It’s “Take The Family To Work Day”!

On July 2, 2011 by vard
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As often as possible we try to keep our little crew of ladies with us…if we can take them on a job, we do it.  They’ve had some crazy cool experiences and we’re pretty sure that’s a good thing! :D  For sure it can add to the logistics and whatnot that go into planning a shoot, particularly a location shoot with a few hours of driving in between, but it’s totally worth it.  I’m hoping they learn something about the balance between work and play…and perhaps realize that if you can make your play your work, you’re doing pretty well…

 

This past weekend we cruised down to Ocean City, Maryland to do some family portraits.  We put in the time Sunday evening and Monday morning getting what we needed for ‘work’, then took some time to hang out and enjoy a little of what going to the beach has to offer.  Watching Jazzy & Nora playing tag with the surf will never get old; and when the weather turned a little south we ran inside to do some underwater shooting in the hotel pool.  I love documenting the girls being girls…it’s what being a parent is all about!

 

…Jazzy also wanted me to make sure I mentioned that they were catching jellyfish too.  Sadly, I don’t think I got any shots of them as they were doing this while I was working with the family we were there to shoot.  Regardless, I can confirm that she actually did catch some…and yes, I think she’s crazy! :P

 

Love you girls! :D

 

Category : Family, Studio
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Short Story Stills – New Blog Section

On May 28, 2011 by vard
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I’m spending a week in Minnesota clearing my head and preparing for life in the busy season back home in Pennsylvania.  It’s a great place to sit back and refocus (photo pun #1) on where I want to go with my photography.  It gives me the chance to review what I’m doing through a new lens (#2) of clarity.  So, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to shoot (#3) some new project stuff up on the blog.

 

The ‘Short Story Stills’ section is something I’ve been working on for a few weeks now.  Each entry is a new series of images that I’m using to stretch myself creatively, both behind the camera and from a production/direction perspective.  In 20 images or less I’m trying to tell stories that have a beginning, middle and end.  And everything is fair game; they can be complex, sexy, funny, adventurous…you name it…if the story can be thought out effectively, I’m going to try to shoot it.

 

Here’s a few stills from the first three shoots in the series.  Each idea is a collaboration.  The basic concepts for each shoot are planned out ahead of time, but are also completely malleable during execution.  Everyone has a voice; photographer, models, makeup artists and any production assistants we have on hand…the more input, the better chance we have of making something awesome.

 

Gotta tip the hat to Chantel, Beth & Casey for being on the business side of the lens for these first sets.  A major thank you to Daniel Oz and Chelsea for the backside production on shoot’s two and three…and of course Connie for helping make these ideas realities LONG before I ever pick up a camera.  With all sincerity, everyone of you have been crucial to the success of these shoots and I appreciate your help in a way I’ll never be able to explain.

 

Thanks for checking them out!  Hit the link in this post or at the top of the page to see each story in its entirety.  And, if you feel so inclined, share them with your friends and cell mates.

 

Now, time for me to get back to my brats, sauerkraut, cheese curds & funny speaking friends.

 

Peace, eh! ;)  Yah-sure, ya-betchya!

 

Category : Socialness, Studio
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Sunday Evening With The Ladies

On February 27, 2011 by vard
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No real point to this, but we don’t need one…I had some gear at home and the girls were ready to go.  They’re so much fun…when we play by their rules! LOL

More fun than the Oscars! :P

Category : Family
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Remembering To Have Fun

On February 20, 2011 by vard
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Whenever I get the chance to mix shooting in with hanging with close friends, I jump on it.  It’s a great way to bring together different parts of my life.  Connie, Monica and Amy came up with a reason to play dress up a few weeks ago and have been working on getting things around for it since then.  Prep involved a brewery run, a trip to a local SalVal for clothing options, and some silly hours working on hair and makeup.  Steve-O and Andy were on hand to pour drinks, play some tunes and make the kinds of comments that only really really close friends can dream up.  We had a blast, got a few memorable shots in the process and it gave me the chance to recon a new shooting spot.  Fun, productive and educational…it’s a good combo.

Havin a blast…

Category : Family, Studio
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“Don’t Walk Away” – Pan.a.ce.a – 9am!

On November 13, 2010 by vard
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Just a reminder that tomorrow at 9am you’ll be able to see the music video we put together with Pan.a.ce.a for their track “Don’t Walk Away”.  What wasn’t mentioned yet was that this is NOT the track from their “Bare Bones” album.  Negative…this is with full on Les Paul crushin Pauly guitars.  Make sure you make the jump to their YouTube Channel and register beforehand….it’s only place you can hear this track right now! :D  Fist pump for exclusive! :D

Rock on!

Category : Studio
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Chapter Change – Connie’s Canvas

On August 14, 2010 by vard
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It’s been a long haul, but we’ve finally found our home.  When we jumped into the home buying market 2 years ago I really had no idea what to expect, and I’ve learned along the way that that’s pretty normal for most first timers.  Thankfully we had the right realtor (Mike Yonick) who showed us anything and everything at the oddest hours of the week. As our ideas of what we wanted changed over time, Mike rolled with the punches during what must have seemed like a never ending adventure.  Thanks for hanging in there man.  You’ve got a friend and client for life.

There’s a lot I can say about this place, but for now I’ll just let the pics show you what we’re starting with.  I’ll do some progress and finished(ish) shots along the way.  As we get closer to the end it’ll be more clear what each space is, or is intended to be.

A quick kudos to the Donlin Girls; they really got to dislike looking at house after house, with Mom & Dad never seeming to make a decision.  It was obvious that they’d lost the love of the hunt a little over a year ago…but they always hung in there.  Thanks homies…you helped Mom & Dad keep our sanity a tad longer.

…and to Connie…I thought you’d never decide dude! :P Of course, in hindsight your patience rocked harder than ever and we scored big.  I’m super stoked to be hitting this one head on together.  Do what you do and rock this canvas out babe…I know I’m not the only one waiting to see what you can create!

Category : Family
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