Goofing off with my mobile’s camera and an Android app called Retro Camera.

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Click to view larger.

I’ve always wanted to do large format photography, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to invest in the camera and all the equipment necessary to do it well.

Today, I took the plunge — and I was able to do it without a major investment. I am now the proud owner of a Toyo View 4×5 large format view camera. It’s used, but in immaculate shape.

I’m officially a happy camper, with the exception of needing a tripod sturdy enough to support this beast.

Who wants their portrait taken?

Kegan Rushing, Stylist - Alter Ego Salon - Raleigh, NC

I like watching other artists work. I also like to photograph them when they’re in the zone. Recently I had the pleasure to shoot Kegan Rushing, a stylist who works at Alter Ego Salon in Raleigh, while he cut my wife Elizabeth’s hair.

A bird lands on a chimney in Old Montreal, QB, Canada (click to view larger)

Stephen Aubuchon, one of my closest friends and photography mentor, moved back home to Montreal after working in the US for over 30 years. We drove his belongings and Merle the Maine Coon cat from Raleigh to Montreal last weekend in a 26 foot rental truck. The three day drive was mostly uneventful and somewhat scenic, as we avoided the toll roads.

I had a couple days to spend with Stephen exploring downtown Montreal before my flight back to Raleigh. We ate well (smoked meat rules), drank well, and somehow failed to take as many photos as we thought we would. The one above is my favorite so far. I thought it was a fitting tribute to Stephen finally coming home to roost (note the little bird landing on the chimney).

Shot with a Canon G10. Click to view larger.

Canon 50D / 10sec. @ f/22 / Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

Every year I try to post up something creepy. It’s tradition. I hope I can post a few more. I’m not sure this one tops last year’s shot.

SchoolDude employees sporting their Dudestrong bracelets.

It seems like I’ve been doing a lot of photography at my “day job” lately. I don’t mind, especially if it’s for a really good cause. One of our own is fighting cancer. One of her team members asked me to collaborate on a gift for her. He had rubber bracelets made, like Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong bands, that say “Dudestrong” to support our colleague in her battle. We gathered the team and had a blast shooting this. He framed the photo after everyone signed the mat.

You go girl.

The Dude getting his close-up.

SchoolDude.com is getting ready to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary. How many dot coms can claim that status? Fewer each year, I’m sure. Anyway, I was asked to shoot a series of portraits for our marketing team to use in the materials we’ll be using to mark the anniversary. I realized I had a chance to do a portrait within a portrait so I did just that.

We have a mascot at SchoolDude.com, where I work as a Web Strategist. He’s simply know as “The Dude” around the office. Joh Harrison is a multi-media designer at SchoolDude. He always seems to pull Dude duty. He was a good sport considering we were making him hold cupcakes containing lit candles with his fat foam fingers. Thanks Jon!

Jon Harrison, the dude inside The Dude.

I’ve launched a new blog: www.picturingraleigh.com.

Simply put, PicturingRaleigh.com is a photo blog featuring photographers who are passionate about living in and sharing their vision of Raleigh, North Carolina. My goals in creating this site are to promote photographers, enable discussion about their work, and create a vibrant and ongoing visual diary of one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

I will be seeking out and inviting local photographers to contribute. The photographers invited to contribute will be chosen for their skill, vision and ability to tell a story in pictures and words. Unlike the show Survivor, they will be voted into the tribe, not out of it ;-)

Abandoned car in Raleigh, along Capital Boulevard.

It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to just go do some photography for the heck of it, you know, personal work. Elizabeth and I went to the 2nd Annual Traffic Jam, a mini flea market for creative types that was hosted by Adam Peele at his screen printing studio in Raleigh, NC. It was nice to just walk around shooting randomly and enjoying the all the energy, music and oddities for sale.

Elizabeth Wingfield

Hopefully, now that I’ve moved past some major project deadlines at work, I’ll have more time to just shoot — stretching my photographic wings.

Congratulations to you both. The ceremony and reception were over the top as expected. A beautiful afternoon and evening with friends and family — I enjoyed the privilege of being there to capture it all for you.

Elizabeth and I visited a feral cat colony in the Seaboard area of downtown Raleigh while on our way to our favorite bistro. The cats live in the storm sewers and come out in the evenings to play and hunt for food. I noticed that some of the shop owners in the area have been creating shelters and providing food. Awesome.

Light Testing

A couple of “selfies” as a test for an upcoming shoot. I recently acquired a lovely 22cm gridded beauty dish for my Bowens lighting rig. I wanted to test it out before I turn it loose in the wild.

Yeah, I know plaid and argyle don’t mix well. Sssshhh.

So, Purple Armchair is out and Get Dressed is in. I shot interiors and details for Get Dressed’s article to appear in the Independent’s Open for Business feature.

If you’re into consignment shopping for vintage or new clothing and accessories, check out Get Dressed. They’re a little different in their approach:

“GET DRESSED is a new concept in consignment shopping that offers an economical and practical clothing alternative for every member of your family with the added bonus of having a personal wardrobe consultant free of charge. We will also be offering one–of-a kind locally crafted and fairly traded clothing and accessories. Over subsequent visits we hope to develop an enduring relationship that will help us understand your past, who you are now and, most importantly, who you want to be. We are not here as image consultants to tell you how you should look but instead intend to help you find clothing that compliments your physique, reflects your life style and best conveys your true and best sense of self. We are invested in helping you find your full true expression through how you dress.”

Photo by Elizabeth Wingfield

Elizabeth and I took Amtrak to Washington, DC to see the Richard Avedon “Portraits of Power” show at the the Corcoran Gallery. The gallery was sponsoring a fun project that allowed visitors to use a photo booth that mimics Avedon’s style to do self-portraits.

Juvenile Cooper's Hawk

It snowed in Raleigh for the first time this winter. I awoke to the sound of my wife, Elizabeth, scurrying around like a kid, excited about the snow. She suddenly cried out for me to come to the kitchen window. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and stumbled out into the bright light and was amazed to see a young Cooper’s hawk perched in the dogwood tree just outside the kitchen window. I quickly slammed a memory card into my camera and started shooting. I was happy to have gotten a few good shots before he took off.

I just want to wish everyone (even those of you I’m not speaking to) happy and safe holidays. May your wishes come true and carry you into the new year with a smile on your face and enough dough to ring it in with style.

I recently shot a charity fashion show by Banana Republic held at Solas in Raleigh.

Thanks to Jeff Cammera, rep for Banana Republic eyewear, for the hook-up!

I voted early. I’m going to be in San Francisco on election day. Better to do it early, rather than absentee. I voted for “That One” by the way, and I think you should too if you haven’t yet.