prepare for a portrait session

Some people can be a little un-easy about getting their picture taken by a photographer. There are a variety of personal reasons one could feel that way. I am here to tell you that it doesn't have to be, nor should it be a bad experience. A good photographer understands that their primary responsibility is to make this a great experience - even more important than the final product delivered to the client.

 

Trust is very important aspect of a photo session. You and the photographer should have the same goals and be comfortable with each other. Hopefully this is a relationship that will last well beyond your session.

 

Once in the studio or on-location you shouldn't have to worry about much. This is where the photographer typically leads the effort of working through different set ups, lighting, posing, etc. But, this is a collaboration so don't be hesitant to be a participant in the creative process. I love it when a client gets into the event and suggest some interesting ideas. To help ensure a great experience there are some things you can do ahead of time to minimize any stress. Just some basic things to think about and do before a photo shoot.

 

Communication

  • Contact the photographer prior to the event
  • Go over the anything special you have in mind.
  • Confirm date, time and location.

Rest up

  • Get a good night’s sleep, we all look better when we’re rested and looking fresh

Pick out your wardrobe in advance

  • You don’t want to scramble through your closet the day of the shoot Ask for ideas from the photographer.
  • Generally, more solid garments photograph better than a busy outfit.

Bring what you need

  • You may need to freshen up make-up or even your hair.
  • Consider you might be changing clothes, will you need different accessories?

Allow more time than expected

  • You will have a rough idea on the length of the session. But free up more time on your schedule in case you run over. You don't want to feel rushed towards the end - especially if things are starting to really click. A good photographer isn't watching the clock during the shoot and will take as much time needed to get those special images.

Relax

  • Nothing to be nervous about, this will be a lot of fun. So prepare a little, relax and enjoy the moment.

Fredericksburg Fair

Spent some time with my family today at the Fredericksburg Fair. Josh had a great time riding rides with Megan. I usually ride along too, but was busy doing some people watching with Allie. The weather was a little overcast but made for a very comfortable day to go see the sights.


Here are some of my unsuspecting models for the day. You just never know when you will make my blog.

Click an image to enlarge








Spooky Flower

I don't often take pictures of flowers.  It is not that I don't appreciate a good floral image, just not my cup of tea.  So typically when I do venture out and take a flower image  - I begin to experiment.  Either with color or composition.   I usually end of with something very different from what I captured.

Then there is this image.  Not sure about you but as soon as I started processing it -  I could only see a ghost in the brush.  See it, please tell me it's not just me.

Anyway, what was a very pretty flower is now a bazaar and freaky image.

Just another reason I will stay away from the floral pics.

 

 

 

2010 World Wide Photowalk - that's a wrap

Today was the 3rd annual World Wide Photowalk with over 1100 walks across the globe and over 35,000 people participating.  I again took part in the Fredericksburg walk with almost 40 other people.  We got an early start so we were done before we hit 100 degrees.  It was a good time and met some interesting people along the way. 

Below are some of my favorites I captured.  Click on any image to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

all photos by Tom Rothenberg 

Guess where...

Time for another edition of "guess where" this photo was taken.  Try to be more specific than just a city, but all guesses are welcome.  Leave a comment below with your best guess.  In the meantime I will try to determine where I was exactly:)

Am I the only one that thinks built-in GPS is long over due for DSLR's?  Sure, you can buy a GPS unit for a DSLR - but camera phones and many point and shoots have had this built-in for a long time.

Yeah, I know battery life, extra costs, etc...  But it would be a very desirable feature for nearly all types of photography.

Come on Nikon and Canon, get with the program.


 

Festival Français and l’Omelette Géante

Today was the Festival Francais at the New Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg.  This event celebrates the 30th anniversary as a sister city with Fréjus, France, with a fabulous French Market of over 30 vendors and the cooking of a Giant Omelet (5,000 eggs) for all to share. 

I want to thank all the folks who stopped by my booth and purchased prints.  It was a pleasure to talk to all the friendly people.  It was a real scorcher out there but there was a great turnout.

A very special thank you to my lovely wife who helped me throughout the event.

I had to man my booth for the event but I did manage to get away to capture some images of the band "Foul Play".  They also sounded great.



 

 

 

 

 

 

His name is Max

Some of you have asked about what we named the new Pup.  Josh really wanted "Max" and after a week with him I think it really fits.  He is transitioning well and he really seems to like his new home.  Blitzen is also having a ball with him and we could not be happier.  So here are a few more images of the dynamic duo.  They play hard and then crash hard.  

 

 

Blitzen about to chase Max

either chasing or being chased

done

me too

 

4th of July

Well we finally did it - After weeks of talking about it and deciding on a breed we got a new puppy today.  He is a German Shorthaired Pointer.  We haven't named him yet but will decide this weekend.  Blizten seems to really like him.  She has certainly missed Donner so I think she was ready, too.  They played chase games around the yard for much of the evening.  

The whole family, especially Josh, is very happy about our new buddy.  I will let you know what we decide about a name.  But could use some suggestions, so shoot them my way if you have any good ideas.


 

Heritage Festival

Before we picked up the dog we headed over to the annual Heritage Festival in downtown Fredericksburg.  It's a day filled with bands, food, crafts, raft races and even a parade.  We didnt stay long but had a great time.  Here are a few images of the event.

 

 

 


 

 



And finally -  get the cameras out to take some cool shots of the fireworks tomorrow night.  For something different,  try some long exposures and someone light painting with sparklers.  These are a few I did last year.

 

 

 

all photos by Tom Rothenberg 

 

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July

 

Those little town blues.....

Just got back from New York City.  My friend Dave was kind enough to take me to some of his favorite spots.  We had a great time and I was able to capture a few decent images along the way.  Thanks for the tour and your hospitality Dave.

Also had a couple celebrity sightings along the way.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of them - so you will just have to take my word.

We walked through a filming of Larry David.  Don't think cameras were rolling at the moment we walked through the set.  But he was there. 

And later on as we sat outside eating at an awesome Mexican joint, Mickey Rourke and a lady friend walked right past me.   

Anyway, here are some faces and places I did capture. 

Enjoy, and have a good day.

Click images to enlarge.

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

all photos by Tom Rothenberg