July 2012 in review

Agustina Cortina at the July THP

July has been a very busy month musically with a couple of organizations I work with in supporting live music in the Carolina's.

First was the July Tosco House Party held at the Evening Muse in NoDa was delayed a week due to the conflict with the July 4th festivities.  The delay had good results with the night featuring 31 performances!

Performers on the night were:

Wallace, Nathan Davis, Max Singleton, Annie, Brandon Burleson, Cameron & Connor, Katie Marshall, Bob Doherty, Bruce Johnson, Greg Baker, Elizabeth & Tommy, Turner Barnell, Phyllis & Holly, Julie Dean, Maya Atkins, Ellie Good, Laura Good, Laura Milani, Mason Schmitt, Rachel Van Slyke, Caroline Spence, Elliot Boswell, Justin Taylor, Allison O'Connor, Anna Burnett, Matthew Seneca, Kevin Marshall, Donald Storms, Agustina Cortina, Brandon Buckmaster, Maddie Shuler and Jake Bartholomew.

** Photos from the July Tosco House Party **

Pam Taylor Rockin'

Second was the Charlotte Music Awards Women in Rock Showcase held at Easy Eddies in Huntersville on July 14th.

This was a stellar night of music.  Everything from country-rock to blues to a southern flair were featured in the performances of  Michelle Leigh, Stellarising, Amy Broome, Brooke McBride, Pam Taylor and Monika Jaymes.  Congrats to the Pam Taylor Band on their being named the showcase winner. Pam Taylor and Monika Jaymes both rocked the house!!

** Women In Rock Showcase Photos **

Codi Lester wins the Juniors Showcase

Third event was the Charlotte Music Awards  Junior Showcase held at the Community Performance Center in Rock Hill, SC Saturday July 28th, 2012.

This is a very special event as it showcases the finest of our musical future.   This Juniors Showcase featured performances by Landon Devinney, Keri Hughes, Ethan Alexander, Cameron Lee, Codi Lester, Casey Stockton, Sevin Becker, Wallace Foutch III, Callan Loflin, McKayla Reece, Anna Cibbarelli, Carson Hill, Jorda Mattacchion/Sydia Tarnell, and the Hinson Girls.



Congratulations to the very talented Codi Lester on being named the winner of the CMA Junior Showcase - well done Codi!

** Photos from the Juniors Showcase  **

August promises to bring more opportunity with both of these organizations.  The CMA Christian Showcase in Salisbury on Friday August 3rd  and the Tosco House Party at the Evening Muse on August 7th!


More to come on the advances within Semper Iuvenis as well.


Cheers,






Monty

Semper Iuvenis update

July has been a very busy month for us here at Semper Iuvenis.  The transition from Charlotte to the rural area of Morganton in Burke County has been exciting, time consuming and adventurous.  It has taken a year, but we're finally here.

12 wooded acres in a rolling hills setting provides a lot of "back ground" opportunities.  The 1,000 square foot indoor studio space is taking shape weekly.  Brent Enman was our first client as we shot his new CD insert and other promotional materials.

We're working on the logo and associated material.  The new website has been launched and the marketing campaign is ramping up.

More to come.  In the meantime, please visit our website and discover our offerings.

Cheers,

Monty

Mountain Island Lake Dam - Cowans Ford Refuge

We've been experiencing some extraordinary weather here in the Carolinas' this winter/spring and today was simply gorgeous.  Had to get out and wanted to go see what the back side of the Dam at Mountain Island Lake looked like. 

Mountain Island Lake Dam - Catawba River

There were people fishing the banks of the Catawba although by the time I got there at almost 2PM the heat was chasing them away.  Didn't look like they'd caught any fish anyway.

After getting the shot at the Dam I decided to head over to a nearby wildlife refuge that I hadn't been to in almost 5 years.  I had never photographed the ponds at the end of the road so on this gorgeous day that became the plan.

Waterfowl refuge at the Cowans Ford wildlife refuge

The Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge is basically a tract of land that has been set aside for wildlife.  No development!  In fact no people at all.  You can't leave the road and when you get to the viewing area, that's where you stay.  No wandering about.  No trails through the woods.  Nothing.  It's supposed to actually be a Wildlife Refuge! 

