View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2010
View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2009
Showing posts with label The Best Of.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Best Of.... Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Best of 2010 ~The Year In Review
Going back over anything you've been involved in and picking out the best parts of it is always hard, especially if you've put your heart and soul and mind and creativity into it. How can you judge? I tried to make it easier on myself by choosing favorites at the end of each month. Didn't really work, though. I still had to go back and look at everything again. Truly, what were my favorites? What jumped out at me? What did I work hard on? What did I sweat over? What have I chosen to display in my home and live with day after day? These.....
Portrait, October
Varsity captains heading to mid-field for the coin toss, October
Red tulips in a roadside field in La Connor, April
A couple waltzes up the beach on Valentine's Day, February
My daughter and my niece wave jumping, June
My children playing on shore at sunset, March
Clamming at Copalis Beach, May
My niece splashing through the end of a Slip n' Slide, May
Sunset off the back porch at the beach, July
An engagement portrait, November
Clamming at sunset, November
View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2010
View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2009
View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2010
View the entire collection Images of the Year ~ 2009
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Best of 2010: October
I had a love affair this month with leaves. The flaming color set off by the vibrant, golden light of the sun was almost more than my lens could take. These leaves were shot on different days, from different trees, but their color is amazing! I just love the shape and definition of each point. And the way they both just seem to glow against the sky. It's one of the reasons why I just love autumn.
We took a field trip this month to a farm so my niece could see a pig in real life. Along the way, I got this shot of my nephew. Normally, this wouldn't be anything super exciting, except that this kid really doesn't go in for sitting in front of the camera. But on this day, he was all about the pose...and he did great!
One of the things that I always struggle with, especially as a photographer, are boundary lines. As in, where are they so I can make sure not to cross them. Unfortunately, that means that a lot of times I'm not really in place to get the best shot. I'd seen a photograph that someone amazing took of the captains of a football team walking out to mid field from a perspective that I'd never thought I could get. I mean, seriously? On the field? While they're walking out? But why not? If I'm not supposed to be there, surely the refs will tell me to get lost. So, I thought I'd give it a try. It's a one ticket, one ride kind of shot, too. They're not walking slowly and if you miss the moment, they're too close. And you can't back up to try again because the opposing captains are coming out from the other side. You've got to wait for the frame, focus and get out quick. Turns out, this is, hands down, my favorite shot of the entire season.
I did a family portrait session this month with a family I had photographed last year. But this time, Mom wanted Dad to be there so he could be part of the fun. We got the family shots. We got the kid shots. And I really wanted to get some that were just vintage "couple". Something that didn't look like Mom & Dad sitting together for a portrait. Something that would speak to the two of them together before they became "Mom & Dad". I asked her to lay down and then I asked him to lay on top of her. I thought they were going to be slightly put off by the idea, seeing as how we were in a public park, but they were game. I asked him to kiss her cheek, and there they were....just Drew and Sarah.
We hadn't been to the beach since Labor Day. School and sports had taken over our fall schedule, but we managed to squeeze in a quick trip one weekend. It was supposed to rain, and it did back at home, but the shore was beautiful! Blue sky and sunshine. The waves, however, spoke of the storms that had been raging, and the water was pretty tumultuous. My kids wanted to run across the current, so Daddy had to help them. I loved the light coming behind them, outlining them as they ran through the spray...in short sleeves, for probably the last time this year....
I love this soccer shot. The boys had been chasing the ball, kicking it around, when someone really gave it a ride. I was watching through my lens. I saw that boy fall down. I saw the ball coming. My instinct was to move out of the way, but the camera held me there for just a moment longer, and I got this image of the ball flying towards me....or at least flying toward the guy standing next to me.
There are some sports shots that I get that I know I got. I know it the minute I take it. And then there are some that make me shake my head, shrug my shoulders and say, "Yeah....no clue." This is one of those shots. I know I was down behind the goal. I know he was charging toward it. But how it got framed and focused in this perfect way is a mystery to me. It was just a lucky shot.
