Welcome to n2images Photography
Through these words and pictures, we hope to share our love for and experiences in photography.
neal & nita
Lost in North Carolina
Nita and I had a change of plans for the week and agreed that we wanted - needed - some time together. We thought about it and decided to return to Maggie Valley North Carolina. The last and only previous time, we attended a motorcycle ride around the Blue Ridge Parkway with about 50 close friends- Nita in her Bug and me on Bruenhilde, the big powerful cruiser; we were familiar with the area.
We departed on a Sunday morning knowing MV would be our home base but no agenda past that - so we were off, just we two in search for something new. After only 5 hours and we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the Smokey Mountains. Even in the off season - it is beautiful.
These small town tourista villages are littered with t-shirt, souvenir and artsy fartsy craft shops - Nita is in heaven with the crafts. I decided on this trip to be the patient husband so she could see all she wanted. I would from time-to-time find interest as well.
No Rush. If I had enough t-shirts, indian moccasins and Christmas ornaments for the time being, I would simply wait outside and see what I could see:
more views of a barn
For our followers, you know we like to shoot pretty girls in pretty dresses. And low and behold, I actually found a couple of pretties that posed quite well don't you think.
Maggie Valley is basically a main drag with shops, restaurants, and more shops. As we made a couple of passes I kept noticing this "junk yard" but it really was not an ordinary junk yard. Packed in tighter than a dozen sardines in a small tin were these relic Classic Cars and other antiques and collectibles not the worse for wear. We decided to stop and explore. We noticed a few fellows engaged in a friendly conversation near what looked like the front gate. We approached and I asked if we could take a few pics. Steve, the owner invited us in for a tour of Steve's Antique Motorcycles and Cars. Steve is a collector and in his facility there must have been hundreds and hundreds of classic cars in various stages of retirement. And if there was one, there were thousands of motorcycles - in this building. Up on the hill across the road, he had more in a chicken coop 150 yards long - full of motorcycles - too many to count, but Steve knew exactly. In fact, Mike and Frank of American Pickers paid a visit to Steve back in 2010. Steve did not say what they "picked". Probably nothing, because Steve is a collector, not a seller.
Steve shared the details and history of many of the pieces - Jags, Rolls', Harleys, and Hondas and even Barbara (Big Valley) Stanwick's Bentley, with the title still in the glove compartment.
As interesting as Maggie is - there is only so much one can do, especially in the low season. So off to Asheville we go, the home of the Biltmore Estate, purportedly the largest home in America. We got as far as the main gate and decided to turn around and have a coffee. Yep, spontaneous with no particular place to go. We find the Artsy District, park and head off on foot. On the way, I spy an very interesting Christmas Ornament, so we stop to explore, and meet Charlie Brown, the cat:
Charlie invites us in and roars a silent roar. Truly - not a peep.
After a few pets and a little coaxing Charlie agreed to a more formal portrait. I do believe Charlie may be a Jellicle Cat.
And speaking of Cats - These cats CAN play. Their funk sound lured us in and I could have listened and listened.
Miles? not quite, but cool man, cool.
Sax man can play the funk. Drives the rhythm and anchors the bottom with his Alto.
Jazz band, like a dinner bell, shepherded us to entrance of a fantastic bistro. Tummies growling so we treated ourselves to an unexpectedly great meal.
With no particular place to go - We did find many new and fun places in particular.
Oh - my bride. Happy Birthday to Nita !!
Thanks for checking out our blog, Please Subscribe if you like our stuff..
Neal & Nita - n2images
|\|\|
Eva is ONE
First Birthdays are milestones, full of memories and family traditions. When Nita and I were invited to photograph Eva's birthday celebration, we were ecstatic with the opportunity, and it gave mom and dad - Lacey and Bryan - the opportunity to enjoy the festivities, and let us capture the fun.
~
- Wonderful decorations all in their places for the arriving guests -
~ Evie makes a haul ~
~ Happy 1st - with a Flamingo theme ~
Eva on her Birthday Throne ...
~ always willing to share ~
~~ En garde ~~
Selfie with the pretty mommy -- but wait.. which camera ??
The apple of Grand's eye
"here I come to save the day"
~ Head and shoulders above the crowd ~
~ Preparations - every birthday girl needs a bonnet ~
~ Birthday girl addresses her fans ~
~ The entourage - girls will be girls ~
~ the fam ~
~ outside we go for some fun in the sun ~
~ Big sis slipping and sliding ~
~ ta da ~ Eva will be asking for the keys to the car before you know it ~
We love family and so much enjoy capturing moments like these to last a lifetime
thanks for looking
|\|\|
Samantha
Earlier this year I had the chance to photograph Samantha quite by chance.. It was during one of the big pageants here in town and all the pretty girls were made up and in their very pretty dresses. Samantha was one of the talents who played guitar and sang through one of the intermissions while the pageant girls were changing outfits.. I did not know her but was compelled to asked her if she would like me to take a few of her; she gladly accepted. So in between pageants, Samantha and I took a few photos that I shared on her Facebook.. Over the months we chatted and arranged a Saturday morning to photograph her. She is such a natural beauty, sweet and articulate. She and her mom joined Nita and me downtown and we had a great time. We started in our town's outdoor market...
We moved on from the park and found this construction area that had perfect backdrop.
I usually refrain from showing shots from the LCD viewer to the model during a session, but Samantha was so excited, I did in this case. She liked what she saw..
and as a result, Samantha grew in confidence with the camera
Rock Star ..
Saturday mornings, the streets in Dublin GA are fairly deserted. As we exited to the street, I noticed a door that had a very vibrant color. Samantha commented: "It matches" ! Sometimes things just work.
And now for something completely different..
We just had to make use of this odd pile of "stuff" around the corner. Samantha was game. We thought it would be an interesting contrast in styles. Well, that is probably an understatement..
Country girl
Nita and had a fun time with Samantha for this photo shoot- a joy to work with-
Thanks for looking.
|\|\|
Megan + Paul
Nita and I were over the top excited when got the news that Megan and Paul were getting married. Even more so when we received the call that she wanted us to capture their engagement session. We had photographed Megan a couple of times before in her high school days but engagement photographs are a much bigger deal. It marks a major milestone in a couple's life as they prepare for a lifetime together. We felt a connection with Megan and Paul as we spent the whole day together and loved that we got the chance to get to know them better. We found some fun spots that showed their individual personalities, yet a oneness. Their love for each other showed brightly. Megan and Paul are an amazing couple; we are honored and privileged to document this wonderful chapter of their lives together.
Timeless
We love their simple, yet beautiful commitment to one another.
Megan is a lover of horses, avid equestrian and trainer. What better way to end the day than at the farm.
Here's to Megan and Paul. We love you all from n2, Neal and Nita
Thanks for looking
|\|\|
Photobooth FUN !!
Remember those old classic photo booths. Sometimes you find them in malls or tourista attractions. The booth is set up in a tightly crowed box similar to a telephone booth with a curtain, with a small bench inside, and a curtain so you get as crazy as you want without concern. Today's photo booth are fun attractions and gathering points at many events and receptions. Once the invitees have some food, drink and maybe a dance, the photo booth becomes a lightening rod of activity. Here we have quite a range of folks who want to have some unabashed fun. It does not matter if you are a doctor, teacher, engineer, retired, or a student - put someone in front of a camera and a few props for inspiration and fun just happens.
