Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Not My Idea

Always Give The Client What They Ask For

I pride myself on originality. I avoid replicating images that other people have taken. There are exceptions in my portfolio - I have stood beside hoards of other photographers while talking photos of the Golden Gate Bridge at dusk, for instance. - But most of the time, I am looking to make my own unique composition, an image that no one else has thought of let alone taken. This is my creed as a photographer.

That said, when working with clients, we have to do our best to give them what they ask for. When a wedding couple takes the time to put together a Pinterest collection of the photos that they want for their wedding, you'd have to be a lazy bum or a selfish idiot to ignore that request.


a photo of a wedding couple with the bride's bouquet on the ground
Bouquet On The Ground


These clients brought a fascinating image to my attention. It was a photo of the bride's bouquet on the grass with the bride and groom embracing in the background in a soft blur. 

I practiced the shot ahead of time to make sure that my setting would be correct. When you're photographing a wedding, you don't have time to work out the technical details of complicated shots. You have to keep moving and shooting continuously.

On the day of the wedding, despite the rapid fire pace and a long shot list to fulfill, I managed to set this one up and squeeze it off in about a minute, lights included. It pays to be prepared.

The composition is very similar to the shot that they showed me on Pinterest. Do I feel badly about that? No. It's what the client wanted, and I delivered it along with nearly a thousand high-quality images from the day. This is one of the shots that they wanted, and today they have it in their wedding album.

To the person who came up with this idea, thank you! It's a beautiful composition. Please consider my rendering a flattering compliment and realize that you made another young couple very happy when I turned your idea into a reality for them.

Until next time, be prepared, and always give the client what they ask for.


Camera: Nikon D810

Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Friday, November 18, 2016

The Camera Doesn't Make The Picture

Confessions Of A Gear Head

I love camera gear. 

I love to use cameras and lenses. I love to experiment with them. I love to hold them in my hands. 

I browse rumor sites every week in search of information about upcoming gear. I'm curious about the features the next generation will offer.

It's fun to think about gear. It's free and harmless pastime (as long as you don't reach for your wallet). Unfortunately, it's also a waste of time. 

(Does that sound harsh, especially coming from a self-proclaimed gear head?) 

Here is the basic premise of my argument: Cameras and lenses don't make pictures; photographers do. Gear makes the process possible, but it doesn't deliver the final result. 

A good camera can improve the quality of the final image in critical ways, but it has to be operated by someone with skill and taste. Machines don't make photographs, and you don't need an expensive camera to take good pictures.


a photo of occupy wall street in new york zuccotti park
Occupy Wall Street - Zuccotti Park - New York (2011)


Browse a photo-sharing website. Pick ten or twelve extraordinary images at random. It's tempting to think that the finest gear was used to create those images, but that isn't always the case.

I'll bet that some of those shots were taken with modest gear.

If you'd like to take this sampling experiment further, do a search on expensive, top-tier cameras. Don't be surprised if you find some uninteresting and underwhelming photos in that batch. 

The gear doesn't make the picture.

Full disclosure: I do own some nice camera gear, but if I took even my best camera and lens outside, dialed in random settings, and pointed them in random directions, I wouldn't come back with many keepers. 


Good photographs require three inputs from the photographer.

1. Time and Energy

You have to be out there taking pictures, scouting for settings and subjects, experimenting with light and composition. You can't build a portfolio sitting on your couch dreaming about which lens to buy.

2. Vision

What are you going to shoot? What light will you choose? How will you place your subject in the frame? What do you want the viewer to experience when they look at your image?

3. Technique

You're out there. You've selected your subject, the setting and the light. Now you need to execute. How can you get the most out of your gear while you have this opportunity?

It's all about you, my friends. It's all about you. No go out and shoot something.


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:  Canon ES 24-105mm f/4L IS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Bubblegum Factory

Things To Do With A Camera When Your Wife Isn't Looking



an abstract color photograph that looks like bubblegum
Bubblegum Factory




Just don't get caught! And if you do, it wasn't my idea. ;-)


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.



Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Street Vendor At Sunset

Better Late Than Never

It's been several years since I took this photo, but I remember the evening well. The weather was warm (August), and I remember thinking that I had arrived too late. The light was fading rapidly. Conditions might have been better fifteen or twenty minutes earlier.

