Fashion Show Theater

Found myself working for Nordstrom at the Mall of America shooting a fashion show. It was a benefit for Starkey Foundation who I have worked with in the past.

I have not shot a fashion show since the old days back in LA. It certainly is a different world than the one I find myself in, but I must concede that it was a visual feast.

Good News From MRAC

Yesterday, I was notified that my MRAC (Metropolitan Regional Arts Council) Grant Application was approved. I will be photographing elder citizens and combining their words with their images, similar to my "Unique" series. It will culminate in a exhibit at Hennepin County Medical Center in 2012 and a Blurb Book. It is really nice to be able to do a project that is meaningful to me (and hopefully others) and get it funded. So I got that going for me....which is nice.

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.