Lakes Park – Life, Love & Passion Through the Lens

Randomness

Do you ever have one of those “random” days? You know when you are on a mission, but there aren’t any real plans, and you just do whatever pops in front of you. I sometimes find myself in total randomness, whether it’s my photography or my writing, I can’t seem to pull anything together and what I shoot and what I write is all over the place. When I have these types of days I just tend to go with it, I don’t try to make something out of chaos, but instead I enjoy the fact that I am doing what I truly love.

Here’s an example of one of my typical journeys in photography. I prepare my gear by cleaning it, making sure I have everything I need, decide what lenses I will want to use to shoot with. Decide if I am going all black & white or mix it up, do I want to shoot with wide angle or am I looking for things that will require a longer lens? And finally what am I going to be shooting? Most days when I have no plans or formal sessions I simply head to a park or someplace I know I can find wildlife. Again it’s somewhat planned out and I hop in my car and drive. But then there are days when I grab my bag and head to the beach or park without any clear plans of what I want to do. I am pointing my camera in many different directions and embrace the randomness. This type of photography clears my mind and helps me to focus on what’s before me, such as a portrait, concert or some large event. I often do this sort of shooting after long, difficult, and tiring events such as weddings or festival type concerts. I love shooting them, but my need for being outdoors and simply shooting what’s in front of me has this way of totally revitalizing my mind and body and prepares me mentally for the work that comes after a large event. This was my Sunday, I went to a park and then to the beach. I knew I wanted to try a new technique (to me) using my 50mm inverted for macro and I wanted to achieve a dramatic fine art feel to my captures. Arriving at the beach I knew I wanted to shoot wide and in black & white; the images were stunning.

As for my writing some if is never seen because it’s simply rambling and I journal it for my own pleasure; I normally attack my writing the same way I do planned events, with preparation and a clear message. Many times I will even record my adventure outdoors and simply transcribe it into my blog, but more often an idea will pop into my head and I begin to write.

I know this weekend coming up is going to be incredibly busy with two large concerts, photo sessions and blogging, but come Monday I will spend the day being totally random, no set plan, just me and my camera out finding whatever jumps in front of my lens. Just be prepared for my randomness…

Wind of Change

Personal, Photography Meanderings

Wind of Change

With all the controversy going on within social media lately it’s wonderful to be able to remove myself from it, even if for a short while and get out and shoot for myself. I did this yesterday at the park; the flowers were incredible.

This week I was asked to assist on a model shoot, no camera in hand, but I learned so much about off camera lighting using Speedlites and modifiers. It was fun to see someone work in high fashion and to be an integral part of it. I want to go out now and play using my two Canon Speedlites off camera. It was a wonderful learning experience and the photographer I worked with was incredible. I am really blessed in this area; I have gotten to know some incredible photographers, who know how to use their camera to create the look they are wanting. Sometimes I feel like a sponge soaking in knowledge that is making me better and more creative.

I am pleased with where I am in life, there is nothing I can’t accomplish and I will continue to grow and move forward. I am working more on marketing myself and getting my name “out there”. I have had a few set-backs, but nothing that I could not handle. I have realized that what I have to offer is of value and not everyone will see it and I’m perfectly Okay with that because I understand my style and price may not be for everyone; I’m not the most expensive photographer out there, but I’m not the cheapest either, and I’m fine with someone telling me I am too expensive, because I know I am not the photographer for them and sometimes you get what you pay for (or don’t pay for). However, the hurdle I have to overcome is when a potential client spreads the rumor that I am too expensive; how would they know what my value is to someone else? I am confident in my skills and those of my second shooter. These are simply character builders and it allows me to provide services to the type of clients I am looking for; those who value the meaning of their photographs whether it’s portraits, commercial or even weddings. I will never compromise or devalue myself just to score the job, it’s not fair to myself or to my potential clients.

Life is definitely working in my favor and I am meeting great people every single day. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. I get to do what I love and share it with others.

On another sad note, the music world lost an incredible bassist. Chris Squires from YES passed away yesterday from cancer. My thoughts go out to this band and the members. I was fortunate enough to photograph Chris and YES last year in St. Petersburg, FL. RIP Chris Squires you will surely be missed.

Inspiration in Black & White

Nature, Photography Meanderings

There are times when I feel I need some sort of inspiration to keep my creativity up. I love going to the local park and walking through the wonderful fragrance gardens, but I end up getting the same photos over and over; boring! So today I decided to set my camera on monochrome and shoot away. Normally if I want something in black & white I simply turn it in post production. Doing it in camera is a bit tricky and not as easy, because the lighting and contrast have to be almost perfect for it to work. I also worked on angles. Not the hold the camera up and shoot sort of photos, but getting down on my knees, laying on my back in the grass and pulling out some really creative images. When I work this way, it opens my vision to angles and things I normally may not see. My beginnings as a photographer was in black & white, my father whom I’ve mentioned was a black & white photographer and I loved those images and still have many of them today. I want to get back to my photographic roots and take more in that medium. It’s good to work differently, and it’s good to stretch your creative imagination, so go out and enjoy your camera and open up your mind to doing something different.

Waterfall Pond

Perspective

Buildings

Rose Garden

Jack in the Pulpit

Lily

Dragonfly

Reflection

A Step Back in Time

Photography Meanderings

This weekend I was able to attend the Riverdale Kiwanis Medieval Faire held annually at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, Florida.

What a wonderful fun event for the entire family. Lots of fun shows to watch that will keep even your littlest trolls engaged. From a live chess match to the traditional jousting and minstrel shows.

One of my all time favorites is the Barely Balanced troupe. These three friends will make even the most cold hearted pirate laugh. With Large (Jimmy) Medium (Cameron) and Small (Margret) performing feats of strength, agility and balance. If you can stay late make sure you check out their fire show.

Next I must get my Craic fix. This high energy Celtic ensemble drums, pipes and fiddles your cares away. Another must see show.

Another fun show worthy of mention is the Washer Women, the best dirty, clean fun you can have.

The Faire will be happening once again this coming weekend January 18 & 19, 2014. Get there early and plan to stay late, lots of great food, (including those smoked turkey legs), grog, including beer, wine & mead, vendors who sell every type of medieval garb and shiny objects possible and a lot more shows and games and Medieval rides for all ages.

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