Sound Century Radio

I am pleased to announce that after the new year Soundcentury radio, an indie radio station I developed with my partner Jean in California will be relaunching with new and improved features. Please take a moment to view the current site to get a feel for what is in store. It is going to be pretty amazing and absolutely huge. Look out WORLD!!!


Take a listen and then get in touch with Strainephotography to book an affordable, professional Hilton Head Photographer.

Santa Claus nearly clobbered me on Tybee Island, Georgia

Santa Claus nearly clobbered me on Tybee Island, Georgia. Thats right. On Saturday December 8th my amazing, incredibly beautiful, intelligent and so much more girlfriend Erin Howell and I were on the beach hanging out, kicking the soccer ball around and just relaxing in general.
A dense misty fog hovered heavy in the air and visibility was poor at best. In the distance a rumble could be heard, but the sound was more of a mellow gurgle and so we dismissed the sound as that of a plane soon after it was audible.
Then, as the sound neared, as our hearts beat faster and our curiosity grew, a shape appeared out of the grey-blue mist that was making us wet. Were we in a steam room or on the beach?
The shape appeared to be a flying man. It was indeed the source of the sound. The man was wearing an odd costume and if Christmas were not just around the corner I would have never guessed it, but I did. It was Santa. It was Santa flying in the sky, through the fog, above the ocean, and coming right towards me. But how, how could this Santa fly? I did not see any reindeer. I did not see a sleigh.
This Santa was flying via a fan propelled hang glider and he was obviously very skilled.
He dipped down just enough to offer me a friendly wave from the sky and then off he went. He drifter mysteriously off into the mist. He must have been taking a break from all that work getting presents ready for Christmas.

Hilton Head Island Photographer

This is a really cool photo from a wedding I photographed just outside Charleston, South Carolina. There is something just really bitching about it. He just looks so happy and so in tune with what he is doing. Would you guess he is walking up the aisle to wait for his bride to be? Maybe... I don't know. I just like it.

Frank Black and The Catholics Music Video

I think it is only proper to put a video up of one of my favorite bands of all time. Frank Black and The Catholics are simply amazing. I saw them play a few years back at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and it was one of the coolest shows I have ever seen. They are not only extremely talented, but they rock. Absolutely rock.


Frank Black and The Catholics Music Video

Hilton Head Island Rock Band Photographer

The post title is not really true. I mainly travel outside of Hilton Head to shoot bands. The music scene on Hilton Head, for a lack of better words, sucks.
I have been photographing rock bands for close to ten years now and have accumulated a serious body of work. Here is the guitar player for "The Coup" I shot this image while working as the House Photographer for the Northeast Kingdom Music Festival.
I am in the process of trying to get booked as the house photographer for the Pixies.
I can only hope it actually happens. I think it is going to. Two weeks on the road with one of the greatest rock bands of all time. HEAVEN!!!
Hilton Head Island Rock Band Photographer

Wedding Photographer on Hilton Head Island

I have to say that I really never thought I would become a wedding photographer. I was always more into fine art photography. In fact, I never even touched a digital camera until a couple years ago. I ran a darkroom in Vermont and did everything with film the traditional way. Never did I think I would become so deeply involved with photographing people in any form or fashion.

The other day I was thinking of all this and it hit me. I am a photographer who now specializes in wedding photography. I have shot over 20 weddings and I am nearly completely booked through next year. It is truly amazing.

I started to wonder do I really like it. I guess what I mean, is that, do I go, "Oh no, shit, I have a wedding to shoot today." Or, "I would love to go do that, but I have this stupid wedding to photograph and I have to work it, so I can't"

No, No, NO. It is not like that at all. The truth is, I really love photographing weddings. I really do. It is such an important job and such an intimate experience that I really think only certain people can handle. To get great images you need to get close and personal and you need to this with people you have never known previously. You have to be fast. You have to quick and you cannot waste time.
For some reason, I am not sure why, this comes completely 100% natural to me. I just get in there, right away, and get the shots that make my photography stand out and why I continue to get booked up and down the east coast.

My images come directly from my heart. The day wedding photography does not mean as much as it does now to me, is the day I throw in the towel and right now I don't see myself throwing that towel anytime soon.

Dan Straine
Wedding Photography Chatter.
Speaking the truth about his wedding photography on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

South Carolina Wedding Photographer Journal: Charleston Wedding Photography

South Carolina Wedding Photographer Journal: Charleston Wedding Photography

Hilton Head Island Wedding

I have had a few really beautiful weddings lately in and around Hilton Head Island, SC.
Last weekend I photographed an absolutely amazing couple at a large beachside estate in Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island. The weather was perfect and family had flown in from all over the United States and Europe. The bride, Olga was from Russia and her mother flew all the way to America to see her daughters big day.

