If I can get just one good shot: The Blacksmith

It has been a long time since I have posted a photoblog…and a long time since I shot today’s photo. At Christmas time here in Pennsylvania they re-enact George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River with his troops. Only this year, the water level was too high and moving too swiftly, so there was no re-enactment. In addition to the costumed soldiers who do the crossing, there was a man working in the old blacksmith shop. The shop was dark and too full of spectators…but there was a moment that the light started to stream through an upper window…and the crowd in front of me started to disperse, and for a full 4-5 seconds, this scene appeared. It was the only “keeper” of the day.

The face tells a story

There are certain people who are inherently appealing to photograph. Most of my male photo buddies are drawn to lovely female models. I am drawn to faces that tell of a journey. While it is legal to shoot anyone in a public venue, I struggle with the ethics of taking these photos…of photographing them BECAUSE they are different, because their life appears to be so tragic. Everything about this man, who walks the streets of the upscale Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, speaks of hardship, disappointment and sadness. Does he get enough to eat? Where does he sleep? Is there anyone in his life who loves him? Did he lose his family? Did he serve in Viet Nam? Does anyone talk to him, or is he fearfully avoided because of his appearance? I worked part time for a non-profit organization that served people facing homelessness. The Director there said about a man who came into the office seeking support, “That man could be Jesus.” She saw him with a heart full of love, acceptance and hope. When I look at my own picture, I remind myself to treat everyone with an open heart…not just a long lens.

Mother-to-be

Yesterday I photographed a lovely mother to be. The woman was so beautiful and was open to anything (not to mention sweetly patient when my dog entered the studio and sat down with her on the background and gazed up at her with complete affection). This morning I quickly reviewed the images and stopped at the first one I liked and played for a few minutes. Above is a final image extracted from the original below.  I am suddenly so taken with the beauty of the human form. I – who until a few months ago insisted I was NOT a people shooter – was reveling in wrapping a woman with her own wedding veil and celebrating the miracle that is the creation of life … and my task in the creation of art. I continue to open new chapters in my own growth.

Revolutionary

Chatting up the docent at Washington’s Headquarters in Valley Forge Park, Pennsylvania, led to his donning his jacket and posing for a few quick shots. I liked the focused shot just on the uniform best.

July 4th Parade

I met the most colorful people at the local July 4th parade!

The Stories Behind the Photos

When I started shooting formal portraits, I quickly realized that interacting with and learning about my subjects appeals to me as much as the finished photos. The mischievous little girl in the white taffeta communion dress is far more interesting to me when I include the fire engine red cast. I find satisfaction when I can put the very nervous professional colleague at ease and she finally  lets go of  the cringing, “I know this photo is going to suck” look and we get the most amazing photos she’s ever had.

Trained as a journalist, I still take the photos that tell the story that I find to be interesting and provide them as “outtakes” along with the contact sheet/proofs.

The Dogs of New York’s Central Park

I love to photograph in New York’s Central Park.

Since falling completely in love with my dog, I have developed a new passion for photographing dogs. I believe this is a whippet.

Getting Away from Cliches

To me, most baby pictures look pretty much the same: baby lying on blanket with fuzzy duckies, baby on belly with blanket over her head. They are photographic cliches. Then there are the goofy but adorable Anne Geddes shots. I tried a minimalist approach when photographing this babe. I used no flash or studio lighting, just the light from a window and one table lamp. On the black background, the attention is focused completely on vulnerability of the child – his curled toes, his clenched fists and his full tummy.

The mother has written me twice thanking me for these images.

Image used with parental permission.

Hardware Store Helper

I am drawn to characters like this gentleman who works at a local, old-fashioned hardware store – the kind that has wooden plank floors and a dog lying in the corner.

Life at Fort Ticonderoga

A Revolutionary era re-enactor at Fort Ticonderoga, NY. I don’t consider myself a people shooter, but I love this photograph. I had only had my Canon a few days and was not adept at working it yet. The light situation was difficult…but overall I like the effect. It reminds me of a Vermeer painting.