Happy Mother's Day

I want to thank all the mother's in my life, especially my mom and the mother of my children.  Being a mother is a hard job and it's description is always changing.  It takes a special woman to be a real mom.  My mom is most of the reason I am who I am today.  She had a hard job raising a hard head like me, but she was tough when I needed and caring when I needed it. My wife Niki is a great mother, she has made me a better dad and a better man.  I love and honor her and I thank God for giving her to me.  She has also supported me in my dream of becoming a great photographer, and I know that is not easy.

Today I will be taking some pictures of my beautiful wife.  She is my toughest customer, so I will have my job cut out for me.  I will post the new picture of her tomorrow.  In the end today is all about mothers so this is the end.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

You vision and your customer's vision

The other day I was talking to a fellow photographer about how its hard at times to take pictures of customers that don't know what they are looking for.  I thought part of the reason its hard is I'm still developing my photographic style.  This I believe is more of the problem with me than it is the customer.  Since my work at this point doesn't have a distinct style and my business brand is in development, customers don't know what they want from me.  This is part of the reason I am constantly looking to practice and develop my skills so I can start displaying my style.  1st I have to become more comfortable while shooting and let things come naturally.  I am getting better at this but I'm not quite there yet.

Prime example was this past Thursday, I was taking pictures for a Doctor that wanted some pictures for her website.  It was sorta of a rush deal and I didn't get a chance to sit down with her to see what she was looking for.  So I went to her office blind and when I got there I was thinking "What the hell am I going to take pictures of?". So I proceeded to take a group shot with the Dr. and her staff, individual shots, and a posed shot of the Dr. giving an exam.  I left the office thinking "I don't know if I got what she needs".  I looked through my pictures once I got home, they are good as far as lighting and composition, but they don't speak to me.  This is to say their message isn't clear.  So my plan is to do a little research on these type of pictures and to sit down with the Dr. and figure out what her vision is and what I can provide. I should have done this 1st, but I learned a valuable lesson. I will post an update once I have met with the Dr. Til next time I'm out like last year!

Let's Roll

There is a moment right before I start taking pictures that I hesitate.  I start thinking what am I going to take pictures of, who am I going to take pictures, and how am I going to make these pictures look great.  I put a lot of pressure on myself when I take pictures, but this pressure can be good and bad.  I am learning to use it to my advantage and not let it paralyze me.  From the time my dad gave me a D70s in December 2008 I have seen a great improvement, but I know I have a long way to go.  I have to keep moving forward and practice, practice, practice.

Right now the pictures I post are pretty random.  As time goes on I will comment on the pictures and the post may be entirely about the pictures.  Until then enjoy!

New Beginnings A 2nd Time

Today I am starting my photography blog again.  This time I will make a commitment to keep it going no matter what.  I must condition myself to take time and post my thoughts, trials, victories, failures, good times, and bad times.  This will be an exercise that I need to help me put my ideas out there and hopefully will help me to pursue them.

 I am so excited about the future of not only my photography business but life as a whole.  I will work to make each day better than the day before. I have a few portrait sessions scheduled for the next few weeks.  I am currently seeking my next wedding.  I have a goal of doing at least 5 weddings this year, so I got 4 more to go. I guess I have a 1/2 wedding coming up. Some friends of mine are having a very small wedding, but it will be my job to make the pictures a big part of it for them.

I am going to end it on that note, but expect to hear from me again.

Power