Babies

Babies are little miracles. They represent the hopes and dreams of a generation. They are sponges absorbing the world around them. They are precious little gifts.

This baby was just a few days old when their parents graciously let me spend some time behind the camera with her. Taken in low light with a single window and lamp as the sole sources of light, I caught her sleeping while be fawned over by visitors.

She is precious, just like all children.

Stage Shows

By far the most challenging shooting conditions are when you are in low light. The camera is keeping the aperture open to get in all the precious light it can. You have to be perfectly still, like a sniper. Regulate your breathing, tuck in your elbows for stability, and be very light on the shutter button. All of this compounded when the subject is moving. You have now entered the realm of the stage show. 99% of the photos taken at a stage show are probably blurry.  Some artistically blurry, some just downright terrible. Every once in a while if you are patient you can capture a clear photo, like this one. The actors caught in a real reaction on stage. They are immersed in their character. There is nothing better. I live for these honest shots.

My wife has been doing community theater for 15 years. It started when she was in high school and she was considered a kid then. Now she has her kids in it. It is really cool to see what a bunch of amateurs can do when they get together for a good cause. This photo is from Mighty Goliath Productions' 2012 production of Oliver! in Avon Lake.

My Grandmother was a part of "MGP" during the early years some 50 years ago. It started as a PTA fundraiser and now helps fund the arts at Avon Lake High School. For more information on this theater group or to see how you can get involved, check out their website.