Blog RSS Feed - Matthew Diggs Photography http://matthewdiggs.com/ en-us 2013-05-22 Chevell-abration at Moss-Wright Park http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=164 Click here to see a photo gallery published on the Tennessean website.

 

]]> 2012-06-14 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=164 2012 Sumner County Fact Book http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=163 Several of my images were published in the 2012 Sumner County Fact Book, which highlights community places and events.

]]> 2012-06-07 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=163 Recent Clips http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=162 I made scans of some of my recently published work in local newspapers. I also updated the clips section of my website. It is always interesting to see how editors combine my images with text to layout a page.  I removed some elements of the pages to focus on my work. 











]]> 2011-10-26 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=162 Bluegrass Bus and Google+ http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=161 Don Clark owns and operates the Bluegrass Bus Museum and brought it to the Arts and Antique Festival in Goodlettsville, TN. I haven't done black & white photography in a long time, and I thought it suited this image well.

 


Also, today I created a Google+ profile.  https://plus.google.com/108025875392574241867/about

]]> 2011-09-26 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=161 Tractor Parade http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=159 This weekend I enjoyed shooting the Shackle Island Tractors and Trucks parade/show in Gallatin. I wanted to capture the motion of the action, as well as the characters involved in the event.

Don Scott participates in the Shackle Island Tractors and Trucks parade in Gallatin Saturday.

Freed Hood during the Shackle Island Tractors and Trucks parade in Gallatin Saturday.

William Birdwell and Larry Upchurch talk after the Shackle Island Tractors and Trucks parade in Gallatin. 


A web gallery of the event was posted on the Tennessean.com. Click Below to see more images from the event.

]]> 2011-09-21 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=159 Marengo Cave, Indiana http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=158 I recently toured Marengo Cave in Southern Indiana. I was fascinated with all of the different textures and formations that have developed there. Lighting was definitely a challenge, but my external flash really came in handy.

]]> 2011-08-26 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=158 Backyard Photography http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=157 Recently I have been paying more attention to visual opportunities that are right in my backyard. In the night insects transform, and webs are spun which create very interesting moments. Capturing these moments are both interesting and rewarding.

]]> 2011-08-11 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=157 Memorial Day 2011 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=156

Dylan Grogan places flags on veteran's graves during a Memorial Day Ceremony at Sumner Memorial Garden.

Don Stewart looks at names on the Wall of Honor at Sumner County Veterans Park Monday.

MA3 Taft views graves of veterans during a Memorial Day Ceremony at Sumner Memorial Garden.

Marilyn Bell and Randall Mays during a moment of silence at a Memorial Day Ceremony at Sumner County Veterans Park Monday.

]]> 2011-06-01 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=156 WWII Veteran Cleo McCollum http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=155 I had the honor of talking with WWII veteran Cleo McCollum. He was apart of the invasion of Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded twice, and received the Purple Heart.

Cleo McCollum High School Senior Portrait

]]> 2011-01-25 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=155 My 101 Polariod Land Camera System http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=154 Meet my Polaroid 101 Land Camera. The 101 was produced between 1964 and 1967. I purchased at the Antique Emporium of New Harmony, Indiana for $24.08. It came with owners manual, color filters, flash unit and a luxurious leather case.



I find the 101 to have a beautiful design.



I was grateful to find accessories to go with my great new camera.



At another antique store nearby I found a Lentar Telephoto and Wide-angle lens set with a case.

I wasn't able to use it immediately because it requires an archaic 4.5v battery. During  some research online I found various methods for upgrading the electric system. 

Thankfully the old battery had not corroded the wiring, so I was able to make the transition with ease.

I purchased a AAA battery holder from Radio Shack to wire the camera (3 AAA batteries = 4.5v)

The new battery holder could not fit in the original battery compartment so I attached it to the side of the camera with Velcro fasteners for easy access.



I tested the shutter, and success! A classic camera is called out of retirement.

I ordered film online since I could not find it in any stores. I ordered Fujifilm FP-100C Professional Instant Coslor Film (ISO 100) and Fujifilm FUFP3000B FP-3000B Professional Instant Black & White Film (ISO 3000)



I should get my film packs by the end of the week. I can't wait to try it out and post the results here.

 

]]> 2011-01-18 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=154 WWII Veteran Joseph Dillon http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=153 I had the honor to meet and photograph 90 year old WWII Army veteran Joseph Dillon at his home in Springfield, TN. He was very eager to share his experiences because it "was the most educational and unforgetable experience of my life. [...] I made friends that I'll always remember. I went places that had only been part of Geography books in school days."


