The Big Picture

Inside Cowboys Stadium

2009-11-14T22:25:00.002-06:00

We went to part of a high school playoff game today at Texas Stadium, but I don't have any photos. Well, I didn't take many and didn't take any of my camera gear (we had my wife's point-and-shoot). The rules weren't strictly being enforced, as it was high school football, but the published rules at the Stadium Web site say that still cameras are allowed if the lenses are 3 inches or smaller in length. Sad to say, but I no longer own a lens that fits that spec! Maybe Santa can bring me one for Christmas so that I don't have to feel guilty about taking a camera the next time I get to go.

The place was awesome. From a photography standpoint, at mid-day with daylight-balanced artificial lighting, it would've been dream conditions to shoot in. There were several credentialed photogs on the field with monster lenses having a good time of it, I'm sure!

Hello, lovely!

2009-11-09T22:42:00.004-06:00

It's a good thing I'm not in the market for a new camera. This will be Canon's new top-of-the-line professional digital SLR, shipping to the public sometime next month.

Be clear that a photographer's knowledge, experience and instincts have more to do with the type of image that emerges much more than the camera used. Cameras are merely tools. If one needs a camera of this caliber to make pretty pictures, something is wrong.

But who said anything about need? I want one!

The Help Portrait

2009-11-07T23:29:00.004-06:00

The first time I heard about the Help Portrait, I was skeptical that offering a free portrait to someone who can't afford one would really help them. But reflecting on the fact that I've seen when photos can mean the world, I've humbly changed my mind. What possession do people historically grab first when they are forced to leave their homes? Often it's the family photo album. When a loved one passes, photographs take us back to the joyful times we spent with them. Photos provide a link to a past we've never known, too, as I can see that I could have inherited my freckled face from a great-grandfather.

The process is simple:
1. Find someone in need
2. Take their portrait
3. Print their portrait
4. And deliver them.

The first step is where I'd like your help. The official event is on Dec. 12, and I'd like to take the portrait on or near that date. If you know of anyone in need who would cherish a portrait of themselves or their family, you may nominate them by sending an e-mail to me at todd (at) toddovermanphoto.com. Please include their name, their city of residence and reason why you think they would benefit from a portrait. If chosen, I will need help in contacting your nominee to do the portrait and deliver the final image. When you nominate someone, you are qualified for a half-price professional photo session* from me (a savings of $125!) that must be used by the end of this year.

I will take nominations until Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. Please help me help someone in need for the holidays! It's also a great time for you to update your own family portrait at a special price!

*This is a full-blown photo session, but does not include print credits or other promotional offers. Other restrictions may apply!

A change of identity (sort of)

2009-11-07T23:18:00.003-06:00

I'm working on a new logo for my photo business, which looks suspiciously like the old logo but with "Todd Overman Photography" pulled out from the swooshy circle and placed underneath. Mainly I made the changes to make the words easier to read and also make it more embroidery-worthy for promotional materials. Might look good on a coffee mug, too!

Now I need to modify the whole thing for a photographic watermark for identifying images I've taken when posted online.

Who knew that pumpkins float?

2009-11-06T12:39:00.002-06:00

I meant to get these posted before Halloween, but here they are! The Keller recreation center hosts a "Pumpkin Splash" every year for kids to swim, pick out pumpkins and decorate them leading up to H'ween. It's cool to see pumpkins floating in the indoor pool.

Kids love picking the pumpkins out of the pool, too.

This mom had her hands full with twin girls.

As the daylight faded and stopped streaming through the glassed walls, I had to get overcome the cave-like atmosphere. For this shot, I waited for the people to appear over the underwater lights. High ISO, a slowed shutter and a deep breath and it turned out OK.

After picking their pumpkins, participants could decorate them with paint. A mess, for sure, but not nearly as bad as carving jack-o-lanterns would've been. This was my first time at the Splash, never being able to make it while I was editor at the local newspaper. I took these photos for the city to use in promotional materials next year if they choose.

You should have seen the other guy!

2009-11-03T15:21:00.004-06:00

Here's a pic of black-eyed Z after taking a little trip on some concrete steps Saturday while trick-or-treating. The area near his left eye bruised immediately, and there's a scrape next to that. We were right there with him and should have just lifted him up the steps ... he wouldn't have liked that but wouldn't have a shiner to show for his efforts!

Another Halloween in the history books

2009-11-02T23:15:00.001-06:00

This is probably my favorite photo from Halloween 2009. It was the first time Z got to go trick-or-treating. He loved it, although he did take a spill trying to go up some steps.

A burning desire to be a clown

2009-10-29T15:37:00.004-05:00

The Keller Fire Brigade (aka "fire clowns") performed for students across Texas today via streaming Web video. October is Fire Prevention Month, but it's always a good time to learn about preventing fires and knowing what to do in case one breaks out in the house. Above, the clowns wave to the camera (and students).

One of the guy's duties was to magically appear inside the computer screen from time to time.

This is the number of the day: 9-1-1.

In case of smoke, stay low to the ground where the air is still good!

This is an attempt at an "artsy" shot.