I did a portrait session this month for a young woman will celebrate her 21st birthday soon. I had gone early in the morning of the shoot to gather some fall leaves to use with her. I knew I wanted to have her laying in them for a few shots. I had really envisioned it with her on her stomach, chin in hand, leaves scattered around. And I got that shot, but then I thought I might want to get some of the leaves in her hair. So I asked her to flip over and put her head down. As I moved around her, I saw those lashes jumping out at me. I couldn't miss capturing those eyes and the rest of that perfect face surround by all of that bright fall color. It became one of my favorite shots of the session.
When I was a kid I thought pumpkins came from a box outside the grocery store. It wasn't until I was a teacher that I visited my first pumpkin patch. Now, the idea of pulling a pumpkin out of one of those boxes makes me want to hang it up and go home. This patch is down the hill from our house. It just proves why the patch is the happiest place to be in October.
I shot this portrait of a boy on my son's soccer team during half time of one of their games this month. Kids usually aren't so willing to have their picture taken by someone they don't know very well. They usually see my camera and look away. Even the high school guys are like that. Unsure sometimes. But this boy looked right at me. It was almost like he could see his reflection in the lens....maybe he could. 'Cause he just kept looking.....
I was commissioned this month to take a series of portraits of the varsity senior football players. I showed up at the practice field one afternoon and one by one they each came over and had their time in front of the lens. Having photographed these guys for two seasons, I kind of know who they are. At least, I know their names and numbers. Some of them have become a little more real to me, like this guy. He is always polite to me and is very nice to my kids. He says hello and smiles. He gives high-5's. He is a leader both on the field and off. Not to say that he isn't a force to be reckoned with, especially come game time. He is a formidable presence, and I wanted his portrait to convey both the good guy and the tough guy at the same time. I wanted him to come across as the Superman that I always think of him as being.
This was another in the series of football portraits. I love photographing this kid. Some of my favorite shots from the sport have been of him. He got hurt in the game before these images were taken, so he wasn't there when I first went photograph the guys. I had to come back and get his later. We took this in the locker room. He's the guy that loves to bring down his opponent. All the guys do, but I mean, he really lives for it. I wanted to really capture that daunting viciousness that comes out of him when he puts on that helmet, so I asked him to give me his game face. I certainly wouldn't want to see that guy coming at me across the field. Would you?
I'm never sure about photographing players when they get hurt. Their defenses are down. It's a private moment. Is it really a time to have a camera pointed at them? But, in the interest of telling the story of the game, those images must be captured. This image was shot during a blowout game. We were way ahead and the other team just couldn't keep up. There is so much going on in this picture. I love that it's the medics from our team that are helping him. I love the way the players from our team are slightly blurred out in the background, but still very visible on their knees, showing respect to the fallen player. The guy with "Renton Staff" on his back is an employee of the stadium. He came out to the field to oversee what was going on. I'm not sure that he really needed to be there at that moment, but he had to be a part of what was happening. This kid did make it off the field under his own power, but the game was eventually called with six minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. Too many points to make it worth the continual injuries that were racking up on the opposing sidelines.
And now we come to my favorite part of October.....HALLOWEEN! We went to a party the weekend before the holiday. The kids, of course, came in costume, but the adults were asked to come "in the spirit", as well. These two gruesome faces were haunting the festivities and I had to capture them. When I emailed these images to their family members the next day, a couple of them actually didn't recognize the handsome faces hiding behind the gore. In fact, it wasn't until one brother saw the other brother sitting with his wife and kids that he actually believed it was him. Halloween isn't just for kids, you know....
This last image, captured during the trick-or treat festivities, is just my favorite. I love the anticipation in it. The boy, standing and waiting, while the girl anxiously peeks through the window to see if someone is going to answer the door. I remember being that excited. I remember that anticipation. I loved it...and I love Halloween!
We took a field trip this month to a farm so my niece could see a pig in real life. Along the way, I got this shot of my nephew. Normally, this wouldn't be anything super exciting, except that this kid really doesn't go in for sitting in front of the camera. But on this day, he was all about the pose...and he did great!
