My week in photos, Dec. 13-20

One of the kids made a Christmas tree out of an ice cream cone, icing and candy at church. Not sure why we kept the thing in the fridge for a week!


This shot is of an anti-bullying program at a school. The game of tug-of-war capped a two-day workshop.


My wife ran over something with her car that ended up denting the front left rim. Spare me!


A good bottle of root beer cures most ills.


J and Z swing in the back yard. We did this again today, but it was so warm they were wearing shorts.


Batman enjoys a muffin.

"Me love Christmas cookies!"

10 Ways to Spot an Amateur Photographer Posing as a Professional

With the holidays on the horizon, many families might be looking to hire a professional photographer to capture images of them for a greeting card, or to use as gifts. That's an excellent idea! But beware of hiring just anyone. If you're going to spend the money, make sure you are most likely to walk away a satisfied customer.

1. They don't charge sales tax. Texas State Law requires any business that produces a physical product – photography included, even if fees are charged only for services, collect local sales tax. It's free and easy to register online on the State Comptroller's Web site.

2. That physical product comes in the form of a CD with all the images on it. Those images are usually unedited, and may include all the images taken during a session. Even the most seasoned pro takes some photographs that just don't work, and those should never see the light of day – much less be burned to a disc and handed to a client. Moreover, images on CD is a lazy way to deliver them and lacks a crucial component of the service industry – providing customer service. Much better is the ability to buy prints, special products or even framed art that needs nothing more than a hammer, nail and location to hang it. In the case of greeting cards, a well-connected pro will offer card-printing services as well (with included envelopes!).

3. They use the selective color method A LOT. There are a few times having a predominantly black-and-white photo feature a splash of color is neat. However, 99 percent of the time the effect takes the focus off the main subject of the image. That defeats the purpose of taking the photo in the first place. Just because you CAN do it, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

4. Their portfolio includes at least one person posing on railroad tracks. With a few exceptions involving static train displays, railroad tracks are off limits, and most certainly are private property. Venturing onto active tracks is not only dangerous, but against the law. Plus, such shots border on cliche. If you must (and I have), find an unused portion that is little-used and permitted for such use, or seek permission from the owner of the tracks.

5. They advertise on Craigslist. While there are legitimate professional photographers who do this, most don't. Experienced portrait artists often avoid being lumped in with the "others." If you are shopping based on price, avoid Craigslist altogether and go for a high-volume studio. Your images will look just like everybody else's, but at least you will get them.

6. Their prices are extremely low compared to the standard market fee for similar services. This is often because they haven't figured out what it costs them to sell photos, and so they won't be in business for long. They also figure undercutting the other photographers out there will bring them lots of business. It might, but burnout is a good possibility. Certainly, the quality and reliability of their work comes into serious question. You get what you pay for, sometimes you don't get what you pay for in those situations. Many professionals always work with a contract that spells out costs and services provided, even among friends.

7. Their photos are too dark, too bright, fuzzy or have people and important objects chopped out of the frame. Sadly, many consumers can't tell the difference between excellent, decent, OK and horrible photos. That's usually because photographs, even bad ones, have an emotional pull when people or pets we love are featured. But if you're going to pay for photography, judge a photographer's portfolio objectively. Are the photos pleasing? Not just cute … are they technically stellar or any better than you can take yourself? If the answer is no, don't hire that person! An even worse indictment is a portfolio full of boring shots.

8. Photography, like many other things (think "golf") and "fishing", depends on having equipment to do the job. The photographer (or golfer/fisherman) has the most control of whether his or her work is done well. A photographer cannot be judged on equipment alone – certainly anyone can buy the best and pretend. But serious photographers, ones who have done their homework and built up experience, will – when profits allow – invest in themselves and their business with better equipment. Philosophical discussions aside, the camera DOES matter, if only in showing commitment. Quality lenses make more of a difference in the final product than the camera. Quality equipment overall allows a skilled photographer to get consistent results during every shoot, no matter the situation. Also, a professional photographer should always have at least two cameras, two lenses and backup lighting if it is being used.

9. Lack of confidence. If anyone shows a lack of confidence in his or her abilities, they should practice and become adept before hanging out a shingle. Do or do not, there is no try! It is unfair for paying clients to fund the learning process. Sure, there are challenges … a professional will be confident in meeting them. There are talented beginners out there, but when spending your money, trust someone with solid and varied experience.

