

Never thought I'd be so excited over business cards.  Had these made by Mpix and 'am very pleased with the quality as well as how easy it was to design and order.

Website Upload

After spending several grueling hours of dredging up nearly 150 photographs out of my archives, I finally have some updates for the website portfolios.  It is very interesting to look back over the course of many years to see how much work I have and also how my work has evolved.  I hope that you are able to see some good photos there and that the website is finally becoming a better host to my works.  The next several weeks should bring new work to freshen the portfolios.  There is nothing like Christmas to bring hope and encouragement to creating something new and life giving.

Christmas Cookie Addict

Website Launch

My website, of which this blog is an extension, has finally launched.  There you'll find the top tier of my work in a very clean, organized, and effortless viewing stage.  Although there exists only one photograph as of yet, this will eventually house all of my portfolios.  Also available is current contact information while a short biography and standard price list for portrait work and fine art are on the way. 

Feel free to let me know your thoughts and opinions on the website as well as this blog.

  

Black & White Martini Wares

Life of a Photographer

Starting old things can be difficult at first, but once up and running, you never want to stop.  This vintage, 1969 Volvo 144S is no exception to said rule, however, my focus is on skill as a photographer and making the drive to become a "professional".

Preparing a business plan, navigating state and local government requirements, developing a standard price list, and creating a fresh website are incredibly necessary parts of the processes of becoming a successful business person.  What I'm really finding is that my desire is to be out in the field putting my photography skills to the test, learning new techniques and adding to my portfolio.  The purpose of this blog is to serve as a place for my most recent works, polished or not, to show what I'm working toward, where my struggles are, and who I'm becoming as a photographer. 

Here's to starting.