You may have noticed in my posts that I do not post details, like settings, camera or even what I did in post production. I am not ashamed of my gear or the programs that use, I do think it can hinder the overall interpretation of a piece of art as a viewer. This is true for me as a musician and photographer, and this is why I am struggling with it.

It was actually a recent realization that I do this, but I have come to the conclusion that I choose to not post those things, not because of what others think, but because I want the viewer to connect with the image and not how it was created. That is the important part of photography, the connection and viewer’s interpretation of the image. Settings and gear do have their uses and definitely help in the learning process, especially if you are at that stage like I am still; and hope to always be learning. I’m currently reading a very gear heavy book right called Sketching Light by Joe McNally, and am loving it. A little gear envy is a bad thing, but when it comes to art it can get in the way. Others may argue but this is my view.

When I first look at an image, or any piece of art for that matter, there is a split second emotional connection, good or bad, before my brain starts analyzing it. The light is coming from the left, it must be a large f-stop because there is a shallow depth of field… What was that initial sensation the drew you to the image, and what happened to it? This sensation should be my focus when looking at an image that grabs my mind or heart, not what f-stop, shutter speed, or where the flash is positioned; that can come later. This is actually what I try to focus on, and why I don’t post more information to pull a viewers brain away from that.  I have had similar experiences while going to school for music, and am trying to relate what I have learned in that process and applying it to photography and other arts.

We were taught, as musicians, the techniques composers use and that a V chord moves to a I chord and the Leading tone moves by step… How is that music as art, where is the emotional connection? Those things are important in the grand composition but to break it down to that small of a detail somewhat demystifies they whole process, at least for me in the beginning. It has taken me a while to break, somewhat, away from that analytical theory student and to enjoy music as a whole again. I do like to dig deep into a piece from time to time to find things that may have motivated the composer to write certain chords or melodies, which requires those skills of theory and analysis. As a conductor that is extremely important. They are just that, skills and tools to better appreciate the art, in my opinion. The important part is balancing that knowledge as a craft with your own view or interpretation of the piece of art, whether it be a photograph or a piece of music. Something I am still struggling with.

One way that I rehearse a piece of music with an ensemble is by an hour glass technique I learned from my mentor. Start with the big picture and the grand scheme and as you progress through music through several rehearsals get more and more involved with the details so that it can be then brought out into context of the entire composition as you get closer to the performance. Why not take this approach when studying a photograph? If you are interested in developing that skill or want to try recreating a certain look or feel this may help define what your line of attack could be. Establish and define what you liked about it and then break it down into smaller parts to better understand the intent of the photographer. Ask questions, do external research.

I am more than happy to, and invite anyone, to discuss shutter speeds and f-stops that were used for a particular image, when asked, but I want that connection to happen first. I also love hearing other’s interpretation or feeling towards my images. Leave comments I would love to hear them. As always, if you wish to purchase a print, just click on the image to be taken to my print gallery. Thank you for reading.

I love coffee. It helps when it speaks to you in the morning. Want to know what it told me?

Probably like every other photographer, or most people in general, my daily coffee is almost a necessity in order for the rest of my day to be free of headaches and slump in energy. I don’t feel like I am a coffee snob by any means, but I do know a good cup from a bad one. That’s not to say that I would turn my nose up at a bad cup, and would probably still drink it. It has also been a great help to my photography as an inspiration and source of renewing passion.

Yes, coffee has done this and I was caught reflecting on this while I was sipping a Sunday morning cup of fresh coffee out of my Life is good® mug. The words “Do What You Like, Like What You Do” were wafting through my senses with the aroma of fresh ground beans  brewed only moments before. Maybe it was the caffeine, but I felt something resonate inside me and an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness came over me. I was doing what I liked and still liked what I do, despite the trying times I still truly love what I do. My passion for everything seemed to bubble up again and so I grabbed my camera and started shooting. The image above was one of the results. That passion has been fueled, yes by caffeine at times, but also being surrounded by people who are passionate for their own interests. Both of those things come together in a favorite spot in town called Bard Coffee.

