In support of the Light Factory's annual fundraiser called ''The Shoot Out'' I donated my time and photographic skills. It is an annual event where 20 of Charlotte's top photographer's are invited to take part and offer their talent in photographing the general public. The day is very organized and each photographer was assigned an assistant and a booth to set up their studio. Everything but my kitchen sink fitted into my car, and all my equipment was hauled out. As a background I opted instead of the plain colored background to use the brick walls and old doors of the old mill for a more authentic rustic feel. I was very pleased with the results and the day gave me the opportunity to experiment with different combinations of babies, families, and even dogs and cats! With sessions scheduled for every 30 minutes it was a fast paced but fun filled day.

Early mornings are never my thing, but for this special occasion I made sure I was up at 4am and ready to go. In support of the Light Factory's annual fundraiser scheduled for Saturday (called ''The Shoot Out''), I was at Spirit Square by 5am ready to be interviewed by local Charlotte celebrity, Jon Wilson of Fox News Rising. Jon and his crew - faithful Robert- were there to feed back live to the Fox News studio so I had to be one my best behavior. We had a blast chatting amongst ourselves, and Dee Grano of the Light Factory made sure we were on a sugar buzz of coffee and fresh donuts - yummy!

It was amusing to hear that Jon Wilson is in fact British, even though he has lost his ''Blighty twang'' since he moved to the USA when he was 8 years old. I enjoyed reminiscing about good old England with Jon. I was excited to share my views and talk about examples of my work on live television.

I was invited to be the exclusively featured photographer at one of Charlotte's premier jewelry stores, Beya Jewelry. Beya celebrated the launch of a new range of jewelry by award winning Scottish designer, Maeve Gilles. Maeve created the brand MaeVona and has offered her designs exclusively to Beya to market in the NC area. Local celebrity, Barbara McKay, was there to host the event (featured trying on the jewellery). Beya is the world's premier designer of couture Christian Jewelry, and their designs vary from $100 right up to $1,000,000. The day was filled with interacting with many interesting people and it was great to look at beautiful jewelry too. I could only drool at the selection and hope that my naked fingers would one day be adorned with such elegance - I can only wish!

Little Aubrey at 7 weeks old was a real jem to capture. Her cute little grin and big brown eyes made for photos that will be cherished forever by her parents. It doesn't matter how many babies I get the opportunity to photograph, each and every one has their own specialness that is such a joy to be part of.

I never knew how hip and fun the city of Charlotte (called uptown) is until I had the most enjoyable time photographing Lindsey & Michael's engagement session. What a fabulous couple! So much in love and always ready for fun, I'm looking forward to photographing their wedding on October 13th at the Charlotte City club. I had a blast! capturing their romance and story of love.