Shooting from the Hip

A long time coming

2011-03-15T06:55:00.002-05:00

Well yesterday I finally blew the dust off of the lights and took some self portraits.I haven't really felt like shooting much lately as life has had me in a funk.how ever lately I have felt my creative juices flowing as the morning light has become lovely.
I must get back into the Tips From The Top Floors contests.Its hard .I really only have one day to shoot the theme so I am under a time crunch,but the competition is good to drive ones photography.

Reasearch,Computer Promblems and Life

2011-01-09T10:28:00.003-06:00

Well its a Sunday and life is moving on.I came to a realization that the only hobby right now that I can do that doesn't cost me a small fortune is photography.That's a small victory.
Recently My main computer has had problems.This is the computer that I use for photo editing.It is my main computer.It sucks that it isn't really working.
I have done some research on finding covered bridges in New Brunswick.I didn't really realize how many that there were.It great.i cant wait til I get out and start to shoot these.I am trying to create a really nice book out of this.

experimentation

2011-01-04T18:07:00.003-06:00

I have spent the weekend experimenting on HDR photography.I love the vivid colors and rich details that these type of photos produce.I have down loaded some plug in in gimp to help with this process.

For any one who doesn't understand hdr photography it is a combination of a series of photos taken at different exposures then combined in a digital editing photo program such as gimp.

Rain and the best laid plans

2011-01-02T08:21:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I stated that I wanted to plan a project that would not only leave a body of work but also challenge my photographic senses.So after long thoughts I have decided to photograph as many of New Brunswick's covered bridges as possible.With the recent weather issues in the province I came to realize how important and fragile these wooden structures are.
The wooden bridge was the choice of builders during their day .The have provided a refuge from weather,a quiet place for young love and platform for young people to prove there bravery through bounding leaps through out the years.
I will start mapping the route that I must take .Weekday nights will be spent finding some these treasures and planing day trips through out the province.Many of these bridges are in Charlotte county,the county that I grew up in.Many of these bridges hold special meaning for me as I too was one those brave boys who would leap off of the bridge to the cool water that lay before.

A New Year and A New Decades

2011-01-01T06:52:00.002-06:00

Well its a new year and a new decade.Its time for me to push my photography and my blogging to new heights.On the photography front I want to do a project.On the blogging front I ant to get a blog where I am a regular contributor of some meaningful information,thoughts or news.I hope that over the next year you will enjoy my ramblings.

On the photography front I really want to start to create a body of work.Something I can be proud of and a vision of how I see the world.With the flooding in south western NB this past December I realized how delicate the covered bridges that dot the area really are.I have decided to try and photograph as many of them as possible.I have decided to take these photo's over an extended period of time.I will post more as it develops.(Sorry about the pun)

Long Time Coming

2010-09-06T11:40:00.002-05:00

Well its been a long time since I last posted anything on shooting from the hip.The daily routine of life has totally interfered with both blogging and photography.In the time since I last posted I have moved to north western New Brunswick.A big Move?Yes,but one that was well needed.
On the photography front I haven't had time to shoot much.But this weeks pics are some thing I see many mornings here in Grand Falls.The fog lays low in the valley and during the morning sunrise there are beautiful colors in the sky.There is a church just down the road from us and the steeple juts out of the fog.
This is one of the few photos that I have taken that I have previz the photo before I took it.Although the colors are a little different than what I had envisioned but overall its the photo I has seen.

Flight Time

2010-05-26T17:00:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I last updated the blog.I have been extremely busy in trying to find work and have spent most of free time doing that.I have however gotten a second paid photography job.I recently got photography some graduates from the local community collage at their graduation ceremony.
I am currently in Winnipeg and during the long flight down from the north I got the opportunity watch the sunset above the clouds.For years I have photographed the sunset from the bottom of the clouds but this was extremely different.The tops of the clouds also turned the most wonderful colors and all the hills and vallie's created by the clouds.

A rose by any othher name....

2010-05-02T09:30:00.004-05:00

Its been a long while since I last posted to this blog.Many things have transpire to keep the photographer in me silent.I have taken some photos and done some experimentation but in general I have done very little in photography.
Today I took a different sort of photo for me.I generally don't do still life's very well.In this case how ever I manage to get a photo right out of the can .I haven't even tried to post process the image.
here it is.

Cloudy Weather

2010-04-10T08:19:00.002-05:00

Well today I got up and wanted to go for a ride for some photography but of course it is overcast and the lighting is very flat.So it looks like an indoor shoot today.But what to shoot.My kids are starting to get fed up with being daddies models and my wife doesn't like her images,so I guess I will have to turn to my self.I will try and get some hints and tricks from YouTube and will try and post the results.

Late Night Photography

2010-04-04T12:27:00.003-05:00

The other night I got the chance to do some party photography.Some of it good some of it not so good.The challenges of shooting at parties of course is lighting.I don't have a very powerful flash but we try and make do with what we have.Here are some results.

Inspiration

2010-04-04T10:56:00.003-05:00

Inspiration is the hardest part of art.Some times it flow lie a river.raging with in the sole and other times it like a babbling brook in mid summer.The last month has been so busy that I haven't had time to dig out the camera.I had managed to blog almost every day and now I have hit blogger block.
Today is Easter.For most of world spring has arrived but here in the North it represent the second half of winter.We have more snow here today as we have had all winter.There is no chance for outdoor photography.So Its still life's or portraiture work till it warms up above the freezing mark.

Pratice Makkes Perfect

2010-03-07T09:13:00.003-06:00

Well my favorite model must be my daughter.I have taken lots of photographs of here over the years and have talked about in this blog many times.I love her smile.It is infectious.When Jasmine smiles you cant help but feel better about the day.
I am struggling with two things with lighting.One the space that I have to work in and the ability to blow out the background with out back lighting.Here is my latest try at digital backgrounds.

