..... they eat your children.
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Red Oak Wildlife Center
I have driven by this wildlife center a few times on my way to other assignments, so when I got off early one day I decided to stop in.
The center itself was closed, but they leave the trails open. Still being early April and all, everything looks kinda dead as life has yet to bloom in the new year. It was fun anyway though, nice day, nice light, and nowhere to be. Can't complain.
The center itself was closed, but they leave the trails open. Still being early April and all, everything looks kinda dead as life has yet to bloom in the new year. It was fun anyway though, nice day, nice light, and nowhere to be. Can't complain.
Wedding Shootout
Modern Image Studios hosted a night photo workshop with two fantastic couples who put up with some cold, wind and rain to get blasted with way to many flashes.
It was very cool to see how some other shooters approached their shoot and how their images came out.
Check out MIS photographer Wes Craft's facebook page HERE to see his images from the night and some other really nice wedding work.
Never one to love flash, I couldn't help but try and find some cool ambient light.
I was actually on the hunt for my next shot when I looked over and saw Wes was setting up some portraits of this couple. With a few 2 second exposures I stole his flash for a few. Thanks Wes!
We were 4 stories up and had a nice view over the river. Here is the great Mr. Jeff Owen taking advantage of the terrific viewpoint.
I had an idea to play with the shadows running up the ramp of the parking garage. The couple I was working with were great as I tried to maneuver them around from a story above. Not sure if it ever really worked, but I think they came out ok. You?
Big thanks to Michael Litchfield for maning the light on those last two. Saved me a whole lot of running. Click on his name to check out his website.
It was very cool to see how some other shooters approached their shoot and how their images came out.
Check out MIS photographer Wes Craft's facebook page HERE to see his images from the night and some other really nice wedding work.
Never one to love flash, I couldn't help but try and find some cool ambient light.
I was actually on the hunt for my next shot when I looked over and saw Wes was setting up some portraits of this couple. With a few 2 second exposures I stole his flash for a few. Thanks Wes!
We were 4 stories up and had a nice view over the river. Here is the great Mr. Jeff Owen taking advantage of the terrific viewpoint.
I had an idea to play with the shadows running up the ramp of the parking garage. The couple I was working with were great as I tried to maneuver them around from a story above. Not sure if it ever really worked, but I think they came out ok. You?
Big thanks to Michael Litchfield for maning the light on those last two. Saved me a whole lot of running. Click on his name to check out his website.
More Walking
Some leftovers from our little excursion in Loyola Park the other day.
Please.... no diving into the sand.
Please.... no diving into the sand.
Walk in the Park
It was a rare occasion the other day.... Jordan and I both had the same day off. The real shocker was that it was a fairly nice day!
We had been wanting to check out this park by her apartment and finally had the chance to do it. It just so happened to be right around golden hour when we went. Funny out these things work out ;)
We had been wanting to check out this park by her apartment and finally had the chance to do it. It just so happened to be right around golden hour when we went. Funny out these things work out ;)
Up against a wall
On Friday a group of families met at a local school to take photos of their kids holding signs with messages protesting the proposed budget cuts on education. The photos will be put into a video that will be sent to Governor Quinn.
The story, with more photos, ran HERE. Thought I would share an outtake though...
The story, with more photos, ran HERE. Thought I would share an outtake though...
3 alarm fire
Around 1:30 am this morning I got an email saying there was a fire at a two story multi family home in the next town over. With it being so late and not really in our coverage area, I decided to wait it out and see what happened. Maybe 10 minutes later another email came across calling for more help (2nd alarm). "Hmmm," I thought. "This may get interesting." No injuries were being reported so I told myself if it got to a 3 Alarm fire I would have to go check it out. Sure enough, around 2:00 am came the third alarm. Knowing I would never be able to call myself a journalist if I didn't at least check it out, I grabbed my gear and scrambled out of the house.
When I got on the scene any thoughts of sleep were immediately wiped out by the towering inferno in front of me. By the time I got around the perimeter that the authorities had set up the blaze was pretty much under control. Bummer, I thought.
