the C spot

Moving soon...

2008-10-17T13:07:00.003-04:00

.....At least my blog that is......
Hey everybody.....sorry if you haven't seen me around the C spot in a while!
I've been blogging on Photographic Design lately.
wordpress is now hosting my main blog and I've really had a hard time deciding whether to keep two blogs going or go to just the one.
The tools I have there are great as far as keeping things organized, searchable, and overall a nice feel.

For all "C spot" followers;I plan on PD becoming my main blog soon-I'll post here when that happens! But would like to invite you over to visit the other side before I do and give any feedback you deem appropriate!
Thanks!

The Story breaks- against XDR-TB

2008-10-03T16:48:00.005-04:00

Not sure what XDR-TB is? Then take tThree minutes out of your schedule and WATCH THIS- it's that important!
Then after you watch- go to the xdr-tb.org site and sign the petition to do something about it...really; this can be stopped!

The Story Breaks...

2008-10-01T16:50:00.001-04:00

Grand Landscapes Collection opening

2008-08-29T10:53:00.005-04:00

A photo from last nights private reception for both Amy Thornton and myself, at the Art Emporium.
Amy was showing her fine art Equine photographs and I was showing fine art landscapes.

We had a large turnout, made new friends ( and hopefully collectors!)

The show will be on display until the end of September and is located on the corner of Quarrier and Hale Streets in downtown Charleston.

Shun Kaji Chef Knife

2008-08-28T14:51:00.007-04:00

These two blades were created in Japan by folding steel into steel. They are incredibly sharp! ( no blood was shed in the photography of these pieces...)
The top photo with the damascus pattern is destined as a presentation to a local well known chef here in "the valley" who will be opening a new restaurant soon- I can't give names since they haven't gotten it yet! ( so, Shhhhh!)
Thanks to Vince and Rick for making this shoot happen!

Charleston Photowalk Winner!!!

2008-08-27T15:47:00.003-04:00

Better Days
Originally uploaded by capn madd matt

Congratulations goes to Capn Mad Matt for his winning photograph "better Days"
He will recieve a copy of Scott Kelbys new book "The Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers" !
Matt says:
I had a fun morning meeting and walking through the streets of Charleston, West Virginia for Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk. We were 50 strong and the only WV city representing...there were over 7000 worldwide participants. You can see some the photos from the day here.

Same city ; Different view.....

2008-08-26T08:55:00.003-04:00

WOW! I am blown away by the creativity shown by my Worldwide Photowalk group here in Charleston WV!
I've tried not to look too much since I have to pick a winner for Scott Kelby's new book "The Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers" , but as I allow members to post their images to the site ( I'm the moderator of the group, as well as the citywalk leader ) I can't help but be pulled in and have a look at some really striking photos!
If you have a few moments- why don't you take a look!
CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGES
Anyone can look at our work, but only members can post

Worldwide Photowalk- Charleston WV Group

2008-08-24T16:59:00.004-04:00

Well, the WorldWide Photowalk in Charleston WV is over- What a day!
the Newspaper article that ran in the Daily Mail came out the day before the walk ( the interview happened two weeks ago) and we had more than 50 "Photowalkers" show up. Everyone was in great spirits and no one seemed to mind the "xtras". ( I was happy to see how HUGE the walk was going to be in town...)
ANyway- we all posed for this group shot before we got started ( Thanks to Traci higginbotham for the photo- I'm in the front row in the Orange shirt and hat)
I want to thank everyone who came out- I've gotten lots of comments about how everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time, everyone came away with a new appreciation of our fair city, there are a few people starting up local photowalks in THEIR neighborhoods now, etc....
I have to say- This was a resounding success!
And just a reminder to all the registered Charleston Photowalk participants- you must upload your photos to the Charleston photowalk flickr page by midnight on Tuesday, August 26th 2008 to be considered for both the city and grand prizes.
See you there!!!

Worldwide Photowalk Newspaper Article

2008-08-22T13:59:00.003-04:00

Just got todays "Daily Mail" here in Charleston WV; and the interview I did Two weeks ago showed up today!
This Worldwide Photowalk event is going to be AWSOME!
Charleston WV is full, which makes me happy to know there is so much interest in the photography community around here!
Here, take a look:
Charleston Daily Mail

Long lost brother........

