Elliott Family Portrait

When the family gets together, we try to have a photograph taken of all the Elliott siblings. Our parents were Edward O. Elliott Sr. and Frances Willauer Elliott. I remember each Christmas when the family would form an assembly line to send Christmas cards to family, friends and business associates. As I remember, I usually got stuck licking the 500 envelopes and then had to sit on them to make sure they were sealed. I remember my Uncle Clarence pulling a sleigh with a horse around the farm in the snow. Christmas is a wonderful time to remember the past and create new traditions. May your families be blessed this season and enjoy remembering the good times together.

A Family that Plays Together, Stays Together

In 2009 many wonderful things happened and some sad things also. My Aunt Nancy Patton passed away this year after living a fabulous life. She left behind my four crazy cousins, Jim, Patti, Judy and Steve. The Elliott's and Patton's recently gathered together in Ohio for her memorial service. It wasn't sad, because the whole family was reunited, everyone remembered what a caring person she was and the great life she lived. Family was the most important thing to her. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew. The one thing she will be remembered for is, A Family that Plays Together, Stays Together. They didn't have to say it, they lived it daily. That was the thread that held the family together as they laughed and enjoyed each other throughout the years. This image is special because it was photographed on the swingset at the family farm in Ohio, where we played as children for many hours.

Life in the City

New Yorkers have such wonderful scenery to view each day. In their hurrying and scurrying on subways and highways day in and day out, they get use to seeing what is right in front of them. This is a perfect example of a daily view that is awesome.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 67 mm

Exposure Time 1/5000

F/4

ISO 100

NYC Law

Recently I visited NYC and was able to catch this little law breaker in the act. The police can't be everywhere, but I have proof of a crime in NYC.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 75 mm

Exposure Time 1/200

F/11

ISO 100

Exquisite Bride

Julie Gross is the ultimate bride, definitely not a bridezilla. She is charming and a very photogenic subject. Julie planned her wedding down to the grain of rice. Including she and her husband Patrick, there were twenty total in the wedding party. It was a beautiful wedding to attend and the weather was superb for Cleveland. I used the EF 530 DG Sigma flash with this portrait.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 32mm

Exposure Time 1/60

F/4

ISO 400

LENSBABY Web

When I was in New York for the Photo Expo, I purchased a LENSBABY.  I hadn't had time to experiment with the lens so I was thinking of returning.   After talking with a LENSBABY rep, I was encouraged to play around with the lens.  Here is one of my first images and I plan to experiment more this weekend.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  

Exposure Time 1/160

F/4

ISO 400

Ellis Island HDR

During a recent visit to New York City, I visited Ellis Island to photograph this structure for my HDR project and to shoot a panoramic of Manhattan.  The island has so much history and it was wonderful being there on a gorgeous day.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  24 mm

Exposure Time Bracketed

F/18

ISO 125

New Zealand

We had the opportunity to visit our son in New Zealand and travel on both of the islands.  New Zealand is very diverse in it's landscapes.  This New Zealand landscape will be on display during the month of January and February at Circa Gallery in Asheboro, NC.

12th-The "Old Dam" Hole

Luckily I was carrying my Canon 50D when I went for a walk a couple of weeks ago. The foliage was beautiful and I was excited to capture the fall leaves reflecting on the lake at the 12th green at Tot Hill Farm Golf Course.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 105 mm

Exposure Time 1/80

F/16

ISO 400

Negative Space in NYC

While in NYC last week, I visited Ellis Island and captured this image through the wall surrounding the island.  The view was breath taking and it was a gorgeous day weather wise and for being with good friends.

NASCAR Banking 500

I had the opportunity to go the NASCAR Banking 500 on Saturday and had a great time using a 70-200 mm lens.  Despite the noise, I had a great time and captured some interesting images.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  130 mm

Exposure Time 1/60

F/3.2

ISO 800

Constance's Self Portrait

What an interesting experience, trying to capture a self portrait.  I used Pocket Wizards and a remote cable release to capture my image.  I selected a location that captures what I love, the outdoors.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  102 mm

Exposure Time 1/125

F/5.6

ISO 500

Jonathon Ulrich's Portrait

Jonathon lives in New Zealand and recently visited the U.S. for a wedding in Cleveland, Ohio.  I was fortunate enough to go the wedding and capture his portrait.  All though I am his mother, I think he is quite handsome.  Thanks Jon for being so awesome!

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  67 mm

Exposure Time 1/60

F/4.0

ISO 400

Mary Beth Graafsma's Portrait

Mary Beth Graafsma, is a first year photography student who graciously posed for the on-campus photo session.  She was a delight to work with and did a great job modeling, thank you Mary Beth.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  40 mm

Exposure Time 1/125

F/5.6

ISO 400

Artistic Bridal Portrait

Becky Parker was a fabulous model for the Bridal Portrait photo session.  Her body art of tatooing is highlighted beautifully with the bridal gown.  Thank you for a great session and having fun grooving to the music!

