D-245 Vintage Dress

This dress belonged to her grandmother (me) and her mom and aunt also wore it. It was originally a gift from my Godmother right after my baptism. My mom has saved it for many years.



I didn't take my time setting my camera up because photo shoots with this little one go really fast. Unfortunately my settings were ISO 1250 f22. Not ideal settings for studio work.

More in my flickr account.

D-244 Another Studio Session

These kids are so cute but I tell ya - you have to have lots of energy to keep up with toddlers - LOL

The baby is only 2 weeks old and she was awake for most of the session. The little guy has grown up so fast. I'm happy to see him healthy and right up to date with his age group. He spent the first three weeks of his life in the hospital but thank goodness he's perfectly healthy.




Images viewed: Memories Portraits
Pages read in Nikon D700 User's Manual 151

D-233 Family

Today we had our first "family Picnic"
Davids nephew put it together and we all had a great time.
This is Adam and his lovely wife Laura

David and his mom
My MIL (mother in law) She's a great person.

and David and his daughter Alexandria


I took a lot of candids but then the sun started setting and I wanted to do something with that amazing light.

Read in Nikon d-700 manual pages 131-150
Images viewed: Various flicker

D-232 3 Sisters Portrait session

I'm just gonna post a portrait of each and them I'm calling it a night.
I read, I studied but . . . I'll update later.
Gorgeous sisters





Thanks and good night.

D-231 Ignite your creativity

I am on the 231st day of the 2010 project and I know everyone that follows is on different days but this far in the game we are starting to run out of steam. Here are a few things that keeps me creative.
* Take a walk with camera in tow
* try something different like shooting from a different angle or try a new
technique
* Join challenges
* Ask yourself how you can make your image look different
* duplicate/redo an image you love
* listen to music
* look at magazines
* let colors inspire you
* capture details
* try a monotone
So I ask you "how do you ignite your creativity?"


The daily shoot today:
Make a photograph with soft light today. Try to almost totally eliminate shadows on your subject.

I don't have a soft focus filter but I used my 50mm lens and shot wide open at 1.4 which created a softness around her.

Tasra Mar's Thursday challenge is "Joy"
Twix brings me lots and lots of joy ;)

D-230 Tools of the trade. . .

2010/08/25: Make a photo of a tool today. Screwdriver. Pliers. Computer. What's the tool you find most important on a daily basis? #ds283

My tool "of the day" is this antique straight razor. Not necessarily important to me on a daily basis however it does make one think of history and how far we've come.

Imagine shaving your legs with one of those.
I know the right tools are of the utmost importance in getting terrific photographs, however if you never bother to take the time and learn your "tool" then you would have wasted great resources.

I shot this one in low light, same settings as yesterdays, I converted to black and white then I colorized. I also added a layer of texture (from my own collection). This one used to be bright green.


Images viewed: Jordan Chan

D-229 Low key

The daily shoot today is:
Make a low key photo today with lots of dark areas. You might need to use exposure compensation to make it work.

I found this article that talks about low key lighting.
Low-key lighting requires only one key light, optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector. This type of setup is usually shot against a dark background.
I used my Nikon D-700, Macro lens, one studio light with a snoot on it pointed directly at the flowers, a reflector to the side of the flowers. Very little Photo shop work just adjusted levels and sharpened for web. Created the storyboard in Photoshop elements 7.



Read Nikon D-700 Users Manual pgs 129
Viewed images: J & D

D-228 Izzy's Senior Shoot

Typical of a photographers kids, Izzy, my youngest starts college next week but we are just now getting around to his senior shoot. He graduated Calumet High School May 2010. He finally made the time for ol'e mom. No cap and gown and no change of outfits. O.K. O.K. I guess I'll take what I can get.
THE DAILY SHOOT: Today's number is 5. Make a photo that illustrates the number in some way, either literally or abstractly.
5TH MONTH
This one was taken at his old high school. I really like this one.


I was going for a more urban look so we went to a small city right before dark and got some nice ones. This one even included the moon!


Read the Nikon D-700 Users Manual pages 128-131

Images viewed(revisted a couple of my favs): Martin Schembri
Brian Palmer

D-227 Please . . .

Todays daily shoot assignment: Make a photograph from a high point of view. Get on top of a building, use a ladder, or just look down at a small object.

Image with high POV is my response for TDS.

I did not pay too much attention to my setting when I changed lenses and I shot wide open which made her back end blur. Window light (early evening)

I've been catching up on my editing I will update my blog this evening. Thanks for stopping by.

D-226 Another week that flies by

As time goes by so quickly how are your project 365's going. How are your "New Years Resolutions" panning out? Have you revisited your goals, your dreams, your plans? It's much later than we think.

Today I tried to tie in two challenges. #1 The Daily shoot: "Make a photograph with a shallow depth of field today. Get in close if you need to force it with the lens you have."

also FB365 Challenge is "square".

