A Little Sunshine for the Eye Guy

I made this last night. Matt Hammond is a terrific doctor. You've probably seen his ads in the HomeTown Values Magazine each month: he's the Eye Guy. And he's really a terrific fellow; I love working for him and his family. 

Nikon D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens @

Last night we made some new head shots for Dr. Hammond, and as well as senior pictures for his son (those to come). I just couldn't pass up this picture, though, as he held his littlest girl in his arm.

These are some you may have seen in the HTV Mag. We made these last Summer. Let me tell you: Dr. Hammond's family is great to work with...but Big Blue is a riot!

Nikon D800, 28-300mm VR lens @250mm, f/8, 1/250s, ISO 100.

Nikon D800, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @62mm, f/9, 1/160s, ISO 100.

Nikon D800, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @250mm, f/9, 1/160s, ISO 100.

Nikon D800, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @96mm, f/9, 1/160s, ISO 100.

Back Again

M. came to model for my class again last night, and, as expected, we had a great time making pictures with her.

This was my portraiture class that's happening this term. We are only making people pictures, and we're having a great time of it.

Nikon D800, 105mm f/2.8 Micro lens, f/4, 1/400s, ISO 400.

During classes we shoot with continuous lights that allow us all to shoot at the same time without worrying about recycle times on flashes or triggers. This has a big 40x40 softbox on the left, and another high and behind on the right, and an 8x8 v-flat made of home insulation panels on the right bringing a little light to the dark side of M.'s face. We've got a bit of a loop lighting pattern on her face, and a great expression. Can't wait to have M. back again.

Ivan

Nikon D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens @155mm, f/2.8, 1/200s, ISO 800.

Ivan is one of a hundred terrific new friends I made this week at the newly established TAP! conference this week. We came together to make great content available in great packages--things like books and apps and blogs. I've learned loads, and I can't wait to get some projects finished off using my new tools. Ivan was good enough to let me make some pictures of him to use to create an app...it's in the works...I'll let you know when I've got some things ready to share with you. In the meantime, you should join me at the next TAP! conference in April.

Twinkle Toes

This is A., and she was a riot to make pictures with. She's one of those kids who you can tell is really smart...and you kinda feel like she's pulling one over on you. She's got expressions and quirky ideas. 

And of course, she dances. I love when kids dance. Invariably they will smile a lot, and they will definitely spin around and get dizzy then fall over in a heap of laughs. I usually do these things with them. Mom's think I do it to make kids smile; little do they know I do it to make me smile!

Nikon D800, 105mm f/2.8 VR lens, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 100.

Miss Cache Valley

Nikon D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens @200mm, f/4.5, 1./200s, ISO 100.

2012's Miss Cache Valley is a gem. She's working hard to help young people realize a healthy lifestyle,  a healthy body image, and strong self esteem. You can come see her dancing to raise money for the American Cancer Society at the Dancing with the Stars event on January 30th. Actually, she's my competition in the event! (you can donate and support my team by clicking here). 

Open Lab

For the last three years, my Wednesday nights have been booked. That's the night we hold Open Lab at my studio for the Cache Valley Photographers SMUG.

See, I have a degree in Geology, and the best learning in my university experience happened during open lab hours when my classmates and I could go into the lab and handle the rocks and scratch them and lick them and drop acid (on the rocks!). We'd spend hours there testing each other, and studying the characteristics of minerals and fossils. It was wonderful. When there was a test, those of us who came to help each other always did well. The most important thing I learned in college was that collaborating with my peers always leads to the best result. Always. 

That's why I not only don't mind sharing everything I think I know with other photographers, I actually seek opportunities to do it. When I share I reconfirm my own knowledge and learn different ideas from feedback. It's just terrific. It's just the best way to learn.

So each Wednesday photogs of all levels and bents come over and hang out and talk photography and practice different techniques or handle different gear or get assistance with photoshop skills or just sit and absorb. It's always an educational time, and I always learn loads.

And last night was no different. I've been wanting to practice a with my Beauty Dish a bit, and we took turns last night being lit. I appreciate B. and J. letting me make a picture with them. I think these are my favorite portraits of the year! ;)

Nikon D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens @ 185mm, f/4, 1/160s, ISO 200.

Nikon D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII lens @ 112mm, f/5.6, 1/160s, ISO 200.