Breaking the Rules

Like in anything, there are always "do's" and "don't" and it seems that when it comes to photography, even the most casual photographer has a general idea of what those rules are. But again, like with most things, there is usually a way to break the rule and still end up with a great shot. In fact, I argue that you could end it with a better shot, mostly because the result will be very different from others who wouldn't even have given it a whirl.

So, you want some examples?

Rule-Use a tripod in low light

Well, often it is said that that you shouldn't shoot in low light with out a tripod. Although that's mostly true, I happen to almost never use a tripod, simply because I can't take one to the places I go with low light. So my work around is to boost the ISO (the sensitivity of the camera) on the camera to it's highest point, open my Apurature to its widest point (make sure the most amount of light comes in through the lens) and tuck my arms in tight to the my sides and then breath out and hold my breath...

Remember, with a point and shoot camera, you can do the exact same thing and get very similiar results.

Rule-Don't shoot in the brightest part of the day

Another often "rule" is to avoid shooting in the brightest part of the day. The reason is that usually this is the least flattering to your subject, especially people. Generally you will find harsh shadows on there face.

Lately I have actually been doing more shooting during this time of day. The reason is simply is that it is my lunch time and no other time really works as well to get my camera out. So, how do I get around this generally bad lighting? Well, since I can't control the light of the day, I insert a light that I can control, namely flash. As you can see from the shots here Maribel is very well lit and quite beautiful if I may say so..

So, grab your camera, turn the flash on and get out and shoot the people you care about.. And remember, DELETE the unflattering shots... :)

Just Another Guest

You probably already realized this, but the older one gets, the less likely you are to be invited to a wedding. This has nothing to do with your popularity or likability. It's just a simple fact of life. Most of us have friends that are out age. The average age that people get married is 25-35. So, if your past that, most of your friends are married (perhaps already even divorced), so thus, less weddings to attend.

I've been fortunate to have been able to attend a lot of weddings the last few years simply because I've been hired to do the photography. Now, even though most of the wedding I don't really know the bride and groom or their friends and family, I still have a blast at each and everyone. In fact, I can't think of a one in which ultimately I didn't say that I felt more like a guest than a hired hand.

In August of this year though, I was actually a bonfied invitation holding guest. Yup, I actually got to sit down during the ceremony. Let's not even go into how hard that was to do. I kept wanting to jump into the aisles and start shooting.

The wedding was for Casie & John, two of my newer friends here in Apex, NC. Let me just, Casie & John are two very special people. Both are much wiser than their years, especially when it comes to understanding people.

More outstanding though is was their ability to plan a wedding and make sure their guests (like me) have a good time. And, I have pictures to prove it. :)

This image was one of a handful of shots that I got from a very different perspective than usual. Although it would have been awesome to be their wedding photographer, it was even more so to be their guest..

Best wishes to you both, Casie & John. And thank you for being such wonderful friends.

If you would like to see all of the images from this wedding, head on over to Casie & John's Wedding

People People

From as far back as I can remember, I have always been surrounded by people. Not just family and same age friends, I mean people of all ages, color, race and background. So to me, people are people. I can honestly say, that it would be highly unusual for me to ever meet someone and give thought to anything more than struggling to make sure I remember their name. Even more true is that I am surrounded by people just like me.

So, I had a person mention to me recently that they had been going through my pictures and was impressed with how diverse my pictures are. Now at first, I was thinking my style of photography, maybe perhaps even the mix of black & white vs color processing. But then she was perfectly clear, she meant how diverse my subjects are. From the conversation, I understood that I was being extended a compliment.

Having given thought to the my encounter with this women it made me think just how much can be learned about someone from the ways they express themselves. Perhaps that's why I spend as much time looking at other peoples photography as I do my own. I'll admit, I do that so as to learn, but, I really do draw conclusions about a person by what they capture in their photography and how.

Which brings me to my last point. As much as I love all forms of photography, landscapes, food, architecture, there is nothing more I love than seeing pictures of people. Both of people I know and those I don't.

