Tell's View

Lensbaby

2009-11-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Went out and goofed around with my Lensbaby today. That's a 50mm lens that requires you to squeeze the flexible lens to obtain focus in a small portion of the frame. It forces you to concentrate on composition and points of focus. I bring it to every event I shoot and NEVER use it. I really should keep it attatched to one of my older cameras and just force myself to shoot a few frames with it every event.

A Weekend of Marriage

2009-10-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just finished up processing two events from several weekends back. The first was the 60th Anniversary party for Ross & Christine held at Royal Melbourne a beautiful venue. What a great couple they are and their family and friends were a blast! Many of Ross's relatives are entertainers, so they did a lot of performing with the band. That really tipped the event over the line from nice party to awesome party!

Congratulations Ross and Christine. Can't wait for the 70th!

The second event was the wedding of Virginia and Craig held at the beautiful Glen Rowan house in Lake Forest. God smiled on us and gave them an afternoon of sunshine and warmth. They and their guests were a lot of fun to photograph. Virginia is also a musician and played her bass with the band. How cool is that?

Wishing you both a HAPPY LIFE!

Fun in the Bahamas

2009-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

1st First Communion Shoot

2009-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Bufallo Grove Skate Park

2009-04-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

Took TJ over to the Buffalo Grove Skate park today. I wanted to get some artsy fun flare shots. Some lenses flare more than others. Generally a flare is something you want to avoid, but in the right instance it becomes kind of magical. They're often added in motion pictures. Had some fun with processing too.

Oops, bar needs some more wax...

Sam and Jack

2009-04-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

These boys crack me up! This was shot for a holiday card. I think how much they're going to love these photos when they're grown up. And how much THEIR kids will love these pictures one day. I feel great about a session when I know the images I took will likely be cherished by future generations.

A Fun Couple of Days

2009-04-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

PTO Variety Show

2009-03-10T08:22:00.001-07:00

I MC an annual PTO variety show and often take pictures from backstage. It gives me an opportunity to experiment with different techniques, as there is no pressure to get the shot. We really had a great show this year with lots of creative kids and even some parents getting in on the act.

Me

2009-03-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

Went for a walk around Libertyville this past weekend and was looking at the portraits of the high school athletes that are displayed in the windows. I don't think a portrait of a wrestler or football player should have perfectly porcelain skin, but otherwise, Studio West does an excellent job. As for the VIP portraits, well... I think they should stick with Studio West (or give a few to ol' Tell Draper).

I then stopped into the library and grabbed a big book of Vanity Fair portraits featured from the early 1900's to present. WOW! really inspiring. What I noticed was the rawness of the images, both in expression and lighting. A shadow under the eyeball!!! Oh my... What's funny is it takes a lot more futzin around in Photoshop to get a photo to look like the one below, than to get a skin perfect portrait.

Phil's Senior Photos

2009-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

I've got some catching up to do with this photo blog! Here's some shots from a Senior photo session with Phil. As you can see, he's got impossibly blue eyes. Very cool (and nice) young man.

Jordyn's Bat Mitzvah

2009-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

I shot Jordyn's Bat Mitzvah a couple of weeks back. From the first pose of her pre-portrait session I knew it was going to be a total drag. She doesn't have a clue on how to look good. Thanks to my expertise, we managed to squeak out a few keepers. And may I also say, Jordyn appreciates sarcasm as much as I do.I Love to get these kind of shots. Grandpa with his compact digital, photographing his loved ones.

Mazel tov Jordyn. You were a delight!

Jeremy's Bar Mitzvah

2008-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have an event free Saturday, and so am playing catch up on blogging. Here are some pics from Jeremy's Bar Mitzvah. I've known Jeremy since he was a toddler. He's always been a great kid and I was honored to shoot his Bar Mitzvah.
I'll often shoot from a ladder, but I'm trying to figure out how I got this high up? It's a different composition for me. I kind of like it.I look at this image and think- "what would the world be like if every boy had a mother who loved him THIS much?"

