Shutterbatte Photography

05/29/2026

I slipped out of work a little early yesterday to catch a baseball game at my old high school.

The Central Chargers hosted the Poquoson Islanders in a regional playoff matchup. It's always good to see familiar faces—both parents and players—and to spend a little time trying to improve my sports photography.

The bats swung hard, but the Islanders took the win 4-0 to advance in the playoffs.

Here are a few favorites from the afternoon. There's a link to a larger album on my website in the comments, and I'll be adding more photos later.

Web-size downloads for personal use are free. High-resolution digital downloads and prints are also available.

Peace and grease.

05/28/2026

A couple of Sunday afternoons ago, I stopped by Neblett Field to catch up with a few folks.

Of course I had the camera with me, even though I “wasn’t going to shoot much.”

And I didn’t…at least compared to normal.

I’d shot a wedding the day before, and the Youth Service at VCC that morning, so my trigger finger was getting a little sore.

Still, a few moments caught my eye.

Here are some favorites from the afternoon. Plenty more are in the full album on my website.

Link’s in the comments.

05/27/2026

“A Room Full of Southside Memories.”

I spent part of Mother’s Day afternoon at MacCallum More Museum & Gardens in Chase City for Eldridge Bagley Art's “Lifescapes” exhibit reception.

By 4:15, half the paintings already had sold stickers beside them.
People visited, laughed, pointed at paintings and remembered out loud.

That’s the thing about Bagley’s work. If you’ve lived in Southside long enough, you know those places. Those farms. Those stores. Those storms.

Today’s Southside Vignettes will be in your mailboxes in time for a quick read over lunch. Make sure you’re subscribed. Link in the comments.

05/26/2026

“Jesus Saves” was mowed into the hillside when I turned down the driveway.

That probably should’ve been my warning.

The newest BSC post is about weddings. It's up on my website, and the link is in the comments.

05/24/2026

Before Southside Vignettes, before I moved back home, I spent a quiet Memorial Day morning walking a hill in Waynesboro with a camera.

I knew change was coming.

A reflective Sunday piece about small towns, photographs, change, and the places we carry with us.

Link in comments.

05/22/2026

My mama did not like Kyle Busch.
Or Kurt much either. But she really did not like Kyle.

I dug back through some old Richmond race photos last night after hearing the news. Twelve years ago now, with a Rebel T4i, an all-in-one lens, and just enough knowledge to get myself in trouble.

Funny how the people we spend years fussing about somehow become part of the furniture of our lives.

A few thoughts, old photos, and memories of NASCAR Sundays, villains, heroes, and my mama over on Batte Shoot Crazy this morning. The first one in a few months.

Link in comments.

05/20/2026

Lavender season is getting close again. 💜

A couple of summers ago, I spent several evenings making portraits at Lunenburg Lavender, and I’ve wanted to bring those sessions back ever since.

This year, I’m finally planning a limited run of evening Lavender Sessions during peak bloom (mid-June).

Soft light. Quiet evenings. Lavender rows just before sunset.

Perfect for:
• couples
• children
• families
• seniors
• motherhood sessions

I’ll be posting dates, details, and early booking information first in my Minis Group over the next couple of weeks as bloom season gets closer.

If you’d like first access and updates, join the group (link in comments)

Limited evenings and limited spots once booking opens.

05/20/2026

The churches are smaller now.
The railroad is gone.
Some storefronts sit empty.

But last Sunday morning in Victoria, I watched a sanctuary full of young people stand up and lead.

And I was reminded that sometimes we spend so much time mourning what’s gone…that we miss what’s still growing.

SSVI #30 goes out in a couple of hours, in your mailbox and on Substack in time for a lunchtime read.

Subscription link in the comments.

05/19/2026

One Friday night a month, the Town Of Victoria hosts a free concert in Railroad Park. “Music in the Park” brings entertainment, food trucks, and a chance for folks to wind down after a long work week.

I finally made it by last Friday for a little while. The To***co Road Band was playing when I got there. They’ve got a strong following around Southside. I grew up with the singer, but this was my first chance to catch them live, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed by the variety and energy.

The Amish Traditions food truck was there too, serving dinner, snacks, and plenty of desserts.

Folks gathered all around the park—listening, eating, visiting, kids playing while music drifted through town.

I just eased around with the camera. Visiting. Chatting. Clicking.
Small-town life.
A breath in a busy world, if only for a couple of hours.

The link to the full album is in the comments. These are a few that caught my eye.
Be sure to follow the Town Of Victoria page to keep up with upcoming events and activities.

05/19/2026