Take it with you part ll

If there has been a theme that has consistently run throughout my blogging it has been "taking your camera everywhere". Now, for many of you this is not new but for some the idea of lugging that bulky DSLR or even the slim/sleek point and shoot around is much more of a hassle than anything else. But, I can say without any hesitation that everyone reading this blog will admit to themselves if not openly to wishing at some point to having their camera with them! Nothing to be ashamed of but just realizing how great it can be is the first step to taking that most unexpected great shot.

There is also another aspect to this madness and that is the subject. In this instance, the subject could be a friend, family member or just a stranger on the street. That unexpected shot of someone is most often the best image because there is no time to think about it....For example, the shot used in this blog is one I took just last week at a friends house. While entertaining a visiting family member we were invited next door to an impromptu guitar concert. It was great. I, of course grabbed the Nikon and began shooting away. Mark, the performer (neighbor) was very much into his performance and did not realize I was shooting him for roughly an hour. As a result, there were some great images of a relaxed guy having a good time entertaining friends....

Many of you that know me realize that I am not a professional photographer nor do I claim to know much about the business of taking pictures. But, what I hope to provide is a vehicle (i.e. Blog) to give information that helps you the amateur photographer take better pictures... And, "taking it with you" will help you do just that....Good luck!

Thank You!

Several posts back, I was pleased to announce the first series of my "whatever Cards" were available for the holiday season. Honestly, I was not sure what the response was going to be but I am here to report that the response was great. All of the initial production have been sold. And, orders for the next series have already started to come in. As an amateur photographer, I am thrilled that people have taken an interest in what I love to do! And, I hope that I have provided a beautiful and thoughtful way to send a message.

Now, as with any new venture there are improvements that can be made and my "whatever cards" are by no means an exception. I have collected all the suggestions and working with them to make the next series more successful. Thank you to those that have contributed their opinion. It's important to look at everything and make decisions that improve your product.

So, thanks again to those that purchased the first series of cards and I look forward to working hard and producing the next series. This is a work in progress and I am grateful for the opportunity to say "THANKS"....

A Lucky Shot!!

As many of you know, street photography is one of my photography passions. Street life is fascinating to me in that it truly is a "mirror image of society". That according to Wikipanion's definition of street photography.

Having the opportunity to shoot in a vibrant city such as Miami can be great fun and rewarding. Occasionally, I have come across individuals that stand out above the rest. One individual crossed my path several months ago while I was shooting on Lincoln Road in South Beach. Walking the streets shooting photographs at will I came across a rather distinguished individual playing an electric guitar on the side of the road..I initially walked passed because of a crowd that had gathered to listen to this guitar man! Then, realizing that this was a chance to photograph true street culture I turned and strolled back to the group of on lookers. I approached him and threw a few bucks into his guitar case and pointed at my camera indicating that I wanted to take his picture. With a gentle smile and nod from him, I started shooting. A few minutes passed and a crowd began to gather again so I thanked him with a smile and wondered off to capture my next image.

The images of "guitar man" became a favorite of people visiting my website and others! One individual was a friend of mine who manages a local bar/restaurant favored by the young professional set. Being a lover of jazz, he was intrigued by the photo and the soul that was portrayed in the image. Several months have gone by and today while having lunch at this spot Nick, the restaurant manager came to me and said that he had been out on the town several weeks before and came across "guitar man" playing on a local street corner. Nick listened for a few moments before recognizing that this was the same individual in those images from several months back.

I was pleased to hear that "guitar man" is now playing a full time gig at this local spot and drawing larger and larger crowds. I have since learned that this man is a veteran and fought for our freedoms as Americans. You never know when you take a shoot on the street if that will be the "lucky shot..." And, in this instance we all are winners...