Crazy Disciple

For the photographer in you

One of my favorite resources for all of my photographic equipment and help is Adorama, they not only offer great service, they usually have even the most obscure things in stock.   They just sent me an email teasing an upcoming event in which they are giving out 100 free photography tips for 100 days.   It starts today, and already looks to be quite interesting and helpful.   In the first week they will be addressing many of the issues that come up with available light photography (my personal favorite method)  and how to take them on.   Have a look, you won't be dissapointed!   Oh, and make sure and share the amazing photos you take!

Check it out here: Adorama 100 in 100 Part II

Oops, forgot one...

I was so excited to show the pictures of the church, I neglected to put up this picture of my house...   The cool thing here is how dark it was outside.   This lens does a remarkable job of sucking in light...   it's about 6:15 when I shot this outside my house.   Also, it is really interesting to see the snow sitting upon the damaged limbs in my front yard, (obviously the debris removal process has still not hit our neighborhood.)   Furthermore, check out all the damaged trees in the background.  That ice storm really took a toll.   And lastly, for perspective, that stack of lmbs is about 6' tall, 10' deep and 20' wide.  It's sitting at the curb, approximately 15' from my front door.   It's amazing to think that it was all captured in one image...   Oh yeah, the other cool thing, is that I am standing only inches from the curb (but notice it is still in the bottom of the shot...  CRAZY FUN! 

Let the fishy-ness BEGIN!

Last night was really the first night I have gotten to play wiith this new lens, and man was it fun...   Taking pictures of my favorite people and situations through this new perspective is quite entertaining.   After service, Tony ran around with the camera as well (he's so stinking good at EVERYTHING... even photography!)  so, courtesty of Tony's and my playing around, here are some FISHY pictures of Destiny Church.

Something fishy going on here...

Oh, I am SOOOO excited.   I ordered a lens specifically for the Europe trip that is called a “Fisheye.”  I don’t know how many of you all have ever heard of a Fisheye, but it is a very unique lens in that it captures an image on a 180 degree plane.   For example, when taking  a picture with this lens, it is very possible to capture the person standing NEXT to you in the shot…   Crazy eh?  This is the creative photographer’s dream lens…   

Well, in order to get the fantastic images I am imagining in my head, I am going to have to practice a lot before we get over there.   None the less, I am so excited that the fisheye finally got here.   Expect to see many warped and crazy images over the coming month.   Here are a couple examples…   the first is a shot of the fisheye lens, taken with a 50mm… looks pretty normal.  The second is a shot of my 50mm lens in the same location, taken with the 10.5mm fisheye... look how warped and crazy that thing looks…   AWESOME STUFF!

A little 'tude

Check out this little cutie!   Tony, you and Alisha make some pretty awesome kids!   (see more from the shoot at www.scottmocha.com)

Photo(shop)graphy experiment

As a photographer, I take a certain pride in my photographs being untouched, or unchanged in anyway from what the camera captures.   To me, it represents an attention to every single detail and a purer form of the art.  I have however, been exposed recently to some other phtographers work, which I like quite a lot.   The difference (or so it seems) is the post-production work, or altering the images in photoshop to get a different feel from them.   I am curious which of the two you all will like better...   I think I know the answer, but would like to hear your opinions.   First is a photo from Saturday's shoot in its unchanged form, although it is cropped a bit.   Immediately following it is the same photo with some rather drastic adjustments in photoshop to contrast and other things to give it an aged and film look.   Which do you think is better?  Leave a comment to let me know.

A beautiful Saturday

Saturday morning I was blessed with an opportunity to spend some time with two dear friends, Iman and Karen and help to commemorate this special time in their lives, as they are about to have a baby.   The baby is only a few days from being delivered and the excitement is growing, I am honored to be invited to help capture this time.   We met at sunrise, in the heart of downtown Tulsa, hoping to catch the morning glow of the sun, the golden hour of photography.   Driving to the location, I prayed for an awe-inspiring time of fellowship and some memorable photos, God delivered both.

I simply could not have asked for two more beautiful subjects (or three) and I am thankful to have the opportunity to share them with you. 

P&W Night Photos

I hope you didnt miss the Praise and Worship night last Thursday at Destiny Church, it was AMAZING.   Have a look at some of the photos from that night: Praise and Worship Night Photos

Last Fireworks Pic, I promise

I dont have a lot to write today, but I thought i might share my overall favorite fireworks pic.   This is the one I keep coming back to as my favorite, enjoy!

Duck Creek, Friends, Family and Fireworks

  Wow, I am exhausted.   I had the privilege of spending the July 4 festivities with my family at my father’s lake house, overlooking Duck Creek on Grand Lake.   Pastor Mark and his family also joined us for the fireworks and air show, and it was a celebration to be remembered.    While the planes flying overhead and the fireworks were amazing, it was the time with my friends and family that will be remembered the most fondly.   There is something very special about bringing groups of people together and sharing memorable moments.   I thank God for a safe and momentous celebration.   I am a little short on words this morning however, as I am honestly struggling to keep my eyes open.   

By the way, taking pictures of firweworks is a great deal of fun...   Here are just a couple from the show.

July 4 2007 - Fireworks