Don't settle

My last post generated a lot of attention. A couple of friends suggested I post a link on a photography group page on Facebook. Although I did, I hesitated for a couple of days for two reasons. First, I knew no matter how tactfully I tried to put it, no matter how many disclaimers I tacked on it, someone would choose to be offended. Second, I knew that most of the people who looked at it would be photographers, and I try to orient my posts to interested or potential clients.

I was right on both counts. Most of the people who responded to the link on Facebook were positive and supportive. Another way to put it is, those who were positive and supportive, chose to respond publicly on Facebook. Those who were offended apparently didn't want to be identified, and the 2 or 3 who responded, did so with anonymous comments on the blog, and that's okay.


I posted the "Fauxtographer" article because I want my clients to be aware that "there is a difference in a duck." It was not a list of rules. Most of the things on the list, I've done, as have most professionals, at least at one time or another. Most of the techniques I included in the list are things professionals have experimented with, or did at one time, but amateurs and "fauxtographers" identified it as "professional" and made it their specialty, did it poorly, and/or overdid it to the point that it's now passe.

There are a lot of people who call themselves professionals who frankly are not, as evidenced in a video by Kevin Newsome of Tampa, FL where he tells of a client calling and asking, "Are you a real photographer?". Some are "Moms With A Camera" as portrayed by Missy Mwac on YouTube (although it could also be a dad or a high school student - it's usually a mom who started out photographing her own small children and whose husband provides the family income). There are a lot more who are just getting started, who have a lot to learn, but they are committed to doing so. They call themselves professionals, and rightly so. They are talented, but they may not be able to produce the quality of photography you're looking for.

I'm not concerned about any of these as "competition." All of these have always been part of the photography industry. That last group mentioned above (the group of talented individuals who are serious about becoming true professionals) is important to the industry for two reasons.
First, because of their lower prices, they meet a market need for those who cannot afford a professional portrait experience, while offering better images than the department store "studios."
Second, every industry needs new blood. New, innovative creatives keep the whole photography industry on its toes and fresh. And, businesses come and go, people retire, etc., so we need new photographers to keep the craft alive. I was one of those "newbies" once, so as I said before, I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity. And if they are serious about learning the craft, I am more than happy to help them.

My only concern is that with the proliferation of digital technology and the ability to post images online in so many public venues, with so many claiming professional status, the public is not getting a good picture of what constitutes quality, professional portraiture.

It's your image, don't settle:
A local business recently sent out postcards and posted new staff photos on their Facebook page. They were taken by a friend of a staff member who "has a nice camera and wants to start doing photography." The group images are posed like a snap-shot of high school cheerleaders. The outdoor images are either in full sun with harsh shadows, or in the shade of the building with blue skin tones. The business itself has a beautiful building, state of the art equipment and well-trained, experienced professionals. The images don't portray that. They went for a cheap photographer, and got cheap images.  

When you settle for less you generally get even less than the less for which you settled.

You Might Be a Fauxtographer If:

I recently saw the term "fauxtographer" on a photography forum. I kind of hate to say so, but I think it aptly fits many of the new "professionals" entering the photography market over the past few years. With the ready availability of high megapixel amateur and advanced amateur digital SLR cameras, there has been a huge number of people who think photography is an easy way to make a buck. They've taken a few good photos, got some complements....

please note: some of the things mentioned in this list are techniques that can have their place if used sparingly or for special effects or purposes. But if it's "what you do," if it characterizes your work, you just think it's "cool," and you don't know how to do things better, you might just be a fauxtographer. Also, not any of these by itself would qualify someone as a fauxtographer, but several? You may want to give it some thought.

And one last disclaimer:  Everyone's got to start somewhere. So if you're serious about becoming a professional photographer, go for it. However, you've got to know your limits. You've got to realistically assess your abilities. Seek advice, counsel, education, maybe even a mentor, in order to constantly improve and raise your work to a true professional level.