My attention turned to the crowd of residents and spectators to get some emotion. I saw these to guys as I was about to leave and hung around to make a few frames. Turns out the guy on the right had moved in 3 months ago and was the first one to smell the smoke. Instead of getting all his brand new belongings outside he ran up and down the halls making sure everyone was out safe.
I got home and transmitted some images in case another paper wanted to pick them up. I love covering spot news events. There is so much to think about and compress into one frame. Plus, you usually have to do it with limited time and access.
Thank god I was working a night shift today and didn't have to get up early.
When I got on the scene any thoughts of sleep were immediately wiped out by the towering inferno in front of me. By the time I got around the perimeter that the authorities had set up the blaze was pretty much under control. Bummer, I thought.
My attention turned to the crowd of residents and spectators to get some emotion. I saw these to guys as I was about to leave and hung around to make a few frames. Turns out the guy on the right had moved in 3 months ago and was the first one to smell the smoke. Instead of getting all his brand new belongings outside he ran up and down the halls making sure everyone was out safe.
I got home and transmitted some images in case another paper wanted to pick them up. I love covering spot news events. There is so much to think about and compress into one frame. Plus, you usually have to do it with limited time and access.
Thank god I was working a night shift today and didn't have to get up early.
Stations of the Cross
A few more from the Stations of the Cross show last Friday in Aurora.
So there I am, smack in the middle of the crowd shooting away from the demonstration to get some reaction shots when out of the right of my frame comes this guys hands. Mind you, I am at about 50 mm (give or take) and this isn't cropped. The guy knew I was there yet proceeded to jump right into my frame. ..... And I applaud him for that.
Chances are a photog is lining up their shot counting on someone that is either clueless or rude to walk right through their frame. Check out THIS POST on Chicago Tribune photographer, Scott Strazzante's blog for further explanation.
So there I am, smack in the middle of the crowd shooting away from the demonstration to get some reaction shots when out of the right of my frame comes this guys hands. Mind you, I am at about 50 mm (give or take) and this isn't cropped. The guy knew I was there yet proceeded to jump right into my frame. ..... And I applaud him for that.Chances are a photog is lining up their shot counting on someone that is either clueless or rude to walk right through their frame. Check out THIS POST on Chicago Tribune photographer, Scott Strazzante's blog for further explanation.
Easter Ed
I met Ed Johnson a few weeks back at Waldo Junior High. We were doing a small story on him and his career change from Juvenile corrections officer to Junior High teacher. After the reporter and I talked to him more we realized his story should be bigger than just a small feature. It was pitched, and ran today as the main package for the Easter Sunday Paper.
Long story short, Ed is awesome. He asked to be placed in this Behavior Disorder classroom to teach and has been with the same 7 kids for 3 years now. He goes beyond the walls of his classroom though and takes them on monthly field trips for good behavior. He is also the Pastor at Christ Deliverance Church in Chicago. Check out the story that ran today HERE.
These are just some other photos I took at church that I liked. The service was amazing to watch and photograph. The people were super passionate about their faith and welcomed us there with open arms. So open in fact, Ed called us up to the altar to be blessed. Trying to maintain my journalistic "fly on the wall" approach, I did what I could to decline but he was having none of it. When I got to the altar, Ed's wife took my camera's from my shoulder, instantly stripping me of any protective shield I thought I had. I may as well have been standing there naked as he held my arms up and put oil on my hands and forehead. It was an experience to say the least.
Long story short, Ed is awesome. He asked to be placed in this Behavior Disorder classroom to teach and has been with the same 7 kids for 3 years now. He goes beyond the walls of his classroom though and takes them on monthly field trips for good behavior. He is also the Pastor at Christ Deliverance Church in Chicago. Check out the story that ran today HERE.
