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'Kevin Hart'

2012-02-11T22:31:00.002-05:00

"Eva"

2012-02-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

"Tartuffe"

2012-01-26T23:20:00.001-05:00

'Tartuffe' opens this weekend at the Regent University Theater. It's a good show and you should swing by and see it.

"The Guardian"

2012-01-25T10:13:00.004-05:00

This photograph was taken on one of our many rest stop breaks. This happens to be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I noticed that this small tiger toy was on top of the trash can in the parking lot. I want to imagine this more as a Guardian of the highway and less like a toy forgotten by its young owner.

Fight mightily and strong fierce guardian of the trashcan!

"Packard"

2012-01-25T10:13:00.001-05:00

"Barn"

2012-01-25T10:12:00.000-05:00

"Schoolhouse"

2012-01-25T10:11:00.002-05:00

"Just Gray"

2012-01-25T10:11:00.001-05:00

"Anniversary Tree"

2012-01-25T10:04:00.005-05:00

There is a story behind this shot like many of my photographs. Several years ago, I flew to Arizona to help my sister drive across country back to the east coast.

All through the trip I told her that if we saw a single tree in the middle of a field, pull over, I want the shot. Although we found on in I-40 somewhere in Texas, I never really liked it and have continued to look.

This tree is the tree I looked for all along. This shot is only one of a series I shot in MI. I don't feel all that badly waking the girl that lived on this farm to ask for permission. And even though I had to walk through the field, past a deer that had been hit by a car in my dress shoes, It was soooo worth it!

"The V"

2012-01-25T10:02:00.002-05:00

"Snow"

2012-01-25T09:59:00.002-05:00

The week before in the part of Ohio where we stayed, there was a snow storm of 10" dumped on the ground. And this was on the side of the hotel beside where I parked.

I enjoy having a clean car but I wasn't going to wash it in 17 degree weather.

"Smoke Break"

2012-01-25T09:59:00.001-05:00

"Packed"

2012-01-25T09:53:00.005-05:00

Friday January 20, 2012

I am leaving for a trip to Lapeer MI on Saturday to memorialize my Uncle Jim's life. He passed away on January 13 of this year.

I am taking my mother Julia, Aunt Betty and Pat (my Uncle Jim's sister) to visit my Aunt Mary as she celebrates the life of her husband of 51 years with her family.

Long trip ahead but worth it for my mom and her sisters.

"Amigo"

2012-01-19T21:58:00.006-05:00

This is my new friend, Martin. I was honored to photograph him on stage tonight at the Sandler Center. This talented entertainer, plagued by technical difficulties in the microphone department, still humble enough to admit that his sock choice for the evening might not have been appropriate.

Give 'um a C, Martin... a bouncy C!

"Dave's Way"

2012-01-18T18:14:00.002-05:00

This is hanging my office door at work. Several years ago my good friend and his roommate 'acquired' this sign from their place of employment for me, a popular fast food restaurant.

Although this is not my supervisory motto, I kinda like it.

"Ivy"

2012-01-17T17:28:00.002-05:00

My neighbors behind me moved out of the country about a year ago and the house is sitting empty, waiting to be foreclosed on. Weird situation...

But when they first moved in and set their privacy fence up, they used cheap landscape timbers as posts for the fence. We have been slowly watching the fence sag and lean and piece by piece, fall onto the ground.

Today when I came home, this section with two others had fallen flat on the ground as well. You can't tell by this photograph but the shot was taken with me standing over this piece of ivy growing between the slats.

"Clock Tower"

2012-01-17T17:26:00.001-05:00

"Mom"

2012-01-17T17:24:00.003-05:00

This is my mother in her Bible Study class on Sunday. My wife attends the same class and it has become a ritual of sorts to meet them there after our classes on Sundays.

She usually hates having her photo taken but it is a little easier for me because frankly... I am her favorite.

"The Rails"

2012-01-17T17:23:00.002-05:00

"Birthday Boy"

2012-01-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

This is my friend Carl who turned '39' again today! Happy Birthday Buddy!

"Luncheon"

2012-01-14T09:29:00.001-05:00

"Still Life"

2012-01-11T21:05:00.004-05:00

I work with a guy named Eric and he is the most talented artist that I know. He uses oil paints. And today, I was locking up the back of the warehouse and he had this little still life set up and was preparing to paint it for an art show he's entering.

I snapped this quick shot before he turned off the lights and went home. I am not a still life or flower photographer usually but I couldn't resist this.

"Brochure Editing"

2012-01-10T20:36:00.005-05:00

This has pretty much been my viewpoint for the past 4 hours. I am working on a photography brochure and sine I am my worst critic, I edit and manipulate, stop for a second and look... then redo some of it.

The good news is that I am close to being through! Ready for the printers.

"Orniments"

2012-01-09T17:02:00.002-05:00

Now that Christmas is over at work, we have the task of tearing down Christmas Trees and other decorations all over our buildings. This colorful collection are being prepared to go into storage for a few months until we start this process all over again.

"Kindeling"

2012-01-08T16:03:00.004-05:00

Courtney has found a new pastime, playing with her Kindle Fire that she got for Christmas. Even my photographing the mistletoe on the trees, outside of my front window didn't seem to interfere.

"Recycle"

2012-01-07T18:25:00.002-05:00

I know that I promised a 'new' photo every day this year but this is an exception. I am looking through a lot of my photos for a brochure I am creating and I came across this shot.

This photo was taken in 1991 in Nashville TN and is my favorite photo of all time. It has a certain quality that is unexplainable to the average person. If you are below average like I am... you'll get it. If not... have someone explain it to you.

"Guardian"

2012-01-06T17:25:00.003-05:00

I think my favorite part of my job is the diversity of the talent that works there. Sadly, some of these people move on to pursue other paths. But, on a recent visit back to the shop, Bob, our former graphic artist left a couple sketched blocks for our amusement.

Thanks Bob for adding some whimsey to our day in your own special way again.

"Rancho"

2012-01-05T17:52:00.007-05:00

I suppose that for about four years now, I have been going to this little Mexican place during lunch. I had been going there with a co-worker or two until recently. Because of work projects, holidays, vacations and tons of other reasons, I found myself going alone on occasion.

This is not a bad thing at all for you see, when I worked for myself back 'in the day', I'd cozy up to some lunch counter with a book and read. I didn't know how much I missed reading regularly. Now with my Kindle app on my iPad, I read a lot more now than I think I did then.

Back to the restaurant. I seem to think I go there more than I should. I am on a first name basis with my usual waiter Mario. He knows my order; a sweet tea, no lemon with a lunch number five. When I don't sit in his section, he makes sure he tells the others. They will give me a friendly smile then ask me in their best, broken English, "Sweet tea, number fibe Mr. Da-beed?"

"6 Speed"

2012-01-04T18:26:00.002-05:00

The cold weather has caused some 'sickness' with a couple guys in my shop this week. One of my stage crew who is our primary driver has been infected. Today I chipped in and drove some of our stuff around using this beast. I don't drive a manual often but it is like riding a bicycle... some things you don't easily forget how to do.

"Monticello"

2012-01-03T17:37:00.003-05:00

I had to do some business downtown this afternoon so I decided to ride the Tide for the second time. This time I jumped off at the correct stop (seen here; Monticello Station). The first time I rode it was when I went to shoot the WWE at the Scope a couple of weeks ago. Despite the 30 degree weather outside, inside was nice and cozy. Even the lady that couldn't stop talking to herself enjoyed the break from the weather.

"Stick"

2012-01-02T16:30:00.003-05:00

We had a few windy nights this week and this stick came from the tree outside of my front window. I am still a day or two away from being able to throw this out in my trash so capturing this image today will still give me time to keep my hands clean of it.

"New Year Resolution... I hate that term "

2012-01-01T18:11:00.002-05:00

I am not one that likes the term 'New Year Resolution'... however, I have decided to make some changes to my routine in life and profession. One of these is my 'resolve' to take at least one photo per day and post it. I came to this decision a few days ago but like my decision to get back to the gym and read more, the start of the new year seemed to be the best time to do these things. Luckily for me, my gym thing starts tomorrow. Sadly for me... the photo I posted a few minutes ago was shot last night and the shots I took today from my iPhone are of my socks and pajamas while I was stretched out on the couch watching tv.

So, tomorrow... I begin! For now... ice cream time!

