Carolyn de Berry Photography. A Tiny Blog with Big Pictures.

Vacationland

2011-10-31T15:26:00.039-04:00

Photography Was Spoken Here

2011-10-04T11:37:00.001-04:00

Sad times for camera stores everywhere. September, 2011. Portland, Maine.

From Cooler Days

2011-06-02T12:55:00.000-04:00

Sometimes nature just shows off and all we can do is snap away.

Bring on Summer!

2011-05-31T14:47:00.000-04:00

Stone Mountain State Park in beautiful Roaring Gap, NC is a heavenly place. Kids and families flocked there last weekend to splash in the falls, hike the trails, and generally kick off that lovely season called summer.

New Portraits

2011-05-27T12:58:00.027-04:00

Fun is Good

2011-05-27T12:23:00.002-04:00

All of these photos except one are from recent jobs. I couldn't feel luckier to be in a profession where capturing joy and wacky moments is often necessary. There's enough terrible stuff in the world to think about, and it is captured beautifully by many, many amazing and courageous photographers who do something I never could. Call me wimpy, but I'll stick with stuff that makes me smile as long as I can get it. A few more photos from these shoots can be seen here.

Miami, Monkeywhale Style!

2011-05-02T19:36:00.017-04:00

In March, my Monkeywhale partners and I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Miami International Film Festival and viewing our city winning 2010 48 Hour Film on the big screen. There was lots to learn and see and smell and taste and of course photo ops a' plenty. Good times, great weather and movie inspiration everywhere! More on all of these things here.

Next Up: Miami, Baby!

2011-04-05T13:24:00.000-04:00

My Monkeywhale partners and I took a fun and fabulous trip to Miami last month to see our 2010 48 Hour Film on the big screen with other city winners from around the world at the Miami Film Festival. More photos from the weekend coming up very soon!

Quinner

2011-03-30T18:10:00.003-04:00

In December, Sam Quinn and Japan Ten played a show in Greensboro and then did a wonderful, spirited holiday style Harvey's Kitchen session at our house. I've just come across these photos today of Sam and his 110 year old Forest Spitting Cobra and they made me laugh on a rather dreary March day. This man and his music have brought us great joy. If you've never listened to the Everybodyfields or heard his newest solo album then I suggest you haven't really lived. Click away and hear the beauty.

Snow, Glorious Snow

2011-03-16T13:01:00.003-04:00

As we bid adieu to winter and welcome in longer days and shorter hemlines, I wanted to share a few photos from this amazing record-breaking winter we've just been through. "Winter weather events" are close to my heart and I'm always excited when snow is in our forecast here in NC. Unfortunately for my home state of CT (represented in every photo here except for the last one) this year brought way more than their fair share. In the few days I visited at the end of January, roofs were collapsing, a snow plow hit a gas line which caused a terrible house fire, "Meals on Wheels" and other important city services were shut down, and even trying to get out of one's driveway could be hazardous. That said, my New England people are a hearty bunch and look out for their neighbors, so somehow they always muddle through.
The last photo was taken the morning after Christmas Day, here in Greensboro, where we had a beautiful white Christmas and several snowstorms, the likes of which were so mild and gentle in comparison, we dare not mention them to our friends in the North.

Fool Me Once...

2011-03-04T13:12:00.003-05:00

March is upon us. Flowers are blooming in the backyard, sunshine is slanting across the front porch and some of us would much rather be outside than in front of our computers. Nonetheless, I'm bringing back winter for a just a tiny bit. I've got a whole bunch of cold, snowy pictures to share and this warm weather won't stop me from posting! Here's a preview of what's coming up next. This was actually taken in March 2009 so don't put away those sensible shoes just yet.

What People Do

2010-12-16T11:49:00.007-05:00

A Lovely Fall

2010-12-14T20:45:00.006-05:00

Leaves

by Elsie N. Brady

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

Lazy Days of Summer

2010-08-10T11:45:00.000-04:00

Ahhh summer. You force everyone to slow down a bit and enjoy themselves. For that, I love you. Badminton and cook-outs are required at our house, especially after hours and hours in front of computers. New England trips to see the family are of the utmost importance. Hanging with friends is never better. Happy summer everyone! May you all enjoy some lazy days and nights.

Animali

2010-08-08T15:19:00.007-04:00

Asheville Stuff

2010-08-07T17:51:00.007-04:00

Asheville is just too much fun. There's no getting around it. Everywhere you look there's beautiful scenery, creative people, great beer, and wonderful music. And might I mention the weather? Love it, love it, love it. Thank you to our Asheville peeps for always showing us such a good time.

