Renewing an Old Space

Renewing an old space such as the one at our local school is a wonderful project. This actually belongs to an elementary school. The space was damaged by Hurricane Hugo in the late 80's and never repaired by the school district. Recently a local arts organization Spoleto has leased the building from the local school district as a place to house its performances.

The event attracts people to Charleston from across the world. This image was taken for the organization as one of many in the documentation of the renovation.

The doors here are open only to an empty audience as the facility has not really been able to be utilized for years. In fact the children have not been able to enter it in almost a decade.

I love the color repetation of the doors and the erie feel that they portray into the emptiness. I can imagine the kids throughout the ages rushing in to see performances.

The organization is accepting donations to the project. They can be reached at www.spoletousa.org

Makes me hungry...

"Your photographs are making me hungry."

Probably one of the best comments a food photographer can hear from a client!

The recent cook book release of Cypress has been a hit.

Chef Craig Deihl is quite talented and a breath of fresh air here in beautiful Charleston and my favorite happens to be Sashimi tuna served over Kumomoto Oysters with a dab of Pineapple-Wasabi and a Cilantro Lime glaze.

Taking great photographs of raw seafood on a bed of packed ice for presentation is no easy task! As a professional I bring in many lights, scrims, reflectors etc, to create the image above.

But you don't have to!

Here are a few great tips on taking a snapshot while in your favorite restaurant-

• Try to get a table by the window during the day and in the best lit area at night.


• Turn off that flash! (Or turn the setting to slow-sync if you know how)


• Set camera to the Macro setting if it has one.


• Increase the ISA if light is dim (400-800 or auto-ISA).


• Get in close and down low... 45 degree angles and shots straight down are boring.


• Take more than ONE! Do not be afraid to turn the plate for the best view.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if these tips help and don't be afraid to send one of your pics...

Rick