You just might be a fauxtographer if:

• you "shoot pictures"
• you think your camera is a professional camera because it has interchangeable lenses
• your lens is the kit lens that came with the camera
• you think the best way to control depth of field is with a wide open aperture on a super fast lens
• you're willing to photograph up close on a portrait subject with a lens smaller than 85mm
• you think the product you're selling is pictures
• you don't know the five lighting patterns for portraits
• you don't know how to light hair
• you only shoot with natural light
• you don't know how or when to use off camera flash
• you don't know how to use studio strobes
• you don't know how or when to use a reflector, a diffuser, or a gobo
• you don't know that light has different colors in full sun and shade and how to correct for it
• you expect your customers to do all their ordering through online proofing
• your only product offering to clients is on CD or DVD, no prints, and unlimited rights to reproduce the images
• you think $25 for an 8x10 is expensive
• you think an 8x10 is a big picture
• you think your competition is JCPenney, and price accordingly
• you base your prices on 3 or 4 times your cost, but you only figure the cost of the tangible paper print - and don't count your time, equipment, overhead, packaging, etc.
• you don't package the images you deliver to your clients in anymore than a paper or plastic bag
• you over saturate your color images
• you line people up against a wall for a group portrait
• you have the front row of people bend forward with hands on knees for group portraits
• you "don't believe in posing people"
• most of your portraits are slanted
• you don't know how to use a gray card (or black card or white card)
• you photograph couples or families sitting against a wall with their feet straight toward the camera - double this one if you use a wide angle lens so their feet look disproportionately large
• you include color, b&w, and sepia versions of multiple prints on each session
• you use PhotoShop actions for almost all your special effects, retouching, and editing, and don't know how to create an action for yourself, or do the editing without using an action
• you figure you can "fix it in Photoshop"
• you know you're a good photographer because your clients tell you so, and maybe some other beginning photographers, but you aren't willing to have your work critiqued by more experienced professional
• you don't charge sales tax
• you don't participate in any professional photographer organizations at the local, state, or national level
• your photographic education consists only of the classes you took in college
• your photographic education consists only of occasional touring workshops
• your photographic education consists only of what you can find on websites, forums, or Facebook
• when you offer prints, you have them printed at a one-hour lab

And for the ultimate fauxtographer, visit this YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S3NFW2c7hA   "Missy Mwac" has a series of videos done somewhat tongue in cheek, but done so well, it's hard to know whether she's serious or not.

The Power of Fitness

The following is a guest post by David Haas, staff writer for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog. I hope you enjoy it and gain useful insights. Although his comments are geared primarily to cancer patients and survivors, his insights, especially on mood, energy, and mental health are useful to all of us. And, if being healthy reduces the risk of cancer, I'm all for that, too. As a cancer survivor myself, I'm especially pleased to present this for my readers.

 

The Power of Fitness

Regular exercise and attention to diet can increase the overall health of a person dramatically. Regular fitness can also provide many benefits to a cancer patient. Before beginning your exercise regimen, consult your oncology doctor to ensure that it is safe.

Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular fitness can help prevent and manage some diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, depression and some forms of cancer.
Fitness can also help even if you have already been diagnosed with cancer, such as breast cancer or mesothelioma. Doctor Matthew Hoffman from WebMD support this research. He states that, although not a cure for cancer, regular fitness can lower the risk for remission and increase the length of survival after a cancer diagnosis.

Mood

It is hard to stay positive when you have just been told you have a life threatening illness. Regular fitness increases the activity of endorphins, which causes you to feel happier and more relaxed. Fitness also makes a person feel proud that they are attending to their body and may raise your confidence level.

Energy

Although it may be difficult to exert extra energy to exercise while struggling with cancer, doing so will actually give you more energy. In addition, exercise will provide you with more strength to get through difficult treatment and procedures. Fitness can also help decrease the common fatigue that accompanies cancer and cancer treatment.

Weight Control

Exercising on a regular basis can help you to attain and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories. Cancer patients who are overweight after receiving cancer treatments survived for fewer years and had a higher probability of remission.

Mental Health

Having fitness in your life can help with your mental health as well. Fitness combats the negativity that often comes after a cancer diagnosis. It can also combat more serious bouts of depression. Fitness can also help relieve stress and feelings of anxiousness.

How Much Exercise?

Cancer patients and cancer survivors can often complete the same amount of exercise as the general population. This consists of exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Cancer patients should complete this exercise regimen at least five days a week.

