Shades of Gray

Music

2011-11-10T22:07:00.006-05:00

Here are some promotion pieces and CD designs for some artist over the past year:

Joe Whaley

Also, I've been asked to donate some of my photographs to the Howlin' Wolf Blues Museum in West Point, Mississippi.
I know I'll be sharing this image of Willie King:

...and these images of Hubert Sumlin:

Albums

2011-08-22T11:46:00.016-04:00

We are excited to share 3 new albums we are now offering.
(look for more details on all products in the "Products & Pricing" section of our website)

Traditional- a heaver more formal book.

TableTop- these books are smaller and a bit more casual.

Organic- This eco-friendly edition specializes in high end fine art albums made from natural resources and green materials found around the world. !! Must See !!

2012 & 2013 SENIORS

2011-08-22T09:50:00.009-04:00

Clinton, TN

Cierra Vickery & Maddie Irons
Clinton High Shool

2012 & 2013 SENIORS

2011-08-22T08:37:00.011-04:00

Columbus, MS

Alex Gray
New Hope High School

MORE MATERNITY

2011-08-12T22:44:00.025-04:00

Ashley Beard
Columbus, MS
7/24/2011

2011-08-11T22:23:00.006-04:00

Columbus, Mississippi
Here are a few images I've taken recently. I'm proud of them all but I really like the nightscapes of downtown!!
[shhh...but they may be going in a local restaurant soon;) I'll keep you posted]

2011-04-29T22:46:00.002-04:00

I am the Earth
(video)

!! BABY !!

2011-03-29T20:14:00.012-04:00

These are the images from Samantha & Eric Nowell's maternity session. The backgrounds and landscapes you see are of our hometown of Columbus Mississippi. This is a very old and beautiful town making for a great place for portrait photography. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Also this is a great example of my recent efforts to get back into natural lighting more.

The Phillips Wedding

2011-02-24T22:22:00.013-05:00

I recently photographed a good friends wedding in Madison Mississippi and I want to share some of their images. We're currently working on their album and I want you to see some of those pages as well. I could really benefit from your constructive comments and suggestions!!
Thnx in advance

Photo Project

2010-12-10T09:35:00.014-05:00

Photography, before the business of, is all about light.
The trick is to control light and to capture the image as you envision it.

In an effort to grow my creative vision and extend the range of my skill set, I've given myself a project. The Clinton Lights project is a series of photo shoots where I explore new techniques and experiment with my own ideas...things out of my comfort zone, beyond my safety net.

Clinton Lights with Lauren & Libby
session #1

Fall of 2010

2010-12-10T08:22:00.005-05:00

Since my last post I've gotten a new camera!! the Canon 5D
I've been shooting with my Canon Rebel since 2007, when I first decided photography was my future. The Rebel is a great camera and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a start in photography or an option under $1,000.

I've pulled the trigger(shutter release) on my Rebel approximately 60,000 times in 3 years. Can't believe I went that long without a backup camera! Can't believe I went that long without fully capturing what I was seeing. I say that because the Rebel has a smaller sensor than the 5D. While the 5D has a full frame sensor, the Rebel is smaller which not only records less information but also has a crop factor.
Now if I could only get the lenses I want:)

Also this fall, I've updated my website with some product information and shot a range of projects. Here are some of those images:

Red Bay, Alabama

2010-07-20T15:51:00.019-04:00

What a fun gig!! We just shot a two day photo shoot at a friends hair salon in Red Bay Alabama. There were 17 ladies total and we all had a blast. :)

!! Charlie !!

2010-06-24T18:08:00.011-04:00

ok, ok....sorry for not posting my recent photography events and growth, but I have a good excuse:) My son is now 5 months old!! So, needless to say there is some rescheduling and priority shifting going on around here. Here are a few of his images and I'll be posting other Shades of Gray activities shortly. In addition to Charlie...I've recently shot a 2 day glamor shoot at a friends hair salon in Red Bay, AL and I've also been working on adding a product list and description page to my website. ...be looking for those events to be posted asap.

Products

2010-04-18T13:24:00.008-04:00

Below are a few of the products we offer. We are currently working with our web designer on adding a product page to our website ....www.tamgrayphotography.com

Tri-Fold Panel:
This is a metallic paper reinforced with a foam backing. They are approx 4 inches tall and are great for any display. They are ideal for seniors and children.

Beveled Edge Prints:
This product is a matboard finished with a beveled edge. The beveled finished edge can come in either Gold or Silver. This product is for table top or standalone presentation, such as on a picture stand or an end table, and not for framing.

Float Wraps:
By far my favorite!! These are very nice pieces of wall art!!

Wraps offer a unique and modern way to display either a traditional photograph or a fine art portrait. It's E-Surface paper wrapped around foam with a mounting block fixed to the back of the print for easy mounting.

