I had someone e-mail the other day asking for more information on a lighthouse image I photographed along the southern Washington State coast.

This wasn't your ordinary e-mail.  The photographer was having problems finding exactly where I took the image.  So he sent me a google map of the area showing in fine detail an overhead view of the lighthouse and surrounding areas.  I was able to e-mail him back, giving him real time info on how far north he needed to go to connect to a back road to get to the trail head and the bluff where I took the photos.

We used to enjoy the ride, finding images and letting serendipity change our shooting schedule and just enjoying the journey of taking images.  Now, you can zero in on any location, anytime and know the exact place you need to stand and shoot from with apps that will tell you where the moon is rising and the sun setting.  If you are on a tight schedule as I believe this photographer was, then the new location finding apps could be well worth it.  But, sometimes you must get off the beaten path to find your own personal imagery.

April 20, 2013

Dandelion or Irish Daisy

Just the name dandelion brings out an automatic negative response from people.  But why is that?  In photography we shouldn't allow previous influences to determine a potential subject or eliminate others as not worthy of our time and effort.

Is a dandelion a weed to be scorned or a flower to, be embraced.  It is both.  The dandelion greens have a lot of medicinal purposes.  The dandelion is high in calcium, rich in iron, loaded with antioxidants, and is rich in protein.  Native cultures through recorded history have used the dandelion as food, and as a healing herb.

Today we make dandelion wine and dandelion coffee.

The problem with dandelions is its ability to rapidly colonize the soil. This quick infestation damages crops worldwide and causes significant economic damage. So we can see that there are minuses to any plant that spreads quickly and overwhelms a cultivated field.

But I think one of the greatest complaints from people when it comes to the dandelion is when the flower attacks a pristine, green, manicured lawn.  We take comfort in our structured well kept residential lawns as a symbol of our ability to control nature.  When an alien weed such as the dandelion begins to take hold, we freak out and use all sorts of chemicals to kill the surly beast.

I prefer to look at dandelions as great photo opportunities.  I will not allow a negative connotation to keep me away from exploring any potential subjects.

Reflections on Photography

Photography has a interesting way to describe what it does.  When I say to someone, that I am going out shooting this weekend, they look at me as if I have gone off my rocker.  Or they say, what gun range are you going to.

Or someone would ask me if I got the shot?

In the old days we would get together and discuss our negatives.  Some people would respond, "Jim I don't think you have many negatives" ??  While looking at me funny.

We would talk about scratching on the film not an itch.

We used to go into a photo lab to blow up the image.  Nowadays if you talked about blowing something up you get arrested.

We talk about capturing an image.  As if we are stalking  prey.

There are more quirky expressions but they escape me at this time like some images I missed.

How do you protect your business interest in this crazy giveaway of the Stock Photo market? Do you shoot hi-demand lifestyle imagery?  Are you finding yourself constantly sleep walking through your shoots?  Can you ever keep up with the proliferation of imagery that hits the web on a second by second basis?

I find that I enjoy and have an interest in shooting a variety of subjects.  For me it doesn't matter if it is a studio concept shot or a close-up of a lady bug.  I enjoy photography period. By shooting a variety of subjects I don't put all my eggs in one basket but keep my portfolio open to a variety of potential clients.  Nowadays a photographer has to be aware that imitators are all over the world and a subject that sells will be copied and exploited.  You have to keep looking and shooting new work and personal work to keep your creative juices flowing.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't photograph a subject in depth and become an expert on the subject you are shooting.  By having in depth coverage of a subject you will get a valuable reputation and clients will come back to you for more images because they trust your ability to know the subject and have detailed information attached to each of the images that you send them.  But I think nowadays it is important to branch out and shoot a variety of subjects and just maybe create another niche for your photo income.

I enjoy shooting abstract images and patterns.  I am always looking for nature's patterns or patterns that I create in the studio.

I had some left over paint from another photo shoot I was doing so I decided to drip paint on my subject and to my surprise the paint didn't adhere to the surface of my subject but instead peeled away from it and created unusual colorful patterns.  I was in photo heaven.

