Gingerbread Man

Week 51

Gingerbread Man

December 22, 2010

Half-eaten, you can still see the care that was taken in creating this festive gingerbread man I've decided to call Ralph. I met Ralph last week as I was shooting the Christmas parties at two group homes of a Bay Area recovery program, Advent Group Ministries. Ralph initially had bite-marks where his ears belonged, and by the end of the party, had been eaten along the edges, just a chomp away from becoming Ralph the ginger-bread torso.

I can imagine that some of the kids at these homes feel the same way that Ralph does. Created with care and beauty, a one of a kind, each one of them; life had bit and nibbled away at the edges to the point where they didn't feel whole, and needed to escape their reality.

It was an honor to be able to photograph the celebrations; to watch and capture the surprise and laughter as they opened an abundance of gifts, donated by local businesses and philanthropists to bless these kids, many of whom have rarely if ever known a "normal" Christmas experience.

I don't know every kid's story, and don't pretend to be able to understand the complexity of their lives up to now, nor the paths that lay ahead of them. I do know that there is a big difference between Ralph and each one of these kids. Ralph will never be whole again. These kids have a chance to rebuild and work through the troubles they've encountered and the decisions they've made, and emerge not only healed and whole, but with a chance to build amazing lives and make choices toward that end.

One of the more beautiful things that I was privileged to see this Christmas season, the staff and leaders of this program have humbly dedicated their lives to picking up, dusting off and firmly but lovingly setting these kids on a path to sobriety and wholeness. Truly, noble calling.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/30sec @f4, ISO 800

'Tis the Season

Week 50

'Tis the Season

December 18, 2010

In this holiday season, its easy to see the ways people celebrate, often because it's on display on their lawn. Some do it with candlelit bags or nativity scenes, others with neon santas, reindeer, and apparently, pinwheels. I'm not being critical of the home above, mind you. I actually admire the clear dedication, time and energy it must have taken to construct such a display. I don't share the sense of style, but the sheer volume of lights is impressive.

I wonder what would happen if most of us dedicated the same time, energy, and money that it took to put on this array to finding ways of giving to those in need? A blanket drive for the homeless. Putting a couple dates on the calendar to serve in a shelter, or volunteering for a day with an organization fighting injustice here or abroad....

There are many reasons people celebrate this season. For me, it is the birth of Jesus. For you, maybe a significant event in history, your heritage and culture, or simply a time to be with and appreciate family.  Whatever you are celebrating, may it be joyful, may it be peaceful, and may you take some time to think about and serve someone next to you. You'll both be blessed by it.

image above taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1 sec @ f11, ISO 100

Explore!

Week 49

Explore!

December 7, 2010

These days, when I make plans to go and see some spectacular aspect of nature, I generally have some photography-related goal in mind. Every time I go though,  I'm reminded that just being there is its own reward, that the experience of seeing and exploring is worth the trip on its own accord, even without a single photo. I'm simply fortunate enough to have a camera I can bring along....

On a recent trip to Natural Bridges SB, I captured incredible photographs of this last standing bridge at the beach, as well as some truly humbling sunset images. The image above, however was one that especially struck me. This man was showing his little daughter of 4 or 5 around the beach, exploring the rocks, and no doubt, the sea life to be found in tide pools in the nooks and crannies of this giant formation. They were out there to share an adventure, explore and experience the creation they are a part of.

I've nudged you in prior weeks to get out and enjoy the world around you, to find adventure in your surroundings, and I'd like to say again... GO! There is so much out there, and it's not far. You may be in your living room right now reading this post, and I can guarantee you that within 30 minutes or less of where you sit is something incredible to see. Maybe it's a forest, maybe it's a beach or an old farm or park. Perhaps it's an urban discovery waiting for you to stumble across. Either way, I urge you to stand up, put on a jacket if it's cold outside, find someone to share the adventure, and put one foot in front of the other to see what you can find. 

Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/25sec @ f5.6, ISO 400

Misha

Week 48

Misha

December 4, 2010

I don't like cats. Ok, let me re-phrase that. I don't like cats. It's not because they don't have every right to roam the earth as any other animal... like dogs for example. I could blame this on my father, who also doesn't like cats, but I won't claim a hereditary disposition against cats. Rather, it's that one can't really control a cat. Not in the way that you can control dogs. With dogs, you see, you teach it to obey. You teach it to fetch, to lay down, heel, and play dead. You know your dog loves you and wants day after day nothing more than to please you, it's owner. Not the cat. With cats... it's more of a role reversal, really. You end up being the one that fetches.  Cats may or may not like you or even tolerate you on any given day. I round out this thought with the confession that I myself have never owned a cat. The closest I've come is pictured above. Her name is Misha, and it's my brother's cat. I've fed her twice. She's a nice cat. Besides the time she tried to bite me.  My second confession is that I don't really dislike cats. I don't want one, but I don't dislike them. In fact, I've come to appreciate some things that they have to offer. 

Cats are helpful to think about when looking at a life, I think. Like cats, we can't control much of life, and that which we think we can control, we're wrong about. It seems rather, the more we let go and appreciate what is given to us and presented to us day to day, the more we tend to enjoy life. In other words, recognizing that I am not in control = happier, more fulfilled life. I don't believe this is the full equation (by any means), there will definitely be some arguments about this, and there is much to be said for who or what you believe is in control. But I think it starts with recognizing that it's not "me". Not just intellectually recognizing this idea, mind you. Most of us can "agree" that we aren't in control. But deep down in your gut recognizing. That place where we get mad at traffic and our computer. That place where we leap to judgment of someone not because of some merited character flaw, but because they don't agree with us, and we can't change their mind so we make up some bogus association in our mind that allows us to dislike them.