Click here to hear an excerpt of the interview

"I had some great days, and some days, I was scared to death. The Army was a great part of my life, but I was glad when it ended."

]]> 2011-01-14 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=153 Sumner County Fair http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=151 Last Fall I had fun photographing the Sumner County Fair for the Gallatin News Examiner.

Star Brown manages the dart-throwing game.

People enjoyed cold lemonade during the Sumner County Fair.

Kieron Taylor has fun driving the bumper cars.

Click here to view a gallery at the Tennessean.com

]]> 2011-01-05 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=151 Zackary and Kayla http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=150 Zackary and Kayla's wedding in Jackson, TN. I really enjoyed shooting this wedding and trying different techniques. I wanted to really show the fun aspects of weddings.

]]> 2010-08-19 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=150 Veterans on Memorial Day http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=148

WWII Veterans Tom Grissop and Ed Bruchas during the Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance at Sumner County Veterans Park.

U.S. Army-Engineers veteran Tom Grissop displays a medal he received from the Indianhead Club in the Czech Republic. The medal was given to soldiers to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen and South-west Bohemia by the U.S. Army in 1945.

U.S. Army Ranger Vietnam Veteran Randall Mays during a Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance at Sumner County Veterans Park.

(Lto R) Andres and Andrew Romero stand before the Sumner County Veteran Memorial after the Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance.

WWII U.S. Army veteran James Gourley looks at the Wall of Honor during a Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance at Sumner County Veterans Park.

Vietnam War Veteran George Martin during a Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance at Sumner County Veterans Park.

]]> 2010-07-30 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=148 Portland Strawberry Festival http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=147 Photo gallery published by the Tennessean of the Portland Strawberry Festival.

]]> 2010-05-25 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=147 Science and Math Expo http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=146

Katie Ann Brown eats a liquid nitrogen frozen graham cracker as Christie Brown looks on during a Science and Math Expo at Volunteer State Community College.

\ Cheri and Mason Cropper learn about anatomy during a Science and Math Expo at Volunteer State Community College.

Keith, Elli and Devi Bell look surprised as a can is crushed by air pressure during a Science and Math Expo at Volunteer State Community College.

Rustin Brown crushes a can with air pressure during a Science and Math Expo at Volunteer State Community College.

]]> 2010-04-22 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=146 Long Hollow Jamboree http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=144 The Long Hollow Jamboree is a place full of music, comedy and dancing. It was a really fun place to explore visually and I plan to return.

Errol Unbenhaun at the Long Hollow Jamboree Tuesday night.

George Stanley performs as Deputy Barney Fife at the Long Hollow Jamboree Tuesday night.

Mildred Stanley applauds the comedy of Barney Fife at the Long Hollow Jamboree Tuesday night.

Willie McKee plays bass and sings for George Stanley & Band Tuesday night.

]]> 2010-03-11 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=144 A Hero Passes http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=143 Howard Brandon Williams passed away at 6 a.m. this morning. He was almost 90. He was my grandmother's oldest brother, and a WWII veteran. In 2008 I put together a little story about Howard and his brother's service in WWII. You may see that here.



Howard and his wife Betty in their living room in Lexington, TN.

]]> 2010-03-04 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=143 NWTF Long Beards fundraiser http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=142 I took photographs at the meeting of the National Wild Turkey Federation's Long Hollow Long Beards Club in Hendersonville, TN. Check out the photo gallery by clicking on the image below.

 

]]> 2010-02-18 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=142 VFW Dance http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=141 Recently I shot the Valentine's Day Dance at the White House American Legion post No. 206 for the Gallatin News Examiner. Bob Payne and the Nashville Knights Road Band played country music as the people danced. It was a really fun event to shoot.







]]> 2010-02-17 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=141 Independence http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=137 This is a story I did about my grandmother Ruby Swoape while I was a student. I wanted to portray her efforts to stay independent through her many health issues.

Looking back on this story made me realize how much I need to explore new ideas. There are so many unique and intriguing stories that would be great to document, and I am trying to decide what to focus on next. Any suggestions for a new series?

]]> 2010-02-12 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=137 The end of 2009 Favorites http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=135 Here are some of my favorite shots from the end of 2009. Enjoy!



]]> 2010-02-01 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=135 Coffee in the Studio http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=133 Sometimes it just feels good to work on personal projects.  It has been a long time since I have shot in a studio setting. Way to long. I set up a studio in the living room of my apartment to capture images of coffee. I wanted to show the transition from beans, to coffee grounds and then poured into the cup.







