Hello Everyone! I'm back at work after attending the 2012 Professional Photographers of NC annual convention at the Sheraton Imperial Center. For pro photographers this is better than a trip to Disney World.

Not only do you get to exchange ideas with hundreds of other pros, you attend workshops presented by national experts in their field. I sat in on presentations on off camera flash and lighting theory, social networking and how it is changing the photography industry and other techno-geeky topics.

The trade show attracted vendors from around the country with the latest equipment for us to use to create exciting new products for our clients. Tons of new ideas for products the average person can not get anywhere but from a professional photographer.

A very important part of this annual convention is the print judging by a panel of certified experts. A photographer can gain invaluable insight to what makes an excellent image by listening to the judges analyze hundreds of images.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with a Master Photographer to review a selection of my images in a private critique session. I received some very generous advice as how I can improve my lighting and post production cropping to make my portraits more powerful. My next portrait session is going to be epic!

Here is a slide show from Tami & Nick's wedding at the Rose Garden in Raleigh:

Here is a slide show from Tami & Nick's wedding that captures some of the less serious events of the day:

We photographed Melanie & Chuck's wedding this weekend in New Bern. It was a lovely wedding and I'll post some samples after the couple has had a chance to see them!

The venue was a brand new restaurant on the waterfront in New Bern called Persimmons. Matter of fact the wedding and reception was the opening day! If the food and service was any indication customers will soon be lined up to eat there!

Our wedding last weekend was a great affair. The bride & groom were a mature couple and the church was full of their children and grandchildren. We always enjoy seeing two families come together for such a happy day.

The reception was our first time shooting at the new Renaissance Hotel at North Hills. (The picture above is from their website.) Everything was absolutely first class from the excellent food to the valet parking. What a great time!

We would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah to all our friends.