"Communications Building"

2012-01-01T18:01:00.002-05:00

"3 Musketeers"

2011-10-18T20:28:00.004-04:00

"Zac Brown"

2011-10-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

'Eric'

2011-10-02T22:53:00.000-04:00

"Fireworks"

2011-10-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

"Duet"

2011-09-18T23:01:00.000-04:00

"Soap Box Shot"

2011-09-17T18:03:00.002-04:00

I have to get up on my soap box a little for this. As you know, I shoot 90% of my work at concerts and live shows. This particular concert was the loudest I have ever heard and I use industrial ear protection. This little girls parents chose to bring her to the show and it looks like she enjoys it. However, this image makes me angry every time I see it. PLEASE be responsible and make her (and other children) wear ear protection when you come to these things. If you are an adult, you should too but she can't consciously make these decisions for herself. Put ear plugs on your list to bring! She wasn't wearing them but should have been.

Thanks!

"Beach Baby"

2011-09-17T18:02:00.000-04:00

"Beau Jest"

2011-09-17T17:58:00.007-04:00

"The Indian Outlaw"

2011-09-17T17:55:00.000-04:00

"Sade"

2011-09-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

"Music Critic"

2011-09-17T17:52:00.000-04:00

"His name is... Rob"

2011-09-17T17:49:00.002-04:00

"Three Grandsons"

2011-09-17T17:48:00.000-04:00

"Goodbye Carolyn"

2011-09-17T17:43:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy month so far. My mother in law lost her fight with cancer on August 30th and she will be missed truly. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.

'I'll see you later Carolyn!"

"Aldean"

2011-09-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

"Soul"

2011-09-17T17:36:00.000-04:00

"Sunlit Concert Goer"

2011-07-29T13:12:00.002-04:00

"Owens / Urban"

2011-07-26T22:33:00.005-04:00

"The Crowd!"

2011-07-26T22:28:00.003-04:00

Jake Owens... when you read this, I want to tell you again how much I was honored to take your images in 2 shows within 2 years. I also appreciate the compliment on my dog shot from 2010. As an artist myself who uses a camera as his medium, I must say that we hate shooting from the soundboard! Can you see what you can do about that in your industry?!?

=o)

"Toby"

2011-07-23T23:06:00.001-04:00

"Sandy Fun"

2011-07-14T22:35:00.001-04:00

"Concert Fan"

2011-06-25T23:39:00.005-04:00

As you know, I shoot primarily concerts and I do get to be in the 'pit' for the openings of most shows. Usually this is a great view of the artist so that I can give my clients better images because I am closer.

Some times, my view point is blocked by something or another. Tonight it was this fan which was right in between me and my lead singer. I was able to shoot around it but sometimes even I have to laugh at the things I have to deal with for my shots.

"Sisters and Leopards"

2011-06-25T23:37:00.006-04:00

"Brad"

2011-06-06T10:26:00.004-04:00

"Hampton Quarter House"

2011-06-02T17:41:00.003-04:00

This is the inside of the Hampton Coliseum, one of the venues of which I am the house photographer. They asked me to produce this image to help market the 'quarter house' rental of the space. There is also the 'full house' and 'half house'.

This is a rare glimpse of an empty venue. You need to come see it full!

"Juliet"

2011-05-31T22:36:00.000-04:00

'Romeo and Juliet - On The Move"

2011-05-31T09:55:00.004-04:00

As some of you know, I photograph the performances for the Regent University Theater program. Over the weekend I shot a most unusual production of Romeo and Juliet. This was performed 'promenade style', meaning that the audience followed the action around during the show. They had no scenery or special lighting and only limited props. The costumes progressively became more modern throughout the night, while keeping the dialogue true to William Shakespeare's original script.

During the night we were ushered outside to the plaza (shown here), main lobby, the main theater, black-box theater, on stage and occasionally the audience was lined up in the hallways while the actors spoke lines in our midst. Overall it was a uniquely, fantastic night.

Bravo!

"Voodoo!"

2011-05-28T23:58:00.003-04:00

This is my new friend Dirk from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. I had a fantastic time tonight with the band, my daughters and Nate. Thanks guys [Scotty and Dirk] for taking the time to talk to my girls about their music! It means a lot to me.

"Parrot Master"

2011-05-26T22:36:00.002-04:00

"Hidden Egg"

2011-05-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

"Scott"

2011-05-25T21:48:00.001-04:00

"Pupil Portrait"

2011-05-25T21:46:00.000-04:00

'Virginia Symphony Portraits"

2011-05-25T21:42:00.003-04:00

"Kid in a Box"

2011-05-25T21:41:00.002-04:00

'Philidanco'

2011-05-19T22:48:00.004-04:00

'Me and Rachael'

2011-05-15T08:38:00.005-04:00

This is Rachael and I shooting the BEER Fest yesterday. We both do a lot of work for the Virginia Arts Festival during the summertime events. This is only my second year and I believe it is her 6th.

