SDesigns Photography - Logan Cache Valley Smithfield Hyrum Utah - Photography - portrait

Poi

2012-01-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

I met T. one evening last summer when I was walking around the USU campus with one of my classes. He and some friends were walking their fixies and he had some funky Ray Ban's on, so I asked him to let us make some pictures with them. They were more than happy to oblige, and we spent half an hour making pictures together. What a blast.

Fast forward to the New Year. T. messages me about some LED lights he got for Christmas and says he wants to make some pictures. In my mind, he got Christmas lights, and I'm thinking we'll tie him and 'fro up and do something fun all wrapped up in lights.

The truth was even better. He practices Poi, which is a dance form from New Zealand--you know, flaming sticks spinning around? 21st Century fire codes translate this to LED lights that can be programmed to virtually any color tethered to ropes. T. came over to the Mansion during open lab night for the club and we had a blast making pictures, and everyone got some good ones. Here's my sampling, and look out for more to come, cause T. is coming back, soon, to play again.

I love my job.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 62mm, f/8, 1/6s, ISO 400.

I hope to see you at our imaging conference this Saturday! Follow this link for all the details.

Creoles, et al.

2012-01-24T13:59:00.001-07:00

This is the Chef at one of the restaurants we had breakfast at in New Orleans. My favorite image of the trip.

So much has been happening, and so many things are in my mind to share with you. Do you ever get paralyzed with so many things? Ever feel that you just don't have time right now to do a complete job, so you just put it off a little...and a little more...and it just snowballs into a ton of things that you don't have time for and you end up not doing anything?

Me, too.

So, I went to the Caribbean.

Took a vacation. We've actually planning it for months and months. My wife has been excited for ages, but I couldn't get excited until we were driving to the airport for all the things going on and all I had to finish before we left.

These are pictures I made of some of the people I saw and was involved with during our Cruise. This is a quick share, with more depth coming soon. I'm still working on preparations for the Seven Secrets imaging conference this weekend. Hope to see you there!

Gary Bird and J. were compatriots on this excursion

Trumpet.

Photog from North Dakota.

Trombone and photog. THese guys were heading to Washington to perform.

Cool artist--cafebabyneworleans.com

Another favorite.

When I shot this I thought it was cool that there was a guy in the window...turns out to be a bust of JFK!

These guys are listening to the Saints game--iPhone + Sousaphone = P.A. System.

This is Chris, a fellow SMUG leader. He showed us around in NO.

Gary and Chris working it from the Ferry.

Gary works the Shrimp burger--half a pund of ground shrimp patty-fied. A little salty. Gary couldn't finish--it was that much shrimp!

In Costa Maya.

J. in New Orleans

Gary in New Orleans.

J. in Costa Maya.

Guy painting our ship. It's gonna take him a while.

Gal sweeping the street in Roatan, Honduras.

My new pal, Darfuss--that's his green house right behind him...see it?

This vaquero was riding his bike up the street, and I was photographing something else. As soon as he saw me he made this salute and held until he had passed Gary and me. We obliged him with a picture.

7 Secrets

2012-01-13T09:43:00.002-07:00

Friends,

Steve Mackley and I are so excited to announce the photo event of the year in Cache Valley. For the first time ever, you won't have to travel for hours to attend a photographic workshop!

Steve and I will teach you the Seven Secrets to making great images. We'll show you the guaranteed techniques for working with people to make them feel comfortable in front of your lens and give natural looking expressions. We're also going to show you how we work from start to finish, including post processing, to create phenomenal images. We use the camera and computer as one system and we'll teach you how to set your mind so that your images will become a fluid expression of your art.

These are the skills it has taken Steve and me thousands of hours to understand and perfect, and we'll share them with you to get you moving along in your photography, too. Plus, we'll have some great door prizes, too.

Follow this link to take advantage of Early Registration values.

See you on the 28th!

2012-01-09T22:15:00.001-07:00

H. is an old friend. She and her family were some of my first clients a few years ago, and I've always enjoyed working with her. She was good enough to spend the afternoon with Summer and Kayley, a couple of talented hair and makeup artists, and I. I sure enjoyed the soft look of this image, and the hair and makeup really finished it off nicely.

Nikon D7000, 10-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 125mm, f/6.3, 1/200s, ISO 200.

Of course, Laura was in the house as well, and it's always a pleasure to see what she would turn out with H. in her chair...

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 120mm, f/7.1, 1/200s, ISO 200.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Made this with my dad and wife in Garden of the Gods this afternoon. It's best viewed big--so click on it to view it larger.

Nikon D7000, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm, f/8, 10 exposure HDR.

Flower Friday

2011-12-21T22:31:00.001-07:00

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens @ 200mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 200.

So, she's not our usual Flower Friday.

I had a blast this afternoon working with Laura Pennock, Summer Stott, and Kayley King. They did paint, hair and makeup, respectively, for a bunch of gals we had over to make some fun pictures. I highly recommend them and their services. D. is our model here, and she was incredibly patient and talented. She is a lovely violinist and a talented model, I can tell you, and I'm glad she came over after school--what better way to kick off Christmas break?

Frosty Mornings

2011-12-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

No place has mornings like Cache Valley in the winter. Seriously. I've never seen such fog and frost and mist and mountains. It's pretty incredible. Roosevelt has some terrific fogs, but lacks the mountains as backdrop. This place is really unique.

I made this image leaving the airport in Logan the other day after making some really fun pictures for a private jet pilot there. We worked early so we had the hangar to ourselves before the rest of the office arrived, and I had a good time making pictures--when you're limited by space (inside a small jet) and light inlets (windshields on very fast planes are disturbingly tiny) it makes for creative pictures. I had a speedlight in one window and an Alien Bee in another. What fun!

And to top it off, the sun was just rising and the mists were just getting started, too, as I left the airfield. I debated for half a second (it's cold, you understand?) then said, You only live once! and jumped out, grabbed the tripod form the trunk and started looking for the right arrangement. I shot several dozen frames, almost got run over by the garbage truck, and came away with this as a favorite.

It's good to shoot this stuff. It keeps me creative in my portraiture. Anyone want to go wading one of these mornings? The picture will be worth it...

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 250mm, f/9, 1/160s, ISO 100.

I think what stuck out to me in this image is not only the mist on the water, but the total depth. I love the circle of the culvert amidst all the straight lines. I love the telephone poles leading deeper and across the image. I love the fence drawing me inward (and wondering if I'm outside a prison). I love the selective sharpness, focussing on the reeds not far in. I love the trees and rooflines in the distance showing just how hazy it is. I love the little orange cone by the fence. I love the circle of the bridge bringing me back in. I love that I didn't get hit by the garbage truck after all!

Coming and Going

2011-12-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

N. found me on Google. That never happens to me. Almost all of my clients are friends of my other clients. I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm just surprised and pleased. Very pleased, actually. N. is one of the funnest people to work with, and her family follows suit. Not only where they all looking great for pictures, but they were naturals in front of my lens. I gave directions and chatted with them and made pictures.

See, many folks stop talking and freeze a smile on their face when I lift the camera to my eye. Or, even better, they talk through their teeth without moving their face. I also love it when people are quiet in the studio--like a library!--as if talking ruins the pictures. I'm not picking on people who do these things: I sincerely appreciate their efforts to make the best pictures of themselves. And we always end up with terrific images...once I convince them it's okay to keep on talking with me as I shoot.

Anyway, 'Coming and Going'. Little A. is only a week old--just came. Big T. on the end is heading to Europe to be a missionary. Going. I'd be happy if they came a little more often, actually.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @82mm, f/10, 1/200s, ISO 200.

Couples

2011-12-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Folks like these are just plain fun to work with. O. and S. are getting married, and making pictures for their engagement was wonderful--they're in love, and they're cute, and I just couldn't make a bad picture.

I love working with couples, young and old. One of my favorite things about family pictures is making individual and couple shots of the parents--I get to see that old sparkle return and we have fun while they remember their first times together.

Anyway, best wishes for O. and S. as they get started...

Nikon D7000, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/3.2, 1/250s, ISO 400.

Freezing Flower Friday

2011-12-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something I made with a student the other day. We were walking to another spot where I have been noticing great light lately, and I looked down and saw the pristine frost on the soft gradients of colors in the leaves and the little camera in my brain started winding, and the computer in there started processing how the image would be finished with Lightroom and Nik softwares and I was thinking how great it would look.

Then I realized, "I'm with a student, who I'm teaching photography...I have a camera in my hand!" I love when I remember that there is a camera in my hand. Not like the other day when I was walking to work and saw a great picture, wished I had a camera, pulled out my iPhone and made a few frames then kept walking, then adjusted the camera strap on my shoulder cause the lens was bumping me in the hip...duh.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @135mm, f/5.6, 1/400s, ISO 400.

Tenacity

2011-12-13T20:07:00.002-07:00

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 135mm, f/10, 1/200s, ISO 200.

So, this guy calls me up and asks what kind of photography I do. That translates to instant alert status for a photographer: I perked up and put on my best 'I'm the guy who can do your job well' voice. "I'm a photographer, and I study all kinds of photography, but people are my speciality," I say.

Turns out he got my name from a manager at Icon Health and Fitness who recommended me from the work I've done for them. Sweet. Also turns out he's a model himself, and is looking to build his portfolio. Double sweet. Kade came over and we discussed ideas and where he's going (look for his clothing line coming out soon) and what his plans are. Then we decided to just try something--just get together and make some pictures. That way we know if we like working with each other, and we know how we work, and we can recommend one another at the appropriate times when work comes along. Triple sweet.

