Merry Christmas

    It’s been an exciting year for me- one which is almost over- marked by a date on a calendar. But in truth, my future does not end on that “date” to become “renewed”- my future is already in motion to carry me through and on to the next facet of my existence. I mention this not because it should be important to anyone else; but because it is an affrimation of belief and hope for me. 
    I think that’s the key for all our futures – Hope and the belief that  we aren’t striving to just make it to a certain “date” on anyones calendar- but that we are reaching to become who we are meant to be as a person and as a society- to evolve past the boundries of a moment in time, and to embrace our place in existence as we reach out and help those next to us do the same.

   It is in accordance with this belief and measure of faith that I feel the Christmas Spirit as I wish you strength and courage in the upcoming year- and to find your own path that brings you joy and happiness-

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanksgiving

This is Ed. Ed used to own the Union 76 Gas station in Welch WV…well….technically, he still does- but it’s more of a service center now- the pumps having been replaced by flowers and such. If you look at the mural behind Ed, to the right, there’s a man in Blue leaning- That’s Ed painted  in the mural by the reknowned artist Tom Accosta. I had to photograph him with this backdrop- and that’s also why I painted him as I did.

I met Ed while I was shooting down in the southern coal fields of WV. I was with my life long friend Todd and his son Stephen while we were looking for stories and photos for “the magazine” (Wonderful West Virginia Magazine)

Ed glanced out his window at this crazy guy out in the middle of traffic shooting buildings and old signs-thinking he must be “touched in the head”- called him over to ask what he thought he was doing ( yep, that would be me-LOL)

After explaining that I loved visiting towns and geting to know the history about things, how they used to be- what happened here and there- I found a remarkable person who had seen just about all of it. Ed had been there as the business had boomed, coal was king and paychecks were plentiful- people working and the typical american dream was alive and well here in Welch.
Fast forward today: Things are slower now- the “boom” long over. But the history remains along the streets and bubildings of towns like this all over the state.

I was fortunate enough to take the time to hear the oral stories of the place Ed had to share that day.  We talked about automotive news, the state of things, and how times have changed, But what I got out of the conversation was much more than all that- I got a measure of  someone who was sincere , softspoken and had relevence as well importance in a community he served- a dignity that trancends the current situation.

So..what’s all this got to do with a post about Thanksgiving you might ask?
Well……all this got me to thinking that I’m thankful for having the career I do in photography that lets me meet people like Ed- in this state or any other. I’m thankful that I get to share my photography and get to bring other peoples photography into the public eye as well.

I’m thankful that I sent a print of Ed to him- because he sent me a handwritten note back with gratitude that I cared enough to take time show an interest, wishes for doing well- and to come back and visit anytime.

I’m grateful for family and friends- and I’m also grateful that because of the camera I wear and how I use it when I do, that I have family and friends no matter where I roam.

That’s what I’m thankful for……

Blessings to you all and have a happy  thanksgiving together!

Reality Check

Once we begin the journey; we become the path-CES

     Ok- I’m going to do my best not to make this into some kind of rant, to nicely share my opinion but I’m not going to “sugar coat” what I’m about to say either.
If you are offended by people who have an opinion- you should probably go on back to whatever else you were looking at before you came here….:-)  If you want to see what I have to talk about….more after the break

2012 Charleston Collection Calendars are on the way!!!

The 2012 Charleston Collection Calendar by Clayton Spangler is coming back to the Art Emporium! This is the Fourth in a series of the Collectible Charleston Collection Limited Edition Calendars of Digitally created art depicting downtown Charleston WV. by the artist.

These are scheduled to arrive at Art Emporium this weekend and will be for sale at $24.99 each!

Get yours when they come in- because supply is limited!

***update***
The Calendars have been delivered to the Art Emporium- They already have had people calling and have pre-orders to fill!!!

2011 Cass Fall Photography Weekend

    I had the privledge of leading my 2011 Fall Photography workshop this past weekend at Cass Scenic Railroad State park.
    I always enjoy sharing my love of photography with others- to share the experience of a special place to me with them; was icing on the cake!

    There aren’t many places like Cass anymore- it was built originally as a disposable town, to serve as a temporary camp for workers and to be discarded once the logging in the mountains of Pocahontas County WV. was through. The fact that we have been able to preserve not only the wooden company houses – but the actual logging railroad- is a phenomenal achievement in itself!

    One of the highlights durning my workshops is the night photography session with a sleeping Shay Steam engine- We set up lights,  catch the dusk color and create a portrait of these very large Shay Steam Engines!  The only way to get this kind of access – other than coming to one of my workshops- is to actually work there- this is a rare priveledge to photograph near the trainyard at night!

Cass Photography Workshop Schedule

It’s almost time for my photo workshop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park  ( September  16,17,18) and I know some of you have been wondering what we’ll be covering for those Three days!
There’s a lot of stuff to do and cover- but I promise ; we’ll make sure it’s a great fun time while you learn!

Here’s what we’ll be doing….

 Cass Scenic Railroad Photography Workshop
With
Clayton Spangler

2011 Friday, September 16th, 2011 

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Cass Showcase / With Gerri Bartels- Cass Scenic Railroad Tourism Department

Large metal building located at the top of the stairs behind the Cass Depot.

Cass Showcase will be open to photograph, Gerri will present a brief history of Cass

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Cass Community Center: Large church like building on Front Street.