A Windy Slow Day

2010-03-06T15:38:00.002-06:00

Well the month February was a hectic one to say the least and March hasn't started off much better.I have been a bit lax at getting to the blog so here to a new start.
The weather here in the north has started to improve.The days are getting longer and the cold is starting to disappeared.Today however there is a bit of a blow on and I cant get out to do any photography.The clouds how ever are starting to line up for what might be an absolutely gorges sunset.I hope.I have a clear shot of the lake and the buildings are just peeking above the ground snow.
Tonight I have another photo shoot.I 4 month old baby boy.I will attempt to get some Anne Geddes type shots.I love her work.Her use of simple objects such as flower pedals and adding the beauty of the baby really inspires me.

A Warm Winters Day

2010-02-28T10:49:00.002-06:00

Well its the last day of February and the weather here should be in the -30 c somethings,but when I awoke this morning It was only -11c.I know,I know that that sounds cold,but put into focus when you spend months of being in a deep freeze when the temperature start to rise so dose spirits.This has been a great week for me.Watching Canada put on one of the best Olympics games ever and the success that they are enjoying,doing a photo shoot that was very successful and selling my first photos.I also have become more aware of other photographic opportunities in my area for photography hopefully I can convert some of them into sales.

A Big Day

2010-02-26T20:52:00.003-06:00

Well finally I did it.I got paid for a photo that I created.On last Saturday I did a photo shoot with a local family.Using digital backgrounds that I purchased back in last summer.I didn't make much but it is at least a start.I guess I can call my self a professional photographer now.

Shoot for the Day

2010-02-21T17:41:00.002-06:00

Well after a revelation of street photography I decided to talk an indoor photo walk.I shoot a lot of black and white images of items and kids around the house.My daughter ,who is a natural at posing ,helped by being my main subject.I also did some work for the TFTTF photo challenge this week which is scape.My entry will be snow scape.

Revaluation

2010-02-21T10:39:00.003-06:00

Today I had a revaluation.I was reading an article about street style photography from National Geographic magazine and they talked about being close to your subject.One of my favorite black and white photo's that I have taking was a street photo of a fiddle player in a market in Winnipeg Canada.I took it from a balcony and the subject wasn't aware of the shot.I have always loved candid shots.A quick glimpse into the life of someone else life.Today I realize that if I approach a person and they pose for me or act silly that is as much as a part of there story as the candid shot I seek.That is a key to street photography.I am shy in general but I could find a great home in street photography and cant wait till I can get out for my morning walks.

The Shoot

2010-02-20T23:17:00.001-06:00

Well it finally happened.I had my first professional photo shoot.It didn't go quite as I had planned but it went well.The set up was easy enough.A small set of strobes set up in my kitchen.The space was tight but it worked.I planned to shoot a lot of high key images but that didn't always work.I like the images that I took.The posing was good.The post production work on them went pretty well.I hope the client like them as well.Here are some the images from the day.

Photo Day

2010-02-20T09:24:00.003-06:00

Well today is a huge day.I hope this is a turning point in my life.I will take every thing that I have started and enter a path that I hope will lead me to my own gold.Today I will do my first paid photo shoot at the house.I have been asked to take some photos of one of my employees kid at my work place.I am nervous but quietly confident that this will be a turning point.Now I just have to up the energy level in my self as it has been a long week.

The Shoot

2010-02-18T13:41:00.002-06:00

Well in a short I will be shooting another free bee for my employer.This just sucks.I wish I could get paid for what I enjoy.Maybe this weekend as I start my photography business.I have lined up the first of a series paying customers.

Photoraghing Houses

2010-02-18T07:18:00.003-06:00

Well to today I have to shoot the inside of several houses for the company that I work for.It is not art but at least for part of the day I will be able to have some fun.Also this weekend I have my 1st professional shoot.I will be doing a child shoot for a employee.

Love is in the Air

2010-02-14T09:29:00.002-06:00

Today is Valentines day and with that you cant help but think of love.I think of many pictures that help convey that sense.The wedding photo,even in this modern day ,is a way of conveying the the love and joy of one special day.It still an occupation when stated has a sense of awe about it.The Wedding Photographer.You are such things that dreams are made of.It is very much more technical than what it seems.To capture cutting edge images and still capture the love isn't easy.It is a true craft.

Eight days A Week

2010-02-14T08:38:00.003-06:00

I have mentioned before of my love for the Beatles.Their music has been an inspiration for me for many years.I love the cycadelic imagery that their songs form.The title of this post comes from their early work.It is very true.When you Tully love something it with you eight days a week.All the time 24-7.That is true with my photography.If I am not doing it I am editing photos.I spend a lot time watching YouTube and trying to learn technique.I love experimentation.Many great photos have been happy mistakes.Today I hope to do some happy photography.

Photo Shop,You Tube and Learning

2010-02-13T09:42:00.003-06:00

I am a huge Internet fan.I love the availability of information,especially on how to use photo shop.As a photographer it is an invaluable tool.With the ability giving to the editor to remove item,touch ups and other tricks a photograph is more than a representation of the actual vision.
I wonder what some of the great photographers of the last century would be able to do with these tools.What images would flow from the silicon darkroom.I have a new challenge.To try to use the philosophy of great photographers of the last century and add a digital touch.

Opening

2010-02-13T08:23:00.002-06:00

Well after years of waiting the 2010 games opened last night with quite a show.Having a background in theater I realize the work that goes into a production of that size.The graphics that were used were amazing.Lots of projected graphics.It was truly amazing .My kids were glued to the show.

Olympic Fever

2010-02-11T23:22:00.002-06:00

Well its less than 24 hours away from the opening ceremonies of the 2010 games in Vancouver.All of Canada will be watching.I would love to be one of the accredit photographers.They will be up close to the action .Getting in the right position is critical for good sports photography.You need a good knowledge of the sport that you are photographing as well as the ability to quickly pre-vision what you would like the final image to be.Here is my Vancouver 2010 avatar for face book.

The Olympics

2010-02-10T19:34:00.002-06:00

The Olympics is probably the most photographed sporting event in the world.There will be over 600 accredit sports photographer from around the world.The Olympic organizers have developed several photo services centers including repair facilities and media processing.This will be one of the most widely seen events in the 21st century. would love to be a part of that.

Looking for Speed

2010-02-09T19:10:00.003-06:00

I have mentioned that this should be a summer of change for me.One change for me is that I hope to be able to shoot the Edmonton Indy.I have already found a site that dose lens rentals and I hope to be able to use a 400mm pro lens.This years Indy will be the first that I can use my digital slr.So tons of photos,lots of editing and the sport that I love.

