These awesome girls know the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens like the back of their hands — they are growing up right down the street.
Continue reading “New York Family Photos – April 2012, Series 2”
Category: Posts
New York Family Photos – April 2012, Series 1
During my spring visit to NYC, I had the pleasure of doing some wonderful family portraits, including both my traditional photojournalist-style portraiture, as well as my new 3D coverage. Locations spanned Riverside Park on the Upper West Side to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and spring was abloom!
Continue reading “New York Family Photos – April 2012, Series 1”
3D Sample Reel Has Arrived
When I put together the Sawyers‘ 3D reel, I was sensitive to making sure the photos worked in the format. It was a new and tricky procedure to shoot in stereo, as the subject of the photo needed to be relatively centered in not one but *two* slightly different frames. With moving child and baby chick subjects, not to mention the added complexity of shooting on a telephoto lens (had to be further back from the action than I’d normally prefer), shooting in 3D had me stretching my compositional and timing skills to the max.
3D Viewers: Blast from my Childhood
As I kid, I loved looking at Disney World images in 3D — pointing my viewer at a light-source, and experience the very satisfying CA-chunk, as I pressed the handle to move the reel.
Now, I’m shooting in 3D and offering my clients the same satisfaction. Only instead of rides and attractions, my reels feature 3D images of your own kids (or your own wedding)! If you’re a child of the 80s, or just love the 80s, this custom 3D viewer is for you. Kids will love viewing their own photo shoot come to life in 3D!
Interview by SoCal Kids San Diego
The brilliant writer Kathie Zaccaria of SoCal Kids San Diego interviewed me about my creative practice and approach to photographing kids, as a corollary to my trip to California last month. It’s included here in its entirety, and you can also view it in its original form on the SoCal Kids website.
What kind of camera do you use?
I use all kinds of cameras. I own both Nikon and Canon digital cameras, and actually still prefer to shoot film, when I can. For that I have a Nikon SLR, and a Voigtlander rangefinder that I love — as well as all kinds of other random ones. I love the look of film, and the artistry involved when you can’t “check on” the pictures to see how they’re shaking out. I find it’s an exercise in being present, and the images end up reflecting something ethereal.
Travel Journal: Southern California
Trying something new… this is a stream-of-consciousness excerpt from my travel journal…
California. February 2012.
iPhoneography for Moms, Dads, and Business Owners
As a photojournalist-style photographer, I am enamored with real moments in time. I love photographing kids because they’re so spontaneous! We adults can learn a lot from their free-spiritedness. I see a lot of moms who want their kids’ hair to be brushed just so, for their clothes to be perfect, and for their smiles to be practiced. However, none of those things speak to me of childhood. So, I encourage the kids to giggle, to run, and to explore. Yes, I have to chase them around a lot. But when they stop and catch their breath, I am ready with my camera. And, they’re usually beaming.
If you want to take better photos of your family (and set your child up to be more photogenic for life), think of yourself as a documentarian. Document what you want, yes. But don’t manipulate. Don’t ask for poses. And, don’t fuss! Let the kids enjoy themselves, and what you hold dear about this time in your life will show through in the moments you capture.
Continue reading “iPhoneography for Moms, Dads, and Business Owners”
California, Here I Come
I am eager to announce that I will be coming to southern California for child, baby, and family photo sessions from February 24-28, 2012. I love the light in California — the original Hollywood filmmakers knew what they were doing when they set up shop there. I previously spent a good amount of time there, during my stint as production coordinator of The People’s Choice Awards. It’s always wonderful to go back and capture people in that glorious California sunlight.
Try It: Photo Lessons for Improved Creativity
Lesson 1: The 3 Threes of Composition
This lesson was shot on an iPhone 4S, in order to focus on composition, without getting bogged down by manual camera settings. I recommend you complete this project with a point-and-shoot camera, and focus on getting the best shot you can with a simple tool.
Composing your shot by deliberately using the four sides of the rectangular frame is a key component to creating a great photograph. You will want to pay attention to the way things are arranged in the frame, as well as ensure than anything unwanted is left out of the frame, by moving the camera slightly, or changing your distance to the subject. Let’s get started on this simple exercise that will improve your composition skills instantly!
Continue reading “Try It: Photo Lessons for Improved Creativity”
Tremont Art Walk – Icelandic Magnets
Explore the Tremont Art Walk tonight and pick up a complimentary magnet! It features my shot of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, shot on 120mm redscale film. You can claim your magnet at one of three of my favorite Tremont shops: Lilly Chocolates, Visible Voice Books, and Banyan Tree.
Supplies are very limited so make sure you stop by early.