I took a picture of a frame I have that hangs in my office. My MIL gave this to me. I can update it as often as I want. I have some of my 365 non-human pictures up there. I plan on changing it often. Every single image has lots of Shallow DOF, it also has a "square" in there that divides the pictures.


ISO 6400!

Read Nikon D-700 User's Manual pages 123-128



Images Viewed: Frank Frost

D-225 The great outdoors

Yes I've been so lucky to have great customers the past few weeks. I have been busy in the photography business and it feels great.

We did a couple of outdoor shots before the mosquito's chased us inside then we finished the session off in the studio.



Tasra Mar's Theme Thursday is Blue
I think this qualifies.

Read Nikon D-700 Users Manual 94-114
Viewed images on google

D-224 Picture of pictures

Since digital photography came along I see less and less of my images in print. So, this week I was happy to get an order in and actually hold these and relive the moment.
The daily shoot today:
Go meta and make a photo of a photo today. Don't just be a copy machine, however. Get creative with composition.
Look at this cutie




Read Nikon D-700 pgs 94-114
Images viewed: Va-Va-Voom

Miss Boudoir

Another Amazing Session D-223

I've been busy with sessions the last two weeks and I am loving every single minute of it! This is what I want to do all the time.
Last week I took Kristen (Senior Class of 2011) out to the park but we ran out of day light. So I offered her a mini session and today was it. The mini session consisted of a "trash the dress" session. If you are interested in learning more about TTS look here
If you are interested in a TTD session drop me a line.
see more of this session click on an image and it will take you to my flicker account.
Nikon D-700, 70-200mm, off camera flash.




and funny when I looked up we had about 10-12 spectators and they were even taking pictures of us on their cell phones. Once I pointed the camera at them, they scattered. LOL

Tasra Mar's Twitter Tuesday

Viewed images by Kevin Jairaj
Read: Nikon D-700 Users Manual pages 92-94
Reading: VisionMongers

Nice & Simple D-222

that's about all I can handle right now, luckily for me the daily shoot today is
was a no brainer. "Make a photograph of a plant today. It can be a small one in a pot, a big one in the park, or a tree in a forest."




Today there were no blogs of inspiration, no reading accomplished, just work, cook dinner, appointment for my parents (lots and lots of waiting around), another appointment and the grocery store. So I'm off to take care of this pounding headache and recline while I munch on a bag of Cheetos. Yes, my indulgance is Cheetos, the puffy ones.

D-221 How do you discover your style?

Had another great session today. This time it was sisters, 9 year old and 2 year old. I've forgotten how much and how fast a 2 year old runs. LOL
We had fun. It was really hot and really sunny but we made due.

I introduce to you Miss T and Miss J




In trying to find my way, what my passion is, I seem to be leaning towards portrait photography. Although I enjoy photographing anything I enjoy people the most. The eye contact, the emotion. I really enjoy the connection with people, sharing stories and having "bonding" moments that are usually the result of taking pictures of their children or of themselves. Hopefully someday I will develop my style. Until then I will continue shooting everything and anything I can.


Viewed the blog of Busath Photography.
Pages read in Nikon D-700 Users Manual 90-91

D-220 Motion blur

Got the chance to go to the county fair tonight for a little bit. It was so much fun.
The Daily Shoot challenge today "D-272 challenge:
Make a photograph with motion blur today. Use a fast moving subject or a slow shutter speed can do the trick."


This one I think is really special

I watched this couple holding each other as they watched some of the people on the ride. They Stayed there for awhile. I really like how they almost look overwhelemed by all of the activity in this image.

D 217-219 "vision, passion and a broad perspective"

That quote come directly from David duChemin's book "Vision Mongers" which is the book I am currently reading.
According to David duChemin, vision, passion, and a broad perspective is the foundation of photography/photography business, and that you cannot learn in school.

I have neglected my blog for the past couple of days but I have not neglected my art. I have continued to take pictures every day, I continue to read my D-700 users manual (have you met anyone who enjoys reading the users manual? I do!) and I continue to study the work of other photographers. Time is such a precious commodity. It's really hard to come by. It seems like I'm burning the candle at both ends and sometimes something has to give and the last couple of days it's been the posting on this blog. I've also missed checking my friends blogs and commenting on theirs. I will catch up soon.

This is Baby Chloe. We did a studio session last night(D219). She is 3 weeks old and such a delight. I kept it nice and warm in the studio and she slept for 2 hours! This baby was a delight.
To see more from this session click on the picture it will take you to my flickr. There are several more there.
My favorite lens to use for this shoot was the 50mm, Nikon D-700 of coarse. 2 studio lights and one reflector

D-218, Kristen is from a Senior Shoot we did on Thursday. We had a blast and she was so much fun to photograph.
(I love the bokeh on this one and she looks great!) More on my flickr
My favorite lens to use for this session was the 70-200 mm Nikon D-700 of coarse, flash at -1 1/3

D-217 Scoping out locations for senior shoot. What do you think about his place?
Stay tuned . . .