Super Sunday

2010-02-07T10:50:00.003-06:00

Today two teams will become the most photograph people on the planet today.Every year at the kick off of the super bowl the is a sea of flash that go off.I always wonder what the thousands of images produce.What memories are created.Most of the time when those flashes go off it is a complete waste of time.The throw distance of the flash isn't enough to illuminate the players or freeze the action.I hope that this years super bowl will only be the a sports story and not lead news story.

Chaseing the Light

2010-02-04T07:56:00.002-06:00

As a photographer light is the most important part of equation.No light no photo.But I wonder how many people understand the complexity of light,Last night I watch a documentary on light.It was fascinating look what we see,feel and are controlled by every day.Living in the Arctic you feel more emotionally connected to light.The lack of light in the winter and the over dose of it in summer.As the sun just peeks over the horizon I wonder what the light will show me today?

No Reservation

2010-02-02T21:36:00.004-06:00

Tonight ,after working all day and doing freight half the night,I am settling down watching Anthony Bourdain`s TV show called No Reservations.It follows a New York chef on his travels around the world.I would love to do this my self.Taking pictures and seeing the world.I grew up reading old copies of National Geographic and wanted to see the world.I loved the pictures from far off places and even today National Geographic has some the most stunning images I have ever seen.I want to explore more street style photography.

A Lesson Never too Late to Learn

2010-02-01T23:07:00.002-06:00

This morning I herd a quote" It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” ~Harry Truman~ and its had me thinking all day long about the way we learn.I learn best by thorough explanation followed by hands on trial.I also found a photography web site that is a study of portraiture from the early 70's and although the style is a bit dated the information is very relevant.I cant wait till I put what I read to use.

100 and countining

2010-01-31T14:09:00.003-06:00

Wow 100 posts.This years Shooting from the Hip has reached many milestones and this is yet another.Now That I am trying to post every day it is a quick run to 100 posts.
Yesterday I shot for an hour or two and today I am editing them and moving the images into digital backgrounds.The more I use the digital backgrounds the better I get with them.I did two that I am really proud of.

A New Day

2010-01-30T08:19:00.003-06:00

It a Saturday morning and the sun is peeking over the horizon.A new day is dawning and with it brings a weekend of photography.I am pumped about this weekend.I plan to shoot the whole weekend.hopefully I blog through it.Oh yeah and the other passion in my life,racing,has the 24 hour of Daytona endurance race.Wow what a weekend.

Back to the Future

2010-01-28T19:51:00.004-06:00

Well almost a year to the day I once again got a call from my district manager.A year ago he asked me to take some photo's around the town and send them to him for a presentation that he was preparing for the entire head office staff.That's what started the blog.It was a way to document the going on of my photography.Today he wanted more photo's and once again I am feeling like a new start.I have been getting the word out about doing portrait work.I have several people that are interested in some digital backgrounds that I have.Lets hope I change them from leads to customers.

A Year In The Life

2010-01-27T19:56:00.004-06:00

Well Shooting from the Hip hit a milestone today.We are one year old and hopefully it has been a year of discovery.There have been a lot of photographs and lots time pondering what they me to me.So here is to another year of photographic discovery.

Bacground Information

2010-01-26T23:42:00.003-06:00

It amazes me that you pretty much can download any information,image or media clip that you can ever want.Tonight I downloaded a number of digital backgrounds for free.I also watched a movie on how to remove a solid background color out of a picture and have a digital background come through.I can even read an e-book on photoshop all for free.I use use a free software program called gimp to do my photo manipulations.What a great way to run a business.

In the Background

2010-01-25T21:31:00.007-06:00

Today I down loaded some new digital backgrounds for my photography business.I am trying hard to get the business started and so far it has been up hill all the way.Problems with my computer,my wife's computer has no CD ROM drive.I have started to be able to shoot the high key images that you use to do the cut in gimp or photoshop.Then using layers you add what ever background you want.
here is one example.

A long Weekend

2010-01-24T09:32:00.002-06:00

The best laid plans of man never seem to materialize.I had planned to spend the yesterday shooting a mother and baby shoot.It was going to be a present for an employee of mine who just had a baby boy.That employee was schedule to work on Saturday.Instead of showing up ,working and then coming to the studio with his girlfriend to do the shoot,he decided to stay home.That caused me to be called in to work and made for a very long day.
The days was filled with a lot of time to think.A lot of time to think of my future and my desires.I have been spreading the word about my photography.Trying to drum up some business to help the whole getting started process along.So far no takers.I guess I have to re think the approach.

The Dragons Den

2010-01-21T20:52:00.003-06:00

There is a great TV program on CBC in Canada called The Dragons Den.The show is about budding entrepreneurs that try and get venture capital from some rich and successful business owners.The show is great and it is inspiring.I have been trying to generate some leads for my own photography business.I am trying to follow the marketing plan that the program recommends and hopefully we will generate some cash.

Craetive art

2010-01-20T20:15:00.004-06:00

Once upon a time a picture didn't lie,or did it?There is a famous picture from the war photo journalist Robert Capa of a man dying in battle called Loyalist Militiaman at the Moment of Death, Cerro Muriano, September 5, 1936 that we now believe may have been staged.This would be an early attempt to fool the mind into believing something that we think is real isn't.In this day and age we are bombarded with images from all sorts of sources.Some are real and some are not.

Point of View

2010-01-18T20:06:00.003-06:00

Every one has their own point of view.It is how we see the world.How I see the things around me may not be as you would see them.That's what make us different.A photographer can only hope that his or her vision is one that pleases others.Many artist talk about simply making art for them selves but there are very few artists that I have met that doesn't love it when some one has an opinion on their work,be it bad or good.
Many of us have a hard time taking criticism.It is hard to listen to some one else analyse something that you have put so much work into.I wonder how ever what it is like on the other side of the fence.It must be hard to make ones living giving ones opinion on the quality of anothers work.