10. You can't always tell. It's not about memberships to national photography associations, and it's not about having the biggest camera (see No. 8). Work speaks for itself. Sadly, there are photographers who have been caught using others' work on their Web sites. Demeanor should tell a lot, but there are actors out there who will put on a happy front just to get your money. Buyer beware, and take a hard look into a photographer's abilities before forking over your hard-earned cash.

There's more ways to spot someone not ready to produce good work but quite ready to take your money. More important, however, are the ways to spot a professional. Most are willing to give you references, show you work and talk openly about their philosophies and experience.

Todd's Top Ten Photo Tips

Implement any one of Todd's Top Ten Photo Tips and with practice you're photos can't help but get better. See below for a description of the image above.*

1. Get closer to your subject.

Why: Most point-and-shoot cameras and lenses geared toward beginners are wide (they include a lot of the scene in your images), so that your main subjects will often get lost in the background unless you get closer. Many small cameras also have automatic flash that will hit your subjects directly; for it to work you can't be across the room. And for getting closer, don't just zoom in with the lens: use your feet!

2. Don't get too close to your subject.

Why: The same wide-angle lens will distort objects and faces, making them look unnatural and unflattering. Any flash you use will also blow out (make too bright) objects too close to you.

3. Pay attention to the background.

Why: If you are photographing a person, for example, you don't want tree branches, light poles or other objects appear to sprout from their heads. Unless this adds to the story, avoid people or random cars in the background. Watch what a horizon line does to a person's head, or what vertical lines do. Elements that tell a story or give a sense of place are great, but make sure they relate well to your subject for a pleasing image.

4. Pay attention to the composition.

Why: Many amateurs will put their main subjects directly in the center of the frame. Sometimes, by sheer luck, that composition works. Most of the time, though, it is boring. Add a little interest by having some room to either side. There is a guideline called "The Rule of Thirds" where if you divide a photo into thirds horizontally and vertically, your subject's placement on one of the intersections more often than not can produce a pleasing composition.

5. Pay attention to the light.

Why: There must be enough light, good light and coming from a pleasing direction. Light is the most important element often beyond our control as photographers. Putting subjects facing direct sunlight makes them squint. If the sun is overhead, their eye sockets will be in shadow and it won't flatter them. If the sun is behind them, this can kiss them from behind but could render their faces extremely underexposed (in complete shadow) or silhouette. Flash, if you know how to use it, can remedy a backlit subject, but sometimes the bright sun will fool your camera. Often the most flattering portraits come from strong sidelight, which can create pleasing shadows and dimension to a face (or a nonhuman subject). Indoor lighting is rarely enough for small cameras, so go outside in daylight when photos are purposeful. Find even shade – not dappled with bright and dark areas – and start there.

6. Pay attention to poses.

Why: If you are photographing a large group, try to have them sit or stand about the same distance from the camera. If you don't, particularly with a wide-angle lens, the people in front will look much larger than the people behind them. For poses, there are a slew of rules out there that can't be given due time in a bulleted list. Basically, in a pinch eliminate any poses people put themselves into that don't look natural or don't fit into the rest of the group. Pro tip: showing the back of a woman's hand directly toward the camera is a sure way to give her "man hands." They should be positioned so a thin side is most visible.

7. Check your equipment beforehand.

Why: Nothing ruins a planned photoshoot or trip to take pics more quickly than not having a camera that works. Test it beforehand, take spare batteries and memory cards, too.

8. Shoot a lot of photos in the beginning.

Why: Hands-on experience is a great way to learn, but to learn you need to begin understanding what works. As you improve, take fewer photos. Why? Editing photos will become a chore, and storing/printing/using them will become something you just don't do anymore. Once you've gained confidence, create meaningful images.

9. Focus.

Why: Focus not only what you are doing, but improve your camera-focusing technique. Digital editing can (somewhat) rescue under- or overexposed images, and cropping can fix some compositional woe. Objects can even be added or removed to improve a photo. But if it is out of focus, an image is basically worthless. That is, unless the subject matter is so rare or special, that focus does not matter. Or the unfocused image is some kind of artistic experiment.

10. Have fun.

Why: That can be the most important thing about image-making. Lately, having fun has been such an important goal to me that I leave my camera at home. Most people, I think, find taking photos to be great fun – even when those photos are not technically good (in any way, shape or form). This is a good thing. I hope that means people value photography, although the jury is still out on whether the general public can tell the difference between stellar photos and barely good ones. Making that distinction is a challenge for the professional photographer today!

