SYTYCD-09

By Carl Reid on October 3, 2009 9:11 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Okay Okay, I love So You Think You Can Dance. I would like to say it's because I use to DJ so it's a natural fit between music and dance. Or it's because my daughter has been competing in Africa+Caribbean dance for the last 10 years. Or even because I use to break dance in a group when I was 10. But it's just because they are amazing dancers and I can't get enough!!! 

Here are some of my favourite images...enjoy.

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The Reason I bought my Camera-Part II

By Carl Reid on July 2, 2009 6:53 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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In my old blog, I mentioned that one of the reasons why I bought my camera was to capture special moments of my family and friends. In particular, when my daughter Jasmine was born. Continuing with this theme, here is another reason why a proud father would have his camera to capture his family in a special moment. Graduation. 

Now, I didn't bother display pictures of her receiving her awards (shamless plug: honour roll, science award and arts & drama award). Or pictures of her posing for me with her friends (I hope I didn't embarrass you too much). Or even of when she and I danced at the ceremony. Instead, the picture that invokes the words "my little girl" is the one image right after she took off herpainful high heels to replace them with her favourite purple Converse sneakers. 


Congratulations on your graduation Jazz. I couldn't be prouder...you are the reason why photography was created! For those reading feel free to leave comments the reason why you bought your camera? 

By the way, I had to also add a picture taken from my 6 year old son Ethan. He is an up and coming photographer. He even directs his models to either look away from the camera or fold their hands etc. More of his pictures to come under the blog header "Legacy and Scalability". Enjoy.
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5 Things to get me in the Mood

By Carl Reid on June 8, 2009 8:00 PM | 11 Comments | No TrackBacks 
IMG_7498-copy.jpgBefore you read any further, get your mind out of the gutter.

This is a list of 5 things I do to get me in the mood before I conduct a photo session with a couple. Just a few things that work for me. It's about a 5 min read...let me know your thoughts

1. Research other photographers techniques whether through books or online blogs. I love to study great images from photographers I most admire. But not to emulate, instead to challenge myself to shoot a different type of image from what is already out there.

2. Get inside the head of my favourite photographers through online interviews like Ron Dawson's F-Stop Beyond blog. Listening to topics like their background, beliefs and experiences from the photographers I most relate to enables me to channel that same positive energy throughout my photo session. 

3. Get inspired through music and movies. I often play inspiring music or my favourite movie scenes leading up to the photo shoot. In fact, I make a point to find out the couples favourite type of songs to make sure I have it playing during the photo session. It's a great for inspiration and motivation.

4. Review notes from the initial consultation. I review the couples overall style; their likes and dislikes; and even topics like how they first met. Knowing this helps generate the look and feel of the photo session that will best resonates with the couple.

5. Finally review my personal photos of the family. In particular, I love, love, love reviewing my engagement photos and my wedding album. With every picture, I can honestly recapture the feeling I had at hat moment in time. Which is my true inspiration and goal for every photo session...the power to invoke a thousand words in every image. I know I know...shameless plug but it's true. That is the mood I'm aiming for...I want the clients to look at their picture and relive that feeling at that exact moment!  

So let me know...how do you get in the mood?