Single Photo Friday: Open

My neighborhood is looking festive. Shot on Nikon D3 ISO 6400.

I got a new camera! Well, new to me. It came my way when I wasn't in the market for anything (though visions of camera gear dance in my head on a regular basis). What once belonged to the fabulous photographer and storyteller, Jim Daniels (whom I worked for over 10 years ago and whose work I admire greatly), is now sitting here in my office with me. Check out his site, and get ready to be moved.

Jim passed away earlier this year after battling cancer. His absence is felt throughout the photo community, but especially in the homes of his family members, and throughout parts of the world where he has made an impact with both his photos and general being.

Using a piece of Jim's camera gear carries a decent amount of weight for me. I walked in the cool air last night, cranked the ISO up to 3200, 6400, and even 10,000(!!) and took a few shots of my little neighborhood. It felt amazing! I have been trying to justify the buying of this camera when I am worried about other things I need more, when Christmas is right around the corner, when I'm in the middle of upgrades to our new home, when I already have 2 digital bodies that work fine.

But sometimes FINE isn't good enough. Earlier that day I packed up my first digital camera (the Fuji S5 Pro) and shipped it off to KEH. I felt more relief than anything else. That camera and I were never an ideal fit. It simply couldn't keep up with me.

But Jim's camera (which I think is what it will always be called) is fast and shoots in low light and fits nicely in my hand and by my eye. It can keep up with me AND push me to the next level.

When I got home I stood in front of my house and just stared at it. There were a few festive lights in the windows and I found myself needing to pause and take in the moment. I just used Jim's camera, photographed in the dark, felt alive and grateful and inspired. I stared at the warm glow coming from parts of my house and felt a wave of emotion that let me know I made the right decision - both in moving to this home and in buying Jim's camera.

Being open can really pay off at times.



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Single Photo Friday:: Graveyard Walk

Many years ago, while attending Ithaca College as a photo major, I learned about a style of shooting known as 'shooting from the hip.' It is safe to say that this was a turning point for me in falling more in love with photography, and learning about my own personal style.

I can clearly remember doing the assignment with one of my classmates. While I got more and more excited, she got more and more frustrated. I had walked into my comfort zone, she was very far from hers. I would say it was a pivotal moment for both of us in that sense. She turned more and more to the lighting studio after that, while I kept my camera at my hip and took to the streets.

Shooting from the hip can literally happen with your camera around your neck, dangling at your hip and very far from your eye. Push the shutter without looking through the lens, develop your black & white film, and find 36 surprises. Or, so it would go back in 1990whatever. The element of surprise was part of what I loved about it.

The other side is how much it teaches you about your equipment. You start to see things in terms of whatever lens you are using, which is crucial for a photographer anyway. It almost seems to speed up your ability to learn about and make that piece of equipment work for you. Almost 20 years later and I'm still using the technique, though it varies and is often not dangling at my hip (except when it is). Lately, my camera strap gets wrapped around my wrist (just in case..) and that camera is put on the ground or into a bush or on some hard surface that has caught my eye. Pavement, rock and brick walls, rusted fences, piles of leaves... there are just so many places to try out!

So, the other day there was frost on the ground and an electrician in my house. When he shut the power down my camera and I went for a walk. I have often shot with a wide lens when shooting from or around the hip, but this time I put on the 85mm and walked through the graveyard. Yes, my camera went on the ground, into the frosted leaves, next to someone's grave, to get that shot you see here. It is my favorite from that day's photo excursion. And yet another reminder of why I love my 85 so much!


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Last Minute Senior Session Special

I have recently decided to expand my business and start doing High School Senior Portraits. People have been asking me for years and I never pushed the idea too much. Then one day it occurred to me that I love working one on one with someone, capturing their personality, telling their story. This is possibly my favorite thing about photography and exactly what is needed when high school seniors say they want their photos done. They want to remember who they are NOW.

So, while the ship may have mostly sailed for this year I am offering a last-minute special to those who have still not had their photos done. This Sunday I have opened up my schedule for the last minute people out there still needing Senior photos done.

Sunday October 10 at SMCC campus I will be booking one hour mini SR sessions for $99 starting at 10 am, until 4pm. I am also available Monday (10.11) and Tuesday (10.12) afternoons for a mini session at the location of your choosing.

For example, these photos of Janice were taken at Portland's graffiti wall on Free Street - a location that suited her personality and look. Please take a look at them and think of ways to bring your own personality to life, then call me and let me know how I can help make that happen! Edgy, creative, athletic, straight-laced... whatever your personality is it should be celebrated and remembered.














Call (207.510.1322) or email (info@beedlephotos.com) for more info and booking a time. Waiting to the last minute sometimes has its advantages!!




