This Christmas, I took portraits of many of the members of my family. I think it is interesting to see the similarities and differences in my family members, and I look forward to photographing more of my family (I have a big family). Note: Although Elvis is not technically in my family, he was at our family holiday reunion, so I think he deserves to be featured.

Parachute VA, who recently changed their name from Sparky’s Flaw, needed a few studio shots for their upcoming tour. As a band, it can be nice to have the cleaner look of studio imagery, as the images can be more multipurpose and focus on the band members, and not their environment. You have to be careful though. If people are not comfortable in front of the camera, they can look and feel a little naked. We had nothing to worry about with Parachute VA though. These guy are the consummate professionals: relaxed and having a good time almost immediately. Parachute VA, thanks for helping me make the magic.

I have been teaching the Video as Art class at Light House for the past semester. My class’ final project, “The Luxury of Fear” is almost completed, and will be showing at 2nd Street Gallery for the month of February, with an opening on February 6. To wet your appetite, here are some still images from the video shoot.

This week, my band began filming our first video. We have a long way to go, but I thought I would post a small movie I took from the session. In a word: Bananas.

When Animals Attack Preview from Billy Hunt on Vimeo.

Charlottesville Wedding Blog, run by my friend Claire Goodman of Sacred Ground Ceremonies has featured some of my best work of 2008. Check it out.

Best of 2008 – Billy Hunt Photography
Best of 2008 – Billy Hunt Photography Part 2

The February edition of Virginia Living Magazine features my photography of the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers (CLAW). Its on newstands now, so check it out, or view it online by clicking this link, clicking on the cover, and then selecting the section titled “Up Front”.

I feel so privileged to have been a part of Wistar and Darren’s wedding. Wistar is an amazing writer, who helped me with the CLAW book. Darren is an awesome guy, the brother of my good friend Jennifer, and I am trying to trick him into hanging out with me more. Their wedding was unique and elegant. The ceremony and reception were at Live Arts, which was a first for me. Its a lovely space, and provided a unique environment for their event. Somehow, Wistar and Darren were able to transform the set of Sweeney Todd into a beautiful backdrop for their beautiful, heartfelt, holiday wedding.

Sarah Cramer is an amazing wedding photographer, and when she asked me to photograph her and Matt’s engagement photos, I was both delighted and honored. They were a joy to photograph, even though I am still mad at her for secretly paying the tab everywhere we went.

When my friend Margaret from Red Light Management put me in contact with country rock band, Sons of Bill to take photos for their upcoming CD and promotional material, I was thrilled. Music is a huge part of my life, and the more I can incorporate it into my photography, the better.

The shoot itself was great. Sons of Bill are one of the nicest bands I have ever worked with. We had a great time running around Charlottesville, photographing everywhere from James’ amazing yard to the IX Building, Millers, and The C&O Restaurant. It was a full day, but all of the guys were cool and worked hard to make good imagery. This is exactly the type of shoot that makes me realize I love what I do.

This was my son William’s first Christmas where he really got in the spirit.  (He is 2.5 now).  Here is William playing in his new chair with Jocelyn’s parents, and my superhero brother Steven doing pushups with William on his back.  I tried doing just one William pushup, no dice. Also, head over to my wife Jocelyn Johnson’s blog to see more holiday fun.

William is a Chicken from Billy Hunt on Vimeo.

Steve and Will doing pushups from Billy Hunt on Vimeo.