Recognizing that we are not in control doesn't mean that we don't care. It doesn't mean that we don't plan and steward what is given us responsibly. It doesn't even mean that we don't get mad or frustrated. I think it means that we are able to look at what is happening in our lives, in our days, in individual situations, and know that its not our job to be in control. Only to behave toward others as we'd have them behave toward us. When we learn this, I think we make tremendous strides forward in a joyful, peaceful existence.

Let a joyful life come to you. It will if you're patient. It will if you feed it no matter what and provide an environment it can thrive in. It will when you stop trying to control it. At least that's the first step.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm lens, 1/80 sec @ f1.8, ISO 400

Moments

Week 47

Moments

November 23, 2010

One of the many things I love about taking pictures for a living is the cool moments I get to capture. I know, I know... it probably sounds a little trite, but seriously - I get to be part of some of the most amazing moments in people's lives. I get to create images that help show businesses in their best light, and I get to bear witness to the beauty of creation. I get to make a part of history what in the past was relegated to memory.

The image above is a great example of what an honor and privilege I've been blessed with. A dear friend's fiance called me and asked if I'd be willing to capture his proposal to my friend. OF COURSE! was my answer :). One of many images from this incredible event, these two amazing people will now have a record of this moment that they can pair with their memories as they look back on their journey together. I dig it. 

Happy December everyone!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L lens,  1/60sec @f2.8, ISO 1600

Thanks.

Week 46

Thanks

November 20, 2010

Last week we received some much needed rain here in the Bay Area. Looking out my kitchen window, I noticed the water falling off of the orange tree in the backyard, and decided to make a few images during the momentary reprieve between showers. As I was shooting I began to think about the amazing natural processes going on with this orange tree. How the seeds grow into a tree, and through nutrients in the soil and water from the rains the tree blossoms and grows fruit that we in turn can use to nourish ourselves. I thought about the many things we are provided in this world for sustenance and nourishment - physiologically, pyschologically as well as spiritually, and felt very thankful.

In that vein, I wanted to take the opportunity to express some thanks to people in my life that have helped, in little and big ways, allow me to start this journey of making a living as a photographer. Some have no idea they've made an impact on me, others know very well what they've meant. This is a small attempt at acknowledging my appreciation. 

First, and most of all, my God:  For His patience, His grace and His abundant blessings, some of which are the people listed below.

My Family: Mom, Dad, Malcolm & Seth... as well as my extended family for your belief in what I'm doing, your myriad of support and encouragement, and for not telling me I'm crazy for dropping everything to pursue this dream :).

The rest of you below are in no particular order, but have blessed me in one way or another throughout this process. 

Neil & Alison Goradia: my dear friends, for being my home in DC. Also for letting me point my camera at you and your family so often. And for feeding and sheltering me out there. And... well, you get the point ;).

Chris Scharmen - for your giving heart and generous spirit that has allowed me to continue shooting. And for putting up with my mess without kicking me out. Yet.

Brian Tramontania - it was your Photo 001 class at WVC that confirmed for me I wanted to pursue photography as a career. Still trying to get that darkroom setup :).

Lindsey Freitas - for your willingness to take a chance on letting me shoot with you and literally jump-starting the wedding component of my business. Still learning from you.

Daniel Garcia -  also for your willingness to take a chance on me by letting me shoot for Content Magazine. My first published work! 

Mike Larson - for changing the way I look at my business through your workshop, and reminding me that serving is the whole point.

Liz Walker  - for being my very first customer :).  And for trying to find ways to promote my business, simply from the kindness of your heart.

Kathryn MacMillan - for your incredible support in a very critical time as I was trying to figure out what the heck I was doing.

Chaz Meyers - for your generosity in lending me equipment. Still using that backdrop kit!

Trina Merry - for sharing your studio and gallery space when you had nothing to gain from it, and for helping me to push the boundaries.


Luke Eastman - for the gear loan, and taking time to talk shop when I had no idea what I was doing. And for not killing me when I dropped your lens in a waterfall in Puerto Rico.

Kevin Boisjolie, Chip Pitts, and Maggie Ragon - for being teachers and mentors to me in the business world years ago.  I'd not be able to pull this thing together without that knowledge and experience.

All of my Clients - for your business... I literally could not do this without you!

There are many more that I could list, but I will stop and say a comprehensive and overwhelming "Thank you" for all of those that have encouraged and supported me over the last year and 1/2 or so.

I've got a long way to go... I really feel as if I am just beginning this journey. I have a great deal to learn, a lot of hard work, and a boatload of undeserved blessings ahead in order to make this a sustainable reality, but I'm looking forward to the trip :).


image above taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/60 sec @ f4, ISO 400 

New Beginnings

Week 45

New Beginnings

November 13, 2010

A guest at the wedding I shot last weekend commented to me "you'll never get the chance to witness a wedding like this again".  She was probably right. You see, the bride and groom were 78 and 80 years old respectively. Each of their spouses had passed away in recent years, and these two were moving to another stage in life with one another. They wanted to live out the remainder of their lives together.

Now don't get the wrong impression. This was no frumpy duo resigned to some second-choice partnership. This bride and groom were as happy and giddy as any couple I've had the privelege to photograph. There was no less excitement, no fewer signs of their obvious and deep, youthful love for each other than if they were 22 and starting off on their first journey together.

An incredible thing to witness and document, I was happy to be a part of it. It got me thinking about how we all have opportunities to make new beginnings. Joyful times, tragedies and change will inevitably come our way. These things shape us, influence our lives and fill our memories. They make us who we are. They don't however, have to determine who we become. We have the opportunity in this life to take advantage of each day as a new day. We are afforded a brand new opportunity to make decisions based on who and what we value. Our paths in the past don't determine our paths for the future. A new beginning can be tomorrow. Or today. Or right now. It's up to you.

