Category: Dramatic Lighting

When it Rains…

abstract, Dramatic Lighting

As long as no one gets hurt or damages their property. A full-on thunderstorm with thunder and the kind of downpour strong enough to keep the roads clear is beautiful. While most of the photographers I know run for cover to protect their expensive investments. I’ll, at the very least, find a window or a doorway to capture something. (My camera hood when I’m brave enough to venture outside.) Living in Virginia, storms appear at a regular. On Monday, July 1st. Shit got pretty real. The storm lasted long enough to grab my camera and adjust it’s setting in order to capture some shadows without getting struck by lighting. Over the last couple of months. I’ve had a few opportunities to take photos in the rain. Perhaps it will give me the confidence to shoot in other extreme conditions. One can only hope.

… And When There’s Darkness.

abstract, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Dramatic Lighting, Travel, Travel Photography

Taking the lyrics from a song of an obscure 80s hardcore band. (One my friend and I discussed about in length just last night.) Much of my love of photography stems from shadows and small pockets of light. Long ago, when I had my work reviewed by a mentor. His question, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” helped me see the error of my ways. In a sense, his words awakened something in me that not only changed the way I lit portraits and studio work. It unlocked a curiosity and passion for finding pockets of light in the dark and creating drama and depth in photos. While it opens the door to possible failure and mixed results. It brings me a lot of satisfaction as a storyteller. A puzzled look and a longer, more in depth look into the photo and it’s part of the story. This image was taken without the aid of a flash, at a parking garage in Annapolis, Maryland over the weekend.

The Power of Expression.

Beauty, Dramatic Lighting, Expression, Portraiture

As I continue combing through past sessions, I am reminded of the importance and power of expression—that mood, attitude, self-confidence, or lack thereof. Of course, things like lighting, it’s direction and many other things play important parts. But when you have someone who can effortlessly pull off that look or mood. It’s pure magic.

Once Upon a Time in Hoboken.

Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Portraiture, Studio Photography

As I continue to make room on my computer for future uploads. I’ve found myself examining sessions from as far back as 2002. Though my editing and ultimate deleting has created some much needed space. I’m not nearly as deep into my dive as I hope to be. Upon opening the particular session. I can’t help but note it as hybrid moment where I began to shoot with purpose and not with the fear of making mistakes or moving lights around while I let my subjects story unfold. Below is a slideshow of a Broolyn woman who modeled, worked as a stunt woman and was a martial art master who specialized in knife and sword combat. During our brief time together. I was lucky to capture many moods as well as levels of strength and beauty. Enjoy.

Made in Maryland

Anecdote, Dramatic Lighting, Landscape Photography, Memories, Travel, Travel Photography

As a child who spent much time at his grandmother’s, I always looked forward to visits from my aunt Mickey. She was a lovely lady who was one of my grandmother’s many cousins or nieces. Her visits always felt special as she lived in this magical place called Maryland . I couldn’t have been more than five years old and not yet traveled outside the borough of Queens, New York. Her visits always seemed accompanied by history books, crossword puzzles, and fancy pastries. (The kind they grew on secret farms in the country.) Those early experiences and the eventual discovery of realism were accepted. I never lost my appreciation for that historic land til’ this day. The city boy in me still gets a rush when I experience farm life and enjoy those fancy pastries. The photo below was taken as the skies turned dark and the thunder moved in.

Labor Day Weekend Capture.

Dramatic Lighting, Event Photography, Exploring, Festivals

Due to a previous weekend in the hospital. I missed my opportunity to post to the blog. A week later though, I was back at my old tricks and reminded to never again attend a state fair. Below is an imageI shot when exploring the barns where horses, shjeep, goats and cows shield themselves from the heat of the relentless summer sun. Enjoy.

The Early Bird Captures the Shot.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Color, Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Landscape Photography, Location Shooting, Long Exposures, Manual Mode, Night Photography, Street Photography

During a recent exchange with a fellow early riser. We shared our appreciation for the pre-dawn moments when one can appreciate a sense of solitude, while enjoying that quickly diminishing moment, when the air feels fresh, as it entices your senses. Whether it was coming home from a night of debauchery or leaving your home for that long commute. Whatever the reason. These moments are to be cherished. Below is a capture taken during my now daily morning walk.

March 1st, 5:50 am Canon R6 Mark II RF 24-105 F4 30.0 f22 ISO 200

Bringing Lost Treasures back to Life.

Art, Beauty, Digital Printing, Dramatic Lighting, Enlargements, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty

I’m finally getting images off the floor, out of the closet, and onto the white walls of our condo. Thoughts arise regarding what goes where and the themes they represent—taking a nod from childhood memories. Two impactful ones immediately come to mind. The coop my Mom raised me in as a child had two bathrooms. The smaller one, just off the kitchen, was always the one that doubled as a bathroom/art gallery. Small, yet functional. The small area was lit by one of those funky colored bulbs and rotating art that varied from nudes and movie posters the company she worked for produced. At the same time, my Father ushered in my love for boxing by installing a heavy bag in his garage and sharing his love for the sport with me. A passion and appreciation that has stuck with me since.

So, when needing one last print for my boxing-themed room. I dug deep into my Lightroom 4 images and found a long-lost gem that perfectly captured my envisioned mood and vibe. Taken ten or more years ago by an actress, model, and stuntwoman I worked with in my small, Hoboken studio. The session this image came from marks the beginning of my love, understanding, and practice of adding shadow, contrast, and mood to my studio lighting.

To your right, is one of the first print/enlargements I’ve made in more than five years and my first with District Cameras Arlington location. Having done business with them numerous times in the past month, I can only say the most positive things when recommending their service.

Abstract Moments

abstract, Art, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Dramatic Lighting, Manual Mode

Working from home is one way of closing yourself off from social interaction. Enduring a dark, rainy day ensures I won’t be going very far. However, today’s combination of both did little to extinguish my desire to attempt anything remotely creative. Thankfully, the rain left its impression on our living space. As drops of rain collected on our windows and doors. Enough to make for a pretty cool idea. In working on using light, shadow, and other aspects to achieve my future goals of using natural light to create mood in my portraits. I find that experimenting with various elements will benefit me in the end.