Clowning Around

Part of getting good pictures is finding good subjects. People with interesting stories or unique lives tend to be great subjects, as was the case with Kenny Petet last month. While in college for a business degree he found himself in the rodeo arena and loving it. The rest is history. Now Kenny works as a bullfighter, rodeo clown and entertainer with his company at www.westernentertainment.org.

I set up before Kenny arrived with both white and black backgrounds, one large and one small softboxes, one light with a grid and another in a straight reflector.

I liked the look with the big softbox close in front and gridded light opposite behind to define the hat.


Same setup, looking into the camera ... my favorite of the shoot.


Then it was time to get out the makeup and bull barrel...


I cannot imagine trying to get into one of these things with a bull charging at it. Apparently if you don't get in all of the way, it can be very bad news. Like break you in half bad news.

The barrel was covered with metallic duct tape... kind of distracting with the lights, and we did not have time to finesse the light so much...








And this was probably my favorite with the 'uniform' on..

Is it December already? Why yes...

Please feel free to come by my new blog about becoming a dad over at www.learntodad.blogspot.com ... baby is due in April and I have a lot to learn!

Don J.

Quick Pic - Shadows and such

Shadows and silhouettes are fun because they always draw the eye for a split second. There is something about human form that already grabs us, then when we can't readily see detail, we look a bit longer.

Of course, I'm still playing with perspectives and this one is fun for that.

The right way looks more like this... and hurts my head less.

Hometown photo spot-Fall color in the cemetery

With the oaks, maples and crape myrtles (and trees with names I don't know) turning all sorts of fall colors, it is hard not to want to get some pictures.

A normal place to check out would be the local park, which is great, but you may also want to check the oldest cemeteries in your area. They are usually peaceful and quiet, well-kept, and a photo with a headstone is generally more interesting than one without (even a poorly composed photo as below).

Some things to think about...

Look for contrast. Find a spot where you can photograph some brightly lit leaves against a dark, shady background. This will make the colors pop and keep the viewer's eye on the pretty parts...




Also, contrasting colors work great. Find a spot where the color of one tree contrasts the one in the background...


Go on a blue-sky day and the background takes care of itself...


Finally... these photos are from a five-minute drive through the Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell. It would be much better to park the car and walk around. You will no doubt find some great detail shots of leaves on memorial markers, interesting tomb stones or color combinations that you would miss from the road.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Don J.

Quick Pic - Perspective

In life, as in photography, sometimes it works wonders to take a step back and change your perspective a little bit.

Don J.

KCHC Christmas Card Fundraiser

These are the card choices for Sunday's Kaufman Christian Help Center Christmas Card Fundraiser...

If you are available from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 7), come get some cards made.. the sitting fee is only $15, all of which is going to KCHC.

Call the Help Center for a time slot... (972)932-8866 or stop by and we will make it happen.

Yes, I reused some photos from the FBC directory to make the demos, thanks friends.