The Old "Alligator or Driftwood?" Debate

2010-08-06T11:40:00.004-04:00

Deep concern was expressed by a passenger in that kayak. You never know what could be lurking in Lake Brandt.

Say "Cheese"

2010-08-05T22:33:00.009-04:00

Portraits, baby, portraits! Some commissioned, some forced upon friends. All fun, all educational, all a reminder that being able to document a moment in someone's life is an honor. Thank you Heather Moore, Kristen Leigh, and the Martha Bassett Band for trusting me to do you right. More from these shoots on flickr.

Musicians Do It Better

2010-08-02T17:51:00.005-04:00

Here are highlights from some of my favorite shows from the last few months. Every one of these artists is a class act and they have brought us hours of joy and inspiration.

Top to bottom:
House of Fools
Pearl and the Beard
Sam Quinn and Japan Ten
Amelia's Mechanics
Stephaniesid
Jill Andrews
Alcazar Hotel
Holy Ghost Tent Revival

All of these bands have been kind enough to grace our Kitchen for a short video session. Check them out and fall in love. More photos on flickr.

NYC By Day, April 2010

2010-06-01T15:03:00.011-04:00

Easter weekend in New York was a sight to behold. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and everywhere you turned there were flowers blooming. Shop windows were bursting with Easter goodies and spring colors and even New Yorkers seemed to be taking a few deep breaths and enjoying some much needed sunshine. Many more photos from this trip are here.

NYC By Night, April 2010

2010-06-01T10:22:00.012-04:00

We spent an amazing few days in New York City this April. Of course we did lots and lots of walking and picture taking and eating, as well as a visit to the theatre, the Guggenheim, and the International Center of Photography where a very strange Tichy show was on display. One afternoon we headed out to Brooklyn to see our new friend, the amazing sculptor Leonardo Drew at work in his studio, and also had an adventurous tour around a cemetery in which rests the soul of Houdini. Later that night we caught up with my dear friend Cedric who led us to some lovely hipster bars in Brooklyn which might explain my not so brilliant night shots of the Brooklyn Bridge from the cab ride home. It was a very wonderful few days. Daytime shots coming up next.

Spring!

2010-04-20T21:58:00.006-04:00

Games of Flowers

2010-04-20T21:17:00.005-04:00

"... In all places, then, and in all seasons,
Flowers expand their light and soul-like wings,
Teaching us, by most persuasive reasons,
How akin they are to human things."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Night Time Is The Right Time

2010-04-08T11:31:00.006-04:00

Roaming around the neighborhood, snapping away at bars, plastering myself against a wall at house parties, documenting backyard adventures... these things bring me great joy. Sometimes a tripod would have been helpful or a couple less beers, but maybe it's all about ideas for the future. Following your instincts. Visiting and revisiting. Stuff like that.

And Then...

2010-03-22T18:53:00.009-04:00

First There Was Winter

2010-03-22T18:21:00.007-04:00

Sand and Sky (and Bakery): January Beach Trip, Part 2

2010-02-24T21:34:00.005-05:00

Reptiles and Reenactors: January Beach Trip, Part 1

2010-02-13T19:39:00.007-05:00

January was full of surprises. The fact that I set foot in the Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington, NC is one of them. Please forgive the snake photo, but it's a big breakthrough kind of moment for me. (Not a fan of snakes. Not at all.) A much more lovely surprise was when the little boy in the above photos tipped his hat to me at the end of the Fort Fisher Civil War Reenactment. 2010 seems like it's off to a good start. Scenic beach photos coming up next.

A New Year

2010-01-20T16:39:00.005-05:00

We very gently rolled into 2010 in Texas while visiting family. Sparklers, champagne, board games and belated Christmas present exchanges got us in the spirit. New Year's Day was sparkly and bright; a good day for contemplation and plans, talk of projects and where the year might take us.

New England, December

2009-12-23T15:46:00.008-05:00

December in Connecticut is anything but predictable. Although my childhood memories are chock full of windshield scraping, driveway shoveling and frozen hair at the bus stop, it is important to note that sometimes the sun comes out. Cold, yes, but often there is beautiful intense light that's gone in a flash. I got to visit my Mom last week to get in the winter spirit. It's good to go home.

North Carolina, December

2009-12-23T15:36:00.013-05:00

The holiday season whizzes past, but once in a while here the skies open up and snow quietly falls to the ground forcing us to slow things way down for a day or, if we're really lucky, two. I can't remember snow before Christmas in all the years I've lived here. Happy holidays everybody.

