Re-Licensing of images

Sometimes in our business we don't get the chance to see our work in the published format. This is especially true with public relations assignments. I would rarely see the photos I took in print - or even know if the client used them or not. Advertising assignments are different though. I always get a peek at the comps with my photo included, and sometimes even asked if I had any comments (but I'm sure they are just being nice). In any event, when asked I always receive the final as a pdf for me to use. In future posts I'll have more example.

Then there is the rare occasion that a client likes the image(s) so much they re-license them - sometimes over and over. The above image is an example of the finished ad and below are two of the photos taken for the assignment. This was shot two years ago for Wonders, a before and after school day care business based in Bethesda, Maryland. They say the image is working so well that they want/need to keep using it for their print campaigns. It has become the iconic image for their business. A very nice compliment indeed.


"If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success." - James Cameron

The iPhone

As simple as it is, it's amazing how well the iphone takes photos. AT&T's service sucks, but at least there are some cool things to be done with the phone. I've never really taken many photos with the iPhone, but now I know why it's so popular - even with the professional photographer. It travels light, is inconspicuous and some of the apps are quite easy to use - and effective.
Here are some I use (I'm sure there are more)
PS Mobile: a PhotoShop app that lets you crop, color adjust, change exposure, convert to B&W, soft focus and vignette blur.
Tilt Shift: lets you blur, change color, vignette and adjust contrast, saturation and brightness.
Camera Genius: lets you zoom, has an anti-shake button, guides, a timer and more.
Even though some have similar functions, they can be all use in conjunction to create some amazing results - without any of them touching my computer.
Here are some simple examples. More to come...

Open Spaces

I walk my dog each morning around 7am. There really isn’t much going on. Stores are not open, very little traffic and even fewer people. What I like about early morning is it's a great time to look around and really see what this city has to offer. Walking Toby in the afternoon, on the other hand, is a lesson in patience. Tourist all over the place and city folk walking home from work (it's worst on the weekends). It’s not the best atmosphere for looking around. I spend too much time negotiating the obstacle course of people. Mornings are the time to sight-see.

There are many things that continue to surprise me here in New York City - so much to see, so little time. One of the most prominent things in the City are the open spaces - way more than in DC. They range from parks (there are loads of them) to small playgrounds. Even though some of the playgrounds look rundown; rusted, old and dirty, they all have a certain artiness to them. The cracks, rust marks on the walls, the missing nets are all very photogenic. They sit on corners of major streets, behind apartment houses and enclosed by large fences. People do use them - constantly. There are basketball games and tournaments, roller hockey and handball games and people hitting tennis balls. They are even used as make-shift dog runs. But the mornings are the best for seeing the beauty of these open spaces. It all makes out to be eye candy for the photographer.

The Last Bit of Summer

The rope swing is a true sign of summer - warm weather, water is not too cold and a lot of laughter. I found this swing in Vermont on the Ottauquechee River. It's a beautiful setting: sitting along a country dirt road with a covered bridge about 1/4 away. It's what one would think life was like back in the 1930's.
It was nice to have one last bit of summer.

Waiting For Fall

Just sitting, patiently waiting for cooler weather. August 31st and it's 72 degrees outside. It's worth the wait!

Photo Pet Peeves

I received this link from a friend of mine and thought I would post it here. A great piece from the Wired magazine blog about photography pet peeves. Every photographer (amateur and professional) should read and heed this top 10 list. Unfortunately I have committed some of these. I've used double "!!" many times. In retrospect that is kind of silly.

Read it Here.

Enjoy!! (oops)

The Country Store

On location at the Barnard Country Store in Vermont.
Great atmosphere - Great food - Great people





For more images visit my web site here and go to "New Work"

Where The Fun Begins

I was in Savannah over the weekend and took a few moments to take some "fun" shots(not that they all aren't fun to take...) I find it relaxing to take some time off, walk the streets and see what's there. When you open yourself up to experiencing all that a town has to offer you'll be amazed at all the angles and design qualities there are.


I think we spend way too much time looking straight ahead and not enough time looking up and down - that's where the fun begins.

Sam: 7/02/98 - 8/03/09

"If dogs don't go to heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go" - Will Rogers

It has been said that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

THANK YOU for all the great memories and for being there when I needed you most.
You were, and will always be, my best friend.

In the Details

Taking advantage of what you have in front of you is, I think, one of the true pleasures in life, and one that I hold dear to my heart.

I have a friend who flies planes, not for a living - just for fun. She invited me to fly with her and take some photos. This was a great opportunity to explore something that I know little about. My goal was to get into the essence of the design of a plane - the curves, angles and details. We usually view planes from a distance and therefore see the whole instead of the its parts. Here is what I saw.




For more images visit my web site under "new work" (here).

Exploring: asking lots of questions, getting answers and being inspired. That's what life is all about...