Life, Thoughts, and Photography

New Friends!

2010-09-02T12:17:00.003-05:00

So I have been traveling quite a bit lately, in fact, more than I ever have in my life. I love traveling! I don't get to do it near as often as I want to. Someday!!! My favorite part is meeting new people. I love hearing their stories and getting new perspectives. Its and itch that developed in high school when I got to spend two and a half weeks in Central America.

This weekend, I've was lucky enough to be asked to second shoot a wedding in Boise, ID with one of my good friends and spectacular photographer Missy! I'm crashing at her place for the night and then taking over another friends house after that. I'm all for equal opportunities! More likely, my friends are scared of spending too much time with me!

So anyway, meet Millie! It's great getting all these reunions in, but I'm pretty sure she is the most excited to have me here. She's been my constant companion since I got to Missy's. I'm the sucker who won't stop petting her... I really hope I am spelling her name right, I never asked!

Isn't she gorgeous???

So here I am in Boise killing a little time, editing photos from one of my own weddings, but not without one of my new found friends along the way.

Collin [Minneapolis Senior Portrait Photographer]

2010-08-18T11:32:00.006-05:00

I haven't blogged much about the business side lately! I've been kind of overwhelmed by all of it lately. I am catching up though! I better hurry though because it is only going to get busier in the next few months!

While talking to Collin the first time, I knew I was going to like him. He's one of the most laid back guys ever, not to mention, he's seriously smart! He knew what he wanted the feel of his photos to be and from there asked for some advice. I threw a few options at him and he went and checked them out. I love when my clients take ownership of their shoots! He ended up choosing St. Anthony Main, one of my favorite places! Thanks so much for hanging out with me for an evening!

Changes

2010-08-10T16:13:00.003-05:00

I didn't get that post up last week. Nothing big of course, I was on vacation!! I'm still kind of bummed. I even had a photo for it and a blog written. No internet connection!

I thought I would share something that means the world to me. My family has camped at the same campground for 46 years. 46 years!! This year, my trip had an altogether different feeling. I'm pretty sure that I am saying goodbye to my family vacation as I know it. Tiff and I are moving to Baltimore, MD this winter and I'm not sure when we will make it back. First time I have mentioned that on my blog. I was always going to write a post about it some other time, but I don't think I can convey what this place means to me without mentioning it.

My grandparents are getting older, and East Seeley Bay Campground is really their place, they just share it with us. I'm still amazed that they get up there every year! Now they are 89 years old and still camping for 10 days straight. Frankly all the rest of the family does all week is try and keep them from over working themselves.

When I look back, I think 50% of all the family memories that I have occurred at this campground. I know there are millions of memories and feelings that I have that I'm not accounting for, but 50% of all the memories that REALLY mean something to me happened here. To be honest, a lot of the memories that I planned on having with my kids; hanging out by a campfire, teaching them to fish, spending time with their family, they were all going to happen here. I look forward to the passage of one more year and seeing how that year has changed my family when we come back to our place. I have photographs of me from EVERY year of my life, minus one or two since I have become an adult. Stupid school and jobs! That's what I envisioned for my children too. The amazing thing about looking through those photographs is that although the we have changed, our traditions haven't. This is the one place in my world where everything isn't moving so fast. I can take the time to reflect and appreciate everything that life has to offer.

I've always known that a good portion of my heart resided there. I think the rest of my family would agree that there is a portion of theirs there also. But as I pulled away last Saturday, I actually felt like I was leaving it behind and I guess I am just not ready to do that.

If you happen to be driving down the avenue of pines in Chippewa National Forest in early August next year and you see a sign that says Eagle's Nest Lodge. Take that road and drive down it for about 4 miles. On your left, is my little campground, drive down to campsite number 12 and say hello to the Rossiter clan. I'll be there also, just not physically.

Oregon from an Outsider

2010-07-26T17:23:00.003-05:00

This is the second time I've made it to the coastline of Oregon. That area of the country is so beautiful! I still remember every vivid detail from my first trip and to be honest, I was kind of worried about this trip. There was so much excitement. Could it live up to it? On the drive from Portland to Tillamook, the woods didn't disappoint. I am fascinated by all the green. Oregon is everything that Northern Minnesota is, but bigger and wilder. Then the coastline, I love it. My friend Amy (also an amazing photographer)took me and her family to a lighthouse. I opened the car door and was instantly mesmerized. The salty breeze, waves crashing, and the birds. I found my feet wandering to an overlook leaving everyone else behind. I couldn't help myself. There are times in life where everything that you are looking at just seems to incredible to be real. I felt that way again. I wonder if the residents feel that way everyday, I hope so. To Amy and the wonderful coastline, thank you so much, I walked away with a little more appreciation of how lucky I am.

That's right. A whole month! This is a first time in a while that I have gotten a post a week in forever! I'm conflicted here. After this previous week, I realized that Monday's maybe aren't the best day for me to post these blogs, I do a lot of stuff on the weekends! At the same time, I've actually kept at it. Don't fix it unless it is broken...

As a side note, next week I am on vacation, I highly doubt I'll be posting anything. I could surprise you though. I promise I'll have a lot of stuff coming here to make up for it!

"Give me your best shot"

2010-07-19T18:30:00.002-05:00

Who ever thought of a pinata? Seriously though, "Lets hang something filled with candy, blindfold ourselves and then swing a stick at it!" Really? I have to think they were under the influence of something! Whoever they were and whatever the cause, THANK YOU! A pinata is a guaranteed source of laughter! I'll never get tired of watching all the kids faces when they dive into the candy pile.

As a side note, if you are ever shopping for a pinata and you come across a sun with a huge smile on his face, he is smiling at you because he is mocking you! This thing was the toughest pinata ever!

