Cap & Gown Portrait Session - Barbie Randall

Cap & Gown Sessions: Celebrating College Graduates with Professional Photography

Cap and gown sessions aren’t just for high school seniors—college graduates deserve to celebrate their hard work, too! Recently, Barbie Randall reached out to me for a graduation photoshoot to commemorate earning her Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration – Management Emphasis from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina. She’s now continuing her education at the University of South Carolina, pursuing her MBA.

Barbie, who lives in Anderson, South Carolina, met me in downtown Kings Mountain, North Carolina, for her session. A fun fact—she’s actually my cousin on my stepdad’s side of the family, and we hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years! It was a great session filled with catching up, laughing, and, of course, capturing amazing images. But even if you’re not family, I promise all of my photography sessions are just as fun!

The overcast skies on the day of our shoot provided perfect, even lighting, and thankfully, it wasn’t as cold as the rest of January had been. Below are a few of my favorite shots from the session.

Book Your Graduation Photography Session Now!

With May quickly approaching, graduation season is almost here! I’ll be taking the entire month of March off to spend time with my wife and our new baby boy, who we’re expecting on March 8th. However, I’m currently booking sessions for April and beyond. My schedule fills up quickly, so let’s get your session on the calendar now!

Click on the Contact tab at the top of my website to secure your session today. Let’s celebrate your achievements with stunning, professional photography!

Sidetracked Brewery

Sidetracked Brewery: A Must-Visit Craft Beer Spot in Morganton, NC

It’s Monday, and you’ve had a rough day at work after a relaxing weekend. You need a place to unwind. Or maybe it’s a Friday or Saturday night, and you’re looking for the perfect hangout spot to enjoy quality time with friends. Perhaps you’re gearing up to watch your favorite team play and need a cold beer to pair with your game-day food. Whatever the occasion, I highly recommend checking out Sidetracked Brewery, located at 609 S Green St. STE 100 in Morganton, North Carolina, right next to the historic Morganton Railroad Station.

A Cozy Atmosphere with a Railroad-Inspired Theme

Owners Joseph and Jessica Ackerman have truly created something special with Sidetracked Brewery. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the warm, cozy ambiance. The industrial brick walls, exposed piping, and low ceilings give it an inviting, laid-back feel. Another standout feature is the brewery’s open-concept design, allowing guests to see the brewing tanks in action as Joseph crafts their wide selection of beers.

Staying true to its name, Sidetracked Brewery incorporates a railroad theme throughout the space—from vintage railway photos and signs to actual rail pieces embedded at the bar. If you’re a rail enthusiast like I am, you’ll appreciate these thoughtful details.

A Diverse Selection of Craft Beers

Sidetracked Brewery offers an impressive lineup of craft beers, including:

• IPAs

• Sours

• Blonde Ales

• Hefeweizens

• Irish Red Ales

• Irish Stouts

• Seasonal & Specialty Brews

Some of their unique, must-try specialty brews include:

• Butterbeer (a magical, creamy treat)

• Girl Stout Cookie (a minty beer reminiscent of the beloved cookie)

• Pickle Beer (for those who love a little tang)

They also have creatively named brews like Thomas the Dank Engine, Whistleblower Sour, Light Rail Blonde, Crosstie Brown, and Knucklethrower IPA. Personally, I’m all about sours and hefeweizens, so those are my go-to choices whenever I stop by. And if you’re a fan of cider, they offer some fantastic cider beers as well.

Events & Community Vibes

Beyond great beer, Sidetracked Brewery fosters a strong community atmosphere. When COVID-19 restrictions aren’t in place, they host fun events like:

• Sign Language Classes

• Cornhole Tournaments

• Darts Competitions

Plan Your Visit to Sidetracked Brewery

If you’re looking for a new go-to craft beer spot in Morganton, NC, Sidetracked Brewery is a must-visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, their welcoming vibe, unique beer selection, and railroad-themed decor make it a standout destination.

Stop by and give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

- Ben

Mountain Burrito

Mountain Burrito: The Best Spot for Tacos, Nachos, and Burritos in Morganton, NC

After a long hike in the Linville Gorge, a refreshing swim at Wilson Creek, or even just a busy day at the office, nothing hits the spot quite like a flavorful burrito, a plate of loaded nachos, or some delicious tacos. When I need my fix, I head straight to Mountain Burrito in Morganton, North Carolina.