I think that brings me up to date on the images. Now I'll try to catch up with your blogs.

I've read the current issue of RangeFinder for inspitation
and I've also read the current issue of PROFESSIONAL photographer from cover to cover.
Nikon D-700 Users Manual pages 53-74

D-216 Keeping the Vision clear

I've been reading Vision Mongers by David DuChemin and it's been very inspirational.
He's constantly reminding me to never lose sight of my dream. Sometimes the busyness of life clutters my sight.

I love girly girls and this one is definitely a girly girl!
She loves tea party's and dressing up. We had another Tea Party.



Don't forget it's Twitter Tuesday at Tasra Mar
Read: Nikon D-700 Users Manual pgs 53-74
Also half way through my Rangefinder magazine. Talk about inspiration!
Images viewed: I've been studying posing from advertisements.

D 213-215 . . .and the beat goes on

We took off Friday to Illinois with the sole purpose of doing a Senior shoot for 2 young ladies.
I must say it was worth the trip. We had a great time and got some amazing images. They'll have great senior image for their open house.

I used a new technique learned on Ed Pierce's Photovision of shooting in sunlight using the speedlight on -1 1/3 EV, aperature mode. I think it really worked. Up until this point, flash has not been my friend.

Alexandria


Sarah


and one of my favorites of the day:


They are cousins and my daughter and niece. I cannot believe they are Seniors! Thanks girls we had a great time and captures some AMAZING images.

and finally . . .
#ds266 Challenge: Sympathy can be difficult to express in words. Make an image suitable for the cover of a condolence card
The Daily Shoot
and I almost forgot to add this one:

We've turned my craft room into an "office" for my photography business. This is the bench David & his father built. David and I upholstered the lid yesterday. It serves as a seat and storage space. Love the new color of my office.

D-212 Challenges

Spent a little time with Miss Isabella, we gave her a little craft set and here she was painting. Day 5 of the 70-200 mm challenge. Pam, thanks for the challenge. I do love this lens. I played with my 50 mm and I thought I need the big one! LOL

This 365 Project has had it's ups and downs for me, but mostly it has recorded my photographec journey for 1.5 years (to date). I look back at some of my begining images and I am amazed at how far my photography has come.
I also accept other challenges along the way, Like Tasra Mar's, The Daily Shoot, friends challenges etc. Challenges make me think outside of my comfort level, they push me. Challenges make me grow as an artist and an individual.
What challenges are you taking on?



Read: Nikone D-700 Users Manual pgs47-53

D-211 Summer Weather

The daily shoot challenge:
Weather affects us all. Make a photo of weather or something affected by weather today.

The weather forecast for the past couple of weeks: Chance of sun, chance of rain.


More clouds


Just cause I think he's funny

I used the 70-200 mm in each of these images. I really like this lens!

How does the weather affect your hobbies/work?

Images viewed: Doug Gordon

Read Nikon D-700 Users Manual pages 45-47

D-210 Texture

Flowers on linen texture. It's been a while since I used textures thought I'd try one today.
The Daily shoot: How does your garden grow? Make a photo of something growing in your or someone else's garden today.
I'm sure these grew in "someones" garden, just not mine.

Day 5 using my 70-200 mm (Pam's challenge to me) I might not be able to stop using this lens!
Today is Twitter Tuesday. Make sure to visit Tasra Mar and see what other photographers are up to.

Reading corner
Nikon D-700 Users Manual Pages 31-45 (set the clock, set the time zone and changed the image names)
Images Viewed: Rod Mueller

D-209 Beauty

The daily shoot: Beauty is all around us. Make a photo of some naturally occurring beauty in your area today.

I took pictures of weeds and flowers and then this one came to visit.
This is also day 4 of using my Nikon 70-200 2.8VR lens that my friend Pam challenged me to do. I tell you what, I'm loving that lens too!



What beauty can you find in your day to day life?

Read Nikon D-700 pages 13-31

D-208 End of the weekenditis

Remember my first $2.00 portrait? See here Well, I got approached again and he asked for some spare change. I offered him $2.00 if he allowed me to take his picture. Here's Kenny, a very polite man who has obviously been down on his luck. He has what he calls "metal" in his mouth and it is very painful to eat he says. I imagine they were braces holding healthy teeth at one point. None the less, he says he can only have liquids, as in soup. I stepped backed ISO at 4000 with my 70-200 mm lens (Pam's challenge to me) and my new baby Nikon D-700.


Did I tell you that I love this camera? Add that lens to the package and It's just pure love.

The Daily Shoot
Go anti-bokeh today. Use a large depth of field (higher aperture numbers) today to tell a story on multiple layers
The story? It's been a long road here (almost 20 years) protecting this city. The city continues to be in disarray. This is just one of MANY abandoned and decaying building in the city. It's almost time to hit the road and move on.
I really wanted to shoot at 2.8!


and this one is just for fun
FLY AWAY