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/40 sec @ f2.8, ISO 400

Seasons

Week 44

 

Seasons

November 6, 2010

I've seen a lot of beautiful autumn color, growing up in Virginia and spending the better part of a decade in the Shenandoah Valley.  I've always looked forward to the change in seasons portended by vibrant colors on display as chlorophyll dissipates and the trees prepare to rest for the winter. I found the scene above in Palo Alto, along Alma Street over the El Camino Trail returning from a shoot. I was struck by the seeming crust of color on the still green foliage as we transition through Fall here in California.

It reminds me of our own transitions as we move through life. Sometimes these changes bring welcome seasons full of color and plenty. Other times what we encounter is harsh and barren. What we have to remember, whether we want to be in the season we are in or not, is that another season is coming. Inevitably, we begin to see the signs of seasonal change, be it the start or end of a relationship, a new job or career path, the birth or death of someone close to you, these leaves of life begin to change color.

We can't go back to previous seasons, and we can't skip ahead. We are in the season we are in... until we aren't. So it seems to me, since we seldom if ever are able to usher in a new season entirely on your own, what we are faced with is more a question of what you are going to do with the season you are in. Are you going to hunker down and dispair until the "winter" season passes, or get out with your snowshoes and skis and make snowmen? Will you allow yourself to be distracted and forget the important things in your "summer" under the illusion you will always be able to go swimming, enjoy long days of sunshine and warmth? Will you make ready for the next season when you see it coming or live in denial of what's to come and be caught unprepared?

My hope for you is that you are finding joy in the season you're in, no matter what it feels like. That you remember it won't last forever, for better or worse, and that you don't live in fear of the season to come or of losing the season you're in.


image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/60sec @ f22, ISO 400

Heeeeere....Lizard, Lizard

Week 43

Heeeeere... Lizard, Lizard

October 26, 2010

So last week I'm sitting in my office, slaving away at edits when this little guy decides to sneak up behind me. I almost stepped on the poor thing as I jumped up to go into the kitchen and make some grub. He was small and so I didn't see him, but surprisingly he didn't move. At all. I thought I'd perhaps scared him to death. Or he was asleep. Do lizards sleep? Anyway, thankfully I didn't step on him, but he did seem to be begging for a modeling gig, and wasn't going anywhere, so I scooped him up on a piece of paper and put him on my drafting desk and in front of the camera for his very own paparazzi session. I was a little disappointed with his enthusiasm. He's no Geico spokesman, but he patiently let me shoot away for a couple of minutes until it was clear he wasn't going to dance, or talk, or move at all and I got bored. Off he went to the back yard, where with a little prompting with a stick to his tail, scurried off, proving he was indeed still alive. I wonder if he'll relate this experience to his buddies as something akin to an alien abduction?


Image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/25 sec @ f8.0, ISO 400

Blue Ridge View

Week 42

Blue Ridge View

October 19, 2010

This view was my reward for a pre-dawn hike last week up Sharp Top, one of the Peaks of Otter off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest Virginia. I spent 8 years living in the Shenandoah Valley, and minutes away from country like this, just a bit north in fact of this very spot. If there are any regrets of that time it is that I didn't spend enough time in these beautiful mountains.

I love this sunrise shot for several reasons; the muted fall color, the still-hidden sky and low-lying cloud blanketing the ridge beyond all play into this interesting intersection of lines, curves and color that is the well-worn Appalachian range.

Image taken with Canon 5D MII, 100-400mm 4.5L lens, 1/160 sec @ f16, ISO 400

Anywhere, USA

Week 41

Anywhere, USA

October 11, 2010

I feel fortunate to be able to travel. I've said it before I'm sure, but the traveling part of my profession is pretty cool. I get to visit with friends and family, make new friends, see new and beautiful places, and be exposed to the many, many subtle subcultures out there....

The image above was taken on the Georgetown Waterfront in Washington, DC at sunset as I was finishing up a shoot with some dear friends there in the capital city. DC is definitely one of those places I could see myself living if I were not in the Bay Area. In fact I have lived there, and it's an amazing area. I've also lived in Maryland, Virginia (all over), North Carolina, Michigan, and of course California. My prior career moved me around a lot, and I had a chance to experience living in some different environments than that in which I was raised, and I think that has been valuable. You gain perspective that way.

Another thing I've realized is that of the many places I've traveled, I can't think of any of them in which I wouldn't enjoy spending more time... even making my home there. There are so many things about the places we go and see to love and appreciate. As a general statement, there is beauty and culture anywhere you go. We may have to shift our outlook a little, but if we can move beyond the grass is greener syndrome, we really can be awestruck by what is right around us, regardless of where we are. It's a choice. Whether it is where you are living, or what life is giving you, you have a choice to look around you and see beauty, culture and uniqueness, experiencing it all and appreciating what it is teaching you; or you can constantly be looking to the next thing, what someone else has where they live or in their life and miss what is right in front of you. What will you choose?


Image taken with Canon 5D MII, 100-400mm 4.5L lens, 1/6000 sec @f5, ISO 400

Kid Power!

Week 40

KID POWER!

October 6, 2010

ABLE TO SCALE LARGE PLAY CASTLES IN A SINGLE BOUND! UNCONSTRAINED BY THE UN-TIED SHOE! UN-SHAKEN BY THE GRASS STAINED KNEE AND FILLED DAILY WITH SUPER-HUMAN ENERGY! IT'S THE BOLD...THE FEARLESS...THE SOME-TIMES SASSY...

... KID!