Here's what the clowns were interacting with. It made their job difficult compared to the instant reactions they get when performing in front of a live children-filled audience.

One of the video feeds from a school was upside down, so they figured they'd accommodate the ceiling-flipped students.

All in all a fun show. All four are full-time firefighter/paramedics with Keller Fire-Rescue. They aren't afraid to get silly in the name of fire education!

It's hard to resist a silly hat

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

It helps that both my kids are total hams!

The Buddy System

2009-10-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

Want professional family portraits for the holidays? To give as gifts? To incorporate into custom Christmas cards? To mark the end of another special year? Want to save some money? Have I got the plan for you!

The Buddy System allows you to invite up to two friends and their families for a mini portrait session, to split the session fee among you. The session can take place at the location of your choice, include one of your homes. Each family will be photographed individually, but can also be combined for other photos if desired. The combined session may not last as long as an individual family session, but the result is the same: beautiful images of your family and each of its members, preserved for the ages. Experience them every day with lab-quality prints and gift products. Share them with others.

Buddy System-Two Families
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $125 per family. Splitting the cost is twice as nice!

Buddy System-Three Families
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $100 per family. Save $150 per family on the individual family session fee!

Buddy System-Family Reunion
• Group shot of all family members when they are all related.
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $100 per family (four-family minimum). Get together!

Standard Family Session
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• $50 credit toward prints and products.
• Included 25 holiday cards featuring images of your family.
• Session cost: $250. Isn't it time for a custom family portrait?

Contact me today, as Christmas will be here before you know it: todd@toddovermanphoto.com.

A ride on the Pumpkin Express

2009-10-19T11:39:00.002-05:00

The boys had a great time at the Pumpkin Express, a pumpkin patch and train ride in Argyle. I highly recommend this patch over the two more famous ones in Flower Mound ... it was busy the day we went but never felt like it. For me, it was great to finally get out of the house after being flu-ish for a week. What a great weekend to feel better!

My partner in crime

2009-10-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

My household has gotten bitten by the flu bug pretty hard. After my wife and older son got the flu, it was only a matter of time before it bit me. Fortunately, when the younger boy started to get feverish, we were able to get medicine to squash the bug before it took over. The end result is the same: he and I have been home together trying to recover.

The orange on his face is marker – his immediate reaction when finding any marker is to draw on himself. Lately that's included his face, legs and feet. He is really a fun, crazy kid! He has been talking coherently enough for meaningful conversations since he was 18 months old (he turns 3 this December). Still, he can't explain his fascination with body art.

Thankfully, I'm feeling a lot better but am not yet 100 percent. The timing has just about knocked out any chance of us attending this year's State Fair of Texas – even though we've got the free tickets to go. Real disappointed about that! This is the last weekend, and Saturday being the Texas-OU game I'm not sure we will be up to braving the crowds. That is, if I'm up for leaving the house.

Portraits: Capturing the whole family

2009-10-09T23:18:00.004-05:00

This is Max, our beloved Border collie, who is the best dog in the world.*

Pets fill a special place in our lives that nobody or no other thing can. So when it comes time to create lasting family portraits, don't forget the special family members who make every day special! Pets are also good subjects for Christmas cards – unfailingly photogenic even on bad hair days.

With paid portrait sessions now until Nov. 30, receive 25 Christmas cards as part of your fulfillment package. Now, what are you waiting for?

*Nothing against your pet, but Max rocks!

Soggy day @ the orchard

2009-10-02T11:34:00.002-05:00

I was able to visit Henrietta Creek Orchard on Thursday with my son's first-grade class (and a lot of other parents). The day started with heavy rain that waned slightly while we were there, but pretty much kept the proceedings soggy. The kids, however, seemed to have a great time. One sad thing was that two seasons' worth of crops have been affected by either an unexpected freeze in the spring or hungry parasites. It's still a neat place to visit, although suburban sprawl is getting awfully close to this family farm/paradise.

Going West!

2009-09-29T11:04:00.002-05:00

The City of Keller's annual Wild Wild West Fest at Bear Creek Park was cool. We didn't stay too long, so I focused on getting shots I missed from last year. Namely, the "Children's Stick-Horse Rodeo," which is a lot of fun. Although I was shooting photos for the city, the ones I posted here don't clearly show children's faces. Some of my other shots show their excitement as they rode stickhorses during barrel racing. Fun stuff! The last shot is of the tractor pull, which is loud, dusty and a blast to watch.

A helping hand

2009-09-28T00:14:00.003-05:00

When my oldest son – unprompted – helps his brother put his shoe back on, it's priceless! Being four years apart, they get along well most of the time. Watching your kids grow up is such bittersweet joy. You want them to grow up, yet some days you want them to stay young and dependent on you. All that passes when a toy his haphazardly thrown across the living room. Or someone yet again spills something sticky all over the kitchen floor.

Parenthood is grand!

Group perspectives

2009-09-24T15:43:00.003-05:00

This was a photo I was asked to take at the last minute. That, coupled with the fact that I should have been doing something else, caused me to overlook things such as feet and hand placement. But thankfully, these ladies are all photogenic, had pleasant expressions and all their eyes were open. Who can really ask for anything more?