My “Office,” favorite cup of coffee, and source of friendly exchanges with passionate people. This places was built around passion and everyone who works there takes pride in their product and it shows. Just talking with one of the owners, Jeremy, at a recent event you can tell just in his voice that he loves what he does and loves sharing it with anyone. He was demonstrating a brewing process where water was forced through the grounds with air. With a small scientists lab setup on the table you would think it would be intimidating and way over my head. Not the case when it is being described to you by a passionate person. And the results from this process were amazing. For someone to take the time to explain what they are doing and makes sure you understand shows that they are passionate. I love going into this place and supporting this passion.

If you are following the latest events and updates on my Facebook page or on Twitter, you may have seen that I am showing some prints in Bard from February through March. I don’t think I have been more excited to hang prints in a coffee shop then I have been for this showing. The selection of prints and the vibe and look of the space along with the people are all factoring into my excitement. If you get a chance and are in the Portland area stop into Bard and check them out. Leave a comment on my Facebook page or send me a Tweet of what you thought. I am continuing to donate a portion of print sales from showings to the Life is good® Kids Foundation, so if you would like to support passion purchase a print and enjoy a latte or cappuccino and while you are at Bard Coffee.

I had the distinct pleasure of working with the great people, once again, of PortSports. Some past posts are here and here. This time some new faces are introduced to the crew as league managers. Very excited for Dave and Morgan. To have to hire more help means their little sports league is growing, and with good reason. Enjoy some of my favorites in the slideshow below. Always such a great time, esspecialy when we have access to mats and gym equipment. Lets just say the “kids” developed their own version of Wipeout while I was off taking some individual portraits. You can see the structure in one of our group shots. I have some fun ideas cooking up for a spring time photo shoot. There is talk of possibly doing something like this for every season. I’m game! Leave comments if you wish!

This bridge is a common walking path on they way into town for me. Never really thought anything of it until I was out in the fog and saw it in a different light. One I hadn’t seen before. That very same day, on my way back home, I was forced to take a detour due to unplowed, icy sidewalks. It brought me over this bridge again. The lights were illuminated and reflecting of the wet walkway. Same scene different circumstances. It pays to have your eyes open instead of walking with your head down.

I am finding it amazing how a common scene or subject can catch our attention when the conditions are right or just that our eyes are open to the possibility of an image.

I’m on a roll with shooting and posting photos. I need to keep this going, it’s been fun! Prints are available for purchase by clicking on the image.

Another spontaneous walk with my camera has lead to some great images. Surprise surprise, you would think I would do this more often.

Winter really is tough for me, creatively and in other aspects of my life. The short gray days and the drab surroundings really put me in a funk. It has happened for several years now, well since I have been conscious of it anyway. Now aware, I am really trying to curb this annual slide into a creative slump. It has been a long process but the image above is proof that one can grow tremendously when pushed.

We finally got a sizable amount of snow here in Maine and it couldn’t have come at a better time. My lack of motivation to go out and shoot, and the lack of time has really put a damper on my photography. In turn, it has effected my entire mood. I am glad to say that I am turning that corner of creativity and pushing myself to create more.

It started with this beautiful morning after we got about 6 inches of snow. I woke up and opened my shade to see the sun gleaming and not a cloud in the sky with the fresh powder begging to not be touched. I couldn’t let that happen. I bundled up and flew out the door with my camera bag and have to saw it was one of the most invigorating walks I have done in a very long time. The bright sun, the pillows of fresh snow and my camera in hand. I may sound a little dramatic, but it felt surreal to be outside. I will leave you with my favorites.

The first one having an abstract quality to it and accentuates the layers of different materials.

As you can see the sky was spotless and the brilliant blue made a great background for  the contrasting white show and gray trees.

Typical winter scene.