Here's how I know Kade is going to go far. We had an appointment today to make pictures. However, he's feeling ill today. Nevertheless, he planned to keep his appointment and tarry on through. Then the lugnuts on his car sheered off, leaving a wheel lying someplace. His text to me: had a little trouble, be there soon.

Tenacity gets things done. Tenacity engenders powerful and enduring relationships and systems. Kade's got it. Plus, he makes nerdy look good.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 70mm, f/10, 1/200s, ISO 200.

For more on Kade, see his Model Mayhem page (Model Mayhem as a whole is a PG-13 site).

Bad Day, Good Pictures

2011-12-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things just don't work out the way we hope. Sometimes there's traffic that makes you late, or frost on the windshield that takes too long to scrape off, or extra work that takes longer than expected. Or little boys with the flu on the day of their photo shoot. Things happen. Fortunately, it doesn't mean that the pictures will suffer because of it. Mom loves this image, and I think it's nice, too...

Best Family Portrait Ever

2011-12-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

That's what the R. family said, anyway. Mom called me up yesterday and asked if we could make this happen super quick--she gave me the idea of what she wanted, and we made it happen super quick! It was fun, too.

The thing everyone enjoyed most was not having to do hair and buy new shirts and practice smiling. I still had to jump around and catch the attention of the little one, but every one else just stood in their spot and made a picture! What a fun idea.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 40mm, f/11, 1/80s, ISO 200.

Zoom

2011-11-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

I got caught up looking at some images I made last year when I visited Tokyo. Scenes like this make me miss Asia.

Nikon D700, 70-300mm @ 300mm, f/4.5-5.6 VR lens, f/11, 1/320s, ISO 800.

Easy

2011-11-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

I'm practicing with lots of techniques right now, and I'm trying to make beautiful portraits under various circumstances.

M. makes making a beautiful portrait under any circumstance easy.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 180mm, f/18, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Color

2011-11-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

When I was a missionary in Taiwan (wow, ten years goes by so quickly!) I remember there were these girls who worked at the malls and department stores at the makeup counters. The thing is, they had so much makeup on, you could never recognize them in the real world. Sporting super powdered faces, garish lipsticks and eye shadows they would wrangle all the women walking by into letting them apply a quick makeover. You could always tell which entrance the women customers came in.

So, the thing is, color can be fun! N. is one of my favorite clients. She and her daughter return each year to kick off the holidays with family pictures. N. confided that she has been told that colors would look great on her, but her work environment makes colors go to grey very quickly, so she has not indulged very often. Well, when you're making pictures is the perfect time to let loose and try something out of the ordinary. This splash of color and texture is just right to show off N.'s youthful complexion.

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens @ 105mm, f/20, 1/200s, ISO 200.

Decisions

2011-11-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate when you've got decisions to make? That's why I only have oatmeal in the cupboard, black shirts, blue jeans, and Nikon equipment.

Okay, I also have some red shirts, cause sometimes you just need a little color! That's how I feel about these two images. I think they both look nice, even though they have completely different subjects and feelings about them.

Fortunately, this is my blog and I don't have to choose which picture to post. I can have my black and wear red, too.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 125mm, f/14, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Beware

2011-11-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

See, these boys are dangerous.

Nikon D3s, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 122mm, f/9, 1/200s, ISO 1000, SB-600 through umbrella

Every time I see them they are building something or crafting a new method for launching arrows or other projectiles. They are becoming increasingly accurate and powerful. Plus, the oldest brother, E., is a thinker; you can hear the gears of his mind turning from across the neighborhood. Then he's got the next boy, B., to refine thoughts and act as sounding board and executer. K. is dangerous just because he's fearless--he can literally do anything. Watch for him break dancing--he'll be famous and you can claim to have known him when. And don't let that little guy's innocent look fool you: he'll be joining the brothers in mischief in no time--just as soon as he can sit up on his own...

They think they have mom and dad fooled, too, but S. and S. are in the know, managing the boys and directing the mayhem in a controlled manner. They know what they're doing.

Nikon D3s, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/9, 1/125s, ISO 640, SB-600 through umbrella

We had fun making pictures together. I see the boys finding ingenius ways to haul one another around the 'hood on a single bicycle. I'm glad that we made these pictures before they kill themselves.

Nikon D3s, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 150mm, f/9, 1/125, ISO 1000, SB-600 through umbrella.

Killer Arab

2011-11-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ever hear that The Cure song? "Killin' An Arab"? I have no idea what it was about, but it comes to mind every time I wear this scarf I was given by a friend in Saudi Arabia last year.

However, I've never made it look as good as T. did this morning. She looked exactly like the arabs I saw in Saudi arabia last year, except they were wearing extremely expensive leather coats. Still, she looks killer.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 230mm, f/18, 1/200s, ISO 200.

Woodsy Tales

2011-11-13T22:46:00.002-07:00

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28mm, f/9, 1/160s, ISO 200.

There's a story you should read, if you haven't already. See, when I was a kid, my elementary school didn't have a gymnasium. We spent every day outside doing calisthenics while Coach Johnson sang "Daisy Daisy", then playing tetherball and tag on the playground, falling off monkey bars, rolling in tires, and getting bit by fire ants. Good times.

But, when it rained (this is Florida, ya know?) we had to stay inside. Sometimes P.E. was held in the cafeteria where we sat at tables and played BINGO; northern Florida in the '80's, what can I say? Other times we convened in the library where we watched film strips.

My favorite was the Lorax. I often helped load the tapes and the film strip and synchronize the two. The film perfectly followed the book by Dr. Seuss, plus some music. Remember the Grinch film? Just like that one, but you should have seen the brown barbaloots dancing about in their barbaloot suits! Good times.

Maybe that's why I've always enjoyed the woods...

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 400.

And we were enjoying the woods a little while ago. This Autumn has been very lovely. Now with the first snows sitting heavy on the hills, it's a good thing we got some time for these fun images.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f.3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 180mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 200.

I say 'we'. That's cause my friends C., L., and L. were good enough to let 11 photographers from the Cache Valley Photographers come along and work with them making pictures throughout a very chilly morning. Cafe Ibis cocoa kept us warm, though.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 400.

Oh, back to that story you should read. I recommend the Lorax, but that's not what got me thinking. It was picturing L. in a wedding dress one of the club members brought along. You've heard of The Bride of Frankenstein, right? Creepy looking bride with hair sticking straight back with stripes and plenty of diodes attached to her reanimated flesh? Well, the woods and the leaves and the vines and the dress got my mind stewing on another film we watched during rainy days on the playground.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 56mm, f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 320.

It was a claymation rendition of Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle. Pretty awesome little film. I remember Rip testing the wind for a kite by licking his claymation finger and holding it in the breeze, and playing nine-pins with gnomes in the Catskills. At the end...well, I don't want to ruin it for you.

Suffice it to say, L. in her dress was a perfect Bride of Rip Van Winkle with vines and leaves of a hundred years grown about her. Bride of Rip Van Winkle: look for it in a theater near you.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 90mm, f/7.1, 1/160s, ISO 320.

There was one other film we watched, too, and it also happen's to be based on one of Irving's stories, though I believe it was produced by Walt Disney: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I'll let you know as soon as I figure out how to get L. on a horse and a pumpkin on her head.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/9, 1/250s, ISO 500.

Homeward Bound

2011-10-28T04:49:00.000-06:00

J. is an old friend. My wife and I often go listen to her perform--singing and playing guitar, with a bit of yuke thrown in now and again. Always a pleasure.

Well, she stopped by the other evening to bring some friends to see the Thatcher-Young Mansion (my home away from home) and we happened to be holding a photography class. Ever the good sport, J. acquiesced to a few frames.

Nikon D700, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/2.5, 1/400s, ISO 400.

Morning Has Broken

2011-10-20T15:13:00.000-06:00

You know that Cat Steven's song? I love the last lines, speaking about morning as God's recreation. That's we did this morning--recreated in the Dawn.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 20mm, f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 400.

K. is a great friend to come out this cold morning and dance down the trail (barefoot in the freezing cold). She and her sister, Andrea have done this twice this week. Andrea is a phenomenal hair stylist and I always enjoy the creations she comes up with. Look her up at K Salon in Logan and I know you'll be impressed, too.

Kenny

2011-10-19T10:17:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/4, 1/40s, ISO 400.

I was working with one of my students, walking about USU meeting new friends and making on the spot portraits with them, when Kenny happened along. I spotted him at once--see, he was wearing a fedora, and I have a weak spot for those fine hats (have you seen my logo?).

So, we made a few frames on the sidewalk with Kenny, and he had some great looks and good confidence in front of the lens. I invited him to the Mansion for another class I was teaching on flash photography. Again, great looks and a good time.

Nikon D7000, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/4, 1/125s, ISO 200.

Jobs Project

2011-10-13T16:03:00.001-06:00

So, Steve Jobs passed away last week. I don't know the man, and I don't whether he was a good man--I don't know if he spent his money on humanitarian projects or if he built himself a castle with genuine leprechauns in the basement. I don't know.

I do know that he put apple computers in Mary Esther Elementary in Mary Esther florida where I went to school. I do know that I survived Mrs. Meyer's (bless her heart) third grade class because I got to play to Oregon Trail and Odell Lake on said computers. It was a goal to work toward--my five minutes of free time on the computer. I suppose we did other stuff with the computers, too, but for those times I thank Mr. Job's for his efforts.

