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.
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Greenbrook Design