Happy New Year & plans for 2011

Happy New Year to all my friends & clients! New Years resolutions . . . I've got quite a few. I have SO MUCH to get updated in the studio; new backgrounds to hang, a tablet to get hooked up on my studio computer & / or get a FASTER "souped-up" hot rod computer to run all the memory intensive Adobe programs, clean and organize everything, and revamp pricing and my marketing plan for 2011. I want to get out and do a bunch of snow photography, including wide angle scenics and close ups of some of our wild MO residents. Eagle Days are coming up at the Lake of the Ozarks, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau has some unique opportunities available if you check them out on line.



Beyond my photography business, I want to lose weight this new year OF COURSE, like everyone else. I have a TON of "air intrusion" sealing to do on my home in order to satisfy the conditions for my "Energize MO" energy rebate, so I will be extremely busy with the calk, the foam & the insulation contractors before the HVAC guys come with the ground source system. All of this stuff has to be completed & turned in before June 01!

I will be looking to take my photography "up a notch" in both innovation and speed, providing my customers with better service and quality for 2011! With the incredible popularity jump in mobile Internet devices (hi-tech phones), we have added a separate Internet site specifically designed for mobile devices: http://ibdg.tel. The .tel sites provide total contact info for mobile devices, and also offer an instant download of all my contact info (v-card) into MS Outlook or other computer programs.

I hope your new year holds incredible promise and joy for you! Whatever may come, may the God of all creation guide and lead you personally through the redemptive Grace of His son, Jesus Christ.


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Location:2612 Dry Hollow Rd, Camdenton, MO

The end of 2010, and postage due!

As I reflect on this past year, I am so thankful for friends and family, and if you are my client, please know that I consider you my friend! I am behind on my posting here, and I have much to share and tell . . . However, the year is not over yet. It is Christmas eve - eve, and I still have work to do. I just wanted to let my friends and clients know that I'm not THAT cheap--- I actually did take those big white envelopes in an have one weighed. The lady at the Camdenton post office told me it would cost $1.56 to send them first class, so send them I did . . . If you had to pay 17 cents postage due, I apologize . . . I tried. If I missed sending you a Lake area calendar that features 6 of my images, let me know & I will get one to you. I've got to get to work. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night!


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New backgrounds arrived today!

 I am so excited to have 3 new backgrounds arrive today. Now to get them hung. Hey, we have a full service INDOOR studio for all your professional photography needs. I'll even get a wood fire going for you-- It's 76 degrees in here right now!~

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is late at night as I write this on Thanksgiving eve . . . I am so thankful for many things in my life, first of all my God and my family, but I am also thankful to you, my customers and others who read this and are "cheering me on." I have had my best year in several so far, and have enjoyed making many new business and personal connections at the Lake of the Ozarks this year. I am branching out my portrait photography business into scenics and art prints for business and home use. I have several exhibits waiting on prints, so I need to get my act together and get some of them placed on their walls. I have been so busy in the portrait side of my business that I am behind on the new facet which I truly love. I am about to get caught up, so keep an eye on the blog for new posts, including both scenic / art prints and high school senior and family portraits. I will also be telling you where you can go and view some of my scenic canvas prints on display as soon as I get them up! Lake Printing is offering a scenic calendar of the Lake of the Ozarks this year which features 6 images from my body of work here at the Lake . . . You should call them (or me) and I can tell you how to order some of these beautiful calendars with your business featured at the bottom . . . It is a great way to build customer loyalty.

I am watching the radar with this storm ushering in the COLD air, and missing summer already! I'm also updating a bunch of my software on the computer . . . It's sad that I have to start the BIG downloads after 1:00 am in the morning and end them before 6 . . . You Hughesnet users feel my pain, right??? Well, I had better close for now and get some sleep. The big Turkey Day is almost here.