Besides making computing possible for me, he also ruined my life by making sure that I can be connected to everybody all the time. How's a guy supposed to get a break when he can check facebook and emails and text messages on an iPad anywhere in the world? Sheesh.

Jobs' favorite portrait was the one that is currently the landing page for apple.com. That portrait was made by Albert Watson, who has apparently worked with many celebrities (his work is incredible, but it's also not for general audiences; view with awareness). Well, in tribute to Mr. Jobs, I'm doing a project based on this portrait. View the complete project here as it grows, and please come in and allow me to make a portrait of you in this manner, as well. It literally takes 20 seconds, and we'll have you in and out with a fun portrait. I hope to see you soon...

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 170mm, f/6.3, 1/250s, ISO 200.

Eyes to Die For...

2011-10-10T18:40:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/4.5, 1/400s, ISO 400.

Those eyes are enough to make you want one. Well, almost.

Found this fellow at the Gardener's Market in Salt Lake. I was thinking to myself, "Climbing rope? that's maybe overkill--he's such a little guy...." That was right before this little lab flew six feet into the air and covered the passersby's faces in slobbery kisses. I'm thinking a less dynamic tether--6 gauge linked chain, perhaps?

Alabama BBQ

2011-10-10T00:06:00.001-06:00

Met this fellow at the Gardener's Market in Salt Lake yesterday. Best barbeque I've had! you should look him up--he can prepare your meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Naturally, I was drawn in by his hat, but I lingered for the smell.

Marcus Dean's Smoke House Catering: 435-654-0254

Nikon D7000, Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.8, 1/1600s, ISO 400.

He was good enough to work with me as I adjusted myself to using the Zeiss lens. These are legendary lenses that are rumored to produce the sharpest images with incredible resolution. Well, I talked the Zeiss representative into letting me borrow this one for the photo walk I arranged during Digitalfest at Pictureline this weekend. The thing is, as sharp (and expensive!) as these lenses are, they do not have autofocus for Canons and Nikons! (Sony owners have a little more luck--they auto focus on their bodies). Honestly, I haven't used manual focus lenses regularly since I was in High School, and I really never made any portraits. It was a bit of a trick, especially with this shallow depth of field, to get the important stuff looking sharp. And wouldn't you know it, just as I was getting pretty good at it, I had to return the lens! But, I finagled another one and made the skating pictures you see below. Pretty fun day shooting!

High Flight

2011-10-09T23:34:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, Zeiss 18mm f/2 lens, f8, 1/2500s, ISO 400.

I have a scar on my left arm. I also have scars on my knees, and all the way down my right foot. However, only the scar on my left arm came from skate boarding. I was 8, and my older brother had a board (which he ruined a leg on himself) and all I did was ride it down the neighbor's driveway; on my stomach. Anyway, got the bottom and the board stopped, but I didn't.

Seems like there's an entrance fee to sport's like this--a cost to prove you're worthy. I didn't pay it. I didn't get back on and learn to ride. You know that saying about getting back on the horse? Well, this wasn't the horse for me.

There are lots of ways to fly, but the adventure gods don't let just anybody in the club. They have to be sure that the applicants are diligent, worthy to enjoy the free of the sky. I didn't continue with skating, but I found flight on a few other avenues. If you haven't found a means to fly for yourself, you're missing out. I'm thinking that it's never too late to find flight. At least, I hope that's the case; I hope I can find it again myself.

These four fellows really fly. Their passion and commitment is quite obvious, and it was a pleasure watching them worship in the temple of flight. I particularly appreciated their skill as I lay below...

Nikon D7000, Zeiss 18mm f/2 lens, f/8, 1/2500s, ISO 400.

Nikon D7000, Zeiss 18mm f/2 lens, f8, 1/2500s, ISO 400.

Fortunate Meeting

2011-10-06T12:12:00.001-06:00

I was just thinking to myself, "I need a baby to try this look on..." and low and behold, W. & W. were introduced to me with their little J. Sure had fun making pictures with them in a hurry this morning!

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 110mm, f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO 640.

There Goes Another One...

2011-10-04T21:36:00.000-06:00

B. has been a friend of mine for a while now--comes to all kinds of photo club events, and has really made incredible images lately--you should see his work from a recent trip to China. Well, this week he got a new tool and he dropped by to share it with me. A new Nikon DSLR. It's over. He's hooked.

We made a few frames, trading places in front of the lens, messing around with lights. Pretty fun. You've gotta break these things in.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Photo Walking

2011-10-02T22:57:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was Scott Kelby's Fourth Annual World Wide Photo Walk. As always, it was a blast. Our local chapter got together and roamed the USU campus making pictures of whatever oddball stuff we could find. In speaking of oddballs, K. was one of the participants, and was good enough to almost hold still long enough for me to make a few frames. It's great people like K. who make these activities and all the fun things we do in the Cache Valley Photographers worth it.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 125mm, f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 200.

Also made this funky one, finished it using HDR Efex Pro from Nik software (trial version--but I like it!)

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28mm, f/4.5, ISO 200.

Autumn

2011-10-02T22:43:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens @ 75mm, f/11, ISO 200.

Seems like the whole valley drove up the canyon this afternoon to view the leaves. They are in full color at Tony Grove, and creeping down the canyons daily, like a shag carpet--out with the green, in with the orange!

There's a special grandeur to the changing of the leaves--like the world is putting on it's best clothes before death. Have you seen that movie, "Get Low"? Like this is the party of the year, and it's time to dress up for it.

Nikon D700, 300mm f/4 lens, f/8, 1/15s, ISO 200.

So, we oblige. I called up the Cache Valley Paparazzi on Friday and invited them all to come with me on Saturday morning for the red carpet opening of Autumn up the Canyon. We tossed around where to attend, as if J. Lo and Lady Gaga were both throwing galas and we had to choose which one. We thought of heading to the Temple Fork road with it's high vantages, but Steve scouted that beforehand and noted that there was a distinct lack of red maples; we decided the place to be was Tony's.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens @ 70mm, f/16, 1/125s, ISO 640.

A herd of photogs appeared for the show, and it was well worth awaking at 5:00am. That first image was one of the very ones I made. I like to begin shooting well before the sun is up because the colors are very rich and the sky is not yet bright so there is not too much contrast between light and dark, which means that you can capture detail in both the sky and the landscape. And anyway, I'm already up, so I may as well shoot!

Nikon D700, 300mm f/4 lens, f8, 1/100s, ISO 200.

It never ceases to amaze me how much fun it is to make pictures of this kind of majesty. The colors, the clouds, the light, the hills themselves--it's all quite stunning. This kind of experience reminds of how much I love travel photography. I love creating images that show some of the soul of a place, the things that locals rave about--the things they are proud of in their home. Tony Grove is just such a place to the residents of Cache Valley. Everyone always goes on about how beautiful it is, at every season, and they spend weekends there and hundreds of people use it for snowmobiling each winter. Well, this was my first trip to that particular spot, and it really is lovely.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens @112mm, f/8, 1/160s, ISO 200.

So, this great place has been in my backyard while I've been traveling to Dubai, Korea, and St. Louis, etc. and relishing the pictures I made in those great places. The lesson for me, then, is that I can create great travel photographs right in the place where I live! I don't need to travel around the world to find great locales loaded with culture and interest.

Anyone want to join us for our Caribbean cruise this winter?

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens @160mm, f/8, 1/320s, ISO 200.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm, f/2.8 VR II lens @ 145mm, f/8, ISO 200.

Flower Friday

2011-09-30T10:25:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens @135mm with extension tubes, f/5.6, 1/400s, ISO 1600.

New Mom

2011-09-28T09:29:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 155mm, f/10, 1/250s, ISO 200.

Flower Friday

2011-09-24T18:53:00.000-06:00

Niko D7000, 70=200mm f/2.8 VR lens with extension tubes @ 190mm, f/16, 1/2.5s, ISO 200.

Da Nang Bistro

2011-09-21T22:07:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/16, 1/60s, ISO 200. Tasty fresh slightly spicy corn bisque.

I spent the afternoon with the incredible chef at Da Nang Bistro. She's crazy about good food, and her food is crazy good. I highly recommend that you stop by her booth at the Gardener's market on Saturdays and check it out. 'Like' the Bistro on Facebook and keep up on their next appearances.

Man, was it fun to make these pictures!

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 200. These mung beans hold delicious potential, and look good on the dinner table.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @120mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 200. The bistro's cardamom doughnuts are truly scrumptious.

He's Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

2011-09-21T11:58:00.000-06:00

This is my friend, R. I know him via a complex network of people who eventually lead his daughter to be one of my classes' favorite models. She and her friends often come to be in pictures for us during the sessions we learn to see light and make flattering portraits. It's always a hoot to have the studio full of teenagers--reminds you of how carefree life used to be.

Anyway, R. often comes along with his camera and makes fun images, too. Last night he was attending one of my classes as a student himself and we made these pictures together at the end of the day.

See, R. got some hard news yesterday, and was beginning to feel the gravity of it. I think it's important to record important events, and R. agreed, and the import of the event was showing in his face.

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 135mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 400.

However, one thing that always amazes me about R., is how quickly his face lightens when he talks about those girls of his. And this case was no different. As soon as he thought about the girls, a smile spread on his face and his whole demeanor changed. He's a caring dad, and nothing gets in the way of that.

