Reflecting by the Hill...

New Blog

2008-12-14T23:35:00.002-06:00

It is time!! Time to change your bookmarks and RSS feeds to this blog. See you there!

Price changes

2008-12-12T20:01:00.006-06:00

2009 is right around the corner. And as we move into this new year, I have some exciting new ideas. So, for me to jump in that direction I need to make some price changes. Here is the thing. If you have received a Price Sheet from me prior to December 31, 2008 you will be eligible for 2008 pricing for bookings made prior to January 31, 2009 for sessions dated up to five months out. In other words, you can schedule a booking (at 2008 prices) for as late in the year as May 31, 2009 if you have a deposit in by January 31, 2009. To confirm or hold that session date, you will need to put down a deposit. The deposit will be subtracted from the total session cost. Each session has a different deposit amount. If necessary, you will be able to change the date (a maximum of 2 times) to a new date if it is still available on my calendar. Subsequent changes will forfeit the initial deposit and require a new deposit. If you need to cancel the session, please cancel with at least 48 hours notice prior to the session. Otherwise, you will forfeit your deposit.

So, if you want to jump on this, put in that request for a price sheet now (Hint, Hint).

Couple of pictures for your enjoyment. I just got my Nikon D40x and wanted to try out my old 75 - 300mm zoom non-focus lens on it. Not to bad.

Light Painting

2008-12-12T09:43:00.009-06:00

I have been wanting to do this since I first learned about it on Strobist site. But I was not able to find his post. What got me excited about it was this post. It was different in that you didn't have a lot of light creating lines and stuff. Check out that his post, really cool. So, last night I started practicing.

I started with using a flash just to see what it would do. Interesting. I only used one flash. With this picture I set the shutter to 30secs and f-stop at 32.

Still using the flash but I am pointing the flash at the couch now.

Now it is time to take a flash light and have some fun. Still at the same settings.

On the next two, I did change my f-stop down to 10. On the first one, you can see me in the photo. The living room was completely darken, though, the Christmas lights were on. So, you can see me moving in the picture.

This time I stood out of the way. Turn out pretty neat.

I got to thinking. I wanted to take some pictures of what I am going to show in the Bridal Fair. I was going to blog about them so, I went and set up these pictures. I like it but not there yet.

I am getting closer but needed to change the diameter of flashlight. I also laid out the pictures different.

Ok, here is the end result. I really like it. It looks like a spot light on each picture. So cool. Camera setting was still at 30 secs f-stop was 11.

To rephrase, the first two pictures, I used one flash and just move it where I wanted it. I then move to a small maglight. For the spotlight affect on those pictures, I used a big maglight. I then turn the spotlight down to a small diameter. I stood on a step stool to keep out of the picture since the light can splash on you. This made the spotlight a little bigger. I would light a picture for 2-3 secs. Don't think you can get it on the first try. I had to play with it to get what I was looking for.

This was so much fun. Get out there and give it a try. Notice that I didn't think of my idea until after I was taking those first pictures. I have so many other ideas now.

Technical Difficulties

2008-12-08T14:25:00.004-06:00

I am having technical difficulties with either DNS or Blogger.
This is the second time this has occurred in the three week period. I am not sure how long this will be. So, I am working on an alternative solution and hope to have it ready so that I can post it. I hope this will stay up and running until that time. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Merry Christmas..Well, pretty close

2008-12-07T12:54:00.009-06:00

My wife's parents and grandmother came down to visit over Thanksgiving. Our family tradition has always been to put up the tree on Friday. This year we actually did it on Thanksgiving. The boys just love to decorate. And me, I love to capture each moment. We turned on some Christmas music, got the tree down and my wife started handing out decorations. Here are some of those moments.

Family Session

2008-12-01T19:31:00.007-06:00

The day before Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to do a family portrait session. Here are some of my favorites from that session.

Quick Personal Session

2008-12-01T11:07:00.010-06:00

Over the holidays we did a quick family session. My mother-n-law wanted us to take a picture simalar to what my brother-n-law's family did. I said sure. I am game to try new things. My mother is also a photographer. I ask her to take the pictures but I think she was more comfortable with me setting up the scene. She did a good job. Here is one of my favorites.

From the session I did before the holidays, we did a fun picture at the end where the family jump. Well, this is my family's take on it. :)

Notice from the above picture, my oldest son was in the air before all of us. Then in this next picture we all jump and he was down. :)

Well, I pulled out the GIMP program and did some editing and here is the final result. I have to admit that it turned out better than I expected.

Need family portraits done, just send me an email at calvin@reflectionsbythehill.com or you can visit my website here.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T00:07:00.002-06:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my wonderful family, a free country, a job, food, clothing, a home. These things we take for granted everyday. All it can be gone in an instant. One thing that can't be taken is my salvation in Christ. I am thankful for the gift of salvation. What are you thankful for?

Here is a sneak peak of a portrait session I did yesterday. Aren't they having fun?

I know I had a blast taking the pictures. Can't wait to show more.

