Big and Little Personalities

                                                             

My WINE and PAWs event, to help out homeless dogs, began a few days early when Kelly Dawson, owner of "sitting dogg"  (www.sittingdogg.com) came in with two of her dogs.  Ace, a 95# American Bulldog, is ALL muscle.  He pulled me around a couple of times when I tried to turn him around by his collar and I got to feel his pulling power!  A 'big boy' in size but a teddy bear by nature.  I can imagine what a cuddler he is.

His pack-mate, Woubai, is a small, red dog and reminded me of a friend's Norwegian Wunderhund.  Kelly told me that although he was small, he was the alpha.  All is equal in the dog world when a 15# dog rules the roost over a 95# dog that could take it out with one gulp!

Kerry and the boys arrived after a good, long walk to tire them out.  I had some shots in mind that didn't pan out but soon their energies began to settle and they acquiesced to their new surroundings.  A key to pet photography is patience, so sure enough, things started to mellow out.

Ace decided he liked the feel of my new animal skin-like material, while Woubai took a break on the couch and in mom's arms.  Kelly brought along a nice Pinot Grigio called Little Black Dress to trade.  The label has tiny, red high heels on it!  (You know how women love to try wines that have interesting labels.)

If you're looking for someone to take care of your dog in your home, give Kerry a call about her premier in home pet care! After watching her interact with Ace and Woubia, you're dogs will be in good hands!

Dogs, Women and Their Interlinked Lives

Now that we've shaken off the winter and welcomed in the Spring, I've started work on my personal book project, Dogs and Their Women.  This us a book about women's relationships with their dog, and it uses both text and photos to communicate that relationship.  Last week, during an afternoon of heavy rain and clouds, I made my way to Eve's house to meet the incredible Oliver.

Oliver's a Cockapoo that melted my heart as soon as I saw him.  He's got these soulful eyes that announce is gentleness. Eve had him all combed up, as her groomer, upon hearing of my scheduled arrival, said 'bring him over for a quick comb."  I chuckled as it reminded me of my mom getting 'curled and combed out' before an evening on the town.

In spite of the rain, my job was to communicate what Eve and Oliver do together - talk!  Eve is a retired Sign Language Interpreter/Instructor and Oliver's been her student, ever since he arrived.  He knows something like 200 signs!  

My favorite was when Eve would sign - DANCE!  Oliver rose up on his sturdy back legs and would dance around.  His soft, fluffy ears flopped around as he danced.  What a joy dogs are in our lives!  As Oliver demonstrated his sign language ability, I spoke with Eve about dogs power of observation.  I think they are quick to recognize patterns and then learn based upon repetitive observation. Repetition is good for all us!

The book marches onward!  Volunteers are still coming forth so I'll have plenty of 'material' to work with.  My goal is to finish the shooting portion by the end of Summer, beginning of Fall.  Then it's the creative design phase.  Expect a Gallery Night show about this time next spring and that's when I launch the book!  (All proceeds from this project are going to WI Humane Society and WI German Shorthair Pointer Rescue, Inc.)

Being Part of a Community

When I moved from rural Ozaukee County to the 'big city' of Milwaukee, I often felt like a small fish in a big lake.  I was raised in a town of 2000 people in western NY, so the city initially left me feeling disconnected.  My neighborhood was great, however, and everyone in 'the hood' is friendly and fun.  I began to make friends, associations, etc. and soon it felt like I was back in 'community.'

When churches, non-profit organizations and schools asked me to donate my services for their auctions and fund raising events, I readily participated.  It made me feel connected to others and added to the purpose of why I love, and need to, photograph.  I've realized my skill/work contributes to the visual history of a community and their families.  That feels real good to me; to be grounded on a plot of land with people who care about one another.