I asked Jeremy's father if he would hold the Torah and give him a rest. It's pretty heavy. I told Jeremy "Look, your Dad holds that Torah as if it were a feather" David gave me a he-man pose and I shot it. If I ever do a "Best of Tell Draper Photography" slide show, this image will for sure be in it.

Emcee, Keith “ K.C.” KoKoruz of Spinnin Discs did a great job of getting everyone dancing, and I mean everyone. He made an announcement "A lot of you may not know this, but our photographer, Tell, was a back up dancer for Milli Vanilli! Let's get him out here!" I went for it and videographer Mike Feldman of Video Experience caught my "cool" moves on tape. Then Mike was called out to dance and I caught it on my camera. You can see KC and me on Mikes simulcast screen. Very fun!
The Gil-man in flight! Gymnasts are always a big hit on the dance floor.Dancing joy!
Mazel Tov Jeremy!

Haley's Bat Mitzvah

2008-12-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

Had the pleasure of shooting Haley's Bat Mitzvah. Kyra, her sister, wrote and performed a song that had half the crowd (including me) in tears. It was really a special moment.

Whirly Ball is a fun place for a kids party. It's crazy to photograph though, because of all the different activities. I was having thoughts like "What if I'm in the laser tag room when they start the Hora?!" Me- "When are you going to do the Hora?" MC-
"What are you talking about? We did it already..." It all worked out though and I had a blast.

Love this "dude" shot. I've know a lot of these kids since they were running around in diapers. Cracks me up to see them change from kids to dudes.

A-Z Entertainment did a great job with DJ/MC'ing

HORA!
This shot is always hit and miss, because it's a blind shot (the camera is on the ground). My hit average is going up though. I love this one.

Haley's 16x20 turned out beautifully. The image we used is one of the last shots we took at her portrait session.

Mazel Tov Haley!

Jake's Bar Mitzvah

2008-11-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

Holy Moly! It's been a quarter of a year since I updated my blog... Yikes. Well anyway, what a great way to get back into blogging, with Jake's Bar Mitzvah.

Jake's a really great athlete, and so I went out and shot one of his games. Those images were then used to make centerpieces, tickets for seating assignments, and a sign in board. Very cool!Love to get the jump!Even Mars and his crew got in on the jump Julia delivered a beautiful speech.Hora!I love the Hora. It is so great to witness everyone from toddlers to grandparents laughing, dancing, twirling... Pure joy!Mazel tov Jake!

Steve and Cara's Wedding

2008-08-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

I shot my first "Uncle Bob" wedding last week. "Uncle Bob" is the term used by professional photographers for all the "Uncle Bob's" with their camera gear getting in the way. It was a beautiful wedding with a beautiful bride and handsome groom, and an awesome reception.
I shot the heck out of it, but I think I pretty much stayed out of the hired photographers way. Out of professional courtesy, I'm not posting any typical wedding images until after Bauman Photography posts his. Jeff does some awesome dramatic work. Check out his galleries by clicking above.

slide show of the goofy stuff.

4th of July

2008-07-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Had another great 4Th of July. The annual parade breakfast party was a good time as usual. Peter and I cooked waffles with my world famous (well maybe neighborhood famous) flax seed waffle mix. Waiting for the parade to begin.

As a former president of the Stevenson High School marching band, I always cheer real loud for the bands. Actually I cheer real loud for just about everyone who passes by, performer or not. We always have plenty of politicians marching in our parade. I like this shot of Mark Kirk.

Many of their helpers hand out stickers. I just noticed a sticker on my Son TJ in this picture and I believe I've finally figured out why his homework grades have been so abhorrent!--- Not only does Dan Sugrue have the nerve to run against my friend Kathy Ryg, HE ATE MY KIDS HOMEWORK!!!

Glamour girl Audrey was in attendance without her husband Mango.

One of the favorites for the kids is the water fights with the Countryside firefighters. Brandon bravely took on this truck.

The synchronized lawnchair men are a crowd favorite.

Always love to see Bob in the parade.

