Ryno Does " M U D"

One thing this rain is good for and that's making lots of mud holes, and going off road with a four- wheel drive Jeep lots of fun!! Ryan or Ryno ( sorry if I'm not spelling it right) had his session done earlier this week. He had recently been out ridge runnin'/muddin' and had his Jeep all muddy and he wanted it photographed that way in his session. The only problem was it rained so hard on his way here that it washed off all of the mud. By the end of the session it had cleared up and was sunny, just like Bill wrote about the weather in his blog the other day. Bill told Ryan that he thought they could find a mud hole and it would be no problem fixing that. I think Bill was jumping at the chance to get in on the fun......................so he hopped in the Jeep with Ryan and off they went into the hills behind the studio!! Years ago Bill used to ride dirt bikes and his brother even had a bush buggy, I went with him one time 4-wheelin' back in the strip mines in Carter Co............and if I remember right we got stuck in the mud and had to walk about 3 or 4 miles to get help. So I think the finish of Ryan's session really made Bill's day and brought back some memories of his adventures. Actually the whole entire session went smooth, Ryan is the most likeable kind of person and has an amazing smile to go along with his great personality!!This is just one of the reasons why we love photographing seniors! I hope that you guys ENJOY this sneak preview of his session.

To the new pro

Since the switch from film to digital cameras there has been a lot more people entering the professional world of photography. Although most people think that digital is a lot easier to use than film. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes there are advantages to digital and it is a lot more fun to take pictures than in the dark ages of film. For the professional photographer the changes have meant investing in a fast computer, a professional monitor, lots of software and mega time in learning how to use everything. Most professional photographers used cameras that took 120/220 film. The nice thing about this equipment was that it was precision professional quality cameras designed for years of trouble free work. In the rare event of needing service there were several options to getting it repaired or serviced. Also a 10 year old body or lens was probably just like the new ones at the retailer.

Now digital comes along and cameras have a life cycle of 2 to 3 years before they are superceeded. Digital technology has begin to mature in the last year or two. The manufactures are reaching the point where things other than pixels are going to be important. If your are going to spend the money to buy professional or mid-level cameras you need to buy professional quality lens. Cheap lens will defeat the advantages of a super camera. For most people the consumer grade cameras is a better choice. They are easier to use, don't require professional quality lens and the images straight out of the camera require less adjustments.

I have said all this to tell the new professional photographer about a wonderful photographer in Bowling Green, Ky. Alan Davis & his wife Saundra own and operate a beautiful studio. You will never meet nicer people and their photography is excellent! Alan has won about every award possible in the photography world. Throughout the years they have attended tons of workshops and been very active in several professional organizations. They have paid their dues and worked the long hard hours to reach the level where they are today. Yes, they have been our friends for many many years. Theresa & I have enjoyed numerous afternoons attending some of the same seminars with them as well as visits to their home and studio. I am saying this to let you know how much respect I have for both of them as fine people and great professional photographers.

I have heard new photographers say many times. Oh, look how good I am. I have such a eye for photography and I know everything that I need to know! I know how to set my camera on "P" and the world is good. No you don't, and the only way you will learn is to do what Alan and all other experienced professional photographers do. This is to learn the craft of photography from A to Z. Once you do this there is no need for you to brag about your ability because you will hear the comments of your clients. One of the best places that I know of to learn photography and the business of photography is at: THE KENTUCKY ACADEMY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS. This school follows the Professional Photographers of America guide lines and most of the instructors are part of this fine organization. The Kapa calendar is at: http://www.kapaclasses.com/. The July program will benefit all pros especially the new pro that is struggling with learning how to pose, light and operate a business that you will enjoy and be profitable for years to come. No, I am not affiliated with and have no part of KAPA. Alan doesn't even know that I am writing this. I would love for someone to read this and tell him how they heard about Kapa and then listen to his comments. I just know what Alan and Kapa can do for your photography and your future. There is no membership fees, you just pay for the class or classes you attend. If anyone wants more info the phone number for Kapa is listed at the website above. I know Kapa is the fast track to success in the world of photography.

Special Needs Students

One of my recent assignments was to photograph the Boyd County High School graduation. There is always lots of excitement with the Seniors getting closer by the minute to joining the real world. I don't know the attendance but I would guess at least 4000. Now that the gym has air condition this is a real nice place for graduation. Every year it seems to be on a rainy and humid day, now the weather is no problem.