Find Joy Wherever You Can

2009-12-02T12:22:00.014-05:00

Quiet Stuff

2009-12-01T16:16:00.019-05:00

Walkabout

2009-12-01T15:13:00.007-05:00

Oh November days in North Carolina... Just walking around the neighborhood brings out many a pretty sight. As well as handsome young men who wait around quietly to have their photos taken. The knife, I believe, was leftover from Halloween. At least I think it was.

The Many Faces of CKB 2.5

2009-11-18T15:52:00.006-05:00

Cedric K. Blue II : artist, thespian, musicologist, wordsmith, choreographer, social coordinator, blogger, composer, printer, problem solver, professional party thrower, dancer, activist, television critic, role model, comedian... the list goes on and on. I've had the honor and the pleasure of knowing this legendary figure for almost twelve years and I must say that I've yet to meet anyone who gets (and deserves) as enthusiastic and slightly hysterical greetings across a crowded room as Cedric does. Nor have I ever met anyone who can scribble such brilliant and witty things on a bar napkin in the middle of the night.

In June, (yes June, he is a very patient man) I got a chance to hang with Cedric for a few hours as he made the rounds visiting his people here in Greensboro, while on a short visit from his new found home in Brooklyn. After a delicious lunch at a favorite Mexican restaurant with giant beers, we popped into the studio for a quick shoot. Years ago Cedric appointed me his life photographer and although I don't get to see him too often these days, we take advantage of any opportunities we get. Keep an eye on this man, folks. You don't want to miss anything.

Buckets of Rain

2009-09-28T10:55:00.003-04:00

It rained a lot here in Greensboro early this summer. I kind of loved it.

Summer Stuff

2009-09-26T18:43:00.005-04:00

Martha Bassett

2009-09-23T17:22:00.010-04:00

Martha Bassett is one fine lady. I've admired her music and her mega-watt smile since I first heard her play with Bruce Piephoff a couple of years ago. Martha's doing all sorts of touring and collaborating and is in the midst of releasing two albums. When she called me last June to see if I would take some photos of her, I jumped at the chance.

Martha admitted to me that she hates having her picture taken and was sort of dreading the whole experience. I was surprised to hear this considering her obvious beauty and ability to stand in front of large crowds of people and perform every night, but it is a feeling I am very well acquainted with myself. So, I did my best to make it relatively painless and Martha was as gracious and good-humored as that smile conveys.

I should add that Martha was one of the first musicians to brave Harvey's Kitchen and we are very thankful for artists like her who trusted us before anyone had any clue what we might be up to! The Martha Bassett Band will be playing on October 2nd in Greensboro as part of the first ever Save the Monkeywhale Festival! Come on down for lots o' fun and great music.

Sam Quinn and Sam Crain

2009-09-12T13:51:00.005-04:00

These photos have been a long time coming. It's been a very busy summer full of shooting and assisting and all sorts of endeavors which resulted in a very neglected blog. So here's part 1 of summer photos with several more posts coming right up.

In July we were lucky enough to catch Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers and Sam Quinn and Japan Ten (yes, Sam from the Everybodyfields) at Local 506 in Chapel Hill. It was a really, really wonderful show. The kind of show that makes you feel like crying when you think about the amount of talent in the room. Both of these bands have played in our Kitchen and we hope they'll come back to town very soon. Thanks to the Sams and their respective crews for big time inspiration.

Photos of Samantha Crain's Kitchen session can be seen here. Sadly, I was not in town for Sam Quinn's session. He'll just have to come back. :)

Holy GHOST, the Ladies Love These Guys!

2009-06-30T21:43:00.009-04:00

Holy Ghost Tent Revival is a pretty big deal around here. We've had the good fortune of seeing these guys numerous times live (as well as hearing them play in our Kitchen) and I can honestly say, with complete confidence, they're gonna be big. Huge, perhaps.

Insanely talented, fun-loving, inspired, easy on the eyes, Holy Ghost puts on a live show that has more energy than you can begin to fathom. Even if you are 20. And the ladies (young and old) love them something fierce. Within minutes of them starting their set there is always dancing. A lot of it. Singles, couples, kids, anyone within ear shot feels the need to dance it on out.

It's important to add that these are all genuinely nice guys. Friendly, down to earth and willing to do things like record a score for free for our most recent 48 Hour Film. So it is with great excitement that I post some pictures of them that I think finally do them justice. I've shot these guys in a lot of dark, smoky bars and it took this outdoor show with these beautiful women (and a train) to really bring out the Holy spirit. If you know what I mean. Rock it out, fellas.