He Shoots he Scores

2010-01-17T23:06:00.002-06:00

I spent most of the day doing two of the things I love best.Watching the NFL playoffs and shooting portraits.Today I wanted to shoot some high key images.I bought a bunch of digital backgrounds and by shooting on a high key white background I can use Gimp to separate the picture from the background then paste it on a digital back drop.The results can be quite stunning.I hope one day to use this in my own photography business.

Stuff Happens

2010-01-17T09:19:00.004-06:00

Well it finally happened.Yesterday I finally missed the opportunity to post to this blog.Excuses aside I still managed to take some photos yesterday.Not the most interesting photo's but at least the lighting is good.I plan to spend today completing an assignment that is part of Tips from the Top Floor website forum.The challenge this week is red.My pre-viz is to have my model in a red team Canada hockey jersey.I hope this will provide enough red.
Here is Yesterdays Pic.

A head by a foot

2010-01-15T21:24:00.003-06:00

It getting close to racing season and I cant wait.As a photographer I love any thing that involves machines and speed.Last year I was hoping to shoot at the Indy in Edmonton but alas it wasn't to be.This once again I hope to return to the oil city to shoot one of the greatest sports I know.
Here is my photo of the day.

A day in the life.

2010-01-14T22:27:00.002-06:00

I love the music of the Beatles.The images that they created with the lyrics really inspire me.The create a world of color and characters that were larger than life.I have for a long time wanted to create a live person interacting with the Beatles characters.Maybe with the the techniques that I have learned with the digital background work that I have all ready done.May be some digital art that includes Lucy And The Sky With Diamonds.Well tonight's photo is as psychedelic as I can get right now.

Smile and the World SmilesWith You

2010-01-13T22:12:00.002-06:00

When you are down and out and you believe that life is at its roughest,take a lesson from my little girl.You see that my daughter has CP.She is four years old and cannot walk.She can not dress her self or even use the toilet with out help.She see the other little girls and boys walking and running but she never complains.She always has an infectious smile.So when ever I struggle with a shot or a lighting issue I look at her and she gives me a smile and all is well again.

Eyes Wide Shut

2010-01-12T21:49:00.003-06:00

It amazes me how many people can look at an object an fail to see everything there is to see.Recently I have been noticing lately that more and more people tend to look right past the simple beauty in nature and only look see what they need.A shadow that lays across an object or a wisp of fog that hugs the lake.These are the very things that many people wish they can get away from there hurried lives to see when many times there is the same beauty right in front of them.
Here is my picture of the day.

It was 40 Years ago.

2010-01-11T19:50:00.003-06:00

40 years ago I was 3 years old and a brand new show came on TV.It was the buzz of the land,child programing with friendly monsters ,a lovable frog and many more Muppet's.It was an innovative and creative way to educate children.The episode was always brought to you by a letter and a number.Well 40 years later they are going strong with many of the same friendly monsters still going strong.
Why is this important?Well not only did I get to share some of that magic with daughter the other day but the number that the show was brought to us was the number 2.It stuck with me till i was looking through my lens and low and behold I saw the number 2.I immediately thought of the two headed alien that use to go rinngy dinngy on the Sesame Street.Happy birthday Sesame Street.
Here is my ode to the Number 2

Week End

2010-01-10T22:42:00.002-06:00

Well here I sit on a Sunday night wondering were the weekend went.It seems fly past quicker and quicker every week.I so look forward to taking time to do some serious shooting but just the act of living gets in the way.I did manage to shoot some creative this morning.More of the look at the snow hill out the window.The shape is constantly in a state of change.As the wind moves more snow around now a third mound of snow has started to develop.Here is one of the shots.

The Weekend

2010-01-09T23:21:00.002-06:00

Well when I got up this morning I thought I would spend the day shooting.The weather here in the north is as unpredictable at best and when I look out the window I saw snow .I knew going for drive in the car was out as the weather quickly turn nasty.Even a trip to the store was a challenge and I only live a two minuet drive away.I spent most of the day indoors and cleaning.How ever my four year old at least gave me some photo ops.

At the end of the day

2010-01-08T22:50:00.004-06:00

Well the first week of the new year,the new decade and so far I have managed to post every day of the year.I have also manged to take a photo.Some of them more creative than others but I believe that is due to the time i have to actually take the photo.I work from eight in the morning till past six at night.They are long days.When I come home I try and find something to shoot.something that catches my eye.Tonight is no different.It is the end of the day and I am dog tired but still my sons ipod caught my eye.

Opportunity Knocks

2010-01-07T19:06:00.003-06:00

When opportunity knocks I hope I am around to answer it.
Today,first thing this morning I receive a call from the head office of the company that I work for asking me to take some promotional in house photos of the restaurant that I manage.There is no extra money in it for me but once again my photo's will be seen by hundreds of people.
I am trying to find some sort of work in the photography industry but it difficult.There not a lot job listed.There is always the self employment road.I grew up in a small business.I saw the good times and the bad.I saw the great times of wealth and the slow times when times were tough.It scares me but at the same time it excites me.
Here is my photo of the day.

Goals

2010-01-06T21:36:00.003-06:00

Every one needs goals.It helps guides one life.Well like most people on new years I set a few goals including trying to add to my blog every day along with taking one decent photo.I have read articles on how with in 3 months one should see improvement.I am hoping that I can improve my portrait work and flash photography.
Here is too hard work.
Today photo is of my son .

Red ,White and Gold

2010-01-05T20:56:00.003-06:00

As I sit here and watch team Canada play for the gold medal in the world Jr's hockey,I am thinking of color.I love black and white photography.I am not sure if it is because it was my first introduction to photography or the the dramatic contrast of a well done black and white photo.
I can still remember the first self developed photo I saw.It was a friend of mine who was so proud of what she had created.I was hooked.I couldn't wait til I was old enough to get into the dark room.

Being what they would today call hyper,I struggled in school and a school councilor gave the opportunity to put my energy into a hobby that now has been with me now for the majority of my life.I can close my eyes and still smell the chemicals of the dark room.I can see the image as it miraculously appears on the paper.

In my quest for a photo a day I am using as many skills and styles as I can.The challenge so far is deciding what photos to use.I struggle to let my self judgment allow my self to say "hey that is a good shots". Are all these master pieces ,no ,but they are good enough to display.
No gold for Canada but here is a little Red and White.