Shooting from the other side of 34th Street, I used a 70-200mm telephoto lens to isolate the subject. I composed the shot and then waited through two cycles of the traffic lights for the street to be free of vehicles. When the break in the traffic came, I made fourteen exposures rapid succession as pedestrians walked into and out of the frame.



a photo of a new york street vendor food cart
Street Vendor At Dusk



Thinking back, I couldn't remember if I had used a tripod for this shot. Normally, I wouldn't in these conditions. The sidewalk was crowded, and I didn't the guy in the food card to think that I was being a nuisance. But when I look at the composition, it seems nicely balanced. I thought that perhaps I had set the camera on a tripod and composed the shot methodically.

I checked, and sure enough, no tripods were used (or injured) during the making of this photograph. Minor variations from frame to frame indicated that I had been shooting handheld. With a tripod, every shot in a series will be framed uniformly.

Out of the fourteen exposures, I chose this one primarily because of the man's gesture. We see him raising his hand expressively as he speaks with a customer. This small detail adds life and dimension to the image.

Gestures are difficult to capture because they are difficult to predict. Sometimes, you can tune into the flow of a conversation and predict when things might happen - a hug, a laugh, etc. In this case, I was dealing with a silhouetted figure from across a wide and busy street. I couldn't hear the conversation, and I could see his shape only from the back. 

What was the secret to capturing this gesture? Well, there was some luck. He did it when I was there in position and ready to shoot. It was just a matter of observing the frame and acting when things happened (or when people got out of the way). When I saw the man's hand go up, I didn't hesitate.

Fortune smiles on us when we're ready, but it won't happen unless you're out there in position with a camera in your hand, observing your surroundings closely.

(This image is featured in my Summer In New York collection.)


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:  Canon ES 70-200mm f/4L IS

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved




Thursday, September 29, 2016

London Eye At Sunset

Changeable Skies

The English refer to their weather as changeable. True to this description, the weather offers a variety of lighting possibilities for photography. A gray, rainy morning can give way to dramatic combinations of sun and clouds in the afternoon. 


a photo of the london eye ferris wheel at sunset
London Eye At Sunset


I took this photo some years ago during one of the most impressive bursts of color that I have ever seen in the skies over London. It's not as dreary a place as you may have been led to believe!

I always enjoy traveling in the UK. I'm quite keen on returning to London for more photographic adventures under changeable skies.


Camera: Nikon D700

Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved






Sunday, August 28, 2016

The Gorgeous Light Of Summer

A Fleeting Season

Summer, our most welcome friend, you come to late and you leave us all too quickly!

We look forward to your long days of bounteous clear light. Why do you have to take them back and hoard them for another dark and bitter winter.

a photo of a new york fire escape with blooming flower planters
Red Fire Escape With Planters - New York City


Oh, Summer, please do hurry back for another extended visit! We so enjoy your company!


Camera: Nikon D810

Lenses:  Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Saturday, July 30, 2016

The Wedding Dress

The Primary Accessory

Brides-to-be invest more time, effort, and stress in the search for the right wedding dress than on any other component of their wedding day preparations. 

When she stands up in front of her family, friends, officiant, and her future husband, she's going to want to make an impression. The dress plays a big role in that impression.


a photo of a wedding dress at a country wedding



The hanging dress photo is very important. It should be as unique as the dress itself. It should capture the personality the bride along with the unique vibe of the venue. You'll probably have only a minute or two to make it all come together.

The dress pictured above is from a wedding with a distinctive country theme. The rough wood contrasts with the silky material and fine details of the dress while reinforcing the feel of being in a country setting. Side lighting from a large, open door highlights the textures in the dress's decorative elements.

Bottom line, if you can capture a sharp and uniquely meaningful photo of the dress, the bride will treasure it forever. 


Camera: Nikon D810

Lenses:  AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved





Sunday, May 22, 2016

Engagement Photography

Planning For The Big Day

I love weddings. I love being there and playing a small part in someone's life when vows are exchanged and families join together. It's a joy to watch the day unfold from the morning preparations, the arrival of guests and participants, the ceremony, the interlude, the reception, the speeches, dances, and embraces. 



a photo of an engagement couple by daniel south



It's an honor when someone entrusts me to capture their special day in photographs. I take the role very seriously. I prepare for the day by reviewing the flow of events, visualizing the different stages of activity, and making sure that I am ready to photograph anything that happens. 



a photo of an engagement couple by daniel south


I'm thrilled when I get the opportunity to photograph the couple after their engagement. It gives me a chance to get to know them and learn their preferences in advance of the big day.  



a photo of an engaged couple by daniel south



Outdoor locations offer a variety of lighting and background options. The couple may suggest a location that's meaningful to them. This is ideal. The subjects will feel relaxed and comfortable in a familiar setting, and the photos take on an added level of importance.



a photo of an engagement couple by daniel south


Wedding and engagement photos capture some of the most important moments in someone's life. These images will be shared and cherished for generations to come. Being hired to shoot them is a responsibility that I take very seriously.


a photo of an engaged couple by daniel south


Everything that I have learned about photography over the past twenty years goes into every image that I make. I want my clients to be delighted with their photographs. I want to give them my very best work.




