My Day On The Hill

Those who know me know that I either bleed Black and Gold, ie: Appalachian State, or Wolfpack red!  But I put that aside for the day recently when I had the chance to take a trip to Chapel Hill to shoot a UNC vs. Clemson football game.  Now, before I go to far I have worked a college game before, but not a Div 1A game.  Totally different than what I was used too on the sidelines at a local High School matchup.

I arrived at the stadium super early so that I had a chance to get my credentials and see what I could see.  Ended up in the press box almost instantly after being allowed in the gate.  The view was awesome looking down on a empty stadium.  Inside the booth, there were tables setup with media already surrounding them.  Some were eating, or watching a early game on the TVs, then there was the ESPN crew doing their pregame meeting right in the middle of everyone!!

After getting my neon green vest to wear on the field, another photographer asked me if I wanted to follow him down to the field since he knew the way!  We went down and stood around talking for a while.  I was able to pick his brain and share stories.  The amazing part was that he didn't have any more experience with shooting than I had and he even asked me some questions.  Being from the national media corp. and still having similar stories to tell told me a lot about myself and abilities.

As the pregame warmups began, I was still trying to figure out Sunlight angles and places I could be on the field.  By the time the pregame ceremonies began, I was all set and ready!  I was sent to cover a local player on the Clemson team but I also had a 2nd cousin on the team as well.  I considered it a twofer!  Trying to take it all in, I was shooting just about everything I could see.  The entire stadium was blue with the exception of the Clemson sections.

As the game began, it was mayhem on the sidelines.  Carolina doesn't have the most room for everyone to operate in.  With the sideline crew, national TV crew, photographers, and the cheerleaders all sharing a narrow 10 foot wide section from the field to a surrounding hedge, it got a little cramped.

As I was shooting the game, I quickly realized that I was getting the same and sometimes better photos than the national photographers.  I was standing elbow to elbow with photographers who shot for USA Today, AP and Sports Illustrated among others.  Even though I didn't have the "mortgage your home" camera lenses like they did, I was able to make the best from what I had and still captured some awesome shots. 

After I turned in my vest in the top of the stadium and was making the trek back to my truck, I started thinking about everything that I got to do that day.  The people I met and the things I got to do.  All in all, I had a fantastic day and I am ready to shoot my next collegiate event!

Congratulations to Draughn Highs Keith Loomis, WBTV's Player of the Week!

A special shout out to Draughn High's Keith Loomis who played most of the game last week against East Burke in their come from behind win.  Loomis put up some fantastic numbers on both sides of the ball.  Be sure to check out WBTV's tribute to Keith here.  Also, be sure to visit our photo gallery to see action photos of the game.

Running
In The Sun
All 4 Burke County teams were invited to the 17th Annual Caldwell County Invitational Cross County meet held on the soccer complex grounds in Lenoir, NC.  With numerous teams from all over the region, it has become one of the largest fields of competitors to compete in. 

With Draughn, East Burke, Freedom and Patton participating in both the men's and women's events, Burke county was well represented.

The course traveled through the woods for 1.6 miles for 2 laps and with the temperatures nearing 90 degrees, it was an endurance test. 

Be sure to check out the photo gallery at Way New Photo to see many of the Burke Co. participants in action.

Panthers Claw the Cavaliers

The Patton Panthers made a big statement on Friday night!  They told their fans that they are ready to battle and don't care who they are playing.  The East Burke Cavaliers, on a rebuilding year with a new coach, found out the hard way that Panther country was serious business.

The Cav's never backed down and kept up the intensity even though they found themselves behind from almost the beginning of the game!  Be sure to check out the game action in our photo gallery as well as some cheerful photos of the Lady Cavalier Cheerleaders too!

Battle on the Court

The Lady Draughn Wildcats visited East Burke High at the nets for a tough battle in the CVAC Conference on Thursday afternoon.  Even though the Lady Cavaliers fought hard and won the higher seedings matches, their team won the overall battle!  A great day in the sun!  Check out some of the action in our main photo gallery!

Match Stats:

DHS 6, EBHS 3

Singles:
Austin Hoffman (EBHS) d. Tia Chapman 6-4, 7-6 (10-8)
Riley Zopp (DHS) d. Rachel Crump 6-2, 6-3
Ivy Beth Abernethy (EBHS) d. Amanda Pons 6-1, 6-1
Mary Kathryn Hawes (DHS) d. Dakota Fulton 6-3, 6-2
Hailey Brinkley (DHS) d. Haley Ervin 6-2, 6-1
Sara Kelly Hawes  (DHS) d. Kara Frogge 6-3, 6-4

Doubles:
Austin Hoffman-Rachel Crump (EBHS) d. Tia Chapman-Mary Kathryn Hawes 10-8
Riley Zopp-Amanda Pons (DHS) d. Ivy Beth Abernethy-Dakota Fulton 10-3
Hailey Brinkley-Cassandra Monday (DHS) d. Haley Ervin-Kara Frogge 10-5

Battle of the County Cats!