Sickness is going around

2008-11-20T13:39:00.004-06:00

Whoa! What a week for my family. The Monday after the Bridal session my wife gets a stomach virus. Then Wednesday my youngest catches the same thing. On Friday my oldest catches it and both my wife and youngest get it again. Then it was my turn on Sunday though it was different than theirs. They got sick and were ok in 12 - 24 hours. I got chills, aches on Sunday. On Monday the stomach virus hits me good. I felt better Wednesday morning but work wore me out. So, I am taking another sick day and going to the doctor today.

I do have some prints coming in. When they get in, I will post them. Sure hope everyone else out there in cyber land is doing well.

Here is photo I did when I first got my camera earlier in 2008. Enjoy.

Fall Bridal Session

2008-11-10T09:25:00.007-06:00

I had a fun time doing this bridal session. But not only with the session but also in post processing. First, off what a beautiful bride. That dress is so gorgeous. One could say that is was impossible for me to take bad pictures :). The day was beautiful fall day. It was also cold and windy. I had a great assistant with me. He did a great job helping out. He got to take a few pictures too.

We first started the session at Toad Suck Park. For those that are not from Arkansas or even Conway, yes we have a park called Toad Suck. We also have a May festival called Toad Suck Daze. Anyway, the park is on the Arkansas river. What a great place to start off. We then headed down the road. Our bride remember a beautiful church in the direction that we were going. Well, we almost missed it and had to turn around and go back. Wow, very beautiful. Our last stop was at Lake Maumelle right off AR-Hwy 10. Here we able to get the beautiful colors from the sunset.

This is my favorite from the session. Though, I love them all but this would be my pick. Though, I don't think seeing it here in the blog (under blogger) really gives it that character. It must be the size of it.

Isn't this church beautiful? Great place for fall colors.

We were trying different poses with this tree. This one I think turn out the best.

Aren't the colors just beautiful? Love this shot.

Her husband didn't realize I was going to ask him to join in the fun. But he did not mine.

Having some fun.

Oh, the flash was not fast enough when I was taking these shots. I love the effect. So much fun.

Hope you enjoyed them. I sure have and will continue too. If you are looking to have a bridal session done, check out my website at Reflections by the Hill or email me at calvin@reflectionsbythehill.com.

Bridal Sessoin Teaser

2008-11-09T08:10:00.004-06:00

I did a Bridal session Saturday afternoon to build up my portfolio. Here are just a few from that session. More to come soon.

Photo Album Software free?

2008-11-06T10:04:00.003-06:00

Melissa Jill posted that Photojunction is offering their Album designer for free. You can see Melissa's post here and also go to their announcement here. If you are a start up photographer like me, this is great asset for all types of clients.

Great day to vote!

2008-11-04T16:39:00.003-06:00

Check out these great fall colors for voting. If you had to wait in line, then I hope you were able to enjoy a beautiful day. Here is what it is like in Little Rock, AR (near where I work).

First Wedding Completed

2008-11-04T11:55:00.028-06:00

I finally have the pictures organized and post-processed. The wedding was beautiful. I had great time taking their pictures. Well, here are some of my favorites. I did have trouble picking what I should show.

Their reception was done in the Quapaw Bath house. It was first reception held there since the remodeling. The decorations were nicely done.

It was a lot of pictures but it really gives you a nice glimpse of their special day. Looking for a wedding photographer for your special day. Check out my website for more information.

Website is up and running

2008-11-04T09:53:00.005-06:00

I finally have my website up and running. I still have changes to make but when will that change. Click on Reflections by the Hill to see the site. Here are few screen shots. I also added the link on the side. Check it out!!

APPA Fall Seminar

2008-10-29T11:24:00.003-05:00

The Arkansas Professional Photography Association had a seminar this past Monday. It went really well. Met some great people there but forgot to trade info. The seminar focus on Bride and Groom, Seniors, Family, and children. We started at the Trapnall Hall in downtown Little Rock working with the Bride and Groom. We started taking pictures inside and then move outside. We all had the opportunity to help pose, make comments, ask questions, and of course snap a lot of pictures. We then walk to lunch. While we were walking, we stop and took pictures of the three seniors. After, lunch we did more shots of the seniors. We then headed down Broadway Street to an old beautiful home. I believe the people that own it live upstairs and rent out the first floor. We work with the family first with indoor and outdoor shots. Then we were able to work with the two kids. Both the girl and boy get hired out for photo shoots. They were so cute and fun to be with. We had a blast. It was a little chilly in the shade but all the models did very well. I believe the APPA will be doing one in the Spring. I'll try to post more info about it as time draws near. I will be posting a few shots of what we did soon.

First Wedding Sneak Peek...

2008-10-26T22:38:00.005-05:00

I have a couple of pictures from the wedding on Saturday. I headed out to Hot Springs to Quapaw Rd off of Grand Ave. The wedding was done in simple fall colors and the Church they had was just perfect. I can't wait to share more.

My First Wedding...

2008-10-25T22:43:00.003-05:00

I just return from doing my first wedding. I really enjoyed it a lot. No pictures yet. But will start getting some up as soon as I can. Right now, I am very tired.

