Striking a balance

Some food for thought: I was prepping for a blog post and ran across too similar, but altogether different images. Similar because of the pose and the couple. Different because of the moment and a different choice of lens (70-200mm vs 35mm). I've had some discussions with Hugh about the importance of pleasing the client; that's why some shoot mostly with a flattering lens like the 70-200. But, then again, there's also the importance of inspiring other photographers; that's why some shoot mostly prime in hopes of nailing the focus+bokeh+moment+lighting etc. to create a dramatic, striking image.

You want happy clients, right? and also want to inspire? So how does the photographer tackle this endeavor? Well, at least for me, I try to achieve some sort of balance (though I confess I usually end up pendulum-swinging back and forth). One side or another bring me harm. I find if all I do is client please then I burn out from boredom. I find if all I do is try to amaze other photographers I burn out from undue self-inflicted stress from inflated expectations. So however you do so, finding the balance as a photographer is so important. The issue isn't the lens. It doesn't matter what lens you're using; it's bigger than that. More so, it matters if you're keeping both your photography+ the client in mind while you email, call, meet, book, photograph, interact during the customer-client relationship.

Find the balance. Serve your clients well. Inspire others around you. Cheers.

Jeremiah GREENberg

Mickey Would Go...

I was driving back from Simi Valley Friday night and hit downtown at 6pm. Don't ever do that, ever! So I parked at Disney and took some shots before sunset until traffic died down a bit. Super fun spot to shoot.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

To all the dad's out there...we love you!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

couldn't stand looking at that flash picture anymore as my homepage. Classic flash malfunction. I hate when that happens!

Here is a photo from the mens retreat of my bro-in-law. Thought it turned out pretty cool.

It is a roll over of some really unique processing! Both are from the same image.

ETTL fail

580ex II. Friend or foe?

I swear this thing has mind of its own. Photo shot in ETTL mode, jpeg file straight outta camera. Boom!

Texture vs. Texture

I don't use either very often, but it was fun to play with both the real and digital versions using the same subject. Any thoughts?

Baby Mama (and DaDa)

A few more from the shoot.
I used 1 soft box for all the shots, Mark II, 24-105L, 100mm Macro, brown blankets for background.

POST: What a difference...

:: ROLL MOUSE OVER IMAGE ::
Took a few photos of the Gremels new baby and thought I woud share a little edit made with the stamp tool and the liguify tool.
I think it is worth noting what an impact can be made with a few small edits.
What do you think?

Edited areas:
LIQUIFY= JAW LINE,CORNER OF MOUTH CURVED UP A BIT
STAMP TOOL= WRINKLES, FOREHEAD HAIRS, HAIR ON BABY'S HEAD, EYES SHUT

Brotherly....um

Shakey-face still hurts my brain, and maybe my creativity too...

LR: saved this one.

Another salvaged image (rollover). Pretty stoked on the latitude here from my rusty old 5D sensor. ISO 50. All changes made in Lightroom.

Here are the LR settings:

Inspiration/Perfection

Now THIS is blog Marketing!!!

Zzyzx II

Ok, so this may only make complete sense to Matt and Rad, but it's pretty dang sweet none the less. When we were en route to WPPI we took a little detour down Zzyzx and took some pictures. "Yes, Hugh, we already know that." What you haven't seen any of yet, is the footage rod shot of me and Matt boosting around corners in GTI. Here's some of that footage...

Ojo De Tigre

When I first saw Rocky and Apollo training with Eye of the Tiger blasting in my ears I had a vision; a vision of beauty, strength, and passion. I didn't know at the time, but that beauty was songwriter Jim Peterik (circa 2009, Mission Viejo).

Photoshop, je t'aime...

All I can say is that I would have been in trouble in the film days. Here's a before and after of a salvaged frame from a recent portrait session.

JpEg 4 LiFe. No need for monster RAW storage eater files, IMO.

Roll Over. w00t!

Fun/Moto in AZ

Last week I was able to shoot a Redbull event. As if a back flip on a motorcycle isn't crazy enough, they decided to put a plane under the jump in motion. Check it while drinking a Redbull for the full experience.