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens @ 110mm, f/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 400.

Flower Friday

2011-09-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm VR lens @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 1600

New Dad

2011-09-15T11:31:00.000-06:00

K. is a new dad of just a few months. We got together last night and made some pictures for his little family, more of those to come soon. For now, I really enjoyed making this picture of him.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 82mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 200.

New Family

2011-09-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

I always say that I love working with musicians, but it's more than that: I love working with people who are passionate about their craft. I think it makes me feel a little justified in being outrageously passionate about my photography. Justified in laying awake at night thinking about light. Justified in carrying my camera everywhere I go. Justified in considering "Nikon" as a name for my firstborn. In speaking of first born...

Gil and Nadine are professional musicians, playing the bass and cello, respectively. But, as you can see, they are about to be trio. I highly recommend their work to you. It'll be very interesting to see the developments of this little troupe.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 105mm, f/14, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Your Tax Dollars At Work

2011-09-08T10:51:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about traveling is seeing airports. Everywhere you go, airports are good looking buildings--I think it's because a town or country wants you to have a good first impression of their place, so they spend a lot of money on architecture. A lot.

So, there are all these wonderfully designed buildings scattered around the country and around the world, and they are only seen by those travelling! I think it's a great tragedy, and just another effect of 9/11: citizens who pay for these works of art are not able to view them!

Fortunately, we have another outlet for our tax dollars, and we can all go see them: Universities. USU is one such location that has some incredible buildings, and it's just around the corner from everyone in this county. They have really put a lot into making the campus a pleasant place to go, and the Library is an especially beautiful building where you can enjoy a dance of light and color and form throughout the day. I highly recommend a field trip to see this building.

And while I was mentoring a student in the morning yesterday, J. happened by the library on her way to class, and boy was it nice to see an old friend like her--you've met her here before, but she's had a load of new experiences since that time and is a new woman. I'm so glad she stopped to chat and sit in front of the lens for a moment.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-4.5 VR lens @ 92mm, f/5.3, 1/3200s, ISO 800.

Flower Friday

2011-09-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Don't be sad.

Summer is wrapping itself up, but that's no reason to despair; the flowers are going, but the colorful leaves are coming. Something about closing doors and opening windows.

Nikon D7000, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.5, 1/500s, ISO 400.

Amiability

2011-08-28T22:29:00.000-06:00

I met this fellow at the fair the other night during our outing with the CVP's. Dang nice guy. I hope you enjoyed the fair season, too.

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.5, 1/3200s, ISO 200.

Flower Friday

2011-08-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Nikon D7000, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2, 1/640s, ISO 400.

Movement

2011-08-26T11:49:00.000-06:00

It's not the forth, the fifth, the minor fall or the major lift, but it is movement. And capturing movement in a single still image is pretty fun.

Seniors, wouldn't it be fun to make some pictures with me with this much character to them? Give me a call.

I took the Cache Valley Photographers to the Fair in Tremonton, UT, last night to play around with movement and capturing it with different methods. Check out their results at this link.

This is one of my favorites from the evening. Emma is a singer, and sister to one of the club members and was good enough to model for us. Jacana Parties did the makeup--she is incredibly talented and can make anything happen. You should definitely look her up. We had fun with something like cowboys and aliens. I moved my camera, zoomed my lens, and lit Emma with a strobe all while making a single picture. Only some color adjustments have been made to this image.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @15-24mm, f/5.0, 1/15s, ISO 400.

Trust

2011-08-22T17:32:00.000-06:00

Few people have had as large an influence in my life as my Grandfather. Everything from my wife-infuriating-Scotch-thriftiness to my meticulousness in coiling extension cords to my knowledge of tree pruning and bee keeping can be traced to my Grandfather.

I hope you know your grandfather, and I hope you have as good a relationship as J and P. These two are best buddies, and it showed during our whole photo experience. In fact, when the ladies in the family came over to choose their favorite images, they left J and P on the porch with knives whittling sticks. It's good to be buddies with an older generation.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 150mm, f/3.5, 1/500s, ISO 3200.

Flower Friday on Monday

2011-08-22T11:15:00.000-06:00

I made this image during my children's photography class at Citrus and Sage on Saturday afternoon. It was a nice time teaching kids...at least, I think they learned something. We definitely hada good time making pictures together!

Nikon D7000, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.2, 1/8000s, ISO 400.

Remembering Summer

2011-08-18T20:46:00.000-06:00

Don't hate me, but i really think it's going to be an early Autumn. Which is fine with me--I love Autumn; I just hope it's as long as last year's.

So, as K. and her family were getting ready to move to the East Coast this week she called and asked me to memorialize their summe here. See, E. spent her days playing at the park and throwing rocks in the creek, and K. wanted to remember that. Well, my brain started churning, and for a week I had an image in my mind that would exemplify that feeling.

This was it for me, and it is exactly what K. wanted.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 98mm, f/2.8, 1/1000s, ISO 500.

The days are cooler, and the grass is green, but the leaves may start turning shortly. Give me a call and we'll reserve your spot for Fall Family pictures. Talk to you soon. 435-535-1501

Feeling Down

2011-08-18T11:11:00.000-06:00

T. was having a hard day. First of all, she had a rough time with mosquitos a few days before our shoot, so that wasn't fun for her. Then in the morning she just had a difficult time getting out of bed and moving. We've all been there, so that's totally understandable. Even after being awake for awhile she was still clingy and a bit groggy.

Nevertheless, she's a generally happy child, so even being under the weather couldn't keep her down for long. With the help of the dolls and big sister we did eventually get her telling stories and ended up having a good time.

Oh, and we made pictures while doing it.

This is "Fun"?

2011-08-14T18:42:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 400mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 1600.

Portrait of a Man

2011-08-13T12:46:00.002-06:00

Nikon D700, 400mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 6400.

You may wonder why I post pictures from the fair, or the rodeo, or a rooftop in Saudi Arabia; aren't I a portrait photographer? Shouldn't I be showing you portraits so that you'll buy portraits?

The fact is, I'm a photographer. That's it. Anything with light on it falls under my purview, and anything with good light is likely to be photographed. I happen to be passionate about this stuff, though, and I'm also passionate about relating with people, so portrait photography is a good fit for me and I love it and it pays the bills (important for me, since this is my full time profession).

Still, a guy's got to stay on top of his game. I'm not as fortunate as doctors who get to 'practice' medicine on real people and that is totally acceptable. Nope, when I have you in front of my lens, I have to be ready to make things happen right away, and it's unacceptable for me to practice on a client. I have to know my equipment, know what will happen when I fire the shutter, and know that you will be pleased with the results.

That's why I go to the rodeo. We love pictures of us being natural, doing our thing, not too 'pose-y'. Well, as my friend Patrick Oden taught me, if you ever want natural expressions and true character to show through, do sports photography.

Cowboys, however, take it to the next level. This dude, for instance, is about to help a compatriot by steering a steer out of the chute so that it runs straight and the guy can wrestle it to the ground. (Note: rodeos are not for the tender hearted; both man and beast are beaten up pretty hard--though man certainly takes the brunt of it) Something about grabbing life by the horns....

Anyway, one minute he's helping a buddy, the next he's in the chute himself preparing to leap off a horse going 30 miles per hour onto a bull doing the same and drag it to the ground. By the way, these guys don't buy their jeans at Old Navy.

Nikon D700, 400mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 6400.

This reminds me of a few things relating to photography, as well. If you think photography is easy, then I should shoot more like you. For me, I have a lot of sweat into every shoot I do. First of all, I'm carrying about 20 pounds of lenses and cameras on my person, and my pants pockets alone weigh about a stone just with batteries and gels and memory cards. Next, I'm likely to lie prone on the ground one moment, climb a tree the next, and finish off by squatting up and down about a jillion times as we make pictures--and that's of mature adults. Don't get me started on a kids shoot. So, this work requires a certain level of fitness and flexibility. I'm still sore from a Swiss Family Robinson Shoot we did on Thursday!

Take a look at that first picture again, and then take a look at this next one. (Click on an image to make it larger)

Nikon D700, 400mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 6400.

This guy is older than me, and I'm turning thirty something this month. This takes guts and determination at a level I completely comprehend. He puts his all into these five seconds of riding, and he's all in every time he gets on a horse. Is he nuts? You bet he is. And that's why he wins, even though the other contestants are younger and more spry.

I get that. That's why I shoot the rodeo. That's why I shoot the roof tops in Saudi Arabia. That's why I shoot the food my wife and I eat at the Tandori Oven. That's why when I join you on vacation, or you come into my studio, or we work in your home, or we shoot you doing what you love--anytime we make a picture I'm ready because I've practiced to be so. When I get a fast steer, or one with stamina, or one that's too tall, I'm ready. And if you think that's a parable of me working with your kids, you're right.

Let's make some pictures together. Bring me your worst. I'm ready.

Oh, and I recently bought my first pair of Old Navy Jeans--love 'em, but they're not holding up to the rigors of my life. Sigh.

Click on the tags below for more pictures of various styles and places. Then call me up and we'll make it happen for you. Oh, and if you know the cowboy in these pictures, please put me in contact.

