Dawn's view

I am just finishing Annie Lebovitz's book, At Work. My sister, Dana gave it to me for Christmas... Lovely inscription - one that I would hope comes true! Suffice to say that she expresses so many of the thoughts I have while working diligently as a corporate/editorial/commercial photographer. She does capture what I try to include on my personal work -- trying to include "just enough" of the "every day clutter" to make things look real -- while maintaining control over her "tools" - the camera and the light. Really, she does make it look easy - and it is - given her experience(s). All this has gelled some thoughts... on smiling - A.L. says she never asks anyone to smile -- so I'm gonna stretch and give that a whirl. She thinks they look fake - I agree with her when she tells of the first time her daughter faked a smile. Her heart sank. Too true. My daughter + fake smile= same reaction in me.  People standing, arms just dangling, right in front of...

I took 2 weeks off from the Corporate World to spend some time doing personal projects and so I could spend some quality time with Bryan - and Lauren ... when she was here. Before Christmas, we were running around with our heads cut off trying to get ready for the big day. We even made it to church! (hey, Fr. Ram!) After the big day, we were concentrating on getting Lauren off to the Big Apple. (Time Square on New Years!!) Between family and friends, we have been busy... Several months ago, Bryan and I participated in NAPP's Photo Walk. It was an opportunity to act tourist in our own town... we shot a lot of photos then we met at a local burger joint to compare images and share notes.. it was great! We met some local pro-am photographers, some folks with guts and really good eyes! I think I did pretty well. I think I captured some singular shots of San Antonio, just trying to express my vision. (Bryan did too -- you can find the images on Flickr .) Then 3 weeks ago i received an e...

Many people write what has happened in the previous year in a year end letter - sent to friends... family... sometimes acquaintances... So many times, i just don't figure that anyone want to read that Lauren excelled for the umpteenth time at thus and such -- (she did) and that she was struggling but seems much happier now -- (she is!:)) Or that I've met both my "Professional Goals" this year - entered the PPA print competitions and one of my prints was awarded "Merit Print" and will go into the next level of competition. ( See the un-watermarked photo -Whew!) I took the Adobe Certified Expert exam for Photoshop CS3 (I know - 4 just came out and I am a little behind the curve there - work won't update until CS10 at least!) and passed with flying colors! So now I am double certified!!! Bryan is getting ready to retire -- and is looking forward to sleeping for 3 months. Friends and family kept us hopping! But enough for last year, what's up for this y...