Lou from Personalities did his thing. He is one of my favorite DJ/MCs to work with.

I never get in these photos, so I shot a self portrait in Stacey's glasses. Of course Gina had to be a camera hog and get in on the shot.

Reverends Corey and Melissa's Wedding

2008-07-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

On June 21st, I photographed the wedding of Reverends Corey Andrew Nelson and Melissa Lyn Earley. A month before the wedding we shot at Lake Forest Beach and I knew then what a special couple I was going to be working with.

The wedding day was picture perfect! The flowers, the guests, the Reverends, the reception hall, the food, the weather... I would say it was Hollywood perfect, but that would cheapen it. What happened that day can only come from love, not over-production and money. Sounds a bit sappy, I know, but when I tear up reviewing pictures, well...
Larsen's Greenhouse Florist of Waukegan did an excellent job on the flowers. "Serving Lake County since 1874" I guess they have it figured out by now! Corey and Melissa decided to see each other before the service. I would highly recommend this as it allows for formal photographs to be taken prior to the wedding; no missing an hour of the reception due to photography. They made it very intimate and special. Kurt (my second shooter) and I captured it with long lenses to give them some room, and then left the chapel so they could spend some time alone.

Corey showed Melissa his new prescription sunglasses and she exclaimed "You look like Jason Bourne!" So I told him to give me his tough guy pose. I didn't see Melissa reflected in his glasses until later. Happy accident.The reception was held at the Glen Rowan House, a beautiful old Lake Forest mansion now part of the Lake Forest campus that is walking distance from the church. People played croquet, football, bean toss... on the huge front lawn. Speeches were presented outside around the fountain. For info on the Glen Rowan House you may contact Faye Kelly at fkelly@lakeforest.edu "Ok everyone, I'm going to walk on water" I was really hopeing he would give it a go.

I promised a woman at the reception that her purse would be featured on my blog. I thought it made a really cool surface to shoot the rings on. While the outdoor lighting is great to shoot in, the ring reflects the surrounding, in this case the green trees. I think it looks nice, but next time I'll try shooting the ring with a white translucent reflector held over head. This jazz trio played both during the service and at the party. I forgot to get their card, but will link to them once I find out their name. They were great.

edit- My buddy Pete stopped by this morning and informed me that I had a picture on my blog that was all blurry. I sometimes will purposely drag the shutter in order to get a feeling of motion and life in an image. I think the motion blur works great here. Pete's response with a raised eyebrow- "Looks blurry to me..."

Here's to a happy life together Corey and Melissa! View the slideshow- click here

Andy's Bar Mitzvah

2008-07-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

I recently photographed a Bar Mitzvah for Andy. What was so fun about working with Andy is that he has an INCREDIBLE eye for creativity. Being an artist, I like to think that I recognize and capture artistic moments other more traditional photographers might not recognize. Andy was seeing the same artistic tidbits as me AND MORE. Very cool...

The Mom kiss on the Bima often ends up with some resistance which then leads to some wonderful candids.
Dolce Lincolnshire does a great job with their parties.

Andy's Sister, Jamie gave a beautiful speech that had the whole audience (including me) teared up. What a charming young lady. I love the natural light on this shot. I take advantage of the times when I can shoot sans flash because it creates the magical pictures like the one above.Dad's always seem to love the Hora Chair the most. Mark was no exception ;-) MAZEL TOV Andy!

Greg and Nicole Wedding

2008-06-03T09:51:00.001-07:00

I Shot Greg and Nicole's wedding last week. My friend Kurt helped me out. We shot close to 5000 images! The time required to go through those images makes my hourly rate approach minimum wage, if that. The day was beautiful and Greg and Nicole's family and friends made it a pleasure to shoot. This is a shot of Nicole's father right before he closed the doors of the church. I love the silhouette and reflection.When I clicked the shutter on this one, I knew I had an amazing shot. The flowing lines of the dress, the sideways glance of Nicole. Kurt shot from the balcony and got some great shots. I'm pretty certain this run down the aisle shot is going to make a business card. I staged it after the wedding and was shooting running backwards while Kurt hollered out that I was clear all the way back. It's all natural light (no flash) with my new Sigma 30 1.4 lens. The weather cooperated with us and we were able to play down by the lakefront. "FROLIC!!!"Greg and Nicole took dance lessons for their first dance, and it showed. Extremely romantic and classy with dips and kisses.

