by Judy | Jun 6, 2011 | Fine Art & Stock, Uncategorized
This last week allowed me to cross two big items off my bucket list-photographically and in the game of life. First, many who know me also know that I can be a bit of a nag during the full/new moon cycle in May and June and I am reading tide tables, watching the weather and trying to figure out which beach will be the most promising for sighting horseshoe crab spawning. This is an annual phenomenon when horseshoe crabs travel from the deep blue ocean to lay their eggs in the high tide sands. As one fellow photog who has a way with words put it: Primordial Porn. A name that is apt, given the many male crabs that attempt the attach themselves to the female as she is burrowing to lay her eggs. I have witnessed this activity before, but never with a camera, and it has been a life’s goal to capture this for us to appreciate, and hopefully treat them with care.
Unfortunately, the baymen, who also must make a living I grant you, use this time to patrol the beaches and just fill their buckets with them. No, horseshoe crabs are not a delicacy in some far off nation’s cuisine. Instead, they are bait for a delicacy here on eastern Long Island-eels. It is the eggs of the horseshoe crabs that are most appealing, so the baymen gather up what they can. During spawning, it is like shooting ducks in a barrel.
So while it was heartbreaking to see the buckets full, it was wonderful to see the hundred or so crabs furiously working to continue the species. See the collage board below.
But first, let me also share with you the other life’s goal I accomplished this week-a ride in a helicopter. When I tell you that I have been trying to accomplish this since I was a teen, I am not exaggerating. But, for one reason or another-weather, timing, cost-I just never made it off the ground. Well this time around, my photographic skills were needed to assist in the Southold Relay for Life, by way of an aerial photo of the event. So, just before sunset, I climbed aboard a crop duster type chopper, strapped myself in, and got ready to shoot. It was one of the best 10 minutes I have ever been airborne! I have also included a collage board of some of that, too.
by Judy | Mar 13, 2011 | Fine Art & Stock
I am delighted to once again have my fine art photos featured at the Mattituck-Laurel Library for the entire month of March 2011. Even better, is that the North Fork Audubon Society has partnered with me so we can spread the word about the importance of the Endangered Species Monitoring Program.
The reception was on March 12, but that allows me to reach only those of you who had time in your schedule to visit the library then. So many have expressed an interest in viewing the photos, so I have posted them to the online gallery where they are also for sale in various formats. These images are great for gifts, greeting cards, screensavers, and of course home decor, plus if you purchase one, 25% of your purchase will support the North Fork Audubon Society.
Visit the online gallery here
Here’s a sample:
by Judy | Mar 12, 2011 | Portraits
It’s time to shake off the sluggishness of winter and get ready to welcome spring to our corner of the world! What better way than gathering some precious babies-gorgeous little girls who met some baby chicks for the first time. I’m so glad their mom invited me to capture the moment! Check it out-Baby Chicks and Little Girls:
by Judy | Feb 27, 2011 | Fine Art & Stock
I’m so excited to be featured in a solo exhibit of my fine art photography at the Mattituck Library during the entire month of March 2011! With this my third consecutive year exhibiting at the Library, I think this may be turning into a tradition. I’m especially pleased that this year, I am coordinating with the North Fork Audubon Society to support their piping plover monitoring program. Check out the details below: 
by Judy | Dec 5, 2010 | Portraits
This question comes up often, especially at trade shows, workshops and conferences and photographers try to figure out how to market their services. Should a photographer specialize? Or advertise as a Jack/Jane of All Trades? The general consensus among the pros is to advertise a specialty. I agree, but from a potential client’s perspective, I also say, it is important to have diversified experience. This is especially true of wedding and special event photographers.
First, let me be clear. Wedding photography is a very specialized field. In order to do it properly, a photographer needs at least one full set of back-up gear, and know how to use that gear with her eyes closed-literally! I don’t recommend asking a friend with a camera to capture your wedding photos, unless that friend is a wedding photographer.Your photos will be the only record you will have of this very important day. Do you really want to leave that job to an amateur or novice?
But that pro/amateur issue aside, a wedding photographer has to be ready to capture anything that is noteworthy. So, there is some photo-journalism-for the candids, portraiture for the formals, architectural for the church and reception, fine art for the details (rings, invitations, flowers, place settings, etc.), food photography for the banquet, and if there are kids and pets, well you get my drift.
On paper that seems like an easy task. But bear in mind that each specialty requires a different skill set, and often different gear. The candids need someone who can capture motion-and emotion-that is properly exposed and isn’t blurry from a shutter speed that is too slow. The portraits needs someone who can pose a subject to make them look their best. The church and reception locations so carefully decorated need to be captured with the right perspsective and of course the right light–no flash glaring from the window or a mirror, please. The details such as the rings, the invitation, the lace on a gown, and other little details require an eye for composition and lighting that only a fine art photographer understands well. And of course if there are energetic kids and pets-knowing the decisive moment to snap the shutter spells the difference between a great shot and none at all.
So, when you are considering a photographer, certainly seek out a specialist, but make sure that the one you choose can also deliver the other specialties, too.
