Sneak Peek - China Hand Kung Fu Academy

I had a very unique, interesting and FUN shoot this past weekend. Meet Shifu Dominick of China Hand Kung Fu Academy of Brick, New Jersey. Dominick is a kung fu master - as I understand it the Master is refered to as Shifu... I'm sure Dominick can correct me if I am wrong there - lol! Dominick is such a sweet teddy bear of a guy - but I wouldnt want to get on his bad side! All kidding aside, I was amazed by the grace, agility, concentration and balance displayed by Shifu and his students, and honored to attempt to capture it all in my lens. Here are just a few...

If you are ever in Brick, or live in the area, be sure to check out China Hand Kung Fu Academy!

You can also visit him on the web at http://www.chinahand.com/.

Thanks for stopping by today! ~Denise~

My Little Green Monster

My youngest son usually runs the other way when my camera is out - he has serious PKS (photographers kid syndrome)... but I think he got a bit jealous because mom's been out shooting other people. He actually BEGGED me to do a shoot with him this past weekend. So I thought I'd share this rare moment... my own little green monster...

Thanks for stopping by today! ~Denise~

Its about being a photographer...

I'm reading an amazing book: "The Moment It Clicks", by Joe McNally. Until I got the book, I wasnt familiar with Joe's work, but let me tell you this man is amazing. In the description of why he wrote the book, he summarized so perfectly the way that I feel about photography:

To quote Joe: "Its about the sheer joy of clicking the shutter... repeatedly! The sweet sound of the shutter and the explosion that occurs in your head and your heart when you make the shot. The deal is the shot, you know. You make the picture and you know something just froze solid in a shifting world. Something stabilized, for all time. You just hung your hat on a moment that otherwise would be gone forever, and now you can go back and take a look at that moment, be it amazing or ordinary, any time you want. Its about your eye in the camera as the light hits just right. Its about the slight turn of your subject's face that speaks the truth. Its about holding your breath as you shoot. Its about the nerves, the joy, and the terror of wondering if you got it. And then dancing about, punching holes in the air when you know you did. Its about... the moment it clicks. "

Thanks Joe for putting it into the words that I find so hard to speak...

And since no post would be complete without an image... here's one I took tonight, near sunset, of a beautiful dogwood just starting to bloom. I have loved the dogwood since I was very young, their pink blossoms always heralding spring for me.


Thanks for stopping by today. ~Denise~

More Greg Z

There were so many great images from my shoot with Greg that I felt compelled to share a few more.

I loved the contrast of him all dressed up in his tux on the railroad tracks...

And that sky added so much drama to these beach shots...

And here I just loved that textured wall, and the composition created by the bit of exposed brick, the clock and Greg...

Thanks for stopping by today! ~Denise~

Sneak Peek - Meet Greg Z!

I had the great pleasure this weekend to meet and photograph the Jersey Shore's own Greg Z... a gifted pianist and new age musician. Greg was so amazing to photograph. He had terrific ideas, and we collaborated so well on these images. He was not afraid to take risks, and I am thrilled with the results of our shoot so far. Greg, I am really enjoying the CD's you gave me - you are truly amazing!

Determination

This young man lives for the sport of Lacrosse and hopes to play it on the college level in just a few short years. I wanted to convey that feeling in a single image. I'm loving the combination of the dramatic light, the look of determination on his face and the stark black & white. I love a good "moody" black and white image... and though I love bright, vibrant color as well, sometimes its only when you remove the distraction of all that color that you see the true emotion behind the image.

Thanks for stopping by today! ~Denise~

Just a few more...

Two more from my mini session with my mini-me! I just love this wall... it makes a scrumptious background, don't ya' think? I love finding little spots like this for unique portraits!





Thanks for stopping by! ~Denise~

JUMP! Into Spring!!!

Had some fun trying out a new location and some new techniques yesterday since the weather was somewhat cooperative. If you are thinking outdoor portraits NOW is the time to call me and book your appointment!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! ~Denise~

Can it be?

Is it really Spring?? Sure hasnt felt much like it yet, but these daffodils I spotted on the side of the road today seem to be herading Spring's return! I'm so ready for it, so I thought I'd share these as a ray of hope for Spