Lots of changes going on around the blog right now (and other places soon, but shhhhh, don't tell anyone yet).
Another thing I'm working on for the coming year is to update more often. I know, everyone with a blog says that, but I mean it! Really I do. Stay tuned and see!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Goodnight Mr. President
President Gerald Ford has passed away at the age of 93.
Gerald Ford was the first President I had the opportunity to photograph. In 1975, as a very green news photographer in Michigan, I was assigned to cover a speech he made at the University of Michigan.
Back in those days (before computers ruled the world) the Secret Service would physically do a background check of people requesting press credentials. We were known as the “day passers,” meaning we were covering the president just that one day and not traveling with his entourage. I remember my mother all excited because a Secret Service agent just called and asked a bunch of questions about me. She wanted to know what in Heaven’s name I did! When I told her I was going to photograph Gerald Ford she was relieved. She really thought I might be in trouble!
When I arrived at U of M the press photographers were herded into a back room for the obligatory bag check. Every camera bag was stripped and thoroughly checked to make sure nothing was being smuggled into the arena. Afterward we all stood around and waited for the signal we could enter and rush into place for the President’s speech.
While waiting, one of the older press photographers noticed my day pass and asked me if this was my first time. Proudly (and loudly) I said yes, this was indeed my ‘first time shooting the President!’ Oops!! As soon as the words left my mouth a very heavy finger tapped me on the shoulder. I slowly turned around to see a very dark suit staring down at me. It was a Secret Service Agent. In a soft, but stern voice, told me “son, we don’t use that slang when talking about the President of the United States.” Maybe it was my age, my naiveté or the fact my face was white as a ghost but the very large gentleman with the automatic weapon under his jacket just smiled and walked away.
When the time came to rush into the arena I got my first taste of the national press and how sharp the human elbow is when used as a weapon. Junkyard dogs would have been a nicer lot than those beasts! But as soon as Mr. Ford came onto the stage all pushing ceased and the clicking began.
The images I made that day were nothing all that special. At best they were typical news photos of a Presidential speech. But, they were MY pictures of President Gerald Ford, my first Presidential assignment, the President from my home State of Michigan and a boyhood friend of my uncle. It was an experience I will always remember.
Gerald Ford was the first President I had the opportunity to photograph. In 1975, as a very green news photographer in Michigan, I was assigned to cover a speech he made at the University of Michigan.
Back in those days (before computers ruled the world) the Secret Service would physically do a background check of people requesting press credentials. We were known as the “day passers,” meaning we were covering the president just that one day and not traveling with his entourage. I remember my mother all excited because a Secret Service agent just called and asked a bunch of questions about me. She wanted to know what in Heaven’s name I did! When I told her I was going to photograph Gerald Ford she was relieved. She really thought I might be in trouble!
When I arrived at U of M the press photographers were herded into a back room for the obligatory bag check. Every camera bag was stripped and thoroughly checked to make sure nothing was being smuggled into the arena. Afterward we all stood around and waited for the signal we could enter and rush into place for the President’s speech.
While waiting, one of the older press photographers noticed my day pass and asked me if this was my first time. Proudly (and loudly) I said yes, this was indeed my ‘first time shooting the President!’ Oops!! As soon as the words left my mouth a very heavy finger tapped me on the shoulder. I slowly turned around to see a very dark suit staring down at me. It was a Secret Service Agent. In a soft, but stern voice, told me “son, we don’t use that slang when talking about the President of the United States.” Maybe it was my age, my naiveté or the fact my face was white as a ghost but the very large gentleman with the automatic weapon under his jacket just smiled and walked away.
When the time came to rush into the arena I got my first taste of the national press and how sharp the human elbow is when used as a weapon. Junkyard dogs would have been a nicer lot than those beasts! But as soon as Mr. Ford came onto the stage all pushing ceased and the clicking began.
The images I made that day were nothing all that special. At best they were typical news photos of a Presidential speech. But, they were MY pictures of President Gerald Ford, my first Presidential assignment, the President from my home State of Michigan and a boyhood friend of my uncle. It was an experience I will always remember.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Color or Black and White?
Ok, so I've had a long standing love affair with black and white, but I equally enjoy eye bleeding color photos. These, at least to me, seem to work in both mediums, but I may be jaded since I was the one who snapped the shutter! You decide, black and white or color, or doesn't it matter? Thanks, and enjoy!
Just a little peeling barn paint...
Anyone need a screen door???
Just a little peeling barn paint...
Anyone need a screen door???
One of my secret passions (if anyone couldn't guess) is landscape photography. Growing up in Michigan two of my favorite subjects are barns and abandoned farms. During my early years I shot hundreds of the familiar rural structures. While barns are most often painted a bright red, I chose most often to render them in vivid shades of gray. Even to this day I "see" most of my personal work with a monochrome eye. My days of film are gone but the techniques learned are not forgotten and much of it is easily translated into the digital medium.
The farm below was photographed late Friday afternoon in Michigan. Recently abandoned, the farm fell victim to a new state roadway.
This is the price of progress.
The farm below was photographed late Friday afternoon in Michigan. Recently abandoned, the farm fell victim to a new state roadway.
This is the price of progress.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sunday afternoon I had the joy of photographing a beautiful new family. I have to admit it, I LOVE babies! The feeling I get from photographing a person so innocent, so precious and so full of love is indescribable. Little Autumn was an absolute delight. Right now it's late and I have to travel tomorrow so I'll just let this picture speak for itself. More will follow when I return. Hope everyone has a beautiful week!
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