Fitness plays a vital role in developing a healthy lifestyle for cancer patients and survivors. It provides many benefits, including weight loss, mental health advantages, mood enhancement, and increased levels of energy. Most importantly, it can help to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Never Give Up

I visited the local office of a group of radio stations a couple of weeks ago. After a brief explanation of our survivor project, the receptionist gave me the name of the people to call in their marketing department. When I called them, they referred me to their PSA (public service announcement) department. The PSA guy asked for as much info as I could give him in about a minute, then suggested I send him an email explaining the project so he could talk with others on their staff about it. I worked up an email, explaining it and the benefits to the stations for participating. I even called the marketing director at their affiliate stations in another city that had participated in a similar project by another photographer. I never heard back from him. I called to follow up and got his voice mail. I never got a call back.

So, I did some research and found there are actually several companies that own networks of radio stations in this market area. Yesterday, I visited another one of these networks, and it was a totally different experience. The receptionist immediately started thinking through to whom to refer me. They were in a meeting. But the meeting broke up a couple of minutes later and she found the right person and I got to speak with him on the spot.

He was very interested and began talking about how to make it work. He also asked if I could write something up he could share with the staff. I already had it and pulled it from my pocket. He was thrilled, and talked about having me in the meeting when he presented it to the staff.

It isn't a "done deal," so I won't name the stations yet. But it was very encouraging. I'm glad I didn't give up after the first network dropped the ball on it. (And if this one doesn't run with it, I still won't give up.) But, right now, it looks like they're going to go with it. Good publicity for the project will only make it more effective at raising money for cancer research.

A Celebration of Life

Yesterday was an interesting and inspiring day. I had the opportunity to photograph a charity event for Hope Transplant Support Organization. They offer support, obviously, and help raise awareness and funds for organ transplants. Their event yesterday included a brunch (with music provided by local classical guitarist, Edgar Cruz), a group photo of all the transplant recipients who were present, and a program. The program involved several speakers, mostly recipients, and awards given to the most recent and the longest surviving transplant recipients based on the organs received.




Each recipient is encouraged to create a patch that is later used in the making of a quilt. There were 4 or 5 complete quilts on display.





And, each recipient is also encouraged to bring an ornament to go on one of the Christmas trees. There were 5 trees full of ornaments. Troy Golden brought one that spelled out the word HOPE.

Specifically, the speakers included a couple of transplant recipients, local pastor Troy Golden - who is awaiting a transplant and has an artificial heart operated by a pump he carries in a backpack - and a young mother who donated 20% of liver to her infant daughter (who is now 3 years old and quite healthy and active).

As a 2 year cancer survivor, I could relate to much of what they said; but at the same time, my situation never seemed as life-threatening as most of those I met yesterday. It was very inspiring to hear the stories of their struggles, how they made it through, and how they learned to cherish life by coming so close to losing it.

Heroes

I've been photographing, editing, ordering, etc. - all the usual photography stuff. And, I've been working specifically on the survivor project. Check out the updated survivor page on our website - acknowledging the cancer survivors we photograph as more than just survivors. In more ways than one, they are heroes!

I haven't blogged much on this site, because I've been working on my personal blog quite a bit. Check it out if you'd like.

Survivorship

This month is a big month for cancer awareness. It's best known as breast cancer awareness month. But did you know it's also:
Gynecological/ovarian cancer month
Childhood cancer month
Prostate cancer month
Leukemia & Lymphoma month

So, for the month of September, if you call and schedule a family, child or senior session for September or October, 50% of your session fee and 10% of your order will go to American Cancer Society or to Oklahoma CureSearch Walk for Children's Cancer.

And, today, I got an e-mail from OU Cancer Center that they aren't going to participate in the Survivor Project this year after all. I was a little disappointed. But at the same time, it was a little liberating. I was waiting to hear from them, thinking we would be moving forward aggressively toward getting photographs and designing a calendar to raise money for them. So I was kind of holding back on pursuing the broader project, since they wanted the photos to be of their patients.

When I originally went to them, I was looking for two things. The first and most important, was a willingness to be on the receiving end of the project - mainly because that's where I was treated for my own cancer, and I really wanted to give something back in the form of raising money for research. The second was maybe some help in finding more people to be photographed for the project. I figured on doing the design work and getting the calendars printed myself, and even doing the distribution for the most part through area businesses. They seemed to really catch a vision for it and were offering to do more - including the printing and helping with the distribution through the hospital and through various support groups. However, the more they seemed willing to take on, the more the bean counters were wanting to see some numbers, and the more they realized they didn't have the time to invest in it this Fall.

