Restaurant Blog: Molly's Rise and Shine
Molly's Rise and Shine is finally open.
Yesterday afternoon, Molly’s announced their surprise soft opening on Facebook.
6am this morning, we were out the door for one of the most amazing breakfasts we’ve had in a long time.
Annie went with the breakfast plate while me and our buddy Terry opted for the Grand Slam McMuffin. I highly recommend getting freaky with the extra sausage patty for optimal ‘MERICA.
And, for the love of all things holy, get the collard greens.
Kudos to Mason Hereford and his team. They’ve made magic again.
Hotel Photography: Seaside Amelia Inn, Amelia Island, FL
Another shoot in the books for Innisfree Hotels at Seaside Amelia Inn in Amelia Island, FL. Their 2018 marketing refresh covered most of this beautiful little island, and it remains one of my favorite places on this planet.
Travel Blog: New York City
New York City. I’ll always love these views.
I’m not sure I could ever feel quite right living here.
There’s just so much overwhelm.
But I’ll always love these views.
Published: "Keeping at Bay" for The Local Palate
On the outskirts of Apalachicola, Rodney Rich is one of a dying breed. Not just an oysterman, he is one of two people who still make the iconic tool of the oyster trade: 16-foot long oyster tongs.
Published in The Local Palate: "Keeping at Bay"
My latest journalistic collaboration with T.S. Strickland.
On the outskirts of Apalachicola, Rodney Rich is one of a dying breed. Not just an oysterman, he is one of two people who still make the iconic tool of the oyster trade: 16-foot long oyster tongs.
Terry and I drove out and spent an afternoon with Rodney and the friends and family who work and spend their off hours with him at his workshop.
The oyster industry is hanging on by a thread on Florida's Lost Coast. Frightened overfishing in the wake of the BP oil spill, an altered water profile in the river that feeds the bay, and numerous other factors have contributed to lack of product and a concomitant lack of incentive for the next generation to pursue the profession.
The long-term effect on the area remains to be seen. As things stand now, an entire way of Florida life hangs by a thread. It is a privilege when I get a chance to help document Florida's remaining fishing culture.
TLP published the first four images and Terry's interview with Rodney in their November 2016 issue. I included a few outtakes in this post to add context to Rodney's incredibly photogenic working environment.
Married in Killington, Vermont: Brian and Carly
Wedding recap meets travelogue as I fly from Pensacola to the mountains of Vermont to capture an old friend's wedding in beautiful Killington, VT.
Brian and Carly, wed 10/04/2015
Almost a year ago, I received the following message.
Carly is an old friend. She was active in the Pensacola photography scene as a model and graphic artist several years ago before moving to Maryland. I had photographed a number of projects with her (one of which her fiance said was his all-time favorite photo set of her), and we had always had a good time collaborating. At the prospect of photographing Carly's wedding, in Vermont, in the fall, it was not in my nature to decline.
Eleven months later...
When the airport check-in desk asks "how much do you weigh?"
When I say that Killington Grand Resort is tucked away in the mountains of Eastern Vermont, I mean that it is truly tucked away. My route north from Pensacola ended with a final flight from Boston to Lebanon, NH aboard a Cessna 404 Titan, which made me regret my heavy lunch as the tiny plane skirted just over the mountaintops and settled down into Lebanon Municipal Airport. I met Carly's parents at the gate and together we drove to Killington.
Meeting Vermont
Whoa.
Annie's work schedule didn't allow for her to accompany me on this trip, so I checked into the lodge on my lonesome and spent the evening checking gear and topping up battery charges. I slept in the next morning and took some time to hike around the lake and get a feel for the lodge. Vermont in October makes an amazing first impression. I had never been that far north before, and I am blessed to have made my first trip during the most perfect time of the year. I was blown away by the natural beauty of the surroundings, and everyone I met in the lodge rivaled their Southern counterparts in their friendliness and hospitality.
The Wedding
2 p.m. rolled around and we started the photos. Working solo, I bounced back and forth between Carly and Brian's dress-up areas, acquainting myself with Brian for the first time and getting to know the family and friends. Carly and Brian are a laid back, fun couple, and their friends and family are as well.
Surrounded by good vibes and beautiful scenery, the ceremony commenced. Did I fail to mention that Carly is a first-rate comic book nerd? She is, and her dad stole the show by tearing his shirt open before walking her down the aisle to reveal a Superman uniform underneath. #RelationshipGoals. Seriously.
Brian and Carly both claiming Scottish heritage, the ceremony featured traditional Scottish elements, such as literally "tying the knot" with Brian's clan tartan and a ceremonial drink of Scotch whisky from the Loving Cup. The couple kissed as the shadows grew long and we captured some stunning images in the golden hour light.
Following the ceremony and photos, the reception escalated into a 10-alarm party in no time. Between the open bar and the genuinely fun-loving natures of all parties involved, it was the most crazy/fun party I've had the opportunity to shoot in some time. Scotland prevailed over the party yet again as Brian and his groomsmen briefly disappeared from the reception and returned in boots and kilts to finish the night.
Since everyone was staying at the lodge, there was no formal exit. Rather the entire party moved to an upstairs room and passed the rest of the evening with drinks and conversation. I had planned to retire after the reception to pack and get some sleep before rising early in the morning, but Brian wouldn't hear of it. You know you're photographing an amazing couple when they invite you to the after-party, sans camera!
All in all, shooting this wedding was a huge blessing to me, and it is with great pleasure that I delivered their photos a few weeks ago. Congratulations again, Brian and Carly.