2008-08-18T16:20:00.002-04:00

.........Or kindred spirit?
You guys have to check out this Blog/article. Pixelated Image by David duChemin.
I ran across him when I was writing some articles for the Lexar media site- enjoyed his stuff when he "joined up"with Lexar and have kept an eye on him from there.
If you've ever looked up to a photographer and wondered "what's their secret?" the truth is- there is no secret- just passion for what you do above all else ( well, ALMOST all else....faith and family should be in there somewhere....) but you get the idea!
ANYWAY; Davids blog is right on target with how I feel about it- so read more here.

The Worldwide Photowalk is almost here!

2008-08-18T10:27:00.002-04:00

Hey Gang- The Scott Kelby Worldwide photowalk is almost here- if you haven't signed up, here's the link:
http://www.photoshopuser.com/photowalk/index.html
Just pick a city near you- and go.do.be!
I've been interviewed on V100 radio last week, did an interview for the Charleston Daily Mail ( should be out this week...) I gotta say, there is a lot of interest around town as to what we'll be up to- and what we'll come up with........
I've been downtown scouting some spots for the walk that I'm sure you are gonna love to photograph!
I'll be contacting everyone who signed up for the walk via email prior to this Sat. , sort of a "last minute" call to the troops-
Can't wait to see everybody there!

Scott kelby's Worldwide Photowalk: Charleston WV

2008-08-05T20:58:00.003-04:00

I've got some exciting news about an upcoming event happening on August 23rd called "Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk!

For two hours, along with 117 other cities ( I think that was the last total) all around the globe, photographers will be gathering for Two hours to take photographs of their respective "home towns".

Whether you're a professional, amatuer, or hobbiest- everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. The point of all this is just to have fun!

I will be hosting the WWPW for the Charleston WV area. If you'd like to join me, here is the link to sign up ( yes, you have to sign up-sapce is limited to just 50 people!- and it's FREE!)

All the information on the event and more are just a click away....

http://www.photoshopuser.com/photowalk/city/charleston-west-virginia.html

Hope to see you there

Dental Instruments

2008-07-16T15:26:00.001-04:00

House that goes with the Dragon

2008-07-03T10:40:00.002-04:00

If you look close at the doorway, you can see the "Dragon" light hanger to the upper right ( see previous post: Here there be dragons... )
This is one of my favorite houses along the Kanawha Blvd. in Charleston WV.

Here there be Dragons....

2008-07-01T10:43:00.004-04:00

This was on a Spanish style house on the Blvd. in Charleston WV, holding a porch light. I didn't expect to see a "dragon" holding the light on the wall- I like it!

Fort Hill Overlook

2008-06-19T09:49:00.003-04:00

Anyone who lives or travels around Charleston, WV will recognize the bridge or the overlook; or both.
I've taken ( and seen photos taken ) at dusk, night, day, etc...but I hadn't seen any right at sunset before- I thought this was really beautiful the way the light played out on the city.
The small post size doesn't do the image any justice- it really looks good full size.....

Chico's addiction to Italian Leather

2008-06-13T14:17:00.003-04:00

Chio loves to hang out with my wife and I; but he doesn't like getting in his bed when he gets sleepy- ( bed located lower right of the image...) He get's into the most comfortable ( and expensive ) chair in the room to rest in and watch TV! (I'm usually the one who gets the floor...)

It's been a while since "Chico the wonder dog" has been on my blog, and a few of you ask about him from time to time- so here he is; all 100+ pounds of him!

At what cost?

2008-06-06T09:16:00.001-04:00

I usually don't "mirror" what my other blog says- but this is important ( at least to me...)
I ran across this post from Matt Brown today-Free Is Killing Me- If you really want to know the cost of "free photography" here it is...
People are not entitled to use your vision and experience without compensation unless you yourself think YOUR work has no value! If that is the case; Keep in mind you are hurting those who do...

it's been close to 15 days...

2008-05-28T09:46:00.006-04:00

What a wiener!

........and I haven't blogged. I've thought about blogging, I really have! Most of my earth shattereing thoughts occur around 1 or 2 in the morning, and I've even written them down.
The problem was, next morning I couldn't even recognize my own hand writting. At one point, I was sure an alien must have gotten into my room and left me a cryptic message about the future of all mankind ....if I could only READ the darn thing!

Anyway....

