The Fashionable Adam Howell

If you have been reading my blog from the start, you probably remember my brother, Adam.  I started this blog with an epic spur-of-the-moment photo of him (see here: Escher Inspiration).

Since then, Adam and I have been collaborating on a project called "Make Adam Look Good."  Okay, we don't really call it that, but every time we get together, we usually make time to do some short photo shoots wherever we happen to be. 

Recently, we both happened to be in Columbus NC visiting my grandfather for his 90th birthday celebration.  We definitely made some time for photos :)

The first place is on some defunct railroad tracks--very rustic feel.

If you know Adam, his sunglasses are an important part of his identity.  He does rock them, doesn't he?

The "thinking" pose.

The next photos were taken in the main lobby of my Grandfather's retirement home (ACTS Retirement-Life Communities).  Adam was dressed to the nines in this nice suit, and when he asked where we should do photos, I said it had to be in the main lobby.  It's high-vaulted ceilings, columns and chandelier were a beautiful setting to compliment Adam's smokin' attire.

He is way too cool for his own good. :)

See what I mean about the awesome columns and vaulted ceilings?  All the lines draw your eye to main subject--Adam!

This shot and the next, Adam and I took a long time to get right.  We both appreciate perfect symmetry in photos, so I took several photos trying achieve that perfect symmetry of Adam and the chandelier in the middle of the arches and the columns.

I was laying on the floor for these shots....in a dress.  Ah well, anything to get the perfect shot, right?

I also like the black and white--makes it a little more classy :)

Photographing my brother is an awesome experience because he has very specific visions of what he wants--he is very particular.  It's a great challenge for me as a photographer.  We work together to bring the images in his mind to life.

Thanks, bro!

Cheers :)

Ready for Summer?

So, the weather has been crazy recently--freezing temperatures and snow in April!  You must be as ready for summer as I am.

We do still have a couple of months until that time, so I put together a collection of photos that will help you (and me) make it through.  If you ever feel like summer will never come, just come back to these photos.  Your hope will be renewed!

Sunrise on the beach with a classic "sun-in-hand" pose.  This has always been one of my favorites.

This is another one of my favorites.  Sunset windsurfing!  The composition of this photo came together so perfectly.

Seashells on the beach....a little cliché, I admit.  BUT, it does make you think of summer with barefoot walks on the beach, doesn't it?

Another reason I like these seashell pictures is because of the super-shallow depth of field in them.  Having a small sliver of the photo in focus and the rest blurred is one of my favorite compositional techniques.  (Do I sound like a nerd?  Sorry if I do)

Ok, I'm done with the seashells :)

In the OBX there are tons of little sand crabs running around on the beach in the mornings.  When I got this shot, this guy was sitting and waiting for the waves to wash over him.  Maybe he was taking a bath?

Look at this photo and imagine the following:

--The sound of crashing waves

--The smell of salt, sand, and fried food

--The feeling of sand on your feet and salty spray on your face

It's almost like you're there, right?

Ok, not a usual professional photographer's shot.  It is however the kind of photo you would take if you were on vacation at the beach, right?  Only a couple more months....we can do it!

Cheers :)

Newborn :)

In my quest to learn anything and everything about photography, I recently had a wonderful opportunity.  My friends Sara and Tom had their first child, Conrad.  When I asked if I could take newborn photos of Conrad, they graciously said yes!

In order to prepare myself for this new style of photography, I did a lot of research (and by research I mean Googling various phrases like "newborn photography."  Hey, it worked!).  A few things I learned: 1. Babies need lots of breaks--for food, changing, cuddle time--lots.  2. Turn the heat up!  Babies are more likely to sleep when they are comfortable--that means keeping them nice an toasty.  3. Use outside lighting.  You do not want to have a flash going off if you are trying to keep a baby asleep.  I always had Conrad, Sara, and Tom positioned somewhere near windows so I could use the afternoon sun to light the photos.

Then the day came--Conrad was a week old, and it was time for photos!

Conrad was so tiny and cute!  I loved the blanket that we laid him on to begin with--it was specially made just for him.

Baby feet--always makes you say "Awwww."

Tom and Sara told me this position was already a favorite for father and son as they sleep on the couch.  So precious.

Tough Like Daddy.  Sara and I knew I had to get a shot like this :)

I think Conrad was opening his eyes at this time--sooo cute.

Baby fingers--another Awww moment?  I think so.

The happy family :)

Congratulations Sara and Tom!  Thank you for letting me into your home to capture these precious moments in the first days of Conrad's life.  I am so happy for you guys :)

Cheers :)