Video Tour of Studio

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Launching a new website is like trying to get an oversized boxkite to fly. It's cumbersome, fragile and needing lots of attention while it's in the shop. Then, just as you're about to give it wing, there seem to be endless adjustments that keep it grounded. But, once it lumbers up into the sky, it becomes an object of art--for all to enjoy. And, the frustrations are forgotten as that thing of beauty soars across the blue.

The image on the right was a candid. I did not pose the subject, I composed in the camera and clicked. Both the light and the graceful lines of the girl are lovely.

Brave New Family

This is one of my favorites. It is singular, iconic and has a depth that few family portraits ever reach. The mood is apprehensive, uncertain. There is simultaneously a feeling of impending doom and enduring hope. While they are walking towards the light, over their shoulders are ever-encroaching dark and powerful clouds. I see this image as a metaphor for all the travails that a family has to endure. What parents go through to raise their children in this often toxic culture is nothing short of heroic.

Nuclear Light

This beautiful family wanted a unique portrait. I'd photographed their wedding years before. Now, I had the distinct honor of photographing them again with their charming daughter. I explained that when we go outside, despite having some visual skills, I have no control over the weather.

Well, late in the shoot, after we had already taken a few nice images, the skies just lit up. The trick was to incorporate the diagonal sweep of the clouds into the composition. Notice that the family's eyes are gazing in the same direction as the lines of the clouds. To finish the image, I placed an auxiliary light--with a warming gel--to the right of the family. Shazam!

Painted Sisters

The longer I am in the wonderful world of photography, the more I realize how indebted we photographers are to painters. All the the principles of art, the rules of composition, color balance and aesthetic sense were worked out long before the first camera ever winked.

So, it is with great admiration and a strong sense of gratitude that I share my small contribution. What started as a photograph (above) was transformed into a rather endearing painting. As you may notice, the composition has been changed as well as the color palette and overall look. Working in Corel Painter, this image went through a half dozen stillbirths before coming into its own.

Hope you enjoy it.

Family du Jour

This is one of my favorite images from 2007. It's a huge departure from my typical style. I particularly love the sense of each personality shining brightly and individually in a top of the world type seting. And, as much as they are individuals, the bond of love and family carries through. It has that rare combination of being both eclectic and endearing.

He's My Brother

We created this image on a lark. We'd just finished photographing the family and the boys were getting anxious. Usually I'd have them run down the beach to blow off some steam but I turned my gaze away from the lake and noticed that the light and scene were perfect. The idea went from thought to action in a few seconds. And, the boys didn't need much coaxing. I had them walk a few paces, while I knocked off a couple frames. I didn't much of the image until we opened it back at the studio.

Notice how the tree at the far left holds such a dynamic almost mystical strength. It offers a visual counterweight to the boys. And, the boys themselves appear to be treading into the golden sunset and towards the tree. There seems to be a deeper meaning--a metaphor if you will.

Five Alive

Although these kids were easy to work with and we created some stunning portraits around their home, I actually took this picture on their driveway. Imagine what their mother must have been thinking: "That silly photographer is making them lay down on the driveway--in their new outfits."

I loved the concentric rings of the brick. And, with their arms and legs out, these children make a kind of human snowflake. I couldn't pass it up.

Grandpa's Vineyard

Last summer I got a call from an older couple asking me if I could photograph their family in the studio. The oldest son was flying in from California and wouldn't it be nice. . . After visiting with them for a little while I asked them if they had ever thought about shooting outside. They mentioned that they did have this vineyard that the father was particularly fond of. That had me excited. I knew we had to do it.

When I arrived at the farm, the actual vineyard was a bit petite. There was no particular geography or vista that lent itself to a stunning image. Finally I came up with the idea of climbing up on the shed, wheeling out the old tractor and taking advantage of some golden sunshine.

Arc of a Boy

This is perhaps my favorite image of all time. It started out as a photo that I have since embellished and repainted. I think it sums up all that is wonderful and magical about being a child: exhilaration, unencumbered freedom, total innocence and soaring imagination. I look at that photo wistfully wishing I were leaping across the sky without a care.