So when I was working on my tax preparation this month, I saw the list of churches, schools, organizations that I've become a part of through time.  They've helped me create a big Milwaukee family!  Here they are:
         St. Roberts School - Shorewood
         Holy Family School - Whitefish Bay
         Mequon Jewish Preschool - Mequon
         Rainbow Preschool - Fox Point
         Community Preschool - Whitefish Bay
         Big Brothers  Big Sisters - Milwaukee
         The Caring Place - Waukesha
         North Shore Children's Center - River Hills
         Sixteenth Street Community Health Center - Milwaukee
         American Heart Association - Milwaukee
         Hartford University School for Urban Exploration - Milwaukee
         Cream City Foundation - Milwaukee
         Milwaukee LGBT Community Center - Milwaukee
         LaCausa - Milwaukee
         Milwaukee Art Museum - Bal du Lac
         Alzheimer's Association - Milwaukee
         Dominican High School - Whitefish Bay
         St. Eugene Congregation

Thanks for asking me.  It's helped me as much as it's helped the organizations!

        

First Holy Communion Revisit

I was editing some First Holy Communion pictures that I made recently of a young boy in my studio.  Something happened while photographing him that I just had to share.  I need to categorize this moment under the heading of "Situational Awareness."  While you might hear me talk your ear off about SA in other settings, I find that it works for me in most of my life.  It's simple moving through life with an awareness of what your senses are taking in.  For me, it's hyper-drive on the visual side but smells, sounds, sensations, etc., they all play a role.  Here's how SA worked in this photograph.

After finishing a series of images, I turned off my main light and moved it out of the way to get ready for the next series.  As I did, I saw the light pouring in over Hunter's head, like a beam of light that angels descend down to us in.  (Not that I've actually seen that actually happen, but you know what I'm talking about.)  I stopped dead in my tracks and said to my photographer friend Jason, who was visiting for a few days, 'do you see what I see??"  "YES!" was his excited reply.

I made a few images of him when Jason spoke up and said, "Hunter, look up at the ceiling."  Wow!  It made the picture happen.  Pious, reverent, humble, innocent - all the words that would fit for a First Holy Communion portrait of a young boy.

So they we were, Jason, Hunter, his grandma and I, a few days before Easter, and it was that situational awareness and that infamous angel of mine, "intuition", that spoke to us and helped me create this moving image of Hunter.  I invite you to help me think up a title for it.

The light from above, you ask?  It was biblical - the roof opened up and poured down a shaft of light that I needed for heavenly illumination of his portrait!  OK, you got me.  I cannot lie around Easter.  I owe it all to the Solatubes (http://www.solatube.com/) I had installed in my studio.  (Brighter Concepts on Capital Dr in Shorewood.)   I think I'll be using them for a light source more often!  It pays to have SA!

WINE & PAWs Event for Homeless Dogs

Want to get involved with helping homeless dogs and those that care for them?  Well I've got something easy for you to do!

April 17 and 18th is the First Annual, WINE & PAWs event at PEGGY MORSCH life photography studio.  Here's how it works:  Just bring a Large bag of dog food, a favorite bottle of wine and your dog. The food goes to WI German Shorthair Pointer Rescue and the WI Humane Society.  I'll photograph you and your dog for free and give you an 8x10 or smaller print!  You get to trade in your bottle wine and take home a new one you've never tried!  Everybody wins, especially the homeless dogs being cared for by dedicated people!

Be sure to bring some of your dog's favorite treats and get in a good exercise period before you arrive.

Just call me at 414.550.5340 to sign up for a 30" session, OR go to http://peggymorsch.bookmonline.com and register online.

Did I tell you that I like reds?

There's a Double for Everbody, Even Dogs!

This past summer I photographed Kathy and her lab-mix, Maddie for my Dogs and Their Women project, that will benefit the WI Human Society and WI German Shorthair Pointer Rescue.  While not successful in matching up our schedules, we got together over this weekend to view the images.  Kathy loved many of the images and there were the usual 'oohs' and 'aahs.' When this image came up, we just burst out laughing!  

After walking a couple of miles and getting brushed out with her 'love glove,' Maddie was feeling really relaxed in the morning sun.  Kathy had Maddie's favorite soft toy in her hand, just in case we needed it to get her attention.  You've gotta have your tricks lined up with pet or dog photography!  I don't recall who placed the look-alike lab toy in front of her, but it was a brilliant move!


