savannah | from behind the lens

What an incredibly perfect day it was to have a photo session, and this young girl only added to the enjoyment.  I am finding that an element of photography so invigorating is the simple chance to be outside.  Though I have always loved the outdoors - growing up camping, hiking, horseback riding - it seems that as the adult version of myself took over, being outside became more of a luxury than a part of the everyday.  Working in an office, doing laundry, playing Lucrezio shows... they were all needing to happen indoors.  Ah, but photography.  Photography says, lets run around outside for a bit and explore different parks, discover small rivers, climb over rock formations and swoop under forest branches, all to find that perfect setting, that pristine back drop, that place where the sun meets the earth ever so vibrantly.  And then, lets capture it, so that we can always remember that instant, hanging it on our walls for years to come, remembering that life only happens in moments.
Speaking of moments, Savannah found one worth capturing.  Homecoming!

the spangenbergs | from behind the lens

I am continuing to learn more than expected in such a short period of time.  Or rather, am realizing how much I have yet to learn, acutely aware that the breadth of knowledge to be unwrapped in this art form is understatedly overwhelming.  Though I must say, each photography session is like a present, of which I am completely unaware of it's contents until that moment when the shimmering edges are peeled back.  Only two weeks ago I marveled at light, and felt it's beauty allowed me to capture something thru the lens that I had yet uncovered.  Although I certainly couldn't stop there.  In pouring over photographer's galleries that leave me in awe, Jordan pointed out a very helpful tidbit... the bokeh effect.  Of course, he didn't know to call it that, nor did I for that matter, but a beautifully sharp focal point with a softly blurred background, determined by your depth-of-field.  Okay, now we're cookin'! So a bit of research and I was on my way to putting a new found technique to use... only to find that I needed the right lens.  Ah, so THIS is why photographers keep investing in lens's.  I can definitely see this becoming dangerous... ;)

the tabberts | from behind the lens

I see the light!  Rather literally I might add.  What an incredible difference the position of the sun makes - or rather, position of the earth if you want to get technical about it - when photographing these lifestyle sessions.  This beautiful family, of which I had the humble privilege of snapping photos, introduced me to Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL.  The grounds are quite lovely, although the sun was even lovelier as it set splendidly over the gardens during our time together.  I would love to show you this session in full, but for now, a few personal favorites will have to do.

Although stay tuned, because in the next couple of weeks I will be launching a new website featuring not only photography, but continued musical endeavors as well.   Never stop dreaming...

 

 

the steinmans | from behind the lens

It seems this blog has been taken over by photography as of late!  A pursuit that seems, for the moment, all consuming... with the thought of a new Lucrezio album somewhere on the horizon.  Although until that time, this new art ensues with both thrills and challenges.  The biggest challenge being that of myself.  How easy to look at the work of experienced photographers and long for such talent.  Art, whether it be that of capturing words through song or capturing love through photographs, beautifully sparks the "more" that we were made for.  Creation begs for sights of wonder, a response of awe, and a prick at depth.  Giving art such a weight when you can only offer up the work of an amateur is a rather desperate feeling.  It means having to start at the beginning.  Pursuing artistry is exhausting... at least for me.

My heart in this session was to capture the love of this family, and the adventurous curiosity of childhood.  I would love to capture that essence in every family session, and though I could constantly compare myself to photographers far more capable in that quest, using their work as a reason to not move forward, this is where I have to decide if feeling comfortable with where I am at is better than feeling challenged with where I am going.  Today, I'm choosing the latter, and today I'm feeling incredibly thankful for this special family that entered my hearts long before entering my camera.  Here are a few favorites :)