Fair Weather

2011-08-11T17:57:00.000-06:00

I love riding my scooter: it's a big one with a 400cc engine. That means it has power enough to go fast, even over mountain passes. And that's what I did on Tuesday. I drove a portion of one of the prettiest drives in this country, from Logan to Jackson via Mink Creek and Star Valley. I headed to halfway point in Montpelier in the morning to pass judgement at the Bear Lake County Fair photography contest.

Now, you may know that Bear Lake County boasts fewer than 6,000 people--even in Logan, that's only the student body of the high schools! Not a lot of folks. But you'd be mistaken if you thought that would affect the turnout for entries at the fair.

In photography alone, there were more than 250 entries! Now that's awesome. What's incredible is that they were entered by kids as young as 7 and adults well over 70! I had a blast viewing the wide range of work and chatting with the participants. I saw many truly stunning images, and the one I voted best of show really moved me. Trust me, if the beautiful drive itself weren't enough reason to spend your friday night in Montpelier, then the photography building should tip the scales for you.

Unless, of course, you're spending the evening at your local Fair. Like the Cache County fair in Logan that kicks off in full swing tonight. Rides and contests and rodeos will rule the night around here. Please eat some funnel cakes for me--I'm wheat intolerant, so I rely on your proxy in this. I'm headed over this evening, and will probably go back tomorrow, too. Heck, I made this image there last night with my photography class. Have fun, and take your camera!

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28,,. f/3.5, 1/30s, ISO 1600.

Fibonacci iPhone Flower Friday

2011-08-04T23:05:00.000-06:00

Say that title fifty-five times fast. This one is cropped to the Fibonacci Ratio, and is an example of the ratio within nature as the doohickies on the daisy spiral outward from the center. Geeky, eh?

iPhone 4, 3.85mm lens, f/2.8, 1/60s, ISO 80.

Family Picture

2011-08-04T22:52:00.000-06:00

Five Bodies, four necks, four heads, only six feet. Yep, if your instruments are over one hundred years old, then I think they qualify as part of the family. The fifth body? That ones tucked away safely between Nadine and her cello for another few months.

Gil and Nadine are in town playing for the Utah Festival Opera, and they leave town in the next few days. I'm so glad that I had the privilege of shooting for them. They are incredibly talented. Check out there info and bios at their site, Nona Music.

I love to photograph musicians. I tell them it's because when they play they look completely comfortable and natural. I'll tell you, though: it's really just 'cause they play. They filled the Mansion with music this evening, and it was a pleasure.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 140mm, f/14, 1/200s, ISO 400. tow Paul C. Buff strip lights.

Socializing the Network

2011-07-28T18:35:00.000-06:00

Social Networks. These things rule our lives--we do everything based on recommendations on someone's blog, or make plans by what we read from our 'friends' on Facebook. Heck, I'm going to Las Vegas next week to attend a conference based solely on the references I have made online.

The important thing is, I'm going to Skip's Summer School and so are the others I've built online relationships with; so now we'll begin making some real relationships! It's important to meet people, to get to know them, to laugh with them, to be concerned with them, to tolerate their over loud laughing, and deal with their manners that are different than yours. This is relationshipping, and I hope you're doing it. I hope you're getting out and seeing people you've met online. Meetup.com is really good for this, and I use it for building photographers in Cache Valley.

This week I met two new people through my networks. This is M., and I was pleased to get to know him and realize that we share some common passions. He's heading back to one of my favorite places in the world soon, and I look forward to seeing his pictures.

Nikon D7000, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 62mm, f/4.8, 1/200s, ISO 640.

So, get out there and meet some people! ON that note, you're always welcome to come by the Mansion. Wednesdays we have a our Brown Bag Lunch Forum, and Thursday nights is open lab for photography, so come on down!

The Best Season

2011-07-28T11:48:00.000-06:00

Spring and Summer really are a great time to get married. Everything is new, so making a new life just fits. In this image I love that B & D are wrapped around each other and shrouded in the new blooms and fresh greens of the season. We had a great time making these pictures right before the wedding. This was great because they knew they were ready, and were actually quite relaxed before the nuptials, and didn't have to worry about managing their time between the ceremony and luncheon afterward. I really like this pattern for making wedding pictures.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 200mm, f/3.5, 1/500s, ISO 640.

Forests and Trees

2011-07-27T09:21:00.000-06:00

Ever hear the phrase, "you can't see the forest for the trees"? Sometimes we lose sight of the big picture because we're so focussed on what's going on right in front of us. Focus is especially important in photography. As such, there will be some changes coming to this blog and website. Stick around, don't leaf just because we're renovating...

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 230mm, f/11, 1/4s, ISO 200.

All Dressed Up...

2011-07-18T08:20:00.000-06:00

A. is one of those people who just likes to look nice. She's always dressing nicely for work and play, and she has flair to go with the style. In fact, she often creates her clothing herself. I happened on her while she was working at Maya's Corner (an incredibly stylish women's clothing store located in the Mansion for the summertime) and we quickly made a few pictures in the Studio.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 190mm, f/9, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Flower Friday

2011-07-15T10:51:00.001-06:00

After a little hiatus, Flower Friday is back!

Nikon D7000, 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens with 1.7x multiplier, f/8, 1/125s, ISO 400.

Periferals

2011-07-12T12:03:00.000-06:00

Often, something going well goes even better when you can include stuff going on nearby. Yes, it's great to get clean teeth at the dentist, but the gift bag really makes all the difference. Meeting your favorite star on a set while filming--awesome; enjoying the delicious catering--awesomest. Like popcorn with a movie, cosy socks with a good book, and gatorade on your head after a great high school football game, it's little things that really make a great experience into the best experience.

So it is with these pictures. Had a blast and made some of my favorite pictures ever of a bride and groom recently. However, these two portraits of family members on the sidelines are also some of my favorites. Same thing with the figure skaters: portraits on the podium of the winners are good, but these individuals shot while we had a few minutes to spare really tied the whole thing together for me.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 70mm, f/8, 1/640s, ISO 500.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm, f/5.6, 1/2000s, ISO 800.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 230mm, f/14, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 150mm, f/16, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Can't Breathe...

2011-07-09T08:10:00.000-06:00

We're shooting the Copper Cup, today, for the Utah Figure Skating Club...millions of skaters cruising through...no time to breathe...

Photo by Gary Bird, of gbirdphoto.com

Cruise In...Again

2011-07-07T10:50:00.001-06:00

This is J.

He brought W. to the Cruise In on Friday night, and they two were good enough to oblige me with a few pictures. This was very fun for me: They just sat by a pretty car and talked and laughed, and I shot away. After a few minutes they seemed to remember that I was there and asked if they should move or pose, but they were looking so natural, I asked them to keep on keepin' on. I'm not a car guy, so this was really the best part of the Cruise-In for me, and I thank J. and W. again for a good time.

Cruising

2011-07-06T10:21:00.000-06:00

While preparing for the Cruise-In photo contest, T. came to model for us and make some fun images. She was a blast to work with, but the credit here goes elsewhere. If Dan and J.R. hadn't been there heckling us the whole time, we wouldn't have made as much progress as we did. Dan owns the GTO in this image, and J.R. had the sweet '54 'Vette. Sure appreciate those guys letting us get hand prints all over their paint jobs.

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 155mm, f/4, 1/800s, ISO 200, SB-600 through Cheetah Stands 16" QBox.

Nikon D7000, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 105mm, f/4, 1/1250s, ISO 200, SB-600 through Cheetah Stands 16" QBox.

Cruise In

2011-07-02T09:39:00.000-06:00

Every Fourth of July, Passionate people descend on Cache Valley for the Cruise In. One of the largest classic car shows goes on here, and there are lots of beautiful things to see. Come on down, but you better hurry: people have been reserving their spots on Main Street for a couple of days for the parade.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 70mm, f/4, 1/125s, ISO 200, Paul C Buff strip bank.

Finally!

2011-06-30T20:36:00.000-06:00

First of all, let me just say that this guy, despite this image, is seriously adorable. I like this picture very much, though, and so did N and J, because it shows an expression that is uniquely him. All babies look cute in a basket, and they all look very similar. Only little Q. looks like this in a basket!

Nikon d700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 90mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 800, Paul C. Buff PLM.

Shooting with N and J was really pleasure all it's own. Their love for both each other and Q was right on the surface, and for me has truly shown through in these images. They are some of my favorite images I have ever made. I hope you like them, too.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ens @ 65mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200, Paul C. Buff PLM.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ens @ 135mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200, Paul C. Buff PLM.

Can't Wait

2011-06-29T11:29:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of shooting some family portraits for J & N's with their new little guy, Q. I'm really excited to show the images to them tomorrow. Since they haven't seen them yet, it's not fair to post a bunch here...but I just can't wait!

Here's something to tide me over.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 200, Paul C. Buff PLM.

Ducati Man

2011-06-28T21:37:00.000-06:00

I posted a version of this image a few weeks ago, but I got to thinking and learned some new stuff, and really much prefer this one. How many times can I use an ultra wide angle lens with a flash and sweeping skies before I get bored with it? Millions of times, I assure you.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200, SB-800.

Pirate Party

2011-06-27T19:57:00.000-06:00

B. & T. are getting married in a couple of months--you've never met two nicer people. It was a pleasure making pictures for their engagements announcements. It was useless, too, to try to get T. to stop smiling, or make a close mouthed grin. "Luckiest Man on Earth" was practically scrolling across his eyeballs in neon lights the whole night.

They're doing a pirate themed reception. Consider this an APB: we need a pirate-esque wedding dress, so keep an eye out for me.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @110mm, f/5, 1/125s, ISO 200.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @120mm, f/6.3, 1/100s, ISO 800.

