Fashions in the Studio

A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help a new, and upcoming Fashion Designer start her portfolio. Sahro Hassan is a 17 year old Senior at Lewiston High School and is designing clothes for her Somali Community. She not only designs the outfits, but chooses the fabric and sews the clothing. I saw her work at one of the Lewiston/Auburn Art Walks and let her know I would be interested in photographing her designs and models.

Sahro brought 8 of her friends/models and 16 outfits to the Studio on a Saturday afternoon. We began with a solid black background and two studio lights. I wanted simple and elegant to not only show the models off, but to highlight the clothing. Black worked well, except for the designs that consisted of mostly black material. They were lost in the background. So we tried a printed fabric over the Black muslin. This worked well for several of the designs.

 

Some of the printed fabrics were too busy and clashed with this background. The lighting was working well as the models were well lit with no, or little, shadowing. For the rest of the shoot we decided to try some high key lighting and put up the White cloth background. I liked the results, and found that I actually need a little more lighting to render the background pure white in the photographs. This resulted in some post-production work in Lightroom and Photoshop Elements to bring out the white. This was a good lesson for me, and one I will remember. I prefer to get as much right in the camera as possible, to cut down on the hours of post-production.

Sahro's friends did a great job with the modeling and took directions very well. The two hours of shooting was well worth it, and we ended up with very nice images for Sahro to use in her portfolio. As it turned out, the timing could not have been better. Sahro had an interview with the Massachusetts School of Design on Wednesday, following the photography session. I hope these photos help get her accepted in the next step on her career path.

Let me know what you think of the results. The full shoot can be seen at: http://jimwalkerphotography.smugmug.com/People/Fashions-by-Sahro-Hassan

A special thanks goes to Brenda Giasson, my partner in the studio, for her help in organizing and setting up the shoots. Her help was instrumental in the shoot going so well.

Until next time, keep shooting and enjoy the world around you.

Weddings, Weddings, and more Weddings...

It has been too long since I have updated my blogs. Time seems to have a way of running away when you are busy. I have photographed three more weddings for All In One Weddings. Connie has kept me busy, and for that I owe a heartfelt Thank you. It seems to be the end of the Wedding season for me, but All In One Weddings has already booked two dates for me in the Spring. Each Wedding, or Elopement session, is different and poses its own challenges.

On 23 September, I was asked to photograph my first Gay wedding in Camden, Maine. One of the unique things about All In One Weddings is that they are almost all Destination Weddings. This couple came to Maine from Alexandria, Virginia. One of the gentlemen had a home close to Camden, and were excited when Maine became one of the first states to have the voters approve Gay Marriage. This couple had been together for about 30 years. I am not able to show any photos of the ceremony, as they have requested we not publicize their nuptials.

This was the site of the wedding ceremony, overlooking Camden Harbor. It is getting on toward Fall, and in Maine the weather can be very unpredictable. As it turned out, the sun was elusive, but it did not rain, and the temperature stayed comfortable - in the 60° range. It was a simple ceremony and the background for poses and shots were outstanding. Some of the flowers were still in bloom, and many of the boats were still in the harbor. It will not be too long before the tall ships are shrink wrapped for the winter. A sight to see, but not very photogenic as a background for weddings.



 

A couple of weeks later, 13 October, I was privileged to shoot a delightful couple from Germany. Kerstin and Arne were in the states on vacation, and she had previously arranged for the wedding through All In One Weddings. They wanted to be married at the iconic Lighthouse, Portland Head Light, at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This shoot was challenging, in light of the fact that Kerstin is a Professional Wedding Photographer in Germany. Lighting was a challenge as the weather was having a hand in conditions. The temperatures remained mild, but a cloud cover played tricks with the light the entire time I was shooting. I believe we caught some very good poses, and moments. Kerstin had a few ideas of her own that she used when shooting weddings. This is a tender moment I captured when they were getting in position for a more posed shot. Sometimes, it is the unexpected moments that capture the heart and soul of a special event.

 

 

 

My last wedding of the season was taken on 19 October at the Saltwater Grill in South Portland, Maine. This is a very nice venue, with a staff that was a pleasure to work with. Once again, the weather played a crucial role in the photography. It was late in the season and most of the boats had been pulled from their mooring in preparation for the oncoming winter. While the day leading up to the 4:00 p.m. ceremony had been sunny, a strong, cold wind was now blowing, and dark clouds were rapidly moving in. The ceremony was simple, and short, at the request of the bride. When we moved outside for some Kodak moments, she decided it was just too cold. But, the Saltwater Grill has a very nice enclosed deck overlooking the harbor that allowed for some nice photography. I did have to use my Speedlights to add a little fill light to the rapidly fading natural light. The shoot went well, and Jessica was pleased with the results.

 

A good end, to a busy Fall. The next blog entry will highlight Senior Photos and a Fashion Shoot I did for a young, new Fashion Designer.

 

My work can be seen at my web site: www.jimwalkerphotography.com

 

All In One Weddings can be viewed at: www.allin1weddings.com

 

 





Two Elopements and a Wedding

It has been a hectic month. I agreed to do some wedding photography for All In One Weddings of Maine. I had some free time, and they needed an additional photographer. Sounded like a win/win situation to me. It has worked out really well. Connie Mills of All In One Weddings has proven very nice to work for, and she is keeping me busy during a period I am trying to build up some business for my studio work.

The first assignment on September 5th, was a couple from Ohio, Abby and Chris. This was a true elopement, as neither family knew they were in Maine to tie the knot. What a great, and fun couple. The chosen venue was spectacular, and the weather could not have been better. Connie married them on top of Mount Battie, in the Camden Hills area, of Camden, Maine. The view looks out over the North Atlantic, and takes in Camden Harbor.

I will say, as is often the case, the lighting was a challenge with the wedding taking place a 2:00 in the afternoon. I shot everything on manual, and constantly checked the histogram. This shot was taken with ISO 100, f11, at 1/160 of a second. I wanted enough depth of field you could see the harbor, and up the coast. Atmosphere was one of the reasons they traveled all the way to Maine to get married.

The second elopement happened on Saturday, September 7th at 11:00 in the morning. While I refer to it as an elopement, it was not in the true sense. Both had been married before, and their respective children knew they were here to be married. Their chosen venue was the Bailey Island Motel on Bailey Island, Maine. Terri and Chris had come from New Hampshire to be married on the Maine Coast. An area that Chris had known, and loved, since his childhood. Again, the weather gods were smiling on us, and the sun was shining and the sea was calm. John, of All In One Weddings, performed the ceremony, with his wife Betsy serving as one of the witnesses. The owner of the motel could not have been a greater. After the ceremony, which several from the hotel had seen, he asked if they wanted to go for a spin in his lobster boat. So, we loaded up the Cake, Champagne. enough glasses for everyone, and cake cutting utensils and set out. The photos from this wedding, and others mentioned in this blog, can be seen on my web site: www.jimwalkerphotography.com. This was unique in the fact that Terri is also a photographer, and spent some time taking her own detail shots. I hope my work measures up to her standards. This was another fun, adventurous couple.

 

The third, and final event of the weekend, was the wedding of Rachel Hjelm and Andrew Walker. I mention their full names because of the name Walker. I am no relation to Andrew, but his family was great, and I don't believe I have ever been with a group of so many folks named Walker. Their nuptials were a true wedding with a Red and White theme for the women. The men were dressed in pin striped Tuxedos, and I was informed it was to show respect for the New York Yankees, even though they all live in Massachusetts. The early evening wedding went off without a problem, officiated by Lisa of All In One Weddings. The fading light, and ever darkening sky did require some occasional fill light. But, once again, keep an eye on your histogram to judge how you need to change your camera setting to compensate.

One of the Photos I was very glad to be able to provide was of four generations. It is my understanding the grandmother is 100 years old. It was very special that she could travel all this way to see her grandson married. What a great photo it made, if I do say so myself.

This week has been spent editing, and processing, photos from all three assignments. It is a lot of work, but when you see the end results, and the client is happy, what could be better than that. 

So, until next time - keep shooting, and remember to check that histogram......

Please take a look at my web site for photos of these events, and others: www.jimwalkerphotography.com

Saturday at the Miss Maine Academic Pageant

On Saturday, 17 August, I found myself at the Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine. A fellow photographer, Sharmee Merrill, asked if I would second shoot for her at a pageant. I could not resist the opportunity to shoot people all day long. It was the Miss Maine Junior * High * Collegiate America Pageant. Contestants ranged from 3 years old to college age. The young ones had their show in the early afternoon, and the older girls/women were in the evening. We had the chance to shoot several private sessions during the break between shows. 

Model and Pageant contestant, Eliza Richard

 Photographing a professional model, such as Eliza Richard, is one of the joys of shooting people. She is so adept at being before the camera, she needs very little directing, or prompting. Simply convey the idea of what you are trying to capture, and Eliza will give you her best interpretation. She moves and changes facial expressions at almost every click of the shutter. 

Contestant, college student and potential model, Colleen Carey

Colleen is a beautiful college student that was competing in the pageant. She is naturally photogenic, and took direction very well. Although not as experienced as Eliza, she is a natural before the camera. Colleen is one of those people that are hard to take a bad photograph of. I had a difficult time deciding if I would process this photo in color or B&W. They both look so good, but the B&W seems to stand out, and brings out a certain glow in her. I hope to get her in the studio for some different lighting and backgrounds. She was a real pleasure to have before the lens.

Miss Maine Preschool 2014, Miss Maine USA - Ali Clair, and Miss Maine Preschool 2013

 Even the young ones were well versed in posing before the camera. This shot was taken shortly after Emily Collins had won the title of Miss Maine Preschool America. She was being congratulated by the current crown holder and Miss Maine USA, Ali Clair. The children all seemed to look up to Ali and did their best posing for the camera.

Miss Maine Collegiate - 2014, Casey Bonville

The evening culminated in the crowning of Casey Bonville as Miss Maine Collegiate America for 2014. It was a very long day, but some great photos were taken. I am glad that Sharmee gave me the opportunity to photograph the pageant and all the great participants. Thanks to all of them for sharing their day with me. Photographing people is what I love doing.

Studio or On-Location, We are ready......

As you know from my last blog, the hospital stay and subsequent re-cooperation, limited my activities. So, my Studio partner, Brenda Giasson, and her fiance', Tim, put in a lot of work and the studio is open for business. We had a few folks stop by to take a look during the July Lewiston/Auburn Art Walk. We may have a more formal "Open House" in a few weeks, as we shake off the cob webs, and get more organized with what belongs where, and how we can best utilize the space that is available to us.

145 Lisbon St, Suite 604, Lewiston, Maine

We have roof access, when it is arranged in advance, and the view over Lewiston and Auburn are incredible. Even the windows look out over the city sky line.

View from the Studio....

Looking towards Lewiston City Hall...

As you can tell, I am kind of excited about having a place to shoot portraits and still lifes. Now, it is just a matter of building up a client list. Some say I must be crazy for starting a new venture when I was talking about full retirement not so long ago. But hey, I am doing something I love. In the meantime, I had a very nice session with a real cutie, on location.

I love photographing children, but they can be a challenge. Layla refused to smile for most of the shoot. No crying though, and she could not hold out forever. All the photos turned out great, but this one showed her at her best, laughing. Keep shooting, and stay tuned.

Hospitalization and Preparing a New Studio

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth!!! I am making it back after Gall Bladder removal surgery that went very wrong. I spent 10 days in the hospital, then came home with an antibiotic IV plugged into me. Bottom line is, they couldn't kill me that easy, although it felt like it at times and did come close. Strength is returning but it will be awhile before I am back at 100%. I was finally able to give up the IV and am now untethered.  I had not touched the computer in over 3 weeks, and am trying to catch up. It is amazing the number of e-mails that accumulate in 3 weeks. Now I am working on getting my stamina back. I can feel an impending fight over hospital bills that were generated because of mistakes made by the hospital. Oh well, that will be another story. I feel like I have missed a third of the summer.



9 pm on Lisbon Street

In the meantime, I had just signed a lease, with Brenda Giasson, for studio space at the Professional Building on Lisbon Street. The day after signing the lease I was admitted to the hospital. Brenda, and her fiancé, Tim have done a great job transforming the two rooms into a usable studio space. With a little more work to be done, some props and setup, we hope to be a viable part of the art community on Lisbon Street. More details to come, and hopefully a soft opening in time for the Art Walk the end of July. 

So, the studio is coming together, and we invite our friends to stop by and see where we hope to make some magic in the coming months. Please put it on your calendar: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday evening, 26 July 2013, in conjunction with the Lewiston/Auburn Art Walk. Professional Building, 145 Lisbon St, Suite 604, Lewiston, ME.

145 Lisbon St, Suite 604, Lewiston, Maine

Hope to see you there, and remember to live every day as if it was your last. One of these days it will be.

The Alewives Are Running

Alewives using the Fish Ladder at Damariscotta Mills, Canon 60D, Tamron 150-500mm at 150mm, f5.0, 1/500 sec, ISO400

 

 

 

May brings the annual migration of the Alewives to rivers along the Maine coast. With the fish come Osprey, Eagles and Gulls looking for an easy meal. Of course, with all of these elements present, it also brings out the annual influx of photographers. They come from all around the area looking for that one great shot of an Osprey, or Eagle, lifting off with its prize catch. I have shot this annual event for the past several years. Some years are better than others, and only the Osprey know why. 

I was told of another opportunity to shoot the Osprey in Warren, Maine at Payson Park on the Saint George River. The day I chose to go was one of those perfect spring days. Lots of sunshine, warm temperatures, not too hot and not too cool, with plenty of blue sky. Unfortunately, the town of Warren has a fish trap across the river from Sunday through Thursday, and the alewives don't make it up to Payson Park. The area of the fish trap is not quite so accommodating for photographers. The river banks are high, and the river is wider, with a lot of vegetation blocking the view. The alewives were there, as were at least six Osprey, diving and catching their fill. I took a few shots, but none were close enough to provide the detail and sharpness I would have liked. I will try this area again on a Friday or Saturday morning.

Taken in 2010 with a Canon 30D, Tamron 150mm-500mm lens at 150mm, f5.0 1/800 second at ISO200

In past years, Damariscotta Mills has been very good for photographing Ospreys. You can shoot at almost water level, and are very close to the action. The past two years has not been optimum for the Ospreys. The alewives are there, the multitude of Gulls are there, but the Osprey have been elsewhere. Wednesday, I left Warren, and decided I would see how things were at Damariscotta Mills. I spent over an hour there and only saw two Osprey. They flew over, but apparently did not like what they saw and flew on. I had to be content with capturing a Gull getting his own dinner. If you observe Gulls for any length of time, you know they would prefer to steal their food.

Canon 60D, Tamron 150-500mm at 500mm, f7.1, 1/1000 sec at ISO 400

I usually prefer to shoot on Manual. But, when shooting fast flying birds I have found a fast Shutter speed to be more important than the Aperture. I shot this gull at 1/1000 of a second, and let the background fall where it may. This shot is a little soft and probably should have been shot at a faster shutter speed.

