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...]
“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...]
This Memorial Day…
We Can't Forget! Each Memorial Day and Veterans Day is more poignant to me as I get older. The world seems more complex and dangerous than ever before. Can you say you have a friend that would give the ultimate gift to you in a life and death situation.. someone that would willingly lay down his life for you? I can say maybe one or two possibly.Yet our soldiers do just that every day all … [Read more...]
About Improvising
When you have to figure out a way to make it work.Our group of six just returned after five intensive days in Haiti. While it's good to be back, part of me wishes I could stay to do more. Resources are few and needs are many.On our last night Melissa, one of the volunteers, asked me if I could shoot a portrait of her and Owens, a local boy who she has known and gotten close to over the years of … [Read more...]
Leaving for Haiti
It's almost 2:00 a.m. All showered and ready to go. My flight leaves at 6:00 a.m. With the news about the backups at TSA figured on getting there three hours ahead of time. I will be back on Sunday night. During my trip I hope that I can use my gift of photography to serve the people by documenting their needs, hopes for some better life, and of course see how they can influence some others in the … [Read more...]
Are You Attractive Enough For A Professional Portrait?
What do you think? Of course this is a silly question. But what's not so silly is this is that time and time again parents tell me they don't want to be in a portrait because of the way they look. "I need to lose 20 lbs. before I'd be in a photo" is a more typical response than you might think. Many people would give a lot now to have professional portraits of their parents, but it's too late. … [Read more...]
Goodbye Awards
As we go through life, a lot of things change. Not just our physical looks, but our attitudes about life and what is important. When I got started in this business, I belonged to several professional organizations. These organizations set certain standards; and one of them was to create our best work and compete with other photographers both locally and nationally. This was really fun for me … [Read more...]
Photo Enhancements: A Game Changer
When we consider retouching on a photograph, I see it differently that most clients and even other photographers. It's one of the things that separates me from the rest, good or bad. I was in conversation with another photographer from a different state recently. Looking on her website I noticed that her portraits looked a bit unfinished. Yes, the zits were gone, but other than that I could not … [Read more...]