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Me in Four.

February 22nd, 2011
I’ve been meaning to get more of myself out on the blog and it’s been one of those things that have lingered for the last month or so.  So I figured a good start would be to re-write this “bio” thing so hopefully it stands out a bit more.  So here’s me in four headings.



I love home.

Recently, a filled out an ice breaker trivia thing for a retreat and one of the questions on the email was: “If you could go anywhere and money were not an issue, where in the world would you want to visit?”.  I struggled with this question for the longest time.  Usually my typical go to answer is, New York – just because it has this aura and busyness about it.  But recently, I think my introverted side comes out and if given the choice – I’m happiest at home with my TV.  It’s just comfortable.

Where in the world would you go?

I worry about my wife.

I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about things.  Something clicked between the end of high school and mid-way through university and all the things that I stressed about suddenly didn’t seem to matter as much.  It always worked out. and that taught me to I have faith that everything will turn out alright.  I’m a realistic, optimist and things usually are never THAT bad.

On the flipside, my wife worries – A LOT.  So if I can put ease to things, that’s what I try to do… and think about.

What do you worry about?

I can solve the world’s problems.

I love one on ones where I can spend time with people in a smaller setting.  I believe it allows people to open up and talk about things that really matter.  The downside is, when people pour out what’s on their mind – I usually have thoughts to contribute as well.  Sometimes it’s not the most appropriate at the time. I’m not the best at just listening to someone vent.  But I mean well.

I believe zombies bring friends closer together.

There’s nothing like surviving a zombie apocalypse that brings friends closer together.  Those that have gone through it will attest to this.  If you’re confused – find me on Xbox Live (bkmanhole) and I’d love to kill some things with you.

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If you like these kind of posts, please let me know.  I am shamefully motivated by comments.

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The Challenges of Group Photos

January 26th, 2011

One of the most time consuming part of photography is group photos.  As much as these are a staple of any photographer, its always a little bit of a challenge to capture everyone at their best in a single shot.

Here are some thoughts that run through the mental checklist in the seconds before the shot…

  • Is everyone in frame?  Who do we need to move to fit everyone in?
  • Is the group uniform? Who do we need to move to make it uniform?
  • Is anyone blocking anyone else? Who do we need to move to unobstruct the blockage?
  • How do move someone who’s name you don’t know without being rude?

And, of course, I’m a huge fan of having a little fun in large groups!

How many different ways can you count the students looking?

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The Photographer’s Eye
Filtering to your best…

November 18th, 2010

Professional photography has changed quite a bit since the age of digital cameras has come.  I experience this the most when I run into those a little older than me asking about how I got involved in photography.

I would often get the question – “Do you develop your own prints?” or “Do you have your own lab?”.  I then go on to explain how I do most of my “developing” or “edits” on the computer and then send it to a printer. Things have definitely changed!

I remember shooting with my dad’s Nikon F3.  It was a fully manual film camera and I took a handful of pictures I am truly proud of.  The catch was, I never remembered what settings I had used.  I was so afraid to press she shutter – the shot had to be a “keeper”.  I probably didn’t ever shoot more than 2-3 rolls of film on it.

Digital photography has taken away the “risk” in pressing the shutter.  This presents a whole new challenge.  I’m a people photographer.  There are so many things to capture and avoid (like blinking eyes!) that I usually snap quite a number of shots to ensure in the end there is always a “keeper”.

Many times I’m left deciding, “which of these do I like best“; or the harder question, which would the client like best.  After all, we are our own worst critic when it comes to photos of ourselves.  Sometimes I leave this decision to the client, other times I might be shooting for a business, so simplifying things is best.

This person is a nominee for a youth volunteer award at this year’s Volunteers are Stars gala.  The photo selected would showcase her during the event.  Which photo would you pick?

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