So, ask yourself, do you take enough pictures of people, which are the most important in our lives? If not, why not? If it's not lack of opportunity, then challenge yourself to change that.. If you do, you may have the result that will give people more insight into who you are.

For me, that has been a good thing.

Memory Lane

I'm hoping everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. It's hard to believe that yet another summer has come to pass.

For me, I can't say it was a boring one. This was perhaps one of the most event filled summer I have had, but, to be honest, I can't say I am one to ever be bored.

This weekend closed my summer with a trip to see my cousin Juli and daughter Brittany. Although I have done this before since moving to North Carolina over 2 years ago, this time I made the trek East with my mom. Now, this was the first trip my mom has made to see me. In future posts I'll have a few more stories regarding her visit.

The thing with taking my mom to see my cousin is that I actually forgot that she had spent a lot of time in North Carolina many years ago. Back when I was just a small tike of say 2-3 years old. My mom used to come to visit Juli's mom and then later moved to NC and lived in Cherry Point Marine base with my then step-father who was stationed there.

What we thought would be interesting is to visit a few places that my mom may have remembered from way back then. So, we decided to drive over to Newport, NC, were Juli lived as a child. Now wow, that is an interesting town. Not much to speak of really. Even the shops in the downtown look like either small brick buildings, but many, well, many look like dressed up trailers. The only "solid" looking building was the local church.

What was as interesting as the sightseeing was hearing the stories my mom would tell about the period of her life. Funny, the things we find out about our parents only once we have been.

One regret of this little trip is that I did not take more pictures. I have no idea why when we drove by the house Juli lived in I decided NOT to pull my camera out and snap a shot. It begs the question, How many shot do we not take that we regret not taking later? For me, it's not many fortunately. But, in this case, I truly messed up.

Well, I made up for the disappointment by stopping at a local ice cream parlor/candy store. That made me feel better. :)

Do as Smokers Do

So far, this week has been pretty busy. It's one of the type of weeks were there is so much going on, that I actually am feeling unproductive. After jumping from one thing to the next, at one point yesterday I just needed to step away for a few minutes. So I grabbed my camera, slipped on my shoes and took a few steps out the front door.

Immediately I noticed there were two dragonfly's buzzing around and one landed smack in front of me. Four clicks later, I had this shot. I then turned around and headed back in, knowing I had the shot that would make my day.

Turns out, after posting it to my FaceBook account, it seems I'm getting two days out of it.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

(BTW, if you would like to copy this picture, feel free. If you would like to buy a print, head on over to here.)

Don't Judge a Book by it's.......

I spend a lot of time at a gym. Far more than the average. Sure, it's mostly because I like to keep in shape, but honestly, there is a huge social aspect as well.

But, it wasn't always that way. In fact, for years, I had told myself I would NEVER join a gym. The reason? Partly because of a perception I had of the types of people that congregated there. To be honest, I thought they were all egotistical, vain, totally into themselves types of people.

Now someone who stumbles across this blog, who after looking at the photo's of David, may think that he's the type of person who likes nothing more than staring at himself in the mirror. One may draw the conclusion that he obviously must spend more time in the gym than he does in a 'real job'. After all, how else could he get into such great shape.

Let me tell ya, you'd be dead wrong!

I had the hardest time even getting David to take his shirt off in front of the camera. David is modest, humble and yes, would give the shirt off his back to help out a person in need.

David is one of the most motivated Personal Trainers I know. Not only is Personal Training a profession for David, but it's his passion, solely because he loves to see people improve themselves. David is currently employed by Lifestyle Family Fitness and operates his own website at Freeman Fitness. If you are one that is or wants to invest to invest in yourself, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

So, were am I heading with this. Again, to be honest?, no idea.

Oh, I know.. I was going to make a point about photography. After all, isn't what this blog is all about? (ya, right)

This particular shoot is less about equipment than it is about making your subject feel comfortable. Sure, I have a decent camera, but it's pretty common place nowadays, even among amateurs. the background is a simple black bed sheet. I'm using one light to the camera right and a reflector on the left.