April 6, 2013

Photography is paying attention.  I enjoy the moment better because I am paying more attention to the details and not being distracted by external forces. When you pay attention you will find yourself looking deeper into the scene, subject and light. 

Your Photography is better when you have an interest in your subject.  Wanting to take images of your subject is a lot better than being bored and just going through the motions.  Photography shouldn't take away from your interest in your subject it should enhance your interest and make you more willing to take your time and explore the scene.  For me, photography enhances an experience of environment not distract from it.  With interest your images will be better.  

Do you go out looking to capture imagery or do you go somewhere and bring your camera along just in case something interests you?  I don't travel and then shoot.  I think about what I want to shoot before I travel.  Of course it never works out exactly as planned and that is the beauty of an empty memory card, so many possibilities.

The unexpected moment is why we love image making.  Let go and just take the photo, don't think.  We have all experienced moments where we just pushed the shutter and didn't even think about exposure, composition and light.

March 23, 2012


In the late 80's I went down to the American Southwest with a photographer friend who was showing me places he had visited the proceeding year. One particular subject always stood out in my mind and that was Antelope Canyon on Navajo Land near Page Arizona. My friend and I had to walk a mile or more to get to the Upper Canyon and when we got there a large bull was guarding the entrance.  He was looking for shade and wasn't going to give up his spot easily.  Eventually the bull moved on and we entered the slot canyon.  The light was amazing and I felt like we entered some ancient ruin and the stillness in the air was like a silent prayer to the spirit gods.

March 17, 2013

Photography is a paradox of technique and style and purpose.  When we enter photography, I feel it is important to learn your skills from beginning to end (it used to mean in the old days loading your own film, processing the film, printing the negative and then displaying it for critique).  Now, it is learning the cameras functions. Put your camera on manual and do tests to understand how your meter functions under different lighting situations.  Play with all the bells and whistles on your camera to see if there are any options that could be used to improve your image results.  Study composition and discover why good photographs attract attention.  How did the photographer find the subject and use light and composition to make a quality image. 

We have a tendency to get in a rut when we photograph and we end up playing it safe and setting the camera controls the same no matter what subject presents itself to us.  One of things that I emphasize in my shooting is to be prepared but also be open to the opportunities that present themselves.  Preparation is done before I get to my destination.  This could be as close as my back yard and shooting frost close-ups on leaves or spider webs.  

Preparation is knowing your lenses and camera controls and planning ahead, a starting point in your shooting.  This starting point is just that a start.  Next, it is to shoot a few frames and begin to get into your subject.  Your mind begins to see new and unexpected details or compositions that look interesting.  You begin to open up to your subject and let your subjects true nature, as you perceive it, reveal itself to you.   I have never photographed a subject that didn't surprise me in some way.   All subjects  reveal something unexpected to the photographer that is paying attention.  And that is the paradox I was talking about in the beginning.  You prepare, you have your own style and then serendipity places you in a whole new relationship to your subject.  You are no longer worrying about your exposures and shutter speeds because you are acting intuitively and on a deeper subconscious level making adjustments to fit your interpretation of your subject.  You start in one direction and end up miles away in another more open purpose.  Your purpose now is not to limit your exploration but to broaden it.  You begin to let go of your dogmas and respond to your subject naturally and creatively.     

March 2, 2013

In order for imagery to be meaningful it has to have content with purpose.  Light, technique, composition, insight, intuition, patience are all very important as you look for subjects to photograph.

Edward Weston said, "Good composition is only the strongest way to see the subject.  It cannot be taught because, like all creative effort, it is a matter of personal growth".

Images taken randomly and at a shallow level of consciousness can become frivolous.  You must try and attach the subject you are photographing to and experience whether it is emotional or physical,  whereby the viewer understands your passion for your subject first hand, simply and without confusion.  Pay attention to the details in your photo that interfere with your intent. Don't be in a hurry to move away from an interesting scene.  Soak it in, look deeper, experiment with composition, with exposure, think about shooting vertical and then horizontal. Take notes about where the sun is in relation to your subject, would a sunrise or sunset be better and would that make the image more dramatic. Maybe find out when a full moon is coming and plan a shoot around that.  Good image making takes patience, planning and purpose. Finally seeing your subject with fresh eyes for the first time, the equivalence (Minor White) to your feelings manifested in external nature creates an image to be shared with pride.

