Last week I had the opportunity to shoot with three great people. The first is one of the great local photographers I have developed a friendship with David Terry. You can see his work here.
The second was one of my favorite models to work with, Bekah Ostler. She is one of my favorite because she very easy to work with, open to try new ideas, and a genuine person. And I would consider her a good friend.
The last person was the reason for the shoot. Joe Jones is Bekah’s fiance’, the shoot was the engagement photo’s for Bekah and Joe. It was great to meet Joe and get to know him a little better. He did great while we dragged him all over the place. While I was primarily along to assist on the shoot I did get the opportunity to take a few shots while we had available light. Once it got dark however I became solely a V.A.L.S (Voice Activated Light Stand) – read that as Daves lighting grunt. Overall it was a fun experience and I really enjoyed working with Dave. Next time I’ll just ask a few more questions. Thanks go out to Dave, Bekah and Joe.
Below are a few of the pictures I captured while the light was still somewhat good.
Hanging out on the park bench
Lovin Life!
Her hair must smell good!
A quick shot taken while we walked to the next location
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20915755@N04/sets/72157622646300081/
Probably the only time these two didn't have major grins on their faces.
I couldn't resist capturing this shot, we were setting up for the next series of photo's when I saw Bekah standing against the column like this and I just had to have the shot!
Things I learned:
– I love the 50mm 1.8 but need to use it more!
– It has been way to long since I shot this type of a shoot – I need to do more, more often.
– If you have an idea run with it, see this shot that Dave took here.
Last Friday a few of us got together out at Black Rock out on the south shore of the Great Salt Lake to do a Rock Band photoshoot. The event was spearheaded by Nathan Marx and included Scott O. Smith, Rob Snow (and wife Julie) as well as models Bekah and Shane. Kudo’s go to everyone but especially Rob and Julie who had to drive separate cars because of all the drum, and photography equipment. Julie has written a great behind the scenes post over on their blog. Scott has a post here, and more pictures here.
A guitar and . . .
. . . a dream!
Bekah (pictured above) is a great model to work with. She is always willing to put up with our photographer quirks.
One thing I learned … I need a LOT more practice with strobist style photography. While the other photographers where getting out and setting up their light stands, strobes, umbrellas, radio triggers, etc. I just stood there and watched with a “deer in the strobelight” look on my face.
Rob was a trooper hauling all this gear out to the lake!
The man who organized it all
It was getting pretty cold by this point
July 18th was the day of Scott Kelby’s Second Annual Worldwide Photo Walk. Over 900 photowalks occurred on that day. If you are unfamiliar with Photowalks they are a great way to meet other photographers, share knowledge, explore new locations, and learn new things. My first photowalk was at Antelope Island on the Great Salt Lake. The biggest thing I learned during that walk was that all photographers are not territorial jerks. There is a core group that understands that by sharing their knowledge both parties improve their skills and knowledge.
This photo walk had and “official” registration of 50 individuals, but a count of the group photo shows around 80 total participants. While proceeding in our walk, I ran into one of the photographers I have come to admire for his skill and genuine good nature, David Terry. He had brought along a model and was gracious enough to allow MANY other photographers the opportunity to take shots. While I’m sure it spoiled his plans a little, the graciousness of both he and his daughter Cassie where amazing to watch. What follows is a small selection of photo’s with the model and elsewhere during the walk.
While not actually pole dancing we all lost our concentration when a photographer yelled out "Pretend you love the pole"
Yep that’s right, after that comment I must say I was laughing so hard that I couldn’t shoot for a few minutes.
Our model was up at 5:30 AM and didn’t finish until close to 2:00 PM in some high heat. The fact that she looks this good and still had energy at the end of the shoot was a testiment to her fortitude and professionalism. WOW!
A little different treatment of a photo I loved from this photo walk.
Finally a little fun with some friends at the photowalk. Many of you who are familiar with the Utah Photography scene will recognize Scott Jarvie a fantastic wedding photographer.
See ya ’til next time, I promise to post a little sooner than once a quarter.
So I had the great opportunity a couple of weeks ago to take a break from the hectic soccer schedule and shoot some senior photo’s for a great young lady. There are some GREAT locations along 25st in Ogden. Of course if you are local to the Ogden area you must be aware of that. In my scouting trip and the actual photo shoot we ran into at least 6 photographers. Below is my absolute favorite photo from the shoot.
