Rusty

Found this old rusty 1950s Plymouth (?) on my lunchbreak today. I don't think the rusty ride got there by itself. At least half the tires are flat, plus the interior is full of pieces from the front end. That would make driving a bit difficult!

When I get more time, I'm going to play with the files to olden and grunge them up a bit. I love old cars ...

For Sale!

After my previous post about film cameras, I'll follow up by saying I have a digital camera for sale if anyone's interested. It's a Canon Digital Rebel XTi in excellent condition, used primarily as a backup camera. Includes battery grip and two batteries, strap charger, manuals, software and original boxes. Plus, a 2 GB Compact Flash memory card and a Canon 50 f/1.8 lens that no longer autofocuses but takes great photos. All for just $500 (this is about half of what I originally paid for the package and accessories).

I've also got a Canon 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 lens for sale, just $100.

This would make an excellent starter camera or a backup. Will try to post some photos of the camera and lenses soon.

Photographic nostalgia

For my professional work, I use digital camera bodies exclusively. But I've got a few film cameras in my collection, three of which I actually use.

The first camera pictured belonged to my mother's parents. It was the camera they had with them when my grandfather was called to report for military duty in California. They used the camera to document their trip from Chincoteague Island, Va. By the time it came into my possession, the island's salty clime and years of neglect had rendered it unusable (not to mention the piece that had fallen off). I have the original box and two unused, unopened rolls of antique 35 mm film.

The second camera pictured is my dad's Kodak Retina IIIS rangefinder that he gave me a few years ago while cleaning out a closet. He used it in the late 1950s as a teen-ager, snapping pics of friends and family. By the time I came along in the early 1970s, he'd switched to the instant gratification of Polaroid. This one still works and is one I've just recently rediscovered as a fun camera to use. The rangefinder has a mechanism for focusing that takes some practice and time to master. I'm not there yet.

The third camera pictured belonged to my dad's mother. The Olympus OM-1 was the first camera I used professionally as a newspaper reporter/photojournalist. She gave it to me during one visit because she had heard I needed a camera. Her eyesight failing, she no longer found taking photos enjoyable. She originally bought the camera and learned to use it while living in Puerto Rico in the late 1970s. My grandfather worked for Bell Telephone and was instrumental in installing the island nation's first comprehensive telephone network.

The fourth and final camera pictued is my Canon Elan II, which I bought about a year into my first post-college newspaper job. It was a big jump from the OM-1, with its electronic exposure modes, electronic film advance, autofocus and bigger bulk. I loved it instantly, and bought two new lenses to go along with it. But for about a month or so, I didn't trust it. The OM-1 is so simple and sturdy and virtually unfallible in comparison, that I was afraid I'd be on an assignment and the newfangled Canon would let me down. It never did, and that's why I have Canon digital SLRs in my professional bag. I can't bring myself to let this one go, because there were times when film, at least in the early days of digital, was superior. Now it's a wash, but I guess I'm sentimental sometimes!

For the shots above, I shot them on the floor of my bedroom using east-facing window light behind and a reflector to just barely bring up the highlights on the fronts of the cameras.

Father's Day portraits

David, a fellow photographer, contacted me this week about wanting portraits taken with his four sons (and grandson). He recommended a great location he had used before with clients, and we met there Sunday evening. It was hot, but with great subjects and great light, it's no wonder the photos turned out well. This is just a sampling of some of them.

I'll definitely use that location in the future. It would be great for engagements and bridals, too.

The end of a long week!

A week ago tonight, our church's Vacation Bible School got rolling. My wife (see her "incognito" above) and I volunteered to work VBS, in part to convince our oldest son that it was going to be a fun event to attend. We were assigned to watch a really cool group of sixth-graders. And as far as our son? He had an absolute blast all five days, from last Sunday to Thursday night. So did we. A wonderful experience I'm sure we'll repeat next summer!

But we are still a little worn out, especially considering he began swim lessons last week that wrap up this week. Capping this week was Father's Day. I even had a photo shoot this evening (images coming tomorrow). I'm hoping for a more sane week starting tomorrow. Just some swim lessons and hanging out!

Our little 'Piano Man'

J finished up "piano camp" with a mini recital today. He did really well. Not sure he's going to take lessons, but he is extremely interested in music. As for me, "I shoulda learned to play the guitar ..."

Next two weeks: swimming lessons!

Focusing on what's important

With the coming of summer, I'm balancing my photography business and part-time contract work with that of my most important role: Daddy. My oldest son is enrolled in a few summer camps, but much of his time is spent with me as we plan various adventures to fill the time.

That said, I am currently taking on portrait work on a limited basis, but am available as usual for wedding services on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. Happy to serve you! Reach me at todd@toddovermanphoto, or 817-675-1143 to book your sessions today.

