It takes a village...

9/16/11 ~
Remember the saying it takes a village to raise a child?  Well the same is true for a photographer..


I enjoy photography..
the challenge, the friendships, the exploration... but it takes time to be comfortable with your own photography- allowing others to see it and being vulnerable to critic.  Much like art, everyone will have an opinion, and you won't always like it.


Somewhere along the way I lost that fear, it took time, encouragement from my friends, Gene pushing me to show my work and honesty. Once I got back to "doing what I loved" and stopped worrying about what everyone else thought, things started to fall into place, and the enjoyment returned. I can credit Kathleen Clemons for helping me get over my fear.. we were at a workshop this year and she "shoots what SHE loves, and she does it for HER enjoyment and truly doesn't concern herself with those who deem her work "not their cup of tea".. simple, common sense thoughts, but it isn't lip service, she lives it.. it was an ah-ha reminder moment for me.

Some of my photos are now on display in Colonial Williamsburg at Aroma's coffee shop.  For me, this is a big step, putting yourself out there, being vulnerable, and while this is just a small step, it is a step in the right direction, and my close photo buddies Wayne, Steven, Sam, Todd, Kris, Gen, Will and Jerry- I thank you for all the encouragement, lessons and help along the way!

9/21/11 My first billboard

I have been shooting bands lately and I am loving it!

Slapwater is a local favorite that has been at it for 40 years. They recently asked to use one of my photos for an electronic billboard on I-64 in Hampton.. 

Who would say no to that??


The promoters ended up using a different photo than we intended, but as Gene and I drove home from NJ late one night, we got stuck in construction traffic, I looked up and spotted my photo larger than life on the billboard.. it was a cool feeling..  


Getting this photo the next day.. well that's a whole 'nother story... after getting my shot, looking up and seeing those blue flashing lights in the rear view mirror.. I thought, "well this isn't going to be good"... but the state trooper I met was so nice. He calmly explained to me that there was no good reason to be pulled over on the interstate.. I explained "my good reason" and he repeated his mantra to which I replied "didn't you hear me? it's my first billboard..."  he laughed, shook his head, and wished me a nice day.. no ticket.. The more I get into photography the more "officials" I meet.. I may have to expand my Christmas card list :).