HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM JAMIE & JON!

I know it's after Christmas but Jamie and I wanted to wish everyone a very happy holiday season!

Every year I create a card for Jamie and I to send out. With this blog, and more recently my facebook page, I can now share it with everyone. 

COMMISSIONED PAINTING FINISHED!

My friend Sandra asked me to create a painting of some Mayan ruins based on a photo from her brothers honeymoon as a wedding gift. I actually finished it back in September but it takes oil paint a very long time to dry! Anyway, it's dry and being picked up today.

Thanks again Sandra!

 

PISGAH HIGH SCHOOL YEAR BOOK CLASS PRESENTATION

 Last week I helped my friend and writer Michael Beadle give a presentation to the Pisgah High School (Haywood County, NC) year book class. I used my experience shooting weddings and my love of "decisive moment" photography to help motivate the students into being more creative behind the camera. We also talked about composition, shutter speeds, apertures, etc. Michael gave them lots of tips for writing captions for their photographs. The kids were very attentive and we had a great time.

Michael is an excellent speaker and instructor.

After our talk I gave the students my camera and told them to do some shooting. Here is some of what they got. Pretty cool stuff!

I don't remember who took this shot of me but I think I'll be using it.

WAYNESVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

There is nothing quite like a small town Christmas parade. I attended the Waynesville parade Monday night. It was their first ever night parade so everyone was lit up.

CUMBERLAND ISLAND TRIP

OK, time for vacation pics. Jamie and I spent Thanksgiving backpacking on Cumberland Island off the coast of south Georgia. We were joined by my brother, his wife and my two nephews. It was my fourth time on the island and every trip has just been awesome! I highly recommend it.

Jamie on the ferry ride over.

Jamie walking to the beach.

My brother David on the trail.

Jamie hiking up the beach. Notice how crowded it is.

Horseshoe Crab.

Jamie took this one at the campsite.

Not a bad campsite huh?

Nathaniel.

Wild Horses.

Jamie and I taking a break.

Live Oak and Spanish Moss.

Me kicking it old school on the beach.

I want to be free.

Armadillo Jumping.

Armadillo Running.

Jeremiah, David, Robin & Nathaniel

Again, notice how crowded?

Nathaniel.

Last shot. From the Riverside Hotel balcony in St. Mary's, Georgia

COLLIN'S FAMILY, CATALOOCHEE VALLEY

Okay, so Cataloochee Valley is fast becoming one of my favorite shooting destinations. The Collins family was yet another down to earth, easy going experience. What a beautiful day we had. We just hung out at the old Palmer Homeplace, had a picnic and got great shots. Thanks for being so easy to work with guys. You did a great job!

EMILY & KEVIN, CATALOOCHEE VALLEY

Emily & Kevin are not getting hitched until next July but they wanted engagement shots with fall color. Cataloochee Valley in Smoky Mountain National Park is one of their favorite spots so we spent a chilly morning shooting. I love going to remote locations! We had Elk and plenty of color. If you've never been there I highly recommend checking it out. I seem to be lucky in getting to know so many relaxed and down to earth couples. Looking forward to the wedding guys!