These are just some other photos I took at church that I liked. The service was amazing to watch and photograph. The people were super passionate about their faith and welcomed us there with open arms. So open in fact, Ed called us up to the altar to be blessed. Trying to maintain my journalistic "fly on the wall" approach, I did what I could to decline but he was having none of it. When I got to the altar, Ed's wife took my camera's from my shoulder, instantly stripping me of any protective shield I thought I had. I may as well have been standing there naked as he held my arms up and put oil on my hands and forehead. It was an experience to say the least.
Happy Good Friday
I know it's late but thought I would say it anyway.
I shot a Stations of the Cross reenactment on Aurora's east side this afternoon and had a great time.
The east side has a shady reputation, but I have never felt more welcome and appreciated at an event that I did here. Within 10 minutes of being there I had been thanked at least 3 times for coming. They were the best people.
With so much going on, I decided I would break one of my big rules when shooting; Try not to shoot kids. If I have to I will, but then move on to try and make something better. Just a personal thing I guess. That was until I came across these to girls....
How could I resist?
I shot a Stations of the Cross reenactment on Aurora's east side this afternoon and had a great time.
The east side has a shady reputation, but I have never felt more welcome and appreciated at an event that I did here. Within 10 minutes of being there I had been thanked at least 3 times for coming. They were the best people.
With so much going on, I decided I would break one of my big rules when shooting; Try not to shoot kids. If I have to I will, but then move on to try and make something better. Just a personal thing I guess. That was until I came across these to girls....
How could I resist?
Big City, Little People
A few more from my day spent wandering about the loop area of Chicago.
Skatepark Party
With the great weather we have been having, I got out the skatepark the other day with my friend Jeff Owen and his wife and son. I met Jeff when I started shooting weddings with Modern Image Studios. After awhile we got to talking and realized we both skated and have been out a time or two since then.
This was Eli as he was trying to climb up a ramp under the watchful eye of mother Rachael.
This was Eli as he was trying to climb up a ramp under the watchful eye of mother Rachael.
Bean town
It has been awhile since I got the chance to just wander the streets of Chicago. After dropping Jordan off at work last Sunday, I wandered for a bit before an afternoon assignment. My first stop, Cloud gate, better known as "The Bean." As cliche as it may be, it is a good spot to warm up the eyeballs. If you are unfamiliar check it HERE.
Here are a few.
More to come.
A continuation of my photographers project.
The dude on the left here is the same guys as in the first photo. He said he was shooting something for Warner Brothers but I'm not so sure about that, or anyone who puts their 5D on the ground, pointed up, and flashes peace signs while standing under the bean for that matter.
Here are a few.
More to come.
A continuation of my photographers project.
The dude on the left here is the same guys as in the first photo. He said he was shooting something for Warner Brothers but I'm not so sure about that, or anyone who puts their 5D on the ground, pointed up, and flashes peace signs while standing under the bean for that matter.
MVP's
Over the past two weeks or so local high school sports stars filtered into the studio at the Beacon because of their talents on their respective fields of play.
I racked my brain trying to think of a theme for this year and settled upon this lighting setup that would be consistent throughout all of them. Not being much of a studio photographer, I wanted to push my limits of what I had done in the past. So here is how it went down:
It started as a simple three light set up, 2 lights behind the subject about a stop over providing the highlights and a 60 inch octabox overhead and slightly in front for fill and some definition on the face.
Two lights were added on the background and gelled with their school's main color.
Two more lights in umbrellas are behind my shooting position (about 5-7 feet) at eye level. They are about a stop and a half to two stops under, mainly for added catch lights in the eyes.
I tweaked it from shoot to shoot but thats the general idea.
I didn't just want to do a straight shot though, and with no budget for a tilt shift lens, I borrowed a lensbaby from a friend and used that.
My first issue was dealing with the focus on the lensbaby. It was the original version that didn't lock so I had to shoot a lot and hope for the best. I was also limited to an aperture of f4.0 because that was the only disc we could find for it. Some finessing was needed to get the lights to power down far enough and not get any spill in the small studio space we have. Lastly two schools had the same color which is why the first girl has a black background and blue highlights.
Overall I am really happy with how they came out. It is the most lights I have ever used at one time and I can't say I will be running back to the studio to try and up that number.
