Extra-Ordinary Moments

11/18/2009

The difference between a snap shot and a piece of art

A beautifully composed image deserves a permanent place on your walls. You can make all sorts of prints... Giclee print making is a way to make an image a piece of art... But remember it's not that easy to figure out that one image from a 2 week vacation, but it's there...

If an awesome color shot translates to black and white that is a good indicator of a great shot... Sometimes a crop is all it needs. The most important thing is that your emotional attachment is not the driving force to choosing the fine art image.

Suggestion, show 3 people the shot...first: a family member, 2nd:a neighor and 3rd: a random person with no connection to the subject....

The Camera is not your Brain

The Camera is not a substitution for your Brain... it's an extension of what you are thinking... If you have an idea of what you want to shoot, an understanding of what your camera can do then voila a great shot... If you have thought to much and missed the moment, recreate it... Don't force it though. Simple direction will be enough...

11/12/2009

An image speaks louder than a thousand words

Ultimately the viewer must appreciate the image... Taking pictures for your personal archive is great... Even if it's not in focus, or the kids aren't smiling, these images will spark a story, a conversation and ultimately a memory. The conundrum is displaying these photos.. Will the viewer relate, understand the story...appreciate the memory without your emotional attachment?

10/27/2009

and some moments are not so tender

Life is not always the way we want it to be... but a picture can tell the story even better, even if it's not the reality.... Actually reality shows up even when we are trying to show "the idyllic side"

The truth just makes a more interesting shot...

10/26/2009

tender moments are hard to come by

a gentle reminder to stand closer... hold a hand... changes the whole picture... brothers forever!

10/19/2009

the little things

Sometimes body parts speak louder then the whole body.... a baby's hand, her lip, a mother's neck or shoulder...Focus on the little things to get the big picture

10/18/2009

Serious Post 3

Fiddling with your camera makes it hard to engage with your subject...Figure out the light situation, and your point of focus before you point and shoot.... having a dialogue with the subject creates that spontaneous moment we are all looking for. They stop fidgeting or posing and start being themselves.. Goofy is the way to get a seriously good shot

10/15/2009

Serious Post ....What is the point?

Are you taking a landscape shot of the beach to show the world how beautiful it is or a portrait or the baby to remember this very moment? ... Do you want a picture of both kids together or of them playing together... Just some thoughts before you pick up the camera...

10/11/2009

Let them take a break

but don't put down your camera... moments happen although they are not what is expected

10/09/2009

Serious Post 2 - Even if you don't understand how your camera works....

Understand your subject... Saying cheese is not how you get a good shot. That very saying creates an unnatural face... try getting your kids to look @ the camera by telling them something is behind you or better something will pop out of the camera!

10/07/2009

A Moment in Mayberry.... parenting is easy :)

Taking a photo and creating an image are really different entities...