Working with a 4 year old

Sorry I haven't posted anything for a few days. I've been busy finally updating my commercial web site. (I think it's been about 6 years) While I was going through images I found a few from a shoot with a four year old. The photography session lasted about 1 1/2 hours. I think I had her attention for all of about five minutes. Got some wonderful images. Here's some of my favorites.

Family Portrait (pre-wedding photography)

Had a wonderful pre-wedding session with two families about to merge together on June 3rd at the Slide Rock Lodge in Oak Creek Canyon. This very small version of the Brady bunch were a treat to work with. Cristin and Mark really are a great match and their two children Orion and Morgan are awesome. We went to check out the red rocks as a background and did some fun stuff like running to the camera. The image I liked most (they did too) was a close up of all their faces.

Wedding favor cards

One of the services we provide at Bob Coates Photography is called Favor Cards. We take an image from the pre-wedding photo shoot and put it on a business card with the couples' photo and their names and wedding date on the front. The reverse side has the web address and password of where everyone can view (and order if they want) images from the wedding. This is very popular as no one has to wait for the proof magazine to make it's rounds. Also, people who normally don't get the chance to see the images can see how we work and order a photo of themselves if they wish. We usually have the images posted in a couple of weeks after the event.

Kudos from the Sedona Art Center

I haven't posted for a little bit because I was figuring out how to get the RSS feed to work. I was afraid I would have to change blogs in order to make that happen. Yet again old dogs can be taught new tricks. I finally figured out the correct paths to have everything go where it is supposed to go when I update the blog. But, I digress. This post is actually about a great testimonial that was sent the other day from our local arts center that I did some work for last year. We created a calendar based on the movie Calendar Girls. It was used to raise money for the center. High profile people from the community went sans clothing while private areas were being hidden by various methods. It was called "Expose Yourself to the Arts" and it received lots of press, made a few dollars and really got the Art Center to be the topic of LOTS of conversation. I learned some very interesting things during the various shoots. I've always thought that one of the most important skills a photographer needs is the ability to make people comfortable in front of the camera. In this case it was paramount to making the people look good. By the end of most of the shoots everyone was saying how much fun the session turned out to be. I consider that high praise indeed. I normally hear that from my clients.... but mostly they are not as vulnerable and have their clothes on.
Here's what the Executive Director had to say along with the cover of the calendar and a couple images from inside.... “Many photographers master the technology of photography but few transcend technology and create art. Bob Coates is one of the rare photographers able to elevate the 'ordinary' into the extraordinary and in that process has become an artist. To see his finished product is to see something from a fresh perspective, to see the magic that an artist can create with a camera. His ability to translate a subject into an artistic print takes a combination of technology, artistry and experience -- Bob has all of those. I would recommend Bob Coates's photography without reservation.” -- Karen Ely, Executive Director, Sedona Arts Center Thanks for the kind words Karen!

Welcome to Las Vegas

When I’ve attended conventions in Las Vegas I’ve always brought my camera gear but in the 6-7 previous years there was always an excuse not to photograph the lights of sin city. It’s too late… I’d rather gamble… dinner with other photographers etc. This last visit was different because I gave myself the self-assignment of designing the sales materials for next year’s convention. I really enjoyed getting out there with my camera! When I got back home I continued the assignment and designed a full-page ad and a post card just for fun and experience. Since I had finished product I sent it off to Rangefinder Publishing, sponsors of the event. The email went out Sunday morning about 9 AM. By 11 AM I received 2 emails back asking if it was OK for them to use the images to promote WPPI Convention 2007. Yahoo for creating self-assignments - and following through. Here are the images I ended up with after they sent their logo for me to add to the image.