One of the things that I always struggle with, especially as a photographer, are boundary lines. As in, where are they so I can make sure not to cross them. Unfortunately, that means that a lot of times I'm not really in place to get the best shot. I'd seen a photograph that someone amazing took of the captains of a football team walking out to mid field from a perspective that I'd never thought I could get. I mean, seriously? On the field? While they're walking out? But why not? If I'm not supposed to be there, surely the refs will tell me to get lost. So, I thought I'd give it a try. It's a one ticket, one ride kind of shot, too. They're not walking slowly and if you miss the moment, they're too close. And you can't back up to try again because the opposing captains are coming out from the other side. You've got to wait for the frame, focus and get out quick. Turns out, this is, hands down, my favorite shot of the entire season.
I did a family portrait session this month with a family I had photographed last year. But this time, Mom wanted Dad to be there so he could be part of the fun. We got the family shots. We got the kid shots. And I really wanted to get some that were just vintage "couple". Something that didn't look like Mom & Dad sitting together for a portrait. Something that would speak to the two of them together before they became "Mom & Dad". I asked her to lay down and then I asked him to lay on top of her. I thought they were going to be slightly put off by the idea, seeing as how we were in a public park, but they were game. I asked him to kiss her cheek, and there they were....just Drew and Sarah.
We hadn't been to the beach since Labor Day. School and sports had taken over our fall schedule, but we managed to squeeze in a quick trip one weekend. It was supposed to rain, and it did back at home, but the shore was beautiful! Blue sky and sunshine. The waves, however, spoke of the storms that had been raging, and the water was pretty tumultuous. My kids wanted to run across the current, so Daddy had to help them. I loved the light coming behind them, outlining them as they ran through the spray...in short sleeves, for probably the last time this year....
I love this soccer shot. The boys had been chasing the ball, kicking it around, when someone really gave it a ride. I was watching through my lens. I saw that boy fall down. I saw the ball coming. My instinct was to move out of the way, but the camera held me there for just a moment longer, and I got this image of the ball flying towards me....or at least flying toward the guy standing next to me.
There are some sports shots that I get that I know I got. I know it the minute I take it. And then there are some that make me shake my head, shrug my shoulders and say, "Yeah....no clue." This is one of those shots. I know I was down behind the goal. I know he was charging toward it. But how it got framed and focused in this perfect way is a mystery to me. It was just a lucky shot.
I did a portrait session this month for a young woman will celebrate her 21st birthday soon. I had gone early in the morning of the shoot to gather some fall leaves to use with her. I knew I wanted to have her laying in them for a few shots. I had really envisioned it with her on her stomach, chin in hand, leaves scattered around. And I got that shot, but then I thought I might want to get some of the leaves in her hair. So I asked her to flip over and put her head down. As I moved around her, I saw those lashes jumping out at me. I couldn't miss capturing those eyes and the rest of that perfect face surround by all of that bright fall color. It became one of my favorite shots of the session.
When I was a kid I thought pumpkins came from a box outside the grocery store. It wasn't until I was a teacher that I visited my first pumpkin patch. Now, the idea of pulling a pumpkin out of one of those boxes makes me want to hang it up and go home. This patch is down the hill from our house. It just proves why the patch is the happiest place to be in October.
I shot this portrait of a boy on my son's soccer team during half time of one of their games this month. Kids usually aren't so willing to have their picture taken by someone they don't know very well. They usually see my camera and look away. Even the high school guys are like that. Unsure sometimes. But this boy looked right at me. It was almost like he could see his reflection in the lens....maybe he could. 'Cause he just kept looking.....
I was commissioned this month to take a series of portraits of the varsity senior football players. I showed up at the practice field one afternoon and one by one they each came over and had their time in front of the lens. Having photographed these guys for two seasons, I kind of know who they are. At least, I know their names and numbers. Some of them have become a little more real to me, like this guy. He is always polite to me and is very nice to my kids. He says hello and smiles. He gives high-5's. He is a leader both on the field and off. Not to say that he isn't a force to be reckoned with, especially come game time. He is a formidable presence, and I wanted his portrait to convey both the good guy and the tough guy at the same time. I wanted him to come across as the Superman that I always think of him as being.