There are a couple of more weeks to the season of the Alewives running. Damariscotta Mills has their 6th Annual Fish Ladder Restoration Festival on May 25, 26, and 27.  Get out and do some shooting. It is very exciting to track and photograph an Osprey diving for his dinner.

From Barnyard

to

Fashion Show

Somebody's awake!!!

Continuing with my saga of the Butting Heads Farm, found us in the kitchen with 6 kids running around. That's goat type kids, not people kids. The Frost's bring the kids in the house, soon after they are born and feed them until they are weaned. It can make for a hectic time. We were lucky to have gotten out of there without taking any kids home. They were great to photograph, with each one having a look and personality all its own.

Feeding Time at the Butting Heads Farm

New chicks had been hatched and were under the lights, as well. The kitchen is a busy place on the Farm.  It is a challenge to shoot the chicks as the warming lamp puts out a light that has a distinctive color to it. It was not possible to use the SpeedLight to balance the lighting. You may have to adjust your white balance when processing the images. This is one of the reasons I always shoot in Raw, much more control over the resulting image. I always try to get it as close as I can in Camera, but the digital camera sees things differently the human eye. Some tweaking in LightRoom or Photoshop is sometimes necessary to come out with the image you saw when you pushed the shutter release.

Butting Heads Farm sells eggs, goat milk, goat milk cheese, and goat milk soap. It is quite an operation, and a lot of work for a family to maintain, all while working their day jobs in addition.

Goat Milk Soap

 
Last Saturday, the 20th of April, I was fortunate to be involved in photographing models at the WMPG 2013 Fashion Show. Leah Haraden, Ken Jones, and I volunteered to shoot the models and fashions of a new designer, Raisa. The shoot started rather confused as we did not know where to set up and what the protocol would be. After sorting things out, we found a good spot with decent soft back lighting, and out of the direct line of traffic. We met Raisa and was introduced to her models. Most of them seemed to be inexperienced but took directions well, producing some very nice photos. 

Corissa, Loren, Raisa and Olga

Let your photography take you where it will. The same basic techniques will serve you well if you are shooting on a farm, or at a fashion show. It is all about the light. One of the challenges in shooting people, is to get them to relax and open up for you. If your subject is shy, you need to coax them into feeling they want to look good for you, and show they are having fun. Once we had made sure that Raisa had the photos she wanted, other designers began asking for photos of their models, and creations. It was a lot of work, and a lot of fun. Many good shots were produced and the feedback we have received from Models and Designers has been worth it.
 

Katlyn, Isabelle Jo, Courtney, Mac, Ivy Ferrelli, Janet, Kani

Photos of the Fashion Show and Butting Heads Farm can be seen on my web site: www.jimwalkerphotography.com

Photography Down On The Farm

1937 John Deere, seen on the Butting Heads Farm in Gardiner, Maine

The mentoring group of the Capital Area Camera Club was cordially invited to take photos at the Butting Heads Farm in Gardiner, Maine last Saturday. I say "cordially invited", but I guess she was talked into it by a "dear friend". I hope she does not have any regrets about letting us have the run of the farm for a couple of hours. The deal was we would shoot what we could, and the Farmer and her Husband would get quality photos to refresh their web site and facebook page. They could not have been nicer. The five of us were warmly greeted and shown around the place. The usual rules were stated; Don't let the chickens out, This one or that one bites, Etc...

The Girls at Butting Heads Farm

Now, you might think that shooting farm animals is an easy thing. Point the camera, push the shutter, admire photo. Not so fast. That method works for the John Deere Tractors that were resident in the barn and the yard. Not so much with goats, pigs, and especially chickens. After taking several shots of the 1937 John Deere tractor in the yard, and several more of the 1940 John Deere that still works the farm, I headed for the new chicken coop. It is a square building of 10 feet, or so, on each side, with only one small window. I just have to get in without the Hens getting out. Easy as eating pie, at least getting in was, I will worry about exiting in awhile. It is a challenge to shoot birds in a small space with limited lighting, and they never stay still. I cranked up the ISO to 800, and selected Shutter Priority. Aperture Priority would have been nice to put the background out of focus, but it would have made the shutter speed far too slow for fast moving birds. I also used the Canon Speedlight 580EX II and bounced the light off the ceiling for more even coverage. I spent around 15 or 20 minutes getting as many "in focus" shots of the girls as I could. Now on to the Goats and Pigs. Oh yea, no one escaped when I exited the chicken coop. You just have to be faster than the average bird.

