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Andrew Hughes

May 29
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My New Honda S2000

By automobiles, Honda S2000

They say the best time to buy a convertible is in the winter so I took that advice and bought my “new” used car during a rare Atlanta snow storm. I had just turned 40 and had wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a really cool sports car.

I had been lusting after the Honda S2000 since 1999 when it first appeared. To me this is what a sports car should be… beautiful, simple, timeless, well balanced and made with a very high standard of quality. It’s not the fastest or the biggest, but it is one of the best affordable sports cars made in the past 10 years.

I had been casually hunting through classified and Ebay to see what the current market was for these cars when I saw one advertised at a local dealership. I was really just going to go for a test drive… Really I was. I swear. But there she was on the edge of the lot… looking perfect. The yellow paint almost glowed in the dark, and I soon started to think about the possiblities.

Was I originally planning on buying a pearl lemon painted car when I started my search? Heck no! Yellow attracts cops almost as much as donuts. What I was looking for was a nice used Honda S2000 that was silver with a red interior, second generation with mileage under 100,000.

This car smelled new, looked new and had a small fortune in upgraded and tasteful wheels installed already. It was a 2002 model and it had less than 11,000 on the odometer. That means that the previous owners barely drove this car.

We settled on a decent price and I took the car home when the snow subsided. I have not looked back since. This has been the coolest thing I have ever bought. Luckily my wife is not a jealous woman because I tell her everyday how much I love my new toy. Life is good!

May 26
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Syl Arena Canon Speedliting Class

By photographer, pixelated.com, seminar, Speedliting.com, Syl Arena

Syl Arena, the writer of the popular photo blogs, pixsylated.com and speedliting.com was in Atlanta to teach his philosophy of using portable off camera flashes to create dynamic and beautiful light. This class was specifically for the Canon Speedlite system which has its share of idiosyncrasies.

Syl showed us how to create interesting lighting effects using portable Canon flashes, diffusers and hi-speed synching techniques. The all day class opened my mind to what is possible with the simple flashes I already carry in my bag. I learned powerful techniques that give the photographer the tools to turn high noon into midnight, or make the mundane dramatic. Really magical kind of stuff.

During lunch, I shared a photo of my wife with Syl who told me that he would love to photograph her. I guess redheads have to stick together. The next day he produced some of my favorite images that I have seen of my wife, Jenny.

Any photographer looking to refresh his small flash knowledge, or push onto the next level, should definitely consider taking this class. A full event schedule can be found here. And if that was not enough, Syl is putting the finishing touches on his Canon Speedliting book due out within months. I personally can’t wait. Thanks Syl.

May 24
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Catching Up on the Blog

By excuse

For anyone who happens across my blog, you will notice a big gap of many months for my entries. I wish I had a good excuse like an alien abduction, but I don’t. I have simply been busy. So, many of the stories that will soon appear will already be old news, but what isn’t on the internet. Thanks for looking.

May 24
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Canon 5D Mark 2 Web Commercial for ReNu Finish

By automobiles, automotive products, Graphic Works, ReNu Finish, videography

When a client needed a demonstration video for his car restoration product, I did not hesitate to use the Canon 5d Mark II. Hollywood has already embraced this DSLR video technology for movies, television and commercials. Considering the relatively low entry cost for full HD quality, it is easy to see why.

The product demo was filmed on a used car lot where we found the a very weathered 10 year old vehicle to show how ReNu Finish restores plastic trim to its original factory finish. The best thing about this product is that one application can last up to a year, unlike some of the silicon spray products on the market.

The video was a group effort with me shooting the raw footage, Chase Walker providing the voice over with music and David Struve at Graphic Works editing the clips.

This product should soon be available at many major retail auto parts stores and department stores. For more information visit www.medsproducts.com.

May 20
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A World War 2 Veteran Flies Again

By Roy Reid, Veterans, warbirds, World War 2

Having met retired Colonel Roy Reid months earlier on a nostalgic B-17 bomber flight, I was invited by his family to photograph another very special event. They had arranged to have Roy take a flight in a World War Two warbird at Vintage Flights in Ball Ground, Georgia. It was not just a ride because he would actually be flying the plane, over seventy years after first flying the trainer in army flight school.

I showed up early one Saturday ready to watch the event, yet it was not to be that day. The wind was dangerously gusting over 30 miles per hour and very erratic. We watched several incoming planes abort landing attempts, some taking as many as 3 approaches to land. After an hour, the pilot had to cancel the flight.

We rescheduled for later that week and luckily the rain was a no-show and wind cooperated. Roy was eager to get back up in the air. I have to say that he was very patient with all the attention and suggestions he was getting as the family, a news paper photographer, tv reporter and me were recording every moment. He outranked all of us and could easily made us do pushups or KP duty.

I had one surprise for Roy. I had borrowed a vintage World War Two helmet and goggles from another pilot so that Roy could wear them for photos. We were trying to recreate a photo in the same location as 70 years ago, and even though they were on his head less than a minute, it was still worth it.

Apr 24
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Billy Gewin, Musician and Songwriter Portraits

By Billy Gewin, music, musician, portraits

I met Billy Gewin several years ago and have wanted to photograph him ever since. Billy is a talented singer and song writer who has put out at least 3 albums. He plays several types of guitars and can mix music the old fashioned way with a huge sound board. He is a genuinely interesting guy who is not afraid to let his personal  thoughts and feelings to be known.

I had about an hour to try to get some good shots. We took several photos in his home studio and basement. Then I decided to take advantage of the fact that he had not mowed for a couple of weeks. Wonderful green clover and tiny purple flowers made the front yard look like a beautiful meadow. The illusion was created by depriving the photos of any suburban clues.

For more information on Billy check out his web site at www.billygewin.com.

Mar 09
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Digestive Healthcare Web Site Launched

By Graphic Design, Graphic Works, web site design

Digestive Healthcare of Georgia is a medical organization that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases. They have three location in the Atlanta area. We had been maintaining their aging website for many years and frankly, it was not cutting it any more. We gave the web site a facelift and optimized it for search engines. Visit the site at www.digestivehealthcare.net.

Mar 09
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Meeting a WWII Pilot in a Vintage B-17 Bomber

By 1941, December 7, Liberty Belle, Pearl Harbor, Veterans, World War 2

As I go through life, I consider myself lucky to meet true American heroes who actually made a difference for our country. One such person is Roy Reid, a highly decorated World War Two veteran and B-17 pilot.

I just happened to be there the day he showed up to take a ride in the Liberty Belle, a restored World War Two Boeing B-17 bomber. To be truthful, we did not talk much, and as he later joked(?), I had that damn camera on him the whole flight. It’s true.

On the flight he brought his logbook showing now infamous entries of missions and being shot down at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. To learn more about Col. Reid’s story, in his own words, listen to this interview from WarBird Radio.

His daughter also shared the trip and I know it is one that she will never forget. This would be the first chapter of the story. There would be more to come with he and his family.

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