Into the Twilight

Logan would like to say that the "Twilight" of his career was only the beginning, as he started his film career with his back to the camera as a body, and part-time stunt double for, for Robert Pattinson in Twilight.

To get Logan more face exposure, we scheduled a time for head shots. Corvallis has many places in the downtown area with great choices for backgrounds. This one was taken about half way through our session. Check out those eyes! No touch up required.

Good luck, Logan!

Fountains and Perspective

Aaron and his parents wanted a photo at the fountain in Riverfront Park. I could have asked Aaron to look into the sun. Other than his face, he would have looked terrific. Could have asked him to stand to the side and shot him through the water - acceptable, but boring. I wanted him to look good and soak in some sun, so I shot him from the perspective of me looking into the sun. It's different and that's what we were going for. A little Photoshop to add some interest - kind of like Aaron, an interesting senior!

Ready Reed?

Summer is special in Oregon, as is making images of seniors preparing for their future. I find joy not only in capturing a moment in their lives, but learning about their plans - some firm; some not. Usually a bit of caution in their voice . . . or is in wonder?

Seniors Class of 2010

Here we go again; it's senior time. Again for me, but not for the young men and women whom I photograph. For them, it's all new. Most things are all new for them when you think about it. At the age of 17 or 18 there hasn't been too much repetition in their lives, even though they may think that's not true. Time will educate them as it does us all. Hope your late Summer is filled with smiles and hugs, friends and family.

Personal Bias

The past few days I've been thinking about the biases that go into my images; they are certainly there. How do I compose the shot? Leave in or compose out elements? Freeze movement, add/subtract depth of field? Make it lighter/darker, leave it be? Create something truly new?

This is what makes a photo more than a snapshot - contemplating the end result: previsualizing. What am I trying to communicate from what I see before me? Beauty, color, humor . . . what? And what does it say about me when I finish making an image? Often, I think, it means I'm not finished creating myself as I often return to an image and work on it some more, or return to the location or person and shoot again. But it's never the same. Never never.

Soft Landing

Landing back home is not always easy after an adventure, especially one of those "time of your life" events. But time, and life marches on. Don't forget to pause and look out into the sky now and then, 'cause you never know what you might see.

Back on Molokai . . .again!!

I can hardly believe I made it back here for another photo workshop. I also find it hard to believe that I have not written here since last July! Oh well, about right for Molokai - whenever, whatever!

I was watching two photographers shoot this morning. They were near each other making images, physically, and in some ways, emotionally, too. The first is a double cancer survivor whom I met last year here at the Hui. She said she would return if she were still alive. Well, she is, and she is!!! Life has a very special meaning to her, and her photos and attitudes are reflected in both. She lives life to the fullest, with an understanding of what it means to do so.

The other photographer is much younger, and already lives life with all the gusto, and more, than most people ever muster. He has learned early that to live life one must experience life. Getting and giving; generous to a fault. His future wife (an August wedding) is lucky - so is he!

So I ask myself, and you, are you living life? to the fullest? Do you understand what it means? Perhaps it is time to find out.