In the park there are a number of basketball and tennis courts as well as a dirt volleyball court; which they left the nets up. The basketball hoops also had their nets still up and it reminded me of how winter can sometimes cloud our minds of summer memories.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Apparently I like to shoot vertically.

Portland is a very colorful city. Both literally and in it’s people, culture and arts. The lights during the winter bring a warm touch to the otherwise cold, snowy city. More below.

These sculptures above are a regular fixture here in Portland during the winter months, starting after Thanksgiving. Orbs, tear drops and other shapes are hung through out the city and and parks, on lamp posts and in trees and cascading down buildings. The vibrant colors are beautiful to look at and reflect off buildings and windows creating a glow about the city. Who designed these, and what inspired them?

I was curious, but couldn’t find much about the artist, Pandora LaCasse. Despite having her work very prominently displayed around the city, she would prefer to be out of the limelight; maybe to have her work speak for itself.  From what I did read, the objects are based on shapes found in nature and also she uses natural elements in her designs. There seems to be more added every year too which makes winter that much more enjoyable.

These are just a couple designs that I could get while on a quick walk after work. I am planning on getting more shots of her other designs soon. Night time is obviously the best time to capture these sculptures, which forces me to work on my long exposures. I started the walk with a place I spotted while driving. The combination of the lights in the tree and the iconic Eastland Park Hotel in the background is what caught my attention.

All of these were long exposures done in Aperture priority. I wanted a small aperture so that I could have more in focus and I knew it created starbursts. I think the next time I will be more diligent about my compositions. I didn’t have a lot of time so I felt a little rushed and probably didn’t think of the best angles for some of these. Live and learn. Just means I will have to back out and try it again. The next one was planned and shows a public transit bus going under a green light. I just liked the various lights in the scene with the Eastland in the background. Any comments would be great as I am new to this type of photography. Also, clicking the image will take you to my print gallery where you can order prints.

Well, not a family member or even a living being. I am reffering to my camera.

I, probably like some of you out there, struggle to find the time to go out and shoot. Especially if being a photographer is not your full time job. I am in a position where I love my full time job and being a photographer keeps me out of trouble when I am not working and brings in some extra money too. Honestly, I like this system because it provides me with a steady income but more importantly my photography can grow naturally without the pressure of being the money maker. Even though I don’t devote as much time to it as I probably should, and that saddens me. I love what I do and need to make more time for it.

Have you ever gone to visit a relative or a close friend whom you haven’t seen in quite some time, and you leave feeling happy to have spent time with that person and nostalgic for the times you spent together? I get that way when I don’t pick up my camera for a long time. It feels so good to go out with no plan and to just make pictures and be creative. My problem is initiating that time; sometimes with regards to friends as well. That needs to change; in both areas of my life. Spending time with friends and loved ones revitalizes my spirit and pushes me forward. One of the happy side effects of the holiday season full of get-togethers and family gatherings. The same happens when I spend time with my camera creating images. Remember my New Year’s Resolutions, with respect to my photography, that I posted last week? Well, I have started off pretty well with a little walk I took yesterday before work. The image above is a result.

So as I was walking to my destination I decided I would try some long exposures to get a fuzzy, painterly effect to the water. This is something I have seen other photographers do, most recently was this amazing image by Younes Bounhar. My attempt isn’t as captivating as his, probably because I couldn’t go running around “flashing” the pillars with my speedlight. (It’s amazing what we photographers will do to get the image we want) I am also new to this technique but plan to try it again. Yes, that means more time with my beloved camera in the near future. Come to think of it, this almost covers of a few of my resolutions: #1 Make time for photography… so I can #2 try something new, out of my comfort zone; well it wasn’t completely out of my comfort zone per say, but it’s new. Finally, #3 make more images. I will leave you with another image from my walk. Comments are always welcome and you can view a larger version, and purchase a print, by clicking on the images.

This is going to be an extended post, reflecting on 2011 and pondering the immense possibilities that 2012 brings. Join me in this process and share your thoughts and own stories. All images are available for purchase, just simply click the image and you will be taken to my print site where you can purchase the print.