Kids are pretty cool. I mean, as humans go, they are generally straight-forward, tell-it-like-it-is kinda folks that harbor few suspicions, subscribe to few stereotypes, and if encouraged and cheered on, are for the most part self confident, generous little people. I suppose the idea is front of mind for me as I've spent a fair amount of time with friends and clients in the past week that have kids of their own. The image above is from one of the shoots I had, and I thought the pose represented the topic this week pretty well.



image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/125 sec @ f8, ISO 400

Good Morning Seattle

Week 39

Good Morning Seattle

October 1, 2010

I'm finding that much of photography is simply being at the right place at the right time on the right day in the right conditions... etc, etc, etc. Some of that is skill, knowledge and experience... some of that is just plain luck. You are best served by thorough planning - knowing the anticipated weather conditions, lighting and subject matter as best you can before heading out to try and capture a shot. This does not give any guarantees that what you are hoping for will manifest. It tips the odds in your favor, however. Seattle is one of those places that you want every advantage you can get. It's not everyday that you are privileged to see the scene above, with Mt. Rainier posing as a backdrop for the city's skyline. More often than not, it's shrouded in clouds, and fog or misty rain in the city makes the landmark disappear. A little bit of planning and paying attention to forcasts, etc. helped me out here, and I was thrilled to get a series of images at dawn last week - including the one you see above. Enjoy.


image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/15 sec @ f/22, ISO 100

...in the Details

Week 38

...in the Details

September 22, 2010

Last week I found myself on Carmel Beach in Carmel-By-The-Sea, and looking down. There are lots of interesting subjects to photograph here - birds pecking for morsels in the sand, the beautiful Pacific crashing against the beach, famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and a wide variety of people there as tourists or enjoying where they live. What drew my attention though, was the sand. It wasn't especially different from sand on most American beaches as far as I can tell, but it wasn't that intriguing me. I was thinking about how incredibly intricate the individual grains are.

Now if you're like me, you don't often think about sand in terms of the individual grains. The image above was composed with the idea of allowing for context and identification, but also to show a level of detail not usually observed. You can see the extensive variety of colors and shapes and relative sizes the individual grains represent. Many are similar, but none are identical.

I think we frequently consider people this way. We assume because an individual is part of a people group, they are like all others classified in that people group. The truth (if we pay attention and look closely) is far from this idea. Sure, there are commonalities in culture, activities or physical features at times; but each person, each grain (if we pay attention) was created and molded uniquely and cannot be replicated. My hope is that we would keep this in mind when we make judgments on others that we think are justified. After all, what people-group are you in? What are the things you think are mis-understood about your people-group, and about you?

image above taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/1600 @f4, ISO 100

Sedona

Week 37

Sedona

September 15, 2010

There are some places in the world that are just more beautiful than others. Sedona, I'd argue, is one of those places. Last week I had the joy of camping and shooting in and around Sedona, AZ for the better part of 2 days, and it wasn't nearly long enough. Some would argue you can "see" all that Sedona has to offer in a couple of days. I suppose you could hit the highlights, and feel satisfied that you've been there, but to really experience Sedona, I think 3 to 4 days would be a minimum. 

 

I found myself at a loss as to what to do with my limited time there, because so many of the hikes and features in and around Sedona are breathtaking and desirable to take in. Luckily, after a morning of shooting around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, I stopped in to a local shop/cafe called  The Hike House owned and operated by Greg and Gracie Stevenson to pick up some supplies and catch up on work during the harshly lit mid-day sun hours. I say lucky because Gracie and her very friendly staff not only helped me find what I needed, but as I was noticed considering a book on Sedona's best hikes, offered to introduce me to it's author who happened to be sitting on the front patio of the cafe. After a quick but very pleasant and informative conversation with Dennis Andres, author of Sedona's Top 10 Hikes,  I sat down to make use of the Energy Cafe's complimentary WiFi to get caught up. My overall experience was fantastic, and if you are traveling through Sedona, make time for The Hike House & it's Energy Cafe, you won't be sorry!

It was the same afternoon that I made the short drive and modest hike out to Cathedral-Red Rock Crossing where I captured the image above. The setting sun afforded a beautiful light cast on Cathedral Rock, and a shallow wade across the creek allowed for the stunning reflection you see. One of many arresting vistas, this is certainly not the first image of its kind, but it is one of my favorites.

I hope you enjoy the image, and by all means - get to Sedona!

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/60 sec @f8, ISO 100

Elvis Sighting...

Week 36

Elvis Sighting...

September 12, 2010

At the end of last week I started a business trip to Phoenix by flying into Vegas, renting a car and making a road trip out of the deal. Now having been to Vegas a dozen or so times, I don't know that I've ever seen the king. I know, I know... how can that be? I don't know, but this trip I had two Elvis sightings - one at the $7 steak place (I had to try it... was actually pretty good!), and the other was here at the welcome sign. He looks pretty good for being dead. 

I always found it interesting how people could persist in a belief (such as Elvis being alive) that although possible, is incredibly improbable. Maybe it's a fascination with mystery. Maybe it's exciting to think of the surprise and revelation that he is alive after all these years. I realize that for many, this is just an extended fantasy of sorts, one born out of a sincere appreciation for Mr. Presley's music and cultural contribution. For most, though, I think it's something different.

I can't help but think that all of us have a little of this need to believe in us. As if we're born with it, this longing, this seeking, this fascination with mystery. Almost like we're pointed toward believing in that which is unexplainable, and the manifestation of this is what we sometimes see in the tabloids - UFO's, superstitions, the paranormal... Elvis alive.

I have my own ideas on what this is all about, maybe you do too, but one thing I think we can all agree on. Elvis is alive and has been in Vegas this whole time! I have the pictures to prove it! 

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/400 @ f11, ISO 400

.

Only in Santa Cruz...

Week 35

Only in Santa Cruz...
September 3, 2010

Ok, so you might see this somewhere else. Maybe. But here in the Bay Area, your best shot is to head down to the Santa Cruz Boarkwalk. On a shooting trip last week, I intended to get some interesting shots of the rides, colors, and fair-like feel of this California landmark, and was able to capture what I set out to.  After spending time taking in the sights and sounds of the Boardwalk, my shooting companion and I headed up north of the boardwalk proper. It was here we met a new friend (we'll call him "George" for the purposes of this blog. Rightfully, I have no idea what his name is... though I promised him 10% if I made a million dollars from this photo, so someone out there hold me to it should that come about.)