I GOT IT!
Beautiful cake and thanks to Matt the videographer for providing me with that soft glowing light. To view a 7 minute highlight video, go here http://telldraper.com/nicole2/
Thank you for trusing me to shoot your wedding Greg and Nicole!

Jenny's Bat Mitzvah

2008-05-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

The first Bar Mitzvah I photographed was for Jenny's Brother 3 1/2 years ago. Now Jenny celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. In three years she has gone from a silly, wild nine year old girl to a beautiful, charming young lady.

I love shooting with Rabbi Looper. Photography is not allowed during the ceremony, but he is always more than happy to pose for a few shots prior to or after the ceremony. He's an engaging speaker and the kids both love AND respect him. Beware the "Looper look" if you dare to talk during the ceremony! Three generations of beautiful women! The place cards and centerpieces were designed and made by Jenny's grandmother. They were so fresh and beautiful. I saw her collecting the centerpieces at the end of the party and ran over and took some shots. I love how she is surrounded by her happy creations.

Jenny's Brother David has also changed a lot in three years. I know his mother will not choose this portrait, but I love it.

Heck of a good tennis player too. Besides my camera, I brought my raquet along, and after shooting, I told him I was going to teach him some tennis. After I smashed three serves into the back fence, I told him to serve "give me everything ya got!" I made contact, but the returns too hit the back fence. Must have had some bad tennis balls...

Potter Joe and Teenager Sam

2008-05-12T08:26:00.001-07:00

I don't usually like selective color, where most of the image is black and white and some selective areas are color. "Look what I can do in Photoshop!!!" However when I do one or two in a gallery, invariably the client will purchase that image. I don't usually do them. Shows you what kind of business man I am... I do like it in the above image though, because it brings out the colors in one of the many pots Joe has made. If I left the image color, his skin tones and yellow shirt would have stolen the show.

Sam turned thirteen and gave me his tough teen look.

Portraits, Baptisms and Bar Mitzvahs!

2008-05-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

I photographed temple Bar Mitzvah portraits for David recently. I had shot his Sister Michelle's Bat Mitzvah three years ago. Both of them are great kids and I enjoyed photographing the family.

I had the pleasure of photographing Roman's baptism last weekend. I know the parents wanted some sleeping shots of him because I had taken some of Roman's Sister Hailey at her baptism two years prior. The little guy finally passed out right when I was leaving the party and the father came out with him and asked if I'd take some sleeping shots. Look at those dimples on his fingers. Love those...

Took some portraits of Jenny a couple of days ago using all natural light. Generally I'll blast some light on the white background to make it pop, but in this case I let it go naturally tan. I kind of like the simplicity of it. My favorite is black backgrounds. Sometimes they get a little tough with brunettes and you have to light the hair from the back a bit, but Jenny's blonde streaked hair popped out beautifully.

Mom's 70th

2008-04-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

My mother turned 70 today. I took some portraits of her this past weekend at her birthday party. I taught her how to do the "cool girl" pose all the 13 year olds like to do at the Bar Mitzvahs I photograph.

After seeing how well the Vanity Fair/Annie Liebowitz photos of Miley Cyrus turned out, I tried to duplicate them. As you can see, she was a bit nervous and will probably claim, as did Miley, that she was tricked into the exposed back shot.

Happy birthday mom!

