Upon arriving downtown there are some historical architecture that will draw your eye if you are into that. Most of the building’s downtown are forever old, but there are some new buildings such as the Lancaster County Courthouse and the Administration Building that was built with the common architectural design of the area. Normally, I park near the old courthouse because it’s probably where I will do most of my images. The campus is full of areas that can accentuate your session(s). I always start simple and use the open area between the buildings (old and new courthouses) to get the client relaxed instead being confined and uncomfortable to start.

Next, I like to use the arch area under the stairs. This area is filled with some nice historic architecture that gives the image some texture and drama. The bricks, the archways and the windows can all be incorporated into the image.

Then I like to go to the stairway to find an area that will capture a certain look that I want, and on to the porch area at the top to get some more options. This area is where you can get lot of perspective shots. For instance you can get shots looking down onto your subject or you can capture the subject on the porch area while you are on the ground.  

Once I’m done with the courthouse area I head towards the open area and try to include the benches in a shot or two to get that nice park look. You want to bring a sitting cloth for your clients just in case the benches are dirty or wet. This is also a good place to do your head shots. You can find some greenery as a backdrop or use the county building across the street as a nice backdrop.

Finally, I go to the back area of the courtyard where there is a sculpture. This sculpture can be used to add so much dimension to your images. There are also benches in the area to assist you. And the stairway to the street and the wall and sidewalk is much more added areas to assist you.
 

Occasionally I go downtown to Main Street and do some shots there as well as the rose garden in between buildings. There are several parts that lend creativity to the images and subject.

So basically if you put some time and consideration into where you want to take the images downtown, you should be able to overpower the scene. When I first started booking clients and they requested the Courthouse area I was reluctant to go there because it is such a small area unlike other places in Rock Hill and Charlotte that are massive in acreage. After shooting up there a few times I learned that there are many avenues as a creator of photography at this setting. It just needs a little creativity. 

I hope that this has helped you get a better view of how to manage the downtown Lancaster SC area. Stay safe and we will see ya next month.

                                                                                                                                                                 Terrence T. Mackey, Lead Photographer                

In this our third blog we will look at the risque effects of adding dramatic black and white looks to your images. I use Photoshop to add these and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the results. All of these photos were taken in color and are very nice color portraits, but this added dramatic black and white look is pretty astounding. These photos were taken in my studio, on location, at events, or even a selfie on my Iphone at a restaurant. Your phone can be a great source if there is an image that you need to capture and you do not have your equipment. The quality of the cameras on phones make them serve as an excellent back up to your professional camera. We have to allow ourselves to feel compelled to go that extra step, and not let fear control our destinies. Check out these images and leave us a comment as to what you think and also leave some suggestions for future blogs in photography. 

                                                                                                                                                              Terrence T. Mackey, Lead Photographer     

Image captured by assistant photographer Jamilia Brevard

pushing the limit

pushing the limit image captured by assistant photographer Jamilia Brevard image captured by assistant photographer Jamilia Brevard pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit image captured by student photographer Bernard Brace Jr. pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit pushing the limit

Five PeopleJust me....

Meet Lakara: 

She is an extremely intelligent individual and goes after everything she desires. She has made many leaps and bounds at such and early age  just look at her accomplishments thus far. 

2006- started at College of Charleston (undergraduate studies)

Jan 2009- joined the active duty Air Force as an airborne Korean cryptologic linguist

May 2013- left active duty Air Force and joined the Georgia Air National Guard as an aerospace medical technician. Returned to school at University of South Carolina Beaufort to study psychology.

2014- Earned Associate of Art degree in Korean studies from Defense Language Institute-Foreign Language Center in Presidio of Monterey, CA

2015- Earned BA in Psychology from USCB

2017- Earned Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing from Community College of the Air Force

2018- will graduate with BS in Nursing from USCB

Accepted dream job as a new graduate nurse resident on the Pediatric Mental Health Unit at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.

Lakara is an example of what hard work and determination can get you. Self-belief, faith, knowledge, and respect can take you a long way in this world. We salute you (no pun intended) this month of April and wish you all the best in all of your future endeavors.

TyRiffic Photography

step across the stage