That's it.. No meters, no fancy background. Even the prop is old and just lying around the house.

Lesson learned.. Get a light, a sheet and a simple prop and take a studio quality shot!

Childrens Portrait Sessions

Speed Racer
Originally uploaded by -shawn-

In the years since I started my small photography business, I pretty much have focused on event photography. On a much smaller scale I have done headshots for companies and even shoot NASCAR for commercial sponsors.

One area in which I would have to say I have a lot of experience by default is children photography. Heck, for 18 years I literally took tens of thousands of photographs of my 2 boys. Likely, to the point of which they would be happy if they never had to see another camera again.

Recently though, I've scheduled a few sessions scheduled with kids. Although not completely unique, I choose to shoot children in what I feel is an friendly atmosphere for both them and I. Usually a park or their own backyard, playing with the things that are familiar to them.

An added benefit beyond that fact that you have a kid that's not screaming while you try and force him into a pose is that natural light because the primary light with a reflector or flash filling in areas when needed. Most people agree that we all, even children, look our best in this type of lighting.

Personally, I'm finding that the reward is pretty great when looking at the end result. Of course the look on the faces of the parents is even better.

If you would like more information on how to schedule a , feel free to drop us a note @ shawn@candidcaptures.com.

Over the years I have visited Washington, DC several times. I remember the first visit, my oldest son was not much more than 1 or 2 years old. In fact, if after I post this I can find an early pictures I just thought of, I'll post it.

Well anyway, each time I go there I always take my camera. Some of the early shot were your standard Lincoln Memorial, White House and a zillion other shots taken in the many museums.

Well the last two trips, May of 2008 and 2009 I made it my goal to take pictures that are very different from what I would normally take. Although last year was a awesome getaway to our countries capitol, it was a trip I did alone. This year was much more special! This year I took my oldest son Ryan who graduated High School this year. The very one I took on my first trip.

Ryan and I had such a blast together. Not only did we take a bunch of traditional tourist shots, I have many very unique ones that I will cherish for years. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Right: Ryan doing his "Freedom Jump". I actually have two versions of this shot, one with people in the background, the other with out. Personally, I prefer this one.

Below: Ryan and I did a ton of walking on this trip. Museums and monuments galore. But the most relaxing night was going to the Capitol stairs to take in a concert. The sunset was just amazing.

Racing with a Flare

When I was growing up and we talked about the wide world of sports, there was really nothing more to it than Baseball, Football, Hockey (at least till the strike) and Basketball. Being from the background that I am, Golf and Tennis never really came up. One things for sure, one sport that never was spoken of was NASCAR.

But, last year, I had the opportunity to attend a couple of races, one in Dover, DE and another in Loudon, NH, simply because my company was sponsoring the race and wanted me to grab a few photos.

Well, was I in for a surprise.

Even though I new almost nothing about anything related to this sport, I found my self pretty excited to be there. After all, from a photographers point of view, whats not to like. Theirs lots of action, people, color and thrill. Couple that with the fact that I had FULL access to all areas of the track, both in inside and outside. That meant I was able to pretty much get a shot from any view. Of course, there was the issue of simply not knowing where I should be.

Thus I needed a crash course on racing. Well, there is no shortage of fan knowledge. After finding out that the average person pays over $60 for a ticket for a seat that is as uncomfortable as they come, in the open sun for as many hours as a race can run, with poor air quality all around and the need for HUGE headsets to block out the noise. You HAVE to be dedicated to the sport to endure all that. And since a fan spends ALL day at a race that runs just a couple of hours, they are just dying to talk to you about racing while guzzling down their beer while I'm enjoying my morning coffee.

So, what does a new photographer at a race with a hundred other photographers expect to shot that comes out any different than anyone else?

Well, for sure I had to capture signage of our company, but I wanted it to be different. After seeking out a couple track locations, I settled on this one. It was a quite spot on turn 2 late into the race. At this time the sun was settling down a bit. To capture this one I had to stop down to get the sun to flare and boost my ISO way up so as to still freeze the movement of the cars...