*The above image was an impromptu shot of a dancer before her group performed at a school event. I was talking to a colleague and just happened to see her leaning against the pole. I attempted to use light, composition, focus and color to create a pleasing image.

Has it really been that long?

I've become one of those people who are just too busy to spend a lot of time updating various online facades! The insanity! Is it because blogging, for me at least, seems so 2003? It's all about Facebook now (and my mom still has more friends than I do).

Since April, I've been working a great, new full-time gig that involves creative energies including taking lots of photos. If it's been a busy week – and it usually has – that means my creative juices aren't bursting to escape as much as they used to. Even more, family activities take away any free time I have to spend on pursuing more photo business. The end result? I haven't pursued much of it.

However, I relish the opportunities that come my way. Now that money is no longer the priority, I can pick and choose what I want to do photographically. I can pursue quality projects rather than a specific number of jobs. What does that mean for you? A more customized experience, images that you can't get anywhere else and a higher level of customer service. I know in the past I have not always fulfilled my professional obligations as well as I wanted to. The images may have been terrific, but something fell short in the delivery. That won't happen again.

With my renewed energy and focus – still primarily on family portraiture – I also want to share a few tips to make your own photography better. It's those moments where it's just you and the ones you love that can produce the most genuine images. My tips won't focus on buying the latest and greatest gear; that alone won't make you a good photographer. More important is knowing how to read light, compose your subjects in relation to their environment and focus, focus, focus. I hope you will benefit and share your own photographic experiences along the way.

And if you're looking for a professional photographer, I'm your guy!

A little bit of camera magic

The above image (click to enlarge) is a composite of five separate photographs. It was taken at a school board meeting when I was in quite a bind. Even with my widest lens mounted to the camera (17 mm), there was little chance I was going to capture the entire group. I couldn't back up because there were seats directly behind me. I had no options for securing an elevated position (great for group shots) because this was but one of several groups I was charged to photograph.

So what did I do? I asked the group to hold as still as possible, and then took several photos, turning my camera to focus on a particular part of the group. I tried to keep the camera level from shot to shot so that the perspectives would line up. Once back in the office, I chose what I considered the five best images of each section. In Photoshop CS5, I selected File/Automate/Photomerge and selected the five photos. The software did its best to line everything up, and with a few nudges and fixes from me, the end result is pictured here.

Not perfect by any means, but I was pleased that it turned out so well. Some of their expressions are a little off, but that can't be helped in a large group of subjects this age. This technique is fairly easy to manage and would be highly effective for landscapes with a wide field of view. A few helpful tips:

• Switch your camera's settings to manual mode or aperture value. You want the same aperture throughout so that the focus depth won't change.

• Use a tripod. This will help you keep the frames level in relation to each other.

• Overlap your shots a little to aid the software's merging of the images.

• If you adjust each image before the merge, ensure that you are consistent in those adjustments.

• Try a lot of different things and see what you like best.

• Not just for wide horizontal shots, capture a tall building or other vertical object in the same way (helpful if your tripod can mount your camera sideways for vertical captures).

Little signs of Spring

I stopped by the Grapevine Botanic Gardens last week to take a few quick snaps of Spring. It's a nice respite from traffic nearby, along Ball Street not far from the city's historic downtown. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. The coming season promises a good blooming time, but there is already some color to see.

Apparently, although signs are still posted, there is no longer a professional photography fee. That means clients who are seeking a park-like experience (the gardens) and a classic downtown/urban/train depot feel (downtown) can now be conveniently photographed in Grapevine without costs above my fee. The area offers fantastic variety in a setting that is easier to navigate than, say, downtown Fort Worth or Dallas. Let's do it: todd@toddovermanphoto.com.

Enjoying your vacation photos

Spring Break is winding down (cue kids booing here). If you traveled during the week, chances are you have some photos of the good times. Before digital photography became the standard, we'd come home, drop off the rolls of film at the store and have an envelope full of 4x6 prints. To get the most out of our digital files, we at least have to get them off the camera. Sometimes they'll languish untouched on the computer until we forget about them. I urge you ... break the cycle!

