Mad Hot Ballroom!

Since the hit movie, Mad Hot Ballroom, the Danceworks company of Milwaukee has been going into schools and teaching school kids how to do all kinds of dance. Tap, ballroom, swing, Latin, etc. Today was the day to show their stuff in front of Milwaukee! The Bradley Center, home to our pro, indoor, athletic teams, was the venue. No small little church stage for these kids - it was "big time!" Throw in live filming, seeing your image up on the jumbotron and an MC with a British accent, and you couldn't get much more fun, excitement and pumped up nerves all in one place! What a great lead up to Mother's Day - especially if you were a mom!

First the elimination rounds and then the finals for the best dance teams. This was serious stuff folks! The looks on their faces, as well as their coaches, was all about giving their best. As I photographed them with my 300mm 2.8 lens, I could see their concentration as well as the look of accomplishment when the judge put a medal around their neck. I'll go back next year and stay longer but it certainly was a day when everyone was a winner. Even those of us sitting in the audience!

Ready for Snow

Tonight just might be the last night we see any measurable snow before Spring sets in. I've already spotted Robins in mid-March and now see Teardrops, Tulips and some little Crocuses sprouting up out of the warming soil. Tonight's forecast is merely a distraction from the "big picture," and just a little communication that we're really not in charge.

I was working on some images today, as well as ripping down an old, back porch (did you only think I was good with a camera? It's amazing what you can accomplish with a crowbar!).

This image probably best describes what's playing out in nature these days. Sam's ready for winter, with his "all boy," winter hat on, and yet one could argue that he's ready to hit the beach with his bare shoulder showing. That sums up the attitude of about 99% of anyone that lives above the 40th parallel! So when I walk the dogs in the morning, I may need that hat, gloves and down coat, but soon, very soon, they'll get washed, put away and replaced with shorts and a T-shirt. (If you're a dog, you have it easy when it comes to choosing a wardrobe!)

Just bat your baby blues, like Sam, and repeat, "Spring's right around the corner. Spring's right around . . . "

High Key "Dude"

Last week was a week for children's portraits in the studio! Four children with various personalities that put me through my paces. Meaning only that mom's and I work to keep things moving and everyone happy.

This little guy's been coming to the studio since he was 2 months old and each time he shows up, I know it's going to be a session with lots of expressions and antics. We had decided to use the white seamless background this time and throw in the color with his clothes. However, before we could get his top on, he started exploring on his own and that's what this image is all about.

I really like the white - on - white or high key look! Whether it's color or B&W (everyone has their favorite you know), it's just a clean look and the child's features can tell the story of their little spirit. It doesn't work for every child or situation but when it does, it's heaven to behold!

My next blog will be from Anchorage, AK and then it'll be off the grid for me! It's kind of like a an "electronic eclipse" where I'll be on the "dark side" of the moon - like the Apollo moon shots. No communication until I'm back on the "sun side." I'm not expecting any withdrawal symptoms from the disconnect!

Ta, Ta.

"Oh My Gosh!"

Today was the start of my professional photo lab's annual Children's Portrait Contest and with the help of an enthusiastic neighbor and mom, we had fun making some images that really capture a stage in her life. Piper LOVES Pippi Longstocking books! The day we planned the creative session, Piper brought me 2 "Pippi" books and with one look at the cover of the books, I had my idea.

Kate, her mom, did a great job with her hair and makeup and the rest was ALL Piper! From one expression to the next, she had us all laughing. "Can I see it?," she'd ask. I'd show it to her in the back of the camera and then we'd try another idea.

She did so well with following my directions and I'm sure she and her mom are going to love this image! These moments don't last for very long but when it's time to look back, this image will bring LOTS of smiles. Real life; real kids!

Now I have to ask to borrow the book!