Rhode Island Red at Butting Heads Farm

The goats were a blast to shoot. Each has a distinctive personality, and some even smile for the camera. Two started showing off why the farm was named "Butting Heads", and were the center of attention for all the photographers. The pigs were another matter. They never stopped for more than a second. You had to be fast, I mean really fast to catch a good moment where everything was in focus and had the right light. All at the same time.

One of the Pigs, down on the Butting Heads Farm

The next blog entry will highlight the Goats and their Kids, as well as some of the Goat Milk Soap that is made on the farm. So, Until next time, keep your Lens clean, and your Battery charged. Don't forget your spare cards for that digital camera.

Camera Clubs 

and

A New Maine Stock Photo Web Site

Lobster Traps on Vinalhaven, Maine

I have been a member of the Capital Area Camera Club (CACC) in Augusta, Maine for quite a few years. (CACC on FaceBook) I initially joined the club because there was none located in the Lewiston/Auburn area. This club has been a great help to my development as a photographer. The members have been more than willing to share their expertise, and teach their methods to other club members. Photographers come from all over Central Maine to participate in club meetings and interact with each other. 

Pulling Traps off Vinalhaven Island, Maine

At long last, there has been a new camera club started in Lewiston/Auburn, the Twin Cities Camera Club (TCCC). (TCCC on FaceBook) It is my hope that photographers here will have the same opportunities that I found in CACC. We are off to a good start, and will have several photo shoots scheduled over the summer. The official club start up will take place after by-laws are written and officers are chosen in September. All levels of photographers have shown interest in beginning the club, and that bodes well for its success. Be sure to check out the FaceBook page to view some of the members work. You may know some of us.

Hot Air Balloon over the Bernard Lown Bridge connecting Lewiston and Auburn, Maine

Speaking of Maine, and the Twin Cities, my friend and fellow photographer, Dan Marquis, has created a new web site in the hope of selling Stock Photography. He is targeting the niche market for photographs taken all over the state. My photos are being uploaded to the web site, and other photographers will be invited to participate as the business grows and expands. Please take a look at the web site, and let me know what you think.

Maine Stock Photos 

Ahhhh, Spring has Sprung....

Maine Maple Sunday has come and gone. A sure sign that spring will follow in a short while. The day was fairly clear, with a chilly wind blowing. There were crowds at every sugar house I went to, from Mitchell & Savage in Bowdoin, and ending at Cabane a Sucre Bergeron in Hebron, Maine. There is just something about the sweet smell of sap being boiled down to eventually become Maple Syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup. 

Boiling the Sap at Cabane a Sucre Bergeron, Hebron, Maine

It is always a pleasure to photograph a few sugar houses. The excitement of the people, especially the children, is inspiring. It is sometimes a challenge to shoot inside with natural light. I have tried using flash, and have not had good results. The confined space often causes too much light and reflections. I suggest opening your ISO to 400, or even 800. Modern cameras can handle ISO 800 without much worry of too much noise. The shutter speed needs to be fast enough to hand hold with causing blur. Check your histogram and adjust your aperture or shutter speed accordingly.

Mitchell & Savage Sugar House, Bowdoin, Maine

The sign at the drive-in to Mitchell & Savage warned it was "Mud Season", please park on the road and walk in. That is to be expected this time of year in Maine, but it was about a 1/2 mile to the Sugar House and farm house. Nothing like getting my exercise right off, but the sweet syrup at the end of the walk made it all worthwhile.

