End Session

End Session
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

Most of the model shoots start with a theme or concept. Working with the model to achieve that concept is where the creativity comes in. Managing the light, the camera, the composition take skill. Getting the kind of response from the subject is a different kind of skill. It involves talking, listening, hearing and seeing all of the light, composition, and other technical skills. It also needs the photographer to have communication skills.

This was a cold day. We had already been shooting for a couple of hours outside. This is perhaps one of the last images made. The culmination of all the days' work. It is one of the two best.

Flight

Flight
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

I have been feeling weighed down by all the negativity in the political campaigns, the polarization of the country into its various camps and the increasing dilemma of what to do with my dad's estate. I am tired and weary on the best of days. As I drag myself through the porridge of problems in my day, sometimes I stop, and think about art. If I happen to be talking with people (about something other than the complaints) or taking/teaching a class, I feel alive again, however briefly.

So here is my advice to each of you. Find a way to take flight. Find a way to free yourself from the doldrums of your every day. Let your spirit soar, as it cannot be contained, restrained and corralled. Jump, laugh, roll in the grass.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

Change is evident in the air. The brilliant burst of color, the wind roaring outside my window. I am now thinking about how to shoot portraits indoors for a while. The wind and rain are wonderful, but not so conducive to happy family portraits.

This is a good time then to think about what else I need to change in my business. It is not always about the next new gadget or lens. It is not always about a new photoshop technique or a texture.

I want to focus on the people in my photography. It is the people that are the focus. It is the smiling faces, and joyous families that make for great photography. If I give the families what they want, I will get a customer for life.

Want to improve your photography?

HSS Test
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

Get up and go for a walk
Go to a museum.
Move away from the TV, the computer and your cell phone for a spell.
Breathe the air.
Feel the breeze.
Walk barefoot in grass for a while...or sand.

Why?

We are bombarded daily with images of what is good (and not) and hardly have time to process what we have ingested before more and more of those images get to us.

Moving away from your screens will give your mind time to observe truth, reality and honesty. See that beautiful lawn - what does it look like closeup? See that perfectly designed house? Are the walls really true and square? See that magnificent portrait of your favorite celebrity? Do people look like that in real life?

Balance...nothing like seeing downed trees in a forest glen. Nothing like watching the bugs and fish on a small pond play tag with each other. Nothing like hearing the squeals of joyful laughter at a playground.

Go for a walk and don't take your camera. Look, feel, breathe, listen. What does your world really look like? What would you change? What should remain untouched?

Sweetness

Sweetness
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

I started my photography business as a serious venture just four years ago this week. This was my first DSLR and a "studio" setup in our living room. We had to move the furniture around so there was enough room for the lights.

Fortunately, they were patient and willing to let me set lights, check camera settings and test for white balance.

I have a studio now that I share with others. More lights, more modifiers and more stuff. The best of the photography is now where I choose to shoot it.

It has been a fun road so far and I guess I should keep doing this, especially as long as I am having fun.

Thanks!

Married Sibs

Married Sibs
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

Just a week ago, I started talking with the bride here about shooting her wedding. We met on Wednesday and reviewed shots. We haggled about the prices and settled on something that I thought would work for both of us. These are the siblings now all married with spouses.

Man

Jamel-1
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

This is a second image that has become a favorite of mine. Jamel and I have worked together a few times. He was one of the first male models I worked with and I will continue to work with him in the future. Each time we manage to create something wonderful and magical. We have developed a relationship. I think that is the key. Trust and willingness to hear what the other has to say. Find a model. Spend some time with that model and play. See the light and the shadows.

Tophat

Tophat
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

Sometimes I have to hold onto the images I have taken for a while. This gives me time to look back at what I have done. This also gives me time to turn off my hypercritical eye. I have two recently taken photos that keep coming back to me. This is one of them. I was not immediately impressed with the results. I went through all the self-critique. Too static, too pink, too boring, not well-composed. I added some new ones for myself as well; this is just boring. Lighting is atrocious. You got the picture!

I saw this photography inside my discerning light web portfolio and have had to look at it more critically, but with a new lens. I like the image. It is not what I thought it was, but it is a beautiful portrait.

I bet you have some like this in your shoebox (electronic or otherwise). Pull them out. Look at them again. You might be amazed at what you see today.

The other portrait is tomorrow.

Damien

Damien
Originally uploaded by lucienphoto

My daughter's nephew. Isn't he darling. It is a long story. Ask me about it sometime.