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  24 mm

Exposure Time 1/100

F/9

ISO 125

Playtime at the Creek

Evan of Charlotte, NC had a fun time on the 13th hole at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club.  We were taking a break from a photo session and I caught him playing with rocks by the creek.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  67 mm

Exposure Time 1/125

F/4.5

ISO 100

Beautiful Pottery

The Fall Festival was this weekend in Asheboro.  I strolled around with my camera and captured these beautiful pottery vessels.  The pottery is very similar to Daniel Johnston's which is my favorite.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  92 mm

Exposure Time 1/125

F/4.0

ISO 320

Beautiful Bride

Even though Nina is not a Bride-to-be, she is still a beautiful model and I appreciate her posing for this bridal photo session.  Thanks!

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length  40 mm

Exposure Time 1/100

F/9

ISO 125

Reflections on the Lake

Spencer and Paige took a moment to relax by the lake during the photo shoot at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 115 mm

Exposure Time 1/60

F/9.1

ISO 100

Engagement portraits at Tot Hill Farm

Spencer and Paige at the Barn

Spencer Reudelhuber and Paige Morris are commercial photographers students at RCC. They were kind enough to pose for an engagement photo session at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club.  They make a very attractive couple and I appreciated their cooperation.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 45 mm

Exposure Time 1/40

F/10

ISO 100

The Jeepster

Recently I traveled to Ohio for a wedding and  had the opportunity to visit with my friend Dana and her dog, Jeep.  Jeep is the ultimate best friend to Dana.  It was my pleasure to photograph him and capture his handsome face.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 80 mm

Exposure Time 1/200

F/3.2

ISO 100

Relaxed Bride-to-be

Becca Helms was very relaxed during this photo session and even posed where snakes could have been.   A big thank you goes to Kristen Backhaus for assisting during the photo session.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 175 mm

Exposure Time 1/500

F/4

ISO 100

Sitting Pretty

Becca Helms is definitely the vision of a beautiful bride.  I appreciate Becca modeling for the bridal portrait session and her enthusiam for creating some great photographs.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 35 mm

Exposure Time 1/100

F/10

ISO 100

Flying Jasmine

Jasmine and owner Anna Willson of Seagrove, enjoyed the Dog Pool Party held on Sunday, September 13th at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club.  The fundraiser of $600 benefited the Humane Society of Randolph County for spaying and neutering of strays.  This image appeared in the Courier-Tribune on Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

Fast Times

Bill Thompson's brother, Mike from Arkansas posed for this shot in July while I was using a 70-200 mm lens.

Natural Beauty

Lindsey Gettig was a fabulous model for me in this photo session and is a true natural beauty.  She wore very little make-up and absolutely glowed.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 97 mm

Exposure time 1/40

F/7

ISO 100

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Swallowtail butterflies, being large, colorful, and attractive, have been the target of butterfly collectors in earlier times. They seem to really enjoy visiting my butterfly bushes.  I have had male and female swallowtails both grace my garden.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 200 mm

Exposure time 1/60

F/16

ISO 100

Portrait of George Ulrich

George was too kind in posing for a businessman's portrait for an assignment.  He has never had one before and was very cooperative.  What a great subject!

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 45 mm

Exposure time 1/10

F/6.3

ISO 100

Black & Yellow Argiope Spider

As I was walking through the gardens, I spotted this scary spider and cool web.  I Googled spiders of NC and found out it is a garden spider and loves to eat large bugs.  I decided it could remain in the garden and do what it loves best.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 37 mm

Exposure time 1/50

F/9

ISO 100

Are We Done Yet

Murdock "Dock" is our family pet that was happy when the two hour photo shoot was over.  He appreciated the treats he received because he was so good.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 73 mm

Exposure time 1/160

F/20

ISO 100

Queen of the Night

Queen of the Night blooms about 2:30 a.m.  This was definitely a challenge photographing in total darkness, but it was fun.  The bloom is approximately 10 inches wide.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 24 mm

Exposure time 1/60

F/4

ISO 400

Wild Daisies

Traveling around Tot Hill Farm Golf Course I photographed this clump of wild daisies.  It was a gorgeous day and many wildflowers were blooming.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 200 mm

Exposure time 1/320

F/2.8

ISO 100

Morning Sunflower

This 7 foot tall sunflower was the only one in my friend's garden. It was fun shooting at all different angles.

Canon EOS 50D

Focal Length 45 mm

Exposure time 1/250

F/11

ISO 100

Fire in the Sky at Biltmore

Stormy Road at Hart Prairie

Peace on the Prairie

February Snowfall at Tot Hill Farm

Photo Shoot in Charlotte

Jonathon & Amanda's View

Hawaiian Sunset

George's View