                  -- Taken from the Ha Ha Tonka overlook at moonset, just before sunrise--


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Mr. Nice Guy :)

I get the privilege of seeing a great number of people post images of their loved ones or their clients as High School Senior Portraits, Wedding Albums, and Family Portraits on Facebook. I always like to be "nice," but come on . . . These photographs are "SUPPOSED TO BE" taken by professional photographers??!!?? I saw a friend post some images by a photographer in Lebanon, who took images of a girl in several locations, including Ha Ha Tonka. The castle was wonderfully exposed, and the sky was gorgeous. If you know anything about exposure, you can imagine that the young lady was terribly underexposed, including having "black holes" for eye sockets. I guess she was just a prop for a beautiful exposure of an old building.

Another client had me take her son's photographs, and then commented quite a bit on my price . . . YES, I may be twice as expensive as some of the people who take pictures as a hobby around here, but then they know what they are worth (my prices haven't increased in 10 years!!!). The photographer she had used before wasn't that much cheaper than I, and apparently my client had "loved her work," even defending it when I slipped and voiced my opinion as to her amateur status (oops!) I looked at said photographer's "best stuff" on line, and she doesn't have a clue . . . But then, does it really matter? If you can't see the difference, why pay the difference.

I guess I get really tired of people ranting and raving over the latest and greatest, when the button pusher who took those images obviously doesn't have a clue as to what really matters: The Subject! Eyes are the windows of the soul--put some light in them. Everyone looks better with angles; use them to pose with. DO NOT pose clients in direct sunlight unless you have fill flash (a last resort--looks pretty fake) or some really good light modifiers, or want an effect with, say sunglasses. I like the cool effects and grungy stuff as much as the next person, but let's get the basics as well, o.k.? EVERY client deserves some classical poses, well lit and properly exposed. Rembrandt lighting is a great place to start!

Oh, and Mr. Nice Guy? . . . Yep, I am still here. And I won't be making any derogatory comments about specific images OR photographers on line any time soon. Hey, if you ASK ME for my opinion of a photograph, I will give it, but I will only speak as to how to improve the image, not how bad I think it currently is. Hey, here is one you can consider . . . If you have read this far, and WISH you had some more images to compare with the photographer you already used, give me a call . . . I will gladly do a session for you, you child, your senior, or your family. If you aren't absolutely thrilled . . . If you can't tell the difference . . . IF you are in any way unhappy with the product I show you, I will happily refund your session fee and 1st payment. Oh, and by the way, I already offer that to all my clients. I haven't ever been taken up on the offer, but if I do, I will give a full refund with a smile on my face. I always enjoy meeting people, getting to know them, and creating something special for them. If you are not happy, then neither am I.

Well, I guess "Mr. Nice Guy" can shut up for now . . . I feel better getting that all off my chest. I'm kind of ashamed of where photography as a profession is headed . . . "It" seems to have lost it's moorings, and is drifting with the current. I thought "Quality" mattered . . . It used to.


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Location:In front of the computer, as always

Busy, busy times

It was a gorgeous Sunday for the first weekend in November. I am sorry to say that I really did not get to enjoy much of it. I have been working extra hours this weekend to get caught up, and I just finished a rare portrait viewing for a client @ 8:30 tonight. It was a special birthday gift for her fiancé, so I did rush it a bit to get the photographs ready for the viewing. He loved them, so "mission accomplished!"

I have two senior sessions and two family portraits to finish, and several of my recent scenic images still sitting in the camera. I just received three 60 inch prints on canvas that I need to get out into the community and on display! SO, I don't have any photographs ready to post tonight - sorry! I will get on this and post some of the projects I have been working on soon. Tonight, sleep is on the agenda, and a full week ahead of me.

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Location:Glued to the computer

Winter is coming!

I am amazed at how quickly the weather can change. I know, I know . . . It's Missouri, right? I didn't get much sleep last night with all the wind and storms. I have a lot of computer work to do today, so I won't get blown away.