Yummmmm

2010-07-12T15:15:00.002-05:00

Summertime. Man, do I love it. Here in Minnesota, it is like a glorious reward for making it through the winters. Last weekend, was the first time I made the trip to my grandparents farm during the summer in what seems like decades. It probably was close to one! If any you have a relative or friend that owns an orchard, don't not visit them in the summer! Right now his apricots were in their peak season. I have never had a fresh apricot in my life. I know, its strange! Those things are delicious! I picked WAY TOO MANY of the beautiful little things and on top of all the other food that is always dished up there, I once again didn't need to eat for about 24 hours after I left.

Boom

2010-07-07T16:05:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I just NEEDED to post some pictures of fireworks! I felt cheated otherwise. Here is what I wanted to do. The first two are from July 4th in Oregon a couple of years ago. This was the first time that I actually photographed fireworks the right way.

This is from our very small display in the driveway this year. Not much, but hey, it satisfied the craving for another year...

Independence Day!

2010-07-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

Not what you were expecting? Me either! I had planned on wowing everyone with some spectacular explosions, fantastic colors, and some dramatic landscape. Instead, when I looked out my window, I got this. Not to say it isn't beautiful, just not what I was expecting. I love the rain, just not today...

There is something about July 4th that gets me so excited. Probably the smell of the fireworks. It instantly reminds me of childhood. It brings back all those feelings I used to have every year excitement, naughtiness, and freedom.

As a child, freedom meant exactly what it sounds like. For this one day a year, I was free from normal parental constraints. On July 4th, I could REPEAT an act of questionable legality and uncertain safety over and over. How cool is that for a kid??? Don't get me wrong, my parents were watching me like a hawk the whole time! They just didn't make me feel it as much.

Today, I think I understand the word so much better. I have never in my life been forced to follow some one's beliefs without first being able to examine my own. I am allowed to pursue a career that is largely inspired by the arts without being filtered. I am allowed to say whatever I think needs to be said. I've never lived anywhere where these fundamental thoughts are not allowed so, for now, I can't imagine being without them and for that I am thankful.

Summer Fun

2010-07-02T12:01:00.003-05:00

I figured this photo was appropriate. It's funny how much time I spend photographing animals. I love the challenge....sometimes. This is Ruby to all of you who don't know. She is pretty much the sweetest dog ever. She is my sister-in-law's dog. At least, until somebody else gives her attention She's kind of easy. I'm sure she will some day make another cameo in the blog.

It's supposed to be hot and humid here. I know that I'm planning on finding some water to immerse myself in this weekend! We are thinking Whitewater State Park. Should be some fun times! I don't know if Tiff and I are going to be able to squeeze some fireworks in on Sunday night or not, hopefully, that's a blog post by itself!

Whatever your plans, I hope everyone gets to spend some time with family or friends, whichever you prefer!

Inspired By...

2010-06-21T14:24:00.004-05:00

Last week we had some insane weather! One thing I think most everyone in the Midwest loves (and hates), is thunderstorms. There is nothing on this Earth that inspires me more than when a huge bank of clouds rolling across the plains. You can see them coming for miles and miles. Watching the clouds and the light change with every passing second. They are never the same.

Last Thursday, we had 16 tornadoes go through the state of Minnesota. Luckily, none by me. My mom was at our apartment and we were watching a movie around sunset when the storms came in. It made for some spectacular color! I couldn't go out, which I BADLY wanted to do! So instead, I pulled the screens and windows from our second story windows and photographed from there while Tiff and Mom kept watching the movie.

The last photo, was the following evening. Seriously, how could I not pull over and take that shot?? Thank you June in Minnesota because I love thunderstorms!

OMG

2010-05-21T14:53:00.002-05:00

I know right? Here everyone thought I had disappeared. In my absence from blogging, I realized one thing.... I'm kind of awful at it! Maybe not the writing, all though I think differently, but more the consistency. Too me a blog is something that needs to be done regularly.

I've been putting my blogs off until I could hit that goal of regularity. (That kind of sounds like some sort of Fiber One commercial) I don't know what it was in this last week, but my outlook has been changing. I realized that I have to quit looking for the right time and actually make it my time. It's been a slow evolution in my thinking, I know. I'm just glad it finally came around!

We'll see what happens in the future, but look forward to hearing from me a little more often...

Rome wasn't built in a day...

2009-09-30T15:01:00.006-05:00

Why is it that it is always so hard to go out and take pictures?? I mean, really take pictures? Somehow there is always something that I "should" be doing. You know, the responsible thing...

I'm a photographer. I know what pictures I take to make my living and pay my bills. I have no problem with those. In fact, I spend most of my waking hours trying to come up ways to find more instances to do just that. It's the pictures that I want to take that I don't. Does that seem backward to you? It does to me.

Two weeks ago, I went up to Duluth, MN. I went for a family fishing trip. Amazing time! We had a great weather, good fishing and great company. The entire time I was there, I had these thoughts bouncing around in the back of my head. I had wanted to go up to Duluth and spend a photography weekend for ages.

I think that the biggest problem is that that I don't get my income from doing trips like these. At the same time, if I had my choice this is exactly what I would choose to do for a living. To do it for a living, I have to have a bunch in images like it in my library before I start. To have the images in my library, I have to take the trips. To actually do it, I have to have money. To have money, I need to keep doing what I am doing. To keep doing what I am doing, I need to not take these trips. What a vicious cycle!!

What have I learned from all this?? HAVE PATIENCE. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it. Well, that and maybe I should find a way to do one trip a year just to keep me sane.

Sad Day

2009-09-14T15:18:00.004-05:00

So, I had some ideas that I wanted to blog about since I missed the last one. Sadly, I had a new topic come up. A few weeks back I let everyone know about Cyrus the Phodographer and Athena. I found out earlier today that Cyrus passed away yesterday morning.

