Commercial, Advertising and Editorial Photography. Greensboro, North Carolina
(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
There are certain locations I pass almost daily that I am continually drawn to. This old home place near Climax (yes that is really the name) stands out in the middle of a large field. I have used it several times for portrait backgrounds and the like. It amazes me how much it changes throughout the year with the change of seasons and the light. I find myself stopping and shooting it and each time I come away with something interesting and different.
(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
Photo is from a denim jeans fashion shoot in Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a good place for a photo shoot, just a few hours from Greensboro. The people are nice and easy to work with. Fresh seafood and the beach nearby. And, the whole town is full of great textures. Love those glass blocks.
(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
As part of my self assigned project on Deep River, this shot was done upriver in Randleman, North Carolina on the old Union Factory cotton mill property.
(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
Image is a portrait from an advertising/PR assignment.
Today’s image is a still-life study of an old farm truck I pass on my way to Greensboro. I see things daily that strike me as possible photos and I make mental notes to catch them when the light is right. Add a little lensbaby style post processing.
(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
Randolph County, North Carolina is split by Deep River, a large river that feeds into the Cape Fear basin and runs eventually into the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington. In the late 1830’s, the first cotton mill in Randolph County was opened at Cedar Falls. That mill ran continuously until the end of the 20th century, something over 150 years, powered originally by the river directly and later by a hydroelectric plant. During the Civil War, most of the cotton fabric that uniformed North Carolina’s troops was produced in that mill. Today, the main mill building lies idle and vacant as does the old post office across the road (shown). A wooden trestle that served the railroad that ran behind the post office is long gone as is the railroad track and right of way. Down the road, there is another mill that still manages to cling to life, for a while anyway.
Cedar Falls is one of several mill villages along Deer River that were once the life blood of the county’s economy. Most of the other mills are either gone or closed down as well, victims of the movement of the American textile industry to foreign shores. There are Randleman, Worthville, Central Falls, Cedar Falls, Franklinville, Ramseur and Coleridge. All of these villages used the power of the river to employ hundreds of people. All gone now, except the ghosts of the buildings and no one knows how long even they will survive.
One of my ongoing projects will be to document these mill villages and their buildings before they are all gone, so I will post on this blog my results from time to time.
(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
(image copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
For today, I’m posting another winter scene, this time from northern Arizona, near Flagstaff. Again, when we think of Arizona, we think hot and dry, but when you get up into the mountains, there are pockets of forest and snow.
I live in Randolph County, North Carolina which is home to the Seagrove area. Near Seagrove may be one of the largest concentrations of potters anywhere. This pottery heritage goes back to the 18th century. One of the oldest and best known of the traditional potteries is Jugtown. Above, Vernon Owens of Jugtown works on an earthenware jug. Everything he produces is one at a time, by hand.
For more info go to: http://www.jugtownware.com/
(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
(copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
Today’s image is a headshot/portrait of a friend’s daughter. She is an aspiring actress, and from what I understand, becoming quite successful at it.
One of the best times to visit Williamsburg, Virginia is in early December at the beginning of the Christmas season. In Colonial Williamsburg, they decorate with all-natural decorations and there is a competition between all the historical homes and buildings for the prettiest and most historically appropriate wreathes and garlands. The whole historical area is covered with beautiful Christmas cheer. A walk down Duke of Gloucester Street fortified by some hot mulled cider followed by lunch or dinner at one of the taverns is an unforgettable experience.
(images copyright 2008 by Dan Routh)