Much to my surprise I found that extensive logging was underway.  I saw several logging trucks coming and going from the site.  There was a sign espousing that they were removing a non-native species that had been planted for wood harvest some time in history but it also stated that the hardwoods would be left standing.  Acres and acres of barren land stood before me.  These loggers had not left a single tree standing!  I mean none!!  Greed overcomes conservation once again. Further proof that you simply can't fix stupid!  

Needless to say, this put a damper on my day so I simply came back home and while fuming decided to do a little writing.  We'll see what happens!

To better days!  Cheers..

A day in the South Mountains

We haven't had much of a winter here in the Carolina's and Spring appears to have arrived early.  The 17th of March isn't normally an 80 degree day, but as it was I took the opportunity to do some hiking and exploring in the South Mountains State Park just a few miles down the road from Semper Iuvenis. 

Jacobs Fork River is a stocked mountain trout stream designated as Delayed Harvest fly fishing.  It's where I spend many afternoons fly-fishing when relaxing.  About a mile upstream from where I usually fish is a waterfall called High Shoals Falls.  It's a lazy stroll up a trail followed by some stairs up to a viewing platform.  Very popular in good weather so getting there early is a must to avoid a small crowd on weekends.

Boulders in Jacobs Fork

For that reason I chose to shoot High Shoals first and then stopped to take a few images of the boulders in the Jacobs Fork river.  These really big ones are up near the falls where the gorge is narrowest.  There are rocks all through the stream, but here is where the really big ones are.

High Shoals Falls

Following this I walked back to the parking lot and prepared for the real adventure of the day.  I had heard that there was a series of waterfalls up the Little River trail about two miles.  The views along the trail are wonderful and make this a great hike even if you don't want to take the risks needed to see the falls.

View of the South Mountains from the Little River Trail

The Little River falls aren't advertised by the State Park and after visiting them I now understand why.  You take serious risk scaling down an almost vertical mountain-side trying to get to them and have a long, steep climb back up when you're done.  The second and third set of falls are also not on the State Park property.  I didn't realize that until climbing back up and seeing the boundary marker on a tree.

At approximately 2 miles down the Little River trail there's a wood fence with signs warning you of dangers associated with the steep slopes.  Basically they don't want you wandering around down there but need deny-ability in the event you aren't too bright and decided to do something foolish - like I did. 

Little River Falls - 1st set

As you leave the trail there is a narrow path that leads about 100 yards along the ridge.  To your right you'll hear the waterfalls.  From here I warn you to be careful - exceedingly so.  I suggest you find a safe way down a ways and look back at the falls.  There was so much debris around the bottom of this first set of falls that after getting down to the base I couldn't get a photograph and made my way out and to a vantage point where I could use my lens to get a shot.

Little River Falls - 2nd set

Follow the water down (using the hillside) and you'll come to a second set of falls that flows through a small gorge.  This one is easier to get to.  There is a very deep pool of water at it's base.  This was a really nice little spot.  You are now several hundred feet down the side of the mountain.  Do be careful as there is a cascade of wet slippery rock just over the edge that goes down a couple of hundred feet before going over the third waterfall.  

When attempting to get down to the third set of falls I strongly suggest NOT walking down the rock wall that forms the cascade.  While it looks like an easy way down, one step on the wrong thing and you'll slide all the way down.  This avenue would require a rescue - not good.  Do a little switch-back walking down and enjoy the view.  Your tired by now and shouldn't be in a hurry.

Little River Falls - 3rd set

At the bottom there's a really nice wide waterfall that drops about 15 feet into a pool.  The river then meanders off like any other mountain stream along fairly flat land.  Remember, you are no longer on State Park land.  I never saw any posting or no-trespassing signs so please be respectful.  Leave things the way you found them after taking in the views and getting your photos.  It's a long and difficult climb back to the summit where the trail is. 

My total time for getting down the mountain to see all three of these falls and then getting back up was about 2 hours - so be sure to give yourself plenty of time as once you do get back to the summit you have a 2 mile hike back to the trail head.  You really have to be a Waterfall junkie to want to see these - or a photographer with more desire than brains like me!

