A Photographic Jaunt Through The Last Month

The last few weeks have been crazy. Crazier than normal. And- if you know me....you know that's pretty, darn crazy! Life comes at you fast...and time passes even quicker- like a vapor in the mist...a weavers shuttle...or a passing train. Just when you think you have things figured out and can focus.... things change and the present reality vanishes into thin air.

This time last month I was headed to Oak Island with my friend Robin for a long weekend. This time-this month- I'm headed into a very full weekend consisting of our annual campmeeting, lots of company, many late nights of church services and VBS.

This picture was taken at Orton Gardens & Plantation in Wilmington, NC during my weekend at the beach. I LOVE wrought iron gates and structures. One of my favorite verses is "I am the way"...some Bible's translate that as "I am the gate". Although I'm a KJV user....I really like that translation. The gateway to life and all that's good.

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So- back to our jaunt....

Campmeeting is a big deal around here. The church family has been working non-stop preparing to host our annual revival over Memorial Weekend. This is a picture of Sarah and my mom. Sarah is one of the toughest little workers I know.



While the church family labors every Saturday in preparations for campmeeting, I have disappeared from the work roster and have been taking a portrait class taught by my friend Mark Stewart.

AND- For the record: Honestly, I didn't know the workdays were going to be extended through the whole month of May.... Anyhow, the classes are GREAT on every level. New technics. Fresh critics from creative viewpoints. New friends. New shooting locations. Learning to be bolder in what you shoot- and learning to communicate to the subject in a more concise and professional manner....which my children have informed me I REALLY needed to learn. Apparently, I lacked the "bedside manners" that paying customers would appreciate. *LOL*

I have discovered a fact which I already knew but has now been vindicated. I photograph children better than I do adults. I connect....on their level...if you will.
This young lady was one of our models for one of our classes. She was such an eager and photogenic subject. She listened well and paid attention...and even had her own ideas about how a picture should turn out. I learned that listening to the model is a great way of capturing their personality.

And...then of course...I also learned that if you make funny faces at little ones...don't be surprised when they make them back!!!

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Here's a reflection of me on one of my photo jaunts in downtown Wilmington.


The day after I came back from the beach I began a new lifestyle. I started waking up before 7 AM. And I started going to the gym. *It's okay if you just fell out of your chair. I understand. I still can't beleive that CASS the cranky if up before 8 girl is at the gym by 7:15 in the morning and bouncing around.* I would probably see more results (than just dark circles under my eyes) if exercising didn't make me so darn hungry!! I come home at want to eat everything in sight!! My mom is ordering me some protein mix so that should help. I'm feeling sooooo much better though.....until I realize that my son will be 17 on the 29th...and then I realize that the dark circles under my eyes may be a result of age- not the lack of beauty sleep. :( Life does come at us fast. Does Nationwide offer insurance against that? :)

Gosh. There must be something in the air....cuz I never post pictures of myself!! And just to prove me wrong....here's another one of me...at Airlie Gardens



Watch for a special memorial day picture post of American Flags and southern porches.
Shine All Your Light,

Cass