Keeping the Fire Stoked at Cabane A Sucre Bergeron, Hebron, Maine

I would also suggest you shoot in RAW, if your camera supports it. With ever changing light conditions, you can easily adjust the white balance in RAW, you can not change it if you shoot .jpg.

 

Cabane A Sucre Bergeron, Hebron, Maine

Thanks for reading this short account of a wonderful day. I hope your spring unfolds to a beautiful start. See you next time....

Rocky Mountain School of Photography Weekend Workshop

Portland, Maine

The weekend workshop In Portland, Maine was well worth the expense and effort to get there. The instructors, Eileen Rafferty and Tom Rizzuto, were well versed in their subjects, and I picked up many new tips and tricks, and reinforced things I had learned in the past. The 2 hour block on using LightRoom 4 taught me many ways to further utilize the Develop module, especially when making adjustments to a block of photos taken under the same lighting conditions. That will really help my work flow when processing wedding photos. I really like Eileen's answer to the question "when should I shoot Raw and when should I shoot .jpg?" The answer: "Never shoot in .jpg" As most of us that use LightRoom and Adobe Photoshop know, there are many more adjustments that can be made to 'fine tune' your photo if you have shot in Raw. Shooting in .jpg eliminates your ability to adjust the White Balance when lighting conditions may have changed while you were shooting, as well as many other controls over color and tonality.

Another valuable lesson I took from this workshop was a better understanding of the "Zone System", especially when it is applied to shooting in color. I have read several books on the "Zone System", developed by Ansel Adams, and came away more confused than ever. Eileen Rafferty explained it in such a way that I feel I can confidently begin using it to make my shots even better, especially my Landscapes. There were also interesting discussions on shooting HDR and Panoramic, and the software used to process them. 

Tom Rizzuto is an excellent Portrait Photographer and shared his methods for shooting children and making your subjects more comfortable in front of the camera.

The last session of the workshop entailed a viewing, and critique, of photos, submitted by those attending the weekend workshop. I chose this image for the critique:

Ira Mountain, Maine

Eileen suggested I might crop it to eliminate the darkest green foliage in the lower right corner. What do you think? Here is a result of the crop. Which conveys the better feeling of fall, foliage, and fog? Or does it make a real difference when you view them?

Ira Mountain, Maine (cropped)

Until next time, keep shooting. Hope to see some of you out and about during Maine Maple Sunday.

 

Lighting Workshop in Dresden, Maine

One of our models: Gretchen

I had attempted keeping up a blog, but time seems to have a way of running off on you. One day you realize you had not been current, even though things are always happening. Now that the weather is changing, and more photographic opportunities will present themselves, I am going to see if I get much more responsive. 

Leah Haraden and Model Bridget

It is always good to keep up your skills, and strive to get better. I attended a Studio Lighting Workshop in Dresden, Maine, on Saturday, March 9. The instructor was a local photographer/teacher, Leah Haraden. Leah is not only a very good photographer, but she does a wonderful job mentoring and teaching. She helps you fine tune procedures you have known for years, and learn new techniques at the same time. Any new tips, or tricks, I can pick up will help me with both my nature photography, and when I shoot special events, such as weddings.

Models: Bridget and Gretchen

This coming weekend I will be attending a seminar put on by Rocky Mountain School of Photography. It is not often that a well known workshop comes to Portland, Maine, and I mean to take advantage of it. I hope to pick up some good information about workflow in Lightroom 4. and a few other tips and tricks.

March is proving to be a very busy month. Maine Maple Sunday is March 24th this year. That is always very productive with many photo ops. And hey, in between shooting, you can enjoy that wonderful Maine Maple Syrup. Time to buy enough to last until next March. Have fun shooting this spring.....

Sugar Shack, Hebron, Maine