People I've Met

2009-05-25T17:57:00.008-04:00

More and more recently I've realized that I really love shooting people despite whatever past thoughts I might have had to the contrary. Whether it's friends or complete strangers or somewhere in between, it's an ongoing challenge full of uncertainty, trepidation, awkwardness and sometimes fear. At the same time, the instant relationship that is developed between photographers and their subjects is a very interesting and rewarding thing, indeed.

The photos here have all been taken in the last few months. Some are close friends, some are complete strangers, but all were kind enough to not run away when I got right in their face with my camera. They were taken in all sorts of settings from a temporary homeless shelter, to a swanky art museum party to our backyard. As always, it is a reminder that people are just people regardless of whether they're rock stars, art dealers or just someone hoping to get back on their feet.

Texas Rain

2009-05-15T12:33:00.007-04:00

In all my visits to Texas I don't think it's ever rained. Really rained, that is. Not until this last trip in late April when I was supposed to do some photo documentation that included a lot of outside shots. Ah, but it was needed. And it was beautiful. And then the sun came out....

Fiesta!

2009-05-13T18:33:00.006-04:00

Fiesta is a big deal in San Antonio. Although I only got a glimpse of the first night, I'm pretty certain a whole lot of fun was had over the course of the weekend. Here's a tiny peek at two scenes we stumbled upon. Junior High Mariachi bands could not be cooler.

A Lovely Easter

2009-04-25T16:04:00.004-04:00

We had the very good fortune of spending Easter weekend with some new found friends. They are a family of musicians. Very accomplished ones, at that. They love to throw big parties on their farm where animals and costumes and instruments abound. Kind, generous, talented and as down to earth as anyone you might find, our friends brought us much needed rest and inspiration. A very good day, indeed.

Spring!

2009-04-14T20:17:00.006-04:00

It's been a wet and chilly spring here in Greensboro, but beautiful nonetheless. And we've gotten to spend even more time with our house painters next door. About 3 1/2 months so far...

Breezy and the Rev

2009-04-05T21:07:00.005-04:00

Here are a few shots from Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band in Greensboro this week. Rockin' times. More photos on monkeywhale.

Texas Stuff

2009-03-25T18:26:00.012-04:00

February in Texas is a beautiful thing. Mild and bright and quiet, so quiet...depending on where you are, of course. Luckily, I got to spend most of my time in the Hill Country and West Texas where life moves at a practical and pleasant pace. The need for rain was immense in February as can be seen here.

Many of these photos were shot through things: car windows, fences, gates, screen doors, a hotel window in Austin late at night.... Sometimes while traveling with my family, I remember that slowing down and composing photographs is not necessarily our reason for being somewhere. In the meantime, I'll take what I can get.

Holy Snow!

2009-03-04T22:52:00.004-05:00

From the morning of March 2, 2009 in Greensboro, NC. Who knew?

Delightful Evenings

2009-03-01T19:01:00.009-05:00

This Thursday, dotmatrix project and Monkeywhale Productions (with special guests Mark Wagoner and Matthew Mandarano) joined forces to document a very lovely and historic evening of music. Bruce Piephoff and friends followed by Jim Avett and friends (with surprise guest appearances by Seth and Scott Avett of the Avett Brothers) played for several hours to a packed crowd at the Green Burro in downtown Greensboro. It is not often that one gets to be so close to such amazing talent in a small venue. To top it all off, it was free. Yes, free. That's what our friends at the dotmatrix project do every month.

A very, very special evening with a ton o' talent in various fields all in the same room. Good times. More photos are available on monkeywhale.com and on our flickr page. Stay tuned for the video. It will surely be amazing.

Come Hell or Highwater

2009-02-11T22:54:00.004-05:00

Music, Music, Music

2009-01-30T14:15:00.008-05:00

Check out monkeywhale.com to hear the goodness that is local music.

Our Horse Jethro

2009-01-25T20:48:00.005-05:00

Thank You, America

2009-01-21T17:29:00.006-05:00

Indeed.

January in Boston

2009-01-11T13:13:00.005-05:00

Studio B Show

2009-01-05T00:10:00.005-05:00

Around Town

2008-12-10T15:18:00.006-05:00

Happy Holidays!

2008-11-28T18:30:00.001-05:00

Let the season begin.

I Like!

2008-11-26T11:04:00.003-05:00

From warmer days.

