Winter Break

Alright, I know what your thinking, but I didn't put my camera down over the winter break completely. I shot a few hockey pictures for the Knoxville News Sentinel, but my favorite image came from Christmas morning when i set up some lights and did a few portraits at my grandparents house. I will be updating much more frequently from now on so please keep checking back!

Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas

Fashion

Things I learned from my first fashion shoot...

Having an idea and vision, experienced models willing to do anything you ask, lots of time, an assistant, hot chocolate for those models, music for models to listen to, someone who actually knows something about womens fashion, knowing people who own a laundry mat, leaving your car running so models can sit in it and stay warm, taping your strobes to flash stands so they don't fall off and hit concrete... twice, something (or someone) to hold your flash stands so they don't blow over in the wind... twice, pocket wizards, and most importantly reflectors are the most useful tool you can have besides your camera.

The first time i shot fashion for my lighting class, my pictures were complete crap, so for my lighting final i gave it one more shot with a lot more passion and determination not to suck, here are the pictures i got. The theme was vintage fashion. Let me know what you think.

Funeral Home 2.0

This is the second funeral home director portrait that ive posted to my blog, and i think that i like this one better. I was helping a friend with her assignment shooting a portait of this guy and so i decided to take one myself. This guy was really cool. He was only 19 years old and he just got back from running a funeral home in Mobile, Alabama. He told us stories about hurricane victims and how people so accustomed to death react when they see a hearse drive down the street. I kinda liked the light and the exit sign above the door. Heavenly? Maybe its a stretch, but i thought it might work.

Bad day to be on the bottom of the food chain.

I was driving around today with Briana and as we pulled up to a stop, she pointed out a hawk that was attacking another bird. I just happened to have a 300 2.8 in the back seat from shooting football, so i hopped out of the car and shot a few frames. It was really wild to see this through a lens from only a few feet away.

Wrinkles and a smile

Two things i noticed in the first 30 seconds of meeting Mr. Laurent. His awesome wrinkles, and a smile that reminded me of a teenager's. Although he turns 75 this coming January, his aged face and worn hands show the signs of having seven kids and 16 grandchildren, making him appear a decade older. Its not until he laughs, which he does often, that a feeling of youth springs forward and his weathered features become almost secondary to his genuine, youthful grin. Despite his age, he has surpassed a much deserved retirement along time ago. With at least 6 children and 8 adults crowded into his cozy living room he explained how he spends most of his time now. He still works on cars, washing machines, tractors, and about anything else with a motor or moving parts. Noticing a bit of shock in my face as he gave me a laundry list of daily jobs and tasks, he responded, "Retirement is like letting a house just sit there. Eventually it will just fall apart. The same thing happens to our bodies."

Mountain Workshop 2007: Danville, Ky.

The 2007 Mountain Workshop is underway and the second day of shooting and critiquing is just getting started. While i am not shooting the workshop this year i can already tell it will be an invaluable week of experience. I am working as a "labbie" on the other side of things, and have spent the last four days setting up things in preparation of the arriving shooters and coaches.

Yesterday, during some down time i went to a local coffee shop with a group of coaches, and while they explored the downtown area, i found this feature picture in the coffee shop. The couple in the picture are ages 16 and 14 and they met on My Space. And they havent told their parents yet. Ill continue posting pictures from the workshop throughout the week, of all of the coaches and shooters. I cant believe i am im the presence of some of the greatest photographers in the country right now.

Why i should always carry my camera with me

After losing a last minute battle with my car transmission, i ended up stuck in Bowling Green this weekend instead of Knoxville where i was headed. It all worked out though, i ended up going to a wedding with a friend in Muhlenberg County and having an awesome time. Just before the ceremony began, i grabbed this picture. Im going to send it to the bride as a "Thank you for letting me come to your wedding and eat your cake even though you dont know me" present. Hope she likes it.