Abstract Smoke Art!

Thanks God for creativity, art, Nikon and photography because I would have gone insane by now without them.  Still not feeling well I have been house bound for the past few days but with my trusty camera and creative mind I have been able to come up with some shoots. Today's shoot was intended to be the first in a series of abstract smoke art pieces - let me tell you that it isn't easy - at least not to me.  Here are two finished pieces from the first run.

LiGhT pAiNtInG! How I shot this one!

The beauty in this shot isn't the composition, nor is it the subject.  The beauty lies in the technique.  I had the hair brained scheme for the composition - leaves on a plate with a knife and fork as if to imply this was a meal but when I went outside I could only find a few awful specimens.  Hardly any color at all -  fall color would have made the subject more interesting.  Since I had to settle for what I had (it was cold and dark) I decided to try a long exposure and paint the subject using a single LED flash light.  I placed the camera on a tripod, set the exposure for 25 secs, ISO 400, the aperture to f22 and used a 50mm lens (the room was completely dark).  I triggered the camera with a remote and walked around the table pointing the LED at the subject and here is the result after 4 attempts.

I have seen other photographers use a flash light to create dramatic lighting effects with long exposures but this is my first attempt and I have to say that I like this approach.  It is perfect for still life but would be a bitch with a model.  Click the image for full view!

Sleepy Kitties!

I have been a bit under the weather for the last few days and still have the need to shoot, so once again my cats are the subjects.  I know, I know - they are way too many cat photos out there but I can't help myself.  Today I caught these two sleepy cats and here are the results!

Scary Cat!

I got a new hand strap for my camera last night and while I was putting on, I noticed Asha milling around Vernell's scrap table.  I shot a few frames and when I started processing them Vernell suggested a Halloween theme.  Here are the results - Happy Halloween!

Light Modifiers

If there is one thing to remember as a photographer is that photography is painting with light and like paint, light can be manipulated to create different effects.  Today's self portraits were taken using my faithful D90 and lit with 2 SB 600s, one with an inflatable softbox and the other with a homemade snoot.  The light modifiers were positioned to light my top left side and shoulder (snoot - focused beam) and the front of my chest & face from the bottom up.  See the results below.

What's the next step?

Ok, I have had a few successful gigs but how do I make it a regular occurrence?  Marketing is challenging and expensive so I must choose the right medium for maximum effect.  I have created a Facebook Fan Page and many of my friends have joined.  What I need now is a medium/method to drive business to my services.  I have purchased a domain name that should tie it all together but due to bureaucratic red tape, I have to wait for it to be moved from one service provider to another before I can start to use it.  This would help to solidify the brand but I still need to connect with the local customer base.  I am considering a marketing strategy using printed media (more to follow) but have to wait for confirmation on the domain name as it is a critical piece in the advertisement.  Photography is an industry with room for growth - I just want to carve out my niche and grab my piece of the pie!  Who do I have to shoot to make it in this business?!!

Wedding Bliss!

It was my great honor to be the photographer at the wedding ceremony of John and Mary-Beth last weekend.  The ceremony was held at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett, MA in the mid morning and the reception was the following evening at a hall in Fairhaven, MA.  Shipyard Park featured a gazebo near the water with a nice view of the ocean, small boats and a lighthouse in the distance.  The lighting was a challenge as the sun was beaming through one side of the building and the other side had hardly any light.  The couple were a joy to work with and their guests made both events fun and enjoyable.  Here are a few shots from both events.