LINES

Last month's photo challenge topic was Lines. I'm not sure about Jeff at jsltd.blogspot.com, but I didn't get out and shoot lines as much I wanted to. I had to look back through some old photos to find some of these. I was pleased with what I found though. Maybe I'll find more time this month to get out with the camera.

What are you gonna shoot this month?

 

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad

WARRIOR DASH

It wasn't that long ago that I remember saying "I hate running, running is a punishment." As a matter-of -fact, that may have been just yesterday! Despite my complete disdain for running, I signed up to run the Warrior Dash with a couple of my best friends. Knowing that we are complete studs, we decided that training for a run like this was overrated! It's full of sweet obstacles, it's only 3.1 miles and there's BBQ meat and cold beer at the finish line!! Oh yeah, what they don't tell you is that the terrain is all uphill. They didn't give us any nice downhill coasters, if it was downhill it was steep and loose dirt or mud. However the before mentioned BBQ and beer does wonders for your determination!!

Check out this video of the course. I wore a GoPro headmount, which is why you can only see Drew (which is unfortunate!!). All-in-all, we had a blast and will definitely be signing up again next year.

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad

TRANSPORTATION

Last month the photo challenge theme was transportation. I didn't get as creative or "artsy" as I wanted to but I had a good time getting some of these shots. The Blue Angels at SeaFair in Seattle were my favorite by far!!

"Blueberry"

This bike was too insane, I had to stop for a pic!

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad

DIY

I decided to go a different route for this post. I have been playing around with a GoPro camera lately. After making a few videos and checking out all the different accessories and mounts I decided to make my own extension pole.

An extension pole can be used for many different reasons. New camera angles, over the shoulder while skiing, out in front on the chair lift, up high over a group/concert/crowd, etc.

The following steps and pictures is how I made mine. I feel that the camera is very solid when attached and is at a great length. This whole project cost me less than $10. The ski pole was a freebee from a local ski shop, the hardware was $1.19 and the tripod mount was $7.99. This is a no-brainer and can add a cool dimension to your videography.

SUPPLIES: ski pole, 1/4 inch width bolt (same size as a tripod bolt), 1 washer, 2 rubber washers, GoPro tripod mount, 1/4 inch drill bit (plus 2 smaller bits), drill, tape measure and a screwdriver.

I started by measuring down 3 imches from the tip of the pole. This is where I felt that the pole was wide enough to drill and still have its strength. I started drilling with a small drill bit to establish a hole, then went up a few sizes, then finished with a 1/4 inch bit. The drilling was super easy, just make sure you go straight through.

After drilling the hole you are pretty much done. Now put the pieces together. Bolt first, then the washer on the other side, followed by the two rubber washers. The rubber washers act as a vibration reducer as well as a spacer.

Add the GoPro tripod mount and tighten the screw. The screw needs to be extremely tight to add stability for the camera. The washer will add stability and act as a platform for the tripod mount to sit on.

After you feel confident with your setup, add the camera. Give it a few good shakes, it should not move at all.

I hope that this post helps you make your extension. Now take your camera and your new extension pole and go get some epic footage!!

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad

Night Photography

This month LTD and I focused our efforts on Night Photography. Nights photos are alot of fun and pose a completely new challenge. I had a great time out in Portland under the lights and of course took full advantage of the 4th of July.

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad

Baby Lauren

I got the chance recently to hang out with one of the sweetest baby's I know for an afternoon and take a few pictures along the way. Lauren is the newest addition to some of our closest friends, the Bhear's. I volunteered for the lofty task of taking their newborn photos. I was excited about this new challenge but knew that there was a bit of pressure to get good pictures. After a few days of research, and even some practice with Bryson's cabbage patch doll, I was ready.

 

There were a few things that we discussed ahead of time that you should always think about before a newborn photo shoot.

1 - Turn the heat up in the house to around 80. You want the baby to be comfortable enough while naked to keep sleeping.

2 - Keep the baby well fed and happy!

3 - Make sure that the parents have thought ahead of things to wear, diaper covers, headbands, ties, hats, etc.

4 - Have a multitude of props. We brought baskets, antique boxes, suitcases, wagons, blankets of all colors and textures, pillows, bean bags, books, blocks, old toys, etc. any other prop that might have meaning to you or your family.

5 - Know that there will be many throw out pictures but always be ready with the camera, some of the best pictures are not planned. Example: yawn, smile, etc.

Enough talk...lets get to the pictures!

Black & White

Color

Vintage Effect

After shooting pictures of Lauren for most of the morning, she deserved a break. It was the big kids' turn. We went outside for pictures of Jake and Emma. As luck would have it, the field across the street had not been mowed. We moved a bench over to the field and started snapping shots.

All-in-all, the day was a huge success. The kids rocked their first photo shoot, I had a great time taking the pictures, Emily was a great assistant and I learned alot about portrait photography. Thanks Bhear's for letting me use your kids for my first "real shoot"! Hopefully this was not the last!!!

 

Red Wagon Photography

 

Edited in Blogsy for iPad