Fun at the Rodeo

2011-06-25T11:28:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/5, 1/250s, ISO 400, SB-600 Speedlight with 1 and 1/4 CTO gels through white umbrella.

We had fun making some pictures of J. at the Rodeo in Hyrum last night. I highly recommend going down there tonight to see some real cowboy competitions. Keep an eye on the belt buckles, and don't forget to applaud very loudly.

And if you happen to find a leather wearing rocker while you're there, be sure to make some pictures.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm, f/7.1, 1/8s, ISO 800, SB-600 Speedlight with 1 and 1/4 CTO gels through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 70mm, f/7.1, 1/80s, ISO 800, SB-600 Speedlight with 1 and 1/4 CTO gels through white umbrella.

Rodeo Tonight

2011-06-25T10:46:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/8, 1/8000s, ISO 800.

Be sure to head to Hyrum, tonight, to enjoy the rodeo there. All the seats are excellent, and it's a good time--and it's free! Go check it out! 7:30- 9:30pm.

Free at Last

2011-06-23T22:26:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 140mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

You probably saw these guys at Summerfest last week. In their words, they play Funk.

I'm fortunate enough to have them practice at the Mansion on Thursday nights. You should by and jam with them.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 75mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 140mm, f/7.1, 1/160s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 75mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 98mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 130mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 82mm, f/7.1, 1/400s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 24mm, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 800, SB-600 through white umbrella.

iPhone Flower Friday

2011-06-23T21:44:00.001-06:00

iPhone 4, 3.85mm lens, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 80.

Don't Sweat It

2011-06-21T19:37:00.000-06:00

It happens pretty frequently: someone comes for a photography appointment and is...a little concerned. I assure them this is the right place, but that may make matters worse. See, maybe you haven't heard, but some folks are nervous about being photographed!

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 200mm, f/3.2, 1/200s, ISO 200.

My friend K., here, is not actually one of those people. He is quite comfortable in front of as well as behind the camera. He and I started photographing together about two years ago, and I have just been so fortunate to know and work with this terrific fellow. I honestly don't know anyone I'd rather be like when (if) I grow up.

Nevertheless, even the most indefatigable photographers must be prepared to assuage concerns of all kinds, even for those who have an inside knowledge of the profession--actually, especially for those who are themselves photographers. For instance, K. requested we shoot his good side.

I can tell you: K. only has a good side. Still, I was careful to address this concern respectfully. So many people have a feeling that they don't look good, or that they have too many wrinkles, or that they squint, or that they have six chins, or that they just don't take good pictures. Well, in order for me to take good pictures, I have to find some way to help people feel comfortable in front of my lens.

I frequently resort to self deprecating humor, or even downright silliness (best used on three year olds...and 53 year olds). We laugh a little, I show them how good they look, and then we keep going, changing moods, and lights as we groove through this creative process together.

So far so good. No one has taken me up on my money back guantee, yet! After addressing his concerns, even K. ended up pleased.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 200mm, f/3.2, 1/200s, ISO 200.

"Main Street"--Third Place!

2011-06-16T09:23:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm, f/7.1, 1/2s., ISO 800, SB-600 with 1/4 CTO gel through white umbrella.

Here's the one I settled on for my portrait entry this year. T. was such a pleasure to work with, and we made a million great images that could have been entered. She was so good at working with the vision I had for this shoot. I've been envisioning this image and several other similar setups for months. I have literally awakened before sunrise with ideas for these racing through my mind.

I've heard lots of supposition at the Summerfest contest about how much Photoshop was used here. Besides the Black and White work, this image does not have any appreciable Photoshop work done. To create this set up we first adjust camera settings to make the light from the flash look soft and gently wrap around the truck bed and T. Next, I made sure the lights on Main Street and the sky were just the right tones; this required a long shutter speed as part of the plan. Finally, we drove down the road. With the flash set to rear sync (second shutter on Canons) the light comes on at the end of the exposure and makes T. nice and crisp. So, the truck is moving and the shutter is open causing the streaks of lights, but T. is lit separately and sharply. This is the moving, fun, summer-is-here look I was going for.

Lots more in this style to be done. Any seniors out there ready for Pictures?

This is my submission for the landscape category. The judges didn't look at it twice. Ah, well...

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens @ 28mm, f/22, 9 frames from 1/60 to .6s, ISO 200, HDR in CS5, BW in Nik Silver Efex.

Summerfest Photo Contest

2011-06-13T23:35:00.000-06:00

I had a dream a few months ago. I this dream I was making pictures, and tonight we made those pictures I imagined in my dream. Seriously, the best time making pictures I may have ever had--right up there with my first foray into photon control.

That first time taking control of light was so fun because it felt like magic was happening right before my eyes. I pressed some buttons, moved around a flash with an umbrella, rolled into position on the ground, and magic happened on that little LCD. Besides leaving a $200 flash strapped to a dumpster and driving away, it was non-stop fun (flash was later retrieved without difficulty--whew!).

Tonight was also non-stop fun, but for different reasons. Tonight, the results that looked just I imagined them were a result not of mysterious functions and little gnomes living inside my camera (I evicted them months ago). Nope, tonight it was like science--like the second semester of Chemistry when you perform lab work and get some incredible results, but you expected it and it happened because the formula was just right. Tonight I knew what would happen when I adjusted my shutter speed and ISO settings to balance ambient light with the flash. I knew that even though the truck was moving, the pictures would look sharp because i was using rear sync with the flash! It was premeditated and perfectly predictable.

My next chore is to get bigger dreams! Now I can turn my mind to techniques I don't know, and maybe find some more opportunities to refine this one.

Actually, my next Chore is to get my favorite ready for the SummerFest Photo Contest and turn it in by Wednesday at noon! This is one of my favorites, but it's not the one I'm going to enter. Gotta go!

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 90mm, f/7.1, 1/10s, ISO 1600.

Special Thanks to Heather from Aya Photography for her assistance on this shoot.

Eighty...Eight

2011-06-13T12:02:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 200mm, f/2.8, 1/400s, ISO 800.

J. has joined the ranks of Octogenarians. His birthday was yesterday, and Jenn and I were fortunate enough to be invited to make pictures for him and his family.

This is S. She is younger than J., the second youngest of J.'s great-grandchildren. What a wonderful thing grandchildren must be, and doubly so great-grandchildren. The contrasts within a single family are truly incredible to see and observe. Ages, preferences, wrinkles, eye colors. What doesn't change is the life in the eyes.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 160mm, f/2.8, 1/160s, ISO 800.

Flower Friday (on Saturday)

2011-06-11T12:22:00.000-06:00

Nikon D90, 55mm Micro lens, F/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 400.

The tulips are dead. Long live the Iris.

J. and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

2011-06-09T17:50:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 85mm f/1.8 lens, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 200.

J. likes to ride. I often pass him on the highway--going the other direction, of course, or there'd be no way. You may see him on a bike that looks like something Mel Gibson should be riding, circa 1981. But at the track, he'll be found riding a rich blue Ninja--and wearing TRON suit.

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 15mm, f/8.0, 1/1250s, ISO 200.

Can't wait to see what he wears when he and his wife come for portraits next week.

Vacation Photography

2011-06-09T16:33:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned that I'm a really good vacation photographer? I come along with you and make artful pictures of your family on vacation--the kind of stuff you'll print and keep forever, not just post on Facebook. Let's face it, pictures of your kid at the beach beat pictures of your kid on a stool with a school photographer imploring him or her to say, "Cheese."

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/4.0, 1/8000s, ISO 400.

I have a trip to the Caribbean coming up in January, but there's lots of time between now and then, so give me a call and let's get you setup.

iPhone Flower Friday (on Wednesday)

2011-06-08T15:55:00.000-06:00

iPhone 4, lens @ 3.85mm, f/2.8, 1/40s, ISO 80.

I've been enjoying this as the backdrop on my phone, and thought you might enjoy it, as well.

Flower Friday

2011-06-03T13:05:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/8, 1/500s, ISO 400.

Out of Place

2011-06-02T09:06:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200.

This dude obviously belongs on a motorcycle; it's just a surprise to see him on a Ducati and not a Harley.

The CVP's and I enjoyed some time at Miller Motorsports park on Tuesday. Pretty fun to watch and shoot. However, I, too, was out of place. We were unable to locate the guy with our press passes, so we were stuck on the sidelines, which is remarkably close to the action, but it's not close enough to make different perspectives interesting. After about fifteen minutes of shooting we had seen lots of guys and girls coming around turns, dipped low, and they all became a blur. Still very fun.

Rendezvous III

2011-05-30T22:52:00.000-06:00

Yep, it's that time again: The most Character rich people on the planet get together in the same few acres of mountainside and trade their character-rich-ness amongst themselves, increasing in character-rich-icity day by day. Finally, toward the end of the reverie, the public is welcomed to come and try and soak up what character is still available, and they are all too happy to welcome the uninitiated into the fold. It really is fun for the whole family.

Don't worry if you don't have your own moccasins: a few bucks will buy you some; though, a bottle of Scotch whiskey may go a lot further in the negotiations...it can be used to distill herbal medicines. Right.

Flower Friday

2011-05-26T21:56:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 500.

Slavery

2011-05-26T18:59:00.003-06:00

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.8, 1/30s, ISO 1250, SB-600 through zumbrella with a full cut plus 1/4 cut CTO gel.

