Ripleys - Dive with the Sharks

I first learned to dive a few years ago with my brother, a PADI instructor, and have been hooked since. When I was asked by Ripley's Aquarium to consider diving with the sharks for a new promotion I was obviously excited and just a little nervous - big sharks, little tank, I am sure you can understand. The divers at Ripley's are total pro's and I felt extremely safe as they guided the sharks away from me with long sticks so I could focus on shooting the new attraction - A Shark Cage. Gaby, the turtle, came by to check me out I was fortunate enough to get a few shots of her posing for me. I am really happy with the results, my first dive in a tank with new equipment and I can't wait to get back in the water next week.

Dancing with the Horry County Stars

For the second year running I was asked to cover one of the largest and certainly most fun fundraisers in Horry County. Dancing with the Horry County Stars successfully raised over $100k on Saturday night with 17 teams competing for the title of Dance Champions. The show and performances were amazing giving the judges a hard job of crowning a new winner. Over all 5 teams scored above 35, with 2 scoring a perfect 40 out of 40. Congratulations to Dancer Christopher Robbins and Star Melissa Downs-Hide from South Atlantic Bank for taking the title.

This event was a huge success and the monies will be shared by BE2 and the Long Bay Symphony, congrats to Marhsa and Larry for yet another triumph.

To see all the photo's from this event visit my website www.carlkerridge.com and look on the events page.

Blossoms Events

Blossoms Events under the creative direction of Barry West transformed the Peanut Warehouse, in downtown Conway, from a rustic barn to an elegant "Anthropology Style" banquet hall. I was fortunate enough to have followed the crew around all week from load in to finished product. Starting with 4,000 yards of fabric to the custom built tree covered with 10,000 orchid buds to the LED lit dancefloor, the results, as you will see below, are nothing short of amazing.

For more info about the services offered by Blossoms visit thier website

Stock Images from Savannah

This aged River Town is known worldwide for it's Southern charm and laid back atmosphere. The Live Oak covered sidewalks and lazy park squares make for a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown, and the vibrant art influence of SCAD brings a bustling cafe and bistro scene to life, day and night. I was hired to do promotional shots for a marketing plan. My guidelines were very loose, perfect for me as I like to shoot as I walk, at random, always doubling back for better lighting....so I cover a lot of ground.

Art

I love Fine Art Photography, can I say that again, I really love it!. There is something inherently beautiful about creating an image from an idea or concept.

Right now I feel that the art scene where we live in Myrle Beach is starting to strive for its own identity and I am very happy to be a part of that. Currently I am showing my work at Gallery on 8th (downtown Myrtle Beach), izzi b's at Market Common, Studio B and Collectors Cafe. I will also be exhibiting some of the new nudes I recently completed at the Cultural Visions art show at 2001 Nightclub on Nov 2-3rd., it's a fundrasier for The Global Awareness Project.

Travel to Amsterdam

The beauty of travel, from a photographers perspective, is that you are witness to an every changing environment to play in. The main reason for my latest trip was my cousin's wedding, where we spent a few days in Ibiza, but rarley ventured past the gates of the villa until after dark. I did get to explore the streets of a new city, Amsterdam, and what a charming city. The canals are wonderful, the houses that line them are filled with character, trams run down the middle of the streets and bikes of all age and color and chained everywhere. The city is alive with movement, a true mix of culture and wellness in this modern city. I can't wait for my next visit.

Glass Blowing

Through the summer months, first Saturday Art Walks bring hundreds of people to down town Conway. Amongst the attractions offering live glass blowing demonstrations are Ed and Barbara Street, owners of Pop's Glass Studio. The month of March was eco friendly so the pictures show off the creation of a beautiful vase made from shards of glass and off cuts from other projects.

Pop's Gallery, with Todd Roth playing guitar

Ed picking up peices of broken glass

A two person job, lots of sweating invloved

Not just for show, this lengthens the vase

Finished...now for a towel and cold drink

To see more of their work visit www.popsglass.com
For more info on the Art Walks visit www.conwaymainstreet.com