I’m sitting at my computer, musing about taking good pictures on a day when I didn’t even pick up my camera. I did run errands, dropped my daughter off at her college dorm and talked to the IRS.

Quite a day!

I looked at a few images that I’ve taken recently and decided to blog about practicing. I read a great entry about how people that are superior in their genres, have made practice and specific practice a daily regime.

For example, Tiger may have incredible talent, but he diligently practices on specific skills to make himself who he is. Likewise, Kobe Bryant may have been smiled upon by genetics, but I personally have seen him be the first on the floor and the last to leave. Practice!

The same thing applies in photography.

I’ve tried to start seeing and practicing as much as possible. Last weekend I was hired to shoot a charity baseball event at Angel Stadium(I am protesting the new name, since I’ve lived in Anaheim for most of my life). As I walked up to the entrance I pulled out my iPhone and snapped a couple of scene setter type images. I played with the horizon and tilted the name to fit in the frame. Practice.

The next image was taken at a friend’s concert at Biola in La Mirada. A family friend was singing and I noticed a string of lights overhead. I had brought my camera, just in case and I was able to incorporate them into some of the images. I really like the way they add some sparkle and whimsy to the final image.

Practice!

Finally, here’s a photo that I’ve been waiting about three years to make.

I’ve been blessed to volunteer at the Harvest Crusade in Anaheim for about 5 years.

I know from experience that the sun shines through the stadium walkways and that it creates really cool shadows. Unfortunately, I was always asked to be somewhere else the last couple of years.

Finally, I was clear, ready and waiting!

I whipped out my iphone and grabbed a few images and then started shooting the scene with my DSLR, too!

I was so happy! Not only had I captured a scene I’ve been wanting to, but I think this frame encapsulates a lot of what the crusade is about, too!

I’ve been practicing utilizing flares and trying to incorporate them into a lot of my images. This frame is the result of a lot of practice and mistakes. Without that practice, I probably would have missed my big chance and might have had to wait another year.

But, over the past six months or so, I’ve been thinking about flares and seeing how everyone has been using them. For example, J.J. Abrams used them spectacularly in Star Trek and I’ve seen his influence everywhere. Now, I utilized it a simple image at a crusade.

Practice can make perfect.

Start looking at different situations and trying to capture various techniques, compositions or styles. Use your DSLR or even your camera phone. Be specific and practice as much as possible to be ready for that perfect image that you’ve been waiting for.

Happy shooting!

Laguna Beach engagement session
In this entry I’d like to talk a bit about personal style. I recently did this engagement session of this fabulous couple, Christin and Jarret, in Laguna Beach.
At the very end of the session, I walked around the backside of this couple. I always try to take one last look opposite of where I’ve been photographing. You never know what you might find. Today, I found a very cool silhouette just waiting to be captured.

Beyond that, one of my favorite television shows on right now is, “Fringe,” it is directed by J.J. Abrams. He is the director on, “Lost, Alias, Mission Impossible and the latest remake of the movie, Star Trek.” His vision is amazing! He adds flares, lights, reflections and movement into almost every frame of the movie and it gives it his signature style. You see a clip and you just know it’s J.J.’s style.

I’ve been trying to incorporate flares into a lot of my work to give it some life. Not to directly steal from J.J.’s work but to honor it and make it my own.
When you see something you admire, take a look at it and try to figure out how to make it your own. Think American Idol and how the judges are always telling the poor contestants to sing a song and make it their own. Don’t just karaoke it, give it some personality from your soul.

Change it and make it yours. Now go out and try that and enjoy!!!