February 2, 2013


I was mentioning, awhile ago, photographers that shoot random images without purpose and then use special effects filters/photoshop to change the look of the photograph to give it a new quality without depth of meaning.  I think this was a little too harsh because when you are young in the photo making business you have to experiment and try new things to find that style that fits your inner personality.  Not the social you which is full of itself but the reflective you that wants something more powerful and meaningful from your imagery. We need to grow and make changes in what and how we shoot.  What I was referring to is the shooter that allows special effects to add an an unnecessary layer to an already forgettable subject.  If you are open to your environment and not locked into a shallow repetition of the ordinary, if you look deeper and react quickly to the changing light and make an effort to see your subject with new eyes then your images won't need and extra layer of ego.

January 27, 2013


Well I am back after my computer crashed.  Nothing like the sound of a big pop and then the smell of burning circuits to make your day.  My computer guy replaced the power supply on my G5 and I am back up and running.

I love shooting along the Montlake Cut at sunrise. The Husky crew and other rowing clubs begin their workouts at dawn.  The quiet stillness and then the sound of the looms rubbing against the oarlock and then a slight splash hitting the water is beautiful.

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Great New Year!

December 7, 2012


I need to think more conceptual and not allow a scene or subject to overwhelm my senses with extraneous details.  If a scene is powerful (has alot of striking subjects and striking light) don't jump in and begin shooting randomly.  I know sometimes light is fleeting and you must act fast but calm your nerves and think.  Think about the subject in front of you, what idea, emotions, feelings does this subject represent and what can I do to create through my choice of lens, exposure, composition, perspective etc.. something more than just random objects in the scene that give the viewer a mixed and confusing response to your image.  By making your image a metaphor, you have created an expression beyond literal seeing.

Think about your image's purpose before you click the shutter.

What do these details represent, what larger meaning is speaking to me through my subject and the light that is present and the composition that I am choosing.

Think about the scene. What if you eliminate parts of your initial composition.  Are you shooting with a wide angle lens and your subject is now just part of an overall landscape that doesn't speak to your initial purpose for composing the scene.

Open yourself  up to that voice in your head that is speaking to you, wanting you to look deeper into the subject. Look at the scene from a different perspective that would speak more to your audience and give that inner voice a visual representation.

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope everyone is spending time with family and friends.

November 18, 2012

Do you over think when you are taking photos? Is your mind overly active, moving in different direction worrying about how you look to others as you explore the subject of interest around you?  Are you afraid your going to step on someones toes and be yelled at?  I guess you have to ask yourself is this subject worth my effort even if it means taking a chance on being singled out in a crowd.  Do you have confidence in your self as a photographer to focus on your goal, choosing to take a great image that you and only you see.  When you come to a scene whether it is a street scene in a busy city or a landscape tourist trap you must let go of your anxieties that have built up and just intuitively recognize your perceptual responses that are guiding you to your subject.  This inner sight you are relying on doesn't have an ego, an I that is exploring your surroundings.  Something is guiding you to your subject and if you let go and release your constricted perceptions and just let the scene reveal itself to you, let this inner sight guide you to compose a scene that is meaningful to you, your images will be worth taking.    

Subjects are fleeting, light changes quickly and a momentary pause could mean the difference of getting your photo or something less revealing.  

Going back to a special environment that means something to you is what good photography is all about.  Once you have been to a scene you have more ideas of what can and will make a better image.  You have done the initial leg work and have had that inspirational moment, when you just know that this place is special.  A great location inspires you to have patience and wait for the best light (sunrise/sunset), composition (you have already tried a number of them previously), atmospheric conditions (depending on the time of the year), and details that can all come together and make a great photograph.  For me Lake Cassidy is one of those places.  In an earlier post I mentioned a missed opportunity that arose when I wasn't prepared because of nervous energy that sabotaged my composition and choice of lens.  I wanted to post some images of the lake when I was more calm and sure of my lens, composition and light.