Always Learning and Having Fun Doing It

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Last night we had the pleasure of participating in a hands-on SmugMug tutorial session on Street Photography with photographer Paul Conrad. Participants ranged in age from early 20’s to early 60’s. We were all there for the same purpose – to conceptualize, collaborate and capture.

We spent some time as a group discussing logistics of street photography and playing a bit of myth busters as to how and when permission is required to use or sell your images. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term street photography, it is exactly as it sounds – being in the right place at the right time to grab that candid image off the street.

The key point I think Paul made was to not be afraid to TALK to people – approach them, explain what you’re doing, get the story behind the image you just shot. Every picture is worth a thousand words – get the details to make your picture all that richer! We spent the session at the Seattle Center where the warm summer evening produced many excited kids (and photographers as well!)

You should check out some of the SmugMug events in your area. Even if you’re shy, you’ll be drawn into the fun and excitement of learning new photographing techniques with other individuals like yourself. Happy August Everyone!

Always Learning and Having Fun Doing It

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Last night we had the pleasure of participating in a hands-on SmugMug tutorial session on Street Photography with photographer Paul Conrad. Participants ranged in age from early 20’s to early 60’s. We were all there for the same purpose – to conceptualize, collaborate and capture.

We spent some time as a group discussing logistics of street photography and playing a bit of myth busters as to how and when permission is required to use or sell your images. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term street photography, it is exactly as it sounds – being in the right place at the right time to grab that candid image off the street.

The key point I think Paul made was to not be afraid to TALK to people – approach them, explain what you’re doing, get the story behind the image you just shot. Every picture is worth a thousand words – get the details to make your picture all that richer! We spent the session at the Seattle Center where the warm summer evening produced many excited kids (and photographers as well!)

You should check out some of the SmugMug events in your area. Even if you’re shy, you’ll be drawn into the fun and excitement of learning new photographing techniques with other individuals like yourself. Happy August Everyone!

MODEL ADVENTURES: “Fashion Disasters”

What is bound to happen when you combine new fashion designs, new models and a new location for a photo shoot? ACK! What DOESN’T happen? Thankfully, no dresses were hurt in the making of the image and no models were lost over the edge of the cliff.

The first outfit came off without a hitch (literally as we had to do quick parking lot outfit changes between sets) and the combat boots were helpful in getting the model through the vast greenery and up the tree.

The second gown sparkled in the twilight hours but we quickly realized that the model fitted for the outfit was a slightly different shape than the new model. A bit of adjusting here and there seemed to overcome all but the wrinkles in the gown… Who the heck thought to bring a steamer to the coast? Apparently, not us.

As we changed the model into the third outfit (a beautiful little black dress with amazing attention to detail), we hit a roadblock when we realized the dress was 2 sizes smaller than our model. As she stood there with the dress as a shirt we realized we’d better put her into a less revealing outfit – and quickly as the onlookers were about to pull out their camera phones.

Just as the sunset expanded into beautiful hues of orange and red, the park ranger came around and kicked us out.  What a rush… forest to ocean cliffs and complicated lighting changes all within the same shoot.

Live and Learn! We’re thankful to our models and designers for their incredible patience and cooperation!

Art Exhibiting 101

Penny had the recent honor of having one of her maritime photographs selected to hang in the NW Maritime Art Exhibit in Port Townsend, Washington. Last night was the “Meet the Artists” Reception and Awards Presentation. The weather cleared up nicely for the long drive over and back.

Walking into a room filled with buyers, photographers and critics, knowing that my photograph is hanging somewhere within these walls, is a mind-numbing experience. I had to stop myself from focusing on all the things I didn’t like about my photograph, all the things I “could have done better” and just enjoy the fact that my picture was selected to hang in this gallery next to wonderful artists such as Michael Berman.

The first thing I learned is that if you stand too close to your own work for too long, you are inundated with comments, critique and questions; thus leaving little time to explore the other unique submissions or nibble the catered food.

The second thing I learned is that everyone’s a critic, including myself. I realize that I am much harder on my own work than others are. It was very nice to be complimented even when I had trouble overlooking the flaws myself.

The third thing I learned is critical to remember for anyone entering an art exhibit. This piece of advice was given to me by one of the judges… Presentation is the key. Now in my case, procrastination was the key problem. Wall-sized art rarely comes out printed correctly the first time. This means that the more critical of your own work, the more times you may need to edit and reprint.  The other piece to a great presentation is originality – three dimensional mounting, synergistic matting or classic framing. The final overall look is what impresses your audience - judges and buyers alike.

It was a real honor to be selected to have my work shown in the exhibit and I look forward to pulling out all the stops in the next one! The exhibit will be open until September 22, 2010 at the NW Maritime Hall in Port Townsend, Washington. (iPhone pictures included)

Meeting Mr. Groupawn through Social Networking

One thing about Social Networking is that you cross borders leaps and bounds before you even meet face to face. What was widely known as a younger generation’s tool to stay plugged in has now become widely used across every generation of reader. Kids beg their parents for Facebook accounts to play games against their friends while parents are begging their kids to teach them how to load Facebook on their iPhones.

Reaching out to strangers has become second nature to bloggers and posters everywhere.  But one man in particular has stepped out into the world in barely more than his skivvies to live for a year off of a commercialized form of social networking. Meet Josh, aka Mr. Groupawn.  Josh fascinated us with his worldly adventure so we were thrilled when he made time to visit with us during his trip to Seattle. No matter how much or how little you understand about Groupon and how it all works, understand this – their spokesperson is not “crazy”.  Mr. Groupawn is charismatic, smart and by all accounts truly ADAPTABLE.

