Amy and Denise

Amy is one of my oldest friends, stretching all the long years back into our childhoods. We lived on the same street from ages 7 to 14, sharing our growing pains, barbies, and chasing our little love interests of the moment. She was such a fantastic friend to me, and I was heartbroken when we moved away; it was a sudden move and I'm not sure that I even got to say a proper goodbye to anyone. Almost a quarter of a century later, we meet again in my "new hometown," where I finished growing up and into the person that I am supposed to be. It's funny how time can change a lot, but some friendships are unchanging. Love you, Amy! Thank you so much for everything.

Hangin' Out

I got to hang out with one of my best buddies and fellow commercial photographer in Atlanta, Keith Taylor. We went out to my favorite hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and spent a large part of the day. Afterwards, we grabbed some lunch at the best BBQ joint on the planet, and then went out to Cataloochee Ski area to see what we could see. Happened upon a gorgeous sunset and some horses roaming around before we headed home. It was great being able to spend the day with someone so dear to me that I respect and admire. Check out Keith's website here: www.keithtaylorphotography.com

Overlooking Waynesville, NC in autumn

I was commissioned to photograph the overlook on a piece of property purchased by my client; he planned to make a gift of it to his wife to remind them of their property as they live in Chicago. I have lived in this town since I was about 13, and had never seen this particular view of my town, and loved the chance to see it in the fall. Thank you so much for the opportunity, Robert, and I hope you enjoy your print!

Mr. Frog's Soul & Creole Kitchen in Asheville, NC

I had the honor of photographing award winning Chef Vijay Shastri of Mr. Frog's Soul & Creole Kitchen in Asheville, NC. Vijay is also not only one of North Carolina's four certified sommeliers, but a fantastic story teller. I had a great time photographing him as we chatted away about the food industry and about his life. He sent me home with some lox that my 10 year old daughter became almost immediately addicted to! Thanks so much, Vijay!

Palmer in Cataloochee Valley

Palmer Gilliland is the Great [x4] Grandson of Cataloochee Valley founder, George Lafayette Palmer. We had a great portrait session at his ancestral home in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Steeplechase Old English Toffee

Last week I was honored to be one of the few that have been invited to catch a glimpse of the inner workings of Steeplechase Olde English Toffee in downtown Waynesville, NC. I spent two days photographing the process of the toffee being crafted, and then photographing the finished deliciousness, all the while cloaked in the heady scent of chocolate, butter, sugar, and other fine ingredients. The thick slabs of toffee stacked on plates on the second day were a spectacular sight to behold, begging to be devoured! If you haven't yet visited Steeplechase Olde English Toffee, run, don't walk. I am told that on mornings when the fog is hanging low and toffee is being made, the scent of this time honored family recipe fills the air in the valley and it becomes an involuntary action of passersby to stop in their tracks and file in. Who could resist? The shop is located at 235 Pigeon Street, and you may find them on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SteeplechaseToffeecom/153525426515.

Click to see more photographs from my time at Steeplechase Old English Toffee:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/externalfocus/sets/72157629735065003/

What's Cooking?

Here are some of the things that have been going on in my kitchen lately!

Next week I'll be photographing all things toffee with Steeplechase Toffee in downtown Waynesville, NC, and am very much looking forward to it! Barb and Michelle have graciously allowed me the opportunity to not only photograph their wonderful products, but to get some behind the scenes in the kitchen, as well! Fair warning, though: you won't be getting any insider recipe secrets from me - you'll have to go straight to the source and taste for yourself!

a photo a day

I'm really enjoying this Photo A Day project so far. I can turn it into a learning day or a "free day," like I did today. Today I just got my Flip out of my purse as my husband and I were driving down the road, and started shooting whatever random bit of scenery as it passed by. The sun was setting, and it was a rare day that both our younger two kids had playdates, so we'd spent a day getting some much deserved peace and grown up time!

To see the rest of the photos I've made so far this month, follow this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/externalfocus/sets/72157628674119919/with/6786041623/

I especially love this portrait that I made a couple of days ago:

The Penland Martin Wedding

Back on January 1st, a couple of friends and I photographed a wedding together. I was so nervous two days beforehand that on the day of the rehearsal, I woke up thinking that it was the day of the wedding. Ahhh! The bride, on the other hand, was probably one of the most laid back people I have ever met, and she and her family and friends made us welcome and feel completely at ease. By the real day of the wedding, I was 100% ready to get in there, have fun, and get some wonderful photos. It was an honor to capture this special day, and I wish the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness!

Please check out a selection of photos from the wedding on my website. http://www.externalfocus.com

Ketchup!

*Dusts off blog, vows to post more*

Hi! There seems to be a curious gap of silence between September and now. Ooops!

Without going into detail, I'll just say that it was a time in my life that I had to pick only the very most essential tasks in my days that I could devote my entire attention to. Blogging lost out, and so did I in a lot of ways. I hope to rectify that this year! 

To catch up a little:
I saw some leaves fall.



I continued to work on Project 52 when I could.



I got to hang out with some of my favorite people.



I listened to some great music.



I decided to tackle another personal project [Project 366, since it's a leap year].



[ more here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/externalfocus/sets/72157628674119919/ ]

And have settled in for another fantastic year of Project 52. I hope you are all having an excellent start to 2012, and I hope to see you more of you in the months to come!

Airborne

A restless shift on warm current, a lazy drifting of thoughts; the summer breeze placates the sun and soothes taught, hot skin. Stargazing and dreaming of the places you want to see one day, the people, the way your life will be changed by these things and more that slumber on the horizon of your future. Your lungs fill and the balloon fills and the atmosphere is filled; you are connected while floating free.

Now do something nice for your ears, and have a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZwhzf8NC4o

Cataloochee Valley

We packed up the car yesterday afternoon and headed over to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was a gorgeous day, and the valley is one of my favorite places to visit. I can't get enough of the historical buildings, the wonderful views, and seeing the elk wandering around as they graze. Here are some of the things we saw yesterday!