An amazing and fun session with the wonderful Wyatt. We made quick business of several sites in downtown OKC and rushed to catch a sunset off lake Hefner.
Wyatt played some tunes for us during his session. Quite a player, I will add - guitar player, ladies. ;) He's a gentleman and kind-hearted Senior with aspirations to make music that soothes the soul.
It was a pleasure to shoot Wyatt's senior session. I admire his genuine nature. He doesn't put on airs about who he is and I believe when you are fine with who you are - and most of the time popularity doesn't allow individuality - you are ahead of the game.
Congrats to you, Wyatt on being a Senior of 2013. I wish you the best in life.
My Grandfather, who we affectionately call "Deda," is ninety-three. My oldest son and his wife just had a little girl so we felt it was time to capture some family pics. These five generations span almost a century. It was wonderful to see my Grandfather and even more-so, to see him with his Great, Great Grandchildren.
I looked across the Pacific taking note of where the water met the sky, the icy water from the ocean made my feet prickly. But I didn't care. I had to remember this moment for the rest of my life and I knew standing in the dry sand as a spectator wouldn't do it.
The sky was baby blue and cluttered with clouds. The waves rolled in almost rhythmically and the sound of the seagulls began to fade as I abandoned the world around me.
I can't account for the next few moments.
The last year has been so riddled with change, I felt lost; the future unsure. I still held a basket of dreams, unfulfilled, largely by bad decisions and I wondered if I could rebound and make a go at it again. Could I shake off the dust from disappointments and be the adventurous, risk-taker again? Could I wring the life out of life and make it pay up?
As I stood on the edge of the Pacific, I gathered my courage, wiggled my toes in the sand, and let it all go. I had to face the disappointment and come to terms with the changes wreaking havoc in my life. My age could no longer be a factor. Wasted time could not be an excuse. It was now or never. And I knew it would have to be now.
I forgot about my frozen feet, about the water washing up closer and closer, and any one who may have been watching. I looked out across the ocean, a gentle breeze brushed against my face, and I realized I'm still alive. And if I was still alive, I still had a shot at this thing called life.
I was too tired to drag my camera gear with me tonight when we ran errands. I have a new lens I was itching to try but didn't do it. The sun was dipping into the western sky and I knew I would probably regret my choice.
Within an hour of hitting the road, sure enough, the sky began to look like a canvas of streaky blue and orange. I stopped and looked, admiring how amazing and unique every sunset really is. And again - it was nothing like I'd ever seen.
Even though I chose not to be prepared for the inevitable I realized I could still take it in and let it touch me. I could still enjoy it even if I would never tuck it away in the SUNSETS file on my desktop. It was mine. Forever.
I'm so razzed about the new wide angle lens I bought. I want to walk around with the viewfinder to my eye and look at everyone and everything. I decided to see if anyone in cyber world had any suggestions on how to make the most of the lens and I found an incredible article by Ken Rockwell (not that I should be surprised).
If you're a shutterbug, I think you'll enjoy his practical tips and insights. I did.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how-to-use-ultra-wide-lenses.htm
Thank you, Mr. Rockwell.
It's time for fall sports! I personally am a Redskins fan - I know. I know. They haven't won (or been to) a Superbowl since 1996. Or was it 1992? Regardless, I was born a Redskin and will die a Redskin. I'm a fan, win or lose. Or lose. Or lose.
I really enjoy shooting sports photography, both during games and team photos. I think more than the actual shooting, I enjoy settling into my highback office chair and creating the posters and pictures that make the kids cheer.
There's nothing like seeing the smile on a proud parent's face or hearing a twelve-year-old call you "legit." I love watching each project unfold into its own masterpiece and creating stuff that makes the kids feel like superheroes.
Check out a few of our custom posters from last season.
I recently had the opportunity to do a photo shoot for an up-and-coming rap artist. Sorry, but being that I'm over forty, I didn't realize some rap stars are white. For some reason, there are certain attributes and outstanding qualities or talents I assign to certain groups of people. Hence, the title from the '90's movie, "White Men Can't Jump," explains it all.
We did this particular photo shoot for Righteous Riot Records so we could develop the album art and posters for Mr. Liles' tour. He's an attractive man in his twenties with the world at his fingertips. He's a quiet but occasionally you can get through the serious facade to a playful and funny guy.
These photos were shot on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Bricktown, located in downtown Oklahoma City. I did the majority of enhancements in Lightroom with some back end editing in Photoshop.
RSS Feed