Sports corner

I’ve been busy catching up on some much needed sports coverage lately and just wanted to make sure everyone knew the links were up on the site. I shot girls basketball for the first time tonight and I’m uploading the images to the site as I type.

I uploaded Wrestling, Boys Bowling and Girls Bowling earlier this week and added the links on our “Hubs Sports” section of the site earlier this week too. If you haven’t had a chance, take a look. If you’re a parent, now would be a great time to order. We have a 40% off special offer going on right now until Dec. 31. Just enter the promo code: PMVHWXR when checking out and it’ll take the 40% off right from your bill. Just our way of saying Merry Christmas.

Lifeworks Imaging and Wills Chiropractic sponsor Help-Portrait program

Just a quick note about several things. First, happy holidays and thank you to all of our loyal customers. We’re so happy to have you backing us and allowing us to photography you and your family.

Secondly, Stephanie and I will be giving back to the community this Sunday by participating in a nation-wide movement called Help-Portrait. If you’re not familiar with it, feel free to click and watch the videos, but for those who want the quick run down it’s pretty simple. Find families or people in need this holiday season and take their picture. For free. Then make prints, burn a disc and deliver them to the families.

Stephanie and I will be setting up to shoot photos at a Christmas event hosted by Hand-in-Hand Community Services on Sunday. Blanca, the director, will be helping get us some of the families and Wills Chiropractic has sponsored some of the print costs. We’ll see where were at afterwards, but the plan is to give each family one large print and maybe get a second sponsor to buy frames for them.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t had the chance until now. More to come after we do the shoot.

Idle hands no more

With all the free time I’ve been given lately, I decided to be as productive as I possibly can be with it. That being said, I reignited the spark in my photo essay, “24 Hours in the life of Rochelle.” My apologies to those businesses and people that let me follow them several months ago. I wasn’t planning on being as busy as I was with weddings last year, so the project took a major backseat, but it’s back and going strong. I actually knocked out two this morning and plan to try and finish by the end of next week if possible.

Today’s assignments were from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., which kind of turned into 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. I spent an extra half hour there and think I may use the photos from the portion of the hour. Not really sure yet. I’ll maybe take comments and let you decide which tells the better story visually.

The 9 a.m. shift was following the Hub City Senior Center’s shuttle driver, Corky Wetzel. Wetzel is a life-time resident of Rochelle and drives the shuttle daily, picking up senior residents and driving them to various destinations, including doctor appointments, Wal-Mart and to the senior center. Here were some of my favorite images from that hour. I’m probably only going to use one. A few of the shots were just ones I liked. Not ones I’d use for the story.

I then came back, downloaded a few photos and headed over the Hand-in-Hand outreach center here in the downtown area. Hand-in-Hand helps out needy families and individuals with food, clothing and whatever else they can provide. Blanca, the director, was such a sweet lady and so passionate about what she does that I’ve decided to do a story on them alone, so look for updates about what they do. I’ll explain a little more about what they do as I follow them and learn myself.

Today’s photos were actually taken during their ladies’ luncheon. Ladies luncheon is held each Wednesday at noon. The staff, volunteers and any clients are welcome to join in the fun. Luckily they let me hang out for the afternoon too. I took a few portrait style photos as well. Last thing I’ll mention is that we will be participating in a “Help-portrait” program with the Hands-in-Hands this Sunday. More details on a different post about that though.

More pictures here.

Back in black (& white)

Wrestling season is back and I couldn’t be more excited. I love shooting wrestling for some reason. I know other photographers aren’t the biggest fans of the sport, but I love the emotion and determination these boys put forth. I’ve always wanted to a similar photo project like Scott Strazante did with a volleyball team and a basketball team called “The Season” but that won’t be happening this year. Maybe next year.

I also love my wrestling photos in black and white. Can’t help it. Just feels like wrestling should be edited that way. Anyway, here are my top 5 from the night before.

I have no idea what this move is called, but I hope I’m never in it.

Same goes for this one.

This photo probably told the story of the evening the best as Rochelle was manhandled by the Yorkville Foxes.

For once I feel like a wide shot kind of work out for me. I’ve always struggled with shooting wide for some reason. Close up and in the action is generally my style, but I hope I can make this work from time to time.

I have more to share. Look on the site for our Hubs Sports section in the next day or two for our Wrestling link.

Around the lodge

One of the chandeliers in my local Masonic lodge. Horicon Lodge, No. 244 in Rochelle, IL. Interested in Masonry? Ask one to be one.

