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.
In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low. Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.
There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.
While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.
What was once just space to check your email quickly or jot down your to-do list, the home office is now essential for many who work from home. This shift from the nice bonus feature to the necessary has caused many homeowners to reevaluate their current condition, with many finding it lacking. Productivity and efficiency are linked to a functional space that gives you exactly what you need to get the job done. Here we share some tips on designing the perfect office away from the office.
You have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, and now the decision has been made to finally bring it to life. Cabinets, lights, faucets, tile, and flooring are all on your to-do list, but what about the kitchen appliances? Have you thought about whether you want a double oven? Two dishwashers? Maybe you want a wide refrigerator, a separate beverage cooler, or a wine fridge? The choice of kitchen appliance you need depends on what is important to you and what will suit your lifestyle. We will share some of our best tips on which appliances are best for your specific needs.
Greenbrook DesignYou need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.
An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.
Greenbrook Design