NEWS & AWARDS
Photography is more than a form of art; it is a way to preserve history like no other medium can. By taking a picture, a moment in time has been captured just as it happened. That look of surprise as a woman sees her boyfriend get down on one knee or that look of awe as a groom catches his first look at his bride. A laugh, a hug, or a tear, all these emotions have been caught on camera like no artist ever could. Photography has the power to convey our reality and ensure that it will be passed on for generations to come. Causes, events, and movements have been forever frozen in time and will live on. Shelby is proud to be the home of our own award-winning photographer, Randy McNeilly, who has been capturing moments since 1979 and specializes in custom portraiture and fine art printing.
A Quality Product
Randy has been printing his own work for over 30 years, providing credibility in his field as he has carefully honed his craft. Printing in his studio has also enabled him to have full control over his work. He makes a big production out of creating the print, including taking a light and color meter reading where his clients intend to hang the finished portrait.
“Digital photography is the best thing that’s happened to photography, but the worst thing to happen to professional photographers,” says McNeilly. “That’s why printmaking is such an important component to our business. It’s about providing a custom product to my clients.” (from an interview given to LexJet)
The printing process is part of the craft and the product, so it is given the same amount of care as everything else, ensuring a quality product.
Award-Winning
Randy has received several prestigious awards and appointments, including becoming the 100th photographer in the world to receive the Fellowship Degree from the American Society of Photographers in 2009. In 2012, he was honored to receive a lifetime appointment to Camera Craftsman, one of the world’s most highly respected independent photography organizations. It is an impressive accomplishment as they are an exclusive group of 40. He has also been a recipient of multiple Print Awards Winners. He has earned the equivalent of six Master of Photography degrees over the years and continues to pour himself into his work. We also want to add that since this blog was posted, Randy also placed in the Team USA 2020 finalist world photographic cup.
“After more than 35 years I am still passionate about my work.”
Passing It On
Any craft is worthy of passing on to the next generation, or it will be lost. Randy is dedicated to imparting his wealth of knowledge to the new, budding artists. He has given multiple keynote speeches across the country and is a lecturer as well as a teacher. Randy has also encouraged others to pursue their dreams in the photography field, including Joe Campanellie, who was inducted into the American Society of Photographers Fellowship in 2010.
McNeilly stresses that spending time with each client is an essential part of capturing their personality and learning what story is inside, begging to be told. This is the essence of what it is to be a photographer; they are storytellers. They find those pieces of history hidden within each person, that part that makes their story unique, and capture it for all to see.
We are proud to have someone like Randy McNeilly living in our town of Shelby, and at Greenbrook Design, we are honored to have some of his work on display. We invite you to tour our showroom and get a close-up look at some of Randy’s work, making this another great reason to visit Shelby, NC. Randy offers custom-sized prints as well as framing if needed.
Home is the one space that is dedicated not just to being our place to crash, but also to connection. It’s where we gather with those we love, spend time together doing things we enjoy, and express ourselves through decorating. How we decorate our home matters—it sets the tone, reflects our personality, and makes our space feel warm, inviting, and personal. Adding a few seasonal touches not only personalizes your home but also prepares it for the changing weather, helping it function more efficiently. Even a few simple adjustments can transform your space, and many pieces can be reused year after year. Gather inspiration from decorating blogs like Better Homes and Gardens and start creating a home that feels just right for every season.
Walker WoodworkingDesigning a kitchen involves various elements that come together to create a space that is not only functional for your lifestyle but also a reflection of your personal taste. That’s why elements like color, hardware, and lighting are important—but when it comes to the working parts of the kitchen, buying appliances requires a little extra thought. It’s essential to determine which appliances will work best for you, where they should be positioned within the layout, and even how many you’ll need. These decisions can significantly influence your overall design and impact the choices you make during the initial planning phase of your renovation.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker WoodworkingWhen decorating your home, the last thing you want is to look like a cheap knockoff of something elegant. That is why it’s essential to choose your furniture and accessories wisely. You don’t want stuff that will make your space look drab or outdated. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your digs without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll look at simple ways to make your home look elegant on a budget.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen is one of the most functional areas in the home, as it serves a multitude of needs. It is where we cook for our family, host special gatherings, and celebrate the wins. This is why including these kitchen design features matters, as it means creating a kitchen that works for and with you, leaving you more time for the things that truly matter. Take the time to evaluate your space and the things you do every day, so that when you attend your design meeting, you can share exactly what you need with your designer, and they can tailor your space to meet your needs. We also invite you to visit our showroom located in Shelby, NC, and browse our numerous displays.
Greenbrook Design