Making myself grow with the camera.

We had a model shoot in Phoenix yesterday. The models were not the typical type that one encounters in such circumstances. That was okay because these guys turned out just fine.

This young lady was one of older options and was being posed by Dan Coogan in this spot.

I grabbed a shot while he was setting up his equipment.

Guys like me participate in the shoots for different reasons and needs. Poses are important. So are so many other elements that show up in a picture that will be viewed and often criticized by another individual. Dan made a comment about "stealing" his pose, but Dan is so many light years ahead of me in his skills that such a boast is inconsequential. I was focused on getting a satisfactory exposure. (Shooting always seemed so much easier when we were using film.) I try to develop too many aspects of exposure at one time.

When all was said and done, I hoped to be satisfied with a handful of decent shots. After all, I took more than 100. It turned out that my ratio was higher than expected. Most still took too long in Lightroom editing. Even then, I saw other things to be worried about besides exposure.

Since I like the feeling I get whenever I tackle and overcome challenges, I reckon there will be more opportunities for me to experience those "Way to go!" and those "Were you shooting with both eyes closed?" moments.

Proud to be an American

They played Lee Greenburg's "Proud to be an American" when a whole bunch of people were sworn in as new citizens today. Among these was Sergio, whom I met because he was studying for the citizenship exam. He was handed over to me for the final fine tuning. When he took the test in early September, he passed. Today he took the oath that gave him new freedoms. I am proud of Sergio and his willingness to support the country that strengthens and empowers him.

Elaine and Steven

I have known Elaine eleven years now. When we met she was single She stayed that way a long time even after she met Steven. About 5 years ago, they got married.

It seemed there would never be children. There were reasons that were not related to choices. But of course, miracles do happen and when you look at Elaine, it shows. She is big.

Monday their blessing enters this world. Her name is Lily, and as lilies before God are, she, too, will be a beauty. These will be proud parents.

I am real lucky to have a connection with Elaine and Steve and look forward to seeing the offspring of their commitment to one another.

Joshua

Joshua is the quietest of the three grandchildren. His shy but very smart. On Tuesdays I stay with him while his mother takes Adam to kindergarten. On this day, Janie was asleep so that I was able to grab a few shots of him.

His job when I am there is to put the keys into my car and help close the door so his Mother can drive away. He does the same thing when I leave.

I do not get to photograph him as much as I would like.

Gilbert Riparian Preserve.

Yesterday our members of Arizona Wonders on Flickr had a small meetup at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Since I prefer to shoot events and people, this is not a favorite location. I went along anyway because we do for friends what we will not always do for ourselves.

I filled my time taking shots that would improve my exposure skills. In the process I did grab a couple of "people from behind" shots. That was the positive note in an experience that has left me tired.

Baby Shower

Elaine became a co-worker 11 years ago.
She was single then, and younger than 30. Time passed and she married. Even more time passed and she finally became "with child". It shows.

Today her co-workers and friends honored her with a baby shower, the kind of thing guys normally skip. I went because we developed a special relationship over the years and because I could play around with my camera. Who can say when this will happen again for her.

I am happy for the change in her life. As a parent and grandparent, I recognize that she has only a vague idea of how intensely her personal life and former "couplehood" will be impacted next month. It does not matter. She will wonder how she ever really lived and loved before.