Meet your instructor. Introductions and review the weekend’s agenda, Visual Language – How to guide a viewer’s eyes when telling your “Photographic Story.”

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Saturday, September 17th, 2011

8:00 am – 9:30 am Walking Tour of Cass 

9:30 am – 10:00 am Last Run Restaurant (break) 

10:30 am – 11:00 am Cass Depot for arrival and Departure of the 11am Train 

11:00 am- 12:30 pm Train to Whittaker 

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch 

1:45 pm – 4:30 pm Photographing the Sawmill Ruins 

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner on your own. 

6:15 pm – 8:00 pm Cass Community Center -Working with Images, realizing their potential.

8:30 pm – 10:00 pm Night Photography Session

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Sunday, September 18th, 2011 

8:00 am – 9:30 am The Greenbrier River adjacent to the parking lot.-Outdoor session: Gear Choices and “what’s in the bag”

9:30 am – 10:00 Break at the Last Run Restaurant 

10:00 am – 12 Noon Cass Community Center -Photography work flow. Capture to Print. Wrap Up

My Fall 2011 Photo Workshop at Cass is NOW OPEN FOR RESERVATIONS

My 2011 Fall Photography workshop at  the Cass Scenic Railroad is NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION-September 16,17,18, 2011

( There are only 25 spots each  available for my Photography workshops at the Cass Scenic Railroad )
   We’ve scheduled the workshop to take advantage of awsome Fall color in the peak of the season, as well as being up close and personal to fire breathing – steam belching locomotives!
   Come and learn the history behind the logging town of Cass WV- and find your own “visual voice” as I instruct you in how to “see” thruogh your camera and become a better photographer!

   If you think this might be something you’re interested in, Reservations are being handled by Cass Scenic Railroad- reservations are already being made and seats are selling out quick!

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
P.O. Box 107
Cass, WV 24927
(304) 456-4300
1-800-CALL WVA
E-mail: cassrailroad@wvdnr.gov

I’m hosting the “Scott Kelby’s 2011 Worldwide Photowalk” in Charleston WV

 

Hey gang!
The “2011 Scott Kelby  Worldwide Photowalk ” is now officially open for registration- I’ll be leading the walk in Charleston WV!

It’s FREE and limited to the first 50 people to sign up here 

Saturday, October 1st (08:45am – 11:00am)
Location: We’ll meet on the steps at Haddad River Front Park
600 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV
After the walk, meet at: We’ll meet at the Art Emporium on Quarrier and Hale Streets.

We’ll meet on the steps of the Haddad River Front park, then proceed to some of the more classic downtwon historic streets and buildings! winding our way around til we end up at the Art Emporium for the finish!
Don’t forget- this is a SOCIAL photo event- and the whole idea is to have FUN and SHARE what we see with each other; so plan on making friends and although you don’t have to Stick together as a group once we get started- let’s make sure we have a “buddy” system and play it safe! It’s easy to get “tunnel vision” once you start shooting- so we need each other to watch each other’s back in downtown traffic and populated areas…

Milestone

 

Milestone:
definition 1. (Engineering / Civil Engineering) a stone pillar that shows the distance in miles to or from a place
2. a significant event in life, history, etc.

    I’ve been striving to be better at my craft since the day I started- I don’t want to ever settle for “good enough” when I know I can do better.  Having an “eye” for photography is great ( Ask anybody with a new camera)- having the knowledge to consistantly create imagery I’m proud of is better.
    I’ve dedicated more than half my life to learning, experimenting and gaining technical skills that allow me to “make” a photograph rather than to just “take” a photograph.
    Today I got recognized for it by my peers.

    I started on my “Certified Professional Photographer” certification process this past Spring- although I’ve thought about it for years- with a written test that challenged my knowledge of technical aspects of photography, experience, and practical equipment and lens choices.

I passed the written exam, but it was only step One of  the Two required to be a CPP.

     The second is a submission of your current work showing expertise in lighting and posing- you can’t fake that- you either know this stuff, or you don’t . Your work will be judged by a panel of experts in photography- and the outcome is either “pass” or “Fail”.  ( Like I said, you either know it or you don’t…)

Was I confident?  Not 100%- I don’t know of ANY photographer who thinks they “know it all”- at least not any professionals worth a darn….
   So I couldn’t be complacent-It’s not a “given”  just because I’ve shot images for over 27 yrs, I would pass- I actually went back to the books and studied to make sure I was “up to date” on things!

    The bottom line is I took a very difficult path to PROVE I knew what I know- to myself and to my clients – who make all this possible- I took my exam and had samples of my work judged by my peers; as of yesterday afternoon-I am now recognized as a  Certified Professional Photographer !
- ummmmm….yep, I passed- flying colors- all that stuff !!!  -

2011 Cass Photography Workshop

Steam Locomotive at a Night Session during Claytons Workshop at Cass

Hey gang!
The first date for my  2011 Photography workshops at  the Cass Scenic Railroad is NOW OPEN-June 10-12, 2011

( There are only 25 spots each  available for my Photography workshops at the Cass Scenic Railroad )

If you think this might be something you’re interested in, Reservations are being handled by Cass Scenic Railroad- reservations are already being made and seats are selling out quick!

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
P.O. Box 107
Cass, WV 24927
(304) 456-4300
1-800-CALL WVA
E-mail: cassrailroad@wvdnr.gov