Help Me Select A Book Cover

I am finally getting around to self-publishing a blurb book of my unique series and and need help in choosing a cover. In the past I have spoken about the difficulty I have in objectively editing my images, because of the experiences I have with the subjects. Someone might be kind and friendly causing me to increase the photo value of their image. Conversely, someone might arrive late, try to micro-direct the photo or just be plain rude and I automatically think less of their image.

Here is a selection of images that I feel are cover-worthy. Please leave your vote in the comment section of the email. or if you prefer, send me an email with your choice. (They are numbered 1-6 below each image) Next Tuesday June 29th, I will tally the results and choose the cover. Thanks....and remember vote early and often :)

Yesterday's Wedding

A few alternative-wedding photos I took yesterday. Although I now shoot only a small group of select weddings every year, I have shot over 1200 weddings total and I strive to find new ways to "see" them. Even if it means shooting an image of a smoking bride. It is a hard to beat a cigarette as a visual accessory.

Grandfather

The significance of something as simple as a family portrait made itself clear to me last week. I was asked by to photograph John and his first Grandchild, Magnolia who is 6 months old. John is suffering from prostate cancer which is in stage four. He clearly savors every moment he has with his family. Because I know the value that is placed on these photos, it was both emotional and honor to make them.

Graduation Time

Graduations are always exciting, emotional times...making them great photo opportunities. Working for the Minneapolis School District, I shot the Wellstone International High School Graduation this past Tuesday. Named after Senator Paul Wellstone, this High School is designed to serve students with limited English language skills. They offer accelerated English Language development coupled with a high school curriculum.

Even though many of the graduate's parents were not able to understand the words spoken at the ceremony, the pride clearly displayed on their faces made it obvious that they understood it's importance.

"Unique" Mary Ellen

Eclectic Ensemble

Tim Donahue and Charlie Henrickson make up the Eclectic Ensemble, an ambient experimental music group. They're a client of Springboard for the Arts who has me photographing a wide-range or groups that they serve. Tim & Charlie rode up on trailer-pulling bikes to play on the Martin Sabo which carries the Midtown Greenway bike path over Hiawatha Avenue. Their rigs are amazing, transporting everything they need to perform, including their own power (solar).

I had to dash off, so I didn't have the chance to hear them play for more than a moment...but what I did catch was really interesting stuff on many levels. They play again tonight at 7pm at the same place. Check them out. Eclectic Ensemble

Busy Busy

Since the date of my last post (April 29th...oop) I have been churning out the assignments. Shot 18 of the past 20 days. It is a pretty safe assumption that when posts are few...work is plentiful.

It has been a good variety. From shooting at a Somali Mall, Buddhist Temple & Mexican Consulate for Blue Cross to shooting kids for the Minneapolis Public School District. Mixed within that, has been work for Bethel University, Walker Senior Homes, Children's Hospital, and Target foundation.

A good, positive momentum starts to occur just by the sheer volume of shooting. It starts to feel easy and "seeing" the photos becomes clear. I've taken advantage of this energy by looking for other things to shoot... free portraits for the neighbors, personal work...photos are everywhere. Anyone need a photo? I'm on a roll, but you better hurry...this isn't going to last forever and my finger is going to need a rest.