Camera: Nikon D810
Lenses:  Various

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



The Weird World of Woolworth

Get Shorty

Woolworth stores were once an American institution, but I haven't seen one in the USA for years. Apparently, Woolworth still does business in Mexico. 

When I spotted this store during my walk through Puerto Vallarta, I pulled my camera out of the bag and took a few photos. I thought that friends of a certain age might be tickled to see a Woolworth store still in operation. 

The road in front of the store was busy. I decided to wait for a couple of minute to see whether the car and pedestrian traffic might clear. That's when things started to become interesting.


a photo of a woolworth store in puerto vallarta
Woolworth Store - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico


A short, mustached man wearing a hat and sunglasses called out as he raced toward me from across the street.

"Sir! Sir!"

Photographers learn quickly that when someone addresses you as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as you're shooting, their intention is not to be polite. It's confrontational.

"What are you waiting for, Sir?"

I decided not to ignore the man.

"Sir! Why are you taking pictures?"

Smile if you must, but keep ignoring the confrontational pest. It drives them crazy.

"English?" the man demanded when I didn't respond. "¿Español?"

"Sí, Español," I confirmed without making eye contact. 

He rambled on for a bit in Spanish. I continued to ignore him.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" yelled Shorty as he raced across the street. 

There was a pay phone on the corner near the entrance to the store. Shorty called someone and spoke to them in a very agitated manner. He waved his arms, pointed back at me, and made hand gestures like someone shooting a camera.

One can only guess why Shorty was so upset. If he had been associated with the store, he would have sent an employee or a security guard to speak with me. If he were an official, he would have sent the police.

My guess is that Shorty may have been engaged in some illicit activity. Perhaps the street in front of the store is a drop off point for contraband. Anything is possible in Mexico.

Undaunted, I walked into Woolworth and did some shopping. There was no sign of Shorty when I came back out. I walked around town for the rest of the day without incident. 

It's important to be careful in Mexico and in all of Latin America. Crime rates south of the border are staggering. Luckily, this time I was able to avoid trouble simply by remaining cool and refusing to engage with this character. It was broad daylight on a busy street, so I didn't expect an armed confrontation. Things get more serious after dark.

Be careful out there. There's going to be a "Shorty" character just about anywhere you travel, and he'll be watching you.



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.



Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved

Friday, April 15, 2016

Legs In A Window

Good Vibes and Golden Opportunities

It was such an Amsterdam moment! I looked up and noticed a lovely pair of legs in the window. It was a bright, clear afternoon. Apparently, the person attached to the legs wanted to enjoy a little sunshine.

My camera was in the backpack. I experienced that uncomfortable cognitive pause where I wondered whether I would have enough time to capture the shot. Luckily, my hands unzipped the bag, grabbed the camera, and mounted the 70-200 while my brain was still pondering whether it was a good idea.


a photo of bare legs in a window in amsterdam
Legs In A Window - Amsterdam



I grabbed a few quick shots - the legs kept changing position. This image is the most flattering. 

As for the person in the window - who I never met, by the way - I would to think that they would be proud of this image. It's novel, and I feel that it show them in a complimentary way.

I never want my photography subjects to feel to embarrassed or annoyed. I want our interactions to be positive and mutually beneficial, and I want the outcome to be a pleasant surprise. I want the person to feel respected and appreciated, and I want them to be happy with the result.

While I was shooting, a German couple walked over and stood beside me for a moment. They noticed the legs in the window, and took some shots with their cell phone cameras. The lady sounded very excited (in a good way) when she said something like Gross Kamera mit Objetif (big camera with lens). I think she was hoping that I would come away with a good shot.

Good vibes are powerful, and they are always appreciated.


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Happy Birthday, Vincent!