Documenting Life

2010-01-05T07:10:00.000-06:00

This morning as I continue with my quest for a photo a day,I read an interview with Unnikrishnan Ravendranathan a photographer that is part of an unique project called Black Boots Inc.The project is a group of photographers that are documenting life in Mexico,the States and other countries.It is a gritty series that documents street life.The quote is from an interview with Unnikrishanan on the Black Boots Ink web site.

Quote "I believe making a photograph is a challenge, to watch the play of light, fixing the composition, being in that location at the right moment and to release the shutter on time to capture the perfect moment are some basic challenges in making a remarkable photograph"-Unnikrishnan Ravendranathan

I love this philosophy of making an image as simplistic as possible.In these day of high tech gadgetry it is nice to see the art of photography being boiled down to a simplistic thing.
Here are the links to the interview and black boots ink.
Interview
Black Boots Ink

Missed Shots ( The Best Camera is one with You)

2010-01-04T20:24:00.001-06:00

Chase Jarvis is Seattle based professional photographer whose style I really like.Not only is he a great photographer but he is a teacher,videographer and aps developer,and blogger.Chase has developed a ap for the apple I-phone that is called the best camera.The point being the best camera is the one that is with you.That lesson was not better proven to me than this morning.As I strive to take one decent photo a day I was confronted with one of the most stunning scenes that I have witnessed since I have been in the Arctic.The moon was still out and was full.There was enough light to make the scene as stunning as Ansel Adams`s Moonrise, Hernandez and as I was staring at this beauty laid out before me I realized I had no camera.This revelation has me thinking that indeed the best camera is the one with you.
Here is the link for Chase Jarvis blog and my pic of the day.

Pic of the day

2010-01-03T13:35:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned before my New Years resolution was to take more photographs and to try and blog more.I have challenge my self to get one good photo a day.So far I have managed to get a decent shot so far.The test will come as I return to work.It will be tough to do work but I know in the long run it will help develop both my eye and my style.
This shot reminded me of the keys on the piano.

Another Sunrise

2010-01-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

As I sit here by the window enjoying a morning cup of coffee,I cant help but wonder what the future will bring.I am currently looking for work in the photographic field.The pickings are slim and I wondering if I am wondering down the right path.
I have began to challenge my self by trying to take a picture of the day.Maybe I can even do a post here in this blog a day.Oh well here is yesterday shot.

Chaseing the Moment

2010-01-02T01:01:00.000-06:00

Tonight I just finished watching a TV show all about the impressionist and their work.The story was told through the eyes of Monet.There was a quote from Monet that he spent his career chasing the moment.Chasing the light.
As photographers that is what we do .We chase the perfect light.We use our equipment to capture a single moment in time and we hope that others will enjoy our vision.Some pictures tell stories others just effect our emotions.
Here is my first photo of 2010.

2010

2010-01-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

Well its a new year and with that brings new challenges.Looking back at the year that was,i am happy that I managed to keep this blog rolling a long.We are coming up on the one year anniversary of Shooting from the Hip and we will have been able to achieve over 52 post.Not every week but at least some content.

It has been a challenging year as I have rediscovered the photographer inside me.I have document many photo walks both here and in Winnipeg.I have document high times and low.

So have a Happy New Year.And wishing you and yours a very safe and sound d 2010

Christmas Wish List

2009-12-20T08:53:00.000-06:00

The holiday season is upon us and its time think about those photographers on our list.What do we want,what new toy would make the little person in you giggle with joy.
For me it would be a new lens baby or id love even a mac maybe .

I just saw a really neat Nicon point shoot camera that actually projects your slide show on to a wall or any flat white surface that is just that tall. A set of radio triggers for my lights would be fun or even a vacation to shoot in the sun.A day with kids to shoot and relax or a new job offer on the fax.A great tripod would be neat or a warm pair of boots to put on my feet.A fire to lay by on a cold winters night or a brand new cannon speed light.A set of off camera flashes to do some strobist.And now i have come to the end of my list.

Shooting Around the Christmas Tree

2009-12-13T22:02:00.000-06:00

I love the holidays.The lights ,the food and most of all the tree.I take great pride in decorating the perfect tree.I love to photograph the tree as well.I was reading another blog tonight about photographing Christmas and one idea was to shoot close ups of ornaments.Here is my try at it.

Photographic Charity

2009-12-13T10:23:00.000-06:00

There is an old say that charity is were the heart is,and in the case of Alas Media it were the photography begins.Ibarionex Perello is a photographer ,pod caster and member of a group of young artist.The charity was called "Help Portrait Day".It was a chance for people in need to have a formal holiday portrait done for free.Ibarionex Perello and his group of students created two studio spaces and gave back to the community in a unique way.I too have used photographs to give back.For the past 4 years I have been the official photographer of the kids day with Santa .he money raised from the photographs goes to the local food bank.Many people believe that the only way to be charitable is give money but many times money is only the end to the means .Charity always starts at the heart.

Here are links to Ibarionex Perello's blog
http://lafotoboy.blogspot.com/2009/12/help-portrait-shoot.html

A Big Shoot with a Big Model

2009-12-06T09:36:00.000-06:00

Well yesterday I got to do a photo shoot with a big model.Both literal and figuratively.Yesterday the store that I work for had their annual kids day with Santa.I have been the unofficial staff photographer for several years now but this year it was different.I had bought a set of strobes for my own use and I used them to provide better lighting.
The set up was a simple one.One strobe at half power with a small soft box as a fill light and a strobe with an umbrella off to my left as the key light.
The set was also fairly simple.The walls were covered with some Christmas wrap.A tree,some presents and a reindeer.An armchair completed the set up.We had over 170 kids come through in about two and a half hour.We printed the pictures right on site.It was quite a day.

Flu Season

2009-11-23T08:21:00.000-06:00

In Canada we seem to have a more than the traditional 4 seasons.We have mud season and FLU season.I have been sick for what seems like ever and the amount of photography I have done has suffered from it.I have done some work for the company that I work for.It is not very changing work but its taking photographs.
On Dec 5Th I have a major photo shoot coming.I will be taking kids photos with Santa.last year we took 300 or so photos.All the money raised goes to the diabetes foundation.