It is hard to go wrong with any location along 25th st.
Of course some of my fellow photographers now tease me that I must now be a true photographer, because we had a policeman chase us out of a location. It happened to be the first location, and made for a great story and a few laughs later in the night. Best of all Miss J loosened up afterwards and we moved to several great new locations. This second location we shot at, had a door that I am determined to photograph again just to have as a texture overlay. Tell me what you think of the door!
No added texture just some color to the door.
This wall was right near both the door and a grungy rusted iron staircase. I am definitely going back to this location for more shooting. I was very pleased with how this series of photos turned out.
Love those eyes!
At the second location we ended up with her mom, dad, and Aunt all watching and participating in the shoot. I must admit I was a little nervous at first having that many people looking over my shoulder. However, after the shutter started clicking I settled into a rythm and the rest of the night proceeded without issue. This next shot was one we used as the background for her announcement cards.
This one actually was picked for her announcements.
This last shot was at a location recommended by my friend, fellow photographer, and blogger Scott O. Smith. After searching around a little in the area he had mentioned to me, we found this great old caboose. We were afraid the wooden floor might fail, but the lighting and highlights in her hair made this location a favorite!
I want to give massive thanks to the Photowalking Utah crew and other photographer friends. I was able to use a loaner speedlight for a few shots, received great feedback from many, received several great location suggestions, and had confirmed that they are a great bunch of people. Sometimes it seems some photographers can get real territorial. With this group I have experienced nothing but sharing of knowledge and great friendships!
Ah spring, tulips poking through the ground, crocuses breaking their way through, all signaling the end to life as I knew it during the break that is winter. Soccer has arrived! What little free time I had is now consumed in training sessions and weekends on the pitch. Although it is a huge drain on my life I must admit to receiving satisfaction in viewing the exuberant glee of a U5 child bouncing up and down, barely controlling their excitement at playing soccer again. A match with these little ones resembles chaos with boundaries. But the smiles on their faces or the fractional advancement in the development of a young player makes the time worth it.
Hmm needs a little more coaching
Now if only we could do more to relieve parents of the mistaken notion that their whole existence in life is contingent on the success of their son or daughter on the soccer pitch . . . I guess it is nice to have dreams!
The following is not a photoblog, it is my entry into a photography contest. My dream assignment combine my passion for photography with my desire to fight a disease that ravages many and touches all.
CANCER! The prickling sensation on the back of your scalp, fear, dread, confusion, depression and more felt by a victim and their loved ones. It is hard to escape this corruption of a life. My first experience with this disease was the loss of a very dear grandmother at the age of eight. If I thought that was all I was a FOOL! There are more, so many more. . .
. . . a friend with five young children, one born just days before his diagnosis, lost in six-months. I watched him carved open, leaving long glaring scars to remove an esophageal tumor. I see the anger of a young boy dealing left without his father.
. . . fear in the eyes of both a stepmother and mother who both found lumps in their breasts. One received a diagnosis it was non-malignant the other diagnosis not so happy. A symbol of womanhood mutilated to save a life. Still there but changed.
. . . the fire and zest for life fade when I never thought it would, in the eyes of a dear friend who left to be with her family.
. . . an uncle who fought a ten year battle against odds which predicted much less. He spent many extra years with the love of his life, his wife. Who was that man in the coffin, he looked so old!
. . . a client, tough old cowboy that kicked that disease back where it came from.
. . . another uncle with a zest for life, always a smile on his face, and a love for photography. He helped a confused boy at a crossroads, and set my life on the better path. That boy many years older attended a funeral reignited a passion, a passion to capture life in frames and seconds and inspire the world.
The heroes of this ravaging disease are many but often unknown: the doctors, researchers, nurses. The survivors are lost in the shuffle as life goes on, the losses quickly pushed away as if by ignoring them the wolf at our door will leave us in peace.
MY DREAM – I want to mourn the losses, celebrate the successes, put the heroes on a pedestal, and tell their stories. I want to capture the battlegrounds, the eyes of the warriors, the souls of the survivors look into the depths of those affected, and capture compelling images of their dire and strenuous struggles. I want to create a photobook illustrating the highs and lows of a disease that affects so many people. And, if I sell only a few so be it, but if I sell many all the better, for all profits will go to the battle, so that I and many can say they did their part to STAMP OUT THIS DISEASE!!
