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!

Business Marketing Session - Equine Podiatry - Jack Causby Farrier Services

Capturing Craftsmanship: Equine Podiatry & Farrier Services with Jack Causby

Just before Christmas, I had the opportunity to work with Jack Causby’s Equine Podiatry and Farrier Services, creating professional images for his website and social media presence. His wife, Dayna Causby, reached out to schedule a Business Marketing Session, and we planned the shoot for a few weeks later at The Venue at James Creek in Ellenboro, NC—a stunning location just west of Shelby, NC, and north of Tryon, NC.

From the moment I arrived, I was impressed. The barn at The Venue at James Creek is beautifully maintained, and as a photographer, I knew right away that it was going to make for a fantastic backdrop. I was excited to get started, but the weather had other plans. A drizzle started just as I arrived, and by the time Jack got there, it had turned into a steady rain. But, as any photographer knows, sometimes unpredictable conditions make for the best shots.

Capturing a Skilled Craftsman at Work

After brief introductions, I snapped a few professional portraits of Jack before he got to work. One of the most interesting things about Jack is that he splits his time between North Carolina and Montana, providing farrier services in both locations. As he worked, he shared some incredible stories about Montana’s horse culture and even mentioned that he was the on-set farrier for a day on the TV show Yellowstone. That was definitely a cool experience to hear about.

Jack also had one special request—photos of his dog, Groot. Being a huge dog person myself, I was more than happy to oblige, capturing some great shots of his loyal companion.

Why Professional Branding Photography Matters

For small businesses, branding photography is a powerful tool. Whether you're a local farrier, an equine specialist, or any other type of entrepreneur, high-quality images help showcase your expertise and build trust with potential clients. Professional photos make all the difference in how your business is perceived online, whether on social media, websites, or marketing materials.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the session.

Book Your Business Marketing Session Today

If you're a small business owner in North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, or beyond and need high-quality photography for your services, products, or social media content, I’d love to work with you. Email me at BenEarpPhotography@gmail.com, and let’s schedule your Business Marketing Session today.

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

Source: www.sidetrackedbrew.com

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.