Albums and design

2010-03-13T19:44:00.010-05:00

Album design is a WHOLE new ballgame for me!!
If it continues to grow like this, I'll need to hire some help soon. Album design takes so much time...but it is fun. Completing a larger piece of artwork for a client than a simple 8x10 print is very inspiring.

Below I've attached a few pages of an 8x12 album. Remember there's a fold in the middle of the album/page so you'll see a break in design maybe.

composites

2010-03-09T14:52:00.006-05:00

Composite images, or images that have been layered on top of one another, have their place. There are conflicting opinions in the photography industry about "over manipulation" of images. I think it depends on the client. While some studios shoot for a more traditional client, other studios are rolling with the times. Seniors today are liking the more edgy and illustrative type of photography...even some brides are liking this. blah, blah, blah...what matters is what works for you and your client. You decide!!

Here are a few of those composite/illustrative style images:

My mentor visit in VA

2010-03-03T22:24:00.002-05:00

ok...I just returned from my visit at Jamie and Mary's studio in Richmond. I was able to get them one-on-one to ask questions and look for some direction in my own operations.

A few points covered were to start selling larger prints, run specials, and start a Limited Edition line. So, you'll soon see packages and new specialty products, Limited Edition prints.

They said, and this isn't the first time I've heard this, that I have a very unique style and I should highlight that in my products. Mary said to offer the standard shoot, but from each shoot take that one "wow" shot and make it an art piece. She went on to say "offer it as a Limited Edition one time only item and print it no smaller than 16x20".

They are so right!! I do love creating that "wow" image...a very artistic and timeless piece.

So, you can expect to see this added to my product line soon.

Studio News #2

2010-03-02T07:59:00.009-05:00

In Studio News #1 it was mentioned that I'm focusing on things other than capturing the image. This includes product line, work flow, and refining my unique style.

Well, this week me and my wife's family are on vacation in Virginia. Hmmm...I've got two very successful mentors, Jamie Hayes and Mary Taylor, nearby in Richmond. What a great opportunity to go visit their studio, ask questions, and take notes.

http://www.hayesandfisk.com

I've taken a few classes or workshops under Hayes and Taylor, but I've yet to have them to myself. This is the time to iron out a few nagging issues in my photography business.

~ In other studio news ~

Here's my first web ad. As you may already know, Facebook and Myspace are great social networking vehicles. And because of the information and technology times we are in, these types of sites are a really good way to get exposure for your studio. Now remember this is my first ad:) so bear with me as I'm sure they'll improve.

2010-02-09T01:04:00.018-05:00

In last week's post I mentioned the studio in downtown Knoxville that I'm leasing with a few other photographers. Here are a few images from my studio shoots over the past couple of months. We've got several backdrops to choose from but I like the wall the best. If you put a small light on it from the side it adds detail and separation. However, where the brick wall may be right for some shots the white paper is new to me and fun also. These are called highkey shots. Then you have the black paper. This is perfect for moody/intense images. And moody/intense is for sure part of our style. Please share your thoughts.....That's the brick.
These are the black paper and the white paper:

Studio News #1

2010-02-04T21:20:00.008-05:00

It's time to cool the jets and shift gears. For the past three years I've traveled and photographed wildly in an effort to learn and hone my new craft. Just a few days ago I backed up all my files for the past three years, and I've pulled the trigger on my shutter approx 72,000 times. We've taken countless workshops, attended numerous seminars, and collaborated with other professionals on shoots. So, my goal now is to slow down and focus on everything other than capturing the image. i.e. new products, workflow, customer relations, marketing, etc....

Products & Services
Two things are happening right now:
A) laying out a product line for our customers.
B) identifying and isolating our unique style.

The Studio
I'm leasing out a studio in downtown Knoxville with a few other photographers. You can check it out at http://www.dmsphotostudio.net/index2.php

the Grand Canyon

2010-01-18T20:57:00.004-05:00

While portraiture is my main focus, I do love landscapes. I recently took a couple of landscape classes...one through UT and the other was at UNC Asheville. I was able to take these tools and apply them while hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon over Thanksgiving. Now I need to print some of these images:)

Haiti 2008

2010-01-18T20:17:00.001-05:00

Haiti is in the news with a devastating earthquake that rocked the third-world country. In May of 2008 my wife, myself, and some family took a vacation to the Dominican Republic which shares a large water locked island with Haiti. Here are some images from our trip. I talked a cab driver into driving me around for two days on a photo tour of the countryside. On day two he asked if I wanted to see Haiti. Sure I do!!

2010-01-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here he is!!
.
Charles Anthony Gray
"Charlie"
1/15/2010
7.6lbs

2010-01-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

So it's been 5 months since my last post:/
....and I need a few more days. We're having a baby!! :-)
He/She is due any day. Check back soon for an update of my photography and any newborn news we may have. I've got a lot of images and photography activity to share with you all.

2009 Seniors

2009-08-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

I really enjoy Seniors. They like the art and don't mind me fumbling around with my equipment exploring new techniques.