This was another in the series of football portraits. I love photographing this kid. Some of my favorite shots from the sport have been of him. He got hurt in the game before these images were taken, so he wasn't there when I first went photograph the guys. I had to come back and get his later. We took this in the locker room. He's the guy that loves to bring down his opponent. All the guys do, but I mean, he really lives for it. I wanted to really capture that daunting viciousness that comes out of him when he puts on that helmet, so I asked him to give me his game face. I certainly wouldn't want to see that guy coming at me across the field. Would you?
I'm never sure about photographing players when they get hurt. Their defenses are down. It's a private moment. Is it really a time to have a camera pointed at them? But, in the interest of telling the story of the game, those images must be captured. This image was shot during a blowout game. We were way ahead and the other team just couldn't keep up. There is so much going on in this picture. I love that it's the medics from our team that are helping him. I love the way the players from our team are slightly blurred out in the background, but still very visible on their knees, showing respect to the fallen player. The guy with "Renton Staff" on his back is an employee of the stadium. He came out to the field to oversee what was going on. I'm not sure that he really needed to be there at that moment, but he had to be a part of what was happening. This kid did make it off the field under his own power, but the game was eventually called with six minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. Too many points to make it worth the continual injuries that were racking up on the opposing sidelines.
And now we come to my favorite part of October.....HALLOWEEN! We went to a party the weekend before the holiday. The kids, of course, came in costume, but the adults were asked to come "in the spirit", as well. These two gruesome faces were haunting the festivities and I had to capture them. When I emailed these images to their family members the next day, a couple of them actually didn't recognize the handsome faces hiding behind the gore. In fact, it wasn't until one brother saw the other brother sitting with his wife and kids that he actually believed it was him. Halloween isn't just for kids, you know....
This last image, captured during the trick-or treat festivities, is just my favorite. I love the anticipation in it. The boy, standing and waiting, while the girl anxiously peeks through the window to see if someone is going to answer the door. I remember being that excited. I remember that anticipation. I loved it...and I love Halloween!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Best of 2010: September
Okay....So, I haven't updated my "Best of 2010" all summer. We were gone a lot, and it just got away from me. But, I'm back on track now. So let's get to it. Lots going on in September. Starting with....A new camera and lens! This was one of the first shots that I took with it.
I took this on the first day of school. I don't know this boy, and I normally wouldn't post images of kids I don't know, except that he seemed so happy to be riding that bus on his way to school that day. He was smiling and waving out the window and I just loved his enthusiasm for the day...especially because I love the first day of school, too.
Fall always means the beginning of soccer in our family. I shot this image at picture day for my son's soccer team. This particular parent had a point & shoot and kept it aimed at his son the entire time the kids were lining up, standing in line, standing around, walking, listening to directions....everything. He didn't want to miss a moment of it.
I love this one. The symmetry in their motion is great. It popped out at me the moment I saw it.
Fall also means the beginning of football. I'd been gearing up for the sideline shots since last spring and was finally ready to get going at the beginning of the month. It's always a little nerve-wracking to be so close to the action. Those boys hit hard and they fall fast....unfortunately, it's the only place to be if you want to get the shot....
My daughter and I were driving home from Target one morning when I saw this tree in our neighborhood. I had been wanting to start a new collection of autumn images and this seemed like the perfect way to start. We raced home, I ran in and grabbed my camera and we took off back to the yard where I had spotted this. My daughter stayed in the car while I got out and started photographing all of the color that was popping out on this tree.
More football. Usually I get the captains walking out at the beginning of the game. And I did in this game, too, but this was shot as they went out after halftime. They were being beaten pretty good, and I wanted to capture that moment where they lift themselves up and prepare for battle once again. I shot this from the ground up to give them that "larger than life" look. And even though they didn't win, the fans never stopped cheering....
There are a few images that I'm always trying to get. The definitive one. The one that just captures exactly what that moment or that activity is about. In soccer, for me, it's the moment when a player bounces the ball off their head. I usually end up getting a shot with the ball flying out of the picture while the player is standing with their eyes squeezed shut. But on this day, I finally got what I've been looking for. That moment. Ball in the air. Feet off the ground. Hair flying. The definitive head bounce.
I always take portraits of my kids in the fall. We were at soccer practice one afternoon and I thought I'd grab some of my daughter while we waited. We had gone all over the school yard taking pictures and they all turned out great. I was pleased them, but this one, as she looked up, with that little smile, at daddy coming over to us, turned out to be my favorite.