My wife has a lengthy slideshow of her favorite images on her computer at work (and her work laptop). That's a great way to enjoy the photos, for sure. She also has some on her cell phone (me, too), and that allows us to see vacation pics at the touch of a button. The problem with leaving precious memories solely to electronic devices is that they all fail eventually. Besides backing up photos you care about to disc, consider these options:

• Have a favorite photo blown up and framed to use as wall art. The photograph of the sandals was an impromptu moment almost seven years ago when we took our oldest son to the beach for the first time. It was taken with my film SLR and enlarged from a 35 mm negative. I consider it an alternative family portrait, and it reminds us of the time and place every time we look at it. With effective algorithm interpolation programs (software that enlarges digital photos by boosting pixel size mathematically), even shots from small-sensor point-and-shoot cameras can be brought to poster size.

• Print out photos in a normal size and put them in a collage frame. The montage pictured above comprises images from several trips and vacations. The frame is actually the front of my wife's jewelry box, so she sees the images every day. We'll swap them out over time as we collect updated pictures, saving the prints in an album to view at other times.

• Build a photo album. If you're into scrapbooking, turning your vacation photos and souvenirs into a fun book is a no-brainer. For the rest of us, there are myriad options in uploading photos, using a quick and easy service and creating a printed album of photos worthy of any bookshelf.

• Use the image on personalized greeting cards. Like photo albums, there are a ton of services out there for easy creation of postcards and greeting cards. Not only does that let you enjoy a special photo, but you can share it with friends and family via snail-mail. Uploading to a social networking site such as Facebook is a good start, but Aunt Hilda can't put those on her refrigerator. In addition, many services offer you the chance to add your photo to gift products (think T-shirts, mugs, calendars, jigsaw puzzles).

• Create a DVD slideshow of images set to music. This keeps the files on electronic media for posterity and easy viewing on a DVD player. Downside: it hearkens to the days when Grandma would pull out the slide projector and show off 3,000 images from her cruise to Italy. Or worse: the same number of slides of random, ho-hum family moments. Upside: your DVD of images can be viewed by large groups at one time and, most likely, won't have 3,000 images in it.

These are just a few possibilities to what you can do with vacation (or any favorite) photos. The sky is the limit, as new and innovative products become available often. Some exciting examples are available only to professional photographers, however. If you'd like to learn more about those, give me a shout at todd@toddovermanphoto.com.

Keeping your vacation alive!

Going somewhere on Spring Break or later this summer? Taking photographs is a great way to document your trip, your family's growth and can serve as a visual reminder of all the fun long after it's over. At the end of this post are 10 tips for having fun while taking pictures on vacation.








Ten Vacation Photography Tips

1. Before you leave home, check that your camera is functioning and that you've got plenty of spare batteries/memory cards/film (if that's how you roll). Take any accessories you enjoy using, including a flash or tripod, different lenses if your camera takes more than one, and a comfortable way to carry it all on your travels.

2. Don't forget to use your camera, but don't let it spoil your fun. A vacation is about relaxing and interacting with your family or friends. Know when to put the thing down, too!

3. Take lots of photos! Just refer to No. 2 if you find yourself with a camera in your hand too often.

4. If you want to move beyond snapshots, buy a book on travel photography (or check one out from your library). Paying attention to backgrounds, composition and light will help you create images that stand out. Also, ensure you know how to operate the most important functions on your camera before your trip begins.

5. When taking photos of landmarks, include members of your traveling party. The porthole of the tall ship Elissa in Galveston, Texas, is an interesting photo subject. The historic ship came alive when my son poked his head through with a funny expression. The image is more meaningful because he's a part of it, too.

6. If you'll be at the beach, as we were for our trip last year to Surfside and Galveston, protect your gear from the elements as best as you can. If you have a camera with interchangeable lenses, I recommend NOT changing lenses outside. The slightest bit of sand on your digital sensor can spell disaster, as can saltwater.

7. Put your camera strap around your neck. Even if it's not something you normally do elsewhere, a strap is cheap insurance against dropping your rig in the water, on the beach, on the concrete, down a wishing well. You'll wish you'd been wearing your strap if that happens!

8. If you have a cell phone like an iPhone, you can actually get some decent snapshots with it in the right conditions. Consider downloading applications that aid you in the capture and editing of photos. Sometimes the right camera is the one you have with you.

9. Don't forget to include yourself in some of the photos, either by handing your camera to someone else for camera duty (someone you know, preferably), to using a tripod and employing the self-timer or a remote shutter release.

10. After all is said and done, view your photos, cull through the keepers and then pick your favorites. Do something with them rather than letting your images languish on your computer's hard drive or on DVDs/CDs. The point is enjoying your photos, right? Life was a little simpler when we shot a few rolls of film, had them processed and then got prints without having to do any extra work. With digital, the photos need a little push to paper to make them useful sometimes. If not printing your favorite images, load them onto a digital photo frame or mobile device for sharing. Viewing them, even on your phone was wallpaper, can take you back to that happy place.