Please vote for my idea at the “Name Your Dream Assignment” contest page. Spread the word, recruit your friends.
Have them pic my entry. Thank you!
This weekend Photowalking Utah hosted a fantastic event. Though I’m not a big studio photog (mainly because I don’t have one) it was interesting to see the many different setups. The lighting themes were: Nikon CLS Stobist, Natural Light, Stock, Bridal / Portrait, Fashion, Group and Dramatic. All of the host photographers were fantastic and took a lot of time to work with the approximately 120 people in attendance. I wanted to thank all of the hosts: Dale Welcome, Ann Torrence, David Terry, Mike Calanan, Mark Abercrombie, Kim Guanzon, running Rich’s setup – Ed Paz and the event MC and uberhost Rich Legg. And of course the models were fantastic and put up with a lot of crazy photographer ideas, thanks: Andrew, Alyssa, Kylee, Ron, Elisabeth, Mady, Brittanie, Sarah, Emily and Laarni.
I spent more time talking than shooting, but I found I had more photo’s then expect once I actuall looked at my memory card. Below are four of my favorites from the event. The rest can be found on my flickr stream here.
This is probably my favorite as I love her eyes and the soulful way this turned out after some post processing.
The Natural Lighting setup was one of my favorites: what more could you ask for great light, a beautiful model, and prodding from Ann Torrence.
I took this from the side of the actual lighting setup. Too impatient to wait in line.
Not technically perfect, but Ron makes this shot.
So looking for a little challenge and something to get me off my kiester and shooting more often I decided I needed a long-term project. As I mulled over what to do, I remembered a project by a fellow photographer Michael Calanan (see Photographer Friends) called Drive-By Theatre. Coincidently his project was inspired by another photographer. While viewing his theatre, my brain kicked in gear and I remembered a pleasant past-time of the past.
I have always loved to people watch. I remember being a young high school punk rocker sitting in the basement depths of a mall, or on the planters outside. Much of my time was spent just watching the many interesting and varied people that would pass by me. I remember getting to know very well some of the many street people that would wander in and out of the city at various times of the year. Many were very good people down on their luck, a few were very odd, and some just plain out there! As I have taken up photography again, I felt that interest in people watching and the stories of the people on the street speaking to me again.
Many times while driving or walking through a city you become captured “In the Moment”. To me this means that something captures my eye and in that capturing stirs an emotion of wonder, curiosity, fascination, or enjoyment. Most of the time these moments are fleeting as I am walking past, or even driving. However they can be very powerful images. How much more powerful if I can capture and share what I saw / felt “In the Moment”. I hope by viewing these photographs I can provide a bright spark to your soul, curiosity to your routine, or maybe a smile to your face. To that end I present the first two pictures to my new project:
IN THE MOMENT
Feed the Birds
While walking back from the Tour of California, we saw this lady. It invokes many thoughts, the joy on her face at feeding what many would think of as a nuisance bird. The song from Mary Poppins. The contrast of the intense stares and straining leashed of the dogs. And the generosity of someone down on their luck sharing a meal.
Hard Contrast
By contrast, the closed hidden contrast of this man invoked curiosity about his tale. The tough guarded eyes, the flash of white in his beard that flows into the pattern on his sweatshirt. The hood pulled up and low on a fairly warm day. Which story captures you? Which scene stirs memories for you?
Hey everyone, if you are looking for my Blog it can be found at ziggypphotography.wordpress.com. Come on over, the bloggings fine. 
Ok so some of you know I’m a cycling fan. Well I happened to be in Sacramento for an AYSO section conference and found out that the Tour was in Sacramento during the same time. So I took off during the conference to have a short cycling break. The photo’s below are from that trip.
George Hincapie Tour of California Time Trial
Feel the speed
Don't you wish your legs were this ripped!
Lance Warms up for the time trial.
So this picture was taken while perched on the top of another team’s van. I was balanced on the ladder at the back of the van, and the bike rack. The van was across the street from the canopy under which the entire Astana team was warming up for their respective races in the time trial. The crowd around the Astana motor home and canopy was INSANE! It was at least 3-5 people deep all the way around. It was a fairly calm crowd at least.
You can find more pictures of the riders here.