George clearly liked to have fun. His kind of fun was hiding in a garbage receptacle and reaching out to startle passerbys by exclaiming "give me all your money!". His buddies were just around the corner, and got just as much a kick out of this as George did. Keep in mind, this is in broad daylight along the main walkway, and it would be tough to see how anyone would take him seriously. While I didn't give him all my money, I did offer up a little bit as a thanks for letting me take a few shots... and truthfully, for his originality :).

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/100 @ f6.3, ISO 400

Comfort Zones

Week 34

Comfort Zones
August 26, 2010

Every once in a while I think it's important to go outside of our comfort zones.  Maybe that means taking a risk that we don't know for sure will work out that way we want it to. Maybe that means participating in something in which we don't have confidence in our own abilities. Maybe it means remaining open-minded to an idea that we don't understand. 

The image above was taken as part of an unconventional media project conceptualized by artist Trina Merry. Trina does body painting (among other visual arts) and wanted to explore the Hispanic celebration of Dia de Los Muertos in this piece. Most of the set was shot against a gray studio backdrop with slave strobes and a couple soft boxes on hot lights. A tripod and slow shutter allowed for the motion in this image. 

Now I've done work with Trina before, but the work is a bit outside of the norm for me, and something I like to do to force a different perspective on my work. This photo along with the other images I captured during the session got me thinking about the idea of comfort zones, what they mean to us, and how they impact us as people.

Comfort zones can allow us to have a "safe" place to be, where we know and are accustomed to our surroundings, confident in our ability to navigate in an environment that is predictable. It doesn't sound too bad until you consider that along with these positive things can come a stifling of ingenuity and creativity, suspicion and fear of those people or ideas outside of our comfort zone, and an intellectual isolation that can repress learning. 

I believe that stepping outside of our comfort zones can lead to a number of things: Professionally, we can develop broader skillsets and understanding of our business or industry.  Personally, we have chance to overcome assumptions and fears and even learn a bit about ourselves. Spiritually we can grow to have a deeper understanding of our faith or beliefs, and greater appreciation for others'. The downside is that it can be... well, uncomfortable.

I've heard or read a number of quotes I like regarding comfort zones (and similar ideas). Each of these speaks to entirely different aspects of us and our comfort zones, and my purpose here isn't to exhaustively explore the idea. Rather, it's to share a few thoughts and maybe get you to consider what your comfort zones are, why they are what they are, and what you can do to step outside of them.:




"Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort."
Peter McWilliams




"We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are."
Max DePree

"We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  Romans 5:3-4

image taken with Canon 5D, MII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/10 @ f10, ISO 800

Learning

Week 33

 

Learning

August 18, 2010

This past week I had the opportunity to attend a workshop put on by Mike Larson.  Mike is a wedding and lifestyle photographer, international speaker, and overall a super nice guy, and I feel privileged to have spent a couple days learning from him. The image above was one of many taken as the workshop participants all took turns directing the models, applying some of the things we were taught that day. While I can't take credit for direction on this shot, I loved the lighting and motion in the image all the same and so thought I'd share it with you.

One of the things I liked most about the workshop was the focused approach Mike brought. He spent time giving us some useful tools and knowledge from his years in the business, but didn't overload us with an unmanageable amount of information, just for information's sake. Could he have been more broad in what he covered with us? Probably. Would that have made the workshop better? Well, I'd argue no, not for his target audience, which was photographers in the first few years of their business. Mike stressed a few key ideas (as much if not more based in character than strategy) throughout his time with us, and gave us tools to accomplish the ideas he proposed.

I think we all too often go through life with an information-hungry attitude and forget to focus. We skim the surface of the ocean of information and experiences available to us and forget to dive into something with depth and intention. As a result, we look back over years of living with memories of pop-culture, 24-hour news network shows, and social network updates. I'd encourage you to explore ways to go deep into something that interests you and serves others. It could be intellectual, athletic, spiritual or otherwise, but I think the memories you create doing so will be much richer and provide a greater satisfaction with the journey you are taking.

image taken with Canon 5D, MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/160 @ f4, ISO 100

Anticipation

Week 32

  
Anticipation

August 13, 2010

Waiting. We don't all do it well. Sometimes it's because we feel that something should have happened sooner. Sometimes it's because we're preoccupied with the next thing we feel we have to do. Sometimes, however, it's a barely suppressed excitement for something worth waiting for, an anticipation of the event itself. Christmas eve and birthdays as a child come to mind. As adults, weddings seem to be the best example of this anticipation.

I captured the image above as the groom was preparing for our pictures, and to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day. I liked the lighting, the mood it created, and the moment (albeit brief) of calm in the whirlwind of a day all weddings become.






image captured on Canon 5D MII, 16-35 2.8L lens, 1/60 sec @ f2.8, ISO 1000

Fences

Week 31

Fences

August 7, 2010

So last week I was feeling a little under the weather. But I was also a little stir crazy and needing to get out, so I decided to go walk the trails I usually run behind my home in San Jose, and bring the camera along to see what I could capture. Above is one of those images, and I enjoyed the sunset lighting and contrast of crooked metal fence-posts and meandering barbed-wire against the long, dried grasses on the hillside. Even the powerlines running behind the scene I think adds commentary to the image.

As I scanned through the photographs from the shoot, this image brought to mind the idea of fences that we put up in our lives. Now fences can be a good thing. They can keep out predators, make property lines clear for a mutual understanding between neighbors, or provide an area of safety for pets and children. However, I believe when fences are put up in our hearts and minds, and consequently in our lives and societies, the benefit of those fences can start to decay, and sometimes even disappear. 

Some examples of this idea that come to mind are represented below. I think the initial thoughts behind the fences can be justified, well intentioned, and even good. I also think they can deteriorate quickly and transform unnoticed into harmful things that actually work against their original purpose. 

A fence of patriotism can become nationalism, fear, judgement & hatred toward other cultures.

