Coleman Photography Blog

2010-02-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Having pets has always been extremely rewarding for me. I love the loyalty they show and the dedication to making me happy. However, it has always been a difficult time when one passes away. On Wednesday, February 14, I lost a great friend and companion when "CJ" was unexpectantly taken from me. He was an American Eskimo, almost 10 years old, with a very protective nature. I'm sure it was that nature that cost him his life on Wednesday night when a neighborhood dog was on his property and he took exception to that. He simply did what he had always done....protected his area...his turf...but I'm going to miss him dearly. His two "step-brothers" Baxter and Reggie are going to miss him too. Rest in peace CJ.

Creating Images With Impact

2010-02-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

As a photographer, my goal with every session I photograph is to create images with impact. I hope that impact is one that my client can simply stare and say "wow." Being photographed should be an experience, not just a series of steps that you must follow to reach an end. It's me and my subject working together to capture moments that will never be exactly duplicated again. Whether it be joy or sorrow, it needs to have impact. That impact is not always recognizable by just me, but also by the person I'm photographing. Anyone, and I do mean anyone, has the physical capabilities to take a picture. But photography should go well beyond that superficial level of satisfaction and reach a much higher degree of "impact."

The Majestic Bald Eagle

2009-10-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

While photographing a 5th Grade Youth Football game on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Sullivan High School, I was fortunate enough to capture several images of a Bald Eagle that had taken flight over the stadium around 11:30 a.m. It was truly a unique sight...especially since it had to be several miles from its normal area....and the fact that the moscot for Sullivan just happens to be the Eagles. Several members and coaches of the 5th grade team actually spotted the regal bird and made mention how it was an omen....which could be true as Sullivan was just putting the final touches on a 30 point win. It was definitely a pretty special moment for everyone, especially for me since it was the first Bald Eagle I can recall actually witnessing in the wild.

Does Cost Determine Everything?

2009-10-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Having been a professional photographer for over 25 years, I'm always amazed at how many times I answer my studio phone and the first question is "How much?" I completely understand the need to be cost concience, but whatever happened to the desire for "quality?" Comparing prices on pork steaks at two local supermarkets I get, but having that mentality when it comes to portraits that you'll cherish for a lifetime? Now that baffles me. In our industry, the subject of price has, and will be, debated forever. I, however, believe that too many photographers underappreciate their own work entirely too much and are basically "giving away" their images. Once you factor in the cost of doing business and an attempt at making a living, there is absolutely no way a photographer can survive selling $10 prints. However, you'll usually find the ones that say they're "professionals" and are doing just that, are the ones that don't rely on their photography to live. They have other jobs from which their income is generated. I guess it's kind of like Wal Mart's photography studio...they don't survive because of what they generate from that one source....they survive because of the thousands of other Wal Marts. Being another Wal Mart isn't my goal I suppose!

Influences...

2009-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'd have to say that one photographer who had a big influence on my style of photography would be Joe Craig. Joe's a fellow Missourian, from Dexter, and has been a speaker at major photography venues all over the world. I attended a week-long workshop at Joe's studio many years ago...and found I absolutely loved the way he viewed the world through his camera. His commitment to creating images that "moved the soul" was amazing. With Joe, it was about an overall experience for his clients, not just a time to have their "picture" taken. The lessons and ideas I learned that week have stayed with me and been implemented into my photography ever since.

The Early Years...

2009-10-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

I actually began my interest in photography back in high school of my senior year. A "Mr. Van Sickle" was a teacher then and allowed me to take an independent study course in photography under his guidance. I learned a great deal during that period...shooting a lot of black and white and finding out quickly I enjoyed the artistic "unusal and different" approach for my images. It's during that time I also began developing my own film in my black and white darkroom I set up at home. I loved spending time in the darkroom...seeing images I had photographed come to life on the paper...it was very exciting for me. I was hooked....I loved photography and everything about it. Its has been a big part of my life ever since.

Im a Blogger Now

2009-10-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I guess I've come full circle now....I'm a blogger! I intend on using this section for not only photography related topics, but also as an area to offer tips and ideas on how to better your own photography. I imagine this area will also blossom into other avenues I have not even thought of at this point, and I'm sure it will be somewhat of a journal as well.