Archives : 2008 : November

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones at the Tower Theatre-Bend, Oregon

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to shoot photos of the Tower Theatre/Bela Fleck concert to be used on the Tower Theatre’s website. Bela is regarded as one of the premiere banjo players in the world and that was apparent with a sold out crowd. I had a fun time trying new angles on a building that has seen many photos. I brought my monopod rather than a ladder and put my camera on timer mode to allow time to stick my camera up in the air. Not always the most accurate but can yield some cool results. I was also able to shoot from behind the stage as well and that was fun in and of itself. For this I love my 50mm 1.4 as it’s indispensable in low-light situations where flash is out of the question. Somehow, Nikon needs to make a 16mm 1.4 and I’ll be very grateful. Thanks to Bela Fleck and their tour manager for allowing me to capture the show.

Patricia & Mark – Renewing Wedding Vows Ceremony

I had the pleasure of spending a very important night with Mark and Patricia as they renewed their wedding vows at the Seventh Mountain Resort. It was Mark’s surprise to Patricia and as you can see, Mark was dressed in full military regalia which made for some great images. I especially liked when Mark cut the cake with his sword! Congratulations to Patricia and Mark and all the best for many years to come.

Kubota Photo Bootcamp of Infinite Wisdom

The week I’ve been waiting for eight months has come and gone and all I can say is WOW! I’m speaking about Kevin Kubota’s photo Bootcamp, held twice each year in Bend, Oregon, that works on improving literally every skill for a photographer, with or without intentions of running a small business. Rubbing shoulders with one of the leading authorities regarding image post-production techniques was a lifetime experience that I know will play a major role in my future success as a professional photographer. I had met Kevin several times before but didn’t know the depth of his experience in photography and can say confidently that his reputation is no joke. This workshop overloads and humbles many people, however I feel that within only a week my confidence has grown further than what I could have ever imagined within such a short time. Below are some photos I shot at Bootcamp during a mock wedding photo shoot. Some of the images are shot with only available light and one or two are with one SB900 hand-held behind a circular diffuser. With the Nikon D300, I’m using my pop-up flash to trigger the speedlight through the infrared syncing of Nikon’s (CLS-Creative Lighting System). This is one area (probably the only, other than weight) that the lesser priced cameras have on the D3. Since the D3 doesn’t have a pop-up flash you need either a transmitter or SB800/900 on the shoe as the commander. Ok, really a small price to pay for a camera that set a new benchmark in digital photography. I can’t wait to get one but the D300 is equally amazing in it’s own right.

Shelly and Kevin Engagement Session at Drake Park-Bend, Oregon

Shelly and Kevin are getting married in June of 2009 and they decided to get out for a photo session at Drake Park during the height of fall colors. Both of them really got into enjoying their surroundings while we were out, and when they brought their dog Jasper out for some photos, you could tell the family was complete. Thanks for the great shoot and Wendy and I look forward to your wedding in June!

Hite Family Christmas Portraits in Pioneer Park, Bend Oregon

Wendy and I had the pleasure of photographing holiday portraits for a good friend, Sheila, and her family during the height of fall at Pioneer Park in Bend, Oregon. What a joy to work with them as the shoot was full of laughter and fun. Thank you Sheila for such an enjoyable time and some great, colorful images.

Hite Family Christmas Portrait Gallery

Johnson Family Portraits in Drake Park Downtown Bend, Oregon

Thank you to Stuart, Cynthia and Zoe for a color-filled, fun portrait shoot! We enjoyed the fall leaves and running around as much as Zoe did. Drake park made for a beautiful setting with varied landscapes for your family portraits. Here are a few of our favorites from the day!

Full Johnson Family Portrait Gallery