In an effort to get a little more exercise, I'm going to try to shoot more Carolina Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes and Dams over the coming months so stay tuned!

Images from this trip are in the South Mountain Gallery.

Images of the Catawba River and it's Dams are in the Catawba River Gallery.

Till next time - Cheers

Transitions - Semper Iuvenis

The entrance Semper Iuvenis Studios

As I begin the transition from suburbanite to country living it strikes me just how aligned my inner clock is to the serenity found in nature.

After raising a family in the accepted norms of a subdivision and the accompanying schools, shops and social stimuli, I look forward to the privacy and isolation found in carving out a little niche all my own in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

No neighborhood covenants about running a small business out of my home, or rules about parking a trailer on my property nor the complete lack of privacy found in the neighbors being able to see right into my house whenever the blinds are opened. 

It will take several months to get the photo studio set up and ready for the selective business that it will see, but in the end it will provide the space to shoot almost anything that a client has in mind.  The first test will happen in a couple of weeks as we work on a complex shoot for an album cover for a regional artist. 

More to come as we progress..

Cheers..

Scandinavian Tour

Tallin, Estonia

When I last tootled around Europe in 2007, it was mostly in and around the Mediterranean Sea.  It reminded me of a much older and developed version of the Caribbean.  This summer I really wanted to see a different side of Europe so I decided on the countries that are accessible via the Baltic Sea.

Not knowing much about the Baltic Sea I really thought it would be like the Gulf Of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, or even the Mediterranean. Boy was I wrong.  The Baltic Sea is eerily calm - dead flat with a brown hue to it.  It almost seems dead except for the prolific jellyfish.

Around the end of June the night sky never gets dark. The midnight sunset made for beautiful images.  It was so light that stars were not visible.  Explains why the Vikings liked to stay close to shore during the summer months.

Midnight Sun

Copenhagen Denmark was my first stop.  The single most shocking thing about Copenhagen was the price of goods.  All goods.  Just about everything was at least double what one would expect to pay anywhere in the United States or where the Euro is the currency.  After getting over the sticker shock (~$3/liter for Gasoline; $5 for a cup of coffee; $12 for a burger combo at Burger King) I settled in to have a look around Copenhagen.  Lovely gardens, museums, palaces, parks, and sculptures are found throughout the city.  Massive shopping areas are found along Stroget street for those tourists wanting to spend more than they need to for goods.  The public transport system of buses and subways is top notch - but not in English.  You'll need to study the map to get the spelling right for your stops.  Christiana was a special place with a mood and a vibe that was relaxed and mellow.

Warnemunde Germany is a quaint little fishing village that has become a summer destination for beach lovers.  They have a massive white sand beach which is just blocks from the train station.  People come from as far away as Berlin via a 2.5 hour train ride to spend the day on the beach. 

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Sweden was a truly special place.  The miles and miles of Archipelago islands with their summer homes and estates made for a grand entrance into Stockholm.  Rich in history and architecture, Stockholm remained neutral during the European wars of first half of the 1900's and as a resultant their historic buildings were not decimated by bombing.  Stockholm is made up of several islands so the water and their harbor are integral to life in the city.  Very efficient public transportation along with an economy based on the Euro made this an affordable stop for the independent tourist type.  Maybe my favorite spot on this trip (in the summer).

Helsinki Finland was similar to Stockholm but with a more developed or urban feel to it.  The parks were wonderful and the people of Helsinki turn out in great numbers to enjoy a warm summer day.  The open air market was a uniquely special place.  Fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood as well as arts, crafts and prepared foods were on offer throughout.  The market is a place I would be at least once a week.

Hermitage Museum - St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Russia was an interesting city.  It is rich in history, recognizing its victories and finding humility in its defeats. I think many Russian people are hopeful that a Democratic future will bring prosperity while many also are happy to exploit the freedoms and vulnerabilities found in such a young transformation to capitalism.  Crime and corruption remain the top concerns of the average "Sasha" on the street.  You do require a Russian Visa to enter.  This is something you should get well in advance of your planned visit.  It is uncommon to meet people on the street who speak any English. Many signs around tourist attractions are also in English, but this rapidly diminishes as you get out of the heart of the city.  Organized tours are a good idea - but if your adventurous.......

