E-Session California style!

Whew, now I know why they call them "Red Eyes!" Wednesday, make that Thursday, I returned from a week in drop dead gorgeous San Francisco, California. Lots of fun, some awesome shooting and a whole lot of productive meetings (stay tuned for more details!!).

One of the highlights for me was a great e! Session done on the black sand beach at Pacifica. Dani and Sheldon are a awesome couple who thought I was totally nuts when I said let's go out on that rock and see what happens. The tide was coming in and the waves were getting stronger. I didn't plan on getting wet, well not THAT wet anyway. Hope you enjoy!

Homage to Karsh

Sometimes opportunity just presents itself. When it does, seize the moment!

During a recent portrait session of a board or directors, one of the subjects had a particularly great face. After I created the images the client needed I asked him, Allegheny County Councilman Bill Robinson, if he would mind me making a few extra images. "I've never met a politician who didn't love to get their picture taken" he said. With that I simply asked him to turn a little and raise his hand to his chin.

The lighting was also quite simple, one kicker light at 62 watt seconds in a small Chimera softbox aimed at him from the rear, camera left, and the main light at 125 watt seconds in a medium Chimera. set in direct line of his face. No hair light, background light or separator was used.

The entire "extra" shoot took about 90 seconds. Four frames were exposed.

To increase drama, I converted the original color image to a black and white and applied a custom chocolate tone. Photoshop CS2 was used.

Camera was a Canon 5D and the lens was a 28-135 mm zoom set at f/8.

Chris & Mary's wedding

Shame on me, I've been a really bad blogger lately because there is SO much going on around the studio these days. With weddings heating up, engagement sessions scheduled and a LOT of great commercial assignments the hours vanish without notice.

For example... one day last week I was working like a crazy man on a commercial project, determined to get all of the processing, disk burning and index prints done before I finished the day. After working at the computer for an extended period I need to stand up and stretch. As I raised my arms above my head I glanced at the clock... 3:30 AM. YIKES! Time flies when you're having fun, or staring into the magic picture box ; ). PS... I finished the project before going to bed, and delivered it later that morning.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I shot this really wonderful backyard wedding for the most awesome couple. Chris and Mary are such great people. Mary was an absolutely radiant bride. Take a look...