Choosing a wedding photographer

My wife and I were blessed during our wedding to have an experienced, professional photographer cover the event, provide excellent customer service and deliver wonderful images. After the music played, the vows were exchanged, the cake was eaten, the tuxes returned and the dress packed away, what do we have left? Other than everlasting love (cue sappy music), we have the photographs of our special day. Having a few displayed around the house remind us of how our crazy journey began. Maybe sadly, they also remind us how young we used to look! The point is, out of all the expenses of that day, the photographs are the most tangible reminder of what happened.

So how important are wedding photographs? That really depends on the couple. I think in many cases, maybe because cameras are so ubiquitous (the one in my cell phone has the same resolution as my first digital point-and-shoot!) that choosing a photographer might be an afterthought for some. That means it's not given the budget it deserves, and couples end up scrimping on one of the only enduring parts of the ceremony (besides the marriage).

If you are engaged, soon to be engaged or are unhappy with the results your wedding photographer provided, the following list is for you. While re-enacting an entire wedding to replace botched pictures isn't practical, a post-ceremony couples session might be in order. Kind of like an engagement portrait session for married people!

Choosing a Wedding Photographer
I've broken the process down into four categories, with a suggested question or two to ask potential photographers in each grouping.

1. Pick someone who can provide results
Look at photographers' portfolios and pay attention to see if the main subjects are in focus, evenly and well lit. Look at the images one at a time and decide if they are pleasing to you. Providing results is a mix of experience and knowledge, but also the equipment used. The often dark lighting during ceremonies, flash photography being prohibited during many of them and the need to be ready at all times requires a knowledgeable person with pro-quality equipment. Sure, it's ultimately about the photographer when it comes to taking pictures. But a good photographer will have the best system that suits them for getting the job done well and consistently.
Questions: How long have you been a professional photographer? How do you handle taking pictures in a dark venue?

2. Service
Customer service is so important to me. I believe in a photography business, one of the most important aspects of customer service is a contract signed by both parties that spells out clearly the expectations, requirements and what will be photographed and delivered as a final product. A contract is protection for both the clients and the photographer that there will be consequences when promises are broken. It's a little trickier to judge whether a photographer will follow through on the contracted promises. One way to gauge his or her reliability is to ask for a referral from previous clients.
Questions: Do you require a signed contract? How important is customer service in your business?

3. Personality
You don't have to become friends with your photographer, but it helps if that person is friendly and outgoing. Someone who can take charge (but not be controlling or bossy) is essential to getting the job done, especially when it comes to getting the group shots of friends, family and the bridal party. It's essential to agree on all elements of the contract, but there could be differences that aren't necessarily a deal-breaker. Bottom line, does the photographer seem willing to work with you, agreeing to meet your needs or in accommodating a special request?
Question: What is your favorite part about photographing weddings?

4. Budget
The money you have to spend on your wedding photography is an important concern. I don't think there's a magic number that is the "right" amount to spend. I could make up something, like spend at least four times the cost of the bridal gown on photos, but that's just grabbing air. Consider what you'd like for the final product. Artful wall prints? An elegant wedding album? A CDs or DVDs of all the images? Consider what you'd like photographs of (getting ready, the ceremony, formal group shots, candid photos of the day, the reception, etc. etc. etc.). Consider what will remain after the day is over. Besides love for your new spouse meant to last a lifetime, you might have an old white dress in a box, the cake topper in the freezer for a year, and ... the photographs. The images could be inspirational and important to you, but also future generations. Imagine being able to show your children what your wedding day was like. The archival printing processes are so advanced, that your children's children could be treated to a look into how weddings were so many years before they are viewing them. That means that the photographs could very well gain value over time. Not to mention the way they will serve as a record of all the other people at your wedding. Crazy, huh?
Question: How much will it cost me to have __________ photographed, taking about ___ hours, and then have the images masterfully delivered as a ___________.

It's important that you develop your own set of questions to ask potential photographers, too. But think of a few questions for yourself: How will I feel if I don't have any pictures of my wedding at all? How will I feel if the pictures I have taken look horrible, all blurry and dark with no thought to composition, and the photographer missed so many of the shots I told her to get! Should I spend more on the photographer and maybe less on the DJ or finger foods? All things you have to answer for yourself.

I would love to be considered as your wedding photographer, and would be happy to answer all your questions! Give me a shout at todd@toddovermanphoto.com or 817-675-1143.

Kindergarten graduation

The is J and his kindergarten teacher after the graduation ceremony on Thursday. He was very lucky to have such an experienced, caring teacher – we'll miss her next year! I hope to add a few shots of him in his "cap and gown" in the future.

My wife and I were asked to put together the end-of-year slideshow. It turned out pretty well. I don't think there was a single dry eye in the house!