Nicaragua Trip

2008-10-24T20:29:00.017-05:00

Finally found some time to pick some pictures from the trip. The trip went very well. I went with a group from Church. I taught English. Some will teach at the Bible Institute, lead the evening Children's Ministry, and others help in the Orphanage. One of the things I love about teaching English is that when you have learned a little Spanish, you start using it. Well, when I pronounce some of the words, the kids burst out laughing. Of course, I get a little smile when I hear them speak an English word. I am trying, they are trying, we all have great fun. Here are some pictures from the trip.

These first shots aren't too bad. I am taking the pictures from the airplane window.

Here are a couple of shots from our hotel in Managua.

We went to a local restaurant. They did a good job performing. But after an hour of the same tune, it started to get old.

These people sold their homes, possessions and are living in this tent community to protest in what they believe.

The water raging there is going over a spill way of which we need to drive on to get across. The bridge that we are standing on wasn't finished yet. We had to turn around and go back to Managua for the night.

Children from the local school in Juigalpa.

The children ministry that we put on. There was no electricity for that overhang, for two of the three nights we put it on.

Me with the kids. What precious kids they are. Love everyone of them.

A church that we got to visit while there. What a wonderful time we had worshiping with them. They sure know how to jam.

A beautiful shot of the a Volcano from the airplane. I don't know which one that is.

I had a great time. Great things are happening there. This was my third time to Nicaragua. Each time there I get closer to the translators, pastors, and especially the children.

**DISCLAIMER** If you feel/concern that my English was not good enough after reading this post, then please feel free to make arrangements for the trip in Oct 2009. I look forward in working with you. :)

I am back

2008-10-21T23:10:00.004-05:00

I have been back for a week now. Just trying to get back into the swing of things. Nicaragua was awesome. I love to share some pictures with you but I have another treat. I went to the Air Show this weekend. It was a gorgeous day. Well guess what, I took my camera with me. :) We hadn't been in a few years but besides the pat down, it was a great thrill like before. Here are some of my favorites.

So, the Blue Angels are flying. I am getting some great shots. Ooops...I don't have my extra memory card. Oh, well, I had taken quite a few. Well, this weekend I have special event going to happen. I am not going to say anything yet but I look forward to showing you. Mom and Bonny, no spilling the beans please. Hopefully, I will find time to get the Nicaragua pictures up. There are a lot of those pictures ;).

Nicaragua

2008-10-01T20:30:00.005-05:00

It certainly has been a while since I blogged last. I have been pretty busy working my day job and evening job getting things squared away before tomorrow's big trip. This will be my third trip to go with a team from my church. I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to go each year. God blesses in many ways. One or many of the blessings I receive are from the kids I get to teach English. Below are photos from last year trip. I am the one in the middle. No..no, that one. :).

This picture is from the children's evening ministry. The kids would come in by the truck loads. It was an awesome event. It took the whole team to help coordinate the projects, games, etc.

We will have 18 - 20 people on our team. Each year we have about half or less that go again, and the rest are new. I look forward to adding pictures from the trip when I return. Don't forget to check out the Interesting Feed section to see other wonderful photogs.

Christmas Cards

2008-09-23T22:56:00.005-05:00

I finally got around to finishing some Christmas Cards. I believe they turned out nice.

Just a nice simple Christmas Card.

The verse on the background is Matt. 2:11 (NIV).

This one is my favorite.

I cannot believe October is almost here. That means that several wonderful Holidays are right around the corner. Well, do you need some family Christmas Cards, or even maybe a family portrait as a gift? Any of the messages on the cards can be changed. Email me and we can setup the time and place for the session. reflectionsbythehill at gmail dot com. Check out a teaser I posted here.

Busy Bee

2008-09-22T08:59:00.007-05:00

It has been a crazy two weeks. Not only has it been busy with my normal job, but I have also been trying to build a price list (this can be difficult), a website and finishing the wedding video I did back in August (if you missed the video, check it out here). Besides all that, I also have been working on Christmas cards. Here is a little teaser of one I did.

The smudges are where the family signature could be placed. I hope to put more templates out for your viewing pleasure. So, are you needing some Christmas cards? Send me an email and let's get together.

One for the wife

2008-09-13T15:13:00.004-05:00

My wife, Bonny, saw the YearBook page from the last post and had to have one done for her. Check out her's below.

I think 1960 does her well. :) The 1968 one looks like her mom.

Oh my!...Yearbook pictures

2008-09-13T13:11:00.007-05:00

I found another photographer that had a great fun post. His name is Matt Nicolosi; check out his site. He had this post of pictures of himself in a Yearbook fashion. I have seen others do it on Facebook as well and decided it was my turn.

Click on it for a bigger image.

So, which one do you think I could get away with if I did graduate on those years? If I can find my actual Yearbook, I would of scan in my own picture.

Go give it try. Even if you don't publish a picture, you definitely will have fun. The website for this is here at Yearbook Yourself. Enjoy!

