Paul Tombleson

Thanks giving is a special time here in the USA. The busiest travel time of the year. The one time all the family gathers to break bread and catch up. Followed by black Friday the biggest shopping day of the year. So for me to be invited to a family gathering with those not directly related to me (yet) was an honor. Continue reading →

Weddings are without a doubt one of the most challenging types of photo shoot out there. Continue reading →

Founded in 1888 Priddy’s general store is a place of pilgrimage for those living in Stokes County and surrounding areas. Step into a nineteenth and early twentieth century environment with your twenty first century shoes. “Authentic and a little bit of everything” for sure. Continue reading →

Decided to get outdoors today before the whether changes and we hit the overdue Fall temperatures. Paid a visit to my favorite mountain retreat “Camp Raven Knob” for the Fall fellowship day of food, fun and games. Each group of boys are given a theme and must take on that persona for the day.

While the level of competition is intense between the groups it still remains a light  hearted affair. I don’t know who won the competition overall… but I sure felt like a winner to be outside with my lens cap off for the final day of summer whether in the mountains.

Stokes Stomp 2010, the annual parade through the main street of Danbury, North Carolina. Ending at Moratock Park on the banks of the Dan River. This year’s event took on the added significance of falling on September 11^th that brought the fire departments from all over the county to participate – resulting in a cacophony of sirens, horns and flashing lights.

There is the normal throwing of candy into the crowds from the floats and vehicles and the scurrying of kids to pick up the treats in all directions with parents chasing after the little ones. The mood is festive and a good mix of young and old lining the parade route.

The three county High Schools (Norths, Wests and Souths) have their marching bands along with cheer leaders to spice up the event and all sound and look  good and the crowd loves them with family members cheering on their loved ones.

The main stage, specialty stalls and food vendors are setup in the park next to the river and absorb the influx of patrons as the parade comes to an end. With the onset of entertainment it is time to wander around and shoot the characters that make up the event and add the flavor unique to Stokes County.

A light rain cuts the festivities short for an hour so I take my leave to protect my camera gear and skin and go home. It was however a nice day to be out with the lens cover off! Until next year then…

For the complete selection of images from this event you can log on here