Most creative work is a process of people passing ideas and inspirations from the past into the future and adding their own creativity along the way. – Joi Ito
As part of Week 1 of 2012, one of my new habits I’d like to continue is to branch out of a style of photography and subject matter new to me… and draw from past ideas but add a new level of creativity. Like trying new, exotic foods… sometimes you never know what you’re gonna like. And if you like it, add Cholula and see what happens.
This evening, I met up for to teach a private mentoring session focused on light painting with Kate Lyon in Denver. We started off with some basics and quickly headed off to create a portrait or two with Eva, dressed in Goth attire. When Eva arrived at Starbucks in Goth attire, I greeted her with a big hug. Others weren’t sure what to make of the scene, but I didn’t care. I’ve known Eva for almost 10 years.
In the back of my head, I wonder sometimes where ideas come from, especially when I am on location shooting. I hereby declare the following: I usually draw on something I’ve seen before I like. Movies, magazines, art, namely.
For example, I’ve always loved the surreal quality of a painting, but never really cared much about the lavish European Baroque paintings depicting cherubs in flight with whimsical details. However, I do love the quality of the light and narrative. And I’ve always enjoyed the work of Annie Leibovitz, especially this portrait of Queen Elizabeth (image source): 
With a simple ingredients under $100, we created this portrait of Eva, evoking mood and mystery: 
The technicals of this are easy: camera mounted on tripod, simple video light camera left, distant light of a house for the candle light, and then I light painted the brush for detail. I brought of the shadow detail very slightly. Jpeg all the way. Canon 5D Mark II, 24mm, 30 second exposure, f/10, ISO dunno. I love the European landscape feel, even though this was Wheatridge, CO at night. Printed on canvas, it might pass as art in a Gothic mansion.
Light painting basics:
Light painting is a way for me to interject my personality into my work. I’m a hands-on type of photographer who likes working with my hands, running around, and not afraid of making mistakes.
The Skinny:
1. Set up your camera on a tripod.
2. Choose a low ISO (200), f/16, 30 seconds as a starting point.
3. Manual focus (use a flashlight if you can’t focus on your subject).
4. Set camera on a timer if you plan on running into the exposure (I prefer 10 second timer notice).
5. Turn off Vibration Reduction/Image Stabilization or you’ll get softer images.
6. If your subjects are standing and you light them with a 30 second exposure in dim light, they will be blurry. The brighter the main light source and the lower the ambient, the less chance of subject movement.
7. Use snoots, grids, and gels to shake things up. Don’t forget flashlights/flashwands/deer lights and any other light source can be used, including iPhone’s, light panel, LED key chains, headlamps,
The Dark Arts
British influence continued along with energy as Snape dueled in Dark Arts with Harry Potter (Image Source):
Again, technicals were simple. One speed light manually triggered at 1/64 power behind Eva “The Goth” Diva, with another pop to illuminate her face and her Goth garb. The electricity from her hands was created using a simple LED keychain in-camera. Keep in mind after a dozen outtakes, we created a shocking portrait.
Kids, don’t try this at home:
The lesson: Have fun, use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
I encourage you to seek to create something different with your lighting style with these tips. Then add Cholula and see what happens. Not sure how? I offer private light painting mentoring detailed here and share a ton of tips and tricks here. Drop a comment and I’m happy to help!
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Posted by R. J. on January 5, 2012
Kicking off the first portrait session post on the blog for 2012 is the Olsen Family. Together, they are 1 part energy, 1 part cuteness, 1 part kindness, blended with some very smart brains and garnished with warm hearts and friendly smiles… perfect ingredients for a photogenic family portrait session in Fort Collins, Colorado. Rachel Olsen is an wonderful wedding photographer. And to shoot family portraits of another photographer is always a hoot (and a challenge!).
Little 5-week H and 4-year-old B were super adorable in their vivid colors, which match their bright personalities. Old Town Fort Collins remains a special place for the Olsen family, as many family memories line the historic streets decorated with festive lights. 
This session represents a whole new approach to family portraits three ways for me.
- First, I shot these entire images using a Mamiya 645 medium-format film camera and a 80 mm f/1.9 lens with Kodak Portra 400 for the color film and Kodak T-Max 400 B&W, the film I learned on back in the early 90s. This was my very first portrait session in which I shot pretty much all film, with the exception on a few digital stills just in case none of the film ‘turned out.’ Turns out, there were many favorite timeless photos I know the Olsen family will cherish. Richard Photo Lab did a great job with the development and scanning of the film negatives.
- Next, Shooting film slows down the shooting process. Which is a good thing. Why? For starters, I figure it is about $2 a shot which includes purchase of film, shipping of film to lab, processing, and scanning into a digital format. This causes me to really think before clicking the shutter, otherwise I waste not only time on my part in post-production, but money. That’s an easy consideration. However, the processing of correctly loading and unloading the film, gives us down time to think, explore, and talk with clients and explain what film is (many kids and adults forget what film cameras are all about).
- Finally, documenting a family near and dear to me reminded me that there is nothing wrong with looking into the camera, smiling, and clicking the shutter. Moments often are fleeting, yet capturing them in a familiar, fun context despite hectic schedules. However, there are also a traditional approach to photography that serves as documentary, especially in a family portrait context. These photos WILL matter in 50 years, especially for kids to see young parents. Moms and Dads, yes, we all age. And that’s a good thing because it means we are living, a notion some take for granted.
General impressions:
- There truly is nothing like film. No Photoshop action can replicate the authenticity of film. And if you might try, you are missing the entire point about what film authenticty is about.
- Digital is too sharp. With film, there is a greater artistic latitude in the creation of slightly out-of-focus image. There is much more beauty to feel.
- The dynamic range of medium-format film is greater than digital. Great shadow detail and highlights don’t get blown out nearly as easily as shooting JPEGS.
