Back to portrait photos, these were shot in Preach’s home studio. I’m currently awaiting his next album. Check out his site for links to his music and enjoy the portraits.

Diana’s work is incredible and truly speaks for itself. She only said a few words about her concept while I was photographing her works in progress and the meaning and the story became immediately clear even when they were unfinished pieces waiting finishing touches and glazes. I am anxiously waiting for Thursday night so I can see all the completed pieces arranged as an installation all created by Diana. Her figure work on these is absolutely stunning.

Photographing Diana was a perfect way to spend a couple of afternoons, and I couldn’t have asked for a better subject. I had so much fun talking with her about her work and her story, which I would love to tell you, but I think Diana can tell you better than I can, so be sure to check her website. I came away with beautiful photos, a better understanding of her work, and a few great artists to check out at her recommendation (Thanks Diana!).

I hope to see  you all here on Thursday night. Until then, I hope these photos will tide you over.

First shot of the evening other than test shots to get the lighting dialed in. This is also the first in an on going series called Portraits without People.

A creative force and a camera.

I can’t wait to work on future film projects with this guy!

Dramatic lighting doesn’t have to be dark and edgy, but a lot of that depends on the subject, I love how these turned out.

And of course, what’s the point of being able to freeze motion if you don’t have some fun with it?

Thank you to Pierce Cook for being an awesome model! He’s almost as good in front of the lens as he is behind it!

Quartered limes ready for preserving for a cupcake experiment, and of course, Bacon.

Another bacon shot because you can never have too much bacon.

I believe these went into a brine of some sort.

Pickled onions. I could eat these by themselves, but they are incredible on top of Tombo Grille’s Cheddar Burger.

Checking the coolers for tomorrow’s prep ingredients.

The trip was more than worth it. The last time I was there I was far too young to truly appreciate what Family really means and it felt so nice to stand on the ground where my ancestors carved out the living that lead to the incredible life I have today. They tried to farm the land here, but with so many grand hills and dirt nearly as hard as stone it’s no surprise that they turned to jobs at one of the factories in town. But on the land covered in stone, water, and trees is an oddly lush spot where the decaying old house still stands. The day lilies that my great grandmother planted and cared for are still there, blooming every year in our absence. It’s selfish to think, but I can’t help but wonder if she ever thought her great grandson might one day be here to enjoy them.

Our family still has nearly 63 acres there, and hidden by a small stream in the valley is a tree. A tree where nearly every person from my grandmother’s side of the family has at one point carved their initials. A shadow of its former self, the tree is still there. Time and termites are working their magic on it though, and little more than a grand trunk remain. It must have died years ago most of the bark is gone, and with it, the initials of all those who once lived here. During one of the trips here in my youth with my grandparents I carved my initials on it as well.

On our way out we stopped by to visit the graves of family members. There is something humbling and inspiring about seeing your namesakes grave marker, Thomas Charlton Lipford. What a wonderful name.

I think 16 years is too long to wait, I think I’ll go back sooner this time. Much, much sooner.

The other weekend I spent some time snooping around the chicken coup and the greenhouse during the Mardi Gras festivities to take a few photos of how things are coming along. The greenhouse is always a treat, so wonderfully vibrant and full of life. The sprouts breaking through soft soil like ancient ferns have to be my favorite. Though the water spiders who have made their home here are quite interesting as well. Perhaps what is best is that it is clearly a place where hard work occurs. Knives for harvesting hang on the wall above notes about plantings, seed trays have recently been filled and more are waiting in the ranks for the next planting. I’m can’t wait to get back when I have more time to explore and study, and I think that will be soon as the fields are quickly filling with new leaves and blooms.

Enjoy!

The party took place at City Roots and featured wonderful music, crazy costumes, and some of the best food in town. City Roots was the perfect setting a big vibrant party like this. If you’re interested in booking an event here, be sure to get in touch with the very talented ladies at Flock and Rally.

Pigs were being smoked long before the party began and that mouth watering smell permeated the entire farm. Drums and a tractor lead the walking parade through Rosewood to the Cock and Bull and returned safely back to City Roots where the real party began. People weren’t the only ones getting dressed up for the day, even the dogs got in on the festivities with some beads and paints. Enjoy these photos of some of the details, characters, and of course, the King and Queen of the day, Robin and Keith Willoughby.