Cyrus was an amazing dog, photographer, and friend to everyone that met him. He was laid back and didn't mind hanging out with you by the steps. His photographs will always remain for the world to see another perspective. I hope that his work inspires the next generation of puppies out there.

For the low price of....

2009-08-25T11:17:00.006-05:00

So yesterday I had the opportunity to see how the other half lives. So maybe it isn't ever the other half, more like the top 5%. I've photographed a lot of cars in the past, but never something like this. The images above are of a Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. It's a really sweet vehicle and it sounds AMAZING.

You know that this car is meant to go fast and I mean really fast when all the employees don't want to drive it, park it, or frankly, touch it. I have to admit, the excitement wears off pretty fast and then the anxiety kicks in. I could have 60 or my Stratus's for the same price as the 8C.

So if you need a new car and this is the one you want. It's at Morrie's Maserati in Minnetonka, MN. Tell them that Nate sent you (maybe I can get some commission). Oh yeah, it's $300,585. Before taxes...

I Voted!!

2009-08-17T09:04:00.003-05:00

I know that this seems like it is coming at the wrong time of year, okay it is. Still every vote counts! Blurb books is running a contest for all people's choice award for all photographic books and there is one book that has to win. A DOG AND HIS GIRL by Athena Lonsdale and Cyrus.

Last summer, at RMSP, I was lucky enough to meet both Cyrus and Athena. It's kind of hard not to meet both of them at the same time. Cyrus has one of the most unique views of the world and he's a pretty awesome dog. Athena's alright also. :) More seriously, Athena is just crazy talented. She is one of the most creative people I've met, and you can see her personality in every image she takes. Please vote for their book here. The contest only runs until August 20th, so vote quick!

I have to admit, I'm kind of bummed that I don't have a photograph of Cyrus with his paw print on it. I guess I'll just have to buy the book. I've seen a lot of their work and it really is amazing. I would love it if all of you would go out and vote for their book. Also, if you want a great blog that is guaranteed to make you smile, go to Cyrus's Blog. It's awesome.

Insights from my recent vacation

2009-08-10T12:07:00.003-05:00

My wife will always sneak another log onto the campfire when I'm not looking

Cane fishing poles can be dangerous when snagged on a weed.

The full moon is very bright.

Cars don't operate well with radiator problems.

Be very nice to the camp host, you never know when your car will break down with radiator problems, in the middle of the forest, with no cell phone signal and he happens to drive by.

A chipmunk, can provide hours of entertainment.

While camping, always prepare meals near an awning or something that you can dash under when it rains.

When getting out of a lake, make sure the you dry off REALLY well otherwise you could get Chiggers.

Chiggers itch REALLY bad.

Catch really big fish, that way when I screw up filleting them there is still meat left to eat. (Okay, so I'm not THAT bad, but compared to my Grandfather, I'm awful.)

It's hard to catch really big fish.

Life is better right next to a lake.

Always carry your raincoat. Walks aren't as much fun in a down pore when it's cold outside.

You can have a lot of fun with a paper plate over the course of a week.

Be careful of where you put your tent when it rains every day in a week.

Family time and traditions are SO important in life. I cherish every time I get to go to our campground. I don't get to do it often enough anymore and I may not get to do it with all the special people in my life the next time I go.

Just a few things that learned or was reminded of over the coarse of my week. I thought I would help somebody in the future. On a side note, Chiggers do itch REALLY bad. :)

Catching up with the Times

2009-07-31T08:46:00.003-05:00

I've been dreaming of it for months. It kind of consumes my thinking. I have thoroughly convinced myself that I can't LIVE without it. Almost any situation that I put myself in the answer is, "there is an App for that!"

Yes, I REALLY want an IPhone. Somehow I just can't pull the trigger on one of those massive phone plans though. You see, I'm old fashioned, I still use the most basic old cell phone possible. I'm still on the same plan we originally signed up for 5 years ago. Heck, I don't even have a camera phone in it. You'd think that I would at least have that covered. :)

This summer I've been having a very hard time getting these blogs up. I would love to post a picture almost everyday, or at least some thoughts everyday. Somehow whenever I sit down in front of my computer, I always tell myself that there is all this important editing that needs to be done for my clients. The blog can wait!

For the next 10 days, and the second week in the last three, I'm going to be in an area where there is no Internet. All though, I have heard suspicious rumors that I MIGHT be able to pick up a random wireless signal. That has yet to be confirmed... I have a TON of pictures that I want to put up on here. I'm convinced that it is going to happen the week I come home. All next week, when I have the time, but not the Internet, I'm going to be thinking. I have a cell phone signal. I KNOW, there's App for blog writing!

My kind of work...

2009-07-13T10:47:00.006-05:00

I've been absent again. This time I have a great reason! I spent a week at Brookside Resort. It was great to be outdoors for a whole week just to be concentrating on photography. Let me tell you, photographing resorts is a gig I want to do a LOT more often!

This place was great. I have to say that it is probably the quintessential family resort in MN. The tradition that this resort has is great. They've been in business for 30+ years and the whole time I was there I every guest had a story of coming there since childhood and are now bringing their own children. Spending a whole week there made me want to have kids just to bring them there!

I'm going to upload a bunch of pictures that I shot for them later on, but for now you are just getting one. This one is all about the perks of the visit. Of course, I had to take a round after Andrea did, no pictures of me though! I don't have half the talent for it she does and even that may be stretching it.

All I can say, is that I want to go back.

Watch your fingers!!

2009-07-04T17:38:00.002-05:00

For all of you out there playing with explosives.... have fun! I wish I could be right there with you blowing up stuff! Unfortunately here in MN, we aren't allowed to do anything fun. Something about safety and forest fires.....

Once in a Lifetime...

2009-06-25T14:31:00.002-05:00

There is one day a year where I am reminded that sometimes good guys do finish first. That isn't the way that the saying goes, I know, but it is the way it worked for me.