Thoughts of a Blog

2008-09-13T09:57:00.006-05:00

I just found this neat site (from Melissa Jill's blog) that will put together words in a random order all over the screen. Check it out below.

I think I might add this as my header. The website is called Wordle. Have Fun!

I give full credit to Wordle for creating the above image.

Before Digital SLR

2008-09-09T22:05:00.006-05:00

I do have a 35mm SLR camera. It is a Nikon 2000. But I haven't shot that since the mid to late 90's. Though, my first digital camera wasn't until 2001. So, I did shoot from 97 - 2000, but it wasn't real or creative. I was getting the moment, but was lazy getting the rolls developed.
The pictures below are from early this year but right before I got my Nikon D40x. I was getting into Video and wanted to try out the lighting I had learned from Izzy Video. The pictures turned out pretty good. What do you think?

Love his expression.

There's my boys. :)

Need some family pictures or maybe some of just the kids. I do all the sessions on location. This means either at your house or somewhere outdoors. Feel free to email me and schedule a Saturday or Sunday.

Video Teaser

2008-09-06T14:01:00.009-05:00

I had the opportunity to do the video for a wedding in early August. This was my first wedding and am thankful for the opportunity. I had a wonderful time doing the video. The wedding was beautiful. Below is a teaser of what I am working on. Enjoy!

Hopper Teaser from Calvin Hill on Vimeo.

Did you like it? Need someone to do video or pictures for your wedding? Send me an email and let's start planning.

First Session? Daffodils

2008-09-06T12:21:00.006-05:00

Below is the session that really got me started. I had just gotten my D40x and was eager to test it out. We got together with friends of ours and went out to the Daffodils field. It was a lot fun. Check out my favorites below.

I plan on going back there in the Spring. Feel free to email me about setting up an appointment.

Very Good Story

2008-09-05T19:33:00.005-05:00

I just got through reading a good story. Even Snopes.com says it true :). Check it out right at Meggie Velasco's Blog.

Portfolio

2008-09-05T12:24:00.004-05:00

I don't have the photography website up yet. But for now I have a link on the side that will show all that I have done. This way you don't have to dig through all the other posts to find the good stuff. Check out my portfolio. I hope to add a post with pricing soon.

Our Merlin

2008-09-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

Here is our Merlin.

Rock Candy?

2008-09-03T22:25:00.004-05:00

Even though I worked most of the weekend, I found some time to stop and make rock candy with the family. It really is a neat thing to do but be prepared to use just about all your 5lb bag of sugar. We all got different flavors. There is plain, chocolate mint, green lemon, and plain yellow. One problem that I realized afterward, is that I don't think I saturated the water enough with sugar. Normally, it takes 7 days, we might be waiting like 20 days. I hope not. Here is Day 1 pictures.

D90 has been reviewed

2008-08-27T19:57:00.002-05:00

You might be thinking that the review is here. Well, I was not privileged enough to do so but check this out. Chase Jarvis looks like he had his hands on it for a while. Check out the full review and video, here. Just of what I have read and seen, this camera is going to be hot.

Day Job

2008-08-25T22:35:00.007-05:00

By day I am a Computer Programmer/Software Engineer/Software Developer... Ok, there just way to many titles. Ummm.. Where was I going with this. I was sitting in my cube (yes a fake office, but I have a window.), not knowing how to move forward and thought let's take some pictures. I pulled out my trusty camera and started taking some shots. Below are few things that you can find on my desk (I would say that all programmers have these items, but not all are sophisticated like me).

The trusty journal where I write daily into..Yes, that is a true statement....maybe...ok daily was a little to far fetch.

The trusty mouse. Wireless... I say no more.

The trusty headphones. Bring on those creative juices...

Oh, yes the adorable family...Umm.. Yes that is my family... :) We are cute. But I cannot take responsibility of taking that photo.

The trusty toys. To squeeze out even more creative juices.

Ok...What are these for? I have computer, I do not need these old dinosaur objects. WHO PUT THIS PICTURE HERE?

The trusty water and afternoon snack.

Well, I hope that helps you see a little into my daily life.

Hendrix Practice Session

2008-08-21T18:56:00.006-05:00

The family and I went out to Hendrix's campus to find some nice places. There are lots of nice locations on campus.The boys were ok but in the end they turn out to be good models for me. Below are a few of my favorites.

These pictures were process in the dark room. I notice that I had forgotten my gray card. So, I had to find a neutral balance in the photos. Luckily, that was not a problem.

Found a local park

2008-08-14T17:46:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine that I work with went to park for a picnic the other day. I was curious, since we are in the middle of town, what park could be near by. He showed it to me on google maps. Wow! that is cool. So, when it was time to whip out my apple snack, I headed over to the park to enjoy it. Of course, while I am there, why not take out the camera. So, here are some shots I took. I really practice making sure the histogram look good depending on the shot.

There should be a child on this swing. The parent getting ready to push. :)

I really love this image. It is just a normal drinking fountain.
I was hoping that the sky would be bluer but I believe the play set would have been darker.

I did not do any post processing with these images except what was necessary for putting them on web (resize and border).

