Monday photo roundup

I have great anticipation for the days ahead when Joshua (above, now 15 months old) is able to join me for some photo shoots.  This story, however, breaks my heart...  4 year old dies helping dad take photos.

That story also reminded me of this one.. where a photographer fell to his death while getting to a unique shooting spot here in Dallas.  Sometimes the camera can really make you blind to your surroundings, or cause unsafe decision-making just to get the shot.

Photographer and author David Duchemin survived a 30' fall which he talks about here...
His books are inspiring by the way. Within the Frame is as much a book about seeing the world in photographic terms as it is about taking pictures..


My birthday is right around the corner... any of Duchemin's other books would be just fine, thank you! David Duchemin on Amazon

 Finally, on a more upbeat note... how about doing some really fun photos with your kids instead of just snapshots?  Here is some inspiration for you.

Quick Pic - Screen TIme

Look for a feature on this young man in Sunday's Tribune...   He got screen time in several scenes of The Amazing Spider-man as an extra.

Lighting was an Elinchrom 500bxri full power with a grid about 20' out in front to create the shadow, and two lights in softboxes to fill in a bit.

Fireworks ... how'd that work out for you?

How did fireworks photos work out for you this year?  I did OK, I think, at least for the newspaper.

I am thinking for next year it would be fun to shoot a senior portrait or engaged couple with fireworks going in the background.  Any willing subjects out there?

OK..
My fave was this.. fireworks look like a heart behind a couple watching...

I started with the 70-200 to try to bring the fireworks a little bit closer, but I was in a bad spot to put anything in the foreground..

I tried to get some subjects sitting on the ground, but letting in enough light for that overexposed the fireworks..



Red, White and Blue


A little further back from the foot bridge in the park...

I hope yours were even better. Have a great end of the week, Don J.

Independence Day

Here is a quick video montage from last year in Terrell...


Happy 4th of July, Independence Day and the 'birthday' of the United States.

Our revolution received a lot of help from France and others, which should give us a little bit of perspective on the help that we give to other countries who are struggling for freedom from tyrannical governments.

Don't forget that we have a whole lot of young men and women fighting today.

Have fun and be careful, Y'all.

Looking forward to August

Curious about camera lenses?  Here is a VERY thorough discussion of everything lens related.

Feel like wedding photography is too expensive?  Here is a pretty well thought-out photog viewpoint on that.  It may seem a little bit defensive, but the point is valid ... as with most things, you get what you pay for.

I would like to interview and feature some local photogs on the blog.  Is there anyone in the Dallas and east Texas area you would like to know more about?

Looking for gifts for a shutterbug?  You must visit Photojojo.

Microscopic photo contest winners on Big Picture are intriguing.

Finally ... now is the time to start booking photo sessions for August and September!

Have a great week, y'all.