-here are a few I've shot so far this year-

University of Tennessee Photography Certificate

2009-08-19T10:11:00.000-04:00

Most Universities have a personal development type program for the general public and UT's outreach program offers several photography courses...taught by various professionals from the area.

Why not take these courses??

Each semester offers a different variety of courses. This semesters' is:
Digital Photography I&II
Lighting Essentials
Photoshop
Digital Videography and Production
Nature and Travel
Sports
Portrait
Fashion and Glamour
Advanced Photoshop
Lightroom
Photoshop-Slide Shows and more
Wildlife Photography

If you're interested in these courses you can find more information at www.outreach.utk.edu/ppd/photography

.

East Coast School of Photography

2009-08-08T22:18:00.000-04:00

August 2-6 in Raleigh, NC was the location for this year's workshops with the East Coast School of Photography. My instructors were Jamie Hayes and Mary Fisk. check'em out at http://www.hayesandfisk.com

There were eight classes offered this year. i.e. PhotoShop, Children, Lighting, the Business of the Art, etc.... Jamie and Mary's class covered the business of the studio, lighting, equipment uses, and a pretty in-depth look at the full operations of a successful photography business. i.e. Branding, Products, Marketing, Finances, Growth, and Creditability

I really needed this and will work hard to apply some of the tools given to us.

We went out on a few instructional shoots. One of my highlights of the week is the amount of lighting I learned. I can't wait to apply it to our own style.

Soul Gravy

2009-07-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

These guys just opened for Hank Jr and Dierks Bentley in Tupelo, MS, and we were there to cover it for them.

We were able to get a few images of Dierks....before I got kicked out. Yeap, I got kicked out of the show for taking an "unauthorized" picture of Mr. Bentley. I had a full access pass and was back near the dressing rooms when Dierks stepped out into the hallway with me. I pulled my camera up and snapped a shot. His promotion manager didn't like it. Oh well...now I know.
...stay away from the promotion managers ;)

.

** and here's the image that got me kicked out:

the Goose Creek Symphony tour

2009-07-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

"the End of the Show"

These guys have been playing since the 70's and are great.
check'em out at www.goosecreeksymphony.com

They are only touring one month out of the year and these are a few images from along the way.

I met their manager in Nashville have been sending him some
of my pics. He says he is using them in the new press kits...

.

Nature Photography Workshop - Asheville, NC

2009-05-04T23:24:00.000-04:00

I was able to attend a nature photography workshop in Asheville this past weekend.
The class was given by Richard Bernabe of South Carolina. Unbelievable nature photographer! check him out at www.richardbernabe.com

here are some of my images:

The Easy Little River

this image was about a mile hike in and was a beautiful spot. You could play here all day! I would like to print this on a 12x17 gallery wrap and see it on a wall with 10' ceilings.

Play Grounds

Hooker Falls

Over and Under

Easter in Mississippi

2009-04-28T08:46:00.000-04:00

I was able to visit my MS friends and family this past Easter.
I had a couple of shoots scheduled about that time, so I just made an extended trip of it.

Here are a few images:
___________

Columbus Pilgrimage 2009

Columbus is filled with antebellum homes from the old south. For 69 years now we've held an event that has earned the coveted reputation as one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South.
shown here are Whitehall and Waverly Mansion

_________

Early Images of 2009

2009-03-31T00:46:00.000-04:00

TPPA Spring Seminar

2009-03-31T00:24:00.000-04:00

On March 21-22 I attended Tennessee Professional Photographer's Association or TPPA's spring seminar in Chattanooga, TN. Great speakers!! I've been to several in NC and was hoping TPPA was as going to be as educational and productive. I tell ya...after attending this seminar and meeting it's active members I now know that this group will play a large roll in my photography.
The members of TPPA are very skilled and willing to share.
Some of the speakers:
Gary Meek (Master Photographer Cr., CPP, API)
Jim Divitale (Master Photographer Cr., MEI, API, F-ASP)
Jeannie Forehand (CPP, TCD)
to name a few

Professional Associations & Continuing Education

2009-03-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

Through certifications, peer recognition, print competitions, merits, and so on...a photographer can technically become a "master" of photography.
see http://www.ppa.com/education-events/meritsdegrees.php
.
Sure, I would love to "master" my craft.
Baby steps....I'll start with the Certified Professional Photographer's exam(CPP exam).
I hope to take it next spring.
For now I try to surround myself with veterans and masters in hopes of picking up as much as I can. A great way to do this is through Professional Photographers of America. Each state also has a Professional Photographer's association. I'm currently a member of North Carolina's and Tennessee's.

Silver Machine -- Asheville, NC

2009-03-30T23:32:00.000-04:00

On March 14th I helped an old friend in Asheville, NC with some photos for a band she's promoting, Silver Machine. check'em out at www.myspace.com/spacecadets11
They were very happy with the end results and I look forward to working with them again.
They've got a summer tour coming up and we talked about a collection of tour images.
I'll post any new work with these guys.