A fence of protection of our children can become sheltering, deprivation of experience, ill-equipping and mis-informing.

A fence of morality can generate fear, judgement, gross misunderstanding and division amongst and towards those we are put here to love.

What fences do you have in your life? Are they in good repair? Are they support systems for a way to love other people or tools for sychophantic behavior?

We all have fences, and I think positive things like personal barriers and accountability, protection for our children or appreciation of culture can be benefited by these fences. I'd encourage you to think about the fences in your life and ask... "Do they serve their purpose, or have they been put up too hastily? Do they need to be re-planted or re-purposed?"

 

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/125 @ f11, ISO 400

Behind the Blinds

Week 30

Behind the Blinds
July 26, 2010

So for week 30 I've decided to make you uncomfortable. The photo above is from a shoot last week having nothing to do with this installment of the 52Photos blog, but I liked the imagery of a window, blinds partly open, leaving us to think... well, nothing. Nothing because we walk by it every day. Nothing because we don't necessarily want it to mean anything. Nothing because we have our own lives going on that prevent us from thinking there may be anything wrong at all. But what if something horrible was going on behind those blinds? Something atrocious and difficult to hear about, much less imagine. Well, we live in a world of many atrocities and horrors, most of which the majority of us in the U.S. very seldom have to face or think about because we have the convenience of "blinds" like jobs, like a culture that values human life, like food and shelter and protection from those that would exploit us. Now we are in no utopia, don't get me wrong, but we have so much, so many resources available to us that we forget or even find it hard to believe that behind these "blinds", horrible, unspeakable things are happening. We're told about them... even see things on the news, but our reaction is almost to treat this information as rumor. If not rumor, then something we are separate from and have no obligation to respond to. We use excuses like "I can't send money because times are tough", or "What can I possibly do from thousands of miles away", or "nothing I do will make a difference".  Some of us even chalk up the horror to "cultural diffences".

One such atrocity is that of human trafficking. Yep, slavery. Thankfully, there seems to be a bit more awareness and coverage of the issue than there was even 10 years ago, but most of us here in the U.S. rarely if ever think about it. The truth is, estimates are that:

27 million adults and children are in forced labor, bonded labor, and forced prostitution around the world; 56 percent of these victims are women and girls 

$32 billion annual trade for the traffickers 

Prevalence of trafficking victims in the world: 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants (in Asia and the Pacific: 3 per 1,000)

Countries that have yet to convict a trafficker under laws in compliance with the Palermo Protocol (from the year 2000): 62 

Countries currently (2010) without laws, policies, or regulations to prevent victims’ deportation: 104

Up to and possibly more than 17,000 persons trafficked TO THE UNITED STATES annually, mostly women and children 
  
-the above statistics compiled from multiple sources, including the US Dept of State Trafficking in Persons Report

Now there are many more facts and figures, most of which are just as shocking and disturbing as those above. You can find more information on this issue through many organizations. Several websites are listed below to help you become more informed, and get involved. I hope you take a few minutes from your day to follow one or some of these and learn more.

http://www.ijm.org/

http://love146.org/

http://www.slavefree.com/

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/

http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2010/


Getting involved could be as easy as sharing this blogpost with someone, giving a small or moderate donation, hosting an awareness party, or if you feel compelled, partnering with one of the organizations above in a larger commitment of service and action.

image above taken with Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105 4L lens, 1/160 @ f11, ISO 400

Collaboration

Week 29

 

Collaboration

July 24, 2010

The image above is from a collaboration with friend and fellow photographer, Steven Sysum of More Than Sight Photography. Steven asked me to come and help out on an engagement shoot he had scheduled, and I was more than happy to oblige! The shoot took place on the beaches around the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, as well as at the lighthouse itself, right off of scenic Route 1 on the Pacific Coast. It was a beautiful day with a fun couple, and I had a great time helping with the shoot and getting a few shots in myself. Steven put on his creative hat for the shoot, bringing a mirror and paints for the couple to interact with during the session, and it turned out to be a fantastic idea! The couple had fun, and we were able to get Steven some great shots for his clients. 

Some photographers are leary of working with other professionals, thinking they are somehow hurting their own business by helping another's. Now I'm all about healthy competition, but I think there are some that take the idea to an unhealthy place. As professionals, I believe that we should work with each other, let ideas rub off on each other, and support each others' business as often as we can. It not only fosters good will, and encourages professional growth, but is a source of referral business and networking, and helps the industry as a whole by providing positive experiences and better service for our clients. 

To me, competition shouldn't be about winners and losers. Now there will undoubtedly be those that are more successful, and those that are less successful... that's a given in our economy, and I think that is a healthy, good thing. Rather, I think competition should be about two or more professionals in the same field both pursuing excellence. I believe there is room for celebration of each others' victories, as well as for reaching out when needed to lend a hand. 

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 24-105 f/4L lens, 1/250 @ f22, ISO 400

Inter Coastal

Week 28

Inter Coastal
July 13, 2010

I spent all of last week in North Carolina. I have relatives, very good friends, and for this trip - a wedding to shoot in the Tar-Heel state. I traveled throughout Carolina, from Charlotte to Wilmington to Raleigh and the Outer Banks. It's a beautiful state with a lot to see and do, and I certainly only scratched the surface of things to experience there. For instance, there is a wealth of mountain wilderness, from the Blue Ridge to the Smokies that I didn't even come near this trip. Next time....

I did, however get the chance to spend some time around coastal Carolina. The above image was taken in the inter coastal lands of Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington. As I rode along with my close friend that lives in the area and was showing me around a bit, I noticed the expanse of green grasses, waterways and sandy trails that lined the road we traveled. I knew I'd want to come back and shoot, and so when the opportunity presented itself, I headed over to see if I could capture some of the beauty there. Its hard to do the area justice, but I think I was able to capture some of the lands' essence.

image taken with Canon 5D MII, 16-35 2.8L lens, 1/250 @ f18, ISO 400

Kiddos

Week 27

Kiddos
July 9, 2010

Small children are funny. Especially in those pre-2yr old months. They are capable of unbridled joy and laughter one moment and loud, wailing despair the next, infused with insatiable curiosity and possessing of an inherent trust in other people. These little ones are a fascinating look at us as people and at the basic building blocks of our personalities. They seem to display the roots of that which will become much broader and more complex, but growing from the same elements of our spirit and pysche that are with us throughout our lives.

