Continuing to Grow...

Had an interesting conversation with a fellow photographer the other day regarding developing and continuing to grow as an artist. A very talented artist from the NW Houston area. If anyone is interested in seeing some of her work, look for "My 3 Peas Photography" under my LINKS I LOVE TO VISIT.

We agreed that as with anything else, in order for one to continue to grow, one has to be willing to actively apply knowledge acquired over time. Meaning one be willing to step out of our own comfort zone, and experiment with that knowledge. Even if the results are not always favorable. Now, I would hardly classify myself an artist but it did remind me of a couple of my own trials. Whether I always found this look to be very interesting or I simply watched the movie 300 way too often...who knows.

Images were captured with Nikon N80 SLR with Fuji Pro160C film. Enhancements were applied in Adobe Lightroom...

Family Connections...

Regardless of age, there is a natural beauty that occurs when children and adults interact. Possibly due to an increase in the child's sense of security & comfort to allow a sometimes hidden personality really shine. A visible loving connection.

Images captured with Nikon D1x except last two. Those were on Nikon N80 with Fuji Pro B&W and color film...

Father...Amateur Model(sort of)...

With no reasonable explantion, it seems that every family has that 'special' member. One who choses to live their life in a direction that seems to only makes sense to themselves. Or to one just as weird. And I say this with the utmost respect and love because for me, this would be my father...Though my wife would strongly disagree and plant that 'weird' &/or 'special' family member title on me.

My father, Canadian born with ancestry that leads back to Germany, over time has truly developed an admiration and respect towards the hispanic culture. Although to him, all people are equal, some things just seems to stand out more with folks just south of the Texas border. As a silent admirer and supporter of my developing photography addiction, he came across a couple of photos I captured while visiting Guanajuato, Mexico. As a farmer & country 'bump-kin' himself, the attached photos really appealled to him and a special request was made to have his image captured in a similar fashion.

First two images captured with Nikon N80 SLR with Fuji Superia film(ISO400). Image of my father captured with Nikon D1x in front of our home.



My beloved father... :)

Holding Hands...

Similar to a kiss, the act of holding hands can have so many different meanings. An internal expression manifesting into physical action with reasons of "why" only known to the participants.

Images captured with Nikon D1x...

A Child's Promise...

What an honor it was to cover the September 2007 Confirmation ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church(Houston, TX). Though the subject matter was quite different from the usual wedding shoots I'm use to, it was just as sacred. It was also comforting to see all those young men and women each step up before the Bishop & everyone attending and accept such commitment.

"Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us. " http://www.americancatholic.org/fEATURES/sACRAMENTS/Confirmation.asp

Images captured with Nikon D1x and Nikkor 24mm F2.8D...

The Kiss...

A symbolic and intimate gesture with meaning(s) as unique as the people who perform them. Whether experiencing it directly or viewing from a distance, it can be such a beautiful action...

Image captured with Nikon N80 SLR with Fujicolor Pro160C film.

What I'm watching/listening to...when I should be working...

Simply awesome stuff...

Video of "8 Photographers and 1 Dress Trashing"
http://stillmotionblog.com/?p=139

David Jay Engagement Photography in Warren Connecticut
http://cutframetv.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9fe29bf2a537cfa420e8&page=1&viewtype=&category=tf

Music: Frou Frou "Let Go"

Guanajuato, Mexico [June 2006]...

Images captured on Fuji Superia film [ISO 400]...

Early Days...

I always found looking back at history so interesting. Lessons learned or not learned. But mostly, another opportunity to remember all those happy memories. Photography started as a simple hobby for me until I picked up my very first SLR camera [May 2006] which sparked my interest to a whole different level. And what a better way to start my plunge into the unknown than at a wedding of some new friends that took place in Guanajuato, Mexico [June 2006].

'Lucky-shot' images I managed to capture back then were shot with Fuji Superia film (ISO 400).

Those Special Details...

Vegas!

I have to admit. It took some convincing by my wife before I agreed to go on this trip. Fortunately, her attempt worked and I agreed. What a really grand place to relax and be pampered. The remodeled Planet Hollywood Hotel Casino rocks! We had a great time and didn't lose too much on the slots...Woo hoo!
My random few...