Dafodils after the rain today

2008-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I really need to get to work!... oh wait, this is my work

New Sigma 30 1.4 lens

2008-04-25T08:02:00.001-07:00

Just got a new lens yesterday and am really excited about it. It's a Sigma 30 1.4, which on a cropped sensor equals a standard 50 lens. It will enable me to capture more images without using flash. I was testing it wide open and got this shot of my son's friend Blake. My son of course jumped in and made a face. It does show the extreme lack of depth of field when shooting at an aperature of 1.4. Look at how out of focus TJ is, even though his eyes are only 5 inches behind Blake's. If you've shot with me in the past and I've done natural light shots, you now know why I make sure your eyes are lined up evenly with your partner.
Do you remember being 12 years old? Funny age...

4-3-08 COLD track meet

2008-04-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Vernon Hills had their first track meet of the season. It was SOOO cold! The meet was cut short by lightning, and I must admit, I was grateful to get into my warm car. The girls ran their hearts out despite the weather.

An Early Spring Walk

2008-04-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

I decided to take my camera with me on my power walk yesterday. I now remember why I don't do that- I end up spending more time shooting than I do walking. I am happy with the shots I got though. This time of year is often neglected by nature photographers, myself included. However, last year's pale fall colors make kind of a nice soft backdrop, before the darker Spring greens take over.

A little late to be releasing seeds

This little guy was about 1/2 the size of a grain of rice.

What would be Mother Nature's purpose to entrap this fallen Oak leaf?

My walk South along the DesPlaines river trail was cut short by some flooding on the path. I thought maybe I could take the trail North. WRONG. There is normally a pathway under this RT. 60 bridge tall enough to accomodate horses. That's a handrail in the water!

With my walk cut short, I stopped in at Tea Harbor to visit my friends Sandy and Hank. If you're a tea lover, or need to purchase a present for someone who is, Tea Harbor is the place to go. They are very knowledgable about their dozens of loose teas stored in beautiful silver bins. I always let Sandy choose which tea I should have, and it's always delicious. If you're in the Vernon Hills area, stop in. Tea Harbor is located on the North end of River Tree mall, by the Canoe store facing Rt. 60. This was one of the teas featured the day I stopped in. It is called White Rose Tea.

I told Sandy to look at me "NO PICTURES!" she laughed and covered her face. I kept snapping away and told her "If you just look at me for one picture, I'll stop." I think it's a great shot of her. http://www.teaharbor.com/ When I got home, I noticed my tulips are popping up and getting those neat little red tips on the leaves. I love the graceful lines of emerging tulips.
'till next time,

Tell

Ali's Bat Mitzvah

2008-03-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing Ali's Bat Mitzvah this past weekend. Like my own Daughter Jessie, Ali is a lover of animals and a vegetarian. Her charitable work was for Orphans of the Storm (a no-kill shelter) in which she collected all sorts of donations. In fact, even her table center pieces at the party were donated to the shelter. They're scratch posts and animal toys.The family has a beautiful Kiddush tradition I've never seen before, where women one by one filled the Kiddush cup until it was full, VERY FULL.

I always love the Daddy/Daughter dance. A father myself, I know how special it is to have your daughter's petite hand clasping yours.
I would like to say that I creatively planned the shot below, and that the watch on Paul's hand represents how fast precious moments slip away. However, it was just a happy accident. The staff at Bella Via was wonderful. They let me settup a backdrop in an unused room. I love to get girls spinning in their dresses. I asked "Dad" and his brother to do the same. One went for it, the other didn't. I love this shot! Laura and her daughters have such a great time together. Sure does make photographing them fun!There was no chair in the air during this Hora. So my goal was to get a shot where everyone in the imdediate family is visible. It sounds easy, but when you have a circle of people, you're always going to have the back of someones head. I must have shot 50 frames before I finally got lucky. Nothing like a Grandma's hug! So I got one too. Check out Uncle Gary in the background. LOL! When it was all over, I was packing up my van, as was Ali and her family. The lighting was perfect and so I got out my ladder and had the family walk towards me. Paul called it the "Abby Road" shot. I think I'll use that term in the future. It was a wonderful Bat Mitzvah and I'm honored to have been a part of it. Mazel Tov! Ali.

Till next time... Tell

Frankie J.

