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B-boyz

B-boyz

A challenge with these composite images is that it’s hard enough to just keep your kids still, and if they start moving things around they can really mess up your shot.

The more elements you incorporate into the frame, the more chances you have of something screwing up. Also, if they decide to move your camera… you’re in for some fun photoshop times.

The bulk of these “extreme parenting” shots (as my friend Angela calls them) are shot and processed the same day, while I’m caring for the kids (or ignoring them when appropriate). If I have alex on my lap at the computer, there’s no limit to keyboard shortcuts he can innact with a quick swipe of his hands. Often leading to slighly less than ‘clean’ images – from my perspective anyways.

All that said, these photos seem to be a hit on the blog, as well as flickr, and I’m starting to collaborate with a few Ottawa families on producing similar images for their own family album, or wall… or wherever you keep photographs. I’m looking forward to sharing some of these with you in the near future!

Jan 10, 2011 | Categories: Portraits | Tags: , , | 4 Comments »

Snack Time!

Snack Time!

Before the new year, I wrote about my favourite portable softboxes to use with speedlights, and promised a follow-up post on my favourite flash-triggers. This is not that post.

What I will talk about is ONE trigger that I’ve been using with increased frequency: FlashZebra’s 16 foot TTL cord. This thing gives me a 8x increase in length over Canon’s (more expensive) OC-E3, for less cost. It doesn’t compromise on any of the information passed from your camera to the flash, and it gives you full Manual & TTL control over your speedlight from Canon’s Flash Control Menu (not available in some older models).

In this image, I was able to adjust my flash controls by moving my flash exposure compensation up and down as needed; I think I had the main flash (as pictured) +1/3rdEV and the rear/separation flash +1EV.

Sadly, the real trick here was focus. I knew I wanted to blur the background as much as possible, and that meant a slightly shallower depth of field. My trade-off was that I couldn’t focus the subjects (me & the kids) myself, as I would be beside them making sure they didn’t fall off their stools and hit their “marks.” This kind of thing is MUCH easier when doing it for others, but the challenge is part of the fun.

In case anyone asks, no, the fish wasn’t in the package, neither was it in the room: Fishy ©2011 iStockphoto.com 😉

P.S. you can see this image bigger from my Flickr page.

Jan 06, 2011 | Categories: Gear & Tutorials, Portraits | Tags: , , | 2 Comments »

SAHD

SAHD

Many of you know me as an International superstar photographer, though those of you who have known me the longest are privy to the gentler, less glamourous role that I play. Tuesday marked a new start for me and Mel, of sorts. She’s gone back to work after 3 years off raising our kids (and, in part, gestating them), and I’m staying home to hone their minds into efficient killing machines.

Of course, this means I now have two jobs, and I will combine them as I see fit. While the winter months tend to be a bit slower for me I’ll take advantage of my accumulated equipment and keep my photography sharp-like-tack.

If I may, I’ll also take this opportunity to plug my photographic services here in Ottawa. Portraits are, obviously, a passion of mine, and this could be a great time to do a photo of the family in their new Christmas presents (unless all you got was underwear… well maybe even then).

If you are someone who could potentially need this kind of work, or know someone who does, in or around Ottawa, get in touch and we can discuss your project, while I take a break from my monsters kids.

Thanks!

Jan 04, 2011 | Categories: Portraits | Tags: , , | 7 Comments »

Jetway

Jetway
Just popping in here to thank everyone for all the positive feedback, comments, tweets, and emails from last weeks post. The site got almost 500 visits that day which, for me, is quite good. It made me realize (and correct me if I’m wrong) that content is, truly, king, and that If I could maintain a more consistent blogging schedule (once, or twice a week) and put out some good words, it would likely pay-off for everyone involved.

In the new year it looks like I’ll have a chance to partner up with some of my favourite manufactuerers, as well as some exciting projects with other ottawa-area creatives. For now, though, I’m going to spend some time with my family.

Thank you, everyone, for your support of this blog, my photography, and by extension: My kids. Love ya!

Dec 27, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

About Face

About Face

Just because getting cold means you have to bundle up, it doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun photo’s taken of you. Caroline & Al contacted me to do some rush portraits for them as gifts to their parents for the holidays (of course your family wants awesome photos taken of you!).

Now I had been fortunate enough to be friends with them before this meeting, so we were pretty much able to jump right into a session without too much in the way of loosening up. I was also lucky to have a few, excellent (but bored), photographers along for the shoot. Younes and Brennan contributed some creative as well as being awesome VAL’s – you can see them posing for a light test here.

Hopefully they’re as thrilled as I am with the image results, they’re in the heat of exams right now so I don’t know which are their favourites. Hopefully our next step will be an engagement session (RIGHT AL!?).

As for yesterday’s post – keep the comments coming! This giveaway is on all week. To new readers and subscribers who came here to potentially get something for free: Welcome, I understand your plight and wish you the best of luck in this endeavour 😉

Dec 14, 2010 | Categories: Portraits | Tags: , , | 4 Comments »