Summer is lingering on

It's hard to believe that here, in the Maritimes, it is now September 1st  and it is still balmy and hot. This is most unusual and, frankly, unwelcome. I'm definitely an "autumn" person - not only in terms of complimentary colours for makeup and wardrobe, but in terms of climate preferences. I love the cool, crisp, bug-free days that we normally have in September and October and endure the hot and sultry days of summer.

Hurricane Earl is on his way up the eastern seaboard and threatening to make our Labour Day week-end celebrations a write-off. Hurricane Fiona is following hot on his heels. Many in this region are loudly singing the country and western song that extolls "Earl Has To Die!"

For the first time in 18 months I had the opportunity to visit my son and his family in Vancouver, BC, in mid-August. When grand children are very young, the difference from infant to toddler is enormous. We had a wonderful visit, though, and I got to know the kids a bit more. Hopefully they'll remember me, too.

    

My photo shoots in August seemed to follow along on the family theme.

And another...

September, so far, seems to be leaning toward more equine sport photography, but we'll see. Not much will get done if this heat continues.

Proud moments

Sometimes you just know things are working - and working correctly. Whether it is something you write, a photo you take, or the accomplishments of your students.

This week-end I had the pleasure of that experience. Zara and her horse Ajiba performed exceptionally well in every class they entered at the 2010 ACAH horse show. Their success is the culmination of all they have learned from several coaches over the years and I happen to be the fortunate one who is putting the 'icing on the cake' so to speak in refining their skills.

So, how do people commemorate those moments? For many it is a photograph - perhaps one of the presentation of a trophy, such as the one above. For others, the joy is in capturing the action as it happens that results in the awarding of prizes.

The hand gallop that speaks to strength, fitness, obedience and pride.

The lengthened stride that demonstrates longitudinal flexibility and strength.

What ever it is, those moments are fleeting and to be enjoyed again and again in an image that truly captures the memory.

As photographers, that is what we do.

Shooting Children

I know. After a few days of heat and humidity such as have been experienced across Canada this week, it might be tempting - but I'm talking about shooting them with a camera. Aside from any technical advice, the most important thing when doing a photo shoot that involves children, especially a lot of them, is to relax and have fun. If you are relaxed, they will relax - and it'll show in your final images.

http://imagesbyceci.smugmug.com/Children/Downey-Family/MG2046-Version-2/919900402_oLMAQ-S-1.jpg

Personally I prefer to do family shoots (such as these 9 grandchildren) in an outdoor setting. Although I'd have preferred a dawn or dusk setting for better light, organizing 9 kids at that time of day is pretty much impossible. So, we did the best we could given the somewhat harsh mid-afternoon lighting.

The grandparents have a lovely summer home on a lake so the kids gathered there for the experience. At first they were tense and the cheesy grins were pasted on faces. But after a little while, they began to get into the spirit of the event and had fun. We all climbed the rock pile, sat in the dirt, played on the playset and generally had a good time - while taking photos.

So, if family portraits are something you want to do - work on your people skills with the kids, first. Everything else will fall in place. Just remember to relax and have fun - then the kids will too.

Art Scott Fotografie: Hiring a Photographer.......Why we charge what we do

Art Scott Fotografie: Hiring a Photographer.......Why we charge what we do

Rain rain rain

If you want to shoot events that are held outdoors, you'd best be prepared to be wet, cold and dirty a lot of the time. This week-end has been one of those times for me. It rained. And then it rained some more! And it's supposed to continue to rain for several more days. Oh joy.

My targets this week-end were agility dogs, a motorcycle fund raising "Ride for Dad" event in support of Prostate Cancer Research, and cattle penning. While I did get a few shots at each event, it was a great risk to my gear and some serious personal discomfort. it goes with the territory - but it would have been nice to get a few more shots. Oh well.

I shot the agility event just as the rain started...

Then, as the downpour began, I went and shot the Ride for Dad...

And finally, this morning, before the skies darkened too much, I headed to the cattle penning ring. That's enough wetness for one week-end. Now it's time for a bath, book and bed for a nap!

'til next time...

Value and Price

I belong to a couple of photography chat groups and on one a recent discussion revolved around the setting of prices and customers' reactions. A customer might ask, "how much is an 8 x 10?" and be horrified if a larger dollar amount is cited.

So - what IS a photo worth? Really, it's all about perceived value. What are you buying? Ink on paper? That's only worth pennies or a couple of dollars at most.

No, what the customer is buying is the tangible memory of a moment in time portrayed through the skill, artistry, education and experience of the photographer.

It's been said that anyone with a half-decent camera (in this instant gratification world of digital imagery) can be a "pro". And yet, the debate on photographer versus equipment rages on.

In reality, the skill and artistry of the photographer sees the moment and utilizes knowledge and experience to capture it in the best possible way. If the photographer has a better quality camera and lens set up, the technical quality of the image may be better than one shot on an inexpensive point-and-shoot, for example, but the 'vision' of the photographer will still create a beautifully composed and exposed image with whatever camera he or she has at hand.

Like a talented musician, the photographer plays the instrument she has. In the right hands, a cheap violin will deliver a lovely tune; but played on a Stradivarius that same lovely tune will have warmth, depth and feeling resonating from the instrument itself - impossible to completely replicate on a cheaper imitation. A cheap camera will likewise produce a decent photo when used by a good photographer. But that same photo, taken with a higher resolution camera, and a faster, sharper lens, will retain more detail, show richer colours and offer more options for editing to become that final magnificent image that someone will keep for all time.

So, what is a photo worth? If a house is burning down, what is one of the first things people grab on the way out the door (assuming family members and pets are safe)? According to insurance industry statistics, it is family photos that people cherish and try to save. How can you really define the value of a cherished memory?

Kids learn the value of volunteering

Last week-end some members of the Sussex Beef 4-H Club donated their time to the Princess Louise Park Show Centre in Sussex, NB. The kids, and their adult assistants, helped with the spring cleaning preparations for the 10th season opening event this week-end - the annual Equine Review Showcase.

They stained the new stadium seating, picked up garbage, raked leaves and cleaned out garden beds for nothing more than a thank-you from their group leaders and the Centre's management. It was a wonderful example of teaching civic responsibility through action and involvement.

For more photos, check out my album at http://imagesbyceci.smugmug.com/Horses/Events/PLP-Spring-Prep/11945781_XKLvd#846159372_axUFV