Test Slideshow

2008-08-14T08:41:00.007-05:00

I tried out this new website that builds slide shows for you.
It isn't to bad, for the first time. They take your images and show them in some cool, crazy way to the beat of the music. Check it out.

If you are not able to view the video because you are in a reader, go here.

Nicaragua October 2008

2008-08-11T21:19:00.007-05:00

In October, I will be going with a team to Nicaragua. This is my third visit to Nicaragua. Our team splits up and teaches Bible at the Bible Institute, work at a local orphanage, teach English at a Christian and Public school, and lead a children's ministry in the evening. The reason I am posting this here, is because I am doing a photography fundraiser for our team. See the image below for more information.

Click image to zoom in.

If you are in the area and want to help raise money for out team just email me at reflectionsbythehill@gmail.com.

Family Photo Session

2008-08-11T20:58:00.004-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to do a session with a wonderful family. They had all three kids home last week. They don't know when they will all be together again. Here are a few of my favorites.

Check out Melissa Jill and a little me

2008-08-11T12:40:00.007-05:00

Melissa is a professional photographer getting ready to teach a class in Ireland(I think). She has been traveling
all over Europe taking some awesome pictures. Check these out at her blog. I have to admit, after hearing her story about getting into photography, it really inspired me to start my own business.

In a way my story is similar. I did take some photography classes in High school. But I also took a couple in College. Though, my career took off in programming (My current day job:). I continue to take lots of pictures (just ask my wife). My mom started her photography career a few years ago. I never thought I could do it as a business. I always dream of owning my own business. Shoot, back in 2000, my wife and I put together a business plan for a online video service. It wasn't until this year that I was able to see that it could work. Subscribing to photogs and seeing all the other start up photographers, I realize I could (especially finding Melissa's blog). Also, the encouragement from my wife (thank you so much Bonny), my mom, and praying about it help give me the push. I am no where near able to quit my day job. But I do believe, one day my day job will be switched.

The next step for me is to find my Jedi Photography Master. I have read and heard that each starting out photographer needs one. So I am looking...anyone :).

So, for me I will keep taking pictures. It is something that I love. The joy of looking back at those images and remembering. They say that smell is the best memory of all. I don't disagree. But to look at the image and then close your eyes, and see all the other memories that link to it. It is like feeling the first drop of rain and then the down pour. Even looking at images where I was not there. My mind can still imagine. What a wonderful thing God has given us.

If you are in the Conway, AR area (I can travel a little), feel free to send me an email at reflectionsbythehill@gmail.com.

Step by step

2008-08-07T14:35:00.002-05:00

Check out this step by step video from Chase Jarvis.This video is really good for any photographer. Even though he is into commercial photography, he needs lights just like the rest of us.

Framing the Attic

2008-07-19T21:28:00.003-05:00

My wife and I spent the day framing the attic. We have two sides done but still have some workt to do. I took a few pictures of it. They turned out dark. Though, they were taken at 1600 ISO, 1/30 sec, and 4 f stop. When our house was built, I ask the builder to just get the room in dry. He did put stairs in and we have one window. We are hoping that we can make it into a small studio. Though, I will continue to do sessions out on location.

How can I create expandable post summaries?

2008-07-17T16:37:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to do this ever since I started blogging. I just think it is much cleaner way to see blogs than to see a whole post.Well, I found this finally on Blogger Help Central. I guess I was always typing in a bad keyword or something. Well, anyway here is the link to it, and it only took me 5 minutes. Expandable posts.

I did have one trouble but when I made my Temp Layout expandable I was able to find what I was looking for.

Arkansas Professional Photographer Association Convention

2008-07-17T09:40:00.008-05:00

I went to the APPA convention this year. This was my first and it was great. They had several great tracs and speakers. I also became a member of the APPA. I look forward to competing in print competitions each year (I missed out this year). I am actually going to work on some prints for the SWPPA convention in October.

The convention was really well done. The speakers are just down to earth and very easy talk too. This includes those on the board of APPA and their members. Everyone just wants "you" as a photographer to learn more and become a better professional photographer. The speakers I was able to listen to were; Stephanie Lagow, Cary Garrison, Jenny Hollis, Kent Shirley, Mike Colón, and Gary and Kathy Meek. Most of these were portrait and wedding tracs. Kent Shirley did one on Photoshop C3 actions. Gary and Katy talk about the Delta School and certification.

One the speakers had mention that we should take just one idea. If we try to do everything that every one talk about, we would never do it. So, I decided to pick one thing from each speaker and work on that. So here it goes....

Each one had great ideas and a lot of ideas. I am going to try to take one from each one. From Stephanie's, I am going to look at DVD proofs. From Cary's, I am going to work on lights from several different angles and study what each one produces. From Jenny's, I am going to find my passion with in photography and do my best to have that passion over flow to others (Just like she did). From Kent's, I am going to work on actions (this is really cool stuff). From Mike's, I am going to start thinking long term - not what it can do for me now but in the next 4 or 8 years from now. From Gary's and Kathy's, I am going to consider what class I can take from Delta that will help me discover that passion.

