Capturing those family moments..

We had a great weekend with our family. The weather was perfect and the Cove Palisades Park was the best backdrop for a family outing. I've always enjoyed finding that moment when the character or spirit of a person is exposed in their activity or face. When the shutter click captures that unguarded expression I'm pleased.

A couple of tips for you.
1. Have your camera set on an auto function so you don't have to worry about exposure, shutter speed or ISO. Use a telephoto lens if you have one. Always have it near but don't cling to it expectantly. You can create unease when you just click away make yourself the focus of activity. I tend to sit back out of the way and let the others enjoy themselves.
2. Know when a moment is about to happen. You know, when the kids begin a chase or when a political discussion is about to break out. Or how about aunt Mary's desert that is a delight for someone.
3. Shoot tight. What you're really looking for is the face or faces. The border activity can be distracting from the image you want to capture. On the other hand sometimes you need to activity for context. The best thing is to imagine what can happen and make a plan.

I'm sure you have your methods but if you're like me a reminder or different approach is helpful. Snapshots just happen.. a photograph is planned, is art and is more satisfying. With a little practice you can move from a snapshooter to a photographic artist. Try it!

Greetings

I still remember the day in 1970 when I received just such a greeting from Uncle Sam. It was his invitation to join in in a little excursion during the conflict in Southeast Asia. But it was also the start of my interest in photography. As I was processing out of the Army I received training in photography and a photo reproduction center.

The fellow that ran the center had spent many years in Germany and since we had access to large format process cameras he printed 4' x6' prints of castles and great landscapes. I was hooked and shortly after returning home I enrolled in The School of Modern Photography. And my career was launched.

Now as a digital photographer I find the tools of the trade/art very accommodating to my strengths. It has helped as I expand my artistic expression through images as well. Being married to a well know artist, Faye Taylor, I have benefited from her encouragement and ideas. We're quite a team.

Join me as I explore and express the wonders of western America.