Frosting? What Frosting?

A Little Copper Glow Treatment

OK, Just Plain Cool! In a Photo Geek Sort Of Way

Cover creation from Peter Belanger on Vimeo.

On the Willamette

Just the Baby BUMP!

Givimg Props To The Good Cops

Lord knows that I have had my share of run ins with police officers, security guards, and other quasi authoritative figures that have not gone well. Generally because they don't understand what the laws on the books actually say about photography. I have been quick to call them out on their collective ignorance of the law and constitutional ignorance, but now I have the good fortune to come across this piece and the professional police officers who handled it.

It seems that the guy working on the red light camera system did not want to have his photo taken and when the photographer refused to stop shooting, he called the cops. Generally this is where things can go south for a photographer, but in this case the police explained that the photographer had every right to photography whatever he wanted in a public space.

Full Story

Simple Single Strobe Shot

Off Topic - Health Care

I had just had to post this small exchange between Congressman Barny Frank and a Lyndon LaRouche supporter at a recent town hall meeting. As a small business owner health care is an issue that interests me a great deal, as does potential increases in taxes on my business to finance it.

What saddens me is that this is what passes for political discourse these days. The woman gets up and asks a meaningless question "why do you support this Nazi policy". Nazi policy? Really? You have an opportunity to ask a meaningful question, and that's all you can come up with. Here is a suggestion: why not ask what the potential tax implications are for you, or your business? Or ask: what mechanism will be used to reimburse physicians for their services? There are meaningful and significant questions that need answered, but a Nazi reference and a picture of the President with a "Hitler" mustache is the best she could offer!

I found the response interesting. Instead of having the police remove the lady and abridge her first amendment rights, he chooses to respond with a little humor. Couched in his response was the most significant point of the entire exchange, and the saddest. The political polarisation is such that a meaningful discussion of important issues nearly impossible.

Boo-boo Lip

Guitar Guy

Photoshop Tutorial Video

A Little Photoshop Tutorial

Hit the jump for the tutorial:

Jump to full tutorial

Advice For Boys Senior Portrait Session

Colors:
Solid colors photograph best. Solid white or light pastels for a high key portrait and solid black for a black on black look great. Earth tones are perfect for outdoor portraits. Avoid large prints, stripes, plaids and patterns as they distract from your face. Shirts with logo’s or text are also distracting. Bring a variety of colors too.

Outfits:
Bring a selection of formal and casual outfits for a variety of looks. Keep in mind that we will be doing some full-length shots, so consider shoes and socks when putting your outfits together. Remember that some outfits that look cool today are going to look dated tomorrow, so bring some classic styles as well as trendy ones. Bring a few that your mom likes as well as your favorite outfit

You can bring as many outfits as you want and we will suggest the ones which will photograph the best. Please group the outfits you are going to wear together on hangers. Make sure they are properly pressed as wrinkled garments do not photograph well and are not retouchable. Outfits shoved into a bag generally do not come out looking as good.

Sports uniforms and letterman’s jackets are also great choices to highlight your activities. Be sure to bring along any props that go with your outfit.

Remember to bring black or dark tshirts to wear under dark shirts, white or light to wear under light shirts.

Hair:
Avoid a new cut, style or color right before your portrait. Make sure to have a clean shave before you arrive. Stubble is very difficult to retouch and does not look as good as a clean shave.

Props:
You can bring whatever props you would like to include in your portraits. These include things like a car or motorcycle, sports equipment, instruments, skis, trophies, or theatrical costumes. You can also bring a friend along to include in several shots. Pets are welcome too, so long as they are housetrained if they are going to be in the studio. Having another person along to care for the pet when they are not in pictures is an absolute must. Bringing a carrier for small pets is recommended.

Bringing Your Ideas:
If you have seen poses or shots that you really like, bring them along. These can be shots that you have seen of other seniors that you know, on websites, or even in magazines. You can always email ahead of time any websites that contain poses or looks that you like and we will work to recreate the look for you.

Retouching:
Normal retouching is included with all your finished portraits so don’t worry if you have a breakout before your session.

Most tattoos can be removed from your pictures. Please tell us if you want your tattoos retouched or not.

Sunburn and tan lines do not look good in portraits and are extremely difficult to retouch. Just be careful of your sun exposure and tanning in the weeks before your portrait.

Arriving for your portrait:
Our studio works by appointment only. We allow up to 2 hours for your senior portrait so you have our entire attention for you scheduled time. Please plan to arrive no more than 10 minutes early for your portrait. A very early arrival may overlap with a previous client leaving or we may be returning from a location shoot and not at the studio to receive you. A late arrival will shorten your shoot and you may not get as many outfits or clothing changes as usual. Keep in mind that while you can do as many outfit changes as you wish, taking a long time to change clothing and/or hairstyles will cut down on your shooting time.

Viewing and ordering your portraits:
Your portraits will be ready for viewing in 2-3 weeks, or sooner if we are close to your yearbook deadline. We post your portraits to our online gallery. You can review them and place your order online or directly with the studio depending on the package you choose. High quality digital files are also available, as are DVD slide shows

Selective Color

Comparing "Bumps": I Think She Wins!

A Shot From The Hope Abbey Project

Marlboro Marine

Outstanding piece of photojournalism by Media Storm. Click on the picture to see the amazing multi media presentation.

Check Out Our Studio Website Updates

Check out the gallery updates on our website.

C2 Photography

After Capture

This is a great site for anyone interested in looking at digital work flow and creative use of Photoshop and Lightroom. www.aftercapture.com

Senior Time