Clergy Photo at WNC Diocesan Convention 2014

This is the final version of the clergy photo taken at the WNC Diocesan convention 2014. Taken by Tom Whittington

I was asked this year to take the official photographs for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina’s annual convention at Kanuga Conference Center. The setting for the convention is ideal for a photographer: majestic woods, serene lake, rustic cabins, and a stately inn with cozy fireplaces and a family-style dining room. On a recent cold weekend, more than 200 clergy, lay leaders, and staff gathered to celebrate community, to worship together, and to conduct the shared business of the church. Bishop Porter Taylor wanted to make sure the event was photographed as a reminder of the importance of gathering in community. I was honored to be asked to document such an important event.

The photo was originally scheduled to be shot early in the morning, when the light was ideal. However, due to an unusually frigid cold front and temps in the teens, the shoot was postponed until later in the afternoon. By that time, the sun was glaring and it was a challenge to get enough light on all the faces without shadows and, at the same time, not have everyone squinting into the sun.To add to the mix, the sun was starting to encroach on the space allotted for the photo. And, iIf you have ever tried to take a large family photograph, you know just how challenging it can be, getting everyone lined up at the same time so you can see everyone’s face. Then, you try to get everyone with their eyes open! That can be tough. I think it came out pretty well. Let me know what you think about the photo or if you have any questions about large-group photography. Feel free to comment. See if you can find anyone with their eyes closed! What a great looking group of people!

The “group photo” at the WNC Dicesansan convention at Kanuga Conference Center 2014

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http://www.kanuga.org/

http://www.diocesewnc.org/

Welcome to my new blog: Dr. Tom’s Lens to the World.

In these pages, I’m taking a break from the usual content you would expect to find on a chiropractic web site. Many of you know I have a great interest in visual and healing arts and enjoy capturing all kinds of moments as they strike me: joyful and sad, dramatic and subtle, family and stranger, sports and nature, color and black-and-white, mountains and ocean. No matter where I find myself, I’ve discovered that the ways in which I honor the art, sound, and images I see through my lens feed and inspire me to be a better care provider, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I hope you find pleasure and inspiration in these posts.