Blue Angels

This last weekend was the end of the annual celebration in Seattle called Seafair. A big highlight of Seafair is the performance by the Blue Angels. For anyone not familiar with the Blue Angels, this is a group of highly-talented Navy pilots that performs a variety of stunts, often times at very close range to each other, with extreme precision and at high rates of speed.

Like thousands of people, I like to photograph these jets when they are in town. One of the best places to capture awesome images is while you are on the water in your favorite boat. I had the good fortune to spend the afternoon with my sister and her family. As you might guess, these jets are very loud and it's a good idea to bring ear protection for your young children.

Like most photographic situations, having the right kind of equipment can make all the difference in the world. That will determine whether you get the shot or not. Photographing high speed objects like the Blue Angels jets requires a fast camera, fast lens, and steady hands. Having lots of space on your memory card is a good thing too because you'll probably take a lot of bad shots in order to capture one or two great ones, but you'll find that it's worth the effort.

Children's Portraits

Have you ever tried to photograph your children? They are full of energy and often times have a mind of their own. It can be a challenge to get that perfect photo, but it's sooo worth it! While patience is a virtue, so is spontaneity. Don't wait for the right time to take that photo. If you do, you will miss those moments that will never happen again.

Should you try to pose your children or let them act naturally? There's no absolute right or wrong answer. I think a combination is best. In my portrait sessions, I am aware of what my little models are telling me so I know how to work with them. The children, through their behavior, will let you know which way to go.

One thing to keep in mind is that children keep growing and change constantly. There's no bad time to capture those moments in time as your child grows from a newborn baby to a young adult. If you wish, consider hiring a professional photographer to help you create memories that will last for years to come.

Mocha

When most people think of Mochas, they usually envision a delicious chocolate-flavored coffee drink topped with whipped cream. Not me, at least not anymore. Mocha is my dog's name. I admit that he doesn't look very "Mocha-like", but that is not my fault. Latte or vanilla-steamed milk seems to be more appropriate. He is a purebred Pomeranian, but don't let his good looks fool you. He has a chiseled body underneath all that fluff.

Mocha doesn't mind being photographed. He is a great canine model, if there is such a thing. If I am doing a pet portrait session, I don't think they necessarily have to be stuffy and staged. No special lighting or backdrops. Perhaps photographing them in their normal environment makes the portrait more real. One thing seems evident to me. . .if I keep a camera nearby, I can catch my dog looking particularly cute or doing funny things naturally. That often seems to be the best time to photograph him.

Lunar Eclipse

I watched the lunar eclipse last month with my son and my dog. It was an awesome sight! My son and I enjoyed the view, but my dog, Mocha, didn't think it was anything extraordinary. The next lunar eclipse won't happen again until 2010.

My first choice for witnessing this event would've been at the Mauna Kea Observatories located on the Big Island of Hawaii. You can check them out at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko. Not that it was necessary to use such powerful telescopes to view the lunar eclipse, but I just like vacationing in Hawaii and this would've been one excuse to do so.

Here are a couple photos that I took that night. The first photo is a close up of the moon. I haven't seen it look quite this color in recent memory. The second photo shows the moon to the right. To the lower left, there is a white spot. That is Saturn.

Someday, I'll have to get myself a telescope to see what else is up there.