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Lens is Barok

Well, I accidentally dropped my bag the other day and found out my telephoto lens won't zoom. Sent it back under warranty. Fortunately, this isn't the lens I use in weddings but rather for outdoor portraiture. And even for that, it's not used as much as my other lens.

I found a really great place to rent some really high-end lenses for weddings. Don't be alarmed! It's a very common practice. Since I don't book as much yet per year, it makes more sense to rent really expensive lenses than to buy a lower-end lens for less money. Weddings demand quality - an aspect I'm not willing to compromise on.

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Portrait: Mary + Kara

The Texas Bluebonnet is probably the most recognizable flower in the entire state of Texas. Come spring of each year these pretty flora pop up everywhere. Sometimes, in the most dangerous places - along Texas highways. But Mary knew better and picked a safe place to take pictures with her daughter Kara. I had so much fun watching mother and daughter goof around in what has become a modern Texas tradition.

Thanks Kara for making my job so easy!

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Portrait: Grace

Today was an exciting day! I got to take pictures of a very cute baby named Grace. We set out to Candy Cane park which had a lot of colorful playground sets. Grace was very patient with me and did a great job posing for the camera. She even tried to grab it! Here's a sneak peek. More pictures at the Client Gallery.

Thank You Grace! and Happy 1st Birthday!!!

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Redesigned

I redesigned my website today. I thought my initial one was too confusing and the pricing was complex.

I decided to charge one flat session fee at $100 for portraits. Family portraits or any group larger than 4 people may cost extra. The engagements, anniversaries, and bridal shoots, or other wedding-related photo shoots start at $200.

This makes it easier for clients, and for me!

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Long Day

I did a video interview today. It looked like one of those network interviews because I used 3-point lighting, which is the foundation of any complex video lighting. You'll have the main "key light" on the subject's face and opposite and high above behind the subject is the "back light" to add the rim or "hair light" on the subject. Then you have the "fill light" to the side to light up the shadows caused by the  "key" light.

It was fun, since I don't do it often and for a good reason - it takes a lot of set up time. Especially if it's at someone's house, or any unfamiliar setting where you have to be creative and flexible. And for someone who does it seldom - it's hard. But it was worth it. Always a good and positive experience.

Post-production? Very tasking, takes hours. But puts a smile on your face when you're done. And it's only a 3-minute interview! About 7 man hours were put in to produce this.

That was 8 am this morning. My afternoon baby portrait session was cancelled so I spent the afternoon doing video editing and I finished the 3-minute clip.

I then set out to a well-known hardware store to get me a new "something." Yep, it's exactly that. I don't know. But as I walked around, I found this very light aluminum ladder that was taller, more stable, and a lot lighter than my current 3 step ladder that I always keep in the back of my car.

For photo shoots you gotta have a ladder handy... always. Now, in the last wedding, I almost fell because on collapsible A-frame ladders that we all have at home, the steps (that also fold) sometimes wobble. And that would've cost me my camera, and everything hooked up to it. Not to mention medical bills.

So now, I have a better ladder that will keep me safe, stable, and help me take better pictures. Gotta love it.

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