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Photography

Digital Infrared in Paris: Père Lachaise Cemetery

Posted on October 26, 2012

There is something mystical about the large cemeteries in Europe. There is so much history buried there from famous composers and political figures to movies stars and rock stars. Père Lachaise Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and is the resting place of over a million people including Chopin, Rossini, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Marcel Marceau and Sarah Bernhardt. As you can imagine, if you’re a photographer, there is no way you can cover it in one afternoon (which was all the time I had during my first visit there). I look forward to spending more time there during my trip to Paris next month.

I tend to shoot cemeteries in infrared mainly because of IR’s ability to highlight both the vegetation and the textures of the masonry and statuary. Here’s a few images from Père Lachaise I took last year.

Ghosts on the Red Coat Trail

Posted on September 30, 2012

The Red Coat Trail runs along the southern portions of three provinces in Canada: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This route is the same route taken by the North West Mounted Police in 1874 as they tried to bring law and order to the Canadian West. One of my personal projects is to photograph the vanishing relics of rural life along the Red Coat Trail. A few years ago, I photographed along the Red Coat Trail in Saskatchewan. On my recent trip to Alberta, I headed out on the Red Coat Trail south of Taber and headed east to Foremost. I was able to capture these images to add my series.

Photography Video

¡Viva Archivos – Steeple Full of Swallows

Posted on August 31, 2012

I’m revisiting my archives and came across this image from 2005 that was taken in Alberta, Canada. This is one of my favorite places and I know that when I visit it again, there’s a good chance it will be gone.

Whenever I look at this image, I immediately start thinking about a song by The Gourds called “Steeple Full of Swallows“. Here’s the lyrics:

Steeple full of swallows
Hammer in the weeds
heart full of my head
mosquito’s on my feet

You must be the fine hairs
You must be the frown
You must be the reason
All the lights go down

Steeple full of swallows
Smoke in the house
heart full of my head
mud in my mouth

You must be the cinder
You must be the sound
You must be the reason
all the lights go down

You can listen to the song here: Steeple Full of Swallows

Photography

Sharing The Goodness – Sarah and Daniel

Posted on July 22, 2012

Last week, I spent a day in the lovely little town of Kyle, Texas with 9 other photographers. We were at the studio of the talented photographer, Clayton Austin, as hosted his “Share the Goodness” workshop. It was a great experience, full of knowledge sharing, inspiration, plenty of discussion and a few laughs (thanks to the awesome white sangria). We had a short live shoot with Sarah and Daniel in the late afternoon. Here’s some images I shot under the big oak tree with my 50mm 1.4 lens and my 85mm 2.8 tilt-shift lens. I also shot some images with my iPhone in and around town.

Life in Mexico Photography

Small Town Romance – An Evening in Pozos

Posted on July 4, 2012

We’re in central Mexico visiting our casa in Mineral de Pozos. We went for a walk as the sun went down on our little pueblo magico. Pozos is a visual feast for photographers as you can see from these images that were all taken last evening during our stroll. So many scenes in just one walking loop – there are many more to explore. I can’t wait to host photography retreats here.

Hasta luego!

Photography

Raiya’s Annaprasan

Posted on June 28, 2012

I really enjoy being witness to special cultural rituals and being asked to photograph the family celebration of little Raiya’s Annaprasan was truly an honor and pleasure for me.

An Annaprasan is a Hindu rite of passage to celebrate an infant’s first intake of food other than milk. It is a big occasion for celebration, and extended family, friends and neighbors celebrated with the family.

Raiya’s grandmother prepared a small bowl of rice-based food and little Raiya’s uncle fed her a small spoonful. Other members of the family then took turns to give her a taste. The feeding ceremony also included a game, in which Raiya was presented with a tray containing a number of objects. These included a bangle or jewel, a book, a pen, coins and other items. Raiya’s future direction and prospects in life are indicated by the object which she preferred to hold and play with.

This event took a lot of planning and effort by Anamita, her family and friends. Raiya’s big brother and sister were actively involved in the planning and activities throughout the event. Thank you Anamita and family for trusting in me to capture the special moments of Raiya’s Annaprasan.

Photography

Our Pretty House in the Texas Hill Country

Posted on June 25, 2012

We will miss this place, we call “The Yeller House”, when it becomes home for another lucky person. Our pretty house in the Texas Hill Country is on the market. The MLS listing has all of the standard photos. But, I wanted to share some of the more artsy photos I’ve taken of our house over the years.

Sunset reflecting in the windows.

The house was built 5 years ago using a vintage Texas farmhouse plan. The rest of the houses in the development were also constructed using vintage plans.

The street is named Primrose for a reason. Lots of primrose bloom in the spring.

Scene from the pasture across the way.

Sunrise with the horses in the pasture across the way.

Sunrise with the horses in the pasture across the way.

Cool roof line.

Roof line.

Side view with Charley.

Blanco River is 2 blocks away.

Blanco State Park in the fall.

The Blanco River is just as pretty in drought conditions.

Blanco State Park and bluebonnets just down the road on Hwy 281.

Wildflower photo ops are just around the corner during the spring.

Photography

Harper: The Prettiest Little Girl in Georgetown

Posted on June 20, 2012

Jason, a friend and co-worker recently had his first child, a little girl they named Harper. We’re all so excited for Jason and his lovely wife, Jenna. This child is so beautiful and is so loved. I’m honored to have been chosen to take the newborn photos of little Harper. She’s my youngest subject to date at a mere 9 days old. Welcome to the world, sweet Harper!

Photography

Family – Jonathan and Julie

Posted on May 13, 2012

I was very pleased when I got a note from Julie requesting that I take their family photographs. Her husband, Jonathan, is also a photographer (he takes amazing shots of bands performing, especially at SXSW). He’s often photographing his family but Julie mentioned that Jon is often behind the camera rather than in front of it (I can relate). I consider Jonathan and Julie dear friends and I’ve worked with Jonathan for many years (we’re cube neighbors). I hope these images have captured the beautiful spirit of their sweet family. Happy Mother’s Day, Julie!!

Photography

The Beauty of Desert Light – Jessica and Brandon

Posted on April 2, 2012

I got the opportunity to take part in a styled shoot at the Eldorado Dry Lake Bed not far from Las Vegas. This was part of a workshop that I attended while also attending the WPPI conference. I learned a lot during that week and had the pleasure of sharing war stories with photographers, Denise and Tonya, while traveling to the shoot.

The models, Jessica and Brandon, were a lovely real-life married couple from Canada and the shoot was styled by Every Last Detail. It was magical shooting as the sun set….