It doesn't seem fair that people first judge you by how you look. But they do. If someone tells you that they are not judgemental toward people they see or meet, then either they're lying or just naive. Very often in an online environment such as LinkedIn, Facebook or even a dating site, your photo, head shot, profile picture or whatever you decide to call it "is" people's first impression of you. … [Read more...]
Memorial Day
It's a day to remember our military men and women who died for the benefit of our freedom during the many wars in our nation's short history. The meaning of Memorial Day has changed for me throughout the years. As a kid and even into my teens, Memorial Day was just another day off of school and a chance to kick off summer at a picnic or a get together with family and friends. Today I am aware of … [Read more...]
Exploring New Possibilities
The Kid In The Candy Store Doing something new is usually fun. Doing something new that you're passionate about is ever more fun. Doing only one thing in your life can be like going to work at a job. And honestly, I haven't had a job since graduating from college. Those who know me, understand that I'll often go out by myself just to photograph. Sometimes it's heading to the city at sunrise on … [Read more...]
After College Your Real Education Begins
It's funny how when I was graduating from high school I was so happy I'd never have to go to school again. The truth is, I was not a good student in grade school or high school. Moving ahead I liked college a lot. Majoring in biology things really took off for me academically, and later got my degree. Photography found me about that time as well, and the rest is, well, history. It became an … [Read more...]
Witnessing the Miracle of Birth
Events do not have to be rare or of Biblical proportions to be miracles. Babies are born round the clock. Yet having recently witnessed my first human birth in person, assured me that birth is and will remain, among the greatest of all miracles. It left me humbled beyond words, in awe and full of admiration for moms. A New Baby Is Born Every 3 Seconds That a new baby is born every three seconds … [Read more...]
Artist Meets Artists
Fun Creating Artist Portraits At August's Glenview Art Fair, I had the privilege of photographing several featured artists in this year's show. While also participating as an artist with a booth, I did take a few little breaks, (thank you Savannah for manning the booth for me in my absence), to meet some of the artists whose work especially intrigued me. The first artist featured here is Kerri Ann … [Read more...]
Someone You Should Know
A Love Story Meet Heidi and Bryer. When they arived for their photo shoot in early summer, the deep bond between them was immediately discernible. All of us who have ever loved a dog like family, understands this connection. Heidi adopted Bryer, a Collie Shepherd mix shelter dog, when he was two. I've not seen many dogs like him... quite regal and handsome... with a gentle demeanor that was … [Read more...]
Haiti Trip
Where Do We Begin? So where do I begin to tell you about this recent trip or the state of the country as a four day observer. It's been nine years since my last mission trip to Africa so I think I went into this knowing that consciously or not, I'd be contrasting and comparing Haiti to Africa. In Africa for the first time, I mostly compared it to living in the US, and that was the biggest … [Read more...]
How Much Are Professional Portraits Worth?
Value vs Price The value of something like a professional portrait is intrinsic, meaning it has a value that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. I like to think of professional portraits as "priceless." In this age of digital selfies and social sharing, fine portraiture to some has taken a back seat. The thrill of posting a photo on Instagram or Facebook gives … [Read more...]
“Who Wants A Portrait of Me?”
The Answer May Surprise You? I wish I had a dollar for each time I heard "Who wants a portrait of me?" when suggesting a portrait of a parent with their kids, alone or with their spouse. Several years ago after just a bit of coaxing, I photographed my parents, George and Audrey Buschauer in my studio. It was a delightful experience being able to finally tell them what to do:) Actually we … [Read more...]