The wedding ceremony itself was held right out on the beach, followed by a festive reception at the large estate. I shot over 1000 images throughout the day. Here are a couple that I really love. I will have more posted on my website in the coming weeks. Please take a look at them.

Strainephotography prides itself on extremely unique, photo-journalistic style wedding photography. These two images will give you a good idea of the type of imagery you can expect should you decide to have me photograph your wedding. Please give me a call to discuss your event.
802-730-3247
I still have a few remaining spring dates and several dates open this winter.

California Wildfires

I feel so horrible for all those people in southern California who have to evacuate their homes. Can you even imagine that? My ex-girlfriend had her whole home burn down when she was around ten years old and she lost just about everything. She said it took her years and years to come to grips with what happened.

Catastrophic events like this truly put things in perspective. It is difficult to complain about anything when across the nation half a million peoples lives are about to change forever.

Just think about what you have in just your bedroom and imagine losing all of it at once. Pretty scary huh?

Lets all take a moment to be happy with what we have.

October and November are shaping up to be really busy months for me.

When I first moved down to Hilton Head Island from Vermont I did not think about the fact that it is relatively nice here almost year around. I am used to snow in the middle of October straight through to the end of May. No one gets married in Vermont, well hardly anyone, gets married in Vermont during these cold months.

Down in South Carolina it is certainly a different story. I have almost every weekend booked through November and into December. Some of these weddings are going to be extremely exciting.

I am really looking foreword to October 20th when I will be photographing a wedding at a private beach cottage on Hilton Head Island. A lot of planning is going into making this wedding amazing. I am really looking foreword to it.

I will be certain to post some photos from it on the blog. I still need to get some pics up from my last camping trip to the North Carolina Mountains. I will.

I wanted to make sure to get a link to myspace account here. In addition to weddings, I also do a lot of Rock Band Photography. I have much of my musical side presented here.
http://www.myspace.com/strainephotography
Check it out.
Well, thanks for reading my blog.
I am doing my best to keep the content fresh for ya!
Take care,
Dan
Hilton Head Island Portrait Photographer
Strainephotography

Heading out to Brevard, NC this Weekend

I have no weddings to photograph on Hilton Head Island this weekend or any other photography assignments for that matter. So, I am heading out to the North Carolina mountains with my girlfriend Erin to go camping.
It is around a 4 hour drive from here. We plan on getting up there around 11:00P.M. and setting up camp. Tomorrow we plan on going for a good hike in the mountains, as well as some nice swims in some deep river holes.
I cannot wait to lay inside my new "Marmot Stargazer" tent and stare at the stars. There is just something about camping that makes you feel brand new again. The weather is supposed to be amazing too.
I will put up some photos from our trip on the blog. Thank you to those that participated in "animal" poll.
Take care,
Dan Straine

Palmetto Dunes Wedding

On Saturday September 15th I photographed a beautiful wedding at Palmetto Dunes Hilton oceanfront resort on Hilton Head Island. It was such an amazing wedding. This was my fifth Hilton Head Island beach wedding. It was also one of my favorites. Ben and Jessica were just extremely pleasant and the weather turned out beautiful.

I woke up in the morning to overcast skies and the forecast was for a good chance of thunderstorms. Well, those storm clouds decided to skip town because when the wedding ceremony began, the sun shined through and strainephotography was able to really get some beautiful photographs.

I posted the new photos in the category of, Hilton Head Island SC Beach Wedding. Check them out at http://www.strainephotography.com

Here is one of my favorite images from the day.


Thanks and take care,
Daniel Straine
Hilton Head Island SC Wedding Photography
South Carolina Beach Wedding Photographer

Check out some Cool music on this player

Hilton Head Island Professional Photographer. Whoops! I mean Surfer

That is right boys and girls. The hurricane season is upon us and this means that the waves are a coming and this photographer/surfer is one big happy camper. Break out the wax. Break out the rash guard. Stretch those arms and nappy up that hair because it is time to hang ten, get tubed and eat sand deep in the pit. It is time to ride a left with a huge smile and dig a massive bottom turn on a barreling right.
Hilton Head Island does not have the greatest waves. That is ok though because just down the road towards Charleston or south to Savannah there are great surf breaks.
Lets get it on!
Daniel Straine
Hilton Head Island photographer
Lowcountry portrait photographer
Surfer

The wedding package epiphany by a Hilton Head Island Photographer

Ok, I know the title of this post is a bit strange but hang in there with me for just a moment if you will. I recently changed my price list for my wedding packages and I feel great about it. Here is why.

Getting married on Hilton Head Island is a popular thing to do. This is not new news. Hell, getting married anywhere is pretty popular. Alright, there I go, rambling away again. So getting married is popular. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, what is your point.