Any thoughts?
I racked my brain trying to think of a theme for this year and settled upon this lighting setup that would be consistent throughout all of them. Not being much of a studio photographer, I wanted to push my limits of what I had done in the past. So here is how it went down:
It started as a simple three light set up, 2 lights behind the subject about a stop over providing the highlights and a 60 inch octabox overhead and slightly in front for fill and some definition on the face.
Two lights were added on the background and gelled with their school's main color.
Two more lights in umbrellas are behind my shooting position (about 5-7 feet) at eye level. They are about a stop and a half to two stops under, mainly for added catch lights in the eyes.
I tweaked it from shoot to shoot but thats the general idea.
I didn't just want to do a straight shot though, and with no budget for a tilt shift lens, I borrowed a lensbaby from a friend and used that.
My first issue was dealing with the focus on the lensbaby. It was the original version that didn't lock so I had to shoot a lot and hope for the best. I was also limited to an aperture of f4.0 because that was the only disc we could find for it. Some finessing was needed to get the lights to power down far enough and not get any spill in the small studio space we have. Lastly two schools had the same color which is why the first girl has a black background and blue highlights.
Overall I am really happy with how they came out. It is the most lights I have ever used at one time and I can't say I will be running back to the studio to try and up that number.
Any thoughts?
Springtime
I say this with my fingers crossed, but it seems the weather is finally turning for the better. It gave us a chance to actually walk and enjoy the beach yesterday instead of the 60 second pit stop for the dog.
Back inside, I got glared at for this, but how could I resist with those penguins on the shower curtain? "Must you always be a photographer?" Jordan asked following two quick clicks of the shutter. To that I answer..."yes."
Back inside, I got glared at for this, but how could I resist with those penguins on the shower curtain? "Must you always be a photographer?" Jordan asked following two quick clicks of the shutter. To that I answer..."yes."
Lakeview
A few from the walk this morning.
Lonliest chair
Thoughts, Comments, harsh criticism? I can't decide how I feel about this one.
Birds
I went out to a local forest preserve/lake that was supposed to be a temporary stop for some migrating Pelican's. Cool, yes.... but of course when I got there the birds had fled the scene. I waited around for an hour or so and the following photos are from this time of waiting.
When I got home my mom got a hold of the 400 that I was using with while shooting the birds and decided to take a look out our kitchen window.
When I got home my mom got a hold of the 400 that I was using with while shooting the birds and decided to take a look out our kitchen window.
Laundry Day
Family Laundry Center in Oswego offered up their washers and dryers for free till Noon today to area families without them. On what is traditionally a slow day, according to owner Mary Beth Kingsley, the center's 80 coin operated machines were almost all full.
When I get to an assignment I will usually take a few minutes to walk around and see what's happening, where the light is, who shouts out "You better not take MY picture..." ... that sort of thing.
I met the Campos family right away and knew they were it. I saw these kids playing and shot a few as it was happening then introduced myself to their mom. She was really cool and didn't mind my camera as she was doing laundry. I'm not talking a load or two here, she had six dryers going at one point.
I felt pretty good about what I had from the event but I still had some time to kill before my next assignment so I perused the place for some fun images.
When I get to an assignment I will usually take a few minutes to walk around and see what's happening, where the light is, who shouts out "You better not take MY picture..." ... that sort of thing.
I met the Campos family right away and knew they were it. I saw these kids playing and shot a few as it was happening then introduced myself to their mom. She was really cool and didn't mind my camera as she was doing laundry. I'm not talking a load or two here, she had six dryers going at one point.
I felt pretty good about what I had from the event but I still had some time to kill before my next assignment so I perused the place for some fun images.
Night on the town
Finally with an excuse to go out, Jordan gets ready for our big night out.
Her b-day present this year was tickets to see the musical Billy Elliot in the loop, so we dressed up like we knew what we were doing and impersonated rich folk for the evening.
Her b-day present this year was tickets to see the musical Billy Elliot in the loop, so we dressed up like we knew what we were doing and impersonated rich folk for the evening.