Last week was my anniversary. 5 years!! I know that isn't a lot, but it is crazy. I don't know how its been 5 years already! It really seems like yesterday when we were exchanging our vows. I was crying and trying so hard to hold it back that I messed them up. Tiff on the other hand looked at me and decided that she should hold it together. Seriously, isn't it supposed to be the other way around?!?!

The past five years have been amazing. I find myself getting closer to Tiff each and everyday. I don't know how many couples can honestly say that. I really hope that everyone gets the chance to feel the way I do.

This pic was taken about a month ago. It was the the first day that Tiff was determined to start understanding this photography thing. Hopefully some day she will be able to shoot all my weddings with me. I really wouldn't have it any other way if it was my choice. There's a fun little story behind this shot. Someday, I may even tell you...

To Tiff, I just wanted to say, Thank you and I love you. Here's to the next 70.

Cabin fever no more!

2009-06-05T10:42:00.003-05:00

So all winter this year, I worked hard, but unfortunately it was almost always at my desk. I'm not a big sitting on the computer fan. On top of that, I tend to not be inspired by the fruits of all that labor. Why is paperwork a necessary evil??

Thank God season's change though! It's so wonderful to always want to be doing something. As I have aluded to in previous posts, I've been busy. Really busy. I'm exhausted at the end of everyday and I love it. It seems like everyday, right now I there is some deadline or another that is coming the next day. I wouldn't change this pace for anything right now. In fact, I think I am drawing energy from it. I hope that every one of you have something that you love doing.

2009-05-20T17:36:00.003-05:00

Summer time is here. It took a while to get here in MN, but it finally arrived. It's great to see color everywhere again! The past couple of days I've been inside editing shoots from last weekend, which I will post here soon by the way, dreaming of the out doors.

We were driving from my mother's last weekend and I had to stop and photograph this tree. Thankfully, Tiff gave me 10 minutes to go run around in the field.

Summer dreams

2009-05-18T14:36:00.003-05:00

This is just a quick shout out for a friend of mine. Scott is an amazing guy. He and his fiance met at RMSP and fell head over heels for each other. Scott stayed on to become one of the most valuable people for future RMSPer's, the tech guy. What would I have done without him last summer??? Who knows.

Everyone just watch the video please. They are trying to get one of the coolest summer jobs ever. Karma kind of owes them after their Mexico wedding got called of due to the swine flu. Besides, if somebody is going to make a living by living on the coast in a hotel it may as well be somebody who deserves it!

technical difficulties!!

2009-05-11T22:22:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone!

As a photographer, I find that I am dealing with more gadgets and gizmos than you would believe. My goal was always to post pictures with my blog and that still remains to be true. Unfortunately I am having some major issues with pictures and what colors they end up when I try and upload them to anything to do with the internet.

I have tons of new stuff to show you soon. I just need to get these issues sorted out. I've had a fantastic test shoot, two weddings are coming up this weekend, and that's not counting all the spring pictures that have caught my eye! Hopefully, I'll get some these issues taken care of soon and I swear, I'll post here right away!!

I swear I'm still blogging!

2009-04-24T09:12:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I've been having technical problems with it. For whatever reason the pictures that I am posting are getting their colors changed and when I am posting a photographic blog that is a big deal. I think I am getting them straightened out. We'll see! Thanks for being patient with me!

This a building in SW MN that I have driven by all my life and I've always been captivated by the the old bottle caps in the windows. They've been there as long as I can remember. This town is TINY. While I was stopped taking my photograph, a resident came up to me and couldn't for the life of her figure out why I was taking a picture of this. Just goes to show you that the more everyday an object is to you the harder it is to notice it.

Spring!!

2009-04-08T16:12:00.004-05:00

So it's been a while again...

I've been doing a lot of commercial photography lately and between that and enjoying the weather, I've found it a little easier to ignore my blog again. It's time to add the blog into my weekly workflow again.

After a long cold winter in MN, it's pretty amazing to see all the people come out of hibernating again. When I was out photographing in the cold, I was always theonly one (unless somebody was with me). Now it's so different. There are people everywhere! Its really great to see. People provide inspiration that I could never have on my own. Take these boots, they were adorable!

New Logo!

2009-03-17T16:49:00.004-05:00

After considerably too much time, it is FINALLY time to show everyone my new logo! I am now trying to incorporate my logo into any and every thing that has to do with my business. You'll notice some changes on my blog, website, and about everything else that I have had previously to make things current and cohesive.

Branding is really important now days. You want people to look at any part of your business and get a feel for who you are. The number one way to do this is with a logo. Your logo should communicate who you are, what kind of work you are presenting, and it should appeal to your target market.

I tried to make my own logo for MONTHS. Somehow, the right one always escaped me. Finally after more hours than I care to admit I hired a friend of mine, Arno Enzerink, to design my logo. Let me tell you one thing graphic designers deserve every penny they earn. They have to do a lot of revisions! At least in my case. I am still amazed that I spent all this time and couldn't come up with anything, but Arno could come up with my logo after a few questions and a few weeks. Amazing.... just goes to show you I am not a graphic designer.

Thanks again Arno!

We all need a little help

2009-03-13T09:40:00.004-05:00

I didn't know if I was going to get one of these in this week! This week has been CRAZY! I have been preparing for a show and a job possibility. The job possibility ended up being an offer. I was hired by Morrie's automotive group, along with two other photographers, to photograph all the cars in their inventory and then once that is finished continue to photograph all the cars new cars that come in. What a relief it is, to have reliable work in the present climate. I'm really thankful.

For all you other photographers out there, I would have never gotten this job without networking! I was recommended for the job by Jason Gallus, another photographer in the area and for that I will be forever grateful! Also I've always been somebody who is more than willing to help out a friend or colleague, it was amazing to have him take time out of his busy schedule to help the myriad of questions I've been shooting his way since I've been home. All this does, is reinforce my attitude about helping out people who come to me.