Turns out this shot was a hit, not only with my company but a few other NASCAR fans... I have to say, I like too...

Heck, I just my frame and hand it on my wall.. The question is, which wall? The right or LEFT? Hmmm, LEFT it is.. :)

The last few months have been very tough for a lot of people. Some of those I am closest with have had to deal with changes in their life that makes the day to day extremely difficult.

When I went to "process" this picture, I immediately thought of those I care so much about. Although dark and turbulent, the majority of the image is bright.... thus is life.

more about this shot

This was taken on a very cold (by Florida standards), windy day at a beach in Englewood, Florida. Very few people actually were walking on the beach at this time, which is highly unusual.

..

This past week I was invited to shoot a Dance Show at the Middle School in Cary, NC. Like the recent band event that I shot, this too was very new to me and certainly more challenging. Why? Take a low light venue with fast paced action that you want to freeze and not have the use of flash as a option. Now that's a challenge.

Despite all that, when I look at the shots , I can't help but think about the dedication it must have take by each girl in preparing for this show. The time and discipline it took to pull it all off, wow, amazing. Oh, lets not forget the dedication from their teacher.

I have to say, even if I wasn't doing the photography for this, it's a show I would not want to have missed.

To Fine Wine and Good Friends

To Fine Wine and Good Friends
Originally uploaded by -shawn-

Meeting people, ones you actually like to hang out with, is no easy feat. Now imagine how difficult it is to meet new friends when you move 900 miles away from where you grew up all your life.

To make things even more challeging, imagine you work out of your home and your only contact is by phone.

So, after relocating to Cary, NC, a place where you "can't get there from here" , from Boston, where everything is just a hop, skip or a jump away, meeting people was WAY challenging. (ok, Cary isn't that bad :) )

If this isn't the first blog entry you've read, then you know that the local gym is a major hang out for me. And it's there that I come to know so many wonderful people. Being that we all have fitness in common AND that people into fitness generally do not mind having their picture taken. (a little vain are we?) we have hung out with a bunch of wonderful folks.

Of those, there are some that have become very good friends, and this passed weekend was proved it.

I won't bore you with all the details, but , this toast and entry is to them!

A Different Venue

Photography as a business is not as profitable as one may think. Now don't get me wrong, I know several people who manage to make a living at Photography. The thing is, they treat it as such, meaning they set goals and objectives and back it up with a business plan. People that focused on the business side measure the payback of everything they do. Rightfully so they treat it this way, especially if it's their livelyhood.

I on the other hand, for right or wrong and at least for now, shoot with the goal of enjoying myself and trying new things. And hopefully, in the end the money earned pays for the wear and tear on some very expensive equipment.

So, with all that being said, last week a friend of mine who happens to be a band director asked me if I would stop by during a concert that he was putting on with his 6th & 7th grade bands to shot some pictures of him and the students. In return we would be able to post the pictures to a private shopping gallery where parents would be able to view and purchase prints if they so desired.

I never shot this type of venue before, so the thought of doing it was kind of exciting. But realistically, I kind of knew from a business perspective, some would think it that it might not make much sense.

But, there lies the point, the joy of photography is enjoying shooting things you want, regardless of whether it is or isn't profitable.

Besides, one never knows, these kids will likely get married in the future, right? :)

The Power of One

This past weekend was spent in Tampa, FL shooting two events for what could be one of the most dynamic companies I have come across. I'm not totally surprised, as I have found that people focused on physical fitness are often outgoing, and it was a fitness company that hired us. The company is Lifestyle Family Fitness, located in St. Petersburg, FL.

I have written much about the gym I attend in Apex, NC as it is for sure the best run gym I have ever belonged too. In addition to the impeccable locations, the personnel that they employee are quality people, from the top down.

The theme of the Awards ceremony was "The Power of One". This theme resonated through each and every speaker. I think what impressed me though is that it really is not just a theme. I say this because I have met so many people in a short period of time that are part of this organization and each and everyone of them knows that they can and do make a difference. That's true for the club they may be employed at, as well as for the members that they service.