With the VIPs seated, the guest in their seats and the band playing, the Seniors start to march down the center aisle. Coming in two by two there was a mild stir amoung the guests. As one young man entered the gym the Seniors, student body and all the guest started to cheer. This particular graduate was a special needs student. Later as he recieved his diploma the same thing happened again, I believe there was even a standing ovation. I am amazed at the genuine compassion and kindness shown by the student body for the special needs students at BCHS. I have talked to several students at Boyd Co. and it seems that they really do care about these young people. We have been given the opportunity to photograph a few of these students over the years. It tears at my heartstrings when photographing them and working with them. Some of them are real close to being independent and others need more care than would seem possible for any couple to give. Yet, we see the love and pride of the family and how they always seem to have more to give. So when you see any of the staff and students that are involved with these very special young people, please take the time to thank them for giving their care and love. For the family I feel that my words are inadequate in conveying what truly special people they are and how much are hearts are warmed by knowing them. I hope that "THANKS" is a good starting point.

Kameron

Here is just a few of some really, really GOOD images of Kameron, and not just because the photographer is my hubby. I tell you what, she had so many strong images that I couldn't hardly narrow it down to just a few to for the blog, so I just thought I'd put several of my fav's. Kameron has such a fabulous personality and smile that we could've photographed her all day long........and I think we almost did! I'm sure her parents thought we had kidnapped her, LOL!!! No in all seriousness, it makes our job so enjoyable when people like her come in for a session. Kameron is really into Theatre & Drama and I think her acting skills and stage performance experience really made her a dream to photograph. Then when you add in the fact that she is also a cheerleader she just was really easy to work with. We even had a little more excitement than I care to have during the outside poses with her car.......... all I'm gonna say about that is - I'm scared of worms & terrified of snakes! I think Zack, her boyfriend ran over it with the car so I don't think we'll have to worry about that. Kameron we hope you & your family enjoy this little preview of your senior session!

Sessions and weather

Weather and how it affects our photography sessions. When talking to someone about booking a session that includes outside poses, we always ask that the session be kept even if it is raining. Quite often the weather will change during the course of the session. We start our sessions doing the inside portion first. If there might be a weather issue we keep a watch for the changes and try to time the outside poses to avoid bad weather. We like doing location work and don't do as much as we would like because of the beautiful outdoor area we have to work in here at our studio. We have a quarter acre pond, several large trees, park benches and we've built several different sets outside. Sometimes we even have some of the local wildlife want to be in some of the sessions. It's not that we have very many snakes around here, but a local black snake choose to make his presence yesterday during a senior session. We just walked around the spot where we last saw him and no one on either side had a problem. The time of day is also very important when planning outdoor photography, whether here at the studio or on location. If you want outdoor poses let us know when booking your session and we'll suggest the best time of day for that particular location . We also have suggestions about the type and color of clothing for outdoor photography. Later in the summer the heat and humidity can take some of the fun away for the outside, especially for the girls hair & make-up. We have been suprised by the number of sessions that people want during the winter time when it has snowed. We're photographers and will try about anything because everyone knows that a professional photographer "ain't got good sense" or they would be in some other business. Man, I love what I do so I think that explains pretty much why I am like I am!

Boyd County 2009 Graduation

Whitlock Photography will be at BCHS Graduation on Thurs. to do "Cap & Gown" portraits on a studio background before the ceremony begins. You will find us set up at the main entrance lobby to the middle school. We will also be doing candids before, during and after graduation. The packages and products available to order for the Class of 2009 is listed above. If you need further information please call the studio at 928-5854.

"And Here's Hannah"

Hannah is also a Fairview Senior Salute student from the Class of 2010. I think we have almost photographed all of the ones who made in on the panel this year, just a few more left. We had such a good time and I think she did too, Bradley her boyfriend was there for her session and that might have had a little something to do with it.......LOL!!! We actually did a few poses of them together outside with his truck, they turned out so good. Hannah is such a sweetie, she was so easy work with and would do anything I asked her to do. Sometimes that can be a real challenge, what I actually say and what I really mean can be completely different. After about the second outfit change I think she was able to read my body language instead of relying on how I was asking her to pose.............sometimes I'm sure it sounds like a game of TWISTER! LOL!!! We enjoyed meeting Hannah & her Mom was so nice too, I know Bill really enjoyed the conversation they had. Sometimes we get a little carried away talking, but I guess that's just how we are around here. I hope you all like this little preview of your session and it won't be much longer on your DVD.