Passion Realized

Thirteen years ago (when life wasn't so busy) I had a passion to learn how to paint in watercolor. In fact, I promised myself that if I ever retired I wanted to learn how to proficiently paint in watercolor as my next venture. I've always been intrigued by the pencil marks on the paper, how different layers of paint could be seen on top of each other, and how unique each brush stroke represented something not entirely recognizable. To me watercolor painting is just as meticulous as photography. Both require precision, you have to watch small details, and you need to master your craft. Watercolor VS photography = a draw.

Thirteen years ago when I took my first watercolor class at an Adult Education school, the teacher was so terrible at instructing I was left with total frustration and disappointment. So, I packed up my supplies and stored them away until now when the passion once again reignited in my mind. Since the move to Georgia and the subsequent closing of the studio, I've had lots of time on my hand. Well, two weeks ago I enrolled in a watercolor class and this time I'm not giving up mastering this medium. No, I'm not giving up photography...I'm just seeing it through different eyes now. Painting has actually heightened my sense of how to create some awesome images.

I want to share some of my latest works so you can see that I will not quit my day job, but I am having fun; that's what painting is all about. Hopefully, as I get better at this you will have seen where I started and how far I have advanced. The whole point of this posting is: "Don't give up on your passions. They can become realized at the right time".

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double click images to enlarge viewing]

"Camilla Blooms"

"Barn Owl"

"Backyard Tree"

"Flowers In Vase"

"Cattle Drive"

"Sand Dunes"

"Basket of Fruits"

"Mushrooms"

Tools: Watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, & Crayon markers.

Work

I love work. It fascinates me. I could sit and watch it all day.

~Annoymous

Glidecam 2000 Pro

As our video services grow for the studio and more and more clients are coming to us for premier video coverage of their wedding and events, we are constantly adding new cinematic equipment to make our work stand out from our competitors. One piece of accessories that I'm truly excited about is our purchase of the Glidecam 2000 Pro camera stabilization systems used by both film and video makers (glidecam.com).

So what does a stabilizing system offer a videoartist? As explained by Glidecam Industries: "These hand-held and body-mounted camera stabilizers create super smooth shots, and allow the operator to walk, run, go up and down stairs, shoot from moving vehicles, and travel over uneven terrain without any camera instability or shake". I'm certain that you've seen these stabilizers in use during major sporting events as the cameraman floats in and out of the action while capturing some breathtaking footage. Well, we want to offer our clients the same experience in our video service. I've already test driven the system and it's proving to be the type improvement that is going to enhance our video products.

[Click on this link: Glidecam Test to see a brief video of the test]

Look for more postings and video sessions showing the Glidecam in action. Contact 706-650-8676 if you have an event you want covered with professional video.

Enjoy!
Willie

Lisa & Norman's Love Story

Some couples bring a type of chemistry to an engagement session that speaks volumes about their relationship. From the moment I first met Lisa and Norman at a Signature Grand bridal show and they contracted me to be their wedding photographer, I knew we were going to make a great team. I quickly surmised that they were confident in their companionship and would be great subjects in front of the camera. I wasn't wrong about either observation.

Both are a picture of good looks, health, and success that a young couple can enjoy by taking life and each other seriously. I couldn't wait to photograph them because I knew we could have lots of romantic fun and pull off some Hollywood style images. If you want to see what a hot couple they are together, check out the "sweet" images I created of them in several locations around town. They made my job so easy!

Enjoy!
Willie

[Double-click images to enlarge for better viewing]

Norman's baby.

Norman's REAL baby!

One of my favorite shots of Lisa & Norman.

Lisa has an absolutely stunning face.

...and killer eyes!

Hot licks.

Prelude to their wedding.

-to be continued-

Savannah Rapids Park

Today I took a driving tour of all the parks in Columbia County, GA where I now live. Although I didn't find a lot of subjects that I could photograph, most were ballparks and recreational jump offs, I did find in the Savannah Rapids Park a "gem" of a stop. In fact, it was the last park on my list to visit before heading home.

It's a treat to walk around with my camera and let my senses take in everything that's surrounding me. However, as a photographic artist I then have to isolate particular vistas that might only be as large as a budding flower or as wide as the Savanna River itself.

There is so much visual information going on before your eyes and in your brain. First, there is the play of light, shapes and forms, and textures that can capture your attention as you look at subject matter from different angles. And, second, there is also the forethought of how you can enhance an image later once you get it into your favorite digital software. Now, that's something that years ago I could not dream of doing with film.

Anyway, I found all of these wonderful ingredients during my brief walk in this park and the following images are just a small gallery of what I discovered. Immerse yourself in them and see if you can see what I saw through the eyepiece of my camera and mind.

[Note: The panorama images were created in Adobe Photoshop CS3 using the photo merge feature.

Enjoy!

Willie

[Double-click images to enlarge viewing]

I don't know the name of this tree, but I want one.

Savanna Rapids Park Images

Canal HeadgatesPanorama #1

Panorama #2

I have two favorites images from this trip and this is one of them.
Panorama #3

I wanted to convey the texture of the water in this image.
I'm always looking for lines and perspective in my images.

A serious of shots led up to this
final composition. I love it!
Who says you can't shoot into the sun?

From this...

...to this.

Camera: Canon 30D w/17-55mm IS lens
Post-production: Adobe Lightroom 2.5 & Adobe Photoshop CS3
Additional Software: Topaz Adjust