The not-so-fine print: Sessions must be scheduled ahead of time and directly through me. I will send you an email confirmation. Payment due at time of service. A la carte options for ordering prints and/or books will be available, and images will be uploaded to online proofing gallery. 5 web size/facebbook files and one file for yearbook will be given. More can be purchased later if wanted.

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Single Photo Friday:: Mono

In my past I was a black and white printer. I spent much of my twenties working in darkrooms and splashing around in a sink full of chemicals. When I wasn't printing, I was shooting black and white film like it was going out of style. Probably because it was.

Now that I live in a digital world my love for color has really bloomed. And, yet I still enjoy various shades of gray. Sometimes when I'm out shooting I literally look for a monochrome color palette. Like this wall.

I stumbled across this wall while at the Maine Media Workshops a few weeks ago. My classmates and I were out shooting without looking through the lens. I created an album on my Facebook page showing what I took that day. An exercise in SEEING, without LOOKING. Something I feel is crucial to growing as a photographer and something I encourage everyone who has a love affair with cameras to do. Let yourself be surprised by the results, and teach yourself to expand your vision.

Spend a half hour with your camera and just look for variations in color, light, and texture. That's where I always start. Next photograph the things that grab your eye, only without looking through the viewfinder. Stand close or far from the subject, get on the ground, get dirty, bend sideways, twist your arm and therefore your camera into funny angles. Play with the controls and focus. Learn to SEE in new ways, and really get a stronger grasp of how your equipment works.

And, FYI, cropping later is cheating! Learn not to do it :)



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Single Photo Friday:: Stormy Beauty

Yesterday's sky was crazy awesome. I thought I should share a photo I took while standing on my back deck, during a much needed computer break. Yes, I spent most of my little break staring at the sky.

So far, September is scoring an A+ in my book!

Ooooh, pretty.

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A 3 Month Challenge

On set with Gitgo Prodcutions upcoming short "2020"

I am taking on a challenge. Part social experiment, part medical necessity. As of yesterday, I am unable to drive for 3 months.

Would you be able to do that? This is something that may be much easier for some than others. If I lived in New York City then not driving for 3 months would not phase me in the least. But I live in Maine, and not near any public transportation lines and not walking distance to any grocery stores or conveniences (though there is a farm stand about half a mile away). But I do live in an area where I can bike as needed, I have family members close by, no kids to cart around, and friends who have said they will help if I need it. I am self-employed and work from home.

Except when I don't.

Crew reflection in the side of a 1969 El Camino.

Crew setting up the next shot.

I do believe that will be my biggest challenge during the next 3 months. When the phone rings for work saying "I can't drive for 3 months" is not likely to be an answer that works in my favor. Though I do believe in an honest approach to how I live my life and run my business, and so sharing this info with people is what I plan to do. Sure, my mom might have to drive me to a photo shoot, and I may have to sit around and wait for a ride home. But this is a temporary situation. The end reward will be no longer taking medicine that I have been on since I was 11. I can stand a little humbling to get that to happen.




This is going to be an exercise in resourcefulness. I am going to have to swallow my pride and ask for help. Then I'll have to plan accordingly and be flexible. And be creative in finding solutions. I'm betting this will help me really think about how I do things and will therefore make me a better problem solver. And isn't that the kind of photographer you would want to hire?

So, if all goes well I will no longer be medicated for epilepsy 3 months from now(!!!). I will have saved some money, lessened my carbon footprint, and learned a thing or two about myself. Plus, I will be free of a medicine I have been taking for far too long. And that will be an unbelievable freedom for me. Of course, in order to get there I have to have a freedom taken away. The state will not allow me to drive while I go through this process.

I tell you this not to scare you away from hiring me, but instead to share this piece of my life with you, and invite you to share any stories or helpful tips if you have them. For the next 3 months I am the photographer who can't drive herself ANYWHERE (and might drive those around her a little crazy). But I know without a doubt this will not stop me from doing what I love.

I love being on set!

Director Kate Kaminski chatting with Kate Davis between takes.

Almost ready.

The actors in action.

More tests. A lot goes into film-making, in case you didn't already know that.

More fabulous actors during their scene.

Honk if you see me walking down the road lugging my camera gear on my back. Or stop and chat with me. Or cheer me on. Maybe offer me some water. I will gladly share my tales with those who wish to know. And if I know you I may even accept the offer of a ride when needed.

Me on set with my trusted Sound Blimp protecting my camera from the damp weather.

All photos above were taken on set with Gitgo Productions and their upcoming short film 2020, which will premiere in October 2010 in Portland, Maine.


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Single Photo Friday:: Outtakes

The other day I was photographing Brent, a talented local actor. I took this frame in between figuring out our next moment. I know he will not use this as his headshot, but there is something about it that I feel captures something so very Brent.