There is a lot that goes into a wedding ceremony. The wedding photographer should not be an additional stress. I don't think so anyway. So, why make a wedding pricing list that is complicated and full of confusing language? Why? Well, you don't do it. I did it and I have come to my senses. No longer will anyone have to choose, choose, choose from multiple wedding packages. South Carolina Wedding photographers look out. A new package has hit the streets and it is so, so sweet.

Check it out on my website http://www.strainephotography.com on my services page.

There is just one SC wedding package. It is everything you could want and a bit more. The price will make you smile and the photography will all be shot by Daniel Straine.

I have discovered after years of doing this that this package is what my clients wish for. I have delivered. The time has come for an affordable Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer.

Thank for reading and let me know your thoughts.
Until than I will be out photographing Weddings in the Low Country of South Carolina.
Daniel Straine

Charleston SC wedding photo

My favorite recent wedding candid moment.

Hilton Head Island Wedding Photography

So I am a transplant from up north and getting used to southern living has been interesting and hot! Yes indeed. Hot! I think the biggest adjustment I have had to make since relocating to Hilton Head Island has been coping with the relentless heat and consistent sunshine.
Ok, I know what you are thinking. Oh, poor him...He has to live somewhere where it is warm and sunny all the time. Well, get this. I love the rain. I love cool, cloudy weather. I like to wear comfy pants and a sweater some days. You see, in Vermont, the weather is constantly changing. You can have a 90 degree hot day followed by a 50 degree day with chilly rain showers. I think this is what I miss the most.

The sunny weather does make my job as a Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer much easier. There is nothing worse than attempting to get supreme imagery out of a cloudy, rainy day. It just makes everything that much more difficult. I suppose you just have to deal with it, but I am thankful for the bountiful sunshine we receive here in sunny South Carolina.

I cannot wait for the fall though. I will be photographing 3 weddings in September and 2 in October. I may have just gotten my first destination wedding at an exclusive property in the North Carolina Mountains. I will keep you posted.
Thanks,
Daniel Straine

Photography South Carolina

Just the other week I made my way up to the Northeast Kingdom Music Festival in East, Albany Vermont to work as the house photographer for my third consecutive year. I slept little, shot over 2,000 images over a two day period, danced like their was no tomorrow and overall had a great time. I wish I had slept more.
Now, I am back in South Carolina and it feels good to be living in the south. It has taken me a while to really appreciate it here and lately I am really beginning to love it here.
I have enjoyed establishing myself as a leading South Carolina Wedding Photojournalist.
More exactly, a professional wedding photographer on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. My calendar is filling up fast with all types of interesting photography assignments throughout the southeast.
Next month, I will be photographing weddings in Charleston, SC, Hilton Head Island, SC and Savannah, GA. Strainephotography is lifting off into uncharted successful territory.
This is extremely exciting. My newest project is in the form of a book I will be releasing independently in Charleston, SC.
Thanks for reading,
Dan.
www.Strainephotography.com

Family photos on Hilton Head Island

I suppose my biggest reason for starting this blog post was just to really try and explain my photographic style and philosophy a bit better so that someone interested in my work, such as yourself, might understand who they are hiring a bit better.

The other day I was riding the boat over to visit my parents in Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina and a friend of my family, as well as a resident of Haig Point asked me take a family portrait on the beach. I was excited about their interest in my work. They asked me how they should dress for the shoot.

I told them that they should dress however they wish. I told them that they should dress however they feel most comfortable because after all, the photographs are supposed to represent who they are in all aspects. I told them that my goal, as a specialist and seasoned veteran in beach portraiture on Hilton Head Island, that the moment when everyone is prepared to have the images taken, dictates how those images should be taken. In other words, each family has their own personality and requires a different photographic approach. I do not believe that there is a set recipe for success, nor is there an exact proper attire geared for all families.

So our beach portraiture shoot is scheduled for June 28^th on the beach in Melrose Resort on Daufuskie Island and how those images are taken will only be known at our evening meeting time on June 28^th.

I will have more posts regarding my photographic style and philosophy. Thank you for reading about this one.

Charleston Wedding Photography

Well I had my first wedding in the wonderful town of Charleston, South Carolina. What a great day it turned out to be too. I left Hilton Head Island around 2:00 in the afternoon and made my way to Charleston. It takes about an hour and a half for me to get there. Along the way I stopped at a farmers stand and picked up some peaches which cooled off the hot afternoon. I arrived about an hour before the start of the wedding at the Palmer House. This is a great place to take photos. The wedding party and I went out on the deck overlooking the harbor and with the sun peeking in behind us we were able to get some fantastic shots. Kristen, Todd and I then went for a walk out in the garden in the back where we got some beautiful images. The ceremony was small, short but really cute and quaint.
After the ceremony Kristen, Todd and I took a long stroll around the harbor in Charleston getting some incredible candid imagery. Please check them out at www.strainephotography.com