This one is fine. A good action shot. But, you know why it's special? You see that guy in blue? #22? About 1/2 a second after I took this, he literally crashed right over the spot I was standing. One of the coaches had to pull me out of the way so this kid wouldn't take me out. I was kind of afraid they'd kick me off the sidelines after that. Liability, and all....But I got the shot.
Okay....I am seriously not a spider person. I'm not arachnophobic or anything, I just severely don't like them. And, is it just me, or are there more of them around this year than usual? At one point, we had about 14 webs around our front steps. I try to be tolerant of them when they're outside. I don't want to infect my children with my spider disdain. I want them to see the beauty and the science behind the creature. Make up their own mind, you know. We'd been watching them crawling around our entry way, but nothing was really wowing me about them until it rained. And this marvel caught a raindrop on its leg. Amazing. (It's also why I just love my new lens....)
Like I said, September is full of football. These last two were taken during a night game. Night games are a whole different animal to photograph. It's all about the light, and the serious absence of it. It's a constant struggle to get the action. I much prefer it when they're standing still. Like this coach (who also happens to be my brother). This moment was great. The team was way up on the scoreboard. The atmosphere on the sidelines was much more jovial than it had been the game before. It was fun and, dare I say, relaxed? I got this moment of laughter from a coach who is usually very focused and strained.
There's a lot more going on during a football game than just the players and the coaches. There are the fans, the cheerleaders and...hello! The drill team! I was a killer driller, so I have a soft spot for these ladies. I always enjoying photographing them. Remember what I said about that definitive moment? Well, I think this was one. At the beginning of the routine, someone from the stands shouted out to her, and against all drill code that I know of, she winked back. I happened to have a lens on her right at that moment and I got it. I love it. Killer Drillers Rock.
I took this on the first day of school. I don't know this boy, and I normally wouldn't post images of kids I don't know, except that he seemed so happy to be riding that bus on his way to school that day. He was smiling and waving out the window and I just loved his enthusiasm for the day...especially because I love the first day of school, too.
Fall always means the beginning of soccer in our family. I shot this image at picture day for my son's soccer team. This particular parent had a point & shoot and kept it aimed at his son the entire time the kids were lining up, standing in line, standing around, walking, listening to directions....everything. He didn't want to miss a moment of it.
I love this one. The symmetry in their motion is great. It popped out at me the moment I saw it.
Fall also means the beginning of football. I'd been gearing up for the sideline shots since last spring and was finally ready to get going at the beginning of the month. It's always a little nerve-wracking to be so close to the action. Those boys hit hard and they fall fast....unfortunately, it's the only place to be if you want to get the shot....
My daughter and I were driving home from Target one morning when I saw this tree in our neighborhood. I had been wanting to start a new collection of autumn images and this seemed like the perfect way to start. We raced home, I ran in and grabbed my camera and we took off back to the yard where I had spotted this. My daughter stayed in the car while I got out and started photographing all of the color that was popping out on this tree.
More football. Usually I get the captains walking out at the beginning of the game. And I did in this game, too, but this was shot as they went out after halftime. They were being beaten pretty good, and I wanted to capture that moment where they lift themselves up and prepare for battle once again. I shot this from the ground up to give them that "larger than life" look. And even though they didn't win, the fans never stopped cheering....
There are a few images that I'm always trying to get. The definitive one. The one that just captures exactly what that moment or that activity is about. In soccer, for me, it's the moment when a player bounces the ball off their head. I usually end up getting a shot with the ball flying out of the picture while the player is standing with their eyes squeezed shut. But on this day, I finally got what I've been looking for. That moment. Ball in the air. Feet off the ground. Hair flying. The definitive head bounce.
I always take portraits of my kids in the fall. We were at soccer practice one afternoon and I thought I'd grab some of my daughter while we waited. We had gone all over the school yard taking pictures and they all turned out great. I was pleased them, but this one, as she looked up, with that little smile, at daddy coming over to us, turned out to be my favorite.
