The Uwharries

I’d love to say that I quietly walked up a ladder into this barn during sunrise to capture this farm boy gazing into the sun, contemplating the depths of the earth, and so I will. This place is a secret find of mine in the Uwharrie National Forest. It’s a beautiful, old homestead with years of stories and history buried within it. The last time I went to take photos, there was a team of preservationist from all over the country, meeting about how to restore the structures, which was neat to see. I’ve gone back during each season to see the change of the land over time. This little place has become one of my favorite parts of this area.

Jake on the farm

I feel very privileged to have photographed my friend Jake at the farm on which he lives a few months ago. Jake is one of my best friend’s (Justina from The White House) boyfriend. He’s one of the most genuine people I know with a quiet spirit and a killer sense of humor. He works on a farm called A Place for the Heart, which is a beautiful community dedicated to serving and loving the Lord and one another. Jake is the farm’s grounds keeper and is always, always working. He just recently built a beautiful darkroom and a huge chicken coup/palace for his guinea hens. These photos are some of my favorites. 

Heather and Charlie Brown.

One of my goals is to take a portrait of all of my dear friends and try to capture part of their heart. This is one of my friends, Heather, from college. Heather is one of the greatest people I know. She has the spirit of a bird and the heart of lion (and the feet of a wolf). I met Heather in Boone many moons ago when we were both at Appalachian. I sadly said goodbye to the mountains, but she is in for the long haul. Heather has a way of connecting with absolutely anyone and appreciates the value of community more than anybody I know. She’s taught me a lot about the gift of friendship and how to make the best dang vegan, flourless, gluten free chocolate torte ever. This is a portrait of her at her house in Boone.

The White House

Last semester was the beginning of large format photography for me. I fell in love with the slow process and the way it forces me to stop, look, and just be before I push the shutter. Although the nature of the process is so different than how I usually work, I’ve learned to appreciate its value. It’s very much like a puzzle in that it is a slow, tedious buildup that ends in a sweet moment of satisfaction when the last piece is in place. I took my dear friend, Justina, to this beautiful abandoned white building. I pass it every day on the way to school, and finally decided to do a shoot there. I’m so grateful for such great friends and for the subtle breath of wind that made this photo.

Cooley Wedding

Lauren and Devan’s wedding in Anderson was such a blast. They are such a fun couple to hang out with. One of the best moments (and there were many) was Lauren sticking her gum in a bush as she was walking down the aisle. They had the sweetest ceremony of about 30 people in a beautiful alley way then had a huge reception: in my opinion, the best way to do it. Can’t say enough about how much fun I had photographing this wedding. Thanks Megan, with Lime Green Photography, for having me shoot with you.

This was literally about 2 minutes before Lauren and her dad walked down the aisle. He pulled out his razor from his pocket and began shaving like no big deal.

The Table boyz.

I started working at a farm eatery/bakery/coffe shop called The Table a few months ago, which Dustie Gregson just opened in downtown Asheboro. I think it’s safe to say that all of Asheboro has visited The Table by now. Asheboro has quickly embraced the amazing food, fresh-baked bread, killer espresso, and ridiculous homemade pastries within the past two months. It’s been a real treat to work alongside the Gregson family and the rest of the awesome staff. Walking into The Table is like crossing paths between NYC and Charleston. The design is all class and the atmosphere is nothing but inviting.

What makes The Table so incredible is the amazing people behind it. Dustie and Andy Gregson are two of the most sincere, hard-working, loving people I’ve met. Their support for one another and for their staff is so contagious. They’ve got three boys, Luke, Cole, and Jacob, who all work there. I asked Dustie if I could do a large format photo shoot with her family at the restaurant as a small photo essay on them as a family. Here is one of the gems I captured of Luke and Cole. I call this one Shepherd Boyz.

The Calm of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Transitioning from film to digital photography means the opportunity for film scans. It was pretty insane scanning my first negative on the school’s scanner that is worth tens of thousands of dollars. The quality is unbelievable, and you just cannot compare digital to film. This is a photo I took last winter for portfolio. We went to visit my brother, sister, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law in Boone and went for a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Eddie and I lived in Boone for 5 years and miss it more than anything, so we visit as often as possible. This is one of the quietest photos I’ve taken. Although it was about -5 degrees outside with a wind chill of who knows what, we had a simple moment of serenity walking through Moses Cone (as fleeting as it was).

Adam the potter

Opening the door to RCC’s pottery studio and seeing Adam Wiley sitting alone with his back to me as his hands fluidly danced around his clay, I immediately saw a passionate, content artist. Adam began throwing pottery 15 years ago after he bought a mug and was unable to set it down for three days. He became enthralled with the art of pottery, left his life as a musician to pursue it, and hasn’t looked back. Adam teaches at RCC and in Greensboro and sells his pottery in numerous venues. Six years ago, he moved from Ohio to Seagrove, the pottery capital of the southeast, where he is currently involved as an artist. Adam’s artistic passion and love for pottery is deeply a part of who he is and became very evident even within the short window of 1 and 1/2 hours that I spent with him. Check out his beautiful work at The Table and at the RCC pottery sale.