With the advent of colder, more dismal weather, many "would be" photographers put up their camera equipment and think there is nothing to "portray" in the gloom of winter. I challenge you, instead, to turn your camera into black and white mode, and learn composition without the "color crutch" to keep you interested. Another way to challenge yourself is to use the snow and ice, along with the rocks and trees to create color and contrast. Just remember to dress for it, and you will probably capture a much different view of our world than most are willing to do. Yeah, it is still early, and the leaves are not gone yet, but I was just thinking that it won't be long.

Another nice point for those needing a truly special gift for Christmas is that we can do some wonderful family portraits no matter what the weather . . . We have a complete indoor portrait studio for your convenience. Also, I am still scheduling Senior portraits, so give me a call! Remember Lakers, that your yearbooks are due much earlier this year . . . There is still time!


Have a GREAT change of seasons with November just days away :)






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Location:In studio

Fall Leaves and Hi Def color

 It was almost dark when I ran up to Tonka and captured these images this evening.  It is so beautiful for leaf viewing right now, and I find it hard to believe they will hang on for more than a week.  I have to fill my lungs with fresh air, and my soul with the vibrant color, for I know that the long, cold, dreary winter is just around the corner.  I hope you enjoy these!

How "perfect" does it need to be?

I ponder as I look at all the photographs I still need to "work on," how good do they want to look . . . I think I spend waaaaay too much time on images that my customers are going to view. I mean, most people can't begin to see the difference anyway, so why do I work so hard & spend HOURS making wrinkles, pot bellies, & other imperfections disappear??? Oh, and doing only enough to be tasteful--never so much that it is too obvious or overdone?

The answer lies within myself. I have been doing this for 21 years now, and I am my own worst critic. I make my work the best it can possibly be because I have to satisfy ME. If you really do want to look your best . . . If you want photographs that will satisfy this picky, perfectionist photographer, give me a call & we will plan out YOUR "once in a lifetime" portrait. Whether it is your senior portraits, your family portrait, or you just want a personal session to capture, perfect, & preserve for generations to come . . . We now offer "Landscape Portraiture" on canvas that will endure for 200 years! It's not for the squeamish in the pocket book, but it is truly a "one-of-a-kind" experience & final product.



















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Sunrise and Moonset -- Harvest moon.

It is a sad time when summer comes to an end and we look toward winter.  When I was a very young man, I used to love winter, with it's snow and cold and hunting and crisp air.  Now, after the ice storms of 2007 and following years, it tends to fill me with a bit of dread.  However, even the weather man can't predict it, so why should we worry . . . It's best to take the beauty of today and make the most of it.  In that spirit, I woke up Saturday morning to a full moon and only an hour until sunrise.  I threw my clothes on, grabbed my camera, and went to the highest scenic point I could reach before the transition began.  Here are a few images from Ha Ha Tonka (of course--I'm only 1.5 miles away :) showing that transition and perhaps the last warm full moon-to-sunrise transition we will see for quite some time . . . Enjoy!

 

Sunset and a full moon

Here are some photos from last night. There was a full moon already in the sky as the sun was sitting. You can see the moon just to the right of the water tower as the orange streaks appear around it from the setting sun behind me. I am also including some images taken with a simple 50mm 1.8 lens @ the largest aperture. It's always interesting to go to the extreme and see the selective focus effects when using such a wide aperture. The depth of field is extremely small, of course, increasing our feeling of depth perception.







































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Location:Ha Ha Tonka

A Rainy Day at the park

A very good friend and I were visiting today about the crazy view that seems prevalent in our 21st century world: "That is a beautiful photograph--You must have a really awesome camera!" NOPE, it's not the camera, folks. It's the YEARS under the hood for the driver that matters! Ok, maybe not totally. I've known a few "photographers" who have been in business for many years and still don't have a clue. They still have dark eye sockets in their subjects, and there are deck posts growing out of their heads!! (You've got to watch what's behind your subject, as well as the light you are using to photograph that subject). Remember, photography IS painting with light, so don't blow that part of the equation. Know your short light, broad light and "Rembrandt" light, butterfly lighting and even rim light, especially when using fill flash or a reflector to balance that light.

