Backstage at the Lucas Theatre

Today I had an opportunity to photograph the inside of the Lucas Theatre here in Savannah Georgia. First off, I want to thank the gang at the Lucas Theatre for allowing me access to areas the tours were not allowed. I also want to thank my friend Jessica for helping to arrange this. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to spend the time I did inside taking some kick ass photographs.

This area is backstage at the Lucas Theatre. There are all sorts of ropes and pulleys I could never make sense of along this wall. I have always wondered what a real theatre looked like behind the curtain…my experience on stage is limited to Mary Poppins in 4th grade.

Over the next few weeks I will leak a few photos of the Lucas Theatre here and there. I took some killer photos of the interior. I can’t wait to share them!

The First African Baptist Church in Savannah Georgia

The First African Baptist Church, located on Montgomery Street in Savannah Georgia, was organized all the way back in 1773. This church is very historic and has great character. I spent about an hour in the church last week taking some photographs for a client here in Savannah and of course I couldn’t pass up getting some photographs for myself. The more I learned about the history of the church and the ‘hidden language’ of the church, the more I wanted to know. From the carvings on the original pews from the church’s early days, to the beautiful stained glass, to the holes in the floor (the congolese cosmogram) used as breathing holes for slaves utilizing the underground railroad, there was history everywhere for the attentive visitor.

Many of the features of the Church are original including the lighting fixtures and the Pipe Organ, which is the oldest in Georgia.

The Ceiling

If you notice the ceiling, it is designed as a 9 patch pattern. This was done on purpose to resemble a quilt. During the days of slavery the Underground Railroad was used by thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of slaves as they made their way north to freedom. The Quilt was a sign of safety and designated this place as a safe house along the Underground Railroad.

Visiting the First African Baptist Church

The First African Baptist Church offers tours of their historic building. You can contact them at (912) 233-6597 for more information. They offer these guided tours on every day of the week except Sunday and Monday. Of course things could change so give them a call. I can highly recommend a tour of this great historic place in Savannah.

This is the Sanctuary at the First African Baptist Church in Savannah Georgia. This historic congregation dates back to 1773.

Photographing the Details of Historic Churches

The other day I had the chance to photograph inside of a very historic church here in Savannah. I was honored to be able to get inside with my camera as photography inside of the church is not allowed. The first time I went in with a tripod I was asked to not take any photographs. So when I was given the opportunity to get inside this church with free reign, I jumped on the chance!

So, at this point you are probably asking…What Church is it? Well, I want to know how much you guys know about Savannah. Below is a photograph I snapped while inside of the Church. So, I will give you all a few days to try and figure this out…What Church did I photograph?

Leave a comment below. If anyone gets it correct I will send you something special! Oh, and at the request of the management at the church, none of the photos I took at the church will be for sale. I know you are probably used to being able to buy your favorite prints, these will not be for sale…sorry.

The Sanctuary inside of the Church

If you want to view a photograph of the sanctuary inside of the First African Baptist Church just click the link. Many of the details and fixtures inside of the sanctuary are original to the church. The Church is one of the most historic places in Savannah, and quickly became one of my favorites. I hope to go back some day and photograph it in more detail.

Photographing the Olde Pink House in Savannah

It has been some time coming, getting this photograph. See, I hate taking photographs of anything, especially old historic buildings, with cars in front of them. It irks me, I don’t like it. So, when it came to the Olde Pink House Restaurant in Savannah I would just pass on it instead of stopping to take the photograph. There were always cars in front of it. If I went by late enough there would not be any cars in front of the restaurant, but the lights inside would be turned off. What a boring photograph! So, I was patient. This photograph was almost 18 months in the waiting!

So, why is it called the Olde Pink House? Because it is Pink!! It is soo pink that the color of the exterior walls is actually reflected back into the streets, giving them a pink glow. Nice…

The Olde Pink House Restaurant, also known to some as the Habersham House, is quite famous and well liked by locals and tourists alike. There food is mouth watering and fairly unique. They take food you are familiar with and put a great twist on it! With many different ‘themed’ dining rooms in the Olde Pink House, there is something to tickle your fancy. However, keep your eyes our for ol’ man Habersham. He is said to have hanged himself in the basement. He spirit has been seen by staff for many years roaming his old home. Don’t let that frighten you off though, the Olde Pink House is a must see place in Savannah. Oh, and grab some food while you are there!

Photographing the Thunderbird Inn in Savannah

The other day I had the chance to do some work out at the Thunderbird Inn in Savannah Georgia. At one point we went out on the roof to get some photographs of the sign. It is a pretty cool sign, one of the largest, if not the largest neon sign in the south-east. Anyways, the sign is cool, but all of the distracting elements around it were not. If there ever was a case for photoshop this photo was it.

Photoshop to the rescue!

If you look at the two images below that I took at the Thunderbird you will see a very noticeable difference. The second photo, while okay, has way too many distracting elements. The power lines are horrible! In no way shape or form would this photograph be able to be used in any print or marketing campaign. In the first image, you will notice all of the distracting elements are gone…allowing the viewer’s attention to remain where we want it. I used a combination of the healing brush, the clone stamp tool…and a few other little tricks, to get this photo done. All-in-all…about 45 minutes of work inside of Photoshop.

Next time you hire a photographer for a commercial job, ask about their photoshop skills. Even though we always do our best to get everything right in camera, there are some things the camera can’t fix. Photoshop rocks!

FINISHED PRODUCT

BEFORE IMAGE