Wednesday, May 28, 2008

BROADWAY PHOTO IS A SCAM

I apologize ahead of time for this blog post but I felt I needed to let you know about it. There are several photo companies on the internet that claim to offer the lowest prices that are actually scams. Broadway Photo is a scam. Their web address is http://www.broadwayphoto.com/about.aspx
Do not buy anything from Broadway photo. There are several more out there like it and I am working on compiling a list of those that are scams. It is such a shame that companies like this are able to exist. The internet is a lot like the wild west. It is wild and lawless for the most part. So just be careful of who you buy your stuff from on the internet.

Can you believe those tornadoes in the mid-west? Unbelievable. I have never seen a tornado but at some point I would love to see one. I think it would be awesome to see it from a distance.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hilton Head Island Wedding


On Sunday, Mothers Day, I photographed a really, really cool wedding. The family was from outside Louisville, Kentucky and they had to be one of the nicest families I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

They rented a big house in Palmetto Dunes and the entire family was staying at the house. The wedding ceremony was just down the street at the Beach House overlooking the ocean.

It was a very simple wedding with just close friends and family in attendance but they sure had a good time. It was such a nice feeling to be able to be the photographer for such an amazing group of people. I don't think anyone stopped smiling all day long.

I left feeling better. When you are around people that kind and cool for so long and you are the one in charge documenting one of the biggest days in their lives it is difficult not to have some of their natural warmth rub off on you.

I felt honored to be their photographer. The sun broke out just before the ceremony and stayed out for just an absolutely spectacular sunset. The colors were amazing. Just perfect light for photography. The party went on into the evening and a warm ocean breeze kept the bugs at bay and air just cool enough for some good ol' fashioned dancin'

We were taking photographs at the home before the ceremony with just the family and Anna, the bride, pulled me aside and asked to take a picture of me with her. I had never had anyone ask and it was kind of cool. I have probably taken over 200,000 photographs in the last few years and I don't think I have any of me. Well, hardly any. But, it was cool. It was neat to have her ask and the photo turned pretty good. So, I thought I would share it. Here I am with Anna, a super cool bride, just a couple days ago.

The groom used to sing in a rock band in Louisville and his best man was the rythm guitarist. They were both awesome folks and I will never forget chatting about Aerosmith live in the 1970's with the brides Dad over a couple beers with the waves breaking and great people pronouncing their love for one another. A big, beautiful thing and in a world full of news that sometimes can be annoying and a shame, it feels good to see love.

south carolina wedding photographer Daniel Straine

Sunday, May 11, 2008

French Broad River Festival



Well,
May has arrived. I apologize for not updating this blog any sooner then now and unfortunately this post here is going to be a bit short. I have been out photographing, designing and surfing; not writing. Working too...here and there.

So, last weekend I was up deep in the mountains of North Carolina in the little town of Hot Springs where I was photographing a music festival. It featured some of the best bands from around Asheville, NC and those beautiful mountains around those parts. Absolutely amazing blend of music all weekend. Imagine bluegrass and country on speed. Imagine rock and roll dipped in bluegrass soul. Imagine classic rock in the mountains on a big raging historic river.

What a great weekend. I will do my best to keep this blog better updated. I am off to photograph a wedding in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island. The couple is from Kentucky and I am really looking foreword to meeting them.

Happy spring and welcome summer.
Daniel Straine

French Broad River Festival

Well,
May has arrived. I apologize for not updating this blog any sooner then now and unfortunately this post here is going to be a bit short. I have been out photographing, designing and surfing; not writing. Working too...here and there.

So, last weekend I was up deep in the mountains of North Carolina in the little town of Hot Springs where I was photographing a music festival. It featured some of the best bands from around Asheville, NC and those beautiful mountains around those parts. Absolutely amazing blend of music all weekend. Imagine bluegrass and country on speed. Imagine rock and roll dipped in bluegrass soul. Imagine classic rock in the mountains on a big raging historic river.

Here is a photo of the band Acoustic Syndicate. What a great weekend. I will do my best to keep this blog better updated. I am off to photograph a wedding in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island. The couple is from Kentucky and I am really looking foreword to meeting them.

Happy spring and welcome summer.
Daniel Straine