Fill In The Frame Photography

Dragon fly

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Doug

About this time last year the local photography group was talking about extension rings for lenses and I just had to get a set for myself to play with as I love doing macro photography.

I found a set at Amazon.com after trying unsuccessfully to purchase a set at various local photography shops. I effectively now have a variety of macro lenses for less than $100 rather than $500 each. This picture was of a dragonfly I that got trapped in the garage one day. Surprisingly he stayed still while I lay down on the floor with my 40D, 50mm f1.8 lens on one of my extension rings and got to within about an inch and a half away. Focusing was very difficult without a tripod but the natural outdoor lighting helped get a decently sharp shot. You can see the extreme field of depth as there is a VERY narrow range that is in focus. The exposure on this one was 1/50 sec, at ISO 400. With these extension rings it is very tough to get things focused as every little slight movement will completely loose focus.

I can’t wait for warm weather again to go out and spend a day doing more nature macro photography.

Posted in macro, Nature | Tagged dragonfly, extension tubes, macro | Leave a comment

NHS Drama – A Christmas Carol followup part 2

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Doug

As I promised in December I have another set of photos from the Des Moines North High School Drama department’s production of a slightly different version of A Christmas Carol completed. After the last performance we worked together to recreate some of the scenes from the play in order to better capture moments with better lighting.

This time I actually go to get up on stage with the students and coordinate with Mark Rixner, the drama teacher, to direct the students. I can honestly say I have never worked with such a large group of people on such a rushed time line as I did this night. Every scene required different lighting and camera adjustments. Thankfully I brought one of my assistants along with me this time, my niece Amanda, to help get things just so and quickly. I tried to find a balance of moving quickly and not keep the kids waiting and still take quality photos and capture the emotion of the scene.

After the shoot I had a feeling I wouldn’t be too happy with the outcome due to the rush but I was delightfully surprised with the outcome and the students quickly ran off to their after party.

The full set of pictures can be viewed here.

There is one more set to come. If you haven’t found a favorite yet I am sure you will in the next group.

ps: If anybody is interested in helping me with names, we can list the students names in the photos. These students are all very talented and deserve credit.

Posted in Events, People | Tagged A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, NHS drama, Play production | Leave a comment

NHS Drama – A Christmas Carol followup

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Doug

This past weekend the North High drama department wrapped up their performances of A Christmas Carol. I was there two more times getting more shots for the students and families. If you came here looking for these photos please check back as I will have them posted soon.

Posted in Events | Tagged NHS drama, play | Leave a comment

NHS Drama – A Christmas Carol

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Doug

Another successful stage production put on by the dedicated students at Des Moines North High School. They always put on a great show and make for some great photos. These photos were taken the opening night of the five day showing. I didn’t get a chance to see rehearsals or the stage setup in advance so I went into this blind not knowing what to expect.

Click HERE to see all the pictures (note: forgot the link on first post so here it is now)

The majority of the shots were taken using my trusty little secret weapon, the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. I love this lens for low light conditions but the lack of zoom (or in this case the ability to zoom out) presented some challenge as the stage was literally three feet in front of me. I did have to change lens a few times to get the scene unfolding in front of me which of course came with the challenge of getting enough light through the glass to capture a nice sharp image without lots of noise.

As I want to provide the students, families and staff with a good selection of photos for memories, many of the images shown here are not up to my normal quality standards and will have flaws…Don’t critique too harshly. Enjoy and please leave feedback, critiques, thoughts, etc.

Students and faculty of North High School, please let me know if you want larger copies without the watermark…I’ll be happy to provide a private download link for you.

And last but not least, a big thank you to Mr. Mark Rixner for doing such a wonderful job with the students, dedicating your time and talents to make the Drama department at North so great, and of course for the great seats 🙂

Posted in Events | Tagged A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, Drama, Mark Rixner, North High School | Leave a comment

Rita Shapiro shoot

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Doug

I recently got the opportunity to photograph a new friend Rita Shapiro in order to help showcase the talents of makeup artist HMK Makeup Artistry, aka Sarah Ott.

While the weather was not great and it was cloudy and dull outside and starting to get quite chilly, we had fun and I love the results. Rita was great to work with having what I can only describe as a natural modeling quality.

View all photos HERE

Posted in People | Tagged portrait | Leave a comment

New portraits coming.

Posted on November 12, 2010 by Doug

I wanted to share a small sample of a recent photo shoot I did which I am currently working on post processing…All three models were really great to work with. Here they are.

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Please let me know what you think.

Posted in People | Tagged hmk makeup artistry, portraits | Leave a comment

Pet Sakes Pet Portraits

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Doug

I am finishing up with editing all the photos from this past Saturday. I expect to be having them printed Wednesday for pickup at Petsakes starting Thursday. See your pet online now on the Animals page.

What we are going to do is provide ONE 4×6 print of each photo at Petsakes. Just take your card into the store with your number on it and ask for your photo.

Enlargements will be available upon request at a very reasonable rate. You can choose between economy and professional grade prints in a variety of sizes. Email me for details.

Also, please register (at this site) so I can add you to the email list for events, portrait specials and more.

Posted in Animals, Events | Leave a comment

Pet Portraits

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Doug

Saturday’s Customer Appreciation Day at Pet Sakes was a LONG but fun day. We photographed about 70 dogs. I am still working through all the photos picking the best ones and making minor adjustments. I expect to have most if not all completed in another day or two. Until then, here are a couple of my favorites.

Thanks to all who came out and let me spend some time with your pet(s) doing what I enjoy. I had a great time working with each of you and your pets.

The teaser set of images above are of: Kobe, Buddy, Hazel, Harriet, Lucky, Ladi and Fritzy.

Posted in Animals, Events | Tagged dogs, fall, pets | 1 Comment

Pet Photos – Stop by and get yours

Posted on September 18, 2010 by Doug

Pet Sakes on East Euclid in Des Moines has invited me to come do pet portraits during their customer appreciation day Saturday September 18th From 10:00AM til 3:00PM (I believe) If you have a pet please come on out and say hi and get your your pet portrait.

I can’t name all the events going on because I can’t remember them all but it’s going to be a big thing. 10% off EVERYTHING in the store, other items 50% off. There are doggy games, things for the kiddies, FREE food and drinks, specials on pet grooming, nail trims, etc. AND a Pet Psychic. There will be give aways, and more…Too much to list here. If you’re in the area you really should stop by.

Posted in Animals, Events | Tagged customer appreciation, grooming, pets, portraits, prizes, psychic | Leave a comment

Sentimental Journey

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Doug

I heard from a friend that there was a B-17 bomber at the Ankeny, IA airport so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go take a look with my son.

We of course had the camera ready to capture a great piece of American history while it visited the Des Moines area.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Posted in history | Tagged aircraft, b-17 bomber, warplane | Leave a comment