Frustrations

2009-10-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

This morning I am to say the least frustrated.I recently bought a set of strobes and of course they don't work properly.I bought them from EBay.Recently my EBay experiences have not been the best.I tried to buy a copy of a photo editing software only to be ripped off.Now I have bought what I hoped was something that was going to be the savior of the winter for my photography.being up here in the Arctic it's very challenging to photography at -40.So I hoped that I would be able to use these strobes to set my studio in my house.

Joining Up

2009-10-24T12:11:00.000-05:00

Today another part of my photographic journey began.I joined CAPA.The Canadian Association for Photographic Art.It is an national organization for the furtherment of the photographic arts.It is affiliated with a number of photographic clubs across Canada and they hold competitions and works shops.
I am not sure what this will give me.I hope it will open up my thoughts and creative eye by viewing others work and possibly entering some of the competitions that will test me.

Shooting From The Dark Side

2009-10-24T01:34:00.000-05:00

"You shoot from the dark side",this was the quote that got me thinking.Tonight I sit here and watch a retrospective of the work of Canadian photojournalist Ted Grant.The quote refers to his style of shooting from the shadow side of subject.Ted's style has led him to take some of the most iconic Canadian photographs over the last half of the 20th century.

Shooting mostly in black and white Ted Grants works cover every thing from the political life of prime minsters to the historic photo of Ben Johnson winning the gold medal in the Sole Olympics.

Ted Grant and I share one item.My father at the end of his life suffered from an affliction called tri-geminal neuralgia.This is a painful condition of the nerves in the face.Ted Grant also suffered from this condition and over came it.
The biggest things that I take from Teds works is the back lighting that is his trade mark.Shoot from the shadows.

A new Challenge

2009-10-20T13:28:00.000-05:00

Today I created a new challenge for my self.I have decide to take a picture a day for the 30 days.I have been watching Chase Jarvis and his new project of "best camera".Chase has produced a book of photos all taken with his I-phone and the new apps that he help developed.
The best way to help challenge yourself is to take lots of photos.This I hope is a way to develop a new photographic eye.
here is today's entry.

Learning Curve

2009-10-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

The learning curve.It's a term we have herd many times,but what is it really?We as human beings all learn at different rates and in different styles.Some people can instantly sit down read the instructions and precisely get to the task at hand.Some people learn best by jumping in and tearing apart the task and making mistakes.Others learn best one on one.Having that interaction between one human and another.The latter is me.I learn best by having a person to bounce my thoughts off of and being shown,but recently I have discovered a new way of one one learning.Youtube!

Youtube is a new library that will on any day have a video on almost any subject that you like.For me it is photography.I love the fact that I can simply type in the subject that i want to learn about and a list of videos produced mainly by amateurs show up.I have learned about dramatic photography,how to start a photography business and studio lighting.

So this is my thank you to Youtube and the people that take the time to post videos for other to watch.

Nobel Prize

2009-10-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

Today they announced that Willard Boyle won the Nobel prize for physics.Why is this important,well not only is he a Canadian but he is also a maratimer.OK,OK he also invented the charged couple device that gave us digital photography.
Willard device has change the way we see the world.Today almost every one carries a camera.Weather its a DSLR or the tiny single mega pixel that is in almost every cell phone.Now millions of images bombard us every year,
In my own photography the digital revolution has re energized me to take a lot more photos.No longer dose it take days to have the photos developed and returned to me.It also will allow me to start a business that will hopefully be my legacy tot he family and maybe also the world.

Patients

2009-10-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

Patients is a virtue,or at least that what my parents tried to teach me.In photography patients is an asset that I wish I had.I am trying to teach my self to slow down and smell the rose,so to speak.You see ,I manage a fast food restaurant.Every thing moves fast.If your too slow than the job will fly right past you.My problem I tend to rush everything(well almost everything).In my photography I long to be able to be patient enough to wait for that magic moment.
Patients is playing out in my latest purchase.This week I bought a set of strobes off of eBay.I cant wait to experiment with studio lighting.But it will take about twenty days or so to arrive.Arrgh!
remember Patients.

En lightened

2009-09-30T19:01:00.000-05:00

Well today I bought my first set of strobes for photography.It not a large set but it comes with some neat stuff.Some reflectors and some gels and barn doors.This I hope is the first step towards the new business.
I plan to use the next few months to learn how to use the strobes and really perfect lighting techniques.The poor kids they are already so use to the camera's i can imagine how much more they will have to put up with.

Saturday Morning Wind

2009-09-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

After two straight days of rain and wind finally we are enjoying a bit of sun.Not much sun grant you,but some sun.Today I hope to be able to buy a set of strobes.I have look at several companies and dealers and I think I have found the one that I like the most.

Not sure if I will get many photographs today.Its almost hockey season and I am trying to get ready for my fantasy hockey draft.Maybe I will grab the camera and record the fun.

Sunny Fall Days

2009-09-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

Well fall has hit the Arctic.We have already seen our first light snow fall.There are still sunny days come to but they will be far and few between.I have had two injuries over the past month that has slowed my photography down.I just haven't felt like picking up the camera because it has become two painful.Yesterday I finally got enough strength up to do some shooting.

Most of the pictures I take are with in a few hundred yards of my house.The are images abound and they are ever changing.Many photographers get into a rut by saying I cant find anything to photograph.To that I say you are not looking to close.

This week photo is Door Knob.

Re-Touch

2009-09-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

before

After

Last night my wife decided to scan some baby photo of our first born son.At the time we had a cheep point and shoot film camera.Every photo of our sons first days were ruined or at least so we thought.
Now with technology I can remove the hair and other sings and were to bring back the photo to a usable print.I am not a master of Photoshop or Gimp,but in a hour or so I had a print that was usable.I was thinking what this means to the world.The amount of historic photographs and films that have been damaged or lost now have avenues to restore and be done by the average person.
Think of the thousands of photo lost in in the floods in New Orleans or the fires in LA.I am starting to fall in love with post processing software.

