Beach Portraits: Rachel Spalding - Set 1

   While in Wilmington this summer, I had the opportunity to shoot with the talented and beautiful, Rachel Spalding. A local resident of Wrightsville Beach on the North Carolina coast, Rachel is also a graduate of UNCW and more recently a contestant on USA Network's "Summer Camp" reality show.
   Rachel's story is one that began at a dark time in her life, but it led her to the person she has become. It was inspiration from her mother and Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting (a book about natural health and healing) that eventually motivated Rachel to turn her life around. "The book talked about the power of thought, and it just made sense to me," says Rachel. "It became my mission to share this life-transforming information that I found to be so powerful with as many people as I possibly could!"
   At UNCW, Rachel earned her BS in Business Administration, specializing in Finance and minoring in Psychology and French. During college, she worked at the gym as a personal trainer. In addition to training people how to work out, Rachel also taught them how to alkalize their body and the power of thought. After college, Rachel ended up in New York City at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (the world's largest and most progressive nutrition school), where she became a certified as a Holistic Health Coach.
   Currently, Rachel is actively involved in yoga. She offers private and group classes at a Power/Flow-Style Hot Yoga Studio in Wilmington called Be Unlimited Yoga. During summer, she also teaches yoga out on the sand in Wrightsville Beach.
   Rachel also shares a love and passion for dance. Growing up, she studied ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and African dance. Most recently, dance has become a major hobby and a source of pure joy self-expression for Rachel. Her love for dance has taken her to huge musical festivals all across the country.

   If you'd like to learn more about Rachel and the things she loves (yoga, dance, nutrition and well-being), check out her website at http://www.rachelspalding.com.

Beach Portraits: Remington Jay - Set 2

   Here's the second set of photos from my shoot with surfer and fitness competitor, Remington Jay.

   You can keep up with Remington and his journey in modeling and fitness competitions by following him on Facebook (facebook.com/remington.perregaux) and Instagram (Remington_J). You can also check out more of his modeling photos by visiting PUSHmodels.com/RemingtonJay and ModelMayhem.com/RemingtonJay. 

Beach Portraits: Remington Jay - Set 1

   I did a shoot with model Remington Jay on Wrightsville Beach at sunrise. The crisp sand, the rolling waves, and the glow of the rising sun created the perfect setting for shooting with Remington, a surfer and fitness competitor. 

   Born in Boca Raton, Florida, Remington was raised in Australia until he was ten years old. He's no stranger to a surfboard or the ocean. While in Australia, surfing and the beach were a big part of his life. "Learning to surf wasn't easy," says Remington, "but it's something that you just have to keep at, because when you get that first great ride, there is no better feeling." His advice to anyone who's interested in learning to surf is to find a board that's right for your size and just go for it. "Keep at it and you won't regret it when you finally get up." 

   Currently, he calls Wilmington, North Carolina his home, while he completes his studies at UNCW, double majoring in Finance and Communication Studies. When he's not studying or working, Remington competes in bodybuilding competitions in the physique division. "Working out and dieting has become my life so I can be a fierce competitor in my work and in my competitions," he says. 

   Remington goes through two phases in the year for his dieting and training.  "For the summer, I will cut down and do my competitions, but in the winter I do a bulking diet so that I can grow as much as possible for the next year," he explains. Beginning his bulking phase now, Remington's diet includes high amounts of complex carbs, good fats, and a lot of protein. He's also working out five to six times a week and then doing cardio three times a week. 

   "My advice to anyone trying to get into shape or even just a little healthier would be to not waste another second," says Remington. "Don't start tomorrow, or Monday, or next week, start now." He has experienced the positive effects of eating right and staying active. "I would say that every single aspect of my life has improved since my levels of fitness and health improved," he says. "Not to mention, you can add about ten years to your life." 

   As far as goals, Remington won't stop until he can take home the 1st place trophy at the Golds Classic Bodybuilding Competition. In fitness, he would love to compete at the pro level. As a model, he simply wants to keep networking and pushing forward. 

   You can keep up with Remington and his journey in modeling and fitness competitions by following him on Facebook (facebook.com/remington.perregaux) and Instagram (Remington_J). You can also check out more of his modeling photos by visiting PUSHmodels.com/RemingtonJay and ModelMayhem.com/RemingtonJay. 

Senior Portraits: McKenzie - Preview

Here's a preview from my Senior Portrait shoot with Morristown-Hamblen East High School cheerleader and future super model, McKenzie McDaniel...

"Everyones Comes From Somewhere" top by Haute Hippie

Portraits: Trish Hatfield - Preview

Here's a sneak peek at the shoot I did with the gorgeous Trish Hatfield...

Boudoir Portraits: Ryan - Set 2

    Exploring the art of boudoir photography, I did a shoot with Knoxville model, Ryan Norwood at his home. Ryan grew up in Morehead, Kentucky, and later attended Morehead State University where he obtained a degree in finance. Shortly after graduation, Ryan moved to Knoxville and accepted a position as the senior auditor for Goody's Corporate Office. Eventually, he went into business with his uncle and opened the Knoxville division of Griffin Waste Services.

   Ryan has been modeling for around ten years, since his first shoot with Goody's Formal Wear back in 2003. He is currently signed with Talent Trek Agency, modeling as a part-time hobby in the Knoxville market. One of his most memorable projects was shooting a TV pilot for the Travel Channel at the Biltmore Estate. He spent several days filming and worked with the director of "30 Rock." 

   When he's not modeling or managing his business, Ryan enjoys being on the tennis court, playing with his puppies (a.k.a., "the kids"), house projects, cooking, weekend trips and time with family and friends. 

   To see more of Ryan's modeling portfolio, you can visit his Facebook page at Ryan Norwood. 

Beach Portraits: Matt

Here's the results of my photo shoot with Matt during a sunset on Wrightsville Beach. Matt did an awesome job in front of the camera, working with the sand, the sun and the waves at his first photo shoot ever. A local lifeguard, Matt was no stranger to the shores of North Carolina. He was a blast to work with, and hopefully he'll be willing to get back in front of the camera soon.