2008-03-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Just got word my long time acting buddy/chef/comedian, Frankie J. is in the hospital. He's been in a coma for almost a week from a dissected aorta -the inner lining from his aorta separated from the exterior walls. He had open heart surgery and suffered several strokes. Frankie J. is one of the most life loving people I know. Send him a prayer or some postitive vibes. He needs it. http://frankjanisch.com/

Too Much Processing

2008-03-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Just goofing around with different processing. I thought this was WAY too much, but the subject loved it.

Rowdiest Mitzvah Ever

2008-02-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

I photographed a B'not Mitzvah for Classic Image this past Saturday. The mother told me that most of the kids had never been to a Bar Mitzvah before. So how would that affect the party atmosphere I wondered...
It was the LOUDEST, ROWDIEST (in a good way), CRAZIEST Mitzvah party I have ever been to! The girls were gracious and poised, a delight to photograph.

Justin Jacobson of Totalentertainment was MC. He and his dancers had a blast as well. They threw a really cool glow show. I turned off my strobes and shot some photographs with all natural light (glow sticks). I think this shot turned out really cool!
I asked this little girl if she would spin around for me "like this" I said while spinning around. Nothing like a 240 lb dance instructor. Well she started spinning around like a top. I suppose maybe she's had a bit more training than me. I had about a half dozen shots of her back until I finally stopped her and told her to just spin around once and to make sure she was looking at me when she came around. "click" got it! What a beautiful little dancer.
'till next time...

TJ's Ice Leaves

2008-02-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Another VERY cold day here in Illinois. When leaving for school this morning, my 12 year old son remarked on the frozen window panes along the side of our front door. They can sometimes get an 1/8" of ice on them. "They're horrible windows TJ. I really should get another door. We lose a lot of heat through those windows." "The ice looks like leaves." he said. "OK, go. You're going to miss the bus." After he left, I looked at the energy losing frozen windows, thinking of ways I could insulate them. Then I got down on my knees and looked through them from TJ's height. Wow! beautiful... Despite what you might be thinking, these are straight out of camera with a slight bump in curves. TJ by the way thinks he's anything BUT an artist. He most definately has an "eye" though, and so I'm calling these "TJ's Frozen Leaves"

I used to paint, but I found Mother Nature is a far superior artist than I will ever be, and she shares her art for FREE. Thanks for keeping your artsistic eyes open TJ!

Dolce's Restaurant

2008-02-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

I photographed Abby's Bat Mitzvah at Dolce's in Lincolnshire this past weekend. It's a beautiful place to hold a reception.

Abby is a big reader and so each table had a different book and author showcased. It turned out really neat! A prospective client recently commented on a shot of a young girls feet. Anyone who has ever done a Summer portrait session with me knows that I love photographing feet. During Abby's speech, I noticed the AMAZING light being created by the natural daylight coming in from two sides. I turned off my flash and got what I think is my best foot shots to date.
I love the mixture of tungsten, daylight, and rich woods at Dolce's. It creates such a warm glowing atmosphere.
Till next time!

ORT 2008 Showcase

2008-01-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

I displayed at the ORT party showcase this past Sunday. My daughter worked the booth with me and was a big help. I've attended the ORT show as a guest for the past three years and finally decided to purchase a display table. It's a pretty big chunk of change, but I like the fact that it goes to a wonderful charity rather than a for-profit production company. I really didn't know what to expect as far as foot traffic goes, so I printed off one-thousand postcards.

I brought home about 960 postcards. A little over estimation on my part I'd say. Dream big! I did speak to some really nice people though and lots of calls came in today. So those 40 postcards seem to be paying off!

Senior Photo

2007-12-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

Did some senior shots with lauren today. I'm very pleased with the results. We worked great as a team, shooting some, downloading, evaluating the shots. I used all natural lighting with reflectors. My goal when shooting portraits is to capture true emotion. It doesn't have to be a strong emotion, just genuine. I always tell parents if they want the "cheese" smile, they should go to the mall or department store photographer. They're a lot cheaper than me too...

