The Talented Chris Talley

A few weeks ago on the 16th I photographed my friend Chris Talley for some of his music promotional pieces. I remember the exact day because that was the craziest week ever for me, and two because I actually had two photo shoots outside that day and it was I think a high of 25 degrees. It was freezing. I felt like I was back in Maryland that day. But despite the cold weather and not being able to feel my toes or hands, the shoots actually went quite well. Chris is an amazing musician and song writer and I was honored he asked me to photograph him.

Here is one of my favorites I shot of him that day.

Be sure and check out his site. I would write more tonight, but I have to go study food photography for an upcoming project. Good night!

2009!

I have not posted anything in a while, so I figured I would take a few minutes and do a recap. It’s already practically the end of January, almost half way through my fourth quarter and almost half way done with school. Weird yet scary. January, the first week of school I was so bored, I mean I actually drove around and organized I was so bored. The first week is always good to lay low and relax because you are getting acquainted with your classes, your teachers, and your upcoming assignments. I guess I have just never had that much free time since I started PC. But then, the next week it sure did pick up and it has been constant ever since. Constant and busy in a good way. I am always trying to learn new things, new tricks, meet new people, try out new lighting systems, anything I can get my hands on to learn I do it.

So as a recap of 2009 so far, here are some things I have been up to:

• I went to Knoxville for my friend Julia’s engagement party
• I was given the opportunity to design my friend Jessica’s “will you be bridesmaid cards
• I was asked to be by Jessica’s side on her wedding day as a bridesmaid
• I saw Carla Frank speak on the launch of the Oprah magazine, and then I got the opportunity to photograph her
• I took pictures of my friend Beth’s husband for his musician promo pieces
• I have learned all about bidding and estimates for photographers
• I have learned I want to learn more about still life
• I really want to see like 10 different movies out right now
• While I didn’t get anything into PDN this time around, I did get a photo in th Art Director’s club competition
• Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button are my two new favorite movies
• I worked with a stylist for the first time ever and figured out things go much more smoothly with a stylist

It’s been a good start to 2009 so far, and hopefully good things will keep on coming.

Happy New Year!

Cades Cove

This year I decided I wanted to go to Cades Cove and take some shots at Sunrise over the holidays. I really have not been there since I hiked with my KRC Swim Team which was about 12 years ago, so I talked my dad into going with me on New Years Eve to venture around and get some shots. Well let’s just say I ventured around, my dad is in far better shape than I will ever be and he ran around the whole loop which is about 11 miles. Here is an overview of the area.

If you have never been to Cades Cove it is truly beautiful. It is right in the Smoky Mountains and it is so peaceful. Here are my favorite shots I was able to capture that morning.

And last but not least, my favorite one.

On a side note, I started my fourth quarter today at PC. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year!!!

Well it is officially January 3rd, 2009! I can’t believe it. Happy New Year! Over the Holidays I tried to be as productive as I could be and at the same time rest and relax before school starts back again. I normally do not take too many pictures over the break, but I did this time. I practiced with some lighting on my dad’s friends, I went to Cades Cove at sunrise, and I went to my grandparents house in Big Stone Gap Virginia. It was a jam packed Christmas break this year, but a fun one.

Visiting my grandparents every year is always an adventure and there are certain things I will always remember. This year I decided to try and capture the small things I see every year, things I have seen since I was probably 2 years old. I know it sounds weird, but I know there will be a day when plans change or I have Christmas at my home, and I don’t want to ever forget what makes Christmas so special at my grandparents house.

My grandmother collects teapots. She loves all kinds of teapots, and every time I go to Virginia I see a different one.

My grandmother also collects perfume bottles.

And, she collects porcelain baby dolls.

This is my lovely grandmother, Kathleen Gillespie.

This is my very sweet grandfather, Paul Bentle Gillespie. We call him P.B. though.

The stairway I used to play on when I was little.

The Christmas Tree

The Winter Wonderland figurine house

It is crazy how you can see the same things every year and not think twice about it, but for some reason this year I really wanted to make sure I have the chance to remember those memories when I am older. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a wonderful start to the New Year!