A Rough Week Means Back to the Books

2009-09-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

The past week has been a rough one.I ended up pulling some mussels in my neck and spent three days in bed.This gave me a lot of time to read and review tips and photography styles.As a amature photographer the learning curve can be steep but sometimes it can also be wavy.
I find that as I attempt to produce what I see in the my minds eye my technical knowledge is not always at the level as where it should be to produce the shot.I love to experiment but not always knowing where the end result will be or knowing what exactly I have done.I keep notes,tons of scribbled message in an unreadable code to any except me.They are all over the place.Just like organizing the hundreds of photo from any given shoot, I now need to what I did to get that particular shot.So a long process in in progress.

golden hour 2

2009-08-31T07:14:00.001-05:00

as promised

The Golden Hour

2009-08-30T23:36:00.000-05:00

There is a time in the early morning or late evening where the sun turns everything a wonderful golden color.Photographers love this time of the day because the light is so soft and warm.Tonight I once again took one lens and walked around the neighbourhood.If you read the post earlier I challenged my self to a photo walk with one lens ,shot in black and white.Tonight I repeated this walk with the same lens but I shot in color.The sights I saw this morning where all still there but they took on a wonderful warm golden glow.Colors seemed more vibrant and details leap out at me as shadows played with depth and contrast.
Here are some of the results.looks like I cant post a picture tonight.I will post in the morning.

Morning glory

2009-08-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

It late August and the weather is absolutely beautiful.This morning ,like most Sundays,I was up early and went for a walk with my camera.Today I gave my self one challenge.To take photo's in Black and White .The challenge I could only use one lens.The morning went well and once again the neighborhood provided many surprises.I love seeing things hidden within other items.Around here the land will reclaim anything left to its devices.
The weather soon will become to cold for outdoor photography.It will soon have a coverage of white with winds that will blow anything not nailed to the ground.Then it will be indoor photography only.
This week the photo is wood.

A One Lens Walk

2009-08-29T19:03:00.001-05:00

Today I went for a late afternoon walk around the property.I love these lazy walks to discover what lays a mere few feet.It awakens in me a thrill of discovery that goes back to being a kid.I spent many an hour exploring the woods that lay behind my house.Running down path at full bore only to be brought to a sudden stop by a birds nest or a piece of rope in a spot where it shouldn't be.I find this ability to spot out of place things alive and well in my photography.I many times will be looking around and see a object that just dosent belong and thats what I will shoot.
The photographs today are called bones.

Morning shoot

2009-08-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

This morning I once again was up early to watch the European grandprix.After the race I watch the reality show "the shoot".It is a chance to win a fashion shoot with Victoria secrets and some money.The contestants all are great photographers in their own right.
I will try to go for a walk again and shoot around the house.A fresh look at the old friend.Hopefully the bugs wont be to bad.

Back from beyond

2009-08-18T07:52:00.000-05:00

Well now I have returned from my vacation with a renewed sense of photography.I will be starting to teach my self all I can about studio lighting.I hope this will further the drive towards the business that I want to start.
Yesterday was a day of travel.We left Winnipeg at 10:30 and arrived in Baker Lake early afternoon.
Here is a shot that I took before I left Winnipeg.

Weekend Morning

2009-08-15T11:13:00.000-05:00

Well this vacation is almost over for another year.It seems to fly by so fast but I guess that comes with age.It been nice to be in civilization but in a strange way I am looking forward to getting back home.I am excited to start building my children's photography business.The next 10 months or so will be crucial.I need to build my portfolio and develop a style.Today I hope to get some props and such to develop the fantasy theme.
Last night was a lazy night here in the city.The sunset was beautiful and I tried to capture some of the grander.I will miss the city lights.I have always enjoyed a city at night and have privilege to see a few.
These shots are the best of what I shot last night.No tripod just a bunch of books piled up and shot through a 22ND floor window.

City Scapes

2009-08-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am sitting and watching some thunder heads roll across a great city sunset.When the lightning started to roll in I of course grab my camera.Trying to shoot a city scape at night is hard enough as it is ,but throw a long time exposure in for the lightning strikes well its fun to say the least.
I didn't bring a tripod on this trip.I thought that it would take to much space.I bought a mono tube this trip so I have some sort of a stable platform.I created a platform stable enough that I got a couple of decent shots.

A Day At The Zoo

2009-08-10T22:41:00.000-05:00

Well the other day I finally got to do some photography so for the next two post will be this weekends results .
My family and I headed for the zoo.It was sunny and warm when I left but by the afternoon it had clouded in and we had to duct some showers.
Shooting at the zoo did pose a few obstacles that I was not expecting.The first obstacle was the changing light conditions.The second problem was the focus.I found my self having to use the manual focus on the camera.
Over all I got some great shots.
Here are a couple.

Humpday blahs

2009-08-05T16:25:00.000-05:00

For most working guys Wednesday is hump day.You get over the mid week hump.Well for us today has been a different type of hump day.It one getting over all the hump and bumps of medical appointments.Today my daughter has had three different appointments including her trip to the dentist.Jasmine also got her botox shots to help her with cerablepalsy.This has been one of the few days that I have not thought about photography at all.

Sunday Morning Thrashing

2009-08-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

I was born in the mid 60's.Too late for the first wave of skateboarding and I was too old for the second wave in the 80's and 90's.I have a twelve year old who last year discovered the multi million dollar skate park in the city of Winnipeg,so this year it was all about skate boarding.We bought a cheep board and some safety equipment and he went at it.
I found that photography of sports, any sports ,is richly rewarding and challenging.I shot lots of pics at the skate park.Not just of my son but also of the local skaters and bmxers.I got some good shots and missed a lot of others.The challenge was to figure out who was doing what trick and were.It was a situation that if you had some one that would do the trick for you at a specific location it would be much easier.
Here a couple pics of what I got at the skate park.

trains,Planes and automobiles

2009-08-01T22:34:00.000-05:00

In the last 48 hours I have flown some thousand + miles ,driving around the city of Winnipeg and hop a steam train.Today we road a 100+ year old steam train.It was grate.When I was young my mom would talk about her father,my grandfather,who was a brakeman on the CNR.He would have worked on steam trains and this was a spiritual connection that I felt.I have always loved riding the rails and have many times.Trips to Quebec city,Moncton,Toronto and Edmonton.I love the rails.Today though there was something different.My heart started to beat faster when I herd that steam whistle.It was a dream come true.
As for photography it was great.Lots of great shots.Here is a couple.

