Generally I prefer to get my photos on location, but sometimes timing, weather, and circumstances add up to equal taking the photos inside. Fortunately I have the studio setup now that allows me to accomplish the photo taking without relying on nature at all—plus I love having absolute control over my light.

This time the Osborn family needed their family photos done and we decided it was a perfect time to get in the studio and get some use out of it since the weather has been on the cold/rainy side. First I set up the lights against the 9′ wide white seamless paper background and had Reagan stand in to test things (the last photo is a couple of these test shots). Once they were good, the Osborns showed up and we got to shooting. They were lots of fun and everybody did great in front of the camera. They all have such great personalities which makes my job easier since I don’t really have to do anything but catch it—you know, like karate kicks and stuff.

Finally I got a couple of photos with my daughter Gwyn hamming it up with her friend—which didn’t look like it was going to happen since Gwyn was being a bit of a brat. Of course she saw how much fun everybody was having and decided it was ok to be a part of it.

Even within the confines of a small studio I think we got some great portraits and I can’t wait to use it again.

Had the opportunity to take family portraits of a great family on beautiful Lake Coeur D’alene. The pictures were a Father’s Day gift from the oldest daughter to their dad. In my opinion, that beats a shirt or tie as a gift. They were a lot of fun to hang out with and it was obvious that they really like being with each other. I think it shows in their pictures.

Thanks to Reagan for her help as my assistant on this shoot.

Now for the photos. Click to see…

Recently I had the opportunity to shoot headshots for model/actress Melanie. My goal here was to capture as many different looks as I could in the span of a couple of hours at one location.

The weather was teasing me all day. There would be beautiful weather for a few minutes followed by stormy showers. This went back and forth even as I was driving to the shoot location. When I arrived with lights and camera in tow there was one clear spot in the sky surrounded by ominous rain clouds. We rushed to get things set up and start shooting until the rain came, but fortunately the clear spot expanded until there were no clouds left by the time we were done. Dodged a bullet there.

Melanie was a trooper. Sporting heels that would have come to my knees, she trekked through the wet grass and dirt while carrying her various wardrobe changes never complaining once and even joking that she grew up camping and was used to this. While we’re in spring the weather got downright cold as the sun was setting and the wind picked up. I had a blanket so Melanie could keep warm while I was setting up my lights but in reality she didn’t end up using it much. I would have. I guess I’m a wuss.

I try to keep photoshoots pretty light. Joking around is not only acceptable, it’s nearly required. Fortunately this wasn’t a problem at this shoot. On more than one occasion I’m sure we were laughing so loudly that we upset the solemn mood of the prom-goers getting their photographs taken nearby.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we enjoyed making them. On with the photos of the tree hugger .

(click on them for the uncropped version)