It's nice to work with other professionals from the area!

Keep shooting sweetie!

'Upward'

2011-05-15T08:37:00.007-04:00

I'll let you in on a fun fact; this is actually the 'down' escalator.

'Lil Wayne and Friends'

2011-05-15T08:36:00.002-04:00

'James Taylor'

2011-05-15T08:35:00.000-04:00

'Bad Vacation'

2011-05-15T08:31:00.003-04:00

I ran across this fire last Saturday on my way to photograph Chris Tucker. It doesn't need to be said but I think that'll take more than a 'buffing out'.

2011-05-15T08:27:00.005-04:00

Our house is slowly turning into a zoo. These are our 2 cats Rufa (bottom), Huckleberry or Nizzy (don't ask - middle) and finally Jessica is walking her rabbit Thumper.

'iPad 101'

2011-05-15T08:23:00.002-04:00

Recently, my mother and I took a trip to Tennessee to visit my brothers family. While we were there, we gave her a crash course on her Facebook, email and iPad 101.

She passed!

'BEER Fest'

2011-05-14T19:43:00.013-04:00

'PANarama'

2011-05-14T19:39:00.012-04:00

"Tattoo"

2011-05-14T19:34:00.017-04:00

"Tattoo 2011"

2011-05-01T21:02:00.003-04:00

The Virginia International Tattoo 2011 has come to an end and this has been my second time covering the event. I believe that I have shot over 4000 images for the event since last Tuesday. I have been editing as I have been going on however I will only be posting a select few images here on line.

If you were a part of the event, an attendee or a volunteer and are looking for something specific; please email me at dpolston@cox.net and tell me what you'd like to see. I will try to see if I have a photograph if the group or Tattoo moment you would like.

Please give me a few days to select and drop by often.

Thank you all who were a part of the 2011 Tattoo. It has been an honor covering this event.

"Bye, Bye Birdie"

2011-05-01T20:56:00.002-04:00

I have had the privilege of photographing the 2010/2011 season of The Regent University's Theater Productions. 'Bye, Bye Birdie' is the last of this season and is the final production of some of the seniors time here. This bittersweet production is running through next weekend and is very much worth the time to attend it.

'My Apologies...'

2011-04-26T21:40:00.002-04:00

I am sorry that I have neglected this blog for so long. I will make every effort in the next couple of days to get more photos up and I will add some stories when I can!

Thank you for your patience!

'Wallin Jennys'

2011-04-26T21:39:00.000-04:00

"BMX-5050"

2011-03-22T21:35:00.000-04:00

"Scope at Capacity"

2011-03-21T18:48:00.000-04:00

"Sir Elton"

2011-03-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

"Another 8 Seconds"

2011-03-14T18:07:00.001-04:00

"Waiting Cowboy"

2011-03-14T18:05:00.001-04:00

"Drawings for Seven"

2011-03-09T10:37:00.001-05:00

"Rain on Sunday"

2011-03-09T10:36:00.001-05:00

"Superstars of Funk"

2011-02-14T16:03:00.005-05:00

"Redlight Rockstar"

2011-01-31T20:19:00.002-05:00

'For My Next Song..."

2011-01-31T20:19:00.001-05:00

"Justin Moore"

2011-01-31T20:18:00.002-05:00

"Trailer Chorus"

2011-01-31T20:15:00.004-05:00

"SKBSTRD"

2011-01-14T09:44:00.003-05:00

I am pleased to let you know that I am shooting a musical written by Grammy Award Winning, Brice Hornsby called "SKBSTRD". The short run will be held at The Wells Theater, downtown Norfolk starting January 18.

Information can be found at: http://sckbstrd.blogspot.com/ or http://www.vastage.com/

"Luisa"

2010-12-11T16:27:00.003-05:00

"Work Portraits"

2010-12-11T16:24:00.003-05:00

"Bieber"

2010-11-17T22:29:00.005-05:00

"For Those About to Rock..."

2010-11-17T22:27:00.005-05:00

"Rays on 88"

2010-11-12T19:09:00.000-05:00