12-02-09 Look At Me: Gabrielle and Friend

There is a principle in portrait photography that says that the subject should be the center of attention. So how do you photograph a portrait with a horse? It's not easy. But I'll let you in on a secret: there is a psychological principle that says that the eye will go to the brightest part of a photo first, and then wander to other places. So, to be sure that you looked at Gabrielle first, I made her the brightest part of the photo by asking her to wear white.

I used a Canon Speedlight on a stand shooting through a white umbrella to fill shadows in this photo. I also took about 40 photos to get 1 decent one - the horse was not exactly compliant.

Look At Me: Pastels

By Scott Shephard

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This photo is largely "un-photoshoped." When I process a photo, I try not to take away the actual person, which is a temptation given all the things you can do with software.

This is one of my favorite portraits. I like the relaxed and natural look of my subject, Noel, but I also like the colors. The soft pink of the stone building, the pale blue of the t-shirt, and Noel's beautiful red hair go very well together.

11-30-09 Look At Me: Affection

My good friend, Jack, has convinced me that I should post some of my portraits in this blog. I have resisted, in part because I didn't want this blog to seem like an advertisement for the portrait work I do from time to time. That's never been my intent. Sharing a few photos and a few thoughts is my intent. This week's series will be called "Look At Me."

This is one of my favorite couples shots - and it doesn't hurt to have good subjects like Alicia and Derek. This wasn't a planned photo. They were both supposed to be looking at me. But a few moments before I asked, "Ready?", Alicia looked up at Derek and I snapped the photo.

11-29-09 Kindling A Different Literacy

I'll admit that this is more of a product shot than anything. The product is my new Kindle, which arrived on Thursday. While there is much that I could say about this amazing device, I will simply say this: the Kindle (and other e-readers) will do as much to revolutionize reading and publishing as digital photography has done to revolutionize taking photos. Guaranteed!

11-27-09 Looking Up

I'm sorry to say this, but I don't know what specific dome I am picturing here. I do know that it is one of the art museums in Berlin, Germany. The structure was beautiful and the art was even better.

11-26-09 Done!

What can I say? Everything was great!

11-25-09 Architectural Manipulation

Several weeks ago I commented on the manipulative nature of photography. In looking for a photo to post today, I came across this detail from a resort our family had stayed at in 2002. And I was struck by how architects and designers are engaged in manipulation: simple posts could have held up the roof and there is really no need for color. But instead, we get something that is soothing and alluring.

In a side note, I am also struck by similarities between the colors in this place and in the Denver Art Museum photo that I posted on November 1 ("A Human Interface").

Canon 1D 1/50s f/2.8 ISO400 145mm

11-24-09 Another Tropical Pool

11-23-09 Waiting. . .

The Stradun in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a great place for people watching. This is the 4th photo I have posted in this blog from my visit to this beautiful city.

Promenade Sleeping Cat Red Roofs

11-22-09 Parallel Universe

These furry objects are part of the reproductive system of a tropical flower. I call this photo "Parallel Universe" because the casual observer often misses the minute and often fascinating details of things like the not-so-private parts of flowers.

11-21-09 They Demand Junk Food

How do you explain the pan handling jackasses in Custer State Park in western South Dakota? They stand by the road and have learned to stick their muzzels into open windows, demanding food. It's fun but a little scary, too.

11-20-09 Something Hawaiians Can't See

This is early morning frost and I'm sure most Hawaiians don't complain about not seeing this in their back yards.

A few years ago we were visiting our son, Jon, in Kona, and as I was waiting in line at the grocery store one morning, I heard two locals complain about how cold it was on that particular morning. They both said that they needed to find their jackets before venturing out. I could only smile. How cold did it get? The temperature had dipped to 62 degrees. OMG!