On a shooting trip in North Carolina, I've had the opportunity to shoot with a couple pre-two's this last week, with the above image the result of one of those shoots. A very curious and very active little girl, Sara Kate was hard to keep up with, not wanting to sit still even for a few seconds, and clearly not interested in me or my camera. She was way to busy using the new found freedom of walking legs to run about, checking out every nook and crany of the country club where were were shooting. Stopping for half a second in front of this beautiful floor-to-ceiling window, I captured the above image before she took off running again to the next corner of the room to discover.

I don't have any children, so this is of course is an outside-looking-in perspective, but I look at these kiddos and so many others like them and can't help but wonder at the simple, elemental and beautiful personalities they display. Sensitive and responsive roots of personalities that will grow when watered and fed, for right or wrong. I wonder what roots I will water for my child should I have them? What roots will you water?

My hope for you and I both is that we will encourage joy and put fear in proper perspective. That we will feed the curious mind with new experiences as often as we can. That we will protect when necessary but help the child understand not everything that doesn't feel good is bad. Above everything my hope is that we will teach them that an ounce of love will beat out a gallon of anger, fear and hatred any day.


image above taken with Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105L lens, 1/125 @ f4.0, 400 ISO

What do you Sea?

Week 26

What do you Sea?

July 1, 2010

Half way through 2010. Week 26. It doesn't seem like the days are going that quickly, but here we are, well into the summer and heading towards 2011. What do you want to have 2010 be remembered for? I think I want 2010 to be remembered for the time I spent pursuing a passion. The image above reminds me of this because the person you see (I hope you've seen the person by now:)), is me standing over a retreating collection of sea-foam that has just run up Sculptured Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore on a recent photo-shooting trip. Maybe for you what makes 2010 memorable is that it's the year you started a family, or the year you reprioritized your life to match your values. Maybe it's the year you got lost so that you could discover. Maybe it's the year you set and hit some personal goals, or healed some relationships that were broken.

Recently I was at a BBQ at a friend's home and we were playing a game of sorts, conversation starters really that asked a question for the group to respond to. Some questions were silly or petty and got a collective "boo" from the group, but most were interesting, thought provoking questions that forced you to think about what is important to you. It was a light-hearted mood, and fun to banter about with answers and explanations, but time and time again the idea that friends and family, the relationships that we have been given are the things that are most valued. More so than money, or things... relationships are what we must have and will do most anything for. As you walk through your day tomorrow and the week and months ahead, think about how you can foster the relationships you have.

There are so many ways to make daily choices that will play a large part in the course your life is taken. Don't let 2010, or any year that follows it slip by with your life on auto-pilot. Make it memorable, make it one you remember, and make daily decisions to that end! Until next week....

image taken with Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105L lens, 1/500 @ f4.0, 400 ISO

Service

Week 25

Service
June 24, 2010

In theory, we all like the idea of it. Serving, that is. There are people out there that are down on their luck. A few because of poor decisions they've made, but mostly through no fault of their own, millions (if not billions) of people around the world could use a helping hand. You might say "The needs out there are so great, how could I possibly make a positive difference?" Well one thing is for sure, doing nothing will not make a positive difference.

I was asked to shoot a work-day for an organization that believes in doing something. Housing Industry Foundation, or HIF for short, is made up of a group of executives from the apartment management and related industries who work to provide assistance to people with a housing-related need. From grants for rent or a security deposit, to work-projects to improve housing for a family shelter and many things in between, the sole purpose of this organization is to help others.

I chose the photograph above from this shoot because I appreciate the movement and lines in the image. The powerlines above, the rakelines in the dirt, the motion as he pulls the rake across.. all interesting to me. Plus, the image illustrates this week's topic well, I think.

There are many other groups and movements small and large, ranging from food banks to the Red Cross, to Beautiful Day and local efforts geared to helping out a neighbor. I hope you will think of a way, big or small to pitch in and serve. I encourage you to make that transition from "good idea" to "where do I sign up?". Go ahead, it's good for ya... and you'll be surprised at the difference it makes. In your life as well as those you help....


image taken with Canon 5D, Canon 24-105 4L lens, 1/125 @ f11, ISO 400

Textured

Week 24

Textured #1
June 19, 2010

I recently started a commissioned series on texture. This is the first image in the series, and one that I really like. Taken of a piece of milled wood being used as a fence panel, this image to me isn't just a visual experience. You can almost feel it. Like a smell that triggers strong memories, I think we can be transported to an environment in some ways just by being stimulated visually.

Another reason I enjoy abstract texture images is that like most abstract work, it can speak to you as an individual. Sure, this is a picture of a piece of milled wood that shows grain and the remnants of a knot or branch within it. But to one person it could remind them of their childhood experiences at a family cabin. Another could see an eye poking out from behind the grain, lending personality and a story to this particular piece of wood, still another could see this as a sort of natural Rorschach, projecting what is in their mind's eye, and so on and so on.

