Shades of Gray

How long has it been since you have been to a photography show/gallery and seen a single spot of color? Long time eh? Well one of the things I pride myself on is use of color. I understand that black and white photography emphasizes the subject and strips the photo of any distracting qualities, but when did color become a bad thing? Why is black and white the standard for modern photography? Well, no more I say. I love black and white photos as much as the next person, but color is so much more alluring. Give me a bright blue sky and rich green grass anyday.

Box? What box?

Now, for those of you who know me well, you know just how much I abhor "shopped" photos. I am pretty old fashioned in this respect, I don't think that airbrushing models/subjects counts as photography. In that respect, you might as well google images of them and piece them together. However, I am ok with the little stuff; cropping, adjusting brightness/contrast, etc. These are essentials to any photographer.
I am however a HUGE fan of thinking outside the box with your photography. This sunset for instance, is not shopped in any way (except for brightness and contrast), it was taken just as you see it. With one catch. Placing dark tinted sunglasses in front of the lens right before you snap doesn't really count as shopping, does it? Is this a form of cheating? Absolutely. But, is this cheat an acceptable one? Perhaps. I have seen photographers bounce light off of walls to get the right affect (I myself have done this), when the look could have easily been attained by shoppin'. Now what fun is that? There are no rules that say you can't do what is necessary to get your shot (unless of course you are paparazzi, then there are LOTS of rules)and who says you have to fake it? Use your environment. As artists, we should try to avoid digitally altering our images if possible.
Then again, that's just my opinion ;-)

Ring of fire

Part of my job working with the Parks and Recreation Department is photography at our many special events throughout the year. This particular photo was taken at the Daddy Daughter/Mother Son Dance, which is one of my favorite events. It is a beautiful time where parents can spend an evening with their children, dressed to the nines, dancing the night away. The look on these children's faces is always priceless. How often do children get treated to a lovely candlelit, formal affair? Treat your children. They are not entertained solely by Disney movies. Think outside the television.


Winner of 2nd place - Fun in the Park Photo Contest