I witnessed the emergence of a new threat under the net today!  With a visit from the Draughn Lady Wildcats, the Lady Patton Panthers looked to almost hold their own on the court.  In the end, Draughn prevailed but not after taking notice that the Lady Panthers are on the prowl and on the verge of greatness!

Patton Match Stats:
27-25 DHS; 25-21 PHS; 25-16 DHS; 25-22 DHS

Sarah Millner - 8 kills, 4 aces
Nya Michaux - 3 kills, 4 blocks
Ashley Phillips - 4 aces, 3 kills
Paige Ramseur - 19 assists

**Other team stats are welcomed if sent in a timely manner for posting!

Not Their Best Showing. . . But

The East Burke Cavaliers traveled to Shelby to take on the Kings Mountain Mountaineers in the Cleveland County Jamboree scrimmage.  It was not their best showing but there were a few signs of life in a few plays that could lead to some excitement this season for the Cavs.  The final score for one half of play was 26-6, KM. 

East Burke will travel to county rival Patton High next Friday to kickoff their regular season!  Be sure to visit the Main Gallery for photo action of the scrimmage and next weeks game!

Happy Dance!!!
The East Burke Lady Cavaliers swept the Freedom Lady Patriots on Wednesday afternoon in Morganton,  25-12; 25-10; 25-22.  This puts the Cavaliers 2-0 so far and on a good pace for the season.  Next up, former conference rival Alexander Central at Home on Thursday!




East Burke Game Stats:  3-0;  25-12; 25-10; 25-22.
Alyssa Buff : 5 aces, 3 kills, 3 digs
Katie Bonner : 4 aces, 2 kills, 11 assists
Emily Greene : 8 kills, 3 blocks
Amber Gillespie : 5 kills, 7 digs, 2 aces
Mindy Knox : 2 kills, 2 blocks, 1 ace
Hannah Buff : 2 kills, 9 digs

**Other team stats are welcomed if sent in a timely manner for posting!

Cavaliers Rally to a 3-0 win over the Panthers!

The East Burke Lady Cavaliers showed spirit and poise with their 3-0 win over the Panther Lady Panthers on Monday afternoon in their first match up of the season. 


Game Stats are as follows for EB:
EBHS wins 25-16; 25-20; 25-13

Katie Bonner : 22 assists, 6 aces, 4 kills, 2 digs
Emily Greene : 8 kills, 7 blocks
Alyssa Buff : 7 kills, 11 digs
Hannah Buff : 2 aces, 3 kills, 6 digs
Mindy Knox : 7 kills
Madison Tallent : 7 assists, 1 ace
Amber Gillespie : 5 kills, 4 digs
Jackie Huffman : 1 ace, 4 digs
Oliva Conley : 1 dig, 1 kill
Tawni Haskins : 1 dig, 1 ace

Be sure to check out the Main Gallery for full photo coverage!

Congratulations Graduates!

Sometimes being a photographer has its advantages and this week was no exception.  I was witness to two commencement ceremonies at Freedom and East Burke High Schools.  Both were full of pomp and tradition.  The eyes of these young men and women told their stories of their reality that was about to set in.  The elation of walking across the stage was then met back on the ground on the responsibilities that were sure to face them pretty fast.
Congratulations to the Class of 2010 for all the Burke County graduates.  A personal note is that is has been fun visiting each campus throughout this past school year and working with the many men and women in their different endeavors.  May you continue success in your futures!

Record Day in Greensboro!

The students from Draughn and East Burke had a fantastic showing in Greensboro at the State 2A Track and Field meet held on Aggie field at Greensboro A&T University.  From Wildcat Adam Manns placing 2nd in the Discus and 4th in Shotput in only his first year of competition to Cavalier Tanner Anderson winning the High Jump with a new State record of 7' 2.5".
Other highlights were Chance Sigmon and his 3rd place medal in the 800 meter (1/2 mile) run and the East Burke Women's 4x400 meter replay where they didn't medal but knocked 7 seconds off their overall best time!
Many more stories can be heard and shared and be sure to pickup a Morganton News Hearld for more stories but in the meantime, be sure to check out our complete photo gallery of all the events!

2009-2010
School Sports Custom Collages

Be sure to get your collages before school lets out.  Take your pick for Draughn, East Burke, Freedom or Patton High Schools custom collage prints.  If you don't see something you like, drop us a line and we can make changes or develop a custom collage of your liking.
These collages make great wonderful posters for your game room or dorm room!  Don't like the selections, give us a call and we'll make it your way!