Besides the color match, I think it's the matching ears; all sticky-outy on the same side, that does it for me.  Perhaps there's a bit of indignation on Maddie's part too.  I'm anthropomorphizing here, but I sense of a little, 'let's get this over with' from Maddie.  It's something I see occasionally in my dogs.  As if they're above a little fun at their expense.


The other image is the one that's in the running for the book.  If you're a woman with a dog, then you can most likely see yourself in this image!  Com'on admit it!  I know you talk 'baby talk' with your dog!  Thank God dogs like to be talked softly to and thank God, they like to listen to us! 

Going Places? Try a Travel Photography class!

Over the last few years I've had clients and people I've met through traveling, ask me questions about their cameras.  "How do you get those great travel images that you make?"  "What can I do with my camera to make images like that?"  I'd explain a few tips and tricks of the trade, but I quickly realized that most people that are buying Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and lenses don't understand what a powerful tool they hold in their hands and they were simply using it on "Auto Everything!"  I can help you make fantastic travel images!

Jessica Kaminski, a fashion photographer, and I have teamed up to teach new DSLR camera owners how to use their cameras/lenses just like the pros!  So if you like to travel and photograph, or you want to photograph people, we've got a class for you!  Class is limited so register today!  Don't be the one to say, "I missed the shot because . . ."

On The Road:
A Photography Course for the Traveler


"The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton"


Digital photography and cameras have allowed amateur users many more options for creating creative travel images. However, very few users know how to get the most out of their cameras. When you're traveling to places where you may never return, that just won't do!. This class will allow you to feel more confident about using your camera to take home all the images of the memories you experienced, and more! In this class, "P" is for Peggy, not 'Program.'

We'll start with the camera settings that you MUST know and give you practice opportunities to use them, so that you won't need to fumble with the manual on the road. Next we'll move onto the rules of composition, including people in your images, and the best things to photograph during different parts of the day. Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, you'll learn how to store, back-up and then produce lasting products, like personalized books, that will allow you to relive your travel experiences for years to come!

The bulk of this class will be taught from actual travel images that Peggy's made over the years so expect your vision to be expanded. Sign up for the class and start planning that 'once in a lifetime' trip today!

3 Meetings: April 14, 21, May 5 (No class April 28th)
6 - 8 pm

$300

This class is limited to 10 students



Photograph and Retouch People Like a Pro!

Both Jessica and Peggy will be instructing this class. Students will watch as studio lighting setups are built from scratch using a live model. Compare and contrast how differently Peggy and Jessica will work with photographing the model. After the shoot, we will demonstrate how images are selected and edited in Adobe Lightroom and finally retouched in Photoshop.

One Meeting: Wednesday, May 12

6-8pm
$150

This class is limited to 10 students



Location:   J. Kaminski Photography Studio,
                 215 N Water Street, Suite 200
                 Milwaukee, WI 53202 


Registration:  Pre-Registration is required. Registrations accepted until the day of the course, provided the class has made minimum enrollment and space is available. Class sizes kept small. Register early to ensure your space in a class.

Please fill out the registration form and mail it with your check or money order made out to J Kaminski Photography.  Class Registration Form

Credit Card accepted. Please contact us and we will issue you an invoice to pay via Pay Pal.

Not Everyone Likes to Be Photographed

This week I'm hanging out with my family in FL.  We decided to bag the Christmas gathering and head for a warmer climate during the winter.  It's been great to wear shorts, but only for a day or so.  It's been colder and windier but I remind myself that one doesn't hear the ocean in mid-March in Milwaukee.

My older nephews are here with their kids and my sister has come from the UK with her husband and my youngest nephew - 2 year old George.  George has learned that he has cousins and is having fun hanging out by the ocean with them.  I slapped on my 35mm 1.8 lens (50mm on the D300) and headed out for some images that mimic the view of the human eye.

George resembles Cauley Macaulkin when it's bath time.  This toddler is full of smiles and was a joy to be around.  Ryan was confused when he saw me on the beach.  He used to seeing me at his home in Chicago so this was the face that I captured when he first saw me.  It reminds me that not everyone likes to have their picture taken.  So what . . .