Someone saw an article in a magazine lately that showed how to do a certain technique to get a certain look to an image. Just happened to be a look that I happen to like; in fact -I do to a lot of my work. ( the "Weiner" above is an overexagerated version, ok? Or maybe not sooo much, hmmmm....)

I was asked how that made me feel- ahving my "secret" out there for everyone to see....hmmmm.. The "politically correct" answer or how it made me REALLY feel?

How about both?

First of all, I've written "how to's" for Lexar, Fujifilm, PPS, WV Wild and Wonderful, to name a few with just this kind of information, so It would be hypocritical for me to say anything other than " Hope the check clears! "
Honestly, the internet is full of people spilling their guts on how they do everything, no matter how cool originally it may be- so that nothing seems unique as it once did for long; same goes for magazines ( this one was an industry magazine of how to's and stuff) but by the same turn, it't the stuff we all ( me included ) want to learn about! Otherwise, what's the point?

I wasn't miffed, or mad, for that matter. There will always be people that just don't care for that sort of "look" or technique on something; and that's OK. I'm interested in the ones who want to BUY my work and don't ask questions "how".
The main thing for me is this: I don't do any enhancements or even take a shot with the thought "hmmm- maybe this will sell"

I am only interested in A: Is this something my client want's to convey or B: Is this relevent to what I want to say as an artist?

If I can answer either of those two questions with my photography, then that's what I do. I don't want to be defined by a technique; the technique is only a tool- like my camera is a tool. Technique can become pase' I want to stay relevent and open to new possibilities!

So no, I'm not upset that people can look at my "secret sauce" for images online or in a book- that's how we all learn and I didn't come up with something that wasn't already thought of by someone else anyway- It's the main ingredient that makes the meal- everything else should just compliment the flavor......

You should see what I'm cooking up next ;-)
BTW: Here's a link to my website if you want to see some of my work: Photographic Design

Design Works Studio

2008-05-16T10:04:00.003-04:00

I went to the open house for Michael Switzer's DESIGN WORKS STUDIO last night ( pictured w/yours truley on left and Michael on the Right) in a renovated building he's put a lot of sweat and tears in. I was impressed by how he was able to keep the buildings charactor intact while making the space welcoming to his clientel.
Michael , thanks for the invite and I wish you all the best!
If you want to see more of his place, he's located at:
311 1/2 Washington St., W-Charleston, WV 25302 PH: (304)346-7006

And Michael, if you read this- I still want on top of the list when you sell that old clawfoot bathtub..... :-)

2008 Fujifilm Talent Team

2008-05-01T16:12:00.005-04:00

I'm always honored to be a part of something bigger than myself- for the third year in a row, I have been selected to be a part of the Fujifilm Talent Team- Here is the eNews release I recieved today:

FUJIFILM USA ANNOUNCES NEW PROFESSIONAL TALENT TEAM 2008
TALENT TEAM MEMBERS The Fujifilm Talent Team consists of 112 world renowned photographers who share their vision and expertise with both current and new generations of photographic artists and business people.The Fujifilm Talent Team consists of 112 world renowned photographers who share their vision and expertise with both current and new generations of photographic artists and business people.The Talent Team's mission is to communicate their knowledge and expertise in the photographic field while clearly defining how to make today's imaging environment a more creative and profitable experience. Whether capturing their images on film or via digital means, these talented photographers are all leaders in their field and are Fujifilm Shooters. The Talent Team's activities include providing seminars and workshops, and producing art and gallery exhibits.
Click the link below to see who else is on the team with me!
Fujifilm Cable Release

Another image ( or two)

2008-04-28T14:45:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of flowers for Monday....

One of my favorites...

2008-04-24T09:20:00.003-04:00

Don't ask me why- but this is one of MY favorite images from the "Pittsburgh Project" The fish was a bit of grafitti on a wall near a bench overlooking the city; I "brushed" a few things on the photo ( in photoshop of course) and really liked it. I have no idea what it's supposed to represent- but it looks like some kind of idol- a "Fish Spirit" of some sort....

In thru the out door...

2008-04-23T09:42:00.002-04:00

I can't really explain whay like these red doors with the cool brass knobs- but I do! ( I was too chicken to try and open them to see where they opened to)

Hip to be Square

2008-04-23T09:08:00.002-04:00

This is actually a photograph of a flower that I turned into a kaleidiscope art piece. I've actually gotten a couple of comments about this image from people who've looked at my Pittsburgh video I posted last week - and this stood out to them.