Photos and comments as I explore my passion for photography. Written to and for myself as a journal to track major moments and minor observations as I continue to evolve my visual art.
A fun time shooting a group 17 year old kids at a birthday party tonight.
Los Gatos, 2016
We did a bunch of group shots and then set up a little studio to get some individual shots. The kids loved it and we were pretty quick, less than an hour. I used the ring light and then an umbrella for the portraits.
Pro tip: I printed off 10 copies of the above shots for each girl to take home. Also put together a slideshow they will see when back from dinner. A nice birthday package for a special girl.
A fun day in the studio!
San Jose, Japantown Studios 2016
A busy week in the studio with really great clients and support team.
A delight shooting a dear friends family this weekend. A close group anchored by the grandparents, now married 47 years (with many more to come!).
Los Gatos, 2016
Los Gatos, 2016
Pro tip: I am really proud of the final images for several reasons. First, they turned out exactly like I thought they would prior to shooting. I saw the final images in my mind and made that happen in camera. Including setting up a small studio in their garage to capture this shot. When this pre vision is carried through till the finished product, that is being an experienced professional. Secondly, I was sick as a dog with a bad cold caught after some major dental work. I could have easily cancelled this session, but a pro steps in, steps up and delivers. Boom.
Too bad the NFL MVP didn't step up at the Super Bowl...
I love people in motion, especially in a clean backdrop. Dragging the shutter to give a sense of motion.
Tokyo, 2016
Tokyo, 2016
Pro tip: These shots work best when you have 1/3/5 people in the image, the eye/brain seems to like these combinations.
Ted came down to the San Jose Japantown Studios yesterday and we go to hang out and get some lunch. He is a super photographer and I got the honor to assist him in a wedding a few years ago. He was in town to deliver the finished wedding album.
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2015
Pro tip: At his core Ted has the word Excellence, and it shows up both in his photography and his life. A good word to live by, a good filter for all activities.
Everybody likes a photo, at least in Japan. These three high school kids in Japan were full of questions and happy to take a bunch of photos together. They were on a field trip and had an assignment to interview an English speaking person.
Kyoto, 2015
Pro tip: I smartly walked around this group to turn them into the best light. No need to discuss, just move myself and they got into perfect position.
Strong geometric lines, plenty of people and wonderful diffused light pour into Kyoto station.
Kyoto, 2016.
Pro tip: This shot just didn't happen. I was waiting, focus and exposure all set. down on way knee watch the groups of people walk by. I knew this was the shot instantly.
Rain and light make for a nice combination. Getting the right composure (and not getting TOO wet) is the key.
Kyoto, 2016
Pro tip: Timing the walk, the footsteps, can make or break these shots.
I stopped in at the Leica shop in Kyoto today and picked up the new SF40 flash. Yuko san was most helpful setting up and testing the unit, works very well on the Leica Q in TTL mode.
Kyoto, 2016
Pro tip: I need to shoot a bunch with this flash so it comes naturally and fast. I have that down with my studio flash and now need to do the same with this unit. Both TTL and manual.
When I arrived in Tokyo this week I was up early and out shooting. I reflected on why changing locations seems to kick up my creative juices. A big part of that answer is how light looks different at different latitudes, longitudes as the seasons change. Also the diffused light of big cities changes the light so beautifully. I
Tokyo, 2016.
Pro tip: Travel is wonderful, stressful and just the best. I hope to continue for years to come.
I always love to take photos of other great photos. This was shot at the Ginza Leica store, pro desk upstairs. Don't know the name of the photographer.
Tokyo, 2016
Pro tip: I love seeing other commercial work, the range of creativity also gets me excited for my own style.
Now on United at 32,000 feet and still connected. Good thing or bad thing, probably both!
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2014
Pro tip: At least I can stay up on email and football scores! No video streaming, but overall not bad performance.
Packing up the gear for another trip to my favorite place, Japan. A few days in Tokyo then on to Kyoto. My goal/dream is to get a night time snow shot with the flash. And of course visit my friends at Kyoto Leica in Gion.
Kyoto, 2015
Pro tip: I think all photographers are seeking the perfect camera bag, it is a lifetime search as equipment and missions change. I am trying a new setup and if it works will do a bag post.
I just finished printing some family shots for a good friend in Kyoto. It is said that an image does not become a photograph until it is printed. Probably true for both the technical and emotional aspects of the shot. The displayed print is a reminder of the past and makes us think about the future.
Tokyo, 2014.
Pro tip: My Epson P800 printer does a great job on these 5x7 shots. I should print and deliver more often. I am not up to it yet but a cool goal would be to deliver a print every day....
Picking the right wardrobe for your head shot is key. Simple, clean always looks good. Colors that work together, black and white are also usually fine. With a grey backdrop, blue can also be a winner. Robin pulls this off perfectly.
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
Pro tip: Bring several tops and looks for best results. Clean, classic lines and colors that are timeless. Minimum jewelry worked well for Robin. She was a delight to shoot.
A few quick shots from Marysol showing how we shoot in the San Jose Japantown Studios.
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
Pro tip: We should keep making these BTS shots, all fun. And maybe a short video...:)
I had a chance to teach three photography classes this week at San Mateo High School. It was a lot of fun and the kids had interesting questions. The school had just purchased new strobe lights so we dialed them in and had fun taking portraits.
San Mateo, CA 2016
San Mateo, CA 2016
Pro tip: It is always fun to teach as inevitably I learn along the way. This time I was reminded how tough it is to be a high school teacher. Fun for me for a day but much respect for all the full time teachers out there!
Christine came over to the San Jose Japantown Studios last week for updated head shots to use in her marketing materials and social media. She has a thriving consulting practice and a delight to work with.
Most clients are not professional models and have some level of mouth tension. My goal is to get them to relax and show up in front of the camera confident and approachable. These three shots are all fine but you can tell the last one really sparkles as she relaxes.
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
Pro tip: I like to schedule head shots sessions for 90 minutes so we can get to the point of relaxation of the face. Often done in an hour and need to watch closely so fatigue does not set in.
A busy start to 2016 at the Japantown Studio in San Jose, CA. Fully booked for executive head shots sessions and some new creative projects.
San Jose Japantown Studios, 2016
Marysol assisted in the studio today and was most helpful with the clients. It was a full day but we got it done with little drama and had some fun along the way.
Pro tip: Setting the studio tone is key to getting the clients into a happy place quickly. Most people are not professional models so getting them to relax in front of the camera requires a light touch. Marysol's presence and attitude worked well for these female executives.
I had fun writing a guest blog post for my friend Dave Powell over at ShootTokyo.com
I won't duplicate it here but feel free to go check it out as I discuss from moving from snapshots to projects, from Postcards to Poems.
Pro tip: It was fun to look back on my growth as a photographer and be able to put into words how I approach my black and white photography. Fun to write and fun to think about other writing ideas!
