Redwood City, CA Photographer: The night’s sky
Two months ago, I came across a blog post on photographing the night’s sky. I’ll be honest — I’d tried it before, but without much guidance I just didn’t get particularly excited about it… until that post entry. Seeing someone deconstruct what they were doing, and how to consider your location for this type of project got me energized and excited to try it. For real this time. I posted on my Facebook page, looking for a buddy to join me, and I lucked out. My friend Lizz was up for the task, so we met up on the next month’s New Moon.
I’d scoped out some locations where the light pollution was supposed to be not so bad. We went halfway to Halfmoon Bay. There’s a little parking lot right where the 92 and Skyline Blvd meet. It was convenient to park, and an interesting view back toward the inner Peninsula, as we watched cars climb the hill. I was really glad to have a buddy that night, though — there were certainly some interesting passers by, and I would’ve chickened out and gone home before sunset if I was all alone.
We arrived WAY too early. While I wanted to have enough time to setup gear and all, the stars didn’t really come out until a few hours after sun-set. I’m not a coffee drinker, but if I end up taking more of these projects on, I’m going to have to learn how.
That evening was a learning experience for sure! Next time I do star photography (and there will be a next time), I’m ready to go all out, and head in a place where light pollution is really low. I’m determined to see and capture The Milky Way for myself. My friend, Kenneth Chan, from Globe, AZ has a capture of his own I’m chasing after and am feeling fully inspired by. Hopefully I won’t have to move to AZ, like him, to get that view, though ;p
So stay tuned. This is just my start. Won’t be a frequent occurrence, but I’m excited to try something different for me.
Belmont, CA Photographer: Model Call!
In my head I have a vision for a number of images I want to capture. They’re a stretch for me to grow as a photographer: whether it’s about portraits with a style of lighting I don’t usually rely on, a different approach to my work flow, or a whole new genre… it’s about learning experiences. And of course, a way to re-inspire myself and have fun.
One of the ideas I’ve been batting around in my head is a collaboration with an artist. We will transition from different media and genres to create a genuinely transformative experience. I want to tell you more, but I won’t! Ha! Sorry to tease, but I partly want it to be a surprise, but also want to protect this idea, because it is a little ambitious, and worried it might not work out. But if it does, it will be super cool!
The first phase of the project will require my contribution and I will need models. This is where YOU come in and I really hope you are interested in this challenge. We are not looking to do a FB contest. There will be no voting here, so please don’t worry that you might not have enough (insert-social-network-name here) friends to make it happen. The final model selection will be done by yours truly. Take a look at the criteria listed below, and submit if you’re interested. Please, also spread the word 🙂
Models will be paid $75 (cash or amazon gift-card) for their participation. I expect to take an hour of your time, although likely closer to 30 minutes. Each model will be photographed individually, and at a separate appointment.
All applicants must be:
– over 8 years of age. No maximum age
– able to illustrate a facial expression in response to an instruction
– available on a week-end day prior to Aug 31, 2014. We will find a mutually convenient time
– willing to pose in a bikini (ladies)/boxer briefs (dudes), or neutral-colored skin tight clothing
– willing to agree to the following model release
– able to travel to Belmont, CA
If you’re interested, please send in two pictures of yourself (or your applying child):
– One showing your face clearly. Think something you’d use for your profile image
– The other showing your face illustrating any one of the following emotions. Feel free to choose any one.
– surprise
– anger
– pure joy
Don’t worry about sending me anything fancy. A picture from your phone will do. Submit your photos via email.
All submissions must come in by 9pm PST July 6th.
I’m excited!
Menlo Park, CA Family & Child Photographer: A photo web
Working in photography is a little bit like working in a spider web. So many connections and great ways to meet new people (without the being eaten part). Meeting this family came to me as one such connection. Over the past several years I have been working with a family with two boys (close to my own boys’ age). As a gift for the mom’s birthday, her father in law purchased a gift certificate — something he knew she’d enjoy. Yet, he didn’t stop there. Having seen her portraits, he decided to give the gift of memories for another family, and gifted another certificate to these guys right as they met their baby girl. We used that certificate for her first birthday portraits.
We happened to schedule our portrait session on what has probably been our hottest day this summer. I got out of my nicely air-conditioned car out into a wave of heat. Meanwhile, these guys were enjoying the afternoon on a parachute blanket in the park. They were so fun to photograph! And little H is taking her first steps. I love being able to photograph those first attempts. Capturing firsts is one of my favorite things.
Enjoy their family portraits!
San Mateo, CA Newborn Photographer: A little girl
Babies! The first half of my year is always about photographing and welcoming little ones into our world. I quite like it to be honest. It gives me a sense of starting over.
When little Q was born, I remember C calling me to say that they were surprised how cute he was and really wanted to capture that. Sadly, I wasn’t available to photograph him as a newborn, but we met every 3 months following until he turned two. It’s been great watching him grow, and meeting their family along the way. Well, today I got to meet one new family member (well, a couple if you count the kitties, too): Q’s baby sister, E.
These guys come up with some fantastic names. Even though for privacy reasons, I won’t write it out — trust me, Q and baby E have beautiful, unique names, that simply dance on your ear drums.
As mom and dad gave me a tour of their home and lead me into the nursery I fell in love with the rug on the nursery floor. Yep — what you think it just something for the cats to sleep on, I see as an incredible backdrop to photograph your newborn. I enjoy these finds, because they’re unique to my families, and they’re something new for me to incorporate into a session and think a little more creatively with. In other words: no piece of furniture is safe ;p
E has already entered our world with quite a bang. And she’s adorably cute. She’s already destined to have amazing blue eyes like her brother. I’m excited to see her develop, too.
San Jose, CA Newborn Photographer: How will your lifestyle change?
Beautiful Miss M had her babies. After all the anticipation, and the fake-outs these little dudes gave us, they lasted all the way until their due date. I am thrilled to have been part of their welcoming comitee!
In the hospital, as the nurse was doing the intake questionaire, she asked “How do you think your lifestyle is going to change?” …. on a scale of 1-10. M and A already have H at home. And they were about to hold their twin boys. Twins on their own are a major adjustment, let alone with an active 2 yr old to boot. There was a heck of a lot of wry laughing on that question to be sure.
One of the best perks to being in the hospital is being one of the first to be hear their names. Baby A and Baby B are now officially O and A.
When I arrived for the twins’ newborn photo-shoot, while the two were wrapping up their meals and clothing changes, I played with H. She had an adorable little dress on, but she lost it shortly after. As a genuine tomboy, I’m so behind that 🙂
In just two weeks since birth they’d gotten so much bigger, and I just visited again this week-end, and they look even bigger still. It’s amazing how quickly that fresh newbie look fades away. Enjoy meeting these two!
