Celebration!

Its our brthday

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been in my studio for 21 years.

I think this calls for a celebration,  don’t you?

I’d love your ideas on how I should celebrate?  What would you do?

How do you celebrate a dream come true?  I’m listening…

Meeting Acclaimed photographer makes my day

classic art

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a photographer who I have followed, respected and admired for many years. That person was William Branson III from North Carolina.

I can count on one hand the number of photographers who to me exemplify the true worth of being a portrait photographer and Mr. Branson is one of them. His work is steeped in classic, tradition that is truly a work of art. I have been inspired by him for many years.

It’s not often that we get to actually sit down and talk with the people who have made an impact on your life. Many times they are not even aware of it.

I have always looked to the old masters painters like John Singer Sargent to study how they interpreted the subject and master the use of light and shadows. It is through classic posing and lighting and careful planning that such beautiful works of art have been created and admired for centuries.

For me personally, Mr. Branson is a modern day portrait artist, not unlike John Singer Sargent, that I can draw inspiration and technique from today. His work is a testament to the longevity, and value of a classic and traditional portrait in a world of far too many hap hazardly produced snapshots disguised as professional photography.

Snapshots have their place but it is the beautifully crafted portrait of someone that will stand the test of time. Classic portraiture that reflects who a person is -  now that’s what I love and that is what we try to create in my studio. Why? Because it speaks volumes to me about life – the one you will always want to remember and share with future generations.

Mr. Branson, sir, it was a pleasure meeting you.

Norfolk botanical gardens workshop

Mens portraiture at NBG

Here are images from one of the models at our workshop. They are all straight out of the camera – no retouch. Just greT location, great day & a great model. If you look closely you’ll see a sneer preview of the other models.

Check it out here

House Parts

Recently on a trip I discovered a wonderful company called “House Parts”. Not only was I amazed at some of the reproductions they offered but I was also completely impressed by the assistance I received from the people who worked there.

I know some of our decorators and real estate and architect clients would love the items they offered for home decor accents.  And many of our retail business owners would simply find the quoted cast signs charming.

HOUSEPARTS (www.houseparts.com) offers a broad selection of historical, antique and architectural reproductions for a wide variety of North America’s architects, designers, landscape designers, and retail shop owners throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America.

The company continually captures the aesthetic qualities of both European and American craftsmanship in the replicas that the company produces. Artistic and technical knowledge, as well as an ability and skill in mold making of the many artisans who have worked for the company for many years promises’ unique construction and hand finished individual pieces. Some originals are from National and International museums, private collections, and dismantled historic structures.

I purchased several cast marble pedestals to use in the studio with our children’s photography and even our high school senior clients.  They are going to be a perfect addition to the props we use for our classic and timeless portraits.  

 If you’re a retail business please look them up.  You’ll love what they have and the staff is great to work with.

If you have a child or senior that need a beautiful timeless images created , give us a call and we’ll design something just for you  – perhaps using our newest addition to our magic tools.