Category: Personal

One Frame – California Cruising

Recently I found myself in Los Angeles on my way to a photography workshop in Malibu. With a little time to kill, I wanted to make sure to visit the Griffith Observatory, which had been on my list for a while. As I stood atop the observatory, looking out over LA, I couldn’t help but notice a car parked just below. I love the results of this one, simply frame.

I’ll have much, much more coming from this trip. Also coming soon will be more personal work from an upcoming vacation. Enjoy!

California scenery photos from Los Angeles and Malibu

Destinations on Film – New Buffalo, Michigan

I found myself in New Buffalo, Michigan, which is a little tough to handle for this Buckeye’s fan. I had arrived a day early for Kristin and Max’ destination engagement session. After a quick bite to eat in downtown New Buffalo, I went about my scouting. Whenever I travel for work, two things are true – I scout locations beforehand, and I shoot lots of film.

I’ve always been attracted to film photography over digital. After all, I started before digital was even a choice. Lately, I have come back to film in a big way. Previously, I would pull out film for the most special photos. Now, I almost need an excuse not to use film. The colors and quality suit my aesthetic perfectly. Plus, I work completely differently with a film camera in hand. I’m more methodical, precise and consistent. Simply put, I come away from my work with more valuable photos.

Below are a few favorites from my trip to New Buffalo. Think of this as a scouting report for Kristin and Max’ engagement session, which will be posted next week. For photographers – Contax 645 with Fuji Pro 400h and developed by the fine folks at Indie Film Lab.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

New Buffalo, Michigan captured on film for Kristin and Max' destination engagement session.

One closing note – a special thanks to the fine people at Round Barn Winery who graciously let us work on their property. I didn’t have a chance to sample their wine, but the beer is fantastic. The are crafting some seriously great beer in the middle of nowhere. Definitely worth a trip to visit them.

Sailing Grenada on Film

We finally found a break in our hectic schedules. When we were young, it was so easy to take family vacations. As my brother and I have gotten older and have careers of our own, it has become much more difficult. However, the end of March was our time. It had been decades since we had sailed together as a family. So long, in fact, that Brooke had never been. We booked our trip and started to gear up for a week sailing Grenada (one country) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (another country). I was excited to momentarily step away from wedding photography, and cold Cleveland. Now I just needed to decide what to bring.

I gave myself a fun little challenge – one camera, one lens and one film stock. Then lens wasn’t even a zoom and there was no digital “crutch”. Below are a few favorites with minimal commentary –

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above – St. George, Grenada. Below, my father at the helm and Brooke taking her first turn.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing has it’s own language. Unless you speak it, things can get really confusing.

Sailing Grenada on Film

My brother moving us through the water at six knots, and Brooke taking a sunset swim.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Pulling into Hillsborough Harbor on Carriacou Island at sunset.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

My brother waiting at the fish market while our Dorado was cleaned at fileted.

Sailing Grenada on Film

We almost made Peter the new masthead on the boat.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above – colors from Clifton Harbor on Union Island. Below – Angelo photobombing my brother.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above – Happy Island and rum punches. Also my brother making some iphonography.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above- Brooke looking radiant at Happy Island and back on the boat.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above and below – Mopion Island, which might be the most photographed island in the world. The island is tiny and the single umbrella is perfect. We left our mark, albeit in temporary charcoal. I can say one thing – the island definitely needs a bottle opener.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sunset dinner of spiny lobster in the Tobago Cays.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Sailing Grenada on Film

Detail of a fishing boat and sunset in Hillborough above.

Sailing Grenada on Film

Above – pulling back into St. George and the Timoneer, the largest sail boat I have ever seen. Below, enjoying one last Carib in St. George.

Sailing Grenada on Film

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