So, here we are! No help. No resources. Only a passion and a plan.
I need help from area business who are willing to donate to the printing of the calendars. We may need to raise about $5000 to print 1000 calendars - unless we can find a printer willing to give us a better price. If we can sell the calendars for $20 each, depending on the help we get with printing that's around $15,000 we can raise to fight cancer.

If we can get the people in front of the camera, we could print an 18 month calendar (July 2012 through December 2013) to sell next Spring. Other wise we would sell it in the Summer & Fall as a 2013 calendar.

In addition, I will print images to be displayed in area businesses, like the displays we have at Contemporary Family Dentistry and Ribs 'n' More. We will publicize the displays in order to drive traffic to the businesses, and may even have a contest where people can vote on their favorite images. If anyone books a portrait session from the cards we will have with the displays, 10% of their session fee and 10% of their order total will also be donated.

So, I'm also looking for cancer survivors - that means you currently have or have had cancer. You may still be in treatment, or you may be "in remission," or you may have been declared cancer free. This may be your first year to deal with it, or you may be a 20 year survivor. Doesn't matter. You may not feel great, or feel particularly pretty, especially if you're still in treatment. I know the feeling. Been there. I'm a survivor, too. That's why I want to fight back and give cancer a punch in the gut. And I'm asking you to join me. Call me at 517-4654 and let's talk about how we can create an image of you that will make a statement and help give cancer a worse beating than it's given you! It won't cost you anything. If you want to purchase photos, I'm not out to make money off you - how does just 10% over cost sound?

Tell your friends who are battling, or have battled cancer, to call me, too.

Hancocks on I-240

Many, many thanks to Hancock's Fabric Store on I-240 for help in finding and getting the best price and discounts on fabric for the scarves for our survivor project. Most of the images will be black and white with a splash of color. The color will be a scarf or hat in the color that represents their particular cancer.

More Survivor News

Had a great meeting yesterday afternoon at Stevenson Cancer Center. Von, Jari, & Joel were very encouraging and supportive of the Survivor Project. They have a couple of things to run by "legal," mainly to see if we need some type of contract saying who does what toward the completion of the project. Then they should be referring people to participate in the project within the next couple of weeks. We're hoping to have a calendar printed and for sale by sometime in November!

We also got a tour of the Center. It's amazing! I hope you never need it, but if you ever have cancer, consider it. It's state of the art - for both treatment and research! The equipment they have for radiation is some of the best. They are in the process of installing one of the newest and best proton therapy machines.* They can do PET Scans, and other diagnostics on site. They can do chemo on site. There is a cafe, a large "living room," family areas, children's play areas (as children often accompany parents who are there for treatment). The living room is right next to the cafe, with lots of comfortable seating, coffee tables, books and a player, grand piano with everything from classical music to Beatle's tunes. Lot's of books and resource materials....  Children are generally treated at the children's hospital, but radiation equipment is too expensive to duplicate. So, children needing radiation would use the equipment in the Center, and there are toys and books for them in that area, too.   There's even a beauty salon to help women get a wig, get it styled, and learn how to deal with hair loss and how to style their hair as they lose it and as it grows back.  Ah, I keep thinking of things I saw, but suffice it to say, they seem to have thought of pretty much everything to make help people deal with the experience of cancer and treatment. It is all so much less "clinical" than anywhere I went for diagnosis or treatment. Much more comfortable and relaxed.

I asked Trish what stood out to her. She said it was the people. Everyone we met, receptionists, treatment staff, people in the hallways, elevators, or offices, had a smile on their face. It was as though they were actually glad to be there, as though this was more than just a job. Von, Jari, and Joel were the same way. This wasn't about fund-raising so the Center would be there and they would have a job. This was all about the patients and how to meet their needs.

*The proton therapy machine will be one of three in the nation by the time installation is complete. There are currently 6 cities (if I remember right) where proton therapy is available, including OKCity. This will make the 2nd location here. Pretty unique that Oklahoma City will have two! But OU is also involved heavily in research as well as treatment, so there is double value in having this machine located here.