Now sure, no company is perfect, but then again some just don't try. I for one believe that this company truly does try. And they start at "home", meaning they treat their employees well.

Here are a couple of the images from the event. You'll see from the expressions just what I mean.

(to see all the images, go to Candid Captures under "In the Spotlight")

A Hired Hand

As many know, photography is not my primary career, and to be honest, I'm not so sure I would have it any other way. Having two professions, part-time photographer and full time, umm, what is it I do? Oh, yes, a business analyst, almost forgot....

Anyway, the two, for whatever reason, sort of fit well together. And here is just one reason.

One person I have gotten to know fairly well is Don. Don worked for me for a few years as a web designer while I was Applications Manager at HP Hood. Lets just say, Don is extremely talented at what he does. Pretty much anything Don puts his mind to he can accomplish. Like everyone that was on my staff, we all came to be close.

Don recently got married, in fact it was October 11, 2008. I had the privilege of shooting his wedding. Although I was a hired photographer, Don made it clear, I was also a guest and was to enjoy all the benefits of being so.

I wonder if Don will actually realize how much that comment meant to me. The fact that someone actually wants you to be at their wedding is a privilege, but also having them want you to be part of their wedding by being the person entrusted to capture it, is yet another honor.

I was very touched.

Well this week I delivered the pictures. As always, I can't stop thinking about what they maybe thinking when reviewing the sideshow.

Don being such a wonderful person, called me to let me know what he thought.... now I can sleep.

Being the photographer at a wedding truly can mean so much more than just being a hired hand, it just takes a personal touch. This is the approach I believe every photographer should take with every corporate event or wedding they are hired for.

But I have to say, having the extra special relationship with Don & Michelle just made it all the better.

Best wishes to both of you!

A Perfect Compliment

Being a avid photographer with a camera in hand almost everywhere I go, I never had much good to say about what some consider a competitor to still captures, namely video.

It's not that I despise it or anything like that, it is more that I never really thought it was practical. After all, think of all the things you need. A video camera, tapes, a player to play it back on, a television and a whole lot of time to watch it. And god forbid you actually wanted to share the video with say your cousin seven states over. It's not like it was easy to transfer the video to the pc and upload.

Compare that with photos, with all that can be done with them with relative ease.

Times have changed though, so i have learned today. Why? Because I ordered a Flip video camera 2 days ago and today it came in.

This little thing is amazing. In fact, I have been videoing all night and playing it back on a television. Total time to do that? Oh, about 30 seconds from the time I hit STOP on the recording. Yup, 30 seconds to plug the Flip in to the tv and I was playing for a roomful of guest.

They were so impressed that I bet two sales are genereated. :)

A little plug for Phanfare

In the spirit of wanting to add stuff to this blog every couple of days and making sure it is somewhat useful information, today I figured I'd share with you one of a handful of services I use.

The service is Phanfare, a hosting service for both your photo's and video. I know, there are a ton of photo sharing sites in existence, some even do video. There's Picasa Web, Flickr and a several others, but trust me, i have tried them all and use multiple. But todays focus on my favorite, Phanfare.

Why?

Well first, because it does actually cost money to use. That's right, I actually pay to use it. Image that. But trust me, the modest annual fee is worth every penny.

What does Phanfare provide? A few things:

• unlimited hosting of your pictures and video
• no ads
• sharing
• a awesome application to mange your photos from anywhere and any computer (even if yours crashes)
  
• probably what is the best slideshow interfaces of any site i know
• applications that integrate into Facebook and Lightroom 2
• and the list goes one....

Not only is it real easy for me to post & mange pictures, it incredibly easy to share with others.

Ok, rather than me go on and on, check it out for your self at www.phanfare.com. If you would like to see some of the shots I have up there, click here.

BTW, I realize that this picture posted with this entry has nothing to do with Phanfare other than the fact that it is posted there as well. But after all, it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so that's good enough reason. Right?

Just Ahead

Have you ever been on a road trip and you see a sign for a place that you spontaneously want to check-out? Seems like a neat idea, right? After all, the sign says that such and such is "just ahead"? Won't take much time at all, right?