Tallin Estonia was a really cool place.  Beautiful, laid back and purposeful would describe it for me.  They have preserved much of the old Architecture in what was the center of town many decades ago.  What surrounds that is a modern city with a thriving economy supporting a burgeoning lifestyle and young population.

Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus Denmark is a quaint town that was once primarily a fishing village.  Now it is a thriving shipping port and distribution point for Denmark.  They have worked hard to maintain the old-world charm despite the economic struggles the region has faced.

Oslo Norway is a much bigger city than my American paradigm had allowed for.  It's roots as a fishing and trade port city are evident but its place as a financial services and retail center is not so apparent.  Their are many affluent people enjoying a wonderful lifestyle in the harbors around Oslo.  Tourism plays a vital role for Oslo.  Again, public transportation was easy, reliable and affordable.  As in Denmark and Sweden, many people in Oslo speak English as well.


After this it was back to Copenhagen for a day of rest and preparation for heading back to North Carolina.

Link to my Europe portfolio..

Cheers,

Monty

Bonaire Diving

Well it has certainly been a while since last taking a scuba oriented vacation.  In 2008 we went to Bonaire, but unfortunately I had a cracked underwater housing and thus no photographs were possible.  That condition of course was rectified prior to this trip.

Once again Bonaire proved to be a relaxing place to be.  The weather was warm and dry with occasional clouds providing relief from the sun.  At first glance not much had changed on the island in the three years since our last visit.  But as we drove around during the week it did appear that there had been more development - more home building - especially in the northern part of town along the leeward side of the island.  The roads were in a little better shape as well.  Most noticeably is the fact that the official currency became the US dollar.  That is convenient!  Most things are still expensive - especially eating at a restaurant.

We stayed at the Den Laman condominiums and used Bonaire Dive and Adventure (BDA) as our dive operator.  The condo's are wonderful (the "Grouper" room was our home) and the staff at BDA were most helpful.  They gave very good directions to finding the frog fish and seahorses they were aware of - good enough for us to find them!!  Do be aware that if you are diving Nitrox and plan anything late afternoon or especially night dives, you'll need to set your tanks aside early in the afternoon.  Not a problem - but you will need to plan ahead just in case.

The biggest change we found on the island was actually below the surface.  The reefs in 2008 were nothing short of vibrant with lush soft corals and teaming with life.  On this trip at first glance things still looked good, but in taking a closer look the soft corals appeared to be mostly damaged.  The tube sponges were either broken or appeared to be mostly damaged.  The hard coral was still healthy but there appeared to be more sand spread around.  We only spotted one octopus, very limited lobsters, no green moray eels and limited numbers of other eel species.  We never saw a ray of any kind.  On our previous trip these under water species were all seen.  Although out of the hurricane belt, it appears that the island has seen some very strong storms in recent months that have taken a toll on the reef and its inhabitants. 

Another underwater observation was the infiltration of lionfish.  In 2008 we didn't see any, although I'm sure they were there.  This trip we saw several on every dive at every site.  Bonaire is losing the battle against the lionfish and will need to get very aggressive if they intend to get ahead of this growing problem.

Here's a link to the photos from the trip - both above and below the surface.

Cheers,

Monty

Tosco Music Party - Sept 11 2010

Georgia Middleman @ the Sept 2010 TMP

A few times a year I have the privilege of listening to and photographing a spectacular musical event here in Charlotte held at the CPCC Halton Theatre.  That event is the Tosco Music Party.  The event has a long tradition of excellence and community support exceeding 20 years.  In short it's a night of music featuring some very talented singer-songwriters and musicians who volunteer their time and talents for the charity. 

With a list of 20 performers taking the stage during each show, the genre mix is always representative of the tastes in the room.  Everything from rock to bluegrass is on tap.  The greatest thing is the level of talent - it's second to none.  The performers all have released albums - either self produced or signed with a label.  Most are Indie labels which tends to make them real and in touch with the people in the audience.

A nicer group of people you'll never meet..

Here's a link to the images I shot at the show last week - the anniversary of Sept 11th..

Cheers..

Monty