I've taken a lot of group photos, and the best perspective seems to be from at least slightly above your subjects (especially for us otherwise short people). Main issue with shooting where I did was that the floor is extremely reflective. I had to photoshop out the reflections of two strip lights behind them. Other than that, this is what it looked like out of the camera. Success!

None of these ladies needed any help with looking fine, but having subjects look up into the camera can stretch out necks and faces ... a good technique for slimming those who could use a little bit of that.

A quick trip to Austin

2009-09-22T11:55:00.003-05:00

My wife had a business meeting on Austin the end of last week, so we decided to make it an overnight family trip. We didn't have much time to do a whole lot, but we did do the short hike up Mt. Bonnell. We also stopped in Salado on the way back, ate lunch and visited a little pumpkin patch. Good times! We'll have to plan another trip soon.

Caught in the rain!

2009-09-15T15:30:00.006-05:00

The rain stopped briefly yesterday, so I decided to head out to take some photos for a city-related project I'm working on. Went to the historic area and got some shots of houses (and ended up talking to the resident historian, which was cool), then decided to head to the Keller ISD Athletics Complex for a few quick photos. Was cloudy yesterday, but still "dry" as I took a few photos from one end of the field (first photo above). The I decided to head up to the stands in front of the press box for an overall shot (second photo). Then, of course, it started to rain. Hard. My car is highlighted in the cropped image (third photo).

I'm not skeered of raindrops, but my camera gear doesn't like it. Had my camera and lens, with the bag back at the office. Traveling light, don't you know? Ended up putting my cam under my shirt as I made my way back to the car. Such is the life of an intrepid photographer!

Moral to the story: if there's even the slightest chance of rain, protect any sensitive equipment. Better yet, put off until tomorrow what wasn't safe to do today!

Crossing a bridge!

2009-09-11T15:20:00.004-05:00

The covered pedestrian bridge at Bear Creek Park in Keller has got to be one of the most over-photographed things in town (aside from the old water tower). Today during my lunchbreak I attempted to find a slightly different angle that didn't require getting in the ditch in front of it (which I've done before) or climbing a tree. A little more depth of field with a family on bicycles, along with a clear blue sky, would make this shot perfect for me.

I've taken a different shot before with City of Keller workers in a boat tied to the bridge, working to free debris washed down under the bridge after heavy rains. That's something you don't see every day!

Trying to find another angle on something that's photographed over and over is a real challenge. Take structures such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. All you can hope for is either an interesting sky or some other object walking/driving/floating past to add something new to oft-retreaded images. Putting your family in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa might work, but will it really be interesting? I don't know ... fly us over there and I'll let you know. :-)

Final ad

2009-09-09T23:04:00.002-05:00

I thought this turned out pretty well. It will be a half-page in the PTA phone directory for my son's school, and I hope it gets some attention.

Did it get your attention? Give me a call to set up YOUR professional portrait session today!

Let the labor begin!

2009-09-07T22:21:00.004-05:00

Now that Labor Day is over (and my birthday was last week), summer is officially over. Even the weather is a little nicer. Sure, it's still hot, but the oven is starting to cool, the fever has finally broken from our recent dog days. With school back in session, too, our house is running on eight cylinders, cooking with gas, *insert "we're busy" metaphor here*. It's full steam ahead for my business, too. I'll be trying new things to get the word out about me and what I do. For sure, when someone needs a photographer, please think of me and pass on my information!

The above photo is my nephew taken about a year ago, when he turned 3. I'm considering using it for a print ad I'm placing this week. Who can resist such a face?

When it's time for photos, give me a call or shoot me an e-mail. It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas cards, gifts and more! The holidays will be here before we know it.

Todd Overman
817-675-1143
todd@toddovermanphoto.com
www.toddovermanphoto.com

Driving lessons

2009-09-01T17:02:00.003-05:00

My oldest son "taught" my youngest son to drive the Powerwheels Jeep earlier this month. They had an absolute blast. Sometimes they make taking photos of them really, really easy!

Vincent Van Gogh in action!

2009-08-30T21:43:00.003-05:00

More sensitive than GI Joe ... more artistic than Superman ... it's Vincent Van Gogh! This isn't really ours, but we had it for the weekend (long story). So I decided to have a little fun with the late Dutch-born artist in the back yard.

1. and 2. added bandage after the poor guy did *something* to his ear.
3. Little swinging for Vin.
4. He needed to take a little, uh, "break" and couldn't make it inside.
5. That's not Photoshopped, people. His little head pops off and flies into the air. Found out later it's because the original set came with two interchangeable heads (one with a bandage on his ear). Freaky!
6. VVG takes control of a large green rabbit.

Anyone looking to buy an SUV?

2009-08-28T10:13:00.003-05:00

So this old guy up for sale this morning. Looks like original paint (and possibly exhaust system), lots of room for the whole family, natural "air conditioning." The deal-breaker might be the driver's seat, which isn't the original. In fact, it's a cinder block!

Happy motoring!