Scenes from the Beach

The allure of the beach.

Enjoying the warmth of the sun, the playful waves, soft sand, and the beauty of the sunset.

To be a part of the experience also evokes the need to have a camera available and ready to shoot.

This evening, I had two willing and very good looking “models” to play in the surf and sand at the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel.

We recorded the transition of light that takes place during the setting sun.

The “Golden Hour” of Photography has always been known for the beautiful light that is created at sunrise and sunset.

The sunlight during this time, creates soft warm colors and romantic hues.

To capture the feel of walking on an isolated beach during peak vacation season, creative cropping and tools from Photoshop assist with the illusion.

The most important part of shooting on the beach is to have fun!

You can’t help but smile and laugh at the unexpected waves crashing against your legs.

Or the spontaneous moments that just happen!



Beauty Inside and Out

I really enjoy all my family portrait sessions, but when it's like getting together with a group of close friends, it seems to make the time go so fast.

Everyone appears more at ease, there is a lot of catching up in between shots, and it's just a fun time for me!

I'm also amazed that one family can have such beauty inside and out.

The interaction between everyone is relaxed, but with some lively energy thrown in.

Because I wanted to capture the unique appeal of everyone, I decided to set up a fake studio outside by the lake - complete with backdrop and off camera lighting.

This way I was able to have some 'one on one' time with each member of the family. Letting them have their moment to shine.

And shine they did!

Of course we needed to add in a dose of silliness, play acting, and good ol' horsing around.

Thank you once again for letting me capture these timeless, memories of your beautiful family.

Sometimes it's not the process of taking photographs that's important during a session like this, but the experience you come away with!

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Small Works

This weekend kicks off the opening of the Small Works Exhibition at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council.

The Arts and Heritage council is a private, non-profit agency fostering and promoting the artistic and cultural vitality of Sussex County.

This, members only, show's opening reception is this Saturday May 15, 4-6pm and runs through June 5th.

Small works are limited in size to 12"x12" including frame.
Included in the exhibit are two pieces by me titled Divine Intervention.

As with all my work, I love the story behind the images that I create. These images were captured during my recent unexpected delay in Manchester England due to the eruption of the volcano - Eyjafjallajokull - in Iceland.

I was not upset so much because of the delay, but because I was without my camera on this trip now that I could get out and do some sightseeing!
Well, I wasn't totally without a camera.
I guess I still had my Iphone camera that I could use to record my adventures.
But, it wasn't going to be the same quality of images I am use to getting as a photographer.
Or was it????

My first day of cancelations took me to the quaint walled city of York.
It was beautiful and picturesque.
So, out came the Iphone and Istarted recording. After reviewing the images, I was really impressed by the quality this little machine was able to get.
So, I continued and started to get creative.

My Divine Intervention series is a result of the Iphone technology and some artistic rendering through photoshop.

I love the feeling and mood that is evoke through these two images taken at a church I stumbled upon in York.
I particularly like the light that was emitted during my visit.
A light beam filtered through the buildings as I walked through an ancient graveyard.
And the soft light coming through a church window illuminating a small desk used for prayer.

Sometimes when you are given lemons in life, the lemonade is soooo delicious!

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Spring Fest

Spring is well underway, with even hints of summer temperatures thrown in.

While the transformation is taking place, it always fascinates me that something so dead and lifeless really does have growth and energy inside!

What also strikes me this time of year, is the explosion of Yellow!

Witnessing the budding daffodils, and the vibrant display of the forsythia bush.

It's a welcome change from the brown unadorned trees, grey skies and dull grasses to the glowing sun and golden buds.

It is also the time of year that the gold finches dress up in their brightest plumage to show off for and get the attention of the nearest ladies.

Soon the yellows will have to share the stage with the other glorious spectrum of colors working their way onto the canvas.

Allowing the pinks and purples - white blooms and deep ruby petals to also shine in the limelight.

But I will always give thanks and appreciation to the yellows as being the pioneers of Spring!




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Trash the Dress - In the Snow!

The concept of "trash - the - dress" is about having a fun photo session in your wedding dress (prom dress, or any dressed up attire), in locations that are in complete contrast to your formal dress.

Many of these shoots do not necessarily "trash the dress", as in my latest shoot in the snow.

I've been looking forward to a good snow storm so I could have this opportunity - but I wasn't counting on the bitter cold that came with it!

Waking up the day of the shoot, it was single digits outside. I prepared myself for a very frigid experience. (I hope my model was prepared and still willing.)

My ideal location was now inaccessible by car because of the snow.

In order to get there we would have to walk 10 minutes and be without shelter during the session. I felt we needed to be somewhere that allowed us a place to warm up in between takes.

My model did prepare herself with "long johns", heavy socks, and Uggs. It was her upper body and arms that would be exposed to the 20 degree temps. and bitter wind chill.

I was bundled up (sans gloves), so I could easily work the camera controls.

Each session latest approximately 15 - 20 minutes. I didn't want my model transforming into a human block of ice mid shot! Before this occurred, we took frequent breaks to go inside and warm up. (I also needed to take care of my camera and lenses being exposed to these extreme temperatures).

So with the scene set and the conditions so accurately described, can you sense any discomfort in my "bride"? I must say, what makes a great model is masking any outside factors that might adversely effect the shoot. Staying in character, having fun, and enjoying yourself in front of the camera. I couldn't have asked for a better collaborator!

Have you ever thought about spending another day in your wedding dress, or even your prom dress? Letting your guard down and totally enjoying a fun carefree unique session? The possibilities are endless.

Trash the dress in the snow?......................Why Not?

Unexpected Moments

Much of my photography revolves around careful planning, methodical preparation, detailed set-up and of course the unexpected moments.

Many of these moments often lead to the immediate fate of the delete button.
But, some can add interest to the photography session.

I often work with animals - and like they say with animals and children, you can expect the unexpected.

That can be part of the challenge - and it can lead to some very interesting and spontaneous moments.

Our lives (at times) appear to be controlable.
We carefully plan and systematically arrange details to acheive our desired well prepared results.

But why not welcome the unplanned and sometimes encourage it......

It may be that added spice that's missing from the carefully thought out recipe.

Embrace the unexpected!