New York New York

This was our first time going out of the port of New York with our cruise line. As we started to head out to sea, I was admiring the architect around us, and yes, the camera was in hand.

One of the nice things with large cities is the time taken with the architect—seeing all the different lines and how they react to the other structures around them.

As our ship kept moving, I kept looking at what I felt were opportunities for a photo. Yes, even the landmarks that we all know.

Such a great city to see. I could not help thinking that possibly my ancestors came across this waterway at one time.

Good Morning Cincinnati, Ohio

Good morning Cincinnati! Last week I needed to go to 3 large cities in three days. Usually, I always carry my Canon equipment with me, but I have been playing more and more with my iPhone, and this is the case again. While I say this, if I am on a professional job, I can do more and better with my Canon equipment.( at least at this time)

Cincinnati,Ohio

As much time I practice my photography, I also do this in my post processing. I have been recently going thru some classes with Ricord learning true compositing. I say true because I want to make it seem like it was there. Some call this not natural photography. I call it art and, yes, photography. Just about every picture is corrected one way or another that you see on the web, in magazines, and so on. The cameras do have their limitation.

I looked at this photo from my hotel room. Out came my iPhone, and I made about four shots and looked at which one was best as far as focus. The original sky was nothing to write home about, so you got it; the sky was replaced with a sky I wanted and made it feel like a sunrise. But, most importantly, for me, a picture I like.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

It's been two years since Lisa and I have been able to go to this German-like city in Michigan. Frankenmuth, Michigan, which is about 2 hours north of Toledo. You feel the Christmas spirit almost immediately when you get into the city. The looks and sound of Christmas. Our day started by going to the Frankenmuth Brewery for lunch. Next was time to go shopping. No, not me. I have a camera and looking for pictures to take and visit with some of the people. Speaking of people, it's lovely to talk to so many friendly people. After walking all day. Time to get ready for dinner. We went to The Station 100. A European-style menu. It was so lovely to feel that I was in Europe again for a short time. The owner was so friendly, and it was so relaxing.

Downtown Frankenmuth, Michigan

After dinner, it was time for another walk, and how could you walk by the Frankenmuth Fudge Factory and purchase any. Yep, you guessed it. Had to. I never saw so many choices when it came to fudge. Like Sugar cookie. (By the way, it was good)

The Frankenmuth Fudge Factory.

With our continued evening walk, it was time to have a nightcap, and with that, it was time to talk with others again, and we spoke with a young couple from the Toledo area. What a great day. The next day was what I had been waiting for. It's been 2 years, but it never disappoints me, and that is Zehnders. I love the looks of the indoor of this restaurant. It looks like something from Hallmark.

Zehnders in Frankenmuth,Michigan.

The food is family-style and likes the Thanksgiving feast, but it's chicken. The hardest part is after eating, and all good things must end and time to leave. But before leaving, we need to make one more stop. Yep, time for Bonner's, the largest Christmas wonderland. You want something for Christmas; this place has it. For us, it's been a tradition for us to get Christmas balls for our Grand Daughters.

The Christmas spirit is in us what a small little city can do to people. For me, this is what I remember when I was young. Friendly people and we once again could talk again. Food out of this world and what the Holidays are all about.

High School Senior Session in Bryan, Ohio

Another fall and another Senior High School Session. Senior sessions are a lot different than my days. Not as many anymore and mostly our door. Not as many may be that everyone today is a photographer.

For me, I like doing environmental pictures. We lucked out this day because the weather was warm, and we did have a light breeze to deal with. Our goal was this senior wanted nothing to do with Bryan sights but wanted to deal with something different and towards the glamour side. With this in mind, we went out and started shooting. I used at times flash and, at times, just sunlight to my advantage. She did want a studio-type picture, and we took a close doorway for that.

This day was fun, and I came up with some good ideas with posing and locations. All pictures were done in less than a 100-yard area. As I said numerous times, first for me is the light, then do I need to make light? Next, make the picture that I am thinking. Environmental is fun and challenging with the elements. But it fits my style. I am a photojournalist and like natural-looking photos. I am not a person who likes the so-called Instagram looks. I feel my style is good today and will be for years to come. Thanks, Katie, for your trust in me, and hopefully, we accomplish what you were looking for.

Playing with Light

Last week I talked about playing with constant light. Today I am going to continue talking about light and not flash. We were in Chicago and had the opportunity to work with some models and develop our skills using constant light. For me, I wanted to experiment with my 50mm 1.2 lens and using 1.2. I was also using a Kelvin setting of 3600. Kelvin is color. Using a block with a mixture of light, we sat the model down, and I wanted her head to lean towards the light. After watching her for a while, I needed more light. With that said, I brought an Icelight with me. This is a constant light made by Westcott because I was using Kelvin 3800 and counter my main light with an orange gel on it.

Icelight with a orange gel for more light to the face

Now time for the pictures. I had my assistant and had them bring the light in as close as possible but still have it out of my picture.

The Final

I have always wanted to take pictures like these. Living in a small town, and they don’t have the constant light you see in the bigger cities. That does not mean you can’t do it, and it was just not what I wanted. I am glad I brought the Icelight with me; we found later that no flash was allowed in this area without a permit. I have used the ice light before at a wedding and for some product shoots but never for an event like this. I enjoyed the practice I had that night and the pictures that came about. Making it look natural for me is what I like.