I Don't Only Take Pictures Of People

I've noticed lately that there are some photographers out there that only shoot people and people only. The reverse is true as well for product, landscape and so on. I took for granted the notion that once you posses the skills to photograph you can apply those skills elsewhere and be a stellar photographer in each and every single genre. I was under the impression that if you shoot people well then you can shoot anything and handle any assignment that would come your way. I have been affiliated with photography for over 15 years and I have always thought this until I asked a friend to see if he wanted to shoot product with me. He is an established wedding photographer who is very good at capturing that special moment but I felt as though I punched him in the face when I asked him to assist me with a product shoot. He simply didn't know how to shoot product. I then wondered if I knew any more like him. I found out that I know a relatively popular photographer who is known for shooting wildlife and landscape but really doesn't like to shoot people. When I saw his people shots I found out why. It was as if he was a point and shoot beginner it was so bad. His people shots were horrible!!! Yet he teaches photography, granted it's wildlife photography. You would think that the same principles apply to all sorts of photography and that all he would need to do is take what he does in wildlife and landscape and apply something similar with people. I now know of several wedding photographers who can't shoot product, flying birds, or even landscape if their life depended on it as well. It's strange to say the least. But if you think of it, just having a series 7 license in the securities industry doesn't necessarily qualify you to provide advice in the several genres associated with securities. You may specialize in equities but not in trading options. Apparently the same applies in photography. Although I have made it mandatory for myself to know and be able to shoot all aspects of photography, knowing the essentials of each genre and understanding how to utilize light for each specific situation within that genre....it's certainly very very very different from genre to genre.

To all my buddies out there with a camera...you'll make more money with it if you continue to learn about your industry.

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O'Neil Regional Park

I was out with Brooke and Skylar yesterday doing a little location scouting in South County. We ended up going to O'Neil Regional Park which is located 3 miles form Cook's Corner. Once you get to those parts it's like you're not in South County anymore. Anyone interested, just take El Toro Rd. to where it essentially ends (Cook's Corner ~ biker hangout). The park was pretty dry and the large flowing stream that centers the park wasn't evident at all. I still managed to get the girls doing some fun things though. Overall, it's a nice scenic area with some real cool backdrops. It may even be a better location when things are a bit greener.




















Funny story to the picture below. Skylar was kicking the leaves up and stomping on them. Unfortunately, one of her stomps found a hole underneath the leaves about 12 inches in diameter and pretty deep. Needless to say her entire left leg went into that hole and she fell to the ground. She got up quickly and was unhurt but her shoe came off and it appeared that it was somewhere deep in that hole. Instead of risking the loss of my hand, arm, or whatever to whatever was down there I just told her, "Don't worry honey, Daddy will get you a new pair." She didn't mind she was looking to find a way out of walking anyways.

The Warken Family

Eric, Christie, Brooke, and Jacob had a blast. The water was a bit on the cold side but it didn't stop us from taking great pictures. After 13 years of marriage Christie and Eric decided to take the family out for a shoot for the first time. It was a day that created wonderful memories for their future. I hope they look back at some of these images and reflect on how great of a family they have. Thanks guys, it was a pleasure!

Greatest Horse Ever!!!

I got a chance to see this old clip of Secretariat win the Triple Crown in 1973. The great Citation did it in 1948 and since then no horse had done it. Secretariat will always be remembered for his win in The Belmont. How could you ever forget it? Jack Nicklaus (the golfer) was quoted as saying that Secretariat's performance was the closest he has ever seen to perfection. I must have watched his Belmont performance hundreds of times and I still get goose bumps. It's insane.! I had to throw this up on the blog!!!