Teamwork, Yo

2008-11-25T17:39:00.010-05:00

Two of us at Monkeywhale Productions have had the good fortune of joining up with Mark Wagoner Productions in the last couple weeks for two fun shoots. The shots above are from a lovely piece coming soon from Mark. I hesitate to give too much away at this point except to say that yes, we did drop the camera off the bridge. A couple of times. When you got it, you got it folks!
The stunning shots below were taken by me during a music video shoot for Irata. (Please keep in mind I was often holding lights and sometimes shivering while taking these shots). Smoke machines, creepy woods, models, rock stars, cold temperatures and sometimes a bit of wind: you name it, we had it. Fun stuff and a very nice crew, I might add.

Music, Baby!

2008-11-25T17:21:00.005-05:00

All right here in the 'Boro. Check out monkeywhale.com for more on this goodness.

Good Times

2008-11-16T23:54:00.006-05:00

Eating the Invaders are good people. And they rock. Check 'em out. Click away. If you see things you like on monkeywhale.com please feel free to share with your friends.

November 9th and 10th

2008-11-11T21:13:00.009-05:00

November 4th!

2008-11-06T10:44:00.012-05:00

November 2nd

2008-11-02T19:15:00.004-05:00

11 Days to Go!

2008-10-24T18:12:00.001-04:00

For 2 minutes of inspiration click HERE.

October in the 'Hood

2008-10-23T22:01:00.003-04:00

Beardtoberfest 2008

2008-10-22T16:48:00.004-04:00

Last night the Beard and Moustache Club of NC celebrated in style in downtown Greensboro. Cheap beer, good music and a big crowd of facial hair lovers made the night a rousing success. All proceeds were donated to the Greensboro Red Cross. For full coverage of this entertaining event go to monkeywhale.com.

Kay Hagan Votes Early in Greensboro

2008-10-16T11:59:00.012-04:00

Kay Hagan and her family took part in early voting this morning in Greensboro. Hagan, who currently has a slight lead over Republican incumbent Liddy Dole, may well become the first Democrat to take the North Carolina Class 2 Senatorial seat in 35 years. Hagan supporters and press a 'plenty were out in force to cover the official first day of early voting in the state. Early or one-stop voting also allows those who missed the voter registration deadline to register and cast a ballot at the same time.

So for those of you who missed the deadline, get right on it! Early voting is in effect until November 1st.

Greensboro Fest

2008-10-08T18:39:00.004-04:00

A few photos from Saturday night’s Greensboro Fest show at the Blind Tiger. For those of you who missed it this was a bad ass four day celebration of local music and good people here in the ‘Boro. Organized by the very dedicated Kemp Stroble of Tiny Meteors fame, Greensboro Fest featured 28 bands in 4 days at 6 different locations.

Bands (from top): Pinche Gringo, Malamondos, Kemp Stroble, Eating the Invaders, FistFight

2 Minutes of History

2008-10-01T11:40:00.003-04:00

Stuff you didn't see at Obama. But wish you had!

Obamamania in the'Boro!

2008-09-27T19:52:00.004-04:00

Barack Obama and Joe Biden came to downtown Greensboro this afternoon. So did 20,000 other people. Slideshow coming tomorrow.

Monkeywhale Watch

2008-09-17T21:06:00.009-04:00

In August, Monkeywhale Productions headed out to sea in hopes of encountering creatures of all kinds. Click HERE to see more coverage of this history making event.

Scenes From Maine: Part 3

2008-09-17T17:26:00.011-04:00

Scenes From Maine: Part 2

2008-09-11T11:43:00.013-04:00

Scenes From Maine: Part 1

2008-09-10T19:36:00.017-04:00

Road Trip North

2008-08-15T00:46:00.010-04:00

Portfolio Outtakes

2008-07-17T12:01:00.011-04:00

Choosing photos for a final RCC portfolio is more difficult than one might think. It's all too easy to second guess and third guess and listen to other people and change your mind and change your mind again and then find some old photos that might be better etc. etc. Here are some shots that didn't make it to the final selection and haven't appeared here before. Felt like they deserved to see the light of day. Perhaps I'm just emotionally attached, it's true.

The Grass is Always Greener

2008-07-06T20:32:00.021-04:00

Here is a very short quicktime movie of backyard fun in May. Many thanks to friends and neighbors. Music provided courtesy of ©There is No Creature Music 2008.

Pesce Rosso

2008-06-29T15:00:00.003-04:00

Summer Rain

2008-06-29T14:32:00.003-04:00

These shots were grabbed very quickly last weekend before a big downpour in case we needed them for the 48 Hour Film Festival. Didn't end up needing them, but racing against the weather is always exciting.

I See Dead People (Part 2)

2008-06-29T13:28:00.007-04:00