Monday and Tuesday I attended a super workshop with David Beckstead. David is internationally known, and has a very art driven, non technical approach to photography. It was a refreshing change to view things from a different perspective. I joined 11 other NC and VA photographers for one a long day of shooting on Monday. We had a great couple as models, recently married Luke and Ellen. They put up with us, complaint free- from 10:30am to well after 6:30 PM. I figured they would have been sick of us, but I guess the lure of good food was worth it as we all went out for dinner afterwards.

The following day was taken up entirely with critiques. It was invaluable to hear feedback from both David, and the rest of the group. I really enjoyed the experience, and it reinforced my commitment to continuing education.We shot in three major locations.

We got warmed up at the Belamy Mansion. 

Next stop was the USS North Carolina,  a WWII ship on permanent display in Wilmington

Here is what it looks like when you have twelve photographers shooting the same thing.  

Here is the whole group. Lots of talent here! Looks like I have really long arms, eh?

David doing his best Leno impersonation...

Then we roamed the streets of Wilmington until the sunset.

The wedding ceremony was in the Finch Chapel in Greensboro. A beautiful, magical place. But first, some light decorating outside:

Before the ceremony:

Then, the ceremony. Here is a shot from inside during the nuptials. It was a bit hot inside, being an August wedding, but not Too hot:

Then the kids had some fun:

And the getaway:

The venue, qubstudios, is a great urban warehouse location, complete with cyc wall.

Here it is, quite unassuming from the outside:

 I mean, you have a reception with a built-in cyc, you have to use it:

And some great locations right outside the reception:

They even hired some competition for me, an old fashioned photo booth:

And of course, Big Fat Gap, an awesome Bluegrass Band from Chapel Hill, came to play:

What an amazing night!!!

Oh, I have to give special Kudos to Gretchen. She is not too terribly fond of heights, but she put that aside and shot from atop the Currituck Lighthouse during the ceremony . What made it special was that the winds were piping up to over 40mph. I called her on the cell to make sure she was ok. Once she got up there, I asked her to stand up, so I could take her picture, which she politely refused. I think the exact quote was "You are nuts if you think I am standing up!" Well, she never did stand up (except to leave) but she did get some great shots!

The hosts at the center, J.R. and Darcy VanLienden and their daughters, did a great job of making us feel right at home, serving lunch and dinner each night. Since we we were the first class there, J.R. was especially interested in our feedback about the facility, class, and how things ran. I would certainly recommend taking any class there that peaks your interest.
Tim was an excellent instructor, and since there were onyl five of us, it was very hands-on.

Here are two of the images taken of me during the class, with Tim's full retouching treatment. I don't look too bad bad for a guy who is much better on the other end of the camera! The bike shot is with my old Ducati Elefant, which I rode to the class. I shaved my beard off mid class, so we could get some before and after shots. Let me tell you, shaving a full beard off with nothing more that a regular razor, in a hotel room, is a challenge!

The entire family was there, they were a big help during the shoot, and I really enjoyed the day and the company. I cannot wait until the actual wedding, this one will be one to remember!

Here are a few shots.

The garden toad. Everyone has one of these, right?

Flowers:

He loves me, he love me not...

In front of the house:

and having fun on the awsome yellow rocker!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day