Shut Up and Shoot
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - Workshops
|
| I am proud to announce that on April 27th and 28th we will be hosting a fun filled workshop. This two day workshop will cover material that will inspire and get your photography business on the fast track to success. Shut Up and Shoot is a philosophy that I have incorporated in my life's work. We get so bombarded by different thoughts and elements surrounding the wedding that we lose our focus. Learn more about the philosophy when you visit one of my favorite cities in the world, Charleston, SC. This small intimate workshop will cover material from marketing strategies, to workflow, to shooting fabulous bride and groom models. Rejuvenate your spirit!!! SHUT UP and SHOOT will be comprised of one day of intense class and another full day of shooting downtown Charleston and surrounding areas. The workshop will be limited to 10-15 people and will be at an introductory price of $800. Sign up now with a $400 deposit. |
| Feel free to stay downtown in any hotel of your choice. Instruction will take place at The Charleston Place Hotel, which is downtown and in the heart of the city. |
Come join us for this short but informative workshop that will catapult your photography business. Learn key business and marketing strategies, as well as shooting techniques that will attract the clients you desire.
Save your seat with a $400 deposit. The other $400 is due two weeks prior to the event. |
615,150 Hits in January
Sunday, February 22, 2009 - Business
|
| TheStoryteller.com had a busy and record breaking month for January 2009. We had so many hits on the website and the demand for our services is at an all time high. We are so blessed with all the inquiries from brides from all over the nation. I thank you and so do my boys Jonah and Cade. |
Doc Chey's
Saturday, February 21, 2009 - Food
|
I have been doing projects for the Waldrop family for the past several years now. However this post isn't work related it's all about good food and good people. Ray Waldrop has owned and operated the newly opened Doc Chey's for a couple of years now. I can recall that initial taste of some of Ray's stir-fries. Just like the movie Ratatouille, I was taking back to childhood memories when mom would make her Japanese dishes. So eating at Doc Chey's is more than just food, it's sentimental. Matter of fact Ray the next time I visit, I'll bring mom along. So what's on the menu?
To start us off Val my assistant and I had the WOK-SEARED GREEN BEANS in cantonese sauce. |
| I didn't want to share my Shanghai Dumplins!!!! |
| Doc Chey's has an array of delicious soups and salads, but Val and I wanted to try some of their signature dishes. LIke General Chey's!!!! |
| How about a stir fry like only my mom makes. Kung Pao!!! |
| Lastly we loved the Japanese Teriyaki Udon. |
| Doc Chey's received two thumbs up from Val and I. The food and service are always excellent. Whether you have some time to relax or if you are on the run, I definitely recommend Ray and his staff at Doc Chey's. It is conveniently located on Woodruff Road beside Whole Foods. Be sure to check out the website for all the lunch combo specials. Also kids under 10 eat for free on Wednesdays with an adult entree purchase and kids also get free ice cream on Sunday!!!! Call for take out at 864-297-9300 and tell them The Storyteller sent you. |
Newberry High School Commencement Speech to 2008 Graduates
Monday, February 16, 2009 - Speaking
|
| Going back to Newberry, SC is always a pleasant experience. My childhood rests in that small little town and it's comforting knowing many memories of my past are safely tucked away in Newberry. I was so excited to have the opportunity to get involved within the photography class. Inspiring some of the your artistic minds, and showing them the possibilities of following through within the arts. I was surprised when Mrs. Price called me and asked to be the Commencement Speaker for the 2008 graduating class last year. It was a huge honor. Speaking across the country and having television appearances may have been easier compared to a stadium filled with proud parents, loved ones and my old high school principal, Mr. Floyd. I didn't have anything written but I knew what points I wanted to make. Not having notes also gave me the opportunity to have constant eye contact with the students. Many of my friends asked "What are you going to talk about?" I guess the thought of a wedding photographer speaking in this surrounding isn't typical. So I tried to inspire, and deliver a heartfelt yet sincere message. |
NHS 2008 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNER
I also want to thank the Photography Class Students who participated in the "Bucket List" Photography Contest. Students were assigned the task of taking photographs of our Senior Citizens. The winning image is below. |
| Also here are a couple of students from the photography class. As I spoke about taking a subject from it's normal lighting conditions and putting that subject in brilliant light, makes you tend to perceive that person in a more positive perspective. Here are a couple of photography students who I had the pleasure of placing in that brilliant light. Photographs are such a great tool to reflect on. To look at ourselves in this brilliant light constantly can be such a key ingredient to our success. Thanks to all the students of Newberry High School. If you guys need anything let me know. |
Ready for Summer-Chicago 2008
Saturday, February 14, 2009 - Travel
|
The warmer weather is definitely finding it's way back to South Carolina. I am more than ready to feel some sun. I must say that after speaking to many of my friends they share the same feeling. With America's status on tilt, people are ready to get out of the house. Away from the gloom and doom news that plagues are TV's. I'd much rather hear the ocean waves crashing against a foreign coast line than talk show hosts debating the stimulus plan.