Survivor News!

I am pumped! I have been wanting to get back to the Survivor Project for a while. It stalled out on me last year as I got busier with other things and the number of survivor's contacting me to participate slowed. Yesterday I made a phone call to the director of research for OU's Stephenson Cancer Center. He said he'd just been talking about me the day before. Their staff has increased, they're in their new building, and they're in a much better position to pursue the project including getting participants and distributing the finished product.

Let me clarify something real quick - "Survivor" means you have or had cancer. You may have just been diagnosed, still be in treatment, or be in remission or have heard the word cured. You may be a one day "survivor" or a 10 or 20 year survivor. Doesn't matter. You're a survivor.

The Survivor Project is something I started after having cancer myself. I wanted to fight back, and give others a way to participate. What I have to offer that is of most value is my talent as a photographer. So, I'm photographing survivors to create portrait images that will go into a calendar, initially. Over time, it will probably also result in a book of images. The calendars & books will be sold to raise money for cancer research.

Most of the images, if not all, for the 1st calendar are relationship portraits (like our "Love Is" series), of the cancer survivor with one or more family members or a care-giver. The images are black and white, with a splash of color (usually a scarf) representing the color of that individual's cancer (just about every kind of cancer has a "color").

Another part of the project will include displays in area businesses. We will set up a display for about 1 month at a time, publicize it on Facebook, Twitter, and here. That means lots of free publicity for the businesses that provide space for the displays. We will donate 20% of the proceeds from any sessions that are booked from the displays to cancer research as well.

Now, I realize, most people are a little reluctant to "have their picture made." When you're self-image is beaten up by cancer, and even moreso by cancer treatment, you may feel like you're "not pretty enough" or "good enough" to participate. You're definitely not at your best. That's okay, I know exactly how you feel. However, this is about the emotions, good or bad. This is about the fight. This is about raising money to give cancer a major slap in the face!

For the OU part of the project, I'm looking for people who were, or are being, treated for cancer at OU Medical Center. If you were treated somewhere else, that's okay, too. I'm still working on a similar project for American Cancer Society. It just might take a little little longer since they aren't helping me find people to photograph. However, if you would be willing to help, it will happen that much quicker.

What's the difference in a duck?

There really is a difference in photographers, but if you asked most people if it mattered who did their photos, it would be about like asking, "What's the difference in a duck?" There are so many people with nice cameras who "shoot" good pictures and even call themselves professional, that what passes as "professional" photography these days often isn't.

I did senior portraits for Morgan's cousins and her brother, so I asked her if she would be willing to be a spokes model for us. We'll be photographing her "real" senior portraits later at some locations she's picked out, but we did a model session this week at our studio and outdoor portrait area just for some samples. I decided to try something. I created some portraits that reflect our typical work. You can find them on our Facebook page. However, I also created some images like many of the ones I see on Facebook and even some photographers' websites.

Many of the new photographers have several things in common. Most often, somewhere on their website, you'll find "I love natural light." Then you'll see images with very vivid, saturated colors.
Here's natural light.Some of the "mom's with cameras" photographers call it SOOC - Straight out of camera.

Notice how there's a slight bluish tint to the natural light images? They were all created in the shade in order to eliminate harsh shadows in the sun. The first one, the exposure was set for the scene. The background colors look rich, but Morgan's a little dark. Camera's are dumb that way. They average everything. So, unless your light on your subject is the same as the light on your background, one or the other is going to be either too light, or too dark. So, natural light isn't all it's cracked up to be. You have to supplement the light in order to get an overall pleasing image, or else, just settle for something less.

In the second image, I set the exposure to be more pleasing on Morgan, but the result is a slightly "blown out" over-exposed background. Not too bad since Morgan still looks good, and the background is blurred enough that it isn't extremely distracting.





What a lot of photographers do to compensate is "fix it in Photoshop." They've figured out, or learned from an on-line or DVD training program, how to "saturate" the colors. And boy do they saturate. The image on the left is the same as the image above, just over-worked to saturate the colors and vignette the image. Hey, there's a time and a place for this kind of technique. But as a general rule, in professional photography, if you can see the technique, you've gone too far. A vignette, for example, should be there, make the photo look better, but not be particularly noticeable itself. Also, there's still that slightly bluish (or "cool") tint. It needs to be warmed.


