The Sky is the Limit!

FRESH AIR - BLUE SKIES - RAIN - RAINBOWS. HOPES -DREAMS - DESIRES - GOALS. NO OPPORTUNITY WASTED - RISK - FULFILLMENT. These are just a few of the experiences that have occurred with the studio and me, both personally and professionally. Although a long time between writings, this year has been filled with growth and chances and successes. The new studio is beginning to come together and it gets more encouraging by the day to hear the excitement others have for the new studio and its potential. I have grown personally for a multitude of reasons which makes it exciting to wake up in the morning, breathing fresh air, listening to the rain or taking in a crisp blue sky, knowing I'm alive and ready for living! I truly wish the same for those reading this. About the image: This was a composite of images I took outside of my current studio one fall afternoon. It was amazing but fleeting, relegating itself to becoming a brief memory, lasting only a few minutes. How grand and blessed to have experienced it! Carpe Diem!

Self Portrait: Split Lighting

In an effort to continually build and define and refine my photographic skills, I joined a photography class at Joliet Junior College several weeks back. Last week my instructor Gene Alvear, a talented professional photographer himself, provided the class with the weekly assignment: Produce an image with some form of portrait lighting. As I reflected on the lighting styles, Rembrandt, loop or butterfly, paramount and split lighting were among my choices. I had to choose just one. In my business and in my studio, I find myself most often using Rembrandt or loop lighting. This assignment called for something different. I decided to give split lighting a try. Now for a subject: Several photographer friends of mine shouted "selfie, selfie". Ok, I decided to give it a whirl. Now for a theme: I thought about it and the black/white images of Irving Penn came to mind. The self portrait would be created as a black and white image. Now for the inspiration: I immediately thought of my brother-in-law's who is scheduled to visit town soon and his awesome shoulder tattoo. It is an image of a smiley face as one half and a skull on the other. Perfect...split lighting, black and white image, utilizing a black and white shirt for greater contrast and statement. Add a bit of compositional design and here is what I came up with. For those that might ask...one photograph, multiple lighting techniques and gobo's, minimal post production...set-up to finished product...about 1.5 hours. Enjoy. Carpe diem!

Chicagoland Professional Photographer's Association

Recently I was honored for my 4th term as the group's President. It was quite truly a surprise. From early on was taught that it is common practice to give back. The whole "pay it forward" adage seems to always fit. And working in the photography group just seemed to be one of those situations. I have enjoyed learning and talking to others and will be forever grateful for the recognition I have been given. At times a labor of love but always something that paid me back ten fold to what I put into it.