One more notch...

2009-03-04T14:44:00.003-06:00

As all of you just found out, I have been working on logos, watermarks, and all the other things that go into branding yourself. This has been a LONG arduous journey that is almost at a close and I am so happy to have it finished. I'll talk more about that later though...

Last weekend, I went back to my Grandparents farm. Normally when I am there all I do is eat, maybe that is pretty much still what happened but, this time I did manage to take a few pictures. Two of these images I actually left a crab dinner to take. I wish I could control when the sun rises and sets!

What is a family eating a crab dinner for in the middle of a MN winter?? It's an excuse to get together!! I love this tradition, maybe someday we'll come up with one that doesn't revolve around food, but until then I am always happy to head to my grandparent's house to gain a couple of pounds. :)

Snow Day!!!

2009-03-02T18:34:00.005-06:00

I don't know how many of you know this but, I am from Minnesota. Go figure that here in the North we get some major snow. For the most part this year has been exceedingly light in that department but, Thursday we finally get a storm. I had been kind of complaining about how I haven't been shooting as much as I would have liked so well everyone else was busy trying to avoid the weather, I called my friend Kim and we went out to embrace it. It was great to get out shooting again. Here are some of my favorites!

Working on a series

2009-02-27T13:05:00.004-06:00

This is part three in the RMSP series. After we got down to classwork one of the first big assignments that we received was to build a slideshow. It had to contain 25 images. That is a lot of images when you are looking for quality!! I worked on a couple of prospects and actually built two different slideshows. This is a series on plantlife. I don't think that they were expecting a perfect slideshow from anyone, all they really wanted to see was that you were willing to spend the time on a personal project. As photographers, we have to be working on projects as much as possible. I can always go out and take one picture but, being able to put them together into a cohesive theme or story is ESSENTIAL. Instead of selling one picture, I can sell a series of four or five for a lot more money. Also when a client gets more options they are usually happier. This group of images really doesn't have any story or narrative since we weren't required to do that but, if you can do that it always helps!

A Quick Update

2009-02-18T10:25:00.003-06:00

So last night at the ASMP meeting, I found out the results of the 8x10 Juried Exhibition and I am extremely happy to say that my lighthouse image now named "Coastal Dream" won one of the three awards of merit! I was very excited to have my work accepted let alone win. There were a lot of great images and I am honored that the judges thought mine stood out enough to win.

All of the images will be shown at West Photo 21 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. The show begins on March 20th and runs a month. Stop by and see!

The price of comfort....29.99

2009-02-12T17:42:00.003-06:00

I don't know about anybody else but, my laptop gets really hot. I actually worry about it. I mean all of my other equipment fails, sooner or later I know my laptop will also. I just picked up a Belkin cooling pad and I really like it.

I grudgingly purchased a cooling pad and I have to say I am SO happy with it. I don't have temperature readings so there is no precise measurements here but, I bet it has dropped my computers running temperature by 15-20 degrees. I just wanted to share with you. Belkin also makes some other models. I just got the cheap one. Have a look if your legs or palms are burning in the future.

My first trip around Montana

2009-02-11T20:47:00.005-06:00

The last day before class began, Wayne (also another RMSP student who I lived with over the course of the summer) and I decided to see Montana. Thinking back, I'm really glad that we did this. It was the last time of going out and just being myself. For the rest of the summer anytime my eye was behind the camera I was thinking about everything that I have been taught. While this is great, it also got in my way creatively.

We decided to walk around town first and then we proceeded to Garnet Ghost Town. I mean we are in Montana aren't we?? Garnet became a source of inspiration to a lot of the students this summer. I only got out there once and I really regret that. I would have loved to go out there after my skills got a little more polished off.

The Indian pictures are from Missoula while we were walking around. It is a statue that is made out of an old car in front of the University in town. The artists in Missoula are so creative everywhere you look there is something else that makes the city unique.

Welcome to the mountains...

2009-02-10T16:37:00.008-06:00

The last few weeks I have been looking through a lot of my old pictures. I've been doing this for a couple of reasons. 1.) There is a lot of cleaning that I have to do on my laptop. 2.) There is a lot of work that I have to do with old pictures. 3.) The weather here has been depressing and I need to see some color again!

Every time I look at these pictures I notice how much work that there is to do so it got me thinking. I am going to start a series that shows much more in depth what I was doing while at school this summer. I don't know how long or short this series is going to go. My goal by doing this is so that after I am done with this series of blogs, I have my computer cleaned off and all the files in proper working order. The bonus is that I know some people are curious what I spent all my time doing since they have only seen a small portion of my pictures from this summer.

Let me say that I went to RMSP to get better so this will show you the progression of how I did this. A lot of these pictures are not portfolio pictures. They are a record of what I did and how I got to where I am now. If there is any prospective RMSPer's out there who end up reading this I hope this helps and I wish I could have found something like this before I headed West.

These were a few of the pictures that I took on the way. We didn't stop much due to the weather. It was a dreary trip to Montana from Minnesota. We stopped at Mt. Rushmore and the weather was so bad you couldn't even see it. I mean nothing. Kind of depressing as we drove a couple of hours out of the way to go there when we could have been sleeping. Since the weather was so bad, we really didn't stop to take any pictures. Not that I didn't take any.... Let me tell you it isn't smart to photograph while driving but, it is really hard to do when I had never seen the mountains. I mean I have to take the picture for prosperity's sake right???

