How to properly beach comb

 I thought this would be a cute way to share some iPhone pictures from my vacation.

Step 1. Find a relaxing coastal place, such as Miami. 

Step 2. Make your way down to the beach early in the morning (after a few caramel lattes)

Step 3. During low-tide, walk gingerly along the shore

Step 4. Survey the spoils of the hunt.

Step 5. Choose your favorite shell. Perhaps one that resembles the Cheetos you ate for breakfast.

Step 6. Find a hammock and take a nap, because your on vacation!

Siblings

I shot this picture in ludignton while walking with the kids out to the Breakwater lighthouse.

It really is a beautful moment when a mother sees her children interact as siblings and freinds. This made me reflect on my own relationship I have had with my 5 siblings over the years. Did you know, only one third of siblings remain close into adulthood.  

I admit I only speak to 2 out of my 5 siblings. Some part of me hopes my kids somehow beat those odds. If there ever comes a point in the future when they are not speaking to eachother I will send them this picture to remind them of when they did.

"From the time that they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our roll models and cautionary tales.  They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them.  Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys.  Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we ever know who truly qualify as partners for life.  Siblings are with us for the whole journey."

Katherine Conger - University of California, Davis

Navy Pier

If you're ever in chicago for the weekend, Navy Pier is lovely at night . In addition to the sweet lights of the rides, there is a fireworks show. All of this is set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
 There is a mixture of sounds from people screaming, laughing and booms from the nightly fireworks show. I would suggest perhaps an Ipod or earplugs if you have sensitive ears (like mine). I would also suggest that you buy a ticket for the ferris wheel and ride it just as the fireworks begin. Oh and (most importantly) take a camera!

About this photo: tripod required.

The Beach

The best time to shoot at the beach is early morning or late evening/ sunset, that's when you get the sweet light.
 But sometimes your schedule works out differently and you can't go until mid-day. If you want the photo to truly speak of the landscape it's self, then you have the option of cloning out any beach-goers.
Which is exactly what I did in this photo, removing 6 out of 7 people. So who is the person standing in the surf? Another photographer. I just couldn't bring myself to clone him out, after all he was there doing the same thing I was.

Photo tip- Sand is a camera's mortal enemy. It can cause all sorts of havoc. So opt for a disposable water camera from the drug store. If your really have your heart set on taking your camera, place it in a clear ziplock baggy and rubber band the body and lens of the camera so the bag is tightly against it. Then, go ahead and get your feet wet.

Going from A to Z

Here is a classic example of post processing, which is photography lingo for improving the overall quality of a picture.
Step 1. Remove distracting elements (such as people in the background)
Step 2. Make the sky blue-er ( if that's a word)
Step 3. Use a special plug-in (on-one skintune) to soften the skin and give it a glow.
Step 4. Perform a color and contrast shift on the sand to bring out texture.
Step 5. Put your logo on it so people can hire you to take great portraits of them!
(Click on picture to see larger version)

About the photo: This picture was taken on the shores of an Indiana state park (yes I was surprised to learn that Indian has shoreline on Lake Michigan too). The model Erin has great skin to begin with, which saves me a lot of time on re-touching. Erin has always wanted to go to the ocean, for the time being she settled on lake michigan. I felt this was a successful shoot in that showcased her natural unkempt beauty.