The Countdown Plus Attempted Family Portraits
As I mentioned in an earlier newsletter I am very close to reaching my goal of shooting 100 photo assignments this year. My criteria is that it needs to be either a paid assignment/commission (this is about 95% of the shoots I've done) or a formal but unpaid portrait session. The HUNDREDS of silly family pictures I've taken of my wife and kids don't count. Driving around and taking pictures of weird or funny stuff doesn't count. It needs to be a properly planned session. I wasn't going to reach the goal with my scheduled assignments so I'm making a concerted effort to book extra shoots these last few weeks of the year. I'm reaching out to people who have contacted me this year for non-paid, portfolio building/"trade for time" shoots that I didn't have time or energy for, and I offered our very wonderful neighbors a family holiday session as a gift. The 100 shoot finish-line is in sight.
Shoot #91 was a newlywed shoot for a nice couple from Connecticut. This is most likely the last shoot I will do this year at Fort Williams/Portland Head Light. I have become very well acquainted with this damned light house. The challenge for this shoot was that the couple really love their car and wanted it featured prominently. I haven't shot much car stuff. I think I have room for improvement. Anyway, it was a fun shoot.
Also, RIP to the giant umbrella I was excited about last week. I double-sandbagged my lighting stand during the car shots and a gust of wind sent the whole thing flying anyway. The umbrella snapped like a twig. I had to break out my giant 48 Inch Wescott Rapid Switch Octa-L Softbox. I used that for the rest of the weekend and a replacement umbrella just arrived yesterday.
Shoot #92 was the neighbor family holiday shoot. Our kids all get along great so I wanted to include both sets of kids but mine were having big feelings and refused to change out of their pajamas. The rest of us had fun anyway.
Immediately after finishing this shoot my kids got into the mood and decided they wanted to do some photos. They turn into the biggest weirdos when they get in photo-mode. These are seriously the most normal looking pictures I took of them that day.
Photoshoot #93 had to be postponed due to rain but will be replaced on Thursday with some headshots, #94 will be some portraits at an historic courthouse in Dresden Mills, #95 will be an engagement session at my favorite walking trail in Kennbunk, and hopefully #96 will be the rescheduled #93.
Lastly, this will be your final warning that you need to attend Photo A GoGo at Maine Studio Works Friday December 9th from 6-9! 170 Anderson St. Portland, ME 04101! I have a big, beautifully framed picture in it. Someone on Instagram posted a walk-through video of the gallery and my picture looks audaciously big compared to the other photos. Sue me! All of the other work in the show is great as well. Buy some art. You will have a great time.
