84th Annual Concord Christmas Parade

Christmas Parade and 5K Race

In 1928 the Concord Merchants Association presented the first Concord Christmas Parade.  At that time and well into the sixties, the parade was held on Wednesday afternoons when Concord's downtown businesses were closed.  Parade marshals were chosen from the local business community and for their leadership and contributions to the city.  The parade traveled north from Corban Avenue to Church Street and was viewed by thousands.  Change is inevitable but some traditions still remain to this day.  Although the Concord Parade is now held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, parade marshals are still chosen for their contributions to the community. The parade is now viewed by tens of thousands as it winds it way along the parade route.  (http://cabarrusevents.org) There is also a 5K run, The Santa Scramble, that is held in conjunction with the Christmas Parade.  The runners lead the parade as it makes it way to downtown where the floats are judged.  Last year 699  runners participated in the event, the largest crowd in it's 10 year history.  

 ©Matthew Cummings, Santa finishing the 5K, 11.17.2012

©Matthew Cummings, Dance Troop Performing, 11.17.2012

©Matthew Cummings, beauty pageant winners, 11.17.2012

Ethics in Photography

This week in class we also learned about ethics in photojournalism and what that looks like.  Sometimes photographers are faced with the challenge of whether or not to capture an image and show it to the public or to others.  These images can be very controversial but I feel they are necessary to capture real events. The photograph below shows the body of  15-year-old Fabienne Cherisma, who was shot and killed by police after stealing two plastic chairs and three framed pictures during the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.  Some people would say that the photographers are like vultures - each one attempting to get the best version of the image and exploiting this horrible crime. Others who view this image would argue that this is a necessary part of covering such a story.  How do you feel about this image?  

© Nathan Weber @ http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2011/04/is-this-photo-ethical/

Spot News/General News in Photography

This week we learned about three different aspects of Photojournalism.  We learned about spot news, general news and ethics in photojournalism.  First,  I would define spot news as news that happens unexpectedly or the latest news that is reported immediately. Secondly, I would define General News as news that might appear on the front page of a newspaper or publication and appeal emotionally to a large number of viewers.  Below are examples of spot news and general news:  The car accident is an example of spot news.  I chose the image because it would definitely be something that happens unexpectedly and may appear on your local news channel.  The second image of the man weeping is an example of general news and could easily appear in a newspaper or national publication.  I feel that this image would appeal to many emotionally. 

"Untitled" © Karen Longwell @ http://karenlongwell.com/spot_news

"You Took my Heart"  ©  http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/news-nets-32-2010-nyppa-year-pictures-awards-gallery-1.49731?pmSlide=0

Environmental Portrait Session

This week in class we were assigned the task of finding a subject and photographing them in their work environment.  I chose to photograph a chef who specializes in cupcakes in a bakery in Concord, NC.  The subject of this photo shoot is Tyler Williams and his cupcakes are wonderful, especially the "Arnold Palmer".  I had a great time working with him and trying to capture a true representation of his work.  I hope you enjoy viewing the photographs as much as I did eating the cupcakes when we were finished. 

My favorite posed portrait.
©Matthew Cummings

Tyler placing cupcakes on a tray for serving.
©Matthew Cummings

My second favorite posed portrait from the shoot. 
©Matthew Cummings