Defining Moments

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Since we got rained out the last time she was here, Skyler and I did an outdoor session yesterday. She really wanted a shot with corn, but before heading out to a field we borrowed Virgil’s Harley for a couple of quick shots (it was just sitting there, and Carl told us Virgil wouldn’t mind ;)).

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I took pictures at Paws for a Cause this afternoon. The rain stayed away, attendance was good, and people and dogs alike seemed to enjoy themselves, participating in games and contests, sharing their stories of successful adoptions, and of course, joining the canine/human walk-a-thon. The full gallery (300++ pics!) can be viewed HERE. You might recall the sad situation in Solon last year, where many dogs were seized from a hoarder. Today there was a reunion of sorts of many of the dogs that have since found good homes. You can spot the Solon dogs in the pics because they are the ones wearing turquoise bandanas.

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I have been working toward a collection of fine art prints in my spare time, and hope to have several available for purchase by late fall. These will include photos and other digital art. I will be introducing two limited edition pieces this Sunday, at Paws for a Cause at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. These will be framed photographs of the Coralville Dam, commemorating the Iowa floods of 2008, and sales will benefit the Animal Center. “Before the Flood” was taken on May 26th, with the reservoir at 706 ft. “717″ was taken on June 16th, just after the water level peaked at 716.96 ft. Each print is made from archival pigment inks on acid-free velvet paper, set behind Artique Conservation Matboard and UV-resistant Conservation Clear glass. Twenty-five of each title will be printed, and will be signed, numbered, and ready to hang. The prints will be on display this Sunday at the Paws for a Cause event.

Through December 1st (or until the run is bought out), the prints will be offered at the special price of $185, with all proceeds going to Friends of the Animal Center Foundation, to be used for flood recovery of the Iowa City Animal Center. Each print is approximately 10″ x 14″, with the finished framed and matted size being approximately 17″ x 21″. Please contact me at the studio if you’d like to have one of these limited edition prints, and help the Animal Center at the same time!

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I had to turn my music waaaaay down because Skyler was so soft-spoken. Other than that it was an easy session.  She had a really easy, natural smile, and brought an assistant to hold the reflector, which is always nice.  We had planned for some outdoor stuff as well, but the weather forced us to reschedule.  Here’s a couple from today:

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a session with someone this young, but Abby was a joy to work with, and in a happy mood for most of the shoot. Pretty hard not to get cute pics with eyes this big and beautiful! She seemed to like the floor, though, and it was a challenge at times to get her to sit up….she got into some positions that made my hips hurt just to look at (see pic #3 below)! I had forgotten that people start off so bendable.;)

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Jacob was in for a studio session today.  It’s always nice when my subjects share some musical tastes with me! He had me playing some stuff from my long ago past…..been a looong time since I’ve listened to Pink Floyd, but it was great to hear it again. I’m listening to some NIN right now, which I didn’t have downloaded in time for his session.  Here’s a sneak-peek at his session:

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I met Sara and Brian last night at a local park for their engagement session.  These guys were very easy-going and fun to work with. I had a great time getting these images, and I think they did, too. It didn’t hurt that we had absolutely perfect weather and nice, golden evening light.

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This time of year I don’t get to do much photography for myself, but since I’m waiting for a new belt for the elliptical trainer, I decided to go for a walk and bring the camera along.  Mostly vegetation shots, but I did catch a lurking arachnid and an apparently foundered caterpillar:

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…are always a great combination! Desirae came for a combo session today and we just found one spot after another outside that had wonderful directional light as well as interesting backgrounds. We also got an excellent variety of studio shots.  Here’s a quick preview:

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No, the bride and groom were not stealth-trained Japanese assassins.  By “ninja,” I mean I was in and out in under an hour, which is rare for a wedding shoot.  But that was enough time to get the required family formals, and a few fun shots of Katie and Martin.  Congratulations, guys!!