Mixer at Zach Arias Studio

Tonight I visited the studio of Atlanta photographer, Zach Arias. The studio was awesome with a positive energy. I met a lot of talented and interesting people. The event was a to celebrate photographer/blogger Syl Arena being in town to teach a 3 day seminar on Canon Speedliting. I felt energized as I left.

A World War 2 Veteran Flies Again

Having met retired Colonel Roy Reid months earlier on a nostalgic B-17 bomber flight, I was invited by his family to photograph another very special event. They had arranged to have Roy take a flight in a World War Two warbird at Vintage Flights in Ball Ground, Georgia. It was not just a ride because he would actually be flying the plane, over seventy years after first flying the trainer in army flight school.



I showed up early one Saturday ready to watch the event, yet it was not to be that day. The wind was dangerously gusting over 30 miles per hour and very erratic. We watched several incoming planes abort landing attempts, some taking as many as 3 approaches to land. After an hour, the pilot had to cancel the flight.

We rescheduled for later that week and luckily the rain was a no-show and wind cooperated. Roy was eager to get back up in the air. I have to say that he was very patient with all the attention and suggestions he was getting as the family, a news paper photographer, tv reporter and me were recording every moment. He outranked all of us and could easily made us do pushups or KP duty.

I had one surprise for Roy. I had borrowed a vintage World War Two helmet and goggles from another pilot so that Roy could wear them for photos. We were trying to recreate a photo in the same location as 70 years ago, and even though they were on his head less than a minute, it was still worth it.

Billy Gewin, Musician and Songwriter Portraits

I met Billy Gewin several years ago and have wanted to photograph him ever since. Billy is a talented singer and song writer who has put out at least 3 albums. He plays several types of guitars and can mix music the old fashioned way with a huge sound board. He is a genuinely interesting guy who is not afraid to let his personal  thoughts and feelings to be known.

I had about an hour to try to get some good shots. We took several photos in his home studio and basement. Then I decided to take advantage of the fact that he had not mowed for a couple of weeks. Wonderful green clover and tiny purple flowers made the front yard look like a beautiful meadow. The illusion was created by depriving the photos of any suburban clues.

For more information on Billy check out his web site at www.billygewin.com.

Rearview Records Web Site Launched

Russ Stanziale, an Atlanta singer/songwriter, contacted me to create a simple web site to showcase his new album, Hoodlum, and his recording company, Rearview Records.  The site contains music, lyrics and links for interested customers to buy his album. Visit the site at: www.rearviewrecordcompany.com.

Digestive Healthcare Web Site Launched

Digestive Healthcare of Georgia is a medical organization that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. They have three location in the Atlanta area. We had been maintaining their aging website for many years and frankly, it was not cutting it any more. We gave the web site a facelift and optimized it for search engines. Visit the site at www.digestivehealthcare.net.

Meeting a WWII Pilot in a Vintage B-17 Bomber

As I go through life, I consider myself lucky to meet true American heroes who actually made a difference for our country. One such person is Roy Reid, a highly decorated World War Two veteran and B-17 pilot.

I just happened to be there the day he showed up to take a ride in the Liberty Belle, a restored World War Two Boeing B-17 bomber. To be truthful, we did not talk much, and as he later joked(?), I had that damn camera on him the whole flight. It's true.

On the flight he brought his logbook showing now infamous entries of missions and being shot down at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. To learn more about Col. Reid's story, in his own words, listen to this interview from WarBird Radio.

His daughter also shared the trip and I know it is one that she will never forget. This would be the first chapter of the story. There would be more to come with he and his family.

Pregnancy Photos

My friends were very close to having their second child so we got together to commemorate her very large belly. I only say this because the rest of her was so tiny. These were taken about 1 week before little Tyler was born, and Lexi was a real trooper. Click on the photo below to start the slideshow.