Umm, wrong! Ends up that gas station, McDonalds or other place of interest that was "just ahead", turns out to be MILES upon MILES ahead.

That's exactly what happened to me yesterday. I was out for just a casual drive in an area I had never been before and I happened upon a sign for a place called "Historic Brattonsville".

Now, I happen to love history. No, i'm not a history buff, but I do appreciate the fact that it's a good idea to educate oneself on this country's history when ever possible. Not to mention, historic landmarks make for great photography.

So, after about 15 minutes, I finally make it to this place that was "just ahead".

You know, it was worth the trip. If you ever find yourself in the Rock Hill, SC area, make a pit stop. Just make sure you have a full tank of gas. :)

Bogging It

Well if you didn't notice, this is like the 3rd entry in 3 days, which is for sure a record over the last 6 months. The reason? Well, at least for now, this is going to be the place where I will post the more recent pictures I take that I actually like. Another benefit, it will force me to write a little something about it. And you know, I actually enjoy coming back and re-reading what I wrote and correct all the dam typo's. :)

This shot was taken last week on a trip to Boston. For the first time I spent a couple of nights with my brother Derek and his lovely wife Lori.

A little about this shot. It was taken on the way back from Plymouth, MA. I was actually in a bit of a rush to get back to house as I had promised to make dinner. While driving along we passed a cranberry bog that was being harvested. Now i'm not totally sure "harvested" is the term for it, but either way, it looked interesting. From a photography perspective, the time of day couldn't have been better.

I quickly pulled the car over to a safe spot. Although the car was safe, you should have seen us trying to cross the street. It was a winding road with a speed limit of something like 55mph.

Well either way, the shot was worth it.

Bodypump 66

All of us are aware of the need of including physical fitness in our weekly routine, yet the priority it places varies by individual.

For me, for that last few years anyway, physical fitness has placed pretty high. I think the reason is that I have seen the benefits it brings, which for me, is as much mentally as physically. Of course, it's so much easier to keep a routine if it's something that's as much fun as it is work. That's why it is so important to find something that works for you, something you enjoy.

What seems to work for me is a combination of an individual routine I have developed in conjunction with group fitness.

A program that was offered at my local gym is one developed by Les Mills, which offers a number of different group fitness programs. The one I have stuck with is BodyPump.

I can truly say, no other fitness routine has quite worked as well and provided such amazing results in such a short period of time. Let me just say though, it does not come without some serious commitment and work. And I mean sweat-dripping off the elbows work.

Besides the obvious physical benefits, I have also met some great people at the gym that have become some really wonderful friends. And, it just so happens that they they are instructors, thus they are constantly correcting my posture and technique so I get the most from the investment.

Now the way the program is designed, every 3 months a new release comes out that changes both the work-out routine and music. Each launch is kind of a big deal, in that the instuctors have to train pretty hard for it, so there is a little bit of excitment around it.

So, we thought it would be nice to do some photography on the night of the launch to make it a little more festive. Let me say, some of the shots were just awesome, mostly because it is a venue you just don't get to shoot very often.

Fine Dining

Those that know me know I don't make a big deal out of eating out. Sure, I enjoy going out for a well cooked meal, but more important than the food, is the experience. The laughs and conversation that come from those you dine with, especially with those you truly care about.

Last week I spent some time in Boston and with the boys. We went out to eat almost every night, and you know, we could have been at McDonald's and it would have been awesome.

Well as it has it, we ended up as The Cheesecake Factory and it was truly "fine dining".

People Appreciation

First of all, I can't believe another year has passed. What makes me realize just how quickly they go is annual events such as the HP Hood Quarter Century Club luncheon. I am pretty sure I have blogged about this before, but basically this is the annual luncheon to honor those employees who have worked or worked at HP Hood for 25 or more years.

This year marked the 6th year that I have been the official photographer for this event. There are so many things that make this event special, but first and foremost is the fact that I get to see so many people I worked with for years all in one place.

