Raleigh Editorial photography

I ended up doing one of those grip and grin events at The Umstead Hotel. It was a swanky affair. There was something mesmerizing about the chef at the carving station.

Raleigh Editorial photography - Photographing Pitmaster Ed Mitchell

As part of the “Vegetarian BBQ tour” I was fortunate to photograph Pitmaster Ed Mitchell. Ed is one of the most humble, genuine and honest people I’ve ever met. We met at Ed’s old restaurant in Wilson, N.C. The restaurant will soon be home to a new culinary school and museum. In the dining room there is a mural that wraps around the wall, it’s a story of Ed’s chilhood life, and was painted by an autistic employee. Ed has a secret ingredient he put into everything he cooks. I know it sounds corny, but it’s love.
It was fascinating to hear Ed’s stories of his rise to fame, being named a Pitmaster, having Iron Chef Bobby Flay challenge him to a throwdown and winning. hanging out with Anthony Bourdain at his pig table. If you run into Ed, say hello and be prepared to listen and be entertained. Look for big things coming from Pitmaster Ed Mitchell.

Tech Spec’s. - We showed up at the restaurant with the usual location kit, Profoto 600/1200 packs and 6 heads. Guess what ? No power. I was fortunate I’d thrown the AB vagabond, 400/800 heads in the car. Always be prepared. For the shots in the kitchen we opened the doors to let some light in and dragged the shutter @ 1/8.

Raleigh Editorial photography

Part of the Taste of Carolina series or as I called it The Vegetarian BBQ tour. 13 locations 8 days and almost 1800 miles across the state of North Carolina. Most of the restaurants were BBQ joints, met some great people along the way. Yes, I am a vegetarian, I lived on hushpuppies, french fries and corn sticks and gained a few pounds. It was a very diverse shoot, people, food and trying to capture the atmosphere of each restaurant.

Raleigh Editorial photography

Part of the Taste of Carolina series or as I called it The Vegetarian BBQ tour. 13 locations 8 days and almost 1800 miles across the state of North Carolina. Most of the restaurants were BBQ joints, met some great people along the way. Yes, I am a vegetarian, I lived on hushpuppies, french fires and corn sticks and gained a few pounds. It was a very diverse shoot, people, food and trying to capture the atmosphere of each restaurant.

Raleigh Editorial photography

Part of the Taste of Carolina series or as I called it The Vegetarian BBQ tour. 13 locations 8 days and almost 1800 miles across the state of North Carolina. Most of the restaurants were BBQ joints, met some great people along the way. Yes, I am a vegetarian, I lived on hushpuppies, french fires and corn sticks and gained a few pounds. It was a very diverse shoot, people, food and trying to capture the atmosphere of each restaurant.

Raleigh Editorial photography

Part of the Taste of Carolina series or as I called it The Vegetarian BBQ tour. 13 locations 8 days and almost 1800 miles across the state of North Carolina. Most of the restaurants were BBQ joints, met some great people along the way. Yes, I am a vegetarian, I lived on hushpuppies, french fires and corn sticks and gained a few pounds. It was a very diverse shoot, people, food and trying to capture the atmosphere of each restaurant.

Raleigh Editorial photography

Part of the Taste of Carolina series or as I called it The Vegetarian BBQ tour. 13 locations 8 days and almost 1800 miles across the state of North Carolina. Most of the restaurants were BBQ joints, met some great people along the way. Yes, I am a vegetarian, I lived on hushpuppies, french fires and corn sticks and gained a few pounds. It was a very diverse shoot, people, food and trying to capture the atmosphere of each restaurant.