Buying an expensive digital camera

I had the opportunity to teach a family going on vacation how to work their new digital camera. The camera they purchased was a good one. Although I tend to stick with Pentax for all of my photographic needs, they chose a Canon Powershot. It had 5.1 mega pixels and a 12x optical lens. The camera is not very heavy and it fits in the palm of a person's hand. The camera has more features than the amateur camera buff will use. I on the other hand would make use of it all. There is video, and recording voice for still pictures. There is a built in flash and lots of settings. The camera can be totally automatic as well as manual. Playing around with this camera has now made me want to buy a better camera. The irony is that I had begun looking at cameras in the $200.00 price range, but now I've decided I'm going to get a Pentax SLR digital camera. It comes with two lenses, one is a 70-300 telephoto lens. The price is right under $1000.00. Of course I could opt for a Pentax Digital camera with a 10x optical zoom for half the price. We'll see what happens. I've decided to just get through 2005 and in 2006 I begin my new life in full force. Drop me a line and let me know what type of camera you're using, even if it isn't digital. Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind.

Posing models

I hope to do some photos soon and I'm looking to create something different. It can be easier to go out and take a picture of a flower or capture a pet being itself, but photographing a model in a particular setting isn't always that easy. Learn to be creative. If you have a subject put them in something they like to do. If the person plays sports, get them a baseball bat or basketball and let them play around. They become relaxed and you can work around the model. I did a shoot a year ago and I had the model stand in one place and I moved around the model. The pictures were really some of my best. It was just what I was looking for and working in a confined space. When I have the right person and setting I can pretty much create anything. I prefer doing location shots. Working in the outdoors is so much more inspiring. The next time your working on a project do something simple and gradually escalate into being dramatic. Let your work speak for you, you don't have to speak for your work. Take a look at photography magazines and how to books or videos. Pick up a few tips and add your own style to the picture. Use different backdrops. It's okay to break the rules. When I first started out I used shower curtains as backdrops. I'd create large installations and put the model inside. Begin by creating for you, then create for your client. Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind.

Self taught

I'm a hands on kinda guy when it comes to most things, especially my art. I picked up a camera one day and I took a picture. Because I have a thing for photographing people the challenge comes when I meet someone and tell them what it is I do. Most women that I meet the minute I say I'd like to photograph them they immediately think nude. Why is that? Do women just assume that's all a man has on his mind? Some guys think the same way, but I've learned techniques from many photographers. I read a lot on various things and of course psychology is the number one interest. Knowing how the mind works you can pretty much get whatever you want if you have the time and patience. I've always been a patient man and when it comes to my art, it's better to do it right or don't do it at all. If I meet someone that I find very interesting and I know I want them to be a part of my life, then creating art can take its time. If I feel they won't be around long, then I have to lay the ground work quickly. So from the meeting to the actual photo shoot is all part of my art. Once work is complete its getting the person to like what I have done. Most people always say they don't photograph well or they don't like the way they look. I've only met one person I was not able to photograph the way I felt could do justice. I did get some good pictures, but nothing great. I've been happy with all of my other work. I'm constantly trying different things and though I try not to get influenced by other photographers, sometimes its hard not to do. I'm constantly looking at photography magazines and fashion magazines and the ideas go to flowing or I see something similar to what I have done or an idea I had in my head. Lately I've been copying my own work instead of copying someone else. A few years ago I created a series of photos, based on the see no evil, hear no evil, series. I did it twice with the same model. Now I want to create it again with someone new. I was thinking someone in a suit or maybe a shirt and tie. Put someone in an office setting. I prefer capturing people in a more relaxed setting. It makes the pictures look natural instead of posed. I like watching people and I like a person that has great lines. This way I can create a sketch and then a drawing from the photo. So art can roll over into many mediums from just one photo or vice versa. I'm in the process of clearing the photos off of my computer and then I'll post my photos of clouds I did over the last week. I've always enjoyed looking up at the clouds. I think it has to do with the Charlie Brown comics. Remember they would sit on the baseball mound looking up at the sky describing what they see. I just let my imagination go wild. I also want to work on printing my photos and art on canvas and I'm creating a few other things. If you have any photography questions please feel free to drop me a line. Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind.

D Artist Blues

It happens to the best of us. When a writer can't write, it's called writers block. If a painter can't paint, is it called painter's block? And what about a photographer? Well its the artist blues, that's what I call it, but I take those blues and use that energy to create a poem, a short story, even a photograph to capture my feelings for that moment. I keep my camera with me now at all times. It's becoming part of me, like my hands and eyes. It's an extension of what I see briefly, it helps me see it clearly and more often. I sit around photographing my friends candidly. Sometimes as we hold a conversation I'll take a pic. It's good when the camera doesn't make a lot of noise or a flash isn't going off in someones face. It makes them a lot more at ease. I jot down notes as soon as I get home or sometimes I might carry my digital recorder with me in case a great line is said that I just can't remember. I sleep with my sketch pad and my journal. (Wow! I just gave you more info then you need to know) LOL. (It's a big bed and I sleep on one side) LOL. I just never know when a great idea is going come to me in my sleep.

So brah, think about what's going on, perhaps you're getting the I'm afraid of success blues. I've been there, done that and still doing it. We talked about this. Get it together. Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind.

Happy July 5th

Art inspired by fireworks. I was just thinking about fireworks displays and the American Flag and I created these pieces. Hope you enjoy, your comments are welcome, don't be shy. Open your mind and write something. Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind. 1) The first draft of Dangel, of the angel in the hood series 2) Playing around with windows paintshop I came up with this 3) and this 4) Another form of an angel amongst the black sky 5) angel against the white sky 6) Let's redo the flag 7) Is this art? 8) Mermaid

If you need business cards, brochures, letterheads, invitations, or greeting cards contact Dlonzo. Reasonable rates and I work with in your budget.

The Art of it all

The art of it all. Does there have to be an explanation? Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind.