Bob's Photo Thoughts

Into the Twilight

2009-11-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-23T20:30:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-09-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-04-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Presenting Chuck & Terry Knoll

2008-07-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

A pleasant evening, a wonderful couple, and many great friends. To Life!

The Life Ahead

2008-05-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been working on orders for the Class of 2008. It never fails that I get busy as graduation date approaches. I look into the eyes from fall-time photos and wonder how much that person has grown during the past 7-8 months. Colleges chosen, majors maybe. New friends and stronger friends. What about you Katie? Where will life take you, and you take life? - Bob -

Sometimes it's Places

2008-05-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

Returning from my experience on Molokai, I have been awakened to the simple beauty around me. Last weekend, I arose early to deliver my daughter for a ride to her SAT's and went out to the Jackson-Frazier Wetlands in Northeast Corvallis. I returned near sunset as I felt a special moment was coming: I was not disappointed. I look forward to more special moments like this, in the outside and in people's lives. Have a wonderful weekend and Mother's Day. - Bob-

2008-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

I recommend a week on Molokai for all of you. I spent last week expanding my creativity and technique, as well as my mind and how I see the world. A big thanks to Rikki Cooke, Dewitt Jones, Theresa Airey, and Jonathan Kingston for their willingness to share themselves and their passion.

Time Flies

2008-03-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Seems like I just posted here a few weeks ago, not five! Shot one very enjoyable wedding for Jeanne and Dane. Brief, simple, meaningful. With their friends and grown children in attendance at St. Mary's in Corvallis. Then off to the Gables for dinner. A pleasant evening.

August 9th for Chuck!

2008-02-04T22:49:00.001-08:00

On August 9th I'll have the honor of shooting the wedding of Chuck Skinner and his lovely bride. Chuck is an excellent actor here in the Willamette Valley and I have photographed him in several plays for the Corvallis Community Theatre including Bullshot Crummond and Dracula.

Another Party -Yea!!

2008-01-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the St. Mary's Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 2. Fate 55 will be playing classic rock while I photograph the festivities. A fund raiser for Home Life.

Coop People know how to party!

2008-01-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

I had much fun last night taking photos of the staff party for the First Alternative Coop. Staff and friends had a great time. How do I know? It was loud!! I mean loud; really. And crowded. Costumed as if in the Roaring Twenties - flappers, "Business" men, and others. Looking for a job, well look at the Coop!

Party time!

2008-01-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

The snow was beauteous, the ice, treacherous. More to come this weekend and in to Monday. Sunday night I'll be shooting a party at Iovino's for the First Alternative Coop staff. A naturally good time.

New Year - more blogs

2008-01-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

One of the things I promised myself I would do more of this year is write in my photo blog, so here I am. The new year has brought queries for weddings, family and business sessions, and the additional request by an artist to photograph her original paintings so that she may submit her work in various juried competitions. This work required absolute color fidelity! Thank goodness for digital and instant feedback!

I will be adding the option of a DVD slideshow to my wedding products. Expect this to be posted by the end of January.

I'm also considering adding a special Senior Portrait session for the class of 2009. The session would take place outside of the usual locations. I'm thinking of the Newport area in particular. The session may be all day, half day, or?? I would want to include sunset time on or near the beach, the bay front, and some other locations from Ona Beach (southof Newport to Fogarty Creek State Park (North of Newport). If you have have any thoughts, please feel free to share them with me. I will consider other locations (mountains?), too.

Looking for my other website??

2007-06-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

I've heard from a few people that they can't find certain photos that they have viewed before. If that describes you, check out http://www.loewenphoto.smugmug.com/

You'll find photos from China, Casa de Angeles Halloween photos, and more. Thanks for looking!

Finally

2007-05-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

After weeks, months(?) my new and improved website finally came to life today. Please feel free to browse, ask questions, make comments, whatever. Thank you for your patience and comments.