What happens when you add trains to boys....

This family opted for a more urban look for their family pictures. It was a nice blend of semi-formal (notice the ties) with the casual spirit of the family. My biggest challenge was getting them to hold still. The boys were in perpetual motion. If you are looking for a unique blend of brickwork and train engines then check out Union Station in Ogden. It makes great backgrounds.

Are boys and girls different?..to shoot?

Eureka! I've discovered the absolute true difference between boys and girls. A girl will prepare to have her picture taken, she will select an "outfit", get her hair done, make sure her make-up is in place and that her jewelry matches. A boy will show up and wonder, "how long is this going to take?" A girl will pose and primp and ask, "can we try a picture over here? and here? and there?" A boy will say, "you already have a picture of me, are my eyes open? Then were good to go." A girl has an idea of what she wants her picture to "say". A boy prefers that his picture is silent and just hangs on the wall. A girl will relax in front of the camera and take posing suggestions. A boy will pose only if it gets him closer to the get away car. I've also discovered why girls take better pictures than boys...because they want to!

To Photoshop or not to Photoshop...did Shakespeare have to be concerned with this?

Truthfully, I do "tweak" the images a little bit. I'll remove a hair, maybe brighten some teeth, exchange eyes that are opened for eyes that are closed. But editing has it's limitations. If you forget to take your glasses off then your picture will have glasses on. Can photoshop edit them out, yes with considerable time and effort, way more than you taking the time to take them off in the first place. Photoshop comes in very handy though when you have several similiar images and you just want everyone looking at the camera in "one". Heads shot in the same lighting become very adjustable. I love sibling group shots because you can "prove" they liked each other "once upon a time". Love is a living thing, share it so it can grow.

Age is just the number of candles on your birthday cake!

This is Phoebe Fournier, she is an independent consultant and national vice president for Arbonne and this is the fun we had when "Bear" joined us during her photo shoot. Phoebe got more than just "head shots" and we had a great time. I'm a fan of the FC5 hydrating cleanser + freshener. I like it because it smells great, does the job and I don't have to use a second toner. Does that make me economical with my time or lazy? Who knows? Phoebe would love to help you select a skin care product or ten as well. You can contact her at 801-782-5222. Don't let life's moments pass you by, make a memory today!

Why don't all photographers release the copyright?

I'm often asked why other photographers do not release the copyright. I can't answer for all of them, but there is a huge mark up in prints. I don't enjoy making prints, I enjoy taking the pictures. But on the other hand, I am not everyone's photographer, I'm the "do-it-yourself" photographer. If you won't follow through and make your own prints, then all you have is a CD. We all like things we can touch and feel and pass around. You spend alot of time, picking out the outfits, and getting the hair cut and combed so make sure you make a print and share it too. I mean you must have a grandmother somewhere with an empty fridge, so send her your smile.

"E" is for energy!!!

Have you ever wondered why photographers use great big flash units and even bigger lenses? It's because little girls can move very very fast! Big lenses and flash units allow you to freeze motion, most of the time. Even with the best equipment in the world, sometimes the littlest photo subjects can still create a blur. This darling 2+ year old gave me a run for my money, but she sure is cute, don't you think?

Hug a hero today!

My former neighbors asked me to photograph their family before they left on their new military assignment. This is a brief representation of what you can expect from a family portrait session. All the children will be posed individually, sometimes with a favorite prop, notice the cowboy hat. Mom and Dad get their moments in front of the camera as well as whole family poses. I'm open to suggestions and want to capture the pose that you want. While the father in this family would be embarrassed to know he is a hero to many of the young men in my neighborhood. He has served his country in Afghanistan 2 or more times. Just a brief reminder that the freedom we enjoy is not free. So find your own personal hero and give him or her a hug today.