]]> 2010-01-31 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=133 Follow me on Twitter http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=134 You can now follow me on Twitter!

https://twitter.com/diggsphoto

]]> 2010-02-01 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=134 Sudanese Presbyterian Church http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=132 Recently I was given the oportunity to cover a fundraiser at the Sudanese Presbyterian Church in Gallatin. The people of the church were so welcoming and treated me like one of the family. Below are some of the images a I was able to capture.





James Bol talks about the art on display during a fundraiser at the Sudanese Presbyterian Church where African jewelry, clothing, crafts and food were showcased.


Eden Reath during an arts and crafts festival fundraiser at the Sudanese Presbyterian Church where African jewelry, clothing, crafts and food were showcased.


John Tay enjoys time with friends during an arts and crafts festival at the Sudanese Presbyterian Church where African jewelry, clothing, crafts and food were showcased.

]]> 2010-01-13 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=132 Macsimum News http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=131

I recently became a contributing editor for macsimumnews.com. Macsimim News is "an online newspaper about all things Mac that features, news, reviews (software, hardware, movies, books and music), cartoons, polls and technical support information from their partners at Mac Owners Support Group (MacOSG)—an online Apple User Group."

I really enjoy trying out different products and writing reviews. It raises my awareness of all the different tools I can employ when working on media projects, and getting to keep the items I review is a plus too.

For my review of Poser 8 click here.

For my review of the iStand click here.

]]> 2009-10-27 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=131 Trek and Treat - Hendersonville Star http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=130 Recently I shot the Hank Thompson Trek and Treat in Hendersonville for the Star News. The event included a 5k, vendors and trick or treating. I wasn't able to stay at the event very long (around 30 min) but I was happy with what I was able to get. Sometimes shooting with a strict time limit can be fun becasue it forces one to quickly take in a scene and decide which moments best tell the story. Click below to see a photo gallery published on the Tennessean.com.

]]> 2009-10-26 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=130 Portland celebrates 150 years http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=128 I traveled to Portland, Tenn. to cover the city's 150th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 3 that included vendors, food, activities, history, carriage rides and the burial of a time capsule.

I always love covering assignments when the community comes together to have fun. I wait and watch for peoples expressions in order to get the perfect moment that best tells their story.  Click the image below to see a photo gallery publishrd on the tennessean.com.

]]> 2009-10-10 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=128 Painting and Planting http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=127 I woke up early Saturday morning to shoot the renovation of a playground in Gallatin, Tenn.  Lowe's Hero program donated materials and volunteers to help renovate the playground at Vena Stuart Elementary (the school where my wife teaches art) in Gallatin. Parents, teachers and students came out to help as well to paint and clean playground equipment on Sept. 12.

I had a great time covering this assignment. It was fun to use the lines and shapes of the equiptment to frame my subjects. Click the image below to see the published photos on the Tennesseean.com.

 

]]> 2009-09-17 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=127 Punt, Pass and Kick http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=126 The Gallatin News Examiner assigned me the Pepsi/NFL Football Pass, Punt and Kick competition at Triple Creek Park in Gallatin. The results were published in a tennessean.com photo gallery. Click the image below to view the gallery.

 

]]> 2009-09-01 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=126 New Clips Section http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=123 I added a new section to my website called Clips. This section contains examples of my published work in various publications. I will be updating this section of the website as often as I make it into new publications. Also check out the hire me section of the site where you can contact me with any tasks that you think my skill set may be a good fit for. Thanks for checking out matthewdiggs.com

]]> 2009-08-18 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=123 The Gallatin News Examiner http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=117 I have recently moved to the Nashville area and have found opportunities to explore my new scene visually.  The Gallatin News Examiner (a Gannett publication) has given me freelance assignments which have challenged me to focus in on my new surroundings.  I covered an Ice Cream Social in Portland, Tenn. and this is how they published my take on the event.



I am really grateful for these opportunities and look forward to more in the future.

]]> 2009-08-12 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=117 Welcome to matthewdiggs.com http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=116 I am so excited to launch my portfolio website that was design by Tyson Cadenhead.  Tyson custom built the content management system with a photojournalist in mind. This will be my main outlet to share with the world what I see through the lens of my camera.  I will also post writings, video, audio interviews and blog posts about my latest projects. I would love for anyone to comment on my posts with their thoughts or suggestions. I don't want this to be a stagnant site, but one that is always evolving along side my work. I hope that everyone will enjoy the site and subscribe to my RSS feed for future updates.

]]> 2009-08-12 http://matthewdiggs.com/Blog.php?file=116