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“I believe you can't improve upon reality, there are no photographic skills or camera technologies capable of competing with what the human eye can see and the brain can imagine. What I try to do is get the most out of my equipment and technique to freeze those special moments in time that make reality so remarkable and worth remembering. I use my camera like an artist with a paintbrush and canvas to bend reality, sometimes adding to it or subtracting from it and offering different perspectives using ideas I get from my subjects and my own creativity.

Although I currently shoot with the most modern equipment, I came into the digital age kicking and screaming. My equipment and software is modern, but my technique and approach is old-school. For many years, I developed my own film and made my own prints and enlargements. My first camera was a grade school science project using a Quaker Oats box and a pinhole for a lens. My next camera was one of the old range finder cameras you now see in flea markets or sold as antiques. I graduated to German medium format manual cameras and then to Nikon SLRs. My thought process is still somewhat rooted in the film age. I feel it is important to know what you are doing, my customer’s time and each shot is precious. Modern technology will allow you to take a lot of good pictures, but the great ones require patience, knowledge and sometimes a little luck. Technology can't totally make up for a lack of skill; I don't believe in taking 100 pictures and hoping one of them comes out right. I believe in 'measure twice and cut once', trying to get it right the first time and not being overly reliant on trendy Photoshop editing to fix mistakes.

Before I picked up a camera, I was an artist; I painted portraits, still lifes and landscapes using oils and acrylics on canvas. I still consider myself an artist, I’ve simply traded in my paint brush for a camera. I see the world in pictures; I view each day as a photographic opportunity, which is why my camera is rarely more than an arm’s length away. And when I don't have my camera with me, I am mentally taking pictures of what I see throughout the day. I love the beauty found in nature, movement, the human form and I have a never ending child-like fascination with the effects of color and light.

I would like the opportunity to show you the benefits of working with an artist and true professional...someone who places the upmost value on providing a first class photography experience and doing so as affordable as possible. You are not just a customer; I want to get to know you as a person, I don’t want to just take your picture, I want to be your photographer, your family and friend's photographer and build life-long relationships."

One of my favorite quotes is, “Pursue your passion and you will never work a day in your life.”

Michael Murray

Galleries

Kishko Family Portraits : The Kishko Family of North Carolina; assisted by photographer, Catherine Glinskaya.

Kishko Family Portraits

The Kishko Family of North Carolina; assisted by photographer, Catheri ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2012 11:04am PST

Columbia Race For The Cure :

Columbia Race For The Cure

Updated: Oct 15, 2012 2:41pm PST

Dogs (Candids) :

Dogs (Candids)

Updated: Sep 30, 2012 11:33am PST

Austin : Austin is a 19 year old aspiring professional musician. These shots were taken in Brooklyn NY; one of the shots will be used as cover art for his upcoming CD.

Austin

Austin is a 19 year old aspiring professional musician. These shots we ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2012 9:14am PST

Outdoor Concerts : Music from the 2012 Charity Chase Mud Run in Davidson NC, contact Tim Apple at (tapple13@msn.com) for bookings.

Outdoor Concerts

Music from the 2012 Charity Chase Mud Run in Davidson NC, contact Tim ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2012 12:52pm PST

Charity Chase Mud Run :

Charity Chase Mud Run

Updated: Jun 25, 2012 12:14pm PST

President Barack Obama : I was a photographer at President Barack Obama's speech at the Daimler Cyrslar Plant in Belmont NC in 2012

President Barack Obama

I was a photographer at President Barack Obama's speech at the Daimler ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2012 7:55am PST

Dances of India :

Dances of India

Updated: Jun 18, 2012 4:01pm PST

2009 Charlotte Ramblin Rose Triathlon : Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon tour is presented by Endurance Magazine. Endurance Magazine produces events for women that inspire and empower families. The Ramblin’ Rose Triathlons motivate women from all backgrounds to celebrate who they are and change their lifestyles through physical fitness and healthy living. Check out http://www.endurancemag.com/ramblinrose for a list of events.

2009 Charlotte Ramblin Rose Triathlon

Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon tour is presented by Endurance Magazi ...

