Glass Blowing

I've shot Russ O'Brien's art glass items in the studio multiple times - he uses the photos to get accepted into juried art shows. He decided that he would also like some shots of himself in action for the shows. This way people would be more likely to realize that it was him making the items and the kind of craftsmanship that goes into the pieces. It was a fun and challenging shoot. I set up three lights because I didn't want to rely on the fluorescence lights in the glass blowing studio. After getting the set up right it was a quick paced shoot full of action. I need to move quick to get the shots and also be ultra-aware of my surroundings(but sure to stay out of the way). There is no, "Hey, can you do that again?" when it comes to this kind of work. 

I was very happy with the photos I shot that day. I sent Russ over 120 photos of him making three different pieces from beginning to end - here is a selection of a few of my favorites.

The Tap House at Fat Heads Brewery

I've been to the amazing Fat Heads Brewery in North Olmstead, the original Fat Heads Saloon in Pittsburgh, and last night I finally visited the Tap House which is at the production brewery in Middleburg Heights(its just a few minutes away from Hopkins Airport where I was dropping off Sara). Its more than a simple tasting room as they also have a full menu - Tuesday night was taco night and I feasted. There were also some rarer Fat Heads beers on tap that were amazing. The bar and tables are in a cut out corner - surrounded by the towering fermentation tanks and other brewing equipment.
A pick up or drop off at the Airport just became a much better trip!

Ratz on Film

I forgot about this roll of film and exactly what was on it until I came across it last night and developed it in Kodak HC-110(dilution b). It was a pleasant surprise to see photos from my Nikon L35AF from a few of our Wednesday rides(#RubberCityRatz). As nice as last Fall and early Winter have been this roll of Tri-X still has me missing those warm summer evenings with the gang.

Andrew & Charlie

My Mom wanted a photo of my niece and nephew for a Christmas present for my sister. She brought Andrew and Charlie by the studio about a month ago and we had a lot of fun. My Mom tries a little too hard to get the kids to do what she wants - Dad and I tried to let them be kids and get some fun photos. I think it worked. When I handed them a couple cameras we really got some great shots. The above is the one my Mom had framed - but I like a lot of the "outtakes" too.

A New Year

I don't so much make specific "New Year's Resolutions" as I try to continually set and complete ongoing goals and projects, but with the all the time spent with family and friends over the Holidays I do find the beginning of the year a chance to get back on track. Somethings I'm working on now and plan to work on early this year include rebuilding my website, updating my portfolio, improving the frequency & quality of posts on this blog, improving my video shooting & editing skills, and going after new clients more aggressively. I've already started on the portfolio and website updates and hope to have those live by the end of the week.

I also posted my 2015 Year in Review - a look at some of my favorite photos from last year - some personal photos and some professional. Check that out Here.

I hope everyone had Happy Holidays and I wish you the best of luck in 2016 - I'm excited about it - its time to get to work.