What’s In My Camera Bag – 85mm 1.8
The Canon 85 1.8 was the first prime lens (prime lenses are lenses with a fixed focal length, which do not zoom in or out) I bought after my failed attempt with prime lenses. See, I bought the 50 1.8 about 3 or 4 years ago and HATED it. I shot everything wide open at 1.8 and didn’t understand why all of my images were out of focus. Totally user error of course. Well, a couple years later, I decided to give prime lenses another try and bought the 85 1.8. I used it for a while and liked it, but then upgraded to the 50 1.2. After that it rarely was ever on my camera.
I decided to give it another chance and took it out on my shoot last Friday. I was surprised by how sharp it was for an inexpensive lens ($380). I did notice that it wasn’t quite as fast to focus. That’s what you get when you buy a cheaper lens. Overall, I think it’s a GREAT lens! If you’re looking to buy your first prime lens, I would highly suggest this one. I will be using it more often from now on. Here are a couple of shots taken with that lens:
F 2.8, 1/500, ISO 125
F 2.8, 1/1000, ISO 125
Never Forget
I will never forget the thousands of people whose lives were changed that day. Who said goodbye to the person they loved the most that morning and didn’t know it would be their last. The brave men and women who ran into those buildings while everyone else was running out. I will never forget how scary that day was, but also how our country came together as Americans. No matter how many years pass I will never, ever forget.
On my way home from an engagement shoot last night I saw thousands of American flags on the lawn at Pepperdine University. It was an amazing site and my picture doesn’t do it justice.
Six in Six
This is the time of year when I don’t take many pictures of Brayden. My schedule is crazy, and will be crazy until the holidays. This is the time of year when picking up my camera seems like work. I’m not complaining. I’m very happy to have the work. But, six sessions in six days is killer! That’s what happens when babies are born early and families are in from out of town. I have a hard time saying no 
But, I had to snap a picture of my funny guy being funny today. He decided it was a good idea to take a nap on the TV unit. It’s actually a great spot for pictures because, as you can see in the reflection on the TV, we have two windows that let in a lot of light right there.
Canon 50 1.2, 5D
2.0, 1/250, ISO 500
In Style
I get asked a lot about how I found my style. How long did it take me to find my style? What inspires me?
But, I don’t know. Have I found my style? I still feel like I am struggling to find it. And I guess that’s what makes an artist. I am constantly evolving and challenging myself to be innovative and creative. Are there days when I think I suck? Totally. But, I learn from it and strive to do better the next time. Do I look at other photographers work and think I wish I could do that? Um, yeah. I think if I ever become content with myself and my work then I won’t be challenging myself to do better, right?
The one thing that has always remained constant with my work is I ask myself, if this were my family or my wedding or my baby’s first shoot how would I want the pictures to look? What would I want the photographer to focus on? To capture? I try to put myself in the moms shoes and find the connections within their family. The little things that their kids do at that point in their lives. I try to put myself in the brides shoes. I think back to my wedding and remember how I felt that day and what I wanted captured. I try to use my life experiences to relate to my clients.
It’s my clients that inspire me. Their happiness. Their joy. Their love. Every single one of them and their stories inspires me to capture them as they really are. Not magazines or other photographers blogs. Just my clients.
What inspires you?
Shooting From the Hip
Last week we had, quite possibly, the most perfect summer evening. Pool, pizza delivered to pool, dining al fresco, watching my little man be his funny self. Walking back from the pool I snapped this image. I was walking forward, camera down low pointing back at Brayden, and got lucky. It’s not perfect, but I love it. B wearing his shirt with one arm out because, duh, that’s how all the cool two year olds wear their shirts these days. And Chuck walking behind carrying all of our pool stuff and left over pizza. I love it.
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