I teamed up last night with Andrea of K Salon here in Logan. You should have her do your hair. She is an incredibly talented artist: she has vision, and makes it happen. Her medium is hair, which is fortunate for me because I think I'd be run out of business if she ever takes up photography--heck, I'd even go to her. But, in the meantime, you're all just stuck with me. Mwahahahaha.

The shoot was a ton of fun--I may post some of the pictures with the llamas--and all the talent was very fun to work with, too. Dre had some specific poses she needed for each style she made, but after that we just got to play. Our support staff was also wonderful: can you believe that as soon as the girls mentioned they were cold Trevor had a propane heater warming up the whole hillside in no time?! Really a good time.

So, slavery. It's got nothing to do with the model, and everything to do with me and all those other photogs out there. In photography, Light is the Master, and that's it. It is not just the most important thing in photography, it is the only thing in photography. If there is no light, there is no picture. So, we run around like headless chickens seeking the light, looking for the right play of shadows and the reflections of off buildings and minivans, scrounging up all the men in white shirts to stand in a line and reflect some light back into a brides face. She's not an easy Master, Light, but she's the one we choose to serve when we dedicate our index fingers to the shutter.

But, sometimes, she gives us our head and let's us run with her and direct where shadows will fall and she bends to our wills to create the image we want, not only the one she has predetermined we will make. Reflectors let us take this kind of control.

True emancipation, however, comes with SpeedLights. Speedlights are the big flashes that you see wedding photogs walking around with on top of their camera. This is one way to gain a little freedom, but the power of these lights comes when you remove them from your camera and control them wirelessly. When we control them wirelessly the tables are turned: the flash is called a slave.

Not only can you control the direction of light this way, but you can also control the quality and color of light. In the picture above, we obviously have the light coming from the left (direction, check!) but it's coming from the flash and passing through a white umbrella which enlarges the size of the light and makes it very soft and gentle (quality, check!). But that's not all! I also put an orange piece of cellophane, called a gel, right on the flash, which makes the light coming out of the flash--you guessed it!--orange. Why? Well, it's not just any orange, it's the same color as the incandescent light bulbs inside your house. See, your camera has the ability to make just about any color of light look normal. Remember those pictures from when you were a kid and your grandma took a picture in the living room and the flash blinded you and made you look bright white and washed out while the room itself was really orange? Actually, you could make this picture today, too. The trouble is that the flash is really white and the light bulbs are not. Your camera can handle any one color of light, but two throws it for a loop. In the above picture, I made the loop on purpose.

I manually set my camera to adjust for orange light bulbs, which it does by tinting the whole picture blue (see the sky?). But, the flash light is orange, so whatever that light falls on is made to look normal (see her rich skin tones?). So I colored the light I could control and colored the rest by default (color, check!).

This is creative freedom at it's best, and there was lots of ecstatic squealing going on at the shoot; then I showed the girls and they were happy, too.

So, don't be a slave to the light. If you are then when the light is gone, so are you. Master control of the light and learn to communicate with it--the power feels good.

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 135mm, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 160, SB-600 through zumbrella.

For some excellent, excellent reading about using SpeedLight, see Joe Mcanlly's The Hot Shoe Diaries.

Meantime

2011-05-25T15:43:00.001-06:00

Canon 1D KkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 148mm, f/11, 1/125s, ISO 200.

Had the opportunity to make a few pictures between products during a shoot yesterday. It's the little things that make it all worthwhile.

Canon 1D MkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 200mm, f/4, 1/250s, ISO 200.

Canon 1D MkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 165mm, f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 200.

Canon 1D MkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 100mm, f/11, 1/250s, ISO 200.

Foggy Bottom

2011-05-23T16:21:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 200mm, f/11, 1/125s, ISO 640.

I made this image as I was driving with the Cache Valley Photographers from the Spiral Jetty back to the Golden Spike National Monument site a couple of weeks ago. What I liked about it was the stacked up hills, layer after layer, all pouring alluvium down over time. An old landscape. The fog is cool, too.

Notice on this image that I shot it long. That is, I used a telephoto lens to make it. We often think to ourselves that we'd like a wide angle lens so that we can make better landscape images--so we can "get it all in." However, the ability to choose what not to include in a picture is at least as important as knowing what to include. Had I used a wide angle lens (say, a 14-24mm lens) I would have a lot more of the land in the picture, but I think the image would be unclear. There would be fence line in at least two places, two cows (now, three would be a nice element; but two? come on!), and a whole lot of blank cloudy sky. Nope, sometimes, you need to limit what is in the image--focus the image to include something specific. Using a wide lens I would say, "It's a picture of a high desert valley, with some cows, and some hills in the back ground taken on a cloudy day." Using the long lens I can say, "It's a picture of a mountain valley with clouds low on the hills." Usually, the simpler the description of the picture, the better the picture is. So, before you make a picture, especially some kind of landscape, ask yourself, "What is this a picture of?" Your answer will dictate your lens choice and camera settings. Have fun!

Flower Friday

2011-05-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 250mm, f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 400.

Tired of Tulips, yet?

Focus

2011-05-17T09:40:00.001-06:00

Canon 1D MkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 80mm, f/11, 1/250s, ISO 100.

Have I told you that I enjoy people? I especially enjoy working with people who have a talent, people who have put a lot of effort into something. Focussing on a goal develops character, and discipline of mind. This stuff shows in pictures. It's also the best thing when I can give people a focus to consider as we make pictures. Whether it's kids, or a hobby, or a violin, the person becomes more natural looking in front of the camera when discussing a familiar topic.

This is A., and he's obviously put a lot of effort into shaping his own body. He's also a mountaineer and adventurer. And he's from the MidWest. Ask him to smile and you're gonna get a crooked smirk that doesn't look quite right. But get him talking about any of these other things that make up part of him and he loosens right up and has a genuine smile that is warm and natural.

Of course, if it's concentration you're looking for, nothing beats holding a pair of 25 pound weights spread eagle while your photographer fusses over how parallel and symmetrical they are...

'Tis the Season

2011-05-16T12:53:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year when every child you know is playing soccer or tee-ball or little league. THis is just a reminder to keep you batteries charged in your camera, and remember to download your pictures to your computer and format you memory cards EVERY TIME YOU GO OUT! Memory cards are the least safe place to store your pictures.

See you at the Game.

Nikon D700, 300mm f/4 lens, f/4, 1/2000s, ISO 320.

What A Wonderful World

2011-05-15T21:56:00.000-06:00

No pic; I just wanted to share some thoughts I had as I cleaned the garage the other night.

My previous life was spent working for someone else during the day while dreaming of creating beautifully designed furniture, and then trying to make the furniture a reality at night. I have lots of wonderful tools, and I have them all tuned nicely so that they cut and shape with precision, and I have spent countless hours studying how they work and which methods produce what results.

I have also spent lots of hours and grey matter studying designs by other people and drawing up what I think might be beautiful (hey,it keeps me awake in church...). I have a bent toward Danish Modern designs--the sleek look, and clear functionality appeal to me. I'm not one who likes massive furniture and visually weighty designs.

Heck, I've even built a few things.

And that's the trouble. Woodworking is not a fast process, and does not yield immediately beautiful results. I can visualize what a thing will look like and thrill in it all the way through the process; but people I want to share it with may not be able to visualize what the result will be, and that makes it harder to stay excited, I guess. Plus the expense is great and it always require more: more wood and materials, if not more specialized tools. Plus it's a subtractive art, and there's always a mess to clean up afterward.

I still love woodworking and fine design, but I find much more fulfillment in making pictures. As much heart as I put into a table of interesting design, it's all mine and while someone else may buy it and enjoy it they don't really have a strong connection with it. When we make pictures together, however, we both have a vested interest and the cooperative spirit of the process yields an image that we both care about and may even treasure. Most of the satisfaction in woodworking always came from working together with my brothers, and we often did not finish a project, but still enjoyed the work. In photography I get to work with you to record some history together, and that is always enjoyable.

I love the smell and feel of shaped wood, and I love the act of making fine shavings with a well tuned plane. The smell fades, however, and the shavings go into the fire. When I work with you to create pictures I have fun working with you, getting to know you and your family and what things make you happy and what goals you have and eliciting the kind of naturalness that those who know you well will recognize in the pictures. Then, I get to enjoy sorting and finishing the images and anticipating which pictures you will like best when I have you over again to look at the images. Finally, I get to watch you enjoy them and remember what happened to make this or that expression and what was said, and what the child did at that time, and listen to you make plans for the images--who gets what print and why and where it will go. And nothing ends up fading or going into the fire: instead they get shared and shared again. You give some to your parents, they show them to the neighbors who visit, your kids will inherit them and your grandkids will treasure them. It's a process that keeps giving and never becomes old or a drudgery or unenjoyable in any way.

The best I can hope for that table that the young couple bought is that it won't break when their kids jump on it.

Nope, this life is much better for me. What a world where we can choose from many mediums to create beautiful things. Let's get together and make some art. It's a wonderful world.

P.S. I have some tools for sale...

Flower Friday

2011-05-13T10:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry it's a little slow, today--google was doing site maintenance all night and until just now. Seriously? On a Friday morning? That's, like, everyone's favorite time to look at blogs! Ya know, getting ready for the weekend, but you finished your work on Thursday (maybe Tuesday) but you still have to clock in...Wouldn't they save money on utilities by sending you home with pay, anyway? Especially on a beautiful day like today...kinda makes you wish you could quit and be a full time photographer, eh?

