Grand Landscapes Collection opening

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

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!!!

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.....

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

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!!!

House that goes with the Dragon

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.

Fort Hill Overlook

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.....

Old Train Station

I was doing a bit of mentoring with a fellow photographer this weekend, and one of the locations we went to was an old train station near Gauley Bridge in WV.
It's been abandoned for a long time and I wouldn't recomend going in- but here's a view from one of the open doors.
I always wonder what places were like when they were new, or at their peak of operations, becuase you just know there was a lot of activity here at one time!

More from the Upper Falls on the Cheat River

This whole area looked like it was covered in Green carpet.

Upper Falls on the Cheat River

Secret Falls

This caught my eye as I was in the New River Gorge area a few days ago - Not located around anyplace most people would go - so I'm keeping this one to myself. Sorry!

I will say this- the place has potential and I'm going back so you'll get to see it again some time soon.