Updated: May 16, 2012 8:01pm PST

2009 Chapel Hill Ramblin Rose Triathlon : Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon tour is presented by Endurance Magazine. Endurance Magazine produces events for women that inspire and empower families. The Ramblin’ Rose Triathlons motivate women from all backgrounds to celebrate who they are and change their lifestyles through physical fitness and healthy living. Check out http://www.endurancemag.com/ramblinrose for a list of events.

2009 Chapel Hill Ramblin Rose Triathlon

Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon tour is presented by Endurance Magazi ...

Updated: May 16, 2012 7:58pm PST

Honey : Honey is a pharmacist and occasional model from Southern California. I met Honey at in an event in New Orleans and she agreed to participate in an impromptu photoshoot. Please note that these shoots were taken with no wardrobe changes, makeup artist or special lighting and the images have minimal editing…it certainly helps to have good raw material. I regret that I didn’t take any full body shoots, because as a dancer and fitness instructor; Honey is the complete package. We are going to do a complete photoshoot the next time I am in California and I will post a couple of those photos when they are available. Honey has done some modeling, but to the best of my knowledge she is not actively looking for bookings; however, if you are interested in working with Honey, she can be reached by contacting me. Honey is about 5’ 7”, she is physically fit and is capable of doing glamour/fashion, fitness apparel and is age appropriate to express sensuality.

Honey

Honey is a pharmacist and occasional model from Southern California. I ...

Updated: May 04, 2012 2:45pm PST

Some of my Favorites :

Some of my Favorites

Updated: May 04, 2012 2:34pm PST

Pole Dancers :

Pole Dancers

Updated: May 04, 2012 2:21pm PST

FFS Photoshoot 1 : Please note that these photos are not for sale, distribution or download except by FFS Talent Agency.

FFS Photoshoot 1

Please note that these photos are not for sale, distribution or downlo ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2012 3:28pm PST

Kinsley : I met Kinsley about 15 minutes before she was about to walk the runway in one of Charlotte’s premier fashion shows. I gave her about a 2 minute critique on walking the runway. Kinsley seemed unratled by the fact that she was minutes away from walking a runway wearing the clothing of one of the area’s top fashion designers in front of a standing room only audience and a cadre of photographers. When Kinsley approached the runway, I was simply hoping she didn’t fall. Kinsley came out in a bright yellow signature outfit; she walked the runway with the poise of a professional model and when she reached the end of the runway, she looked directly into the cameras and stuck a killer pose. Before she could make it back down runway, several photographers asked, “Who was that”. Kinsley is 5’7”, with a slim, but athletic build, she has long thick hair, smooth skin, with a few strategically placed freckles, which can be easily removed or left alone. She is available for any type of age appropriate work and can be reached through the Evolution Talent Agency. Kinsley has proved that she can do fashion, she has the build for fitness apparel and an engaging personality that would make her a good fit for promotional work as well. Kinsley is a bit of chameleon, she can quickly go from innocent southern charm to sophisticated glamor girl; Kinsley loves the camera and the camera loves her. Kinsley takes instructions very well, strikes delicate and natural looking poses. She is a hard worker and has worked for me as a paid assistant on several of my shoots, and she has one of the important qualities for a teenage model, a very supportive parent. Kinsley is one of my favorite models and I look forward to working with her again.

Kinsley

I met Kinsley about 15 minutes before she was about to walk the runway ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2012 2:14pm PST

Kasie : Kasie was a very interesting subject in that she was quite shy quite for a mid-20 year old. Kasie isn’t convinced about how beautiful she is, but the photos tell the story. Kasie is a natural beauty, there is nothing pretentious in her personality or in the way she looks. Kasie has an athletically thin body, which she maintains by being a personal trainer and competing in triathlons. Kasie has well placed freckles, which can be accentuated or easily smoothed over. Kasie’s unpretentiousness is a blessing and a curse, there is not an ounce of diva in this young lady, but she is also very raw. Because she is fit, she can model fitness and swimwear and because of her dark hair and lanky body, with a little makeup, the right training and encouragement, she could work the runway and perhaps even show off some sex appeal. As of this shoot in 2010, Kasie did not have any serious interest in modeling, but she is a game individual and probably would give the right opportunity a try. Kasie ranks very high in the likeability category and in my opinion could be a working model if she ever decided to apply herself. Kasie is not under contract; inquiries can be passed along through this website.

