Although we’ve lived in North Carolina for 20 years, we have many roots in the northeast and I always enjoy getting up there - especially at this time of year.

With our son Sean getting ready to head off to college, I figured this would be a good time for us to take a trip together. Sean loves New York City, so I dropped him off with his sister Alison for a few days as I headed further north to Saratoga Springs.

It was great to see Alison and her boyfriend Mike, and I got the extra bonus of seeing my brother and sister and their families.

I first photographed the racing in Saratoga in the mid-90s and I’ve wanted to go back for some time. Thanks to my brother Ben for helping me get credentials and then getting up at 5 a.m. to go to the track with me. (We got to play a little golf too).

It was so nice seeing everyone but I wish Betsy could have made the trip.

We also wanted to congratulate Alison on her new job in New York - we are very proud and happy for you!

Sunrise on opening day at the Saratoga Race Course

A brilliant sky greets riders breezing the thoroughbreds

Fantastic light made an early wake-up call worthwhile

Getting ready

Amazing animals

Working out

Saratoga bugler Sam Grossman prepares for opening day

Quality Road, arguably the best horse in the country, gets some morning air

A little TLC at the end of workout

Back in New York City, we ventured down to the Brooklyn Bridge in the early evening

A magnificent night in New York

Detail of the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge frames Manhattan at twilight

The Manhattan Bridge

A pretty ride up the East River

Early morning in Brooklyn

Another view of the sunrise

I had a great time Sunday helping judge the South Carolina News Photographers Association Pictures of the Year (SCNPA) contest at The State newspaper in Columbia, SC.

Fellow judges Stacy Pearsall, Michael Holahan and I reviewed some fantastic photojournalism. Congratulations to Photographer of the Year Gerry Melendez of The State and to all of the winners.

Having entered hundreds of photography contests over the years, I knew how important they can be to the photographers and we worked hard to come to a consensus on what we thought was the most outstanding work. The single category competition is open judging so photographers and students can listen to the critiques and use them to improve their work.

It was great catching up with some old friends and meeting some new ones.

Stacy and her husband, Andy Dunaway, have done some amazing work as military photographers. Stacy, who is one of only two women to win the National Press Photographer Association’s Military Photographer of the Year competition, is now the owner/director of the Charleston Center for Photography. The center is a great resource for professionals and photo hobbyists and is offering some terrific workshops.

Michael is a talented photographer working on the staff of The Augusta Chronicle. His resume includes many awards including an honorable mention as photographer of the year in smaller markets in the NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism contest.

Congratulations also to my friend Travis Bell for winning first place in the Sports Action category. Like me, Travis started in newspapers before leaving to do wedding photojournalism. He still does a great deal of sports photography for the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. Myrtle Beach photographer Randall Hill, who did an amazing job helping me at a wedding on the Grand Strand, took home numerous awards for his fine work.

Thanks to the folks from SCNPA for inviting me. Look here to see all the winners.

Some of the winners in the SCNPA contest

I look over some of the entries with fellow judge Michael Holahan. Photo by Stacy Pearsall

SCNPA vice president Rich Glickstein, left, looks on as judges Stacy Pearsall, Michael Holahan and me select the Best of Show. Photo by Andy Dunaway.