WOW!
Have you seen our new look?
We are listening and have heard your suggestions!  After many hours of research and planning, we have revamped our main website to make it easier for you to navigate to the galleries or other information.  We hope to keep it clean and informative!  Be sure to check back often to see the new and fun things we have planned, including live viewing of event photos as they are being processed in the WNP Central section on most nights following the events and activities of the day.

Let us know what you think!  We are very open to suggestions.

Its Spring Time. . .
Do you have your Senior Portraits yet?
Now is the time to get your Senior Portraits made before your soon to be graduate is off to college and summer adventures! We are offering for a limited time, a $40 Senior Portrait Package. You pick the location, in the greater Burke County area, and we'll do the rest.

Give us a call soon while the spring colors are in full bloom.

The special package includes 2ea. 8x10's, 4ea. 5x7's and 16ea. wallet prints. The session fee is included for up to an hour on location.  This is a special offer and is limited by scheduling and weather constraints.

Book your session soon!  Call 828-391-9674 or e-mail:  photos@waynewphoto.com

A Great Day in The Sun!

We spent the better part of Saturday afternoon shooting an amazing day of high schoolers participating in multiple events at the 3rd Annual East Burke Cavalier Classic, Track & Field meet.  We were able to capture many moments and missed a few too.  Hope you get a chance to browse your way through our gallery and see if there is something there you are interested in.  If so, we will be more that happy to help you meet your needs!

Is it Spring Yet?
It must be close because the area Burke County high schools are running full force with Spring Sporting events!  Be sure to wrap up and come out and support your favorite team(s).  I am going to be all over the place the next month or so, shooting as many events as possible.  Be sure to give me a shout out or call me over to say Hi. 

See you on the ball field!

If You Missed It. . .
We will have another promotion in the coming weeks.  We are always here for our customers and aim to please.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about photos or what we can do with them.

Remember, Spring is coming, (we hope soon), so go ahead and schedule your Senior Portrait sessions now!
Have a Great Week!

Only 2 Days Left!
We know how time flies when you are having fun but this is our final reminder that the current 1/2 off promotion on 4x6's, 5x7's and 8x10's ends this Sunday night at midnight.  Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. 

(Specialty prints, collages and custom prints are not included in the sale along with other size prints and posters.  Offer ends at Midnight, Feb 21st, 2010) 

Don't Forget!
Our 1/2 price discounts on 4x6's, 5x7's and 8x10's ends this Sunday!  Be sure to place your order soon to beat the rush!  Be sure to visit Way New Photography online soon to take advantage of these price busters!

This will be for anything from this school year in the "Main Gallery".  Get em while their hot.   This is an opportunity that can't be passed up.  If you've been waiting to order, now is the time!

(Specialty prints, collages and custom prints are not included in the sale along with other size prints and posters.  Offer ends at Midnight, Feb 21st, 2010)

1 Week Only!

 

To Celebrate High School Conference Championship Week, we are offering 1/2 Off all 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10 individual prints for 1 Week Only!!!  This will be for anything from this school year in the "Main Gallery".  Get em while their hot.   This is an opportunity that can't be passed up.  If you've been waiting to order, now is the time!

(Specialty prints, collages and custom prints are not included in the sale along with other size prints and posters.  Offer ends at Midnight, Feb 21st, 2010)

Weather you know it or not!
Tonight's basketball games featuring the East Burke Cavaliers against the Vikings from South Iredell have moved up their start times to 4:30pm for the Varisty Girls followed by the Varsity boys.  (JV games have been cancelled.)

Hope to see everyone there for Senior Night, or Afternoon as it is now!

Draughn Played with heart but comes up short!

I spent Wednesday night in Newton where the Draughn Wildcats played a makeup game against the Newton-Conover Red Devils.  The Wildcats put everything into the game but came up short to much more powerful teams.
Be sure to checkout the photo gallery and I hope to you see you Friday night at East Burke High's Senior night.  Hope to see you there!

We are here to help assist you!

Announcing our LIVE Online Support!  Have you ever gotten to a point when you wish you could find that photo you were looking for?  Have you tried to place an order and got stuck in the checkout process?  Hopefully now we can be there to assist you.
Located on our main pages, the Live Support is here to help you.  If, by chance, we are "Offline", please leave a message with some information about what you are trying to do.  We'll get back to you ASAP!  We promise because at WNP, our customers come first!

Happy New Year from WNP! 
This year is starting out with a bang!  We have a lot of surprises in store for everyone this year.  We spent the holidays coming up with some fresh ideas including savings events and promotions!  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you'll be the first to take advantage of the surprizes we have coming up.
Stay Tuned. . .