You have a nice camera

"We want good pictures for our event and know that you have a nice camera."  How many times have you heard someone make this or a similar statement?  As a photographer, when I hear that request, I find it insulting.  Members of my own family have made similar requests which is like throwing salt in a wound.  My gosh.... they obviously want good photos or they wouldn't invite you BUT wouldn't it be nice if they'd recognize that the photographer may have some personal talent and skill to create those "nice" photos??

Think about these two scenarios and then see if you can relate it to the art of photography.  Let's pretend that your car needs repairs.  Would you choose the mechanic because he/she has nice tools?  I'd hope that your available money and desire for personal safety would override that urge.  It'd be darned nice if you'd choose your mechanic because of their skills, wouldn't it?  Somehow, I can't even imagine someone choosing a mechanic because of the quality of their tools.  Now... let's say you want to impress a date with a night out at a fine dining restaurant.  How would you choose that place and why?  Well, the best way is to have personal experience as a repeat customer.  Great food from upscale restaurants is normally prepared by well trained and experienced chefs.  In this situation, would you choose a great restaurant based on whether they have "high end" pots and pans?  I think not.

Okay, the point has been made.  So if you've ever been inclined to associate high quality photography with the value of the equipment, give it another thought.  Perhaps the operator (photographer) knows how to use the equipment to make great images. :)

Getting back to my own photography, I recently shot a series from a local spot that I really like.  This place, on a grey gloomy winter day, looks like a group of dead trees and grass.  But with a warm afternoon sun and blue skies, it really takes off.  I'll share some of those in my best post.

Thanks for visiting and I hope that you didn't take offense to my comments.  I just want to express some frustrations and perhaps cause people to think about their perceptions.,  Happy day to you.

Missing Photographer

I am so sorry that I've disappeared during the past couple months.  We had such a busy holiday season that my photography activities were put on hold.  And then January blew past us so quickly as I worked to catch up on other projects.  Please forgive me.  Soon I will start posting new photos and articles to my blog.  I promise. :)

Sale for Black Friday Weekend

So many folks get excited at Thanksgiving because the day after is known as "Black Friday!"  On this day, our nation's retailers offer some very deep discounts in order to draw customers and create sales for the holiday season.  In recent years, the following Monday has become known as "Cyber Monday" where the online retailers offer in kind sales.  And then the tradition has grown where each weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas is decorated with deep discount promotions by retailers.  If you love the crowds, go out and shop for your bargain.  If you are like me, stay home and shop online... save gasoline, time, and the stress of battling folks in the malls.

This year, I will be offering some very deep discounts on my fine art photography which is offered online.  Everything you buy will be professionally printed with high quality inks on acid-free archival paper.  Paper selection is available from glossy to matte finish up to a 100% cotton museum grade.  All the mattes are acid-free as well and frames are custom built, according to your selection, to match the print/matte size.  With correct care, these pieces of art will last a lifetime and will add value to the decorum in your home or office.

Take a few minutes to shop where you'll find an assortment of different subjects, tones, and styles.  These will make great high quality gifts for yourself, family, or friends.  Depending on the print size, your discount will range about $12 to $165.  Choose from professional print, canvas, metal, or acrylic... there is a lot to offer.  If you choose to buy the 5x7 greeting cards, discounts will range from about $0.90 to $1.72 per card, depending on whether you buy a single card or a pack of 25.

Simply make your selections, then type in your promotion code to see your final price.  Additionally, your satisfaction is guaranteed as the work can be returned within 30 days if you are not satisfied or don't like it in print form.

You ready to shop?  CLICK HERE to get started.  Your promotion code will be: DFZKNZ

The sale begins on Friday, November 23rd and ends on Monday, November 26th at 11:59 pm.

Small Town Americana

Lately, I've stayed pretty busy with my "day" job and ongoing projects around the house. Unfortunately though, because of this, I've not had much time to pick up my camera and shoot.  Now last week, I did take a couple hours to travel to a nearby town and shoot the old train depot.  I've wanted to do that for awhile but, when the light was right, I was either busy or the weather wasn't friendly.  Let me share a couple shots that I got.  These are from Bristow, Oklahoma.  It's about 20 miles away and Bristow has a population of about 5000.  There are really cool old buildings there.

Old Train Depot at Bristow, Oklahoma

Vintage Sign from old Car Dealer

Vintage Blue

As you can see, the bottom image was processed a bit differently.  I really like the blue vintage look.  What do you think?  These and others are available at my Online Gallery where you can examine more closely and browse further.  All comments are welcome.

Asian Art

I was sitting here browsing some of the photos that I shot while in Japan a few years back when I came across three that really are dear to me.  I'd like to share those with you.

A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

 

 

 

Ladies in Kimono with Vintage Look

 

 

 

Torii at Miyajima

The image with the two Japanese ladies was shot in Kyoto and I find their beauty to be stunning.  I enhanced the photo to give it a vintage look which is perfect for a greeting card.

A-Bomb dome is world famous and to visit this place as well as the museum is a sobering experience.  I've been there twice and have been moved each time.

The torii is located at Miyajima Island which is near Hiroshima.  It has been said that this specific torii is the most photographed structure in Japan.  It is gorgeous!  I softened the focus slightly and blended the colors to give it the look of a painting.  Some may like that and some may not... but it suits me very well.

All comments are welcome.  You are welcome to view my online gallery by Clicking here.  A new window will open so you won't lose your spot on my blog.  Enjoy!

Toronto

Good morning!

I was browsing through some less recent photos and came across this image that I shot during a family vacation to Toronto.  It was taken from the observation platform of the CN Tower and shows an aerial view of the central business district with the shadow of the CN Tower.  Pretty cool, huh?

This post is really short but I wanted to share my find.  If you haven't visited Toronto, you really should.  It's a city with lots of diversity yet everyone seems to blend well.

Aerial view of Toronto CBD

You can visit my online gallery to view in more detail by clicking the link. My other work is also available for browsing and shopping while you're there.  Please be sure to leave comments and to share links in your social media network.  Many thanks!

Branson, Missouri, USA

A couple weeks back, my wife and I went to the resort area of Branson to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary.  It's such a beautiful area except for the gaudy billboards that litter the highways!  Still though, it was a fun weekend away where we enjoyed some really great food and professional shows.

When we go out to do touristy things, I seldom spend much time shooting serious photography but I did take my equipment along just in case.  Didn't have a chance to shoot a lot but did manage to capture a few images while my wife shopped in the "girly" stores. <LOL>  I hope you enjoy.

Five and Dime

Parasols m'Lady

 

Parasol Assortment

Showboat Branson Belle

Summer Fun

If you have not been to Branson, it's a beautiful community with so many nice people.  It's very family oriented, has lots of professional entertainment, and plenty of food to sample.  Click to visit my gallery where you can view these images in more detail.  I have a lot of work there for browsing and shopping.  Be sure to sign up for updates and to share my blog with others in your social networks.  Oh yeah... comments are definitely appreciated. :)