The second is from right when we arrived in Missoula, MT. There was this big M on the mountain and everyone was walking to it so...we did to. Let me say that this was very humbling, as I thought I was in good shape but I had never hiked up a mountain and this wasn't even a real mountain hike. I was sore the next day. After killing ourselves we wanted to see downtown. As we were walking in I got my first glimpse of Brennan's Wave. Always a good place to photograph if you are into taking pictures of kayaking. My wife and I spent a little while here as we both had never seen somebody kayaking and were amazed at how graceful it is. I was down taking pictures and talking to the kayakers when I met Forrest Woodward. He is the one in the yellow kayak and he is a great photographer who happened to be an assistant as RMSP and I would have class with him the next day.

That's the first days, not as many pictures as I would like but more importantly, a lot of good memories to hold onto for us, as my wife headed back to Minnesota right before school started.

30@8x10 Juried Exhibition

2009-02-03T10:57:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to share some images of mine that I was lucky enough to get accepted to the 30@8x10 Juried Exhibition that is sponsored by the local ASMP chapter here in Minneapolis. This competition is a best shot competition, so all the entries didn't have to have any specific theme besides being 8x10 in size. I submitted five images that I thought might stand out as different in comparison to the other local photographers. The panel then chose their favorite 30 and I was extremely happy when I found out that four of my images were chosen. I'm quite honored as this being the first time my images were ever accepted to a juried exhibition. The great part about these images is that they all have special meaning to me as each one was taken at one of my favorite moments from this summer.

The final judging will be later this month, where the panel will choose their three favorites. Keep your fingers crossed I know I will!

Just do it!

2009-01-28T13:18:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks, I have finally gotten outside and started enjoying the winter season. I'm one of those crazy people who actually enjoy all four seasons. Last weekend I went fishing with one of my friends. We probably should have picked a warmer day being it was -10 but we had a great time anyway.

I spent quite a bit of time freezing and thawing my camera, but when it did work I got a few really great pictures. You wouldn't believe the quality of light you can get in a dark little ice house at noon! I had carried my tripod all the way out there and didn't need it, what a great surprise. That brings me to the subject of my blog.

After most of the morning of toughing it out, we decided that we needed to thaw out a bit. Jeff turned on the heater and it burst into flames. Being guys, we found this incredibly cool. I though it might look good on camera, but it was going to be hard to catch and in my head talked myself out of it. This is something that photographers do ALL THE TIME. If I'm allowed to just explore I can always find something else to photograph and never make it anywhere in a timely manner. The thing that I need to work on is following those whims to photograph more. So thinking about that, we proceeded to repeatedly start the heater over and over. Probably not the smartest thing to do in a flammable ice house, but what we do for photographs and fire! I thought I got something interesting that I might be able to use somewhere down the road and that is why we follow our whims.

Inaugeration day

2009-01-20T10:45:00.003-06:00

I think there can only be one topic today. I don't want to say much today because others are saying things that are much more important. I just wanted to share this image with everyone.

Candids

2009-01-19T13:33:00.004-06:00

I am starting to become a closet fan of candid photography. We'll see what happens with my upcoming weddings but for this wedding, candids reigned supreme. It's not that these pictures are technically better than the other ones I have. I just love these three for their stories. I love the excitement in the first image. The second, I'll be honest I just love the look they are giving each other. The third, is all about embarrassment. This was during the best man's speech which I have to say was the best I have ever heard. I don't think anybody knew what he was going to say next, including himself.
Posed pictures can be amazing but even after looking at them over and over. These are the ones that make me smile. We'll there is one that tops them all but that isn't going to make it here...

If you can't get it now, get it later!

2009-01-13T12:34:00.008-06:00

Today I thought I would share a couple of photos turned out really well from my last wedding and my process when it came to making these.

The first image is one of my absolute favorites because it fits this wedding so well and also because last year I photographed the groom's sister's wedding, I got a shot that was similar in concept. It was requested by the Jenni (the bride) that I get something similar for them. It is always great when you get a shot that you know your clients are going to be thrilled with.
First and foremost, take care of your clients! If you notice the beautiful glowing trail of light on the sidewalk, that is because it may as well have been an ice skating rink. If either Jamie or Jenni would have fallen, well, I just don't want to think about it.
I would not have gotten this shot without a tripod! For all of you who hate carrying that thing around (I am with you on it!) tripods are a lot steadier than you are and give you professional results EVERY time. While we were there another photographer was in the area and she was running around with her speed light. I'm sure she got good results because I did some of this also but the reason people want photographs at this park around Christmas is for the lights.
As for the actual photograph, speed was the hardest part. There were two reasons for this, the cold obviously and when we arrived it was just hitting twilight. Twilight in winter is beautiful. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue and the snow covered ground matches it. I highly recommend shooting at twilight summer and winter. When we arrived I quickly started looking around for what I wanted to do. We had about 10 minutes before the best time to shoot twilight so we did a large group photo and then started doing this one. I didn't really want to tilt my image in this one because it included a bit more snow in the lower right but by doing this I cut out the entire line of parked cars and traffic while still including the beautiful street lamps. Then we took two half second exposures and we were done. Always double up just in case they move in one (which they did). My only regret for this picture is that I couldn't use a smaller aperture to make all the Christmas lights flare more.

The other picture I have in here purely because I have ragged on Photoshop so much. I wouldn't have had this picture if I didn't use it. For this wedding, I was severely limited to how much the church would let me move around during the ceremony. Once I had all the standard pictures, I had to be creative. I knew that I wanted this effect for one picture when they kissed or turned around so when the time came I got got the first standard picture and then started zooming during the exposure. If you have ever done this it is very inconsistent. I think I tried about 8 times but when I look at the images none of them turned out the way I was hoping. So I had to go home take my standard picture and create the zoom blur in Photoshop. I think I learned a lesson while doing this. The important part is that you try to create you images in camera and if you can't then Photoshop can help you out. I don't think I will try and do the zooming in any future weddings during the ceremony there just isn't enough time. I will always do it in my post production now because it is consistent. The important part is that I envisioned it, applied it, and then compromised.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T09:44:00.004-06:00

Yes, yes, I know. This is coming a little late. Okay, more like really late. For those of you who read this you'll be happy to know that this blog is part of my New Year's resolution. I didn't go crazy and say that I am going to blog everyday but instead I am going to blog a couple of times a week. To do this I think I have to change what I was writing about a little bit. From now on I think I will be writing a lot more about photography and its practice. A lot of what I am or have been doing. We'll see how that goes. I hope it will keep me writing much more often.

