A few more images from last weekend

Here are a few more images from last weekend. Brad and I had a great time hanging out and making some cool images. When we went to balloonfest, I tried something new I never had before. I walked around with a fisheye on a D70s and shot from the hip. I purposefully didn't bring the camera to my eye. I just wanted to see what I could get. The picture of the boy in the wagon, and the girls dancing were taken using this technique. I was trying to be aware of my environment and when I thought that there might be a moment, I would click the shutter. Having the fisheye certainly helped because I didn't have to be exactly dead on with composition. 80% of the photos did not turn out. Missed focus, blurry, backlit, etc... but the ones that did are pretty cool I think.




I'm not that good at driving a manual, but I'm trying to learn!

Balloon Glow.


Reminds me of the toys.

My Cousin Amanda's Reception

The great thing about going to a family member's wedding / reception is that you can enjoy yourself without having to feel like you're under the gun.

I was able to take a few shots while walking around. Note: I was trying my best not to be "that guy" at the reception. You know...the guy who shows up with the HUGE camera and trys to one-up the professional? (We've all been there)

So, I pretty much only shot family photos and some table set ups.

One thing about my family... they know how to throw a party. ;)





(Steven, Joellen, Aunt Linda and Uncle Ken)

(Mom and Dad)


(Uncle Jack and Mom)


(Gorgeous)

("Let them eat cake.")

(Uber-gorgeous)



(Tradition)

(Amanda and Mark) ~ aw cute!

(You've got to order the "Romano" to get this cocktail!)

(Downtown San Diego / Marina from the Balcony, in the distance is the Coronado Bay Bridge)

Congrats to Amanda and Mark on their marriage! Love you guys!

-Steve

Some shots from the 4th in Ashland

Hi all. Steve is in Cali, and getting some great shots. Scroll down to view. Brad, Dave, and I were shooting this weekend (along with some very lovely ladies). Here are some of the frames that we like.

Goodbye to the Aurora

Hi everyone. I sold my car today. The 1998 Olds is no longer with us. A sad day, but a good day. Looking forward to the next ride. Lots of good Kaufman Kramer miles on her, but I'm 100% confident that she will serve Brian (the buyer) very well. Aurora, it was a pleasure, and best of luck in the future.

Shooting in San Diego

Hey everyone. I'm out here in San Diego, California for a wedding I don't have to shoot! Relaxation? What's that? (wink) It's always great to spend some time with family and get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. However, I wouldn't be a good photographer if I didn't at least do some shooting out here. So, here's a few shots that I took when out with the family.


(Flowers in the Aunt's Garden - I miss Chris' macro)

(Flowers in the Aunt's Garden) ~love the burnt color

(Seaport Village vicious parrot attack) (j/k)

(Not so vicious parrot)

(These flowers are actually made out of wood)

(Only the best for the padre)

(USS San Diego Memorial)

(USS San Diego Memorial)

(Statue in front of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier)

(Bob Hope Memorial) ~ love this shot

I typically like to shoot the early evening downtown cityscape type of shots, but sometimes you have to work in mid-day sun with the family. The trick to good photography is to find the beauty in everyday things. It may not be interesting to everyone, but if it's interesting to you...take the shot. I think that many photographers (myself included) sometimes get into the mindset that you need perfect lighting, or you have to wait for the "magic hour". The challenge is to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. Ask Jay Maisel! Check out his web site:

Click here to see some of his work: Nikon Master Series

"Always carry a camera", is the motto that Jay has been preaching for years. Good advice. The only way to become a better photographer is to shoot, shoot, and shoot some more! (even then, you haven't learned everything)

-Steve

Emily and Trent

We had the opportunity to work with this fantastic couple a few weekends ago, and we were really pleased with what we were able to produce. This wedding took place in Ashland, Ohio, and so it was nice to not have to drive so far, kinda like home-field advantage.

The photography shot in the rose garden on location really demonstrates what can happen when you take the time to control your quality of light.