Well, enough about that. With todays resources on the web in forums, U-tube, etc., ignorance is really no excuse. Now, for a few images taken before the storm today. My therapy, if you don't already know, is to walk the trails of my local state park, Ha Ha Tonka, and challenge myself to find artistic images amid the daily exercise and "soul therapy" routine. Here are a few images from earlier today. All these images were taken with an old 10 megapixel cropped image camera and a simple 50mm 1.8 fixed lens . . . Enjoy! . . Doug














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Location:Ha Ha Tonka

Chasing the sun

I've been out chasing the sunset on highways & byways along the Lake of the Ozarks. I missed getting some great images by a few minutes, but my iPad app is allowing me to plan out my attack! I'll get you tomorrow!


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Location:Osage Beach,United States

Camera Handler

Good morning to friends and fans . . . The cooler weather has me inspired! That coupled with the expansion of my business toward more scenic and nature photography. I guess this has always been my first love, but I have used Portrait photography to "pay the bills." That hasn't changed much . . . YET.

I have been doing some "moonlight" photography and some "lake light" photography lately, and really enjoying expanding my horizons. I find that it satisfies a longing for beauty in my soul, which can be extremely important for that artistic inspiration that I so desperately need. I had one of my friends on Facebook express his opinion on some of work . . . He said "Kudos, Doug - You handle that camera so well." I got to thinking about that, and realized it was truly a compliment. Not only do I need to master the tool in my hands, I also have to know it's abilities and limitations. After all, the camera does NOT make the photographer, it is the other way around!!! . . . Right? A camera is only a light-tight box with the best lens we can put on it. Even today, with all the "automatic everythings" on my Canon cameras, they lie to me and mislead me if I trust what the "A" and "P" on the dial tells me. I use my incident light / flash meter to tell me what the light "falling on" the subject is, MANUALLY set the camera, and then tweak it from there.

Photography is no longer about even taking the photograph . . . It is how you interpret that RAW data with a converter, and finalize the end result to create the image. That is why my business is "Images by Doug Goodwin." No one else can create the photographs as I do. If you like these, call me. I can create something special for you!



















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Location:Camden Ct,Camdenton,United States

Senior Special offer

It has been SO hectic since we got back on vacation, but I am thankful for work that keeps my mind off of the Missouri heat. Camdenton and Lebanon High Seniors should have received my LAST sale of the summer postcard in the mail-- Purchase a 16x20 wall portrait from your session and receive 48 wallets from any pose for FREE-- a $75 value.

If you are not from Camdenton or Lebanon, it doesn't mean I don't like you. Just mention that you saw this on my blog or Facebook and you can have the special as well. It is good UP UNTIL school starts, then it is over. You don't have to take your senior portraits in the heat, just set up the appointment and you get the special offer as well.

I mentioned the WHY of manual exposure when I was on vacation, and here is the reason. The modern digital camera that you are using will LIE to you about proper exposure quite often . . . It can't handle bright light in the background or dark backgrounds, or any variable light on your subject. The best way to control your exposures is to get an incident light meter--some are pretty inexpensive. Failing that, you can use the "sunny 16" rule and get really close. I could attempt to explain it, but it is easier to just post a link: http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Sunny_16_rule. Enjoy! Remember, it is always best NEVER to photograph a human subject in direct sunlight (learn the rules first before you decide to break them--It will make you a better photographer).


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Location:In Studio

Last night on the road . . .