There will be a mix of reflection and future visions for 2012 as this post goes on. It has been a great year for me as a photographer and I know it will continue in 2012.

A new website design, and new project was began at the beginning of 2011 called Portraits of Exteriors. The fascination of doors and windows having their own character lead me to the start of this project and lead to the creation to an interesting assortment of images that are simple in composition but really show the idiosyncrasies of the individual exterior. Others may not have the same draw to common windows and doors that I have but it has inspired me to eventually make a coffee table book in the future, once I have collected a sufficient number of images. If you would like to see these images check out the galleries of doors and windows. Several favorites are below:

This project has brought me to places I normally wouldn’t venture and wouldn’t normally think is beautiful. The distressed and pristine exteriors are both beautiful in their own ways and I have been able see things a little differently when creating these images. Something in every image grabbed my attention and warranted it’s creation, whether it be the reflection of blue sky in a window on a beat up concrete building or a well decorated church on christmas. The buildings we live our lives through have their own character and I can see this being an ever growing collection of images from any where I go. These “portraits” like human portraits are meant to bring out the characters and unique qualities of the subject; and that is why I love photography.

I also did more portrait work than I had in the past, something I would like to do more of in the coming year. Here are some favorite portraits that were created this past year.

Here is Eric and Danielle and Gabby

Some from my shoot with clarinetist and friend, Maria

Some great friends from back home in Connecticut Andy and Jenna, who are living in Pittsburgh happily married. Best wishes on their new life together.

And my latest engagement shoot with some other great people, and true friends Scott and Danielle.

These images are why I make pictures of people. The endless expressions and unique characters can be all translated through photography. One of my resolutions for 2012 is to make more portraits. It’s written down so hold me to it.

In 2011 I was also able to shoot some pictures for my self, just for fun, usually on my many walks I take. A smattering of images are represented below.

Another very cool thing that I had the chance to do was be a photographer for the Life is good® festival back in September. You may remember the blog post I did, and being my employer, I was happy to contribute other skills for this amazing even to raise money for the Life is good Playmakers. I hadn’t done anything like this before and really brought me out of my comfort zone. Fortunately the great positive energy that is always present at Life is good quickly comforted and fueled me all day. Come to think of it there has been a number of things that took me out of my comfort zone and learned a lot from those experiences in particular.

So with all these great things that happened this past year, I am looking into 2012 with hope and vigor that I will do more and create even more images. My library tells me I have taken roughly 3800 images in 2011. So with you as my witness, I am putting done my photography resolutions in writing so that I can be reminded all the time of what I want to accomplish. These will also be posted in a prominent place so I will constantly see them. You should try it too, lets see how we do this year.

1. Make more time for photography… so that I can
2. Push myself out of my comfort zone even more to try new things.
3. Make more images

Yes they seem simple but not so easily done. I am making number 2 a personal resolution as well. Time to start the new year off right. Whose with me?

While out on another walk the other day I came across this old VW bus, in very good shape I might add. I instantly began taking some shots and through my train of thought I realized I had connected this subject to a friend’s mother back in Connecticut who collected VW memorabilia and owned several cars. I was thinking about the final out put and if she would like it hanging in her home. Nostalgia then filled my thoughts of all the good times we shared as I grew up being best friends with her son, and her being like a second mother to me. It amazes me to this day how an image can spur so many emotions and sensations, maybe that is what draws me in to photography and the process of creating images.

Several images in my library do just that and then there are some that cause the brain to create stories about the scene or what that person or thing is trying to convey. My Personal Project Portraits of Exteriors are the ones that I get lost in creating sometimes elaborate stories behind the simple doors and windows. I am finding new portraits every time I go out.

If you wish, share your images that spur some sort of emotion or memory.

Please enjoy the two slide shows of my personal projects, maybe you will come up with your own stories behind the closed doors and windows.

Portraits of Exteriors: Doors

Portraits of Exteriors: Windows