Kieltyka Brown - Things We Love
Thursday, 09 July 2009 00:00
Horses on Martha's Vineyard Share
One of our favorite activities on Martha's Vineyard is photographing the numerous horses that inhabit the island.
Monday, 06 July 2009 00:00
Martha's Vineyard Part II Share
Our second visit to the Vineyard was in June. Despite the rainy weather, we were able to enjoy a few afternoons exploring the island.
The path leading to Gay Head Beach.
The Allen Farm in Chilmark. These lambs put on a show for us.
This little guy looks confused.
Such a sweet face and those ears.
Thursday, 02 July 2009 16:54
Martha's Vineyard Share
We have been blessed with 2 weeks on Martha's Vineyard this year. Our first visit in May included Chris' mum and her husband, who were visiting from England. Although they have been frequent visitors to Boston through the years, it was their first time on the Vineyard. As it does to so many, the island completely captivated them.
Chris' mum, who was raised on the Isle of Wight and the south coast of England, loves the shore. Each day we enjoyed walking on a different beach and searching for shells. The beaches in England have more fossils then shells, but that's another post. Needless to say, perfect shells were highly sought after on our walks. We had particularly good fortune in finding scallop shells which were lovingly wrapped for the journey across the Atlantic.
Here are a few favorite pictures from our adventures.
I just love these rock formations! Seeing one makes me think about the joy it must have brought to the person who created it!
Spring blossoms at the Polly Hill Arboretum.
The Edgartown Lighthouse.
We had South Beach all to ourselves!
Returning home to Menemsha Harbor after a long day. I always think of Jaws. This is where they filmed the sceen of the Orca leaving port to hunt the shark. As we know, only Sheriff Brody returned.
Gay Head Beach, one of our favorite places on the island. Chris and I have a fondness for bobbing in the surf. I try not to think of Jaws but the occasional thought does creep into my mind.
More rock formations, this time on Gay Head.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 15:18
You might be surprised what we love! Share
Yes, we are wedding photographers but our photographic interests extend to many different types of picture taking. You can see some aerial photographs here if you're interested but the subject of this blog entry is ducks!
My interest in photographing birds started as a child but now has more to do with decompressing from work by walking along the Charles River near our home. It's something that Karen and I do year round and more so in the winter when we have more leisure time.
What does this have to do with wedding photography you might ask... well, more than you might think.
Have you ever tried photographing a common duck while its flying? Not so easy. Photographing anything but especially weddings has a great deal to do with timing and anticipation.
Anticipation is only possible with a good knowledge of your subject. Timing is about knowing when to press the shutter. Photographing anything that's fast moving improves and refines your timing. However, I'm not going to tell you that spending time with ducks improves my ability to anticipate at weddings!
Here are a few pictures where timing and anticipation are everything.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 14:45
Our New Toy Share
The new Canon 5D Mk 2 was one of the most anticipated new cameras of last year. There are many reasons people lust after this camera, not least of which is the hi-def video capabilities. However, my excitement for the camera related to its ability to take pictures in near complete darkness.
As wedding photographers we must often photograph in dark surroundings, an old church that prohibits flash or a moodily lit reception venue. We love the opportunity to take pictures with a breathtaking sunset or dramatic night time portraits. This sweet new camera is able to take beautifully sharp and saturated pictures in the darkest of conditions.
One of the first tests for the camera (once I found a store that had one) was to go flying over Boston after a big winter storm. Normally, I fly during the day or late afternoon. On this day, we took off just before sunset and continued shooting after the sun had fallen. Here are a few of my favorite shots of Boston taken from a Cesna 172 at 1,400 feet.
The Boston Public Garden beneath the blanket of fresh snow. If you look at the trees near the bridge you can see the Christmas lights. And you'll also notice a few folks having fun on the frozen pond.
Here is another vantage point of the Public Garden which contrasts with the warm glow of the surrounding buildings and Charles Street (left). The Four Seasons is the building on the left.
We are so excited to have this new, cutting edge camera! I must admit that I find myself drifting off to sleep at night while thinking about the new photographic possibilities. Such a photography geek!
Thursday, 26 February 2009 19:00
Back to school I go.... Share
I had the great honor of being asked to participate in a panel discussion on "Launching Your Creative Career" at Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA) this week. In attendance were over 80 current students and recent graduates from the Photography, Digital Filmmaking, 3D Animation, Graphic & Web Design, and Audio Production.
Joining me on the panel, was an amazing group of dynamic and talented group of professionals, all alumns from the various programs: Anthony Marquette, Rory Fitz-Gerald, Kat-Alix Gaudreau, Shauna McNamara, Cody Signore, and Benjamin Greenspan.
It was enthralling to hear the panel share their experiences and recent projects, many have been working on the "The Surrogates" a Sci-Fi thriller starring Bruce Willis. Did you know that in 2008, there were 8 major motion pictures filmed in the greater Boston area? We are becoming know as Hollywood East.
Then the evening switched to networking, giving students a chance to meet fellow students from other programs and chat with the presenters. It was exciting to meet so many photography students and to see their enthusiasm for their art. For a moment, I wished I could go back to school and be immersed in the creative environment that CDIA creates. I would love to take Filmmaking.
Kudos to Bruce Jaranian with CDIA for organizing this amazing event.
Monday, 16 February 2009 19:00
redux ii - photography by Lou Jones Share
If you love photography, then you must see the current exhibit by Boston based photographer Lou Jones. He is an award winning photographer whose photographs have been exhibited in the Smithsonian and Corcoran Galleries in Washington DC, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SOMA) and the Fogg and De Cordova Museums in Massachusetts.
He's a Nikon "Legend Behind the Lens" their highest distinction among photographers. His three successful books all have a unifying theme of social consciousness. And did I mention that he photographed twelve successive Olympic Games.
To say Lou knows photography is an understatement. Chris and I are honored to call him teacher, mentor and friend. The exhibit runs through February 28th at Gallery at the Piano Factory in Boston.