NEWS & AWARDS

Randy McNeilly – More Than A Work Of Art

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.

We are thrilled to announce that Greenbrook Design has been honored with an award from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, recognizing our showroom for excellence in customer engagement, education, and unforgettable experiences. This award celebrates showrooms that demonstrate innovation, uniqueness, and interactivity in their design—and we are incredibly proud to have been selected.

When planning a kitchen remodel, some decisions feel straightforward—painted or stained cabinets? Full renovation or partial upgrade? Traditional or modern aesthetic? Quartz or granite countertops? These are key choices that set the tone for your project.

However, it’s often the smaller, easily overlooked details that make a kitchen truly functional and enjoyable. In this post, we’ll explore a few of these important yet less obvious elements—and why they deserve just as much attention during the planning process.

Don’t let these common budgeting pitfalls overwhelm you. With proper planning and guidance, they can be easily avoided. We’re here to support you throughout the entire process. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation or visit our showroom to explore installed products and gather inspiration for your project.

Now that your dream kitchen is finally a reality, you might find yourself hesitant to use it—it looks so clean, pristine, and untouched. While deep cleaning may be necessary every few months, the real key to maintaining your kitchen’s beauty and functionality is consistent, light maintenance. Incorporating a few simple habits into your routine can make a big difference over time.

For homeowners working within a budget, selecting the right cabinetry is crucial. Wellborn offers high-quality semi-custom cabinets that provide excellent value without compromising style or function. Discover how this choice ideally suited one homeowner’s needs and budget during their kitchen remodel.