Whatever the image does for you, I hope you enjoy it :). And feel free to let me know! I'd love to hear from you....



image taken with Canon 5D, 24-105 4L lens, 1/125 sec @ f/16, ISO 400

The In-Between

Week 23

The In-Between
June 7, 2010

To me, some of the best shots come from the times in-between what you are supposed to be shooting. Take the image above, for example. I think it captures my friend Joshua's personality, and says something different than the headshots we took that he will use to place on publications, executive profiles, and dossiers for his professional life. Nothing wrong with the headshots, mind you - they came out great, and will serve him well. That's not the point. I just find myself looking for opportunities during my sessions to get those unscripted moments, the ones that let you peek into the person a little deeper. Like the image above that tells you Joshua has joy in his life and loves to laugh, those candid shots are the ones you hang onto even if they weren't what you were there to shoot.



image taken with Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105 4L lens, 1/400 @ f4.0, ISO 400

4th & U

Week 22

4th & U
June 2, 2010

On June 2nd, I had a great assignment to shoot a property for Essex Property Trust, Inc, a California REIT. Essex recently opened this community on 4th Street called Fourth & U, not far from the well known University of California, Berkeley.

I was looking forward to the shoot for several reasons. One, it was a great opportunity to work with Essex, one that I look forward to developing into an ongoing, healthy business relationship. I also had not spent much time in Berkeley, and so this gave me the perfect reason to go up and explore a bit. From a photography standpoint, I just enjoy architectural images. The wide angle perspectives and use of lines and shapes can create so much for the eye to take in. You can take your time with the subject, get to know it a little, and find nooks and features you may not have noticed walking by, even hundreds of times. I like how the right image can give a viewer not just information on what a place looks like, but what it feels like to be there.

Thank you to the team at Fourth & U, and to my friends at Essex.



image taken with Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 16-35 2.8L II lens, @ 2.5sec, f8.0 100 ISO

Snails Pace

Week 21

Snail's Pace
May 25, 2010

I know it wasn't looking at me, but I couldn't help but feel like I was interrupting this guy's day. Those little antennae-eyes pointed right at me.... Maybe it was looking at me, saying "can't a snail hang out with some snail-bros without some papparazzo gettin' all up in my face?" Ok, snails have brains akin to houseplants, but that's what I was thinking as I discovered these guys just off the back porch, a bunch of them just hanging out, eating I assume and having a little snail-party.

The first photos I took straight down on top of the snails, but started to shoot at ground level and got the best shots (including the image above). Amazing what you can capture just by changing your point of view. Things look different when you take a different angle, a different approach. Sometimes you even find that you were looking at your subject wrong all along, and you wouldn't have known it without taking the opportunity to shift perspectives. A lot of similarities between life and photography, I suppose.

image taken with Canon 5D, 24-105 f4L IS lens, at 1/200 f/4.0, ISO 800

Studio Work

Week 20

Studio
May 19, 2010

The last couple of weeks I've delved a little more into the studio. To now, I've not done a tremendous amount of studio work, preferring instead to shoot outside, or otherwise with natural lighting. This is partly because I have been shooting a fair amount of family portraits and weddings. Brides are pretty resistant to having their weddings held in a photo-studio, and while you can do family portraits with studio lighting, I MUCH prefer to keep it outside, where it seems personalities come out, and real "life" is captured.

The other reason I haven't done a lot of studio work is that I don't have a studio :). Not a regular one, at least. My good friend and very talented artist has been kind enough to share her studio when I've had the need, for which I am very grateful.

Now, having said all I just did, I don't want you to have the impression that I don't enjoy studio work. I actually do. There are some very, very cool things you can do with studio lighting and a controlled environment that just aren't possible (or are extremely difficult) anywhere else. The image above is not one of those difficult shots, but I like it all the same. Steven - fellow photographer and model for the shot above and I spent some time in the studio, shooting with some fairly basic lighting and got some great shots. I like the above shot for its lines, light & simplicity. We pulled my two low-wattage (750W) soft boxes around to camera right and played up the sunrise-oncoming train-"oh-no, a nuclear blast" thing a bit, an what you see above is one of the many results.

Hope you enjoy.

image taken by a Canon XSi, 24-70 2.8L lens, at 1/125 sec at f/5.6. ISO 400

Walden

Week 19

Walden

May 16, 2010

There is an astonishing amount of talent, creativity and innovation in the world bubbling to the surface in the children of our culture. I was reminded of this at a Composers' Forum hosted by The Walden School. As described on the organization's website, Walden " is a summer music school and festival [held in Dublin, New Hampshire] offering programs that emphasize creative application, specifically through music improvisation and composition." This particular event featured alumni, current students and faculty at the school, with 5 composers' work being performed, and then discussed between the audience and composer with the help of moderators.

I believe we often make the mistake of thinking that truly brilliant, complex and creative work is the realm of adults. Children can be clever and smart, but ultimately are relegated to the kids table of the creative arts. At this performance and forum, I witnessed the performances of music by a 17 year old and an 11 year old with profound, thoughtful lyrics and complex, intuitively elegant composition.

Ancient wisdom of living for the now, and not worrying about a future that hasn't happened was represented in the lyrics of the 11 year old. Even if she has heard the idea, to be able to internalize, comprehend and express the idea in a new way signifies an intellectual maturity beyond many adults I know. She's pictured above giving direction to the pianist about to play her piece, (himself a Walden alumnus).

Children aren't bound by what "can't be done" because they don't know it can't be done. Imagination is commonplace among our children because being silly is ok. Creativity is nourished because they are praised for it and told how iventive they are. I wonder what would happen if that never stopped. Not just in pockets of industry where it's encouraged because it's a "creative job", not just in entertainment or marketing or the arts, but in engineering. In retail. In professional work and trades.... even *gasp*... government.

I suppose if nothing else, this is a nod of appreciation to organizations like Walden that foster creativity and take kids seriously...because they have seriously creative minds. It's also an encouragement to all of you out there... find a way to be creative. Be a kid again. Pick up that paint brush, that guitar, that invention you've got drawings stashed away for and never took the time to do anything about. Creative isn't limited to the arts. You can be a creative toll booth worker, or a creative receptionist, or mechanic or custodian... or doctor or lawyer. I firmly believe we were all created to be creative :).

Until next week....


image taken with a Canon, 24-70 2.8L @ 1/50sec, f/4.0, ISO 800