Nicholas is now one year old and I feel like I’ve watched him grown. That’s because his parents are fanatics about taking his pictures. I’ve seen his online photo gallery and I think there’s at least a picture of him per day he’s been born. Here’s a few quick snaps of him at a nearby park. More to come later.
Ok, I try not to do a lot of gear talk on my blog, but after my friend Bob allowed me to try out his new 85mm f/1.2 II lens, I had to post some results.
Here’s two pictures shot at f/1.2
Outside, it was too bright to shoot wide open, I shot this one at f/1.4.
And here’s one stopped down a bit at f/2.
One last shot at f/1.2.
So, what’s my opinion on it? First, it’s a solid lens. Many will say it’s heavy, but I think it perfectly balanced my camera (with the grip). I only tried this lens out pretty much wide open, so I didn’t stop it down but I suspect it only gets better stopped down. Being such a fast lens, I was always impressed that I didn’t have to reach for the flash in doors.
However, it does take a lot of shots to make sure you got it right when shooting at such a thin DOF at f/1.2. The focusing is slow which makes it not a great lens for sports. But, I never thought I would use this sports. And finally, there’s purple fringing shooting it wide open.
It’s not every year that Atlanta gets snow. But this year, we just had our second snow storm. In fact, it’s the second snow storm in the same week! The kids are loving it. First, the snow angel in the fresh snow.
Then, it’s snow boogie time!
Oh, they didn’t forget to snow fight.
And finally, a quick drive around the neighborhood to see this
Every once in a while, Atlanta gets snow. Too bad it didn’t snow over the holiday when my nieces were here. Here’s a quick shot taken around midnight.
This is the second year I’ve been asked to work with Ben Vigil for Pure Fashion. Today is their Hair and Makeup Day. Having done this same event last year, there were many young girls I recognize this year. Once again, the event was held at Siggers Hairdressers. Here’s just a few head shots taken of over 60 young girls.
Oh, how can I forget one last thing. I need to thank Jessen and Susannah for being my personal assistants that day. I couldn’t have done it without their help. Thanks!
Steve sold his first built home to my friend and co-worker Matt years ago. And let me tell you, it’s an amazing house that’s been featured in many magazines. Fast forward to today, Matt and I stopped by to see Steve’s latest home.
Driving up to the house, I see Open House signs that labeled the house as The Christmas House. This house is so big, that I didn’t even photograph half of it. So here’s just a few shots from this mansion.
First, the master bedroom. I loved this dome above.
Here’s a view heading upstairs from the main floor. You can see just part of the main foyer. Check out the railing work!
And another view of the upstairs.
And down a long hallway into another section of the house, is the in-law suite. Not shown is the kitchen just to the right.
Again, I didn’t even get to photograph the entire house. But more shots can be seen here. Shots include the basement and its bar, the living room, the master bathroom and master walk-in closet. I’m sure this house will be in many magazines to come.
As a kid, Cypress Garden wasn’t high on my list of “must-go”. That’s probably because we lived so close to Disney and Sea World. So, I never paid attention much to the Cypress Garden ads on TV.
Fast forward to today, I have a new appreciation for Cypress Garden. There are lots of rides the kids really loved. The park isn’t packed to the point of waiting in line for an hour. In fact, a five minute line was more typical. That allow us to accomplish many things during the day.
The dark black ring below are the kids getting spun around in the air!
The holiday season is almost upon us. So, it’s time to photograph the kids again.
Here’s cousins showing their petite fashion
And big brother
Little sis was so cooperative.
Look at this tickle smile!
The girls are having too much fun…
How can he be serious with little sis hugging him.
And, let’s dance.
But wait, shhhhhh
because the girls are up.
Once again, I’m happy to be part of Traveler’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Challenge to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. (The 1st Annual Event is here). This year, the Challenge raised $83,000.
(Click here) to see all the photos of the event. I want to thank my friend Bob Caesar for coming out and assisting in covering the event.
Since this is my second year photographing the event, I think the players have definitely become less camera shy. Just look at how they’re at ease with the photographers.
And how about this trick, stacking golf balls then hitting one while catching the other.
And let’s not forget the challenge do give prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
And look at this, ALMOST qualified for that Tiger-Nike shot!
Let’s not forget that this is a fund raiser. There’s the silent auction.
And Jack Llewellyn once again sharing his experience with MS.
And a final let’s not forget the volunteers.
We’ve known Katie for almost 10 years now. She’s one of the nicest girls out there. Today, she’s on her way to her school’s homecoming dance. I just realized that over the 10 years, I’ve never taken a picture of her. So, this is one of the first photographs I’ve taken of her.
View all the pictures by clicking here.
And here’s her friend, Molly
And here’s Katie with my assistant-in-training, Austin
