Firefighter Portraits

Over the years, I've worked with and known a lot of firefighters.  I have a lot of respect for these guys.  They answer a lot of different calls (most of them are NOT fire-related) they see things that would turn most people's stomach inside out, get very little sleep, and not much paycheck.  I admire them a lot.  I wanted to do some portraits of firefighters. Here are two.

Joel Grimes is My Hero

Some of you in the non-Photography world have never heard of Joel Grimes.  Until about a year ago, neither had I.  He's a celebrity portrait photographer who does a lot of commercial work for athletic companies (Nike, Reebok, etc).  He does a lot of portraits for music artists too.  Check out his amazing website at www.joelgrimes.com and you'll see what I mean.  The first time I saw his work, I was just awestruck.  

So I started experimenting with pictures that were similar to his style... in similar lighting, and similar post processing with Photoshop.  I've also been studying a book on doing composites by Matt Kloskowski.  I've been having fun, and I love the images that I've been creating.  I think this is a path I want to stay on.    Here is the first composite I've done.  I'm pretty happy with it, and I'll be entering it in a portrait competition.  I'm putting together a series of portraits of people in uniform.  I hope you like it too.

HDR

This is an example of HDR (High Dynamic Range). The picture is St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spring Branch. An HDR image is actually a composite of several images over a span of exposure values. 

Crystal and Andres

Good evening Mr. Phelps.  Your mission, should you decide to accept it...  Photograph a wedding... in a dimly lit Catholic church... where the only lights beam down on people like little spotlights causing funky shadows around the eyes and nose, and here's the best part... You CAN NOT use a FLASH.

MISSION:  IMPOSSIBLE
That was my assignment.  I chose to accept it.  I went to the wedding rehearsal on Friday, and met with Crystal again.  Crystal is a super sweet girl who works hard and has some incredibly cute kids.  When I walked around the church, I'm always in awe... but this time especially.  The light was dim to say the least.  I met the "Church Lady"... she was the church representative who gave me the rules.  No flash photography during the ceremony.  Cool.  I can do this.  I have a good camera and several lenses that are good in low light.
I got my camera out of my case to take a few test shots.  Oh my God.  I looked up at the huge statue of Jesus on the cross and asked him for help.

Cropping Explained

When you go shopping for a picture frame, what's the most "common" size you'll find?  8" x 10".  It's been like that for... well, longer than I've been around.  I remember when I first got into photography, (the film years) and took my film to the drugstore to get processed.  I had 4"x6" prints made, and one of them looked GREAT!  I thought.."hmm... I'm going to blow this up and put it on my wall" so I ordered an 8x10.  When I got the print back from the lab, part of the person's head was cut off!!  

JD and Doris Hahn

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of shooting one of the nicest, down to earth couples ever. JD and Doris Hahn. I had a great time doing their engagement session at Hemisfair park, and this was no different. We were at the Embassy Suites Hotel on I-10. (Note to self: San Antonio traffic will always be bad, even on Saturday!) Yes, it was crazy getting there since I-35 had turned into a parking lot.

Photography Advice for Brides

Things your Photographer wished you would do...   no really... seriously.  I can dream, right?


Over the years, I've worked with more than a few brides.  Some were easy to work with, and some didn't want to make the photography aspect any easier.  I can't and shouldn't complain... it's not their job to make my job any easier or better.  But there are things they can do to help me out that will make their wedding pictures better.  A happy photographer is a good photographer!

Baby Photography Made Easy By Al Borrelli

Reprinted with Permission - Original blog article by Al Borrelli

This awesome post (more like gathering of suggestions!) is going to help all you parents (often stay at home ones) be better photographers with the limited kit and time at your disposal. This is NOT about achieving professional results, but of making the most out of simple techniques and basic kit.