I photographed the Keller wedding last weekend and the pictures that came of it I am pretty proud of. I have to say that of all the weddings that I have done this was at the top because of the bride and groom. They were head over heels in love. Not every wedding is like that. It is a privilege to photograph a couple on a day that means so much to them and I thank them for it!

I'm sorry everyone but the next few blogs are going to be loaded with stuff about this wedding.

This first picture is one of my favorites. I have this thing for hands. I think they tell a story better than a face does sometimes. Every wedding I try and get a couple of images of just the hands. All of them candid because what fun is a posed picture of a hand??? I look at this image and see so many feelings. Love, anticipation, and comfort are at the top of the list.

It so funny how such a simple picture tell the story of a moment. That is all I strive for in my photography. I want to project what inspires me into my images.

Proof that you don't have to be anorexic to model...

2008-11-20T14:45:00.004-06:00

If a camera adds twenty pounds then Photoshop can remove forty. It is amazing what it can do. Too bad they missed the shadow on the right side of her hip.

This summer while I was in school, one of our favorite websites to look through was Photoshop Disasters. For a photographer this site is kind of invaluable. It teaches photoshop users what not to do by showing you all the ways that everyone else has screwed it up. This blog reminds me that looking at all the details in an image is essential. The details are where professionalism lies.

Now I don't quite understand how all of these images still got published. I mean some of these images are the cover of huge products and publications. These images had to be looked at by minimum of twenty people but nobody caught the errors....

Hope

2008-11-05T12:58:00.003-06:00

Who would have thought that I would have posted more blogs while I was at school than when I arrived home?? I know I wouldn't have. I thought today was kind of the perfect day to start back up.

Today is a wonderful day because the elections. I have to say that I am excited to be an American for the first time in a while. It was revitalizing to see all the people turn out to support their candidates. Not to mention that for the first time ever we have an African American president. I'd also like to compliment McCain on his concession speech it was truly into the man's great character that he could take a defeat and speak with such a positive message.

I'm taking the feeling that I have today and going to cherish it. I hope that you all do to.

The Last Day

2008-10-17T09:28:00.003-05:00

I don't know what to do about it. This summer and fall have been quite the ride. Living with a room mate instead of a wife, being in the mountains, never sleeping, and of course photography. The whole time I have been by myself but never alone. I have always had the support of my wife from afar and the friendships that I have built over the course of the entire summer. It was hard. It was exhausting. It was amazing. I don't know if I would have changed any of it if I could have.

I just wanted to remind everyone that although we are proceeding forward by ourselves, we built an amazing network of photographers over this summer and we should use it. Remember that every time we are stuck financially, creatively, or just having a hard week, we are all going through a similar problems. There will always be an ear to listen if you need to talk. Anyone can call me if they need it. We are each starting our careers in a very person career but this summer has taught us that we should never be alone in that pursuit again.

Neverending Journey

2008-10-08T23:28:00.006-05:00

I left Minnesota without a path. I had bushwhacked my entire life but could never find it. This one summer has taught me that all that bushwhacking was just part of the journey. The basic principle of a path is that it requires a journey to take it. I would grow bored with my life if it wasn't a challenge here and there. This summer I was on a paved trail. I grew more this summer than I had in the last couple of years. I changed. I evolved. With 10 days left, I can see the branches closing in on me. I may get snagged here and there but I am still moving. When I get home, I know that things are going to be difficult. Change always is. This time though I have a purpose, I have focus, and I have desire. It's an amazing thing when you find what you were meant to do. From now on, I am going forward. For the rest of my life, I know my direction. I'd like to think of it as my machete.....

Savor it

2008-10-03T18:21:00.005-05:00

What is it about this time of year? What makes this time of year so amazing for everyone and everything. Somehow fall always makes me motivated. Let me tell you, that I need that feeling right now! Assignments are piling up and things have been going wrong but, it doesn't seem to matter.

Every time I step outside I feel the excitement. It has been hard to attend class. Being a visual artist this time of year is just amazing. There is no lack of inspiration. Suddenly that street that I have looked down hundreds and hundreds of times is one of the most beautiful things that I can find. I can't walk around the block without wanting to stop and photograph a leaf on the ground. Too bad this time of year doesn't last a little longer but, I guess that is what makes it so special.

Really the only thing that I wanted to say was make some time. Photograph, bike, hike, or camp. Whatever it is that you do, do it. This time of year only comes for a weeks a year so take advantage of it! If I can fit the time into my crazy school schedule, so can you.

Is a portrait expensive?

2008-09-22T21:29:00.007-05:00

Cameras and equipment. What can I say? I always need something else.....always. Some days I wonder if any one person has enough money to have a photography business. When I first started shopping around for photography equipment I realized that everything is expensive. Once I educated myself about quality camera gear and looked at the prices, I couldn't help but feel extorted.

If only that was where it stopped... That is just the camera and lenses and all "fun stuff". When I started being educated about the business of photography, it became so much easier to understand why photographer charge so much! Lets not forget that we aren't even talking about the education or time that we had to put in to get to that point or even the hours that we put in doing our job in the first place.

People always ask us photographers how much that camera that we are carrying around cost us. There are two problems with this question. 1.)Why do I want to tell the random stranger that I have never met before that they could buy a car with what we have in my camera bag??? I mean really, that just doesn't sound intelligent. 2.) I don't want to admit it to myself!

