My recent Architectural Shoot

Hey all.

It’s been a while since I posted anything on this here blog. Well, I just wanted to update a shoot that I did before we went overseas in July. As you may have read at the beginning of this blog page, I ‘v been in the architectural field for 20 years now, and I never really thought about  doing an architectural shoot ever.

So, my boss (no, not Gina) the principal of IBIGroup, asked me to “take some pictures” of the Dempsey Benton Waterplant in Garner. I gladly accepted, it would be my first architectural shoot, and I would even get paid for it.  The next day I paid a visit to our friends at Southeastern Camera and rented a tilt-shift lens, had them explain it to me, and went out to the site at 4:30 am. I wanted to make sure that the light was right and I’d be there at dawn. I later did a picture series at dusk, too.

I am really happy with the result and I hope I get to do some more jobs like this one.

See you next time,

Martin

Gina McLean Photography is a proud WedPlan wedding photographer.

Traci & James Storybook Wedding~ August 14. 2010

Martin and I had the opportunity to work with an awesome couple  last weekend.  James & Traci were so inspiring with their love for each other and God.  They began their day at the gorgeous Marriott in Durham, where I took pictures of the girls getting ready, while Martin shot the boys doing the same.  The day went smoothly thanks to  Tashia McCluney of Uniquely You Event Planners.  The girls were treated to excellent hair and makeup design by Kira Bell of Nirvana Salon and Spa.   The very professional and awesome videography was provided by Chris and Tony Wheaton of Barton Creek Weddings.  There will be much more to come and many more names to mention as we begin the editing process here.  Until then, here are a few previews from their event.

Gina McLean Photography is a proud WedPlan wedding photographer.

Raleigh Senior Portraits

These guys came down from PA and wanted to do a shoot at the park.  I had to throw in a little something “edgier” for the boys, and a little something traditional for the parents.  The Hummer was the aunts!  Fletcher Park is always a great spot at sunset for portraits, and we took about an hour, several outfits, and had a great time!

Gina McLean Photography is a proud WedPlan wedding photographer.

A Beautiful Day for Children’s Portraits in Raleigh

I have known Janie from a distance for many years.   She became pregnant with her first daughter about a year after I had mine.   I stopped there.   She became pregnant again.   This time, with twins. A boy and a girl.  How lucky is that?  When she called me to do family portraits, I have to say that I felt honored.   I have watched them grow on Facebook, but couldn’t wait to meet them in person.   The three together were so adorable.   Big sister has her role down, and the little sister is a total ham.  The little boy just sort of hangs out like he isn’t really sure what to do with all of these girls!  Anyway,  Janie, her husband Brandon, Anne-Scott, and the twins, Vance and Liza, and me and Martin spent about an hour at Fletcher Park in Raleigh on Sunday evening and had a great time.   Here is a sample of the photo shoot!

Gina McLean Photography is a proud WedPlan wedding photographer.

The Fun of Artistic Portraiture~ My version of the Boudior Portrait

I began studying Fine Art and Photography in San Francisco at the college level in 1998.  It had been strictly a hobby since I was 14 up until that point.  I met Rachel Garfield in 1995, and not only did we become lifelong best friends, but she has been one of my favorite models.  I just recently realized that I have documented her life in artistic portraiture from age 25 until 42!   Boudoir Photography has become a huge trend recently, and while I am not opposed to it at all, I frankly just have not done that much of it.  It has seemed more fitting to me to document women in their natural beauty.  This could be partly because of my history with body image and eating disorders, and my fascination with what the media can do to a woman’s self-image.  A requirement for a Bachelors degree from Meredith College is an art show and the thesis of mine was women and self-image. I documented women of all shapes and sizes.  It really changed my self-image to see real women and that they bear zero resemblance to those in the Victoria’s Secret Catalog! 

If you are a woman facing a milestone, whether it be an age-related one, divorce, illness, or whatever, having it documented on film can be an incredibly therapeutic experience.  I am showing some below, starting with Rachel, and ending with another lifelong friend experiencing pregnancy in her 40′s!   Feel free to call me for a consultation.

Oh, by the way, these were back in the old black and white film days, and developed in a darkroom. These are scanned images, so the quality may be lacking from the original!

Rachel at 25, in my apartment at Whitaker Park, with a Black and White film camera, no flash, and candlelight!

Rachel at 40, we are both professionals now. In a studio with flash and digital equipment.

   

The same day, just something a little different….

Jill, pregnant at 40…..

And finally, my then to be future husband, as a musician…

Gina McLean Photography is a proud WedPlan wedding photographer.
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