Owner Bryan Drake is a true master in the kitchen. From perfectly seasoned meats to handcrafted salsas, every bite at Mountain Burrito is packed with flavor. One visit is all it takes to start planning your next.

The Mountain Burrito Experience

When you walk into Mountain Burrito, you'll notice the ordering process is similar to an assembly line. Friendly staff members behind the counter build your meal as you select your ingredients.

First, you’ll choose your base—burrito, nachos, naked burrito, or tacos (soft or hard shell). If you're lucky, Bryan might have a daily special written on the blackboard near the entrance. If it’s Tuesday at lunchtime, I highly recommend the fish tacos. And if chili is on the menu, trust me—you need to try it.

Next, you’ll pick your protein: pork, chicken, steak, or chorizo. Vegetarians, don’t worry—there are plenty of meat-free options available too. Then, you’ll choose between black beans, pinto beans, or grilled onions. Occasionally, Bryan offers seasonal ingredients like potatoes, which are always a great addition.

Once your meal moves down the line, it's time for the fresh veggies and salsa toppings. Above the counter, a blackboard lists an ever-changing variety of house-made salsas ranging from mild to spicy, including tomato-based options and unique seasonal fruit and veggie blends.

My Go-To Order

Personally, I always go for steak nachos with black beans, pickled onions, regular chopped onions, cabbage, and shredded cheese—plus the creamy queso already smothered on top. I finish it off with a mix of chipotle sauce and tomato ranch for the perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors.

Before digging in, I make a quick stop at the large stand-up table in the center of the restaurant to drizzle on some of their famous garlic oil. If you're a garlic fan, you're in for a treat. Even if you're not, Mountain Burrito’s flavors will keep you coming back for more.

Why You Should Visit Mountain Burrito

Mountain Burrito isn’t just a place to grab a meal—it’s a must-visit destination for food lovers in Morganton. The laid-back vibe, fresh ingredients, and creative menu make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you eat at the outdoor picnic tables or take your meal to go, you’re in for an amazing dining experience.

So, if you ever find yourself in Morganton, NC, I highly recommend stopping by Mountain Burrito. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Kings Mountain vs. Crest Volleyball - 12-8-2020

High School Volleyball Action: Kings Mountain vs. Crest

I had the opportunity to capture some exciting high school volleyball action after being contracted by TPS Photography in Morganton, North Carolina. This match featured Kings Mountain High School (Kings Mountain, NC) taking on Crest High School (Shelby, NC) at Kings Mountain’s home court. Both the JV and Varsity teams were packed with talent, so it was set to be a night of competitive and high-energy matches.

Capturing Volleyball in the Era of Covid-19

With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, everyone inside the gym—players, coaches, and spectators—was required to wear masks. Photographing athletes mid-game while wearing masks created a unique visual element that will serve as a reminder of how different life was during this time. Years from now, looking back at these images will be a testament to the resilience of student-athletes who played through unprecedented challenges.

A Night of Intensity and Energy

From the first serve to the final point, both teams played their hearts out, making for some incredible moments to capture through my lens. The fast-paced action, powerful spikes, and intense rallies kept the energy high throughout the night. These photos will be featured in both schools’ yearbooks, preserving the memories of an unforgettable season for the players, coaches, and fans.

A huge thank you to TPS Photography for bringing me on board to photograph this match. It’s always a privilege to document student-athletes giving their all on the court.

Baby Curfman Announcement

Capturing Hannah and Shane’s Baby Announcement in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Ever since my wife, Montanna, and I found out we were expecting a baby in June, I’ve officially become that sappy dad who thinks every baby is pretty darn cute. It’s amazing how becoming a parent can change your perspective!

A few months after we announced that we were having a little boy, a fellow hiking friend of mine, Hannah, reached out to me for help with her own baby announcement photos. Of course, I immediately said yes! I was excited to help someone else share the joy of telling the world about their little one on the way.

We met at Oak Hill Iron + Wood in Oak Hill, North Carolina, where both Hannah and Shane work. Shane’s parents own the company, which is located just outside Morganton, NC. The setting was perfect—the leaves were just starting to show their bright fall colors, and the crisp autumn air made for a comfortable morning session. With the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, it was the ideal spot to capture such a special moment.

But enough from me—here are a few of my favorite photos from Hannah and Shane’s baby announcement!