Kasie

Kasie was a very interesting subject in that she was quite shy quite f ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2012 2:10pm PST

Flowers :

Flowers

Updated: Jan 27, 2012 10:56am PST

Action Sports :

Action Sports

Updated: Dec 24, 2011 10:12am PST

Miss South Carolina Pole Dance Championship :

Miss South Carolina Pole Dance Championship

Updated: Dec 23, 2011 5:52am PST

Miss Georgia Pole Dance Championship :

Miss Georgia Pole Dance Championship

Updated: Dec 23, 2011 3:08am PST

Miss North Carolina Pole Dance Championship :

Miss North Carolina Pole Dance Championship

Updated: Dec 22, 2011 2:08pm PST

Heather : Heather is a North Carolina based teenage model under contract with the Evolution Talent Agency. Heather is also an accomplished athlete and for 2 years she has participated in the Image Magic Annual Open Photo Shoot. Heather is 5' 7", very slim, but athletically built with flawless skin; her eyes are brownish, but turn aqua blue in natural light. Heather takes instructions very well, but not a lot is needed because her posing skills belie her age. She is as comfortable in swimwear as she is in formal wear. Heather has done Runway, TV and Magazine work. Besides being blessed with the right look, she has the other important qualities in that she loves to model and has very supportive parents. Because of her mature demeanor, with the right styling, Heather can easily age-up to glamor makeup and hairstyles. Heather has taken so many great photos for me that the difficult part was choosing just a few to display. Heather is available for any type of age appropriate work and can be reached through the Evolution Talent Agency.

Heather

Heather is a North Carolina based teenage model under contract with th ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2011 7:03pm PST

Paige : As any photographer will tell you, with young models, in time, you never know which way they are going to go. Some get better with age and some aren’t so lucky. Teenage female models that get the most work, to be honest are rather mature looking. Once you turn about 15, the industry does not make much of a distinction between a teenager and an adult. Unfortunately some of those young girls that get in early, are out by their early 20s…a cruel reality. Paige is beautiful at 17 and has only scratched the surface; she has the delicate facial features and lankiness who’d expect in a 13 year old. At 5’7” and probably less than 100 pounds, Paige is most likely still growing and as she starts to grow into her face and body, I expect her to become even more spectacular. Paige is very quit, soft spoken and has an unassuming demeanor, but don’t let that fool you; Paige is model material. Paige was voted “Best Newcomer” at 2011 Charlotte's 25 Most Stylish Fashion Show, where she beat out a lot of North Carolina’s top young models. Paige also has that really important quality every teenage model needs and that is a supportive parent, she definitely has that in her Mom Leah. Pardon the number of pictures I posted, I generally only post a dozen or so samples on my website, but Paige took so many great picture that I had a hard time choosing. Paige is available for any type of age appropriate work and can be reached through the Evolution Talent Agency.

Paige

As any photographer will tell you, with young models, in time, you nev ...

Updated: Dec 08, 2011 3:03pm PST

Amanda & Pete : I was so captivated by this young couple’s story, that I would have shot this wedding at any cost. This young couple had only spent a couple of months together during their entire 2 year engagement because the groom had been deployed to the Middle East almost the entire time. This young Marine and bride endured 4 deployments in a row. I think we often take for granted the sacrifice our servicemen and women make on our behalf. It was cold and windy that day on the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but the wedding party was determined to get good pictures for bride and groom and never once complained. All weddings are special, but some are extra special…Semper fidelis.