 Here (left) is the same pose with a flash for the mainlight, and using natural light and a reflector for hair and fill lights. On the right is a better pose, again using flash for a mainlight to balance the light on subject and background, provide more flattering, and realistic (directional) lighting, on her face, and using the natural light and a reflector for hair and fill lighting. Occasionally, I'll saturate the colors of the background and/or clothing, but only if it seems to be the "right" treatment for the image - not to salvage poorly photographed images.


These two images are the same natural light photo. At left is the "sooc" image, and at right, the same image with the cool blue tint removed. It didn't take a "Photoshop action" or special software. I don't photograph with my camera set for jpeg. I photograph raw and load the images onto the computer with a program that can do minor adjustments to exposure, color temperature, and cropping on the raw files before converting them to jpg.

There really is a difference in photographers. For starters, look for a certified professional photographer. You need a photographer who can start with a quality image in camera. Whatever art work and retouch they do from that point should be to make you look incredible, not to fix a bad image. Remember, you get what you pay for. You want photos that look good, and more than that, photos in which you look good. It's your image; don't settle.

Visit our Facebook page to see a video of the images from Morgan's spokes model session.

More of the Hardins

Here's a couple of more images from my time with Billy, Jessie, and their twins, Billy & Braylon.

What a month?!?

A couple of weddings, a large dance studio, and some family sessions, and mid-May thru mid-June have been really busy. A lot to blog about, but not much time to do so. I usually prefer to wait until our clients have seen their portraits at full size before posting very many online, but this is a special exception. I contacted Billy & Jessie about doing portraits of their newborn twins. We photographed Billy's high school senior portraits, and also their wedding. As part all of our wedding collections, you never have to pay another session fee for life for any sessions we photograph for you - family, child, pet, senior....

Here's one of my favorites from our time with the Hardins.

I'll post some more later, along with some favs from some of our other sessions.

What do you do if you lost your photos in a storm?

It's one of the first things you hear after a disaster - a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood - "Everything else can be replaced, but we lost all our photos, that's our memories!"

We want to help. If we created portraits for you and they were lost or damaged by the recent storms, call us. We may not be able to replace every image you ordered, you probably gave some away to friends or family anyhow, but our framed wall portraits carry a lifetime guarantee. And that includes disasters! If you also lost some 8x10 and smaller prints that we created, talk with us, and we'll do what we can to help replace some of those as well.

It's one of the things that makes us unique among photographers. A lot of people, including some photographers, think photography is about "taking pictures." Some even think it's a "service" industry - that they can charge a high session fee and give away the images, or sell them dirt cheap, usually on a CD.  Where's that CD, or the computer you saved the images to, if your home is gone. And will that "shoot and burn" photographer (as in shoot the picture and burn it to CD) be willing and able to replace your images?

Photography, to me, is about relationships. The images should be about the relationships in your life. But it's also about the relationship we have with our clients. (I'll be the first to admit, I've not always been as consistent as I need to be with staying in touch with all of our clients, but I do try, and I am getting better.) The fact is, though, that I really do care about our clients. God brought you into our lives, and us into yours, for a purpose. A nice portrait is only part of that purpose.

So, again, if you're home was damaged or destroyed by the recent tornadoes, and if the portraits we created for you were lost or damaged, please give us a call. If you want to wait until your home is repaired/replaced, that's fine.

Also, if we've not done portrait for you before, and you lost all those precious memories that were your family photos, give us a call when you're back in your house (or new house) and let us help you start fresh with a new family portrait. We'll do the session at no charge, and offer a storm discount off your portrait order.

Newcastle Graduation 2011

Just a quick note to the Class of 2011.

First, of course, CONGRATULATIONS!

Second, we're extending the deadline to order copies of you diploma photos through this Friday, the 27th, at the graduation day price. The "late order" price on the form won't go into effect until next week, and orders will be accepted through Friday, June 3rd.

Congrats Candice & Kevin

Candice and Kevin started their marriage journey Saturday, May 14, 2011! Here's a video of their engagement session.

