Breakfast with Santa

Happy Holidays!!! This is a very special time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years are celebrations of togetherness, sharing and great memories. I love this time of year, it really bring out the kid in me. I feel that anticipation and excitement every year in decorating the house. I enjoy the time I spend with my family and there is nothing like the look of joy on a child's face while she unwraps her hidden treasures. Those expressions and love emitted at this time of year are amazing photographic moments.

I encourage you to capture those moments now, starting with this great opportunity at Crystal Gardens in Howell. Breakfast with Santa is coming up on December 6th from 11am to 1:30. You and your child can have a wonderful brunch, plus they can share their Christmas wishes with Santa. I'll be there to capture this moment with my camera.

There is nothing like an abundant combination of professional photographs and snap shots to preserve your memories. Record your memories and family traditions through photography. For more information about the Crystal Gardens event contact me at carrollstudio1@yahoo.com or visit http://crystalgardenslivingston.com/events.htm.

Essential Elements of Photography

What an amazing autumn I have had.  Not only have I participated in three incredible workshops this fall, but I also taught an introduction to photography through the Livonia Continuing Education Program.  For me, it’s a real gift to share my love of photography with others.   Like my mentors, Monty Zucker, Eddie Tapp and Clay Blackmore, I am very passionate about my craft. 

There is so much to learn about photography.  First, there is exploring the inner workings of your camera, learning about its strengths and how to work within its limitations.  Second, there is understanding the art and science of lighting.  Knowing how to utilize natural lighting to your advantage can enhance your photographic compositions, giving them that added dramatic element.  Finally, there is composition.  This is training your eye to see through the camera frame.  Learning how to frame your subject can launch your photographs from ordinary snap shots to family heirlooms.  Camera operation, lighting and composition are the essential elements of the craft. 

This September, my curriculum focused on the three basic aspects of photography.  For six weeks, I designed lessons that initiated my students’ journey into the art and discipline.  Progressively, my assignments provided the building blocks to continue their exploration.  At the end of the course, we planned field trip to Northville, pulling together all that was learned.  The students were encouraged to share their photographs for feedback and discussion. 

Though the session was brief it was very productive and I’m looking forward to conducting this class again in Spring 2010.  Until then, I encourage my students to keep practicing your craft.  Keep training your eye.  Each time you pick up your camera, see if you can discover something new about it.  Play with lighting and filters.  Share your work with others and get feedback.  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because this is how we learn and how we refine our skills. 

My step-daughter told me that modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham once said, “It takes ten years, usually to make a dancer.  It takes ten years of handling the instrument, handling the material with which you are dealing, before you know it completely.”  This is true for her as a dancer and it is certainly true of photography.  It is an art, science and discipline that is learned over time through education and practice. 

Eddie Tapp, Photoshop Guru comes to town.

Two weeks of exposure to some of the most prestigious photographers in my field.  I am a lucky man.  This week, I had the opportunity to spend time with Eddie Tapp.  He is the photographer’s Photoshop Guru.  As a pioneer in digital photography, Eddie’s digital retouching techniques have become an essential element in the business.

As an individual, Eddie is quiet and reserved yet he is incredibly observant.  He has a decidedly unique way of seeing the world.  Things that the average person might overlook, Eddie finds beauty.  On another level, his Zen-like attitude makes him very astute and an incredible educator.

In fact, I remember my first Photoshop seminar with Eddie.  After just making the leap into digital photography, I had to learn digital retouching techniques.  Eddie was a presenter at the WPPI (The Wedding Professional Photographers International) conference in Las Vegas.  I was dumbfounded but I got it because he created a rich and reassuring learning environment.  All questions were encouraged and answered in a considerate and patient fashion. 

For almost ten years, I have continued to augment my skills by attending Eddie’s Photoshop seminars when ever possible.  His approach and methods have had a great influence on my craft and business.  I employ his retouching techniques in my own work because his method is transparent and subtle.  These techniques truly help me create gorgeous photographs that become family heirlooms.       

Halloween a night of dreams, aspirations and fun.

Halloween is such a magical time of year for both adults and children.  It is an opportunity for people to step outside their skin and be someone or something else for a night.  On many levels it reveals our inner worlds and as children it allows our aspirations and dreams to come to life.  I hoped you photographed this event and captured a moment before it ran away. 

Over the past several years, we began offering slide show presentations at wedding receptions.  Our presentations are an assortment of photographs from our engagement sessions, wedding day images, and family snap shots.  Set to music, it is a wonderful way to begin to share family memories and for loved ones who have passed away to be present at your wedding. 

The photos that evoke the biggest reactions during our presentations are Halloween photos.  I do believe that these photos show another side of our brides and grooms.  Over time, those images show who they idolized and fantasized being.  You can say that inside each one of us is a fairy princess or superhero but Halloween allows us to embody that for a night.  That is what makes these photos special. 

I truly encourage you to photograph your child when they get dressed up and pretend.  Document the evolution of his/her imagination.  Don’t miss this opportunities to photograph your child’s growth. Now is the time to keep those moments from slipping away.    

Rediscovering Infrared Photography

Just this past year, I have rediscovered infrared photography.  It is truly a unique way of looking at the world.  There is a surreal beauty about infrared photographs.  In certain ways, it is similar to black and white.  It takes a keen eye to see clear lines to highlight facial expressions.  I look at infrared images as the cherry on top of the sundae.  You don’t need many.  Three to four will add that extra hint of drama to your wedding album.  Those special photos can capture the essence of your relationship between you and your fiancé.