There was a rather sad moment though. The odd thing is that what I am about to share seems to have bothered me more this year, although I am sure it is something I probably should have noticed every year I attended.

A highlight of the event is placing the pictures out on a designated table of shots taken the previous year. Believe me, this is truly a highlight of the day. The very first thing that an attendee does, right after slapping on their name tag, is run (well walk, slowly) over to "the table" to look and see how many pictures they can find with them in it. Well, toward the end of the event, yet while everyone was having their dessert, I walked over to the table to look at what pictures could be handed out to those that may be in attendance but did not get a chance to pick up their picture.

As I glanced over the shots, I noticed some pictures of people and their name tags. I picked up one of the booklets for the event which has a page or two of names of folks who died during the last year. How sad it was to be holding in one hand pictures of people who's names where in that booklet.

It surely does put things into perspective. For me, it reminds me of one of the reasons I truly love photography.

World Traveler! NOT..

I am definently NOT a world traveler, but the last few years I have made my way to places that I would not have thought I would every get to.

Part of the reason I get around a little more is because I have become a little more savy with how to get a good deal on places to stay and how to get there.

To further finding tips on getting around, I joined a new site today, TripAdvisor. Here is the map of some of the places I have been.

So, where have you been?

1. Boston, MA, USA


2. Washington DC, DC, USA

• View my profile


• Create your own travel map or travel blog


• Travel Info at TripAdvisor

BodyPump

For the last year I have been a member of Lifestyle Family Fitness in Apex, NC. This is a fabulous gym with the latest fare at a gym, cardio, free weights and machines.

But the thing that really makes this gym, at least in my opinion, is the Les Mills Group Fitness program they host, of which BodyPump is one.

This is full top to bottom weight resistance training that is a 60 minute workout to music . It is awesome..... and more than anything else I have done, it delivers results!!

This pictures is a headshot taken for one of the instructors, Antoine. Now Antoine is in shape and dedicated to keeping it that way...

I hope he likes the headshot as I don't want to see him angry! :)

Yet Another First

This past weekend I attended my very first NASCAR race in Dover, DE. Now this is normally not something I would likely even think of attending unless it was very very easy too.

So, how did I end up there? Well, the company I work for sponsored the race and asked me to attend to do the photography stuff. You know, the usual type of thing, grab shots of the signage that could be used in promo material and newsletters.

Turned out though that I ended up having a wonderful time. But one thing is for sure, I probably won't ever be able to attend a race and just sit in the stands. I mean really, how can you go from having a press pass that pretty much allowed me access to anywhere on the track, including the roof when the F16's did the fly by. Heck, I even got pictures of the pilots the night before.. And no, they weren't drinking.. :), at least not as I remember it. :) I even got a shot of the mechanics. Now they WHERE drinking. :)

I have to say a special thanks to Mark Rossi of Dover Motor Sports. If it was not for him, I would not have been able to get the access to many of the shots I took. Mark, if you ever come across this blog, THANK YOU!



One frustrating thing was that I really knew no one.. I mean not even one driver. I have to say, it was slightly embarrassing.

I ended up with over 300+ usable images from the race, so, you can be sure that you will be seeing more..

Quinch Your Thirst

ya, ya, ya.... I know, it's been a long time since I posted any entries on the blog. Worse, is that since I changed my flickr account, which happens to be where all the old images where linked in from, most of the pictures that went with the text for the previous entries is now history. Someday I will spend the time and upload what is now missing.

Yesterday I spend sometime with my Canon 60mm Macro lens taking shots of some of the little critters hanging outside. Where I happened to be standing there were a lot of ants, black and red around.

Now you know ants, they don't stand still for even a second, so i had to come up with a way to slow them down, at least long enoght to get a shot.

What to do, what to do??

Not having any food handy I opted on pouring out a certain someone's Sierra Mist. Sure enough, that stopped this little red ant in it's track.

I have to say, I was very surprised at how much they like this stuff, but then again, with 39 grams of sugar, who wouldn't? Well, actually, I wouldn't.. I hate this stuff...

