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.

A Day with Dad

Veteran's Day...a day of remembrance that I feel many of us take for granted. Do we understand what it represents? Do we have an emotional connection to its meaning? Or is it just another day off for some of us? I had the honor and privilege of assisting the American Legion Post 111 of Orland Park yesterday in a presentation to local school children. The Legion members presented an honor guard with a 21 gun salute to all those that are currently serving and those that have served in the United States Military. Outside of the fact that the men of old were being saluted by the men of new, it was heart stopping to see active military personnel singing "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood as the presentation came to a conclusion. And to make this experience special, I was able to share my time along side my Father. He takes pride in what he does and always gives that extra effort to reach out to others. Here is my Dad and I before the ceremony. Photo taken by my good friend and photographer Mary...Thanks for the lasting memory this photograph will have for me! Carpe diem.

What We See

I had a meeting with a business colleague today. We talked about a variety of things but one statement he made resonated strongly. It all began with this question: "What is the first utensil you use when you go to a restaurant?" Stumbling cautiously I answered "a fork". He corrected me and said, " Actually, isn't it your eyes?" And with that he got me to ponder the idea that most of what we do each day begins with what we see. It made me think that this very statement is what helps to give value to photography. Photography begins with what we see. It begins the journey into the emotion, the impact, the creativity, the style in which the photographer viewed as he or she pressed the shutter. It then crosses borders and begins to impact the person viewing the work. Each and every person viewing a photograph has their own experience. Hopefully you will enjoy the preceding images. Shown are a few images taken of Dalena, a model from the Chicago area. Thanks to her for the idea of taking some photographs downtown. Carpe diem!

Newest Pumpkin

This little pumpkin graced my camera just the other day. Waving as I arrived to meet her for the first time, this one year old found it fascinating to touch leaves and play in the autumn grass. I believe she also enjoyed the direct attention of mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, as well as me, the photographer. It is always so rewarding to experience and embrace the love families share with one another, especially when centered around a new member of the family. For me it is one of the core reasons I love being a family and portrait photographer. Thanks for a great afternoon "Pumpkin"! Carpe diem.

We Dare Not Forget

Feeling energized today with the studio and the potential future of the studio, I found myself wanting to learn something new. As the work developed, I found myself feeling more and more patriotic. For all the problems our country struggles with there are infinitely more successes and consummate dreams that have been fulfilled or surpassed. How is it that we focus on the negative and not the positive? Here is my "thumbs up" to the American Dream and our American Life...Carpe diem!