The funny thing about taking photos of people is there are always some nerves involved - for both the subject and the photographer. Even an actor, who is used to the spotlight to a certain degree, may not always feel relaxed when a camera is lifted and directed towards them. And as the photographer, I want to get images that speak to who someone is, so I put a certain amount of pressure on myself. I want funny and silly and serious and unsure and happy and anything else that I can get in our time together. I often fall in love with images I know people may not use, possibly because I love the moment. That may not be their favorite moment. Or, in this case, may not be their marketable moment.

If the goal is to get work for an actor, or to illustrate an editorial story, or to give a family a moment of their life to look back on, I look for the obvious and wait for the hidden gems. They will reveal themselves to you if you are patient!



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Photo Excursion

Recently my nephew Max and I went on a little photo excursion together. It was loads o' fun exploring and watching him take photos. I thought I would share some of my photos from that day...

A photographer in the making, perhaps?

I love the way he looks at me when he's wondering what I'm doing.

I dig photos of swings, with or without people.

Swinging and chatting about life.

Spying through the rings.

A playground made from recycled materials? Cool!

I just love these rings. Again, he's wondering what I'm doing.

Photos taken 'Max style.'

So much concentration!

We can learn a lot from kids. Like how important it is to shoot from all different angles.

A photo he took of me, complete with head cut off. I've taught him so well.

Let's go back and hula hoop! Or something like that.

Our reflections on the hood of our car. This shot just makes me laugh.

It's great to find inspiration in as many places as possible, including your own backyard. Or hanging out with a 7 year old who looks at things totally different than you might. Try it out and let me know how it goes!

Here we are! Oh, I didn't take this photo :)

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Single Photo Friday:: Family Fun

I recently hung out at the beach with Mike, Maria, Ryan and Nick. Family photos are one of those things I love doing, especially when I get to see the same family members through the years. Last time we did this Nick was a lot smaller and perhaps not quite as active!

I love seeing what will happen when I tell the kids it's ok for us to do a goofy photo. The above photo is a classic example of how that can unfold.

This time of year is perfect for family photos. So if you are thinking you need them done I encourage you to act sooner rather than later to take advantage of the long summer days, great weather, and amazing light. And to give you plenty of time to use your images as holiday gifts ;-)

 Enjoy the weekend!


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Single Photo Friday:: Seagull Attack!

Lookout for seagulls!

Ahh, just gorges. Haha, I mean Fort Gorges, so proudly displayed in Portland's Caso Bay.

 

It's 9pm on Friday evening and I am just now sitting down long enough to remember that 1) today is indeed Friday and 2) I have yet to post to the blog.

I took this shot today while aboard The Lucky Catch - a lobster boat that takes people on tours of Casco Bay and shows them how to catch lobster. My cousin's daughter (therefore, my 2nd cousin) was visiting Maine for the first time, and so we did a touristy thing that ended up being possibly more fun for us locals than those from away. As they got bait ready the seagulls literally swarmed us. I chose to turn my attention and my camera to the flock rather than the action happening on the boat.

I think that was the most fun I've ever had photographing seagulls.


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Celebrating Dads

Today would have been my dad's 70th birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Dad! I miss you tons, and especially on this day.

I also spend Father's Day missing him. If you are visiting my blog for the first time you may not know that my dad passed away a little over 5 years ago from Mantle Cell Lymphoma (a rare, currently incurable cancer). So, June is often a month that challenges me, on a personal level.

However, while there may be moments of missing or feeling kind of sad, there are also great moments of remembering. Hearing or seeing certain things that remind me of him, that often trigger smiles or even laughter. I try to celebrate him in little ways on both these days. So, on this birthday the Weekend Warrior and I will be going to see 3 houses as we have put our adorable and well-loved house on the market. We are looking for a place to help grow my business, and that feels exciting.

I spent Father's Day photographing a family, which felt like the perfect thing to do. The more time passes, the more I am in tune to how important these moments are for a family unit. As a family we all share many amazing and fun memories, but rarely do we get photos to document that. Kids grow fast, time speeds by. Recording these moments is not easy, especially while trying to also be a parent. Luckily, that's where photographers can step in! Telling a piece of the story that is your family, capturing moments you would not be able to get on your own.

So, hanging out with the Aiello family on Father's Day was, for  me, a great way to spend a day that often challenges me. They were willing to go to a place that wouldn't necessarily strike people as the ideal place for photos, and I loved that. They wanted photos done somewhere that meant something to them (more applause!), somewhere they like spending time together.

So, we headed down a trail that opens up to the marsh and hung out together. I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you. Father's Day served up some great light that day and a gorgeous sky, so that was an extra gift.

I love the color of these rocks against the sky.

Brothers throwing rocks into the marsh. 

The goofy brother.

The serious brother.

The parents.

 

The tickle war!

Did I mention I also photographed their wedding back in the early days of my career? Yes, so it's great to work with the same couple 10 years later. Ten years is a long time - how things have changed! Thanks for sharing Father's Day with me Kate, Justin, Mason, and Max!

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