Amanda & Pete

I was so captivated by this young couple’s story, that I would have sh ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2011 5:08pm PST

Marlene : Let me start by saying Marlene is not a model and to the best of my knowledge has real no interest in modeling. She is quite content being a mother, wife and corporate professional. However, in the fall of 2011, I met with a magazine executive looking for freelance work. While flipping through my laptop for the photos I wanted to present, he noticed the photo of Marlene and inquired about her for an upcoming fabulous and forty issue they were doing. The photos of Marlene just happened to be in the folder with some other pictures and that’s the only one they expressed an interest in. And, btw, they were surprised to know Marlene is several years beyond 40. Marlene has 2 adult children, one of which is 28 and she’s not afraid to admit she’s only a tick mark from 50. Please note that most of the pictures of Marlene are slightly above snapshots, no special lighting, clothing, minimal make up and editing.

Marlene

Let me start by saying Marlene is not a model and to the best of my kn ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2011 5:01pm PST

Fiona : This is Fiona at age 19 in 2010. This was Fiona's first professional photo shoot and as to be expected, she was very raw, but her eagerness more than made up for her lack of experience. Fiona has a pleasant personality and was very easy to work with. Most important, Fiona had a mother who provides her with great support. Fiona has an exotic and interesting look, with exceptional eyes and skin tone. Fiona is from the Charlotte North Carolina area; she is currently in college, where she is also pursuing music among other activities. Because of her relatively short stature, Fiona is probably best suited for face and promotional work. At the time of this shooting, Fiona was not under contract; inquiries can be passed along to her through this website.

Fiona

This is Fiona at age 19 in 2010. This was Fiona's first professional p ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2011 11:22am PST

Mike and Marlene : This was vow renewal ceremony shot in the Grand Cayman Islands; unfortunately some of the best shots had onlookers in the background.

Mike and Marlene

This was vow renewal ceremony shot in the Grand Cayman Islands; unfort ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2011 11:51am PST

Clayton and Thersa : I liike the bold step this couple took in deciding to integrate their farming culture.

Clayton and Thersa

I liike the bold step this couple took in deciding to integrate their ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2011 11:42am PST

Matt and Shanna : The last wedding I shot using a film camera (Hasselblad 500c); I would say these images are every bit as good as the best shots I’ve taken in digital. I shot a complete roll of black & white film using a very soft gel (filter) and I took a lot of shots that were off-centered and slightly angled diagonally. This is something I enjoy doing, but you never know for sure if the couple is going to like it or as I say, get it. - I was lucky…they got it. I enjoy the convenience and immediacy of digital photography, but my Hasselblad film shots stand the test of times even after being resized and digitized.

Matt and Shanna

The last wedding I shot using a film camera (Hasselblad 500c); I would ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2011 11:36am PST

David and Lisa : I was only a participant in David and Lisa's wedding; I was not the official photographer, but being that I had my camera with me, I couldn't resist snapping a few shots.

David and Lisa

I was only a participant in David and Lisa's wedding; I was not the of ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2011 11:41am PST

Wilsons : This wedding was shot in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania using one Nikon’s first digital cameras, the D100 using a 50mm 1.4 and an 80-200mm 2.8 lenses. Photographically, this is perhaps the best wedding I ever shot. God shined on me this day, literally; nothing compares to a bright slightly overcast day, against the clear air of a mountaintop. This couple could have afforded any photographer they wanted; I will be forever thankful to the bride’s mom for taking a chance on a photographer who didn’t even have a website or business cards. The bride’s mom just happened to be a former photographer and her statement to me was, “I am not looking for a picture taker, I am looking for an artist who can be a participant in capturing the essence of my daughter’s wedding. This was not only the best paying weddings I ever shot, but the couple also allowed me to sell the images as stock photos. Btw, the Nikon D100 is a 6MP camera; to photographers out there…it’s not all about the megapixels.

Wilsons

This wedding was shot in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania using on ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2011 11:28am PST

Roulhacs : Mr. Roulhac is a one of my wife's co-workers and friends, which meant not getting it right wasn't an option.

Roulhacs

Mr. Roulhac is a one of my wife's co-workers and friends, which meant ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2011 11:26am PST

Bartrams : It always helps to have a beautiful bride, a beautiful venue, bright red gowns, great weather, a cooperative wedding party... everything was working in my favor that day.

Bartrams

It always helps to have a beautiful bride, a beautiful venue, bright r ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2011 12:00am PST


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