The last time I felt this deep desire for a vacation, I went to see a good friend of mine Kelly Moore last summer. Not only is Kelly a wonderful photographer, he also is an avid wakeboarder. With the temperatures scorching in South Carolina, I jetted off to Chicago to escape the heat. Kelly and his wife were very hospitable and so nice. (I have found these characteristics in many Chicagoans, and it very much reminds me of home.) However I do recall an early wake up call at 7:00 in the morning. It was a subtle tap tap on the door, followed up with whispers. "Charles....you up" After I moaned and rolled over another whisper; "Dude it's glass" He of course was referring to the lake. I thought he flipped his lid. However, as I stumbled my way over to the windows I discovered what Kelly meant. That morning was an absolute great experience. To board on an endless sheet of water, was an amazing experience. Thanks Kelly for the memories you are welcome in SC anytime. |
| The ever so lovely Nancy Beale. Engaged to my good friend and fellow Wedding Photojournalist David Wittig |
| I had a great time staying at the Burnham Hotel. Loved the architecture, the view of the city, the vintage rrom keys, and the breakfast was delicious. I got back into the city from Kelly's lake house just in time. A thunderstorm swept through Chicago and lightening blistered through the sky. Sorry no photos of the lightening, but I do have these. |
Jill + Sterling
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - Engagements
|
Jill and Sterling have planned an absolutely gorgeous wedding at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. With the wedding scheduled on April 25th the weather will be perfect. I can totally visualize Jill and Sterling facing each other with the ocean in the background. The seagulls swirling in the distance, the wind blowing her veil as the two of them exchange rings. The moments captured will be exquisite. Can't wait!!!
Jill and Sterling met and reside in NYC. Since NYC has a sentimental value for this couple, they flew me up for their Engagement Session. Here are a few shots. |
Italian Getaway
Friday, February 6, 2009 - Food
|
For whatever reason I feel as if I need to escape. Maybe it's the weather or it could be the fact that Jonah is having a tough time at school. Anyway with the kids out of the house it was a night for a relaxing dinner. Without a planned trip, maybe I could prepare a meal that would allow me to depart for a moment. Going to Japan was an amazing experience, but Italy is at the top of my list. So I did a little cooking with that in mind. On the menu we have:
Angel Hair Pasta
Classico Tomato and Basil Sauce
A Salad with Mixed Greens, Strawberries and Pecans
Assiago Volcano Bread
Parmigiano Raggiano Cheese bathed in Virgin Oil
Pinot Grigio Wine
It's not much but for 10 minutes who's complaining!!!
|
Landon
Thursday, February 5, 2009 - Babies
|
| For 2009 one of my New Year's Resolutions is to stretch myself. Though my time is limited, I feel as if I can do more. I heard a preacher say, "The best thing you can do in stressful times is to give unto others." Though my business is blessed I know as a nation we are in economic strife. My friends and family are facing financial burdens they have never encountered before, so I decided to maybe take a step toward fulfilling this New Year's Resolution. I absolutely love Lifepoint, the new church I have been attending. I received an email that Carrie and Nathan of Lifepoint had a baby boy named Landon. So, I made arrangements to go to the hospital. Without any flash in a dimly lit room, I was able to capture some moments of Landon just after his feeding. WOW a one day old baby...talk about brand new!!!! I urge all my fellow colleagues to stretch themselves in 2009. To learn through giving. Not to just have a checklist of good works, but to learn about ourselves through the gift of giving. |
|
Cinematrimony
Friday, January 30, 2009 - Vendors
|
Finding a videographer is a daunting task. You have to like the end product, but equally important is how the videographer interacts with your photographer on the day of your wedding. If your photographer has a photojournalistic style then the videographer must shoot his footage with the same "hands off" approach. Being an unobtrusive videographer is hard to come by, but I am excited to tell my brides about Darin Holiday with Cinematrimony. He is talented, courteous and respectful of the photojournalistic approach, and was a pleasure to work with. Over the last decade I have worked with countless videographers and I have never recommended one until today. Videographers have gotten in front of me while the bride cuts the cake, pushed me out of the way as the bride and groom exits the reception, and mysteriously show up in the background directly behind the bride and groom. Darin and his team have my full recommendation.
|
2009 Calendar
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - Personal
|
Our 2009 Calendar is filling up. Below is a small detailed list of dates that we have secured. If your wedding date is not listed below, then technically it is still open. However we will patiently await your deposit. We do give brides that we have previously communicated with a chance to secure the deposit before a new bride secures your date. We try and handle this delicately and fairly as possibly.
January 10th - Greenville, SC
February 1st - Greenville, SC
February 8th - Greenville, SC
March 21st - Charleston, SC
April 18th - Chatanooga, TN
April 19th - Washington, DC
April 25th - Kiawah Island, SC
May 2nd, Augusta, GA
May 16th - Dillon, SC
May 23rd - Cliffs of Glassy, SC
May 30th - Douglasville, GA
June 13th - Cliffs of Glassy, SC
June 15th - Grand Rapids, MI ~ Speaking
June 20th - Myrtle Beach, SC
June 27th - Buffalo Mountain, VA
July 4th - Smithtown, NY
August 1st - Spartanburg, SC
September 5th - Spartanburg, SC
September 12th - Charleston, SC
September 19th - Hilton Head, SC
October 9-10th - Hilton Head, SC
October 24th - Palmeto Bluff, SC
We are absolutely blessed to have secured this many dates for 2009. We are in the midst of adding several more dates. We will be sure to keep updating this list as bride and grooms continue to choose us to document their wedding day.
|
|
page
1
of 4
|
 |
|
