Taken from a second storey building looking down in to the parking lot. I liked how the lines from the bricks aligned with the parking lot markers.
April, 2009
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Daily iPhone Challenge #4
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009Daily iPhone Challenge #3
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009#3 Black & White Composition.
Daily iPhone Challenge #2
Monday, April 27th, 2009#2 The Grange…
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New Project: Daily iPhone Photo Challenge
Monday, April 27th, 2009One of my personal heroes in the world of photography is Chase Jarvis. He’s one of those rare people who can make you simultaneously want to quit because when you measure yourself against them you end up at the 1 cm mark of the 35 foot tape and help you get inspired because they are so creative you just think, “Why didn’t I think of that, I want to try that!”
He also spends a lot of time on his websites promoting general creativity in addition to stunning photography. It’s easy to get the feeling that it just so happens that he chose a camera as his tool of choice and he’d do just as well painting watercolors or producing music.
That said, I’ve decided to steal one of his creative exercises for myself.
A while back Chase made a goal to upload at least 1 photo per day to Facebook and Twitter. His reasoning, which is compelling, is ”The best camera is the one that’s with you.” I love my iPhone. I go nowhere without it. It’s always there even when my Olympus isn’t. As much as I love my Oly, it’s tough to take a great shot with it when it’s not within my reach.
I’ll follow his same rules. Namely, these photos will (with the exception of the first one which I am posting with this entry) never have seen my computer hard drive. They will come straight from my iPhone, and be processed using only native iPhone apps—no Photoshop (this first photo still follows that rule).
I think the motivation in doing this is to keep my eyes looking. Any person who spends time in a creative field spends time thinking about that ever elusive monster of creativity. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut and only “turn on” my creativity when I think I have to, like when I’m shooting a client or sitting in front of my computer working on a design. Already in the 2 days I’ve been trying this I see myself creatively thinking more often. My eyes are open to what’s around me waiting to inspire me.
I’m sure I’ll have dud days. That’s a part of life. But the idea is to deal with them and do something better the next day. It’s about being prepared to find inspiration wherever it may be, not just where you expect to find it.
As usual, comments are welcomed and encouraged.
#1…
Daily iPhone Photo #1: Ice Cream Truck
Photoshoot: Lani
Monday, April 20th, 2009UPDATED 4.21.09
I got some feedback asking why no smiles and I realized that in my editing process I completely neglected any of the smiling shots. It didn’t even cross my mind, so I went through the shots and added a smiling shot and an almost smiling shot.
Recently I had the pleasure of shooting a new model, Lani. She also happens to be one of our girls’ favorite babysitters. She’s a great girl that comes from an outstanding family. She’s an absolute natural in front of the lens which isn’t fair to the rest of us, but hey, that’s life. After a few minutes of warming up, she was posing away like an old pro.
My goal was to capture Lani with the sun setting behind the Spokane River. By the time we got to the location (my fault) we were already starting to lose moer daylight than I would have liked so I didn’t get to experiment with other shots like I’d planned. Oh well, maybe next time. Although I was able to get the main shots I was looking for.
This shoot was an experiment in balancing 2 types of light, the sunset (ambient light) and flash. This is an example of photography that isn’t possible without carrying around umbrellas and flashes. All of the outside shots involved an umbrella and 2 flashes on either side.
I love shooting natural light, but not as much as I like having control over my light. Face it, there are going to be times mother nature doesn’t smile on you when you’re trying to take pictures. Let’s just say I’m glad to have this as an option.
After running out of light completely, we took a few more shots in a more traditional studio style. The main reason for these shots was that I wanted the chance to try out a ring light I made. A ring light gives off a very even light because you actually put your camera’s lens through the center of the light. You can see the unique circular catch lights in Lani’s eyes in 2 of the shots with the white background. I have a few adjustments to make to it, but I’m sure I’ll be using it often.
The sole black & white shot was the result of not taking my normal color post processing to it’s usual conclusion. One of my steps involves using a black & white version of the photo over the color version. When I did this step on this particular photo I thought it was great on its own so I decided to stop and leave it as is. The color version is nice too, but not as striking as it’s gray counterpart.
I’m so happy with how this shoot went. Great model+outstanding scenery+competent (enough) photographer=great photos. And great photos are what I’m all about.
Have a look at the photos and let me know what you think. Leave a comment and tell me what you’re favorites are. Also, if you know Lani, let her know what you think as well. I’m booking appointments for photoshoots so let me know if you could use my services. I’m sure Lani would be open to booking modeling appointments too—though I’ll probably insist on a finder’s fee. 
I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and thank my assistants for this shoot. Lani’s sister Priscilla (who modeled for 1 photo—which turned out great—but forbade me from showing anyone so you’ll have to bug her if you want to see it) and my daughter Reagan were both indispensable during the shoot. Also credit goes to Lani for the styling and a benevolent Creator for the set design.
Finally, here are the photos…
(click on them for the uncropped full version)
The Reluctant Models
Friday, April 17th, 2009Over the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of shooting some subjects as part of a presentation for displaying the outstanding work of Dimensions Salon in Spokane. While there have been some more experienced models in the bunch, the majority of the models have come at me with the phrase, “I don’t photograph well,” or I haven’t had pictures taken of me in years,” or something depressingly similar.
My answer of course is a joking, “You haven’t had your picture taken by me yet, have you?” Eliciting a response of, “Good luck, you have your work cut out for you.”
A challenge you say. I’m up for that…
Of course I understand that most of these women don’t have a desire to look like a super model, they just want a photograph that looks like their best self and if they look a few years younger too, then that’s a problem we’ll all just have to live with. So that’s my goal.
As I am shooting, I flip my camera around frequently and show them their photos on my camera’s screen. Inevitably their outlook about the session changes as they notice that I am able to take a photo of them that looks better than a grainy cell phone or red eye inducing point and shoot camera (not even including the “magic” of post processing). Who knew that proper lighting, strong composition, and good make-up could make such a difference?
I did. And they do now—judging by the reactions I’ve gotten.
You know, sometimes the reluctant models even end up having fun.
Take a look at some examples…