I recommend any photographer wanting to go into buisness to get into your local state PPA. This will only help improve your skills.

The convention also brought in some vendors. One vendor in paticular was Full Color. They are lab that has been in buisness for over 30 years. I am definitely going to compare them to who I currently use today (Myphotopipe.com).

Topsy Turvy and Fun

2008-07-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

We order two Topsy Turvy back in April. We just got them in last weekend. My wife and I are not gardeners but we do like to have fresh vegetables. The reviews look good so we pick two up. We are growing tomatoes, strawberries, yellow and red peppers, and some rosemary. Here is a picture of what they look like.

The plant on left side sticking out from the left planter is not a bell pepper. It is a hot pepper one that starts with an 'H'. I think I will give those away :).

While I was taking the above picture, my oldest and the family pet were having a good old time.

The dog just loves to push the ball all over the yard. It is the funniest thing. If you let him (like my son has done), he'll lick you to death.

I hope everyone has a great 4th!!

Tennis Time

2008-07-02T14:48:00.002-05:00

My boys had the opportunity to learn tennis this summer. It was a blast watching them play. Both of them learn a great deal. I like to keep it going. Below are few pictures that I took. Enjoy!

The pictures did not turn out as good on the web as they are on the computer. The pictures with the sun light are cool. I learned this from Melissa Jill's blog. She has done several in bridal and wedding sessions. I still have some practice since the light spots are little bright than I was hoping for.

Son's Birthday

2008-06-24T14:37:00.001-05:00

My son is having a birthday soon. We went over to his grandfather's
for a early birthday. You will not believe this... I forgot the
camera. I never forget the camera. It is with me everyday. So, what
did I do? I whip out the iPhone and took a few. Not to bad.

Staged with Style...

2008-06-23T16:14:00.003-05:00

OK, so this is not a photo post. But I am so excited for my cousin. Her and a partner have started a business called Staged with Style. She is very talented at home interior. Check out the site.

So, if you have a home for sale or one going on the market soon, this certainly will help in putting the house out there. They help assisting you to de-clutter and organize the home to catch the buyers attention on how beautiful your home is. Again, check them out and find out for yourself.

Photo session setup

2008-06-11T20:44:00.007-05:00

I was ask by reader how my lighting setup was done. I thought it would be good to show some pictures. Now, I can't claim anything of mine in terms on how the lights are position. I learn a lot from the Strobist and from Izzy Video. I learn the beginning of light position with Izzy and is a very good resource for video. I learn more about using flash, combining different lights, and umbrellas from the Strobist. The Strobist site has a lot of info, so just take you time. Ok... let's look at the setup.

First, I setup my flash on my stand. I don't yet own a diffuser so I use the bottom of an alcohol container(not my idea). I have it almost pointing straight up. I have found that this angle works good. Also, I have learn to raise or lower the light stand depending on the height of the ceiling. The flash will be my key light.

Now I need setup my back drop. I use mobile clothes hangers without the wheels (my idea). I then drape both of them with the back drop I want to use. I have this one plus a light gray and a green screen.

Here is my back light. I have found that I like it above the person. Also, the bench is pulled away from the backdrop. I think you can see in a photo below.

The picture here show all three lights. My fill light is a homemade soft box. I took a normal nice size box. Pick up some diffuser paper and attached it to a cut out cardboard. I fill the inside with foil. I bought some track lights where I cut two wholes in the top. The flash does put out a lot of light so I am always compensating with moving the fill light.

The fill light.
Another shot of the setup.
Since I am using different color lights and I don't have a color filter for my flash, I use a gray card to setup the pre-balance of my camera. This works mostly well but I find that if I do any change in the lighting and forget to re-set the white balance, I will have to do it in the darkroom.

Here the first picture my wife took. Notice that the lights are to close to me. That is going to have to change.

If you look at one of the pictures above you will notice the light on only one clip. Having three clips raise it up pretty good.
Oh, this is much better. I realize this picture and the one with my son, I needed to move the fill light closer. I try to take a couple of test shots before hand to make sure my aperture, f stop, and lighting looks good.
He was a great trooper doing this. It was just past his bed time and as you can see, he was tired.

Notice on my shirt that you can still see the flash color. I actually like the way it turns out.

Well, there it is. I hope it helps. I know what I have done is no where near perfect and find that I am making it better each session. Feel free to leave feedback on what you like, what you might have done different, or other ideas.

Yearbook Photo Shoot

2008-06-06T19:59:00.005-05:00

We have friends from Church that needed photos done of their daughter. They homeschool and wanted a 'sort of year book' picture. I had the privilege of taking her picture in their home. Below are two of my favorites. She is very pretty. Enjoy!!

More Clouds

2008-06-06T19:18:00.004-05:00

Oh, these clouds I took on May 27 are excellent. I did not take these in different spots on the way to work. I stood in the parking lot and just turn around. That is how much activity that was going on. Enjoy the photos.

Where have I been?