Day 1

2009-08-01T00:54:00.000-05:00

Today is day one of the vacation and day one of the new business.I have decided to resurrect a old friend.The business name of Acadian studios.This was my fathers old company and for many years it was my identity.My father was not a photographer but instead he was a master of his craft.He was a jeweler that create a living for my self and my mother.The reason I am choosing the name is because many people would stop in ask if we were a photographic studio.So now we will be.

I have not since arriving take out the camera.Tomorrow though will be different storey.My family and I will be taking a steam train ride so I am sure there will be lots of photos opts.

A New Start

2009-07-30T02:10:00.000-05:00

In a few hour I get on airplane and head to Winnipeg.I tonight has taken a big leap towards freedom. I have bought into a photo biz that uses digital props for backgrounds.I have researched the concept for the last couple of months.Tonight I went for it.A good move we will see but it will be a dream come true so now is the time.The plan is spend one more winter in the north and polish the craft.Then in the summer of 2010 return home and open the studio full time.
Over the next 20 days or so I will be posting every day.Lots of pics so I will post as many as possible.Winnipeg will be a blank canvas's.I plan to spend one whole day doing a photo walk.
Sorry no new pic tonight.

t-4 days and counting

2009-07-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

This week we leave on vacation.The family and I are heading to Winnipeg.I am really looking forward to shooting in a different location.I hope to also buy some more photo equipment including a strobe set.
I haven't done too much in the way of shooting this week.Too busy but during the vacation I will be blogging everyday.
Here is the photo for the week.

30 posts

2009-07-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

Generally I am not a good blogger.I tend not to stick with it,but since I started with this one I have manage to be discipline enough to reach a milestone.Shooting From The Hip has reach 30 posts and I hope that I am over the hump.

Yesterday I try to shoot for the TFTTF weekend challenge .The subject is round.I so far have only found the cliche images.A bicycle tire,Car wheels top of a morning coffee cup.I need something out of the box.What I mean is that with other aspects of photography I can go on you tube or other sources and learn,"this light goes here or this setting dose this on your camera".Creativity is whats in your minds eye.

Some shots you chase.You know what you want and you chase it down but some shots chase you.There is a famous shot taken by Ansel Adams.I love Ansel's work.So much contrast and so much life.After reading his biography and watching some video on his life, I have even more respect for his skills and his philosophy.The photo that he took is called Moonrise Hernandez.He was traveling with his son and had only minuets to take the shots.This was achieved with out the use of all the gizmo and gadgets of the modern camera.He just new his craft.That's the type of photographer that I would like to become.

On the job front still no movements.I still have only had some teasers but nothing to solid.One lead was my own photography franchise taking school kids photos.I would mean no income for a year but I am still checking into it.

This weeks photo is a round about way of wrapping things up.(Pardon the Pun).

Sunny Mornings

2009-07-12T10:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning I went for a drive.There is a bridge that leads no where.Literally!It crosses the prince river and at the end of the bridge is nothing.The land.There was some great opportunity to take photos and lots of listening to the radio.

On Friday I sent for more information on a franchise opportunity for children's photography.Is it a scam,or a certain way to go broke.Who Knows?Or is a way to get what we all want.I Just don't know.

The day today is starting of good.No photography though but some updates to flickr and TFTTF.

This past week on the weekly photo challenge I finished second.I feel these contest are doing me good.Helping to develop my eye.Also I feel more creative in other aspects of life.

I am seriously looking at some lighting equipment for a home studio.One way or the other I will pursue photography as a creative outlet.

This weeks photo ,Tracks.

Morning Walk

2009-07-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

Summer has finally arrived in the north and this morning was no exception .We have had some super weather for the last couple days .We celebrated Canada day with good friends and a wonderful BBQ.Not many photo's but a great time.

This morning I challenged my self,A walk around the property with one lens.I got some great shots and some learned a few things about my camera.Here are some results.

Blowing your top

2009-06-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

Well its been almost two weeks since my last post.It been interesting.We have had a flu epidemic here in town and its put a lot of people flat on their back.Store are half empty and the town is quiet.

Last Saturday I went for a drive and ended up blow my thermostat on my jeep.How ever I did get some good shots.Still on the job hunt.I ave applied for several positions in the photography industry.Let hope.

Here is this weeks shot.

Speed (sorta of )

2009-06-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

Well this past week I had the chance to do some sports photography.The local snowmobile club held its annual drag races this past Monday night.Now lets remember something it's June,and we had to drive onto the ice to get close to the action.The shots came out great.It was great fun to get close to the action.

I posted a video montage on you tube.Look under TheHumma

Good friends and Old Whisky

2009-06-07T18:47:00.000-05:00

This has been a weekend of saying good bye.Good bye to some dear friends and good by to winter.

The good friends are heading back home,back to Newfoundland.So lots of drinks flowing last night.We are again at a cross roads in our own life.Decisions have been made and now plans are in the works.Tomorrow will be a big day.

On the photography side I joined a group in flickr that is an challenge.52 weeks in black and white.One black and white image every week for a year.Toady's photo was this weeks image.

Good bye to winter.Its the first warm day of the year and though their is still snow on the ground its was warm enough to eat on the deck and even were shorts.A few photo for face book and that's it for the day.

Rock and Roll

2009-05-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

This morning I got up early and got out the doors.I spent the early part of the day out at a point of land here that has what is called an inukshuk.An Inukshuk is a stone sculptor that looks like a man and its points out that the Inuit were there.Why is this important.Well last weekend I won a photo challenge from Tips from the Top Floor.That is a pod cast from a German photographer ,Chris Marquardt ,that has done over 300 shows and is a real great teacher of digital photography.His web site ,http://www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com/,has a forum that is excellent.They host a weekly photo challenge and I won.So for the next week I got to pick the theme.I picked rocks.So here it is Rock and Roll