Now where is my Diet Coke? :)

Good'ole Local Fun

It seems to me, that some people, have a hard time with figuring out things to do, yet for others, they seem to have every moment planned.

My problem , is that I wait to the last second to make plans. Now granted, being flexible by not having a rigid schedule has it's benefits, especially when a friend would call up and invite us to Cape Cod for the weekend. Guess what, we where usually able to go because we had no other plans that were definite. But, in most cases, I have learned it is far better to have something lined up. Because if you don't, well, the weekends go by very quick.

Well, I have really changed. I am a stickler about making sure I have something lined up each and weekend. There is nothing worse than to have a weekend go by and having nothing to talk about come Monday. For me, worse still is having no pictures to look back on.

So, this leads to how much one can usually find to do their own backyard. Personally, I have found a ton to do, both when I was living in Boston and here in North Carolina too.

Take for instance First Friday, which just happens to be the first Friday of every month. On that Friday there is a Art Walk in downtown Raleigh. Now granted, there is not a lot to photograph, unless of course you are into street photography, which I am..

For this shot above I held the camera at my side and went *click*. Trust me, there was zero skill to this one, it was pure luck, but, it paid off. Ya, I took others, but this was my favorite...

I think the next few post will be things I did recently local to where I live. Perhaps it just may give you an idea of what to do this weekend...

Oh, by the way, total cost for this night? Twelve bucks for dinner, beer included! :)

Ten Pin & Team-work

I just returned from attending our HP Hood National Sales Meeting, it was my first since moving into the Sales Department from IT.

Now, there is a lot I could write here, but I will keep it with-in the bounds of photography.

There is no doubt about it, no Hood Event has likely ever been better photographed than this event, from start to finish. If you want to see for yourself heard on over to candidcaptures.com and take a peek at the "In the Spotlight" section. Click on the very first event and take a look at the well over 150 shots I have posted so far.

Every moment of the 3 days was full of either meetings or other social activities. On Tuesday we where invited to Dave & Busters for some Team Building. I have to say, this was a lot of fun. As you can see, bowling was a part of it.

Now to be honest, I LOVE to bowl, BUT, I am from New England and in New England it is more likely you bowl Candlepin, not Ten Pin. For those that are not aware, Candlepin is a small ball with tall skinny pins that resemble candles.

So, you should have seen me with this 8 or 9 lb ball... Not so graceful, we will leave it at that.. The good thing, I was able to take a bunch of really fun photos..

This one here is likely my favorite of the evening.

People Watching

I don't take my camera with me as much as I should. A great friend of mine is so good, she takes heres EVERYWHERE and has wonderful pictures to prove it. I think I just get lazy.

One of these days I am going to get myself a another Lumix as when I had my last one I seemed to make sure it was with me at all times. But then again, I would get this great shot and because it was not taken with a camera as good as one of my dSLR's I would get pissed for not making the effort..

Well last night I went out for dessert with my friend and had the camera and took several shots I was happy with..

This here was at the CheeseCake Factory, a place I normally love.. BUT, they ran out of my dessert, Black-Out cake. Actually they sent a hostess over to me to let me know it was still frozen..

O well, it still was a wonderful night!

Runway of Red

Runway of Red
Originally uploaded by :shawn:

The blog has been very much a after thought lately as work has been very busy. There is surely a pattern in the corporate world. You can count on it being very quite the last week and a half of December and it even overflows to the first week of January, as everyone is likely using up their vacation time. But, after that, it just gets nuts.

Suddenly the things that you were supposed to do by the end of the year, requested by people that you had actually began to think forgot they requested it, now start DEMANDING it.... After all, the holidays are OVER...

So, because of this, things like photography and blogging get put on the back burner....

But it is Saturday and I am scrambling to finish a presentation for Nashville and I needed to take a break... Meaning time for 2 pictures and 1 blog entry.. .

Who knows when the next one will be...

Oh, and if you are wondering if this is a SP, no, it is not... Can't you tell by the hair? Or should I say, just the presence of it? :)