SANTA!!!

2007-12-23T09:28:00.001-08:00

Wow, have I been bad about updating this blog. I've been busy shooting lots of Mitzvahs and corporate gigs.

For the past two weekends I've had the pleasure of shooting a brunch with Santa event at a country club. This is my second year doing this gig and it's a BLAST. I had the assistance of an elf this year but the powers that be in the North Pole sent me "Slacker the Elf".

With a little discipline from Santa, he shaped up and did his job.

Santa was wonderful with the kids, but as many of you know from personal experience, children can easily become freaked out at the site of him. I encouraged many parents to just go ahead and let Santa hold the child for a moment while I took the photograph. "You can show it at her wedding in 25 years". Most took me up on it and the results were wonderful classic Santa photos.

The majority of the children were enchanted with Santa. Turns out I know this Santa from my acting days. We had a ball.

If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Chirstmas to you! If not, have a great New Years!

William Tell Day!

2007-11-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 700Th anniversary of William Tell shooting the apple off his son's head with a cross bow. Being that I come from a long lineage of "William Tell's", I celebrated by taking a portrait of William Tell the III, IV (me) and V.

Happy William Tell Day!

Oct. 1st

2007-11-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is a Lensbaby shot of my bride.

Fall

2007-11-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

We've had such a beautiful Fall! I finally took some time to capture nature. These first few are of a Red Sumac. I shot them at sunset with my macro lens. A macro can really create some magical images.
I sometimes like to name my images after people. This one is called "Jacob's Sunset Sumac". Jacob is my friend Kelly's new little boy. Now I've got to find the time to print it, frame it and send it off to her...

This sunflower was shot with a Lensbaby. It's a funky lens that you squeeze and move around to achieve selective focus.

9-15-07 Bar Mitzvah

2007-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Had a blast shooting this Mitzvah for Classic Image. Susan Lazar did an amazing job as consultant. Jason and his dancers kept the place rockin' as usual, and the staff at Twin Orchards was great.

These girls at first did a nice smile pose for me. I said "Is that all you've got?! STRIKE A POSE!" They delivered. Love this shot!

I showed their mothers the image on my DSLR and asked if they wanted to strike a similar pose. At first they played shy, but then went for it. I hope they get both images and frame them together.

Alec's Brother and Sister did an amazing rap that brought down the house.

"Classic" What a beautiful family.

Susan and Barbara arranged an incredible spread of candy which was destroyed moments later by packs of wild 13 year olds. I did a slow shutter zoom on this shot.

This woman was so tickled with this picture that she begged me to come over to the table and show her friend, who then smacked her husband on the shoulder and said "We're going to do that. Come on!"
And the result.....
..............................

Look at the face on the waitress

and this poor guy is recovering from four broken ribs

Hora time!

The chefs at Twin Orchard do an AMAZING job!

Some wide angle fun. I use a portable ladder at all my weddings and mitzvahs. Getting above the crowd can really make for some cool images.

Jason of Energy not only gets everbody dancing, he ties shoes on stage.

This little girl danced her heart out all night. The midnight hour struck and she's ready to go home with her candy and newly aquired sweatshirt.

Jason and his dancers really are a blast!

These last two shots are second curtain sync flashes. I set the shutter speed for about a second and zoom through the shot. It's kind of hit and miss technique, but when you hit it's pretty cool.

Sk8

2007-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Skate Chicago!
Early Grab
Off the half pipe

uh oh...

Bat Mitzvah

2007-09-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's Mitzvah season again. I photographed one this past weekend for Brad Floden of Classic Image Photography. What a wonderful party. It was the perfect mixture of tradition, speeches and wild fun.

Love this family shot!
HORA!!!
I like to shoot between the poses to get true emotions. Little Sis made a beautiful speech.
" Don't you dare tell that story Dad!"