Wheatfield with Crows - Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Today we celebrate the birthday of Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, whose ingenious visionary legacy is treasured and adored by art fans around the globe.



a photo of the van gogh painting wheatfield with crows amsterdam



I was first exposed to Vincent's work by, of all things, a jigsaw puzzle. My mom bought the puzzle (a painting of a farm with fields and fencing) when I was about ten years old. I remember us sitting at the kitchen table working to put it together.

Van Gogh's unique style jumped out even from a flat reproduction. Those magical brush strokes! I'm filled with wonder every time I look at one of these incomparable masterpieces.

Thank you for sharing your art with us, Vincent. You brought great pleasure into this world during your tragically short life. We are forever in your debt.



Camera: Nikon D800E
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Phantom Biker - Mexico City

Where The Unexpected Is Expected

Mexico City is full of surprises. Every day, I saw things that I had never seen before - fascinating people, unusual situations, unexpected events.

I **wish** that I had been a bit quicker with the camera in some instances. I missed more than I captured. Luckily, I did get some shots of the city's more unpredictable side. 


a photo of an oddly decorated bike in mexico city historic district
Phantom Biker - Mexico City



This guy came racing past on his bike as I was photographing a warmly colored building façade. Thanks for entering the frame at just the right moment, amigo! I appreciate it!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.



Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved


Monday, February 15, 2016

Pyramid of the Sun

The Ancient City of Teotihuacán


The Pyramid of the Sun is the center-piece of a sprawling ancient city in the mountains of Mexico. Little is known about the people who built these massive structures nearly two-thousand years ago. 

When the Aztecs discovered the site centuries later, the original inhabitants had long since disappeared. Teotihuacán, as the Aztecs called it, remained the largest city in the Western Hemisphere until the 1400s.



a photo of the pyramid of the sun teotihuacan mexico black and white
Pyramid of the Sun - Teotihuacán, México


Pyramid Dimensions

Base: 225 meters (733 feet)

Height: 75 meters (246 feet)

Volume: 1.2 million cubic meters of solid rock


Located about an hour outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacán can take the better part of a day to explore. Luckily, tourists are still permitted to climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun. The Pyramid of the Moon is partially restricted.

If you plan to visit (something that you should strongly consider if you plan to be in the Mexico City area) be prepared to do a lot of walking. Carry water, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen liberally. At 7,500 feet of elevation, the Mexican sun is merciless. And watch where you place your hands; this is scorpion country.



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.



Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved


Sunday, January 31, 2016

Fun in the Fountains - Mexico City

Be Cool

Mexico City's Arch of the Revolution (Monumento a la Revolución) was designed to include a thoughtful accessory - an array of illuminated, pulsating, ground-level fountains that encourages heat-weary pedestrians to walk right through. 



a photo of a child running through a fountain in mexico city
Fun in the Fountains - Mexico City


Should you be so inclined - or overheated - you can stroll through these colorful fountains, wait for the water to come on, and become instantly soaked. Oh, and in Mexico, you can have fun like this even in January!



Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.



Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Friday, January 29, 2016

Main Square - Puebla, Mexico

Shot In The Dark

I made a point to travel light on this recent trip. I didn't even bring a tripod - which for me is like leaving the house without pants. 

Nevertheless, I managed to capture this colorful shot - handheld - well after the light had faded from the evening sky.



a photo of the main square of puebla mexico at night
Main Square at Night - Puebla, Mexico



Have I mentioned lately how impressed I am with today's camera technology? Wow!

I need to visit some more colorful places! :-)


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved



Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Pope In A Fiat

A Most Excellent Visit

2015 wouldn't have been complete without a visit by Pope Francis, his most energetic and enthusiastic excellency!



a photo of pope francis in new york 2015
Pope In A Fiat - New York, 2015



Chalk this image up to some insanely good luck. I had no idea that the Pope would be on this street in this moment. I knew that he was in town, but I never imaged that I would see him. 

I was doing my best to avoid places where the Pope would be (no offense, Your Excellency). Too many people!

I was walking along about to cross the street when the police suddenly blocked the intersection with barricades. I asked the police if the President was visiting. They said no, it was the Pope.

Well, OK then! A once in a lifetime photo opportunity has just presented itself! Let's get ready!

I pulled my camera out of the bag, scouted for a geometrically balanced backdrop (nice trees, huh?), dialed in a fast shutter speed, waited for about five minutes and - click, click, click - His Excellency sped right past.

A photo adventure that I'll never forget!


Camera: Nikon D810
Lens:     Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.


Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
http://www.dansouthphoto.com
All Rights Reserved