We started the evening by taking Josh down to Lake Washington for a casual photo shoot. We set out to capture a symbolic picture of his life on the road- complete with trendy shorts, laptop and his lifeline to the world, the all-important cell phone.

We started with great intentions, but the concentration was broken by all the laughter and story exchanging. Staying on track was more than any squirrel could handle. Dinner at Ivar's and a long night of tech talk and laughter ensued.

It may not have been the most robust photo shoot we’ve ever done, but we hope it will add to his adventure memories and be a reminder that his visit was definitely a highlight in our week. Thanks Josh and Groupon – safe travels our new friend!

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

I'm sitting on a 6 hour flight next to a lovely older lady (did I mention older?) eagerly attempting to figure out her DigiPlayer rental. Now, for us whippersnappers, it's second nature to jab at the small circular power button, plug in our headphones, manipulate the screen-based conventional menu choices and voilà! We're plugged into the virtual environment and our surroundings dissolve away. But what about the generation BEFORE ours? Many from the IBM Selectric generation have no interest in exploring the realm also known as cyberspace, with it's limitless virtual capabilities. It's confusing or even scarey for some.

We raise our kids & teach them language skills & nurture their youthful, artistic talents. But you know, it's kind of fun to have the tables turned & be watching the generation before us embark on a learning curve to master a language/art or virtual community that we've been part of for years. We’ve grown up with the latest technologies; however, these technologies have grown after our parents.

There was a point when I can recall my Mother announcing that she & my father were finally willing to bring an answering machine into their home. Up until that point, they'd insisted that technology like this wasn't necessary.

Since that day, I've seen them dive enthusiastically into surround sound, Dolby digital, flat screens & digital cameras. Technology blossomed and with it their creativity. Through their photographs and amazing scrapbooks, we are all included in their adventures- ambitiously trekking the Great Wall of China, bravely swimming with stingrays or even loping on camels in the desert.  What amazing journeys to be able to share with us!

So one day with their willingness to embrace Cyberspace, a wirelesss router entered their castle gates and much like the historical Trojan horse, it brought within it a virtual world filled with exciting, and somewhat scary opportunities. Shopping no longer requires long lines, and the probability of finding that perfect, unusual gift was increased ten-fold. Rental movies, pizza & even groceries can be ordered online.  Relatives can see & hear each other for live gatherings while being virtually anywhere, anytime.  Amazing how my parents, and many others, have gone from answering machine tapes to iPhones in a few, short decades...

I love the good morning text messages that my Mom has now mastered, the "live" camera phone video feed from my father of my daughter's gymnastics...  With the revolution of Cyberspace, the possibilities are endless. I love it that previous generations have their own Facebook Groups and online discussions. No one has to be Lonely even if you're alone.  You can always have a friend in your pocket, no matter your age!

(By the way, in case you were wondering, we did help the nice gal and she was smiling broadly as she toasted her success with a small bottle of champagne before falling fast asleep to whichever movie she had so laboriously picked out... LoL )

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

Technology's Playground -not just for Kids Anymore!

I'm sitting on a 6 hour flight next to a lovely older lady (did I mention older?) eagerly attempting to figure out her DigiPlayer rental. Now, for us whippersnappers, it's second nature to jab at the small circular power button, plug in our headphones, manipulate the screen-based conventional menu choices and voilà! We're plugged into the virtual environment and our surroundings dissolve away. But what about the generation BEFORE ours? Many from the IBM Selectric generation have no interest in exploring the realm also known as cyberspace, with it's limitless virtual capabilities. It's confusing or even scarey for some.

We raise our kids & teach them language skills & nurture their youthful, artistic talents. But you know, it's kind of fun to have the tables turned & be watching the generation before us embark on a learning curve to master a language/art or virtual community that we've been part of for years. We’ve grown up with the latest technologies; however, these technologies have grown after our parents.

There was a point when I can recall my Mother announcing that she & my father were finally willing to bring an answering machine into their home. Up until that point, they'd insisted that technology like this wasn't necessary.

Since that day, I've seen them dive enthusiastically into surround sound, Dolby digital, flat screens & digital cameras. Technology blossomed and with it their creativity. Through their photographs and amazing scrapbooks, we are all included in their adventures- ambitiously trekking the Great Wall of China, bravely swimming with stingrays or even loping on camels in the desert. What amazing journeys to be able to share with us!

So one day with their willingness to embrace Cyberspace, a wirelesss router entered their castle gates and much like the historical Trojan horse, it brought within it a virtual world filled with exciting, and somewhat scary opportunities. Shopping no longer requires long lines, and the probability of finding that perfect, unusual gift was increased ten-fold. Rental movies, pizza & even groceries can be ordered online. Relatives can see & hear each other for live gatherings while being virtually anywhere, anytime. Amazing how my parents, and many others, have gone from answering machine tapes to iPhones in a few, short decades...

I love the good morning text messages that my Mom has now mastered, the "live" camera phone video feed from my father of my daughter's gymnastics... With the revolution of Cyberspace, the possibilities are endless. I love it that previous generations have their own Facebook Groups and online discussions. No one has to be Lonely even if you're alone. You can always have a friend in your pocket, no matter your age!

(By the way, in case you were wondering, we did help the nice gal and she was smiling broadly as she toasted her success with a small bottle of champagne before falling fast asleep to whichever movie she had so laboriously picked out... LoL )