New seasons of hope

Basketball season has officially arrived for the IHSA. Both boys and girls basketball has started. Girls started last week with a couple of wins in the Hub City and one loss, while the guys season opener kicked off last night during the school’s first annual Thanksgiving tournament. As usual I was a bit rusty with basketball since it was my first time shooting, but I’m slowly getting my timing and my angles. It’ll take a game or two and I’ll be set.

I’m also going to play around with some new lighting schemes this year and maybe shoot some more down-court action instead of up close stuff. At least for one half next game.

We added a new link on our Web site to the Hubs Sports photos to include Boys Basketball, and as soon as we shoot some girls action (hopefully this week) we’ll add that link too. Not to mention wrestling will make it’s first home appearance on Dec. 10. I’m thoroughly looking forward to that one.

I’m hoping to be able to get a few Sports Feature shots of all three winter sports. At least two from each sport.

Blue light special

Gotta chance to play a little more with my gel set this afternoon. Set this up really quit. I’m going to use it as an illustration for my quick lighting tips on the blog from time to time. It needs a little work. I need to tune the backlight down one stop and tune the main light up one. Plus I need to make some homemade grids for the 430Ex in the background and then I’ll be a little happier.

 

I’ve got some 24 Hr. Project info coming in the next couple of days, but it’s Black Wednesday and I’m getting ready to go out. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone and don’t forget to save room for pie.

Kickstart My Heart

I’ve been a bit silent on the blog lately, but wanted to throw up a quick post. I’ve been really busy with some studio things lately, which is awesome. I absolutely love that, mostly because that means I’m doing someting right. The downside to this is that my PJ work gets neglected.

I did a freelance assignment last week that I wasn’t happy with. The lighting was terrible and my flash didn’t help a whole lot for some reason. Bowling alleys might as well be blackholes I guess when it comes to flash. I had a specific set of photos to get and when only one of them panned out, I felt like I had really let the publication down. I haven’t had much feedback about the assignment yet, but I don’t want to run the photos here until they run in the magazine.

I’ve got two ways to look at it I guess. One is that it’s a learning experience from all ends. I learned what not to do in a bowling alley, photographically speaking. I also learned I need to pick up a lot more freelance jobs to keep myself in practice. I also learned that I still love photojournalism at its very core.

Nothing makes me more happy than telling a story. Whether it’s your wedding, a night of bowling, or something a little more hard-edged news. I’m in love with the stories.

I spent the morning looking at Kevin German’s photos on Luceo Images. I’m so jealous of his talent. But I also know he didn’t get this good by sitting around on his butt playing Nintendo Wii. He has a level of commitment to photography that is nothing short of inspirational.

I want to say “thank you” to Kevin for returning to the blogosphere and for the shot in the arm. Hopefully now I’ll finish what I started.

The Earleys

We’ve been quite busy editing away, finishing up a few of our weddings and some senior portraits. I just wanted to share some of my finished photos from Jack and Sarah’s wedding a few weekends ago and here they are. I had such a blast working with Sarah and Jack. Mostly because they’re a lot like me. Fairly laid back and always looking for a good time. This is just a sneak peek at a few of their photos. Many more to come soon.

 

I’ve been messing with a few new (to me) editing techniques. I’m only using these on certain photos as it doesn’t really stick to our photojournalistic style. Just something I’ve been liking a little here and there. Also been playing with borders and making really horizontal photos and diptychs (sp.??). Opinions?

 

A few more photos here.

 

 

Lessons scheduled

(Let this guy show you what to do and what not to do when it comes to digital photography and apparently what not to do when it comes to shaving too.)

 

While I prepare for a weekend of shooting high school football, I just wanted to update everyone that I’ve officially set a date for our very first digital photography class. Classes will begin after the first of the year, with our very first class, “Digital Photography for Beginners” on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2009. This two hour class will be designed to get you going with those brand new gifts that Santa hopefully brought you.

The only requirements for the class is a willingness to learn about digital photography. (And of course the course fee).

Don’t have a digital camera, not sure which one to buy? Come to our class. We’ll let you play around with a few different types and help you make your decision. I’m working on getting some sponsorship, so I’ll update if there is any news in that department.

Signup early and get your course fee in. Wives or husbands. Hunting for that perfect gift? Some photography lessons for that special someone is a great way to say “Happy Holiday!”

Call us or email for more info. 815-561-7131.