2008-05-28T16:33:00.004-05:00

Well, the quick answer is .... working. I am so busy with my day job that I when I get home I am just plain tired. Likely excuse, right? Anyway, though, I might not be blogging the past week-n-half, I have been keeping up with the blogs that I subscribe too. One way that I do do this is with Google Reader. I also started using it with my iPhone. Check out this small article on it Brand new Google Reader for iPhone. Having the ability to keep up with your subscriptions where ever you are is sweet. And of course the reason I use Google Reader is so that I can keep up with what I have already read :).

I also have tons of pictures I need put up here. I have just recently hit my 200 limit on Flickr. So, I have not decided on paying for that $29.xx amount a year yet. I already have several other yearly commitments. I know I can add pictures to the blog account, but I didn't want another place I put pictures. I might look at Google Picasa.... wait.... oh my goodness, blogger images are stored on my Picasa account. Well, isn't that smart. It will be soon then.....

Always good to clarify

2008-05-15T08:59:00.004-05:00

Check out blissfully satisfied. She found a great answer to a question for professional photographers. I have read something like this before. It is always good to be reminded how much work does go in to just one photo (I even forget sometimes). Enjoy the read.

If you want more information of this check out Digital Photography School. Not only do they have some good articles on this but they have forum where this question has come up.

Below are some photos from Tuesday morning. Aren't those clouds something?

Golf? ... You're kidding right?

2008-05-09T12:55:00.005-05:00

Yes, I went golfing. I have not golfed since I was in high school. Now, I would go to the driving range once in a while, and yes I played some putt-putt. But that is it. I did have my camera, which I was thankful for. But as you notice from the pictures below, I forgot something. I was doing some testing the other day with time elapse photography. I had set my pictures to JPEG and the white balance to florescent. ....Yes, I took outside pictures with the balance set to florescent ( I also left the ISO on at 400). So, learn from my mistakes :). Check your settings or after you test something, put the settings to some type of default. Oh well, here are some that I tried to clean up.

Yes, we had geese playing too.
The picture below didn't do to bad.

Yes this is me missing the ball. Though, I think the geese were honking and through off my concentration ;).
I was impressed with the light shining through. It turn out pretty well.

I had been in the same position for each player but the sun had already moved. It is still a good shot.

For newbies like me :)

2008-05-08T15:39:00.004-05:00

I just read a great story out on Me Ra's blog. I am also starting off in this photography business. It was very encouraging. I hope to start on my own website this weekend. It is about Jenny Heck starting off her business this past year. Enjoy the story.

DPS Assignment: Converging Lines

2008-05-05T22:28:00.006-05:00

Today I finally went for a walk. It felt very good. I figure since I was out, I would try my hand at the latest DPS assignment. Below are some images that I felt conveyed the assignment. I haven't pick but I do need to hurry since this is the last week. Feel free to leave constructive criticism.

I don't know if I can consider this next one part of the assignment. But I think it looks cool.

Obviously, these next two are not in the assignment. They were part of the walk and thought they turned out very well. The exposure was a little low on both so I brighten them. I also up the Vibrancy.

Muster Pictures

2008-04-30T17:30:00.002-05:00

Few pictures from the Men's Muster retreat.

Men's Muster

2008-04-29T13:57:00.003-05:00

I was out of town this past weekend. I have not been able to post anything until now. The men from our Church have a yearly weekend get away. For the past seven years, we have been going to the Shepherd of the Ozarks. The place is out near Harriet, Arkansas. They have several cabins and the one we stayed in can house up to 70 people. We had about 37 men - so plenty of room. This cabin is three stories tall. It is great time to meet those that normally you would not see on Sunday. I took loads of pictures and I hope to post some soon. I was able to relax, have some time alone, and have a good time playing some games.

My Grandmother

2008-04-23T22:16:00.003-05:00

I did a quick session with my Grandmother over lunch two weeks ago. Isn't she beautiful. She doesn't like to get her picture taken but was willing in helping me practice :). One of the things she has always said "...make sure you get my best side." Not to worry at all Nanny.

She was talking to me about something and look down, and I ask her to hold it. I love it.

I got her to smile. That was like the 5th shot :). It is hard to get her to smile on the camera. Now when I get candid shots, I get great smiles.

Keeping your blog rockin

2008-04-23T13:09:00.003-05:00

I just read a great article by Natalie Norton, "Building Your Blog: 10 things to consider when building your rockin' photoblog". Now I haven't been blogging for a while but I do agree with her points. I am a blog reader, and I do like to get that new post. It is fun and exciting. Also, as a blog reader, I continue to learn something new. Either with looking at photos, new widgets, or whatever. Getting into this "photoblog" community is great. There are lots of great people ready to help when they can.

I know that I just started blogging, but I hope I can give back too.

Enjoy the article.

Maternity Session

2008-04-22T10:49:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures from the maternity session I had this past weekend. What a wonderful and gracious family to allow me to come in to their home. We took a few photos at their home and at "The Old Mill" (A local historical landmark). Enjoy!!

First Session is coming...