Nikon D700, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/200s, ISO 400.

Golden

2011-05-10T23:30:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @82mm, f/8.0, 1/400s, ISO 400.

It's the anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Point, west of Brigham City. The Cache Valley Photographers headed over to check it out, and it was well worth the beautiful drive out there. I highly recommend checking it out--especially if you have a train crazy kiddo in your household.

The volunteers are all extremely friendly and really make the day worthwhile. I'm told they do this every Saturday, and you can find more info at the Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Nikon D700, 50mm f/1.4 lens, f/2.2, 1/3200.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @98mm, f/5.0, 1/250s, ISO 400

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 155mm, f/8.0, 1/500s, ISO 640

"...is what bwings us togeva, today."

2011-05-09T12:15:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 145mm, f/5.6, 1/160s, ISO 500.

Keep an out for these two--they're gettin' hitched on Saturday.

I love this picture. "I love the lighting" is what people tell me when they see something like this. The thing is, light is the only thing in photography! The camera's job is to record the light reflecting off of stuff and coming into the lens. Without light, there's no photography.

Now, you may say, "I can make it look like that in photoshop." If that's the case, then you are waaaaaay better at using photoshop than I am. This particular image has very little photoshop work done to it. I use adjusted the brightness slightly, corrected the color, and then made my black and white adjustments. The light disappearing on the right side and the tender look on their faces was all created during class, and all my students had the opportunity to make the same picture. Just Light.

Family Fun

2011-05-08T23:11:00.001-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 70mm, f/7.1, 1/250s, ISO 400.

Got out for a little shoot with some family yesterday. Don't get to see the older siblings much since they're off to school on their own now, so it was pretty fun to get together and make some pictures for a little while.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 86mm, f/6.3, 1/320s, ISO 400.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 105mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 400.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/3.5, 1/1000s, ISO 400.

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @190mm, f/5.6, 1/640s, ISO 400.

Semper Fi...

2011-05-07T22:20:00.000-06:00

...or is it, "Tempus Fugit?" Mrs. Tuggle said I would never forget my Latin, unless I got hit by a Mack Truck. My Mack Truck was actually a Cheng De, and it hit me in China.

It's been two years since I picked up my camera and started this blogging thing. 562 posts later, I'm still shooting pictures almost daily and stumbling through my sentence structure. Time really does fly, and I'd like to thank you flying with SDesigns.

As for the Semper Fi, well...I've been deployed around the world, shooting in tough situations, long flights, longer hours, cultural differences, hostile natives...

...Oh, yeah: and sometimes I've been outnumbered:

Thanks for sticking with me for another year. As I've become a full time photographer this year, I especially appreciate your patronage and support. Please give me a call and we'll create some beautiful Art of your family, and I can also help you on your way to learning photography.

Here's to another year behind enemy lines; may the shutter fly like the time.

"Carpe..." (Family Photography)

2011-05-05T17:41:00.001-06:00

The pictures speak, ya know? Reminds me of that scene in Dead Poet's Society when Mr Keating is showing the boys pictures of previous students and reminding them that each of those pictures was a person, living his own life, thinking his own thoughts.

Sometimes as I ride my scooter around town I get to thinking that everybody on the street is living his life, everybody in a car is living her life, even the mailman is living his own life! Maybe you've already realized this, but there are millions of lives happening every second right here--in America! It's pretty stunning.

And every second a part of every person's life just went by. In photographs, I get to help capture that moment, record it a little bit like it was, and my record can potentially last forever. That means the moments that I see in my lens maintain a small part of a story of a life. A tiny, itsy-bitsy portion of a life. And it's not that important.

Right now.

But how about in ten years, or fifty years when this mother's grandchildren look back at this image? Maybe the girl notices that she has her grandmother's red hair (I know, I know: it's black and white, but you still know she has red hair!) or the boy sees that his little brother looks just like his uncle. At some point this image may share the moment and it may make a connection to the past that shapes the future! Maybe the kid will see his potential and make some kind of decision to do choose to do something worthwhile in his life, to seize opportunity and make a life! Well, I'd like to think so, anyway.

Still, maybe he'll hear it whispering: Carpe...

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 98mm, f/5.0, 1/125s, ISO 500.

How I Spend My Days

2011-05-02T18:12:00.000-06:00

I used to work as an engineer for Icon Health and Fitness, the world's largest producer of fitness equipment. I started as an electronics quality engineer for the commercial line of equipment, FreeMotion.

That was eye opening! It's amazing what goes into making machines like this. My job was to ensure that the electronic components we received from other manufacturers to use in our equipment was built the way we told them to build it, and if the inspectors found problems I tracked down the problem and figured out if it was the designers' fault or the manufacturers' fault. Kinda fun.

Later, I moved to the Customer Care department to continue doing the same sort of thing, but for both mechanical and electronic parts. This job is what lead me to traveling all over the world to train others and also track down particularly difficult or strange problems. I made lots of friends along the way, and made lots of pictures, too. (I've talked with other guys who travel for their work, and they are picky about which hotels they choose because of the cable channels available or the in house restaurant; I'll never understand why they are in the hotel at all when there's a whole other world to see on the other side of the remote control...)

Well, I loved that job; and I quit in December.

Now I'm only a full time photographer. And for the last few weeks I have been working for Icon again, as a contractor, making pictures for their product boxes and advertising. This has been a great experience, and I have learned volumes working with some really imaginative designers and talented models and trainers. Still, shooting the same set with the same model all day in similar poses with slightly different equipment ("No, no, Levi, this one is different. The last product was a 2 pound ankle weight; this one is 2.5 pounds.") can get a little boring.

Fortunately, we have been cranking through the images quickly enough that we have still had time in between for a few fun pictures now and again. Like this one of T.

Canon 5D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 135mm, f/11, 1/200s, ISO 100.

We had just finished making all the pictures for the boxes and had a few minutes left. See, boxes are white, and the pictures we made today will be cut out and put on white to go on the box with all the labels and great looking graphic design--but the above picture would look totally out of place on white--just not plausible. So, I quickly turned off the fill flashes I was using on the right side and the background, leaving just one ProPhoto Acute D4 flash head in a three foot strip box to the left. This puts out a powerful, directed light, at one soft and edgy. I'm in love, if you can't tell.

f/11 keeps the Flash under control and gives me sharp focus throughout the picture, while the 1/200s shutter speed removes the light leaking across the set from the garage door we opened to cool off.

Cause, ya know, I have to show the talent how to do these exercises, so I get pretty warmed up...

The Right Decision

2011-04-29T11:05:00.000-06:00

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 116mm, f/4.5, 1/250s, ISO 500.

Rick is a new Realtor, a wildland firefighter, and fan of Theodore Roosevelt (can you tell?). I had the pleasure of working with him for a few minutes this morning creating some images for him as he launches his business. Pictures can help show who you are, and Rick wanted something different from many of the other Realtor pictures--something that "doesn't look like the seventh grade photo lineup." I hope I met his expectations.

Right after we finished shooting and were about to begin reviewing which pictures he wanted to keep, he told me in conversation that Roosevelt said,

"The best decision is the right decision, and the worst decision is making no decision at all"

Ten seconds later I was panicing in my heart because the pictures we just took wouldn't show up on my computer, and when I put the card back into the camera, they weren't there, either! I had just an instant to decide what to do: I could try using the software for recovering files that came with my SanDisk cards, which I had never used before, or I could reshoot the pictures.

I decided to explain this little problem and said the best thing would be to reshoot a few frames--the software would be a gamble, but I'd still try it later on my own time. He agreed, and we went back into the Studio for a few more minutes. Actually, I could have faked another faulty card and done another shoot--talking with Rick is so enjoyable that the time passed too quickly; I hope to have him around again and pick his brain for more interesting experiences.

So, we reshot and the images turned quite as well as the first session, if not better! I think that was the right decision.

Now I have to figure out this software thing and see if I can get the other pictures back. I always tell my students to format their cards every time they put the card into the camera to prevent just such an occurrence; this was one of the only times I have not done just that and I suffered the consequences--which in this case was another half hour with a very interesting fellow...

Wish me luck as I delve into SanDisk!

Nikon D700, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @ 180mm, f/4.5, 1/320s, ISO 500.

iPhone Flower Friday

2011-04-28T21:27:00.000-06:00

iPhone 4, 3.85mm lens, f/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 80. Color was removed, then hand tinted.

Crossing the Bar

2011-04-28T21:07:00.001-06:00

T. is a big brother, and quite a character. He's fun, and kind, and I really enjoyed working with him. He reminded me of this poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and I think he's living right along with what Tennyson had in mind:

  Sunset and evening star,
      And one clear call for me!
  And may there be no moaning of the bar,
      When I put out to sea.

  But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
      Too full for sound and foam,
  When that which drew from out the boundless deep
      Turns again home!

  Twilight and evening bell,
      And after that the dark!
  And may there be no sadness of farewell,
      When I embark;

  For though from out our bourn of Time and Place
      The flood may bear me far,
  I hope to see my Pilot face to face
      When I have crost the bar.

This is E.; he's trying to keep up, and I think will make it with a little help from T.

Here are a few more form this fun filled shoot. Spring is such a nice time to be out making pictures. I hope you'll give me a call so we can schedule a time for your kiddos...

Maybe we had a little too much fun...