This one is fine. A good action shot. But, you know why it's special? You see that guy in blue? #22? About 1/2 a second after I took this, he literally crashed right over the spot I was standing. One of the coaches had to pull me out of the way so this kid wouldn't take me out. I was kind of afraid they'd kick me off the sidelines after that. Liability, and all....But I got the shot.
Okay....I am seriously not a spider person. I'm not arachnophobic or anything, I just severely don't like them. And, is it just me, or are there more of them around this year than usual? At one point, we had about 14 webs around our front steps. I try to be tolerant of them when they're outside. I don't want to infect my children with my spider disdain. I want them to see the beauty and the science behind the creature. Make up their own mind, you know. We'd been watching them crawling around our entry way, but nothing was really wowing me about them until it rained. And this marvel caught a raindrop on its leg. Amazing. (It's also why I just love my new lens....)
Like I said, September is full of football. These last two were taken during a night game. Night games are a whole different animal to photograph. It's all about the light, and the serious absence of it. It's a constant struggle to get the action. I much prefer it when they're standing still. Like this coach (who also happens to be my brother). This moment was great. The team was way up on the scoreboard. The atmosphere on the sidelines was much more jovial than it had been the game before. It was fun and, dare I say, relaxed? I got this moment of laughter from a coach who is usually very focused and strained.
There's a lot more going on during a football game than just the players and the coaches. There are the fans, the cheerleaders and...hello! The drill team! I was a killer driller, so I have a soft spot for these ladies. I always enjoying photographing them. Remember what I said about that definitive moment? Well, I think this was one. At the beginning of the routine, someone from the stands shouted out to her, and against all drill code that I know of, she winked back. I happened to have a lens on her right at that moment and I got it. I love it. Killer Drillers Rock.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Best of 2010: June
It's funny. You can always tell where I am and what's been going on in my life over the last month by the pics that show up in the "Best Of" collection. June was all about sports, beaches and the start of summer...
I wanted to try an exercise in perspective that I saw a friend of mine do. I took several shots of my son jumping off this log. Each time he jumped, I placed myself in a different position, standing up, on my knees, off to the left, and so on....This one, taken with me laying on the ground, turned out to be my favorite.
My parents have a pool in their backyard. The goal is always to have it open for swimming by Memorial Day, but the weather never seems to cooperate. This year it was the second weekend in June that we finally got to dive in and enjoy the water.
My in-laws all joined us for a beach weekend over Father's Day. It was great to have everyone out there, especially because my niece is such a great playmate for my daughter. They jumped over wave after wave together until they were both soaking wet. I loved this image of them, and I ended up submitting it to King 5 News. They linked it to a story on their website about the summer weather finally arriving in our area....Cool.
I don't know if this requires any words other than "I love my son."
June brought me back to the football field for Spring Practices and a Jamboree. It was great to see the guys again. Got me excited for the season to start again in September. GO BLUE!
I saw this woman at one of my son's baseball games this month. Totally decked out for a ride, looking very athletic and in shape...smokin' a cigarette. Huh?....I had to laugh at the irony, and, of course, I had to take her picture.
Grandma bought a fun, fluffy skirt and we had to have our picture taken in it. Every time she wears it now, we all say "Skirty Girl!"
We said goodbye to the Giants this month. It was a great season. Probably the best that we've ever been a part of. I shot this image of one of the girls during the last run through the kids made under the "Parent Tunnel" at the end of final game.
I took my daughter with me on a coffee date this month with the idea that she'd be able to splash in the fountain while my friend and I were talking. The sun was shining, but the water wasn't running, so after coffee, we went across the street to the water park where she got to kick off her shoes and do a little splashdancing.
We also said goodbye to the 2nd Grade this month. It was a great year for my son, the best on record. We took this same picture of him on the first day of school, same stairs, same position, same outfit even.
Have I mentioned how much I love the beach?....These last few were shot on the same day. The first two during the same walk along the shore and back home again. Both of them are on the wall in the beach house...
This sunset was funny. It started off pretty run of the mill. A little pink, a little blue...whatever. Then we started to see the reflection of the sky in the windows of the house next door. It was looking really dramatic, but we just thought it was the reflection creating the color. When we got up to look, we found this outside the window.....
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