Weather is getting nice again, which means it's time to use that full lunch break outside. Here are a few snaps from Wednesday.
When Kids Become Super Heroes
Had a great time shooting this kids super hero themed birthday party over the weekend. Love the energy and optimism of kids. So much potential if we help them to dream big.
Why I Love Small Cameras
In America, we tend to think bigger is better: big cars, bigs drinks, big everything... But, for me when it comes to cameras, big is a huge pain! I like to travel as light as possible and a huge DSLR made that virtually impossible. Weight is an important factor when deciding whether to take your camera with you or leave it behind. When you have a DSLR you begin to plan your life around its size: "which bag am I going to need/ which lens should I grab/ do I really feel like carrying all this stuff?" In the end, if I was going out casually (on most occasions) my camera would be left behind. The major problem with that is: no camera no photos!
The second and perhaps most important reason for me abandoning the DSLR world and embracing small mirrorless cameras is the fact that DSLRs are simply intimidating. When it comes to street photography, you want to be as inconspicuous as possible. There's just something about DSLRs that scream: "hey, look at me, I'm a photographer!" People immediately take notice of you. Once that happens, they instantly stop what they're doing. A multitude of questions seem to be etched upon their faces: "what is this person doing/ why are they taking my picture/ where is this photo going"...moment ruined!
When you have a small camera, people almost pose for you. They're encouraged not only to be in the photo, but be part of the photo; you're less likely to be viewed as some random person potentially exploiting their image. Since switching to a small mirrorless system people, have even asked me to take their photos while in the street! This never happend when I was lugging around a huge tank of a camera. I find that the relationship has transformed from "the photographer and the subject" to a much more personable and approachable one.
The same holds true for standard portraiture. When shooting "normal" people (non models), having a big camera and big lens in their face isn't natural. It takes them time to get comfortable. I have found that with my mirrorless system, there's just less machine in the way making it easier to connect.
Despite the reputation that DSLRs "look more professional," I have found that my small camera has broken down a barrier of sorts, opening up new possibilities for me that just didn't happen before.
random kids while walking in the park. They couldn't resist having their picture taken.
Laugh Out Loud
Fact - 10-15 minutes of laughter will burn up to 50 calories
Fact - Laughing can help your body fight off infection by lowering levels of stress which hinders the immune system
Fact - Laughing can increase blood flow in your body. Studies have shown blood vessels are more open after watching a comedy than after watching a drama
Fact - Rats, Chimpanzees and Dogs are animals known to laugh
Fact - You are 30 times more likely to laugh at something when you are with others than if you were alone
Moral of the story? Share a laugh with friends (even if they are furry), it's good for your health!
Embrace Your Look
We all have our own personal sense of style. Being comfortable in your skin is a key to happiness (and a good photo), Embrace your look. Whether it is button downs and khakis, oversized shades or sandals year round. Be yourself!
FDR State Park
If you live in NYC or Westchester and have not been to FDR State park, you are missing out. What a beautiful park! During the off season it is a quiet oasis in the Middle of Yorktown Heights. Tons of nature, trails, bike paths and fresh air to shake of the winter blues (though there was snow on the ground). This was my first visit of the year, I'm thinking there will be a lot more visits in my future.
Bridge over troubled water
The Hell Gate bridge, an icon of New York City spans the deepest water in New York Harbour. The pass known as the Hell Gate Channel was formed by fault lines deep underground. The waters above hide massive rocks that have claimed many ships making the aptly named Hell Gate Channel one of the most dangerous water ways. In fact a cargo ship carrying 5 million dollars of goods sank in the channel in 1780. The ship and its cargo still remains at the bottom of the channel.
pretty cool!
Adult Coloring Book
Photography gives me the opportunity to let my imagination run wild. It's all about story telling. Capturing bits of light and passing moments gives each person with a camera the ability to tell the story of us. The camera itself is just one tool in my photographic tool box that allows me to tell stories. However, the most important tool I have at my disposal is Photoshop.
Photoshop in recent years, seems to have gotten a negative reputation in mainstreet. Videos of models being completely transformed using the tool are often used to bolster this view. Many complain that Photoshop distorts reality and our perception of what is beautiful. It's true... It does. However, I'd like to argue that Photography is an art. Often times art can be a representation of what is possible versus "what is". It can be an expression of feeling, rather than a duplication of reality.
Photography serves different purposes depending on the shooter. A Photojournalist shoots to tell an accurate depiction of an event or time period. This is a much different agenda compared to a Fine Art Photographer whose objective is to create beauty.
To me, Photographers can utlize Photoshop as a tool to differentiate themselves and develope their own individual style. Let's face it, there are only so many different angles you can shoot of the Statue of Liberty... But, like a child with a box of crayons, if you are not afraid to color outside of the lines you can make something truly unique and beautiful that no one else sees.
First weekend of Spring
Though I wouldn't consider 40 degrees a break from the cold, the calendar was telling me it was spring. The first weekend of spring seemed like the perfect time for me to take my Sony A7 out and get a feel for it outside of in studio use. While I had taken it out once or twice during the winter, I didnt get a ton of time just walking around.
I packed a full bag of gear but once I got out I decided to just shoot with my Zeiss 35 2.8. Once this lens is mounted on your camera it is hard to take it off. The results from the 35mm 2.8 are just amazing. Plus the added benifit of being feather weight make it very comfortable to carry around (I don't often use straps).
Here are a few shots from the day.
35 @ f2.8
35 @ f16
35 @ f8
35 @ f8