Candice is my niece, so I got to be Uncle Rick and enjoy being family. Trish and I helped make sure the Devin Boat House was decorated and ready for the reception. I met some great folks, too. Geoff Willis of the Boathouse worked tirelessly to coordinate the event. Kudos to Jan, Whitney and Tawney of the The Flower Girls for a great job with the flowers and table decorations!

Debbie Schwab of Sweet Treasures created a beautiful wedding cake (enhanced by the Flower Girls arrangements)...

...and a delicious array pastries for the grooms table.

A different Debbie catered the food for the reception - and it was wonderful, and her crew did a great job. I didn't get a chance to get her card, but I will.

So, if you need information on how to contact any of these folks give me a call.

Prom Candids - Newcastle Prom 2011

Here are the candid images from Newcastle Prom 2011 - hanging with friends, and a night of dancing! Lot's of great memories!

Newcastle Prom 2011

Newcastle Prom! We had a great time! Hope everyone else did, too. Here's a slide show of the formal photos. I'll upload a video of the candid images in a couple of days - more of them to sort through.

Prom!

Newcastle Prom tonite!! I am soooo looking forward to this! A couple of people have called with questions about how to order - that's great! glad to help. We'll have extra order forms at prom. See you tonite, Racers!

Mowing, Oklahoma style!

 It was a beautiful day today. It's 8 pm now, and the thermometer still says 78 degrees! Don't know what the high was, but it was a gorgeous day for yard work. We seriously did some work pruning shrubs in our "portrait park" part of the yard, cleaned the pond, and did some other projects around our house, and at my mom's. But when we took our lunch break, we realized the back yard needed to be mowed. So, we recruited our Oklahoma lawn mowers - Domino and Rocky.

 I don't know about you, but I could mow the yard like this all day long!

Natural Light, Available Light, Unnatural Light?

I see a lot of photography websites and Facebook pages popping up these days.  Most are pretty much the same.  Most photograph primarily outdoors, because they don't have a studio.  And most talk about loving natural light.  What they generally mean is they don't use artificial light enhancers, they just use whatever light is available.  Occasionally you can tell one has used flash to light their outdoor subject, usually an on-camera flash.  You can tell it was on-camera by the way the face is lit and by where the shadows fall.

There is a difference between natural light and available light.  I'd define available light is the light that's available whether indoors or out, without any modification.  If not done right, it can be very unnatural.  Natural light starts with available light, but will use modifiers to make sure the scene looks natural.  That means there's a proper balance between the light on the subject and the background.  It also means the light is flattering to the subject, while still looking "natural."

Next time you're outdoors with your family or a friend, look at their face and notice the bright areas of the face and the darker or shadowed areas of the face.  Light is directional.  If the sky is cloudy, or you're in the shade, it may be a little harder to see, but it's still true.  It is normal for there to be an area of the face that is better lit and an area that is a little shadowed.

You can modify the light by adding light or subtracting light.  You can add light with a reflector or a flash.  You can subtract light with a diffuser or by using something dark such as a black panel, a wall or other object, and by how you pose the subject in relation to the light.  If done poorly, it looks as unnatural as no modification at all, but if done well it looks totally natural, but incredibly wonderful, too.  It's difference between a snapshot and a true professional image.  It's the difference between something that is only worth putting on a CD to post on Facebook or print off your at home "photo-printer," and something that you would want to really display in your home and hope it will last to be enjoyed by future generations as well.

There are five lighting patterns that are used in classical portraiture.  Ask your photographer if they he or she knows what they are, when and how to use them to make you look your best, and how to create them before you book your next portrait.

Hey, we all gotta start somewhere.  But if you really value your photographs, make sure your photographer really understands light and how to use it and modify it to make you look incredible!

Happens every year

I'll never learn, but that's okay.  Every year it warms up for a week or two in early to mid-March.  The redbuds start getting red buds, threatening to burst forth and enrich the countryside with their velvety lavender blooms.  The garden bulbs - daffodils and narcissus, tulips and crocus are blooming.  The fruit trees are already covered in white blossoms and some are already transitioning to lush green foliage.  The elm trees are lending a pale green hue to the scene as they are giving birth to the seeds that will soon be coating our lawns and flowerbeds and ponds and porches and floors and....

I love it! The landscape is rich with the promise of springtime!  I so enjoy the warmth, going outside without a jacket.  The decrease in cedar pollen!!!  Spring is here!!!!!!!!!!!

