Woman Flyer

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Today's image is a portrait of a model in front of an antique Waco biplane. I was interested in producing an Amelia Earhart/historical look for fashion.

Worthville, North Carolina

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

View of the old cotton mill and dam at Worthville on Deep River.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

I am finishing up for the holidays and will taking a few days to be with the family and the farm. To all our clients and friends, my family and I would like to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with hope that the new year will bring better and more peaceful times.

Father and Son Dairy Men

Farmers are always busy, especially dairy farmers. Every day of the year there is something that needs and has to be done. Cows have to be milked, stock fed, equipment serviced and crops brought in. But I have found that they all will take the opportunity to pause and talk to you for a few minutes about farming, the price of milk and cattle, or just the weather. Third and fourth generation dairy farmers Rick and Michael Williams take a short break before milking time on their dairy operation, Williams Dairy, south of Greensboro, North Carolina.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Old House Near Greensboro

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

There are certain locations I pass almost daily that I am continually drawn to. This old home place near Climax (yes that is really the name) stands out in the middle of a large field. I have used it several times for portrait backgrounds and the like. It amazes me how much it changes throughout the year with the change of seasons and the light. I find myself stopping and shooting it and each time I come away with something interesting and different.

Fashion Friday

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Photo is from a denim jeans fashion shoot in Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a good place for a photo shoot, just a few hours from Greensboro. The people are nice and easy to work with. Fresh seafood and the beach nearby. And, the whole town is full of great textures. Love those glass blocks.

Upriver In Randleman

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

As part of my self assigned project on Deep River, this shot was done upriver in Randleman, North Carolina on the old Union Factory cotton mill property.

Wednesday Portrait

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Image is a portrait from an advertising/PR assignment.

Old Farm Truck

Today's image is a still-life study of an old farm truck I pass on my way to Greensboro. I see things daily that strike me as possible photos and I make mental notes to catch them when the light is right. Add a little lensbaby style post processing.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Cedar Falls on Deep River

Randolph County, North Carolina is split by Deep River, a large river that feeds into the Cape Fear basin and runs eventually into the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington. In the late 1830's, the first cotton mill in Randolph County was opened at Cedar Falls. That mill ran continuously until the end of the 20th century, something over 150 years, powered originally by the river directly and later by a hydroelectric plant. During the Civil War, most of the cotton fabric that uniformed North Carolina's troops was produced in that mill. Today, the main mill building lies idle and vacant as does the old post office across the road (shown). A wooden trestle that served the railroad that ran behind the post office is long gone as is the railroad track and right of way. Down the road, there is another mill that still manages to cling to life, for a while anyway.

Cedar Falls is one of several mill villages along Deer River that were once the life blood of the county's economy. Most of the other mills are either gone or closed down as well, victims of the movement of the American textile industry to foreign shores. There are Randleman, Worthville, Central Falls, Cedar Falls, Franklinville, Ramseur and Coleridge. All of these villages used the power of the river to employ hundreds of people. All gone now, except the ghosts of the buildings and no one knows how long even they will survive.



One of my ongoing projects will be to document these mill villages and their buildings before they are all gone, so I will post on this blog my results from time to time.


(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Arizona Winter

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

For today, I'm posting another winter scene, this time from northern Arizona, near Flagstaff. Again, when we think of Arizona, we think hot and dry, but when you get up into the mountains, there are pockets of forest and snow.

Jugtown

I live in Randolph County, North Carolina which is home to the Seagrove area. Near Seagrove may be one of the largest concentrations of potters anywhere. This pottery heritage goes back to the 18th century. One of the oldest and best known of the traditional potteries is Jugtown. Above, Vernon Owens of Jugtown works on an earthenware jug. Everything he produces is one at a time, by hand.

For more info go to: http://www.jugtownware.com/

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Tuesday Portrait

(copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Today's image is a headshot/portrait of a friend's daughter. She is an aspiring actress, and from what I understand, becoming quite successful at it.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

One of the best times to visit Williamsburg, Virginia is in early December at the beginning of the Christmas season. In Colonial Williamsburg, they decorate with all-natural decorations and there is a competition between all the historical homes and buildings for the prettiest and most historically appropriate wreathes and garlands. The whole historical area is covered with beautiful Christmas cheer. A walk down Duke of Gloucester Street fortified by some hot mulled cider followed by lunch or dinner at one of the taverns is an unforgettable experience.





(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Friday from the Files

(copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Today's image is an old film shot from a horse training track in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Many race horses are wintered over in the Pinehurst area so they can train on the sandy ground. Easier on the legs I understand.

Food Photography ... Sushi

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

I don't get the chance to shoot as much food photography as I used to, but occasionally the odd job comes along, and I still enjoy it. I've worked with several food stylists over the years that were really good at making food look appetizing, but after you shot something, you didn't want to eat it. The sushi in this shot was prepared by a sushi chef at the restaurant I was covering. He made it normally and I just plated and shot it. And, shortly after the image was captured, I had the pleasure of making it my lunch. I think I prefer it this way.

By the way. If you're in Greensboro and you like sushi as I do, check out Sushi Republic on Tate Street across from UNC Greensboro.

Afternoon at the Horse Barn

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Picture of the day is an out-take from a catalog shoot last week. Dogs always seem to show up on my shoots. We never really plan it that way, but seems like the resident canines are usually interested in what we are doing. We normally invite them to join us.

Smith Street Diner

Dropped by the Smith Street Diner in Greensboro this morning to do some shots for the local restaurant dining guide. Smith Street is a sort of retro local diner but very genuine and filled with genuine people and food. Run by Robert Johnston, Smith Street serves up breakfast and lunch daily to the local folks of downtown Greensboro. You can get a sub or a burger or a meat and vegetable special for lunch and you can get always get a fresh country breakfast. And where else can you get that breakfast with a side order of foie gras or smoked salmon. The coffee's good too. Just ask the regulars.




(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Dr. Anthony Atala

Once in a while I have the opportunity to shoot someone who is extremely interesting. A few months back I shot portraits of Dr. Anthony Atala, Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and Chair of the Department of Urology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Atala's work involves growing human tissues and organs to replace those damaged by disease or defects. IE, he is taking a patient's own stem cells (non-embryonic) and grows tissue for transplant back into that patient that won't be rejected because it is their own genetic material. So far he has successfully transplanted bladders, but he is working on kidneys, livers, bone and skin. Pretty awesome. In fact his lab is using an inkjet printer to lay down layers of tissue to form skin and organs. His lab is an amazing place to visit and Dr. Atala is an amazing subject.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)