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)

My Son's Poetry Blog

If you have an interest in poetry or prose, please take a few minutes and check out my son Devin's poetry blog. I think you will find it worth reading.

http://dranian.blogspot.com/

Model A Ford... Barn Find?

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

I went out one afternoon with the intention to buy some chickens, and stopped by a local man's home/business. He did indeed have chickens, but while I was there, he also offered to show me part of his old car collection. He opened the door to small garage and I saw the scene above. To the right of this car was another door with a similar vehicle behind it. I've always heard stories about barn finds, although I guess you would have to call this a garage find.

Winter Cabin

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

It's cold here in Greensboro. Seems like colder than normal for late November. But, we aren't quite as wintery yet as some other places in the country. Above is a shot from Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. It's pretty, but I don't know if I would be up to that kind of winter.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who visit this blog. Times are tough, but I am thankful for my family, for what I have and for what I've done, and I am cautiously optimistic about our future. For now, I will try to just keep on shooting.

ASMP-NC Presents Bob Krist

ASMP/North Carolina is proud to present the incomparable Bob Krist on Friday, December 5. Bob is coming to Burlington, North Carolina to speak on five challenges on the road. For those who don't know, Bob, as a former actor, is quite a stage presence, has a wonderful sense of humor, and is an amazing photographer and speaker. You have probably seen his photographs in just about any travel magazine there is. And for those who are interested, he will be presenting a program over the weekend for Outdoor Photographer targeted to the amateur audience.

Space is limited to the first 75 people who register, so please fill out the registration form to ensure seating. Payment can be made at the door. For more information, as well as for the registration form, please go to:

http://www.asmpnc.org/Krist0812PR.php

Phi Beta Kappa

It's just a tiny little key, barely an inch long if that, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in importance for a proud dad. Yesterday my son Devin joined his brother Tristan in being inducted into the Alpha Chapter at the University of North Carolina, of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the United States. Two sons and two keys, which they both earned by their own hard work and study. Pardon me for dwelling on my kids, but I can't help it. As parents we always want our children to do better than we do, and mine have. Congratulations Devin, I'm so very proud of you.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Thanksgiving is Coming Up

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Thanksgiving is coming up this week and I will finally get a couple of days at home with the family and farm. I need to catch up on a lot of things, sleep, firewood and the like. In honor of the holiday I posted the shot above. My neighbors at Goat Lady Dairy raise a few free range heritage-variety turkeys each year. Not so sure they (the turkeys) are looking forward to Thursday, though. Of course, they don't have much to worry at my house now, because we're pretty much vegetarian except for dairy, eggs and the occasional fish. And this from a farm with a pasture full of cattle.

November Snow

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

When I woke up this morning, I was greeted by a sight we in the Greensboro area of North Carolina are not used to. Snow in November. Granted, it was just a little bit, but this is North Carolina and this is November, and it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. Guess that as our economy heads south around here, our weather is going with it. I must admit it was rather pretty. So what does all this mean? Early winter then early spring or just a really long winter? Hope it's the former.

Photo Assistant

Producing a large photo shoot, which is what we have been doing for the past couple of weeks is directly related to the quality of the crew you have working with you. Here in Greensboro we are fortunate to have a group of freelance production people that are second to none. One of these is Phil Allison. I've been working with him for several years and he is as professional as an assistant gets, as well as being a good photographer in his own right. Phil can be reached at 336-253-8277.

Below is the whole crew. (left to right: Joanna (client), Sean (talent), Gail (stylist), Robert (talent), Phil (assistant), Sara (assistant), & Larry (AD/CD)). I'm holding the camera.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Steel Rigging

An out-take from last week's workwear shoot in Greensboro and High Point. We try to put people in realistic situations and in front of realistic backgrounds without jeopardizing safety, safety for our crew and for the actual construction site workers.

Of course, this is what was really going on.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Fashion on the Street in Old Greensboro

Fashion apparel shot done on the street in Old Greensboro. Fresh model on a "fresh" day. Actually, it was downright cold. Keep smiling Skyler.

(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

Women's Basketball

(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)

It's that time of year when college basketball is starting to crank up again, both men's and women's. This image was from the Women's ACC Basketball Tournament from a couple of years ago in Greensboro. UNC versus Miami. And believe me, women's basketball is starting to reach the level of the men's game. I like shooting sports and I do get the occasional game to shoot. Must say I have been run over a couple of times on the baseline. It's always important to shoot with both eyes open.