2012 Allstate Sugar Bowl

After the 2012 Chic-Fil-A Bowl, Tucker McLaughlin, Jr. of the South Boston New & Record & I headed for New Orleans, LA driving through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. We spent the night in Auburn, Alabama, and then along the way we passed the Kia plant in Georgia, the Hyundai plant in Alabama, and Hank Aaron Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. We got to enjoy lunch at Golden Corral in Montgomery. Driving into New Orleans, we could still see remnants of Hurricane Katrina. We picked up media credentials at the Riverwalk Marriott and then headed to Bourbon Street for a media party. In the days before the game, there were bowl game events held around town, including a pep rally at Jackson Square. Fans from both University of Michigan and Virginia Tech University were visible all over town. I took a river boat cruise on The Natchez along the Mississippi River, learning about the history and industry of New Orleans. In the photos, you will see that the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome has not only been restored, but greatly improved and is a wonderful facility. Some of the highlights of the photos: this year’s Heisman Trophy winner–Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, several of the ESPN GameDay crew–Kirk Herbstreet, past Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (Michigan), Erin Andrews; past NFL players Bruce Smith & Eric Dickerson. The game was most enjoyable to me because I got to photograph former Bassett High School players Andrew Miller & Martin Scales. Having been a sports photographer for Basset High School in Bassett, VA, I have followed these players all through their high school careers.

2012 Chic-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta Ga.

On December 31, Tucker McLaughlin Jr. of the South Boston News & Record & I went to the 2012 Chic-Fil-A Bowl. On our drive down we enjoyed the scenery of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. We got to use our Chic-Fil-A coupons for dinner on our drive down–chicken, Coca-Cola, waffle fries, and for dessert we packed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Our trip from Danville, VA was about 5.5 hours with one stop in Gaffney, SC for fuel. After getting our media credentials at the Georgia Dome, we explored some of sights around the stadium. In the photo gallery you will see photos of the game itself. You will recognize Martinsville, VA native UVA assistant coach Shawn Moore, Bo Jackson, past UVA quarterback Don ‘Magic Man’ Majkowski, and announcer Ernie Johnson.

Olivia all day Senior Photo Shoot

Olivia came to me for her Senior shoot because I had photographed her in sports in school and she felt relaxed in front of the camera for me.You will see in the photos Olivia had a blast and let go.We started out with studio shots and then proceeded with the outdoor shots.One of our venues outside was the famous Governors Stanley Mansion in Stanleytown VA called Stoneleigh.I have photographed weddings there in the past so I was familiar with the surroundings.We shot several poses before taking a break to have lunch at Subway with Coke and Wise chips.The day went by fast and you will see in Olivia shots that she really had a fun day.

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE 2011

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE 2011.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure 2011

For the 4th year now I was able to attend and photograph the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure in Winston Salem NC taking place at Old Salem College.While photographing the event I was allowed to hang out with the WGHP Fox 8 Team Cindy Farmer, Julie Luck and Neil McNeill .The Team was a great host to me as usual.
I was told there was 9700 people pre-registered and that last year over $800,000 was raised with over 11000 people attending.I feel very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful cause.I would like to especially thank Karen Sherwood for the special invite this year.A shout goes out to Whitney Drawdy for all the help she has give to me.Please feel free to view the samples I have posted and you can see all the photos taken at my web site www.rayreynoldsphotography.com or www.piedmontdigital.com.