2008-04-20T22:33:00.002-05:00

My first photo maternity session went really well. I am still going through the pictures but I am narrowing down the best. I hope to put two or three up real soon. I did the session with Mom (of course), Dad, and their 2 year old daughter. She is very cute and sweet. For as long that I was there, she hang on like a trooper. I was very impressed.

Testing Flickr Blog Post

2008-04-18T16:21:00.002-05:00

partyCloudyWalk
Originally uploaded by chill_work

I can now blog from flickr about a picture (and I guess multiple pictures). This is pretty neat. If you haven't tried this, then give a whirl. It might a lot easier than copy this link paste in here.... You know the drill.

The picture is from my walk yesterday. This is one where the histogram on the camera was right on the money. The wave was dead center and it stretch out on both sides. Though, that said, I think it is a little under expose. What do you think?

Pictures from the walk

2008-04-18T15:34:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from my walk yesterday. All I work on for these images is to make

sure I paid attention to the histogram on the camera. I then made sure what it look like in Aperture.

Both the mailbox and the pole must have been there for at least 100 years ;).

Don't you feel like you are in the woods with this shot. Found this in the middle of NLR, AR. You never know what you will find.

This picture was a walk that happen week ago, I think. Anyway, I just like this picture and thought I would share.

Walking

2008-04-17T22:34:00.003-05:00

I really enjoy getting out to walk. It is also an excuse for me to carry my camera. I walk the same path each day. Where I work it is really hard to break it up . I'll put out some pictures tomorrow. For now, you can visit my flickr page by clicking on the Flickr badge on the left.

Practice Shots

2008-04-16T22:46:00.008-05:00

I took some practice photos of my very beautiful wife a few days ago. I am trying out different poses I have written down. I used a bounce flash (old Vivitar flash) with a white card rubber band to it. I move the card up so that there was a 1" - 1 1/2" lip. I also have a DIY soft box for my fill light.I have a gray card that I used to take a pre-measured white balance. I used a Nikon D40x with a 18mm - 55mm lens. Here are my favorites from the session.

This photo I added just a touch of blue.

The fill light is directly beside her off to the right. I should have angle it more and brought it in closer. Though, I did not notice the shadow until it was on my monitor.

Such a great shot. I found in Aperture, I can remove that shadow behind her. But with the b&w photo it adds to it (I think anyway).

Several of pictures I was trying out a vignette. Notice that it took out the shadow behind my wife. I thought that was pretty clever.

I believe I used my 50mm lens for this next shot.
I want to pick up the LightSphere-II Diffuser Cloud. Hopefully I can get it in a couple of weeks. In the mean time, I am going to cut out the end of an Alcohol plastic bottle and with the help of a rubber band, I have a DIY diffuser. I compared using the bounce flash without it and with it. The light seems more even and there are less shadows.

Several people wanted me to add this photo. Yes my wife is very beautiful and I am lucky to have her. I thank God for allowing me to be her husband. :)

Flickr Photos

2008-04-16T14:35:00.009-05:00

As you can see, just added my Flickr badge. Pretty cool. I wanted to actually share some of my favorites from my Flickr photostream. Feel free to visit my Flickr page.

This is our family dog. His name is Merlin.

He loves to sit in the chair but the rule is he is suppose to be in a lap. Shhh... Don't say anything to my wife......

Merlin and me.

Cemetery in Little Rock. The class I took had a couple of outings and this is some of the pictures from it.

Beautiful color. It was a rainy day and it made for some good lighting.

Feel free to leave any remarks about the pictures.

Beginnings

2008-04-15T23:25:00.003-05:00

Welcome:

Hello, thank you for taking time to visit my blog. This really isn't my first blog (check out Home Blog.) . That blog was more on the construction of my second home. This blog is all about me reflecting on photographs/video I will take (hopefully) on upcoming sessions.

a Little About Me:

Since I was little, I have always enjoy taking pictures and being in pictures. I have lots of pictures in Albums, several slides, and loads of negatives. I am taking the time to scan in my negatives. Right now, I am starting with my oldest son's birth since I had not gone digital at that time (Nikon N2000). When I was in High School, my parents gave me my first camera gear. It was a Vivitar 35mm and Flash. I can not tell you what model it was but I still have the Flash (I'll mention it in a later post, but it was one of their first bounce flashes). I took some type of photo class after school. This is where I first learn how to develop B&W negatives. Once in College, I took a two semesters of photography and pick up the Nikon N2000. It came with a 50mm f1.8(I think) lens. I learned a lot in those two classes but from that point it was over. The money involved for each class was double in cost. But I still continue to take pictures.

currently:

Today, I am a computer programmer. I develop web applications but I am not a web site designer ;). Recently, I started doing a little videography that has led me back to my passion of photography. I took an advance 4 week class at Bedfords. It was very good. It really help me understand more about digital cameras. I am slowly starting this side project/business. I actually have an upcoming session that I look forward too. Each time I have a session, I will post a few pictures here. Feel free to leave any remarks about the pictures.

You can also visit my Flickr Page. This has pictures of my walks and from the class.