My Top 10 photographs this year are not necessarily the best technically or compositionally but more so the selects that speak to me about the Experience. The Story is not always easily communicated to the viewer through a lone image and the viewer rarely get's the backstory, or Behind the Scenes as it's sometimes called. At the close of 2019 I present these 10 images and a little backstory as well. Enjoy!
- 1 -
Haystack
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area - Pacific City, Oregon
My first time using the new manual focus only Laowa 9mm lens. It's super wide and sharp and relatively inexpensive... especially used as I got it. This is at the extreme top of the dune and I framed Haystack Rock in the distance between the dead trees.
Haystack - Fuji X-t2 - 9mm - .9sec - ISO200
- 2 -
Ball Court
Chitzen-Itza, Mexico
We got the early morning tour before all the guests arrived. The angle and shadows lead the eye across the frame. I only wish there were some clouds in the sky.
Ball Court - Fuji X-t2 - f11 - 55mm - 1/220 - ISO200
- 3 -
Observatory
Mayaland, Mexico
This resort is directly next door to Chitzen-Itza. This particular shot is of my son sitting on the front steps overlooking the Observatory (with his iPad, of course). A shot I will cherish forever.
Observatory - Fuji X-t2 - f11 - 26.5mm - 1/110 - ISO200
- 4 -
Melting!
near Sherwood, OR
Sometimes glamour is not that glamorous. This particular day was HOT and under the tent it was even warmer. We were all melting during this Princess themed shoot and the expressions of both Taarna and the girl in the background tell the story perfectly.
Melting - Fuji X-t2 - f4 - 90mm - 1/500 - ISO200
- 5 -
Aidan
Red Lodge, MT
The annual trip to see family in Montana this year was extra special because we got to meet the newest addition to the family and I knew I had to be the first for official portraits.
Aidan - Fuji X-t2 - f2 - 90mm - 1/250 - ISO200 - Godox AD200 w/softbox
- 6 -
Flip
Fringe Fashion promotional shoot
Shot at Cobalt Studios, Portland
Model: Degundrea Harris
I was asked to shoot for Fringe this year and had a great time at three different events. When you have all the elements in place for some excellent shots then there is always time to have a little fun.
Flip - Fuji X-t2 - f4.5 - 90mm - 1/125 - ISO200
- 7 -
Red Hot
Angelo Moore of Fishbone at the One Nation Under a Groove Tour. Portland, OR
Each time Fishbone comes to town I ask management if I can shoot them and they never disappoint. This show was at the Oregon Zoo. The rains started toward the end of Fishbone's set and I was ill prepared for it so had to leave before George Clinton took the stage.
Red Hot - Fuji X-t2 - 140mm - f2.8 - 1/250 - ISO1600
- 8 -
Jade
Taste of Style 2019
An event to benefit the Oregon Food Bank.
One Main Place, Portland, OR
Model: Jade Toland
This was I believe my fourth year in a row shooting this event and the first time I got to set up a with real lighting to document the models in full hair and make-up. Out of dozens of wonderful frames this particular shot was my favorite for the day.
Jade - Fuji X-t2 - f5.6 - 35mm - 1/40 - ISO200 - Godox AD200 x2 with softboxes
- 9 -
Catrina of Dia de Muertos
Davis Graveyard, Milwaukie, OR
Model: @leillinaa
MUaH: Blanca Plata
Day of the Dead themed shoot where Mike and I had a rare run of the place for an entire day. Ultra-talented body paint artist and two beautiful models made the day a winner. So much fun!
Catrina - Fuji X-t2 - f4 - 35mm - 1/100 - ISO200
- 10 -
Shuttered
Near Buffalo, Montana
Exploring abandoned structures is one of my favorite things to do and while in Montana for Thanksgiving I took a drive alone one day to capture some. This particular shot is the interior of an old homestead in central Montana and was taken through a long gone window.
Shuttered - Fuji X-t2 - f8 - 18mm - 1/4 - ISO200