Then we have another cool front and reality hits:  The key word is "promise."  Spring is almost here.  Oh well.  It isn't near as cold as it has been, and there are more warm days ahead than cold days.  It's Oklahoma.  It won't really green up around here until mid-April.  But that's okay, too.  It won't be long!

Hey, and now's the time to plan those outdoor spring portraits.  Call me and let's chat about updating your home decor with a beautiful, emotional family portrait!

Updates!

Lots of exciting things happening - some photography related, some not. 

We are still working on the Survivor Project.  Will be contacting more people to participate in the coming days.  If you know of someone who has cancer, or who has been successfully treated for cancer, have them call me asap - 405-392-3929 - so we can include them in the project.  Initially, we're planning a calendar; ultimately a coffee table book.  Both will be sold to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  If you or someone you know was treated at OU Medical, be sure and let me know as we may be doing a separate project for them.

We have a dance studio project and a couple of weddings coming up.  We are still photographing seniors for the class of 2011, but are looking for spokes models for class of 2012!  Spokes models, we need you now to provide you with sample images you can use to help promote Carr Portrait Art with your fellow seniors.  We are looking for people who want amazing senior portraits and aren't willing to settle for mediocre (or worse).

I'm also working on some photography programs that I can share at professional photographer associations.  God has blessed me with great mentors who helped me learn how to create beautiful portraits and how to market my business, and it's time for me to pay it forward.  Also, if anyone is interested in photography classes or PhotoShop classes on a local level, I would be willing to set up some classes at my studio.  These classes would oriented to amateur and advanced amateur photographers to help them learn how to better use their cameras and to do basic photo editing.  If you're interested, call me: 392-3929.

On a personal note: I am working on getting my book published.  It's a book sharing some very foundational principles for living a victorious Christian life.  In conjunction with that, to help spread awareness of the book, I've started a separate blog at: www.heisarewarder.blogspot.com and opened a Twitter account.  Most of what I'll be "tweeting" will be related to the book, but there will also be some photography related tweets as well I'm sure.  So, I hope you'll sign up to follow this blog and the book blog, as well as follow me on Twitter!

Family, winter photos, and projects

I've been out of town a few days. My brother-in-law passed away and we went to the funeral. Got to see (and meet) a lot of relatives. On the way back, stopped and visited with cousins from my mom's side of the family. It really was a week that reminded me how important family is. We all have a desire for roots, for a place of belonging, for people who care about us, somewhere we fit in. We benefit from the emotional security and strength that comes from being part of family. We may have close friends with whom we spend more time than we do with anyone outside our immediate family/household, but it's still comforting, encouraging and strengthening to at least know family is there and that they care.

We're starting off the year with a couple of projects in the works. We just sent out a mailing to part of our mailing list of current clients with a winter portrait/Valentines promotion. If you didn't receive it and would like to know about the specials, give me a call: 392-3929. We will also be sending out one final Class of 2011 senior mailing with some specials on reprints for those who've already done their senior portraits, and some specials on sessions for those who haven't.

I've got a couple of personal projects I'm working on as well. Foremost is the Survivor Project, photographing people who have or have had cancer and want to fight back by being part of a fund-raiser. I need to get phase one wrapped up soon, so if you have or have had cancer, please call me and let's schedule a time for a photo session for you to be part of this vital project. For more information you can visit www.carrportraitart.com.

The other project is something I'd like to do just as a personal photo project - maybe come up with an art print-style image I could submit to professional photographic print competition. I need a couple with a newborn - preferably less than 3 weeks old. If that's you, and you'd be willing to help, give me a call.
Rick

1-1-11

Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited about the New Year! I know, as one of my Facebook friends pointed out, it's really just another day. Yet somehow, this year, it really does seem to be an opportunity for a fresh start. I think it's just how the lessons of last year timed out. It's as though it took me right up till the end of 2010 to grasp some of the things the Lord has been showing me and get a handle on the lessons, etc. So, it really feels like a new beginning - an opportunity to take what I'm learning and run with it.

It's my anniversary, 33 years married to my best friend, Trish. So, I'm not going to spend a lot of time blogging or Facebooking. But I just wanted to throw some of my optimism over the new year out there on the first day of the year, and get that fresh start started!