We went out & ate at Texas Roadhouse IN TEXAS tonight . . . Great food, and that "Texas attitude" I remember from my years in Ft Worth. The relaxed eating habits are over NOW & the diet begins anew. This travel blog is soon going to be a photographer's blog once again. I will put some more photographs of the beautiful Colorado mountains, as well as images of the Southwest once I get back to the big computer & much better resources than I have on my laptop.

Some of the "best of the best" images will be offered on my e-commerce website @ http://www.goodwinphoto.biz. I will also be offering advice on techniques, in both portrait and nature photography disciplines. For example, how many of you use the manual setting on your digital camera -- EVER? It is almost always a much better choice than any automatic setting you could choose! . . . Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you when I can get back on a real keyboard & TYPE once again.









From my family to yours, have a great summer!

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Location:Aramillo, TX

On the road again . . .

Wow, was it hard to leave Williams, AZ and those beautiful, COOL mountains this morning. It was 56 degrees @ 7 am this morning (AZ time). That translates to 9 CDT, and the way I understand it, AZ never undergoes the stupid semi- annual time change . . . They are on "AZ standard time" all the time. Way to go!

It's quite hot now just east of Albuquerque - 93 by the car gauge. At least it doesn't feel hotter than that YET . . . I don't know when we will hit the nasty humidity, but I know it's coming. Yeah, I know . . . I'll complain when winter gets here as well. BUT, I do love Spring & Fall in the Ozarks!


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Location:Albuquerque, NM

We got to Monument valley pretty early today . . . Rough roads, but spectacular scenery. After lunch and seeing the rain in the distance, we went on to the Grand Canyon, and the temperature dropped from 105 to 73 degrees, with some awesome clouds. However, the resulting haze really cramped the scenic views toward the... main overlooks at the canyon. Tomorrow is drive, drive, drive . . . Sigh :(

Lunch @ Tuba City, AZ

Just had a picnic lunch at a wonderful community park . . . Well, a late lunch @ 1:30 mtn time. We had one main requirement - it had to have shade. It is 102 degrees right now, & the humidity was so low that the bread on my sandwich dried out & became crusty before I could finish it! Monumento Valley was awesome this morning before the temperature soared ever upward. It's gonna be hot at the Grand Canyon, but it looks like some rain clouds are rolling in from the west, & I know it would be a welcome sight here. I'll get some photographs on line tonight if the Internet is good & I'm not too wiped out from the 4:55 am alarm this morning.


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Location:Louise Yellowman community park

Leaving Durango

It is an awesome 55 degrees this morning @ 7:30 as we head to Mesa Verde. I'd guess the humidity at less than 30 percent. Wow, is Missouri (or, as the motel owner called it "Misery") going to be a shock! Now the car says it is 51 degrees. Oh well . . . These shorts will feel good at Mesa Verde.


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Location:160 westbound

A Day in the Mountains

What a wonderful day in the Southern San Juan Mountains. We went up past Delores on the San Juan Skyway, past the town of Rico, and turned in at the road to Alta Lakes. This road hangs on an eyebrow of a mountain face as it winds back and forth past about 12000 feet. It first takes you to Alta, what used to be billed as "the best preserved mining town in Colorado." No more, I believe. It has been over 15 years since I was there last, and someone has bought the majority of the best mining cabins and ruins and fenced them off with no trespassing signs. Sigh . . . Oh well. We went past them first to Gold King Basin. WOW, is all I can say. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Then on to Alta Lakes, where the trout were actually jumping out of the water catching flies and the reflections of the mountains were stunning in the beautiful blue water. It went from 85 degrees near Durango down to 62 degrees up at Gold King Basin, and we were so high that both my son and I were feeling pretty "light headed." These old Missouri flatlanders were sure impressed (as always) with the beautiful Colorado rockies!  I hope you enjoy the images. Most were taken with the 17-40 L glass in the Canon line. I did use a 50mm 1.8 for a few, and a 100-400 for some near Lizard Head Pass, which I haven't even taken off the card yet.  Got to get some sleep for another big day tomorrow.