iPhoneography for Moms, Dads, and Business Owners

iphoneography tips

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”

KIDS IN SPACE: Documenting the Child’s Perspective of Architectural Design

NO. 3 – Downtown Cleveland

panel commentary

architect  Humans – like all animals – possess an exquisitely attuned spatial sense. Unfortunately, because we are so caught up in own inner worlds, most adults are not very observant. Children instinctively know how to inhabit space. An enormous, ornate space like this one can be overwhelming at first. Wisely, Evelyn holds to the edge, placing herself squarely in the floor pattern that rings the space. While an adult would stride right over it, never noticing the difference, Evelyn senses the power of threshold, even when marked only in the ground plane.   She is captivated by the metal grating, perhaps by the way her own shadow dances on its slender bars. Or maybe she’s curious to catch a glimpse of what lies below.   Evelyn climbs the stairs with determination and daring, delighting in this chance to move vertically rather than horizontally. Each step is huge and must be negotiated with care. The railing is higher than her head yet she gamely makes use of it. Imagine yourself scaling two-­foot high steps clinging to a six-­foot railing! –Julie Gabrielli, Go for Change

Continue reading “KIDS IN SPACE: Documenting the Child’s Perspective of Architectural Design”

Water Photos

This August, I photographed kids keeping cool by splashing in nice, cold water.  Water is incredibly fun to photograph.  On a slow shutter speed, its motion is recorded, becoming a unique element to the photo in and of itself.  On a fast shutter speed, water is frozen in time, showing its nature in ways we don’t get to see with the naked eye.  

As we start to pile on the layers this fall, I thought this would be a pleasant reminder that everything has its season.  Before we know it, summer will come around again, and we’ll be splashing away.

Continue reading “Water Photos”