- I like the ‘clunk’ of a shutter. There is something inspiriting to clients when they can hear a confident shutter ‘click’ that comes with shooting a film camera. So much, in fact, I’ve heard stories of models who don’t like the sound of quiet digital cameras since there is little camera feedback that what they are doing is correct, which can happen when you use a plastic Canon 5D toy camera.
- I love the 3D pop from shooting at f/1.9 with a medium format film sensor (about f/1.0 on a 35mm sensor).
Going forward I will continue to offer film portrait sessions to clients who love film authenticity.
Here are a few more favorites from our session:
Continue Reading…
Posted by R. J. on January 3, 2012
2012 is shaping up to be great year as a destination wedding photographer and workshop instructor!
Great assignments on the books which will keep me challenged, energized, and exploring. Months of planning yields this line-up with a scosh of flexibility :
- Boulder, CO – Jan 4 – 7th
- Sterling, CO – Jan 8th
- Oahu, HI – Jan 19 – 30th
- Tuba City, AZ – Feb 1-2nd
- Denver, CO – Feb 15-17th
- Vail, CO – Feb 18 – 24th
- Miami, FL - Feb 28- March 3rd
- Oahu, HI - March 8 – 16th
- Maui, HI – March 16- 19th
- Oahu, HI – April 12 – 16th
- Cleveland, OH - April 19 – 22nd
- Lawton, OK - April 24-29th
- Sacramento, CA – May 7-10th
- Fremont, CA – May 12th
- Cass Lake, MN – May 21-24th
- Minneapolis, MN – June 1st
- Billings, MT - June 3-6th
- San Diego, CA – July 17-20
- Ireland - August 1- 8th
- Oahu, HI - August 10 – 14th
- Sparks, NV – August 22-23rd
- Black Rock City, NV (Burning Man) - August 27 – 30th
- Chicago, IL – Sept 1-3rd
- Golden, CO - Sept 18 – 23rd
- Cherokee, NC – Spet 25-27th
- Raleigh, NC – Sept 28th
- New York, NY – Oct 20th
Yikes! Typing this all out looks overwhelming…. but I feel incredibly blessed to have a booked schedule with the support of loved ones!
I’m accepting only 2-3 more wedding commissions this year and then it’s looking forward to 2013!
If you’d like to work with me for a photo shoot or mentoring session, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Contact me and let’s make it happen.
Posted by R. J. on January 3, 2012
2011 was a very good year, and I feel incredibly blessed as I reflect back at the last 365 days. I am grateful to have photographed 12 weddings, developed amazing relationships with friends, spent quality time with family. I met an incredible woman, became a full-time photographer, sold my house in Denver and moved to Minneapolis, and developed as a person and creative professional.
I’m an open person and love to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for life, as illustrated 174 blog posts this year! To all my blog readers, thank you for your loyal readership! And for those who who comment, thank you for making my heart happy! I share in this blog post a recount of a few favorite 2011 happenings, divided into 6 categories:
1. Appreciate Friends & Family.
Spending quality time with friends and family ranked as my number #1 goal for this year. I was amazed to look back such awesome experiences this year shared with friends and family (too many to list here).
Hawaii with Sean and Molly
Mom and Me ski in Winter Park
Portraits with Ryan
Meeting new friends via Couch Surfing
Mark’s Change of Command Ceremony
Easter on my birthday with my folks
Zumba with my Mom
The Art of Guys Night
Epic engagement proposal weekend with family
A meet-the-parents’ car weekend in Carmel, CA and we hosted a meet in Lake George, NY with family.
Enjoying Lake Harriet and my new home
Happy Birthday, Willy
Thanksgiving near Fargo, ND with a combined meet-the-parents weekend.
My Photo Guys Bachelor Party (unpublished)
A Holiday Fun-Booth with new friends
Spending time with my new family in Fort Collins
2. Enjoying the Simple Things in Life.
Life really is good and should be enjoyed! Taking time to smell the flowers in life I have found yields some of the greatest rewards and happiness. Just by SLOWING DOWN, I’ve found inspiration in sharing my enthusiasm about life by writing blog posts and personal work. I love savoring the new sights and sounds of landscapes and have been am blessed to have been able to explore so much of this planet this year!
Do what you love, and do it often
Yes, Please (Ikea goodies)!
The Perfect Morning
If you can’t beat them, shoot for free!
Pretty Florals
180 Minutes in Yellowstone NP
2 Shoes and Cars 2
Invisible ghost trains in Denver
Sun Halo in CO
A Perfect Pairing (kids and wine)
Sushi Caught by a Bald Eagle
Going Fishing on Kodiak Island, AK
Visiting Santorini, Greece
Visiting Beirut, Lebanon
Visiting Istanbul
Flower girl shoes
Savoring downtime in the first snow of MN
Tomte dolls bring home the holiday spirit
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Vail, CO
3. Getting Engaged.
When you know, you know. Read all about it here (Please, don’t judge). I share my thoughts on planning a wedding as a wedding photographer here. Continue Reading…
Posted by R. J. on January 1, 2012
Moments ago, the final fireworks of 2011 faded in the Vail Valley in Colorado. Welcome, 2012!
Continue Reading…
Posted by R. J. on December 31, 2011
Legend has it, these mythical creatures from Scandanavian stories were believeed to take care of the home and protect children from misfortune as night when the house folk were asleep. During the day, I’ve found they take on personalities of their own… so much in fact, I’ve found them in odd places where I know I didn’t leave them…
… like near the keys by my front door, waiting for my return:
Or hiding in little precarious spots waiting to jump out and smile.
Sometimes the lovebirds just want to savor peace and hold hands.
Continue Reading…
Posted by R. J. on December 22, 2011