The camera is one of the cheapest investments that we make. It's sad, but true. There is so many little things that are essential to digital photography and none of them are cheap! At the school that I am attending, we have this saying that will make that average person question our sanity. "200 dollars, that's cheap" I even cringe when I say that!

Just to finish off this thought process, let me actually tell you why I started writing this blog. All this talk about how expensive this business is. All this talk about how the camera body is one of the cheapest investments in photography. When my camera body breaks, I am out of business. Get a second one! Today, was the third time my camera body has broken. (I really don't understand why my professional "I can pound in nails with it" camera body broke for the third time in under a year, but it did) Just some food for thought for all those people who wonder about why their portraits cost so much.

To Clone or not to Clone...

2008-09-11T13:38:00.008-05:00

Lately, I am living in Photoshop. To those of you who know me, you know that that isn't a comfortable place for me to live. My photography tends to be real. I want to photograph it the way I saw it. Embellishing is just not my style I guess.

Photoshop is a crazy world where anything is possible if you can think it up and then take the time to create it. Some people flourish in it. I don't.

Don't get me wrong, I think Photoshop is an amazing tool. I just don't want to use it much. My teachers refer to Photoshop time as butt time. I couldn't agree more. I would much rather think for two minutes in the field than spend an hour fixing that thing that would have been gone if I moved 2 feet to the left.

Then there is the fact that Photoshop can be used to create a personal vision or style to their photography. This is the side that I kind of understand but have not yet figured out how to apply. Maybe I am too real for it. Maybe I just haven't seen someone with the style I want to emulate.. Either way, I think it is the biggest thing that is lacking in my photography. I'm hoping that someday soon I can identify where my direction is because I have been looking far too long!

The power of people

2008-09-04T00:17:00.008-05:00

Last weekend was one of the best weekends I have had since I was here. I spent most of it out shooting but hardly any of the time was I further than a half mile from my house. For anyone who has seen quite a bit of my photography, they know that I don't shoot people that much. I think it is mostly my introvert personality. I really need to get over that.

Putting a person in a photo adds so much story. There is story in there expression, their posture, or their hands. It's refreshing to shoot without really knowing what is going to happen or even if you do, getting that decisive moment. I love shooting weddings. As the photographer, I am given a chance to share in the emotion of their day and capturing that is an amazing feeling. Who knows, I may be a closet people shooter. If that is the case, I better get out there and do it more!

To Spew or not to Spew....

2008-09-04T00:16:00.010-05:00

I was driving around with one of my friend's last night talking about my lack of blogging skills and she used a term that is exactly what I am trying to avoid.

Emotional vomit.

It's not a very pretty phrase, but it is exactly what I am going to try and avoid in my blogging. I tend to be a deep thinker and I figured that I would avoid trying to scare anyone who reads these away by not writing that way very often. Although, I still don't quite understand why anyone is going to want to read these. That is something that I am going to have to work on I guess, either my writing skills or understanding that some people just don't have anything better to do than read my random incoherent thoughts.

Back to emotional vomit....

I think that anyone who hears those words can put a picture in their head. I want people to enjoy my perspective not walk away thinking that I unloaded on them. Too many thoughts can just be depressing and I am trying to work on being an optimist. Because of the emerging optimist, I will try not to emotionally vomit too often.

I thought I would finally say what I am planning on writing in these blogs. The title kind of tells all I think. Just to clarify for anyone who needs it.

Life- everyone has one. I just thought I would share mine with you so you can see a bit through my journey through it.

Thoughts- this will probably be my rants and emotional vomit category.

Photography- I thought I could share my thoughts and stories of trying to become a photographer/artist. By this I mean, moments of what I am doing, stories and people that have inspired me, and anything else that pertains.

Lastly, I will share some of my work on the site.

I realize that this should have been two blogs instead of one but, oh well. That is why I am practicing. And so it begins...

Slowing down

2008-08-30T18:58:00.004-05:00

With only a month and a half of school left, I am finding myself thinking about what I am missing while I have been in Montana. I spent the last few days in Glacier with my Dad. The park is one of the most amazing places on Earth yet people still barely slow down notice. Is life that busy that even your vacation can't be appreciated? I can't believe how so few people stop and just take it all in.

Every time I was photographing, at least a dozen people slow down enough to hop out of the car snap a photo and drive away. Will that one photo be your memory that lasts you your entire life? I hope not but, since they didn't stop and look, it may have to be their memory.

I have the opposite problem, along with a lot of other photographers I know. We spend all the time there but don't stop working. It's always looking for the next composition or anticipating what is going to happen, never just appreciating what's sitting in front of us. I have to consciously make myself put my camera down sometimes to make myself grasp whatever I am photographing. How can you capture the beauty of a landscape without actually looking at it? I can't.

Next time you are somewhere that you would like to remember, don't pull out your camera, just stop and take your time. Take in all the detail and remember it. Make it an experience instead of a moment.

New Beginnings

2008-08-28T00:18:00.001-05:00

Just to give everyone a little preface, here are some details. I am a student at Rocky Mountain School of Photography. I'm married. I'm currently living 1200 miles from my wife of four years. I've taken my summer and fall to pursue my dreams. Anyone, who reads this is welcome to join me along the way.

First of all, I would like to say that I don't write often or well. I kind of feel bad for anyone who is taking their valuable time to read my random thoughts. Most of the time my good thoughts aren't worth reading.

I am starting this blog for a couple of reasons.

One. I'm away from home and maybe I can share a little of me with everyone who cares. Yes there are a few out there.

Two. I was told that I need to start writing. So I am writing. Just one more thing to add to the to do list anyway right?

Three. I want to understand myself a little better. I don't really get that one either...

Four. I want to remember. I want to think. I want to share. Once again, sorry to all who take their time reading this.

Until next time....