It was a beautiful evening so we were able to shoot portraits outside. Marisa was such a wonderful young lady to work with. She made my job fun.
This is one Dad who knows how to enjoy a party. What a great moment

I love mother/daughter shots
I saw this little girl walking in and her eyes were glowing with wonder. "click!" After looking at it now though, I wish I had included the mother's hand in the frame. I still think it's a beatiful shot.
"I'm King of the world!!!"

The Jack Kramer Band

2007-08-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

I Shot a wedding where the Jack Kramer band was performing recently. They are a ton of fun and people (young and seasoned) danced up a storm. Jack is an excellent musician and MC.

Vernon Hills Skimboarder

2007-08-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

I was out for a run, ok it was a very fast walk with moments of jogging, but anyway, I saw a skimboarder working the flooded parks of Vernon Hills. It's not very often you see a skimboarder in Vernon Hills. I called my son TJ and he road his bike over to see if the skimboarder would let him try it out. He did, and TJ had a blast. Thanks Nick! Here's some cool shots for you to peruse.

Camping

2007-08-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

TJ with a large mouth bass
TJ pulled a big ole catfish up! I've never seen a catfish out of this lake in 35 years of fishing it.
Moments after TJ caught his bass, Gil pulled up an even bigger one.

Nice sunfish Gil!

Gil and TJ amused by the strange noises of the photographer

Bob's big tent fits three queen blow up beds.
reflections
Jessie is staring into the fire while Jessica is showing me the yummy s'mores in her mouth. This is shot with natural camp fire light at iso 3200 f 1.8 1/30th.

Gil and Bob goofin'

Chefs Gone Wild!

2007-08-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

Helene teaches these girls the ancient art of a food fight

They seem to have caught on!
Helene really needs to start a cleaning class to follow her cooking class.
Jeremy "supervises" the future chefs

Fun In The Sun

2007-08-17T10:35:00.001-07:00

little grandchildren fit just fine in the back seat

pull up girl pulls off 15 at the tipsy seagul

ladies man

sea muscles
cousins

joe

creature from the tipsy rafters caught on film

]

Dad coming in for a perfect landing at Winding BAY

BIG FEET little heads

Carrie and boys

skimmer Sam

TJ skims with the gulls

blue moon jessie
last cast

work out

More Bahamas and some pics for Ann and Todd

2007-08-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad at sunset.
Vanessa and Emily. I LOVE this portrait.Mom told me to put a pick of their condo and boat for Ann and Todd. Theirs is the top left unit.
Lisa, Mom come in from the boat as Dad ties up.
Lisa in the warm glow of the Coco Beach Club bar.

More fun in the Bahamas

2007-08-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

Treasure Cay Beach is 3 beautiful miles long.
Jessie running on the beach. This is a Lens Baby shot (see below)
A cool looking boat on Guana Cay
If the sign says "NO DIVING!" would a flip be OK?
I bought my Lens Baby Lens at a Photo seminar in California a couple of weeks ago. I'm having a blast with it! You focus by squeezing on the lens. Only a portion of the photo is in focus while the rest is rendered with a very smooth bokeh.

A trip to Guana

2007-08-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Jessie looking ravishing in the soft Bahama lighting

Captain Bill
I've noticed a lot of teenage girls do a pose similar to the one above. My Daughter Jessie tells me this is what all the cool girls do although she doesn't think I've mastered the cool look yet myself. Probably never will...
Nipper's bar is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Some decent waves makes for fun skim boarding.
TJ looking mighty fine with his new WaveZone skimboard.

Bahama's

2007-08-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

Finally, I'm blogging! I'm currently in Treasure Cay, Bahamas with my family. We go every year and have a great time. The beaches are white, I mean pure white and because of it the water is impossibly crystal blue. It really is a beautiful place

TJ, Mom and Dad cruising on the new Yellow Whaler
A Wally's Special is always a treat when going into Marsh Harbor

Mom, Jessie and TJ on Wally's white porch. Pictures always haved such a nice glow in this soft lighting.

The planes flying into the tiny Treasure Cay airport can be pretty tiny themselves. Lisa stays doped up on Dramamine and fortunately the barf bag remained in the seat pocket on this voyage.