John R. Miller and William Matheny- Album Release at 123 Pleasant

John R. Miller had just released “The Great Unknowing,” and William Matheny had just released “Material Witness.” July 20th was a double album release from these great artists - held at the greatest Morgantown venue ever, 123 Pleasant.

The crowd was packed tight. The mixture of craft stouts and dented cans of PBR flowed high. “High” simply being a metaphor for the fragrant smells in the air. You could have thrown a small pebble anywhere in the crowd and likely hit someone you knew quite well. This was like a summer version of those winter nights when all the townies welcome back their long-lost college friends. Chill friends gathered at the upper bar, just enjoying the sounds. The dance floor was packed tight. The lower bar was filled with the absolute regulars - playing pool and drinking from expensive cans of Samuel Smith.

I did my usual thing, wiggling in and out of the crowd. Trying not to bother anyone too much.

Let’s get dreamy.

Bryson - A Cinematic Senior Session

We walked around Grafton and got to shoot at some cool historic buildings before we ended up in a very retro 1970s pizza parlor, straight out of Stranger Things. I like doing senior sessions, but I always have to end up making them moody and retro.

Chloe's Senior Session

These sessions were a lot of fun. I wanted to capture Chloe’s sporty side on the tennis court, and then to capture her more artistic side with the parking garage.

Hotel Morgan (Morgantown, WV) - "All They Got Inside Is Vacancy"

The Hotel Morgan is no more. Not in this form anyway. The huge, historic hotel has closed to undergo what is described as a “refurbishing.” A large sale was held, emptying out the halls and rooms. I couldn’t help but go inside and walk through those empty hallways and take one last peek at the 1980’s decor and cherry wood dressers. There are also rumors. Rumors of ghosts. I’m not sure if I felt an actual ghostly presence, or just the sadness of a once-thriving building. I feel the same thing at most abandoned hotels. We can only wait and see what happens to the building. Hopefully it will be updated and become a boutique hotel that attracts hip travelers.