Bluebonnets!

Bluebonnets are not only a harbinger of Spring, but also of Texas pride. They are the Texas state flower, and it's only natural that any native Texan (or "foreign"-born resident) should want to capture the blossoms along with their cute kids. I've photographed my niece around her birthday for the past two years in a secluded patch of the lovely flowers. See a few tips on capturing the moments at the end of this article.





Tips for photographing your family in bluebonnets:

• Safety first. Don't be tempted by patches of bluebonnets that are too close to roads and highways. If you can, find a more quiet area where there is no traffic. Also, be aware of fire ants, which come alive during wet spring weather and like bluebonnet fields, too.

• Wildflowers tend to grow best in bright, open fields where sunlight is abundant. If you come across a nice spot during mid-day, you're going to contend with bright sun. Bad thing: it can wash out the color of the flowers. If the light is bright, don't face your family into the sun, as the brightness will make them squint. Position your subjects so light falls to the side/slightly behind them. Focus on eyes and faces and fire away. The ultimate is to photograph in the early morning or early evening, when the sun is lower in the sky. This creates beautiful, directional light. But that's not always practical when you're traveling. Shooting directly into the sun will wash out the sky as well, so avoid that if you can. If your camera will allow you to use a flash in bright light, use it to add sparkle to the eyes and fill in some of the potential shadows.

• If a background is distracting or ugly, put the camera higher so you are photographing down onto the flowers. That way, you can hide the horizon if necessary. Your subjects, surrounded by flowers, will be the main subjects.

• Props can add a little punch to your photos. Above, my oldest son holds a picture frame. We were shooting at mid-day, and the colors aren't as rich as I'd like. The bluebonnet field was a little disappointing that year, too. Think about old chairs, or a special family blanket, etc. Adding an extra element can make your images that much more special and unique.

• Get into the flowers yourself. Invest in a cheap tripod, set up your camera (ensuring it's steady and won't tip in any wind) and use the self-timer (it delays the release of the shutter so that you can get into position).

For fellow Texans, the Texas Department of Transportation maintains a Web site this time of year that collects reports of wildflowers. You can find it here.

With lots of precipitation this winter, I'm hoping for a spectacular wildflower season. This is going to be the year I get some frame-worthy portraits of my sons – both of them native Texans – amid a field bursting with bluebonnets. I would love the opportunity to photograph your family among wildflowers this year. Give me a shout at todd@toddovermanphoto.com, and we'll keep an eye on the blooms and find the perfect time, date and place to create art worthy of your walls.

Countertop Hot Rods

I've always loved Hot Wheels cars. What's not to love? Bright colors, stunning design and the promise of speed, all for less than $1. Now that I'm a father, my kids continue to enjoy the cars I played with as well as new ones of their own. These are straightforward hot-rod models, but I love the cleverness that goes into the artistry and naming of some of Hot Wheels' cars. My dream job? To work with the team that comes up with the latest designs.

Photo details: I photographed both of these cars on my kitchen counter with a 100 f/2.8 macro lens, which lets me get in close and produce 1:1 ratio of object-to-image. Mounted on a tripod, I used a small LED flashlight to add some highlights and shadow. Shutter was at 1/8th of a second, f/20, and ISO 800.

For the birds

These aren't the most exciting shots, but I'm proud of them because I've been trying for more than a year to get a good, clean shot of a great blue heron. Today, the coming cold weather is making them flock together and act crazy. That gave me several chances to catch one. The four images above are of the same bird. I got fairly close to him before he took off and then followed him until he was out of range. You can click on the images for a larger view.

Shooting wildlife and sports are two areas in which equipment matters. Ultimately, I'd have at least a 300 mm lens (this was taken with the long end of a 70-200 zoom). Working with what I have, I had to get close to the elusive creatures. They are really skittish, probably tired of being chased by chatty children and beleagured photographers. I can now leave them alone ... until I get my hands on that 300 mm lens!

Photography as a diversion

I feel fortunate to be working as a part-time contractor. Sure, I miss full-time pay. The flexibility, however, is awesome. Whenever I need a break, I might take a walk outside. These first two photos were taken from the office where I work a couple of days a week. I noticed the gentleman fishing and loved his classic-looking outfit and the reflections. This was taken a little after lunchtime one day.


I stepped onto the back patio as the sun was setting (and I was about to begin my night duties at my job), and the man was still there. He was no longer fishing, but rather just enjoying the scene. For me, his enjoying the scene was part of the scene.


For this casual shot, I liked the way the sign contrasted with the relaxing pasture on the other side of the barbed wire. Where I was, there was a public park and hiking trail. A few steps further down the trail, there was a curious llama, but he was in too much shadow to fire off a good shot without stepping closer and spooking him.

Taking random photos is one way I like to beat stress (besides bicycling, jogging or taking a nap). You don't need a fancy camera or any plan to do it. Just go.

Inside Cowboys Stadium

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!

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!

Group perspectives

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.

Caught in the rain!

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!

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. :-)

Court trials

I shed some of my sports-shooting rust on Saturday during an invitational volleyball tournament. I've got a long way to go before I'm back in the swing of things. Seems like my days many years of ago shooting film were actually easier, but that just might be the cloud of time fogging my memory. Volleyball is incredibly difficult to photograph anyhow (at least for me). I learned a lot from Saturday's trials on the court:

• Zoom in to isolate players. You can tell I did that on the first shot but not the second. That second image is way too cluttered!
• Find different angles. I was somewhat limited because there were five games going on next to each other. I stuck to the very ends, and it shows in my photos. Should be easier when it comes time to photograph a single game without all the distractions and balls whizzing past my head.
• Machine-gun it. I'm not used to that at all, preferring to take maybe a few shots in quick succession during a portrait session to catch expressions. But with sports a quick burst could yield the money shot that taking your time makes you miss.
• Study others' sports photographs for ideas and to see what is pleasing about theirs.
• Read, practice, lather, rinse and repeat! Practice is usually the best medicine.

Spinning wheels, got to go 'round!

I took a few long-exposure shots Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at the Keller Lions Club Fair in Keller, Texas. This involves putting the camera on a tripod and leaving the shutter open to capture the lights (and sometimes passersby) in motion. The key is to release the shutter without shaking the camera so that immobile people and objects in your image will be sharp and in focus, contrasting against the gut-wrenching effect of the rides in fast motion.

The first one is a yammy-inducing merry-go-round. The name of the second ride escapes me, but this shot makes it look painful. The third is The Kamikaze, sometimes depicted as a pirate ship or rocket, that rocks back and forth before spinning all the way around. The third is the Starship thing (it was called "The Gravitron" in my day) that spins you around until the support you're leaning against slides up to the ceiling.

Good times!

An enduring family portait

This family photo has survived untold decades, although it is starting to show some wear (and has a rip on the right). I'd like to tell you that it is my great-great grandpappy Jebidiah Overman, his wife Hannah Patience Sampson-Overman, and their son Willy James Overman. But the fact is, I have no idea who these people were!

The image was in a beautifully appointed frame when I first saw it, and that's what caught my eye as I drove past. Someone was throwing the framed photo away. Me, being an unashamed Curb Shopper, swooped in to rescue the frame. The photo was a pleasant bonus. I forgot I had the photo – since removed from its safe haven in the frame – until I rediscovered it recently. The image is inked over in several places (note the man's strange hands and the gloves drawn over the woman's hands), surely an early Photoshop user in the making. There were no telltale incriptions to firmly date or place the image or name its subjects. I plan to do some research into at least the type of image and when the aforementioned embellishments were common.

With today's modern printing processes and inks, the hope is that family portraits will be enjoyed for generations. That was probably the case with the antique portrait, although I'm guessing the lack of sentimentality from its previous owners was more because it was an antique-store find rather than a treasured family heirloom. The point being, all those digital photos of your family you're taking now? Print some of them! Stick them in an album. Make them into a photo book! Have your favorites printed large and frame them, enjoying them on your wall. Out of sight out of mind ... we forget about photos we've taken, but also hard drives crash. CDs scratch. Photos can so easily be lost forever. All we have to do is take a cue from the past and see that printing is a lasting way to preserve photos that also lets us enjoy them.

Better yet, why not take the time to have a professional family portrait made this summer? Whether you want a traditional photograph more akin to the one pictured above (without those whack lace gloves) or something that shows your family's unique personalities in a favorite setting, give me a call! There will be no time exactly like now. Preserve the moment now, pass down that portrait through generations and, maybe someday, it will show up on the curb for someone else to enjoy.