When in Rome.. be generous

A lesson in generosity.

While walking back from the market I happened to notice this little old man sitting in an alley way. I was particularly fond of photographing pigeons that week, so I considered my self very lucky to find someone feeding them. I saw his bags and thought how sweet he went to the market and bought some extra bread just to feed the birds. Upon closer inspection I noticed that all his worldly belongings were actually stuffed into the bags.
 How is it that this poor man who had no place to call home could share his meager lunch with these birds? Easily, they ate and slept in the same placed, he knew their hardships, they were neighbors.
A lesson in generosity: even when you feel you have nothing to give, there is always someone with less then you.

Removing the "Not"

Let us not be bound by our memories, by things that didn't go our way. Because today (and everyday after this) anything is possible.
 We create the future through small steps that we take each day. Don't let yesterdays path deter you from trying again or trying something new. There really is no such thing as a failed attempt. Every attempt is just an experience, practice or lesson learned for the next time.
The words "I can't" are quite possibly the biggest killer of the human spirit.
We create barriers for ourselves by saying "I can't" or worrying about what others would think of our decisions or failures.
From our infancy to teenage years we have this invincible attitude that we can do anything we want to. Then, somewhere in adult hood we get gridlocked into this role of complacency. We feel trapped in our roles of who we have become (all those small choices adding up over the years).
What if we aren't really 'stuck' with our lives?
What if we went after our dreams?
Starting tomorrow Turn an I can't into I can.
 After all tomorrow is a new day and anything is possible, if you believe that it is.

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.

Examples of Architecture

 What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say Architectural photography? 

If BORING...zzzzzz, was the first thing that popped into your head then wake up because I'm here to tell you it is actually fun. My eyes glazed over the first time my instructor gave me an architecture assignment.

 I have never been drawn to squares or rectangles, they are just to tidy and fixed. If I could, I would round every corner in my room into a gentle curve. 

Contrary to my previously held bias against squares, what I found was that I could concentrate on architectural details and place them in juxtaposition to organic, details (such as the clouds). In doing this I found a way to balance the strong geometrical lines with soft natural lines. 

I won't be calling my self a square lover any time in the near future but I'm glad to say I have found a way to enjoy architectural photography, so I hope you will give it a try too. Sometimes when we try something we think we wouldn't like, we are pleasantly surprised to find the contrary. Never be afraid to try new things, you just may surprise yourself.

A beautiful summer moment.

Children have an amazing way of examining the world around them. They still look at the world in awe, taking time to genuinely look at something.
When we grow up we assume we know what any given flower looks like. We forget that once we examined the petals one by one with wonder, then reveled in the symmetry of nature.
About the photo: desaturated color with sepia toning added. Strong vertical vignette added. High pass bleach filter

An ode to summer

Can't help but to rejoice that the weather is warm in Michigan. It is that season for flip-flops. My claustrophobic feet are so happy to finally be free to breathe again. The blues in this photograph are so refreshing. I sat down on a railroad trestle to watch the water pass by, and could not resist hanging my flip-flops over the edge. ( I'm such a risk taking rebel)

How to take a great portrait of kids

When I am hired to make a children's portrait the result is all about capturing their personalities. Often times, the parents have specific ideas about wardrobe (which is usually something fancy & starched). Realistically the picture is not  about the clothing , it's about the person in them. So here are a few tips on how to get a really great shot. Hope these are helpful!

1. Let the child wear something they are comfortable in.

2. Let them play. Kids don't want to sit for long periods so follow them through a play activity. Plan to sit on the ground so you can shoot at their eye level.

3. Shoot later in the day. This will avoid harsh shadows and the infamous squinting.

4. Start a conversation with your camera in front of your face. This way they will look into the camera to talk to you.

5. Tell a funny kid joke, start shooting at the punch-line.

About this photo: This picture was taken at Ludington state park. A shade tree provided diffused (soft) lighting. Suckers made a great prop because they last a long time and kids love them. Have you ever seen an angry kid eating a sucker? It's just not possible.
 I also bribe children with animal crackers when shooting in studio. This works well because they are non-staining. I have them hold the cracker in their hands closed. I tell them"I want you to hold the cracker in your hand until it flashes as many years as you are old (pointing to my light-box). I have found this to be a fun game for younger children who are anxious in a studio setting.