Fleeting Moments

just a few more

just a few more to see...

whew

WOW!

I am finally done with the wedding. (Actually, it was a re-affirmation ceremony done in the church, as the couple were married privately on the beach in Oregon a few months ago)

I still have to process, but I'm done with the event.

WOW! It was exhilarating, joyful, fast, and exhausting.

I had a blast.

I took 434 pictures of the actual wedding day, which I actually thought was kinda low. But I took a lot more at rehersal and the rehersal dinner.

I've weeded it down to about 370 right now, taking out the obviously bad pictures.

Now here is where I'm not sure to go next. Do I do a proof album, CD or on line gallery, or all 3?

Any suggestions?

So, here's a glimpse into my day.

Rehearsals:

big day

all in all, it was a great day for everyone, I think. Thanks for all your words of encouragement.

traveling

I'm in North Alabama.

Back home.

I'm here because my best friend since we were 6 is getting married. She has also asked me to be the photographer. I'm very very nervous, but also excited.

I got a new lens Monday on my way out of town. I got it off Craigslist from a Tampa Photographer. She didn't need it anymore because her hubby bought her a way cooler one. :) My score.

So, I'm at my parents house, which is great on many many levels, but one of the best parts is the yard. My parents and their neighbors are very good friends and blend and share a back yard. The two together look like they belong together. But, the neighbor is much more into flowers. Beautiful big flowers.

So, this morning, with the spring light, green grass, bumble bees, dew and tender flowers, I took a LOT of pictures with my new lens.

Here's a sample..

 

Photoshop

I love Photoshop.

I read on someones blog once (or twice, or 60 times) that Photoshop was a crutch. That if you couldn't take your pictures out of the camera and print them as is, then you are not a real photographer.

Harumph!

I completely disagree.

For starters, "real" photographers have been tweaking their pictures since film was developed. (no pun intended). Even in my 7th grade photography class we scratched film on purpose or over exposed areas and even made oatmeal box pinhole cameras to make funky pictures. Now it's just really really easy to do. Well, maybe not easy, but you don't need a darkroom.

Also, I see a lot of Photoshop-ing (not sure what exactly to call it) as personal expression. Much like mixing photography and painting, or graphic design, or even mixed media. It's just a form of artistic expression, not a cop-out to inferior photography.

so, that being said. Here's my latest piece. my canvas, if you will.

Pretty cool, huh? Looks like I'm getting better with the DuoFlex.

Nope. It's all actions and layers. At first I was sad. I thought, how lame to "steal" from the true TTV-r's out there. But wait, I'm one of them and I'm not mad. I've even built my contraption. (first model is a bust, but still very fun) I fully intend on sticking with the TTV-duoflex relationship. This picture just doesn't have the special quality that a "real" one does. But it was fun. And I think it looks pretty cool. But I also think it's very obvious. And I thought it was obvious on the others as well (although I still think these are nice).

Here's my original.

Completely unedited I might add. No, it's not Ansel Adams, but it's a bright sunny picture that I happen to like. :)

And for the record, Here's a real DuoFlex TTV. Completely unedited except for the crop.

Happy Photoshop-ing!!

signatures?

digital Rebel* click for larger viewing

I'm trying to decide on a non invasive photo-signature.

I don't like the whole name slashed across the picture, but I've had a hard time figuring out how to imbed a signature or a "do not copy"

Any suggestions?

digital Rebel* click for larger viewing

practice practice

In preparation of my best friends wedding, of which she has decided I am to play photographer, I have been scrambling about trying to practice practice practice.

I do think I'm a good photographer, that knows how to "shoot" a subject, however, my technical knowledge of the camera is severely lacking.

SO

Aside from reading 6 books at once on lighting/framing/technical details of WB and such, I've also been following my hubby around taking pictures of him in every day things just trying to practice photo-ing people in motion, and playing with the hot shoe flash, which I have not used since my film SLR days. (wow, was that really one sentence?? That was a lot of comma's)

I thought I would share a collage of what that looks like...

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He's being a good sport, though...And photographing him cleaning is like shooting boudoir pictures for me!! Hey, that's a thought Boudoir pictures for men featuring feather dusters and vacuum hoses wrapped around them like boa's.... or making beds instead of laying in them.... HAHA, that made me laugh!

well, this is boudoir enough for me.. isn't he handsome???

eeek!!

ok, as we all know, i desperately want to be a better photographer, and I'm having a great time playing with my friends DSLR.

I wonder what I have to do to convince him he actually gave it to me so that I don't have to return it?

I do believe that to be a really good photographer, you need a good camera AND lens, but I'm also coming to find out that Photoshop is a tool that no photographer should be without. AND one should learn how to use it properly.

I'm trying. I really really am. I've learned the fantastic world of actions, and also learning that to get the really good ones, you must be willing to pay. :)

SO

seeing that I lack in subject matter (how pitiful IS it that I still don't have any friends here), I've had to dig in the "vault" and find some things to play with. What did I find? Only two of the most beautiful babies anywhere. I hope Jessie doesn't mind if I exploit her beautiful son for my own gain, but can you believe these EYES??? My heart stopped when I ran an action by this talented woman, and these eyes just popped out! What a doll. And yes, he is as sweet as he looks, but he's also perfectly boy in every way

This doll baby is my sweet Catherine's child. She is such a sweet baby. She's 6 months old and I have yet to hear her cry. She's happy and just beautiful. I was so excited to photograph her while I was home last.

 

yellow*

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I bought myself some flowers the other day. I thought I needed them.

Turns out I was right...

I

Views from Provo

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Andrew Johnston

Remember my admiration last year for this phenomenal singer?

Well, I didn't dream it could be repeated.

Amazing. Tears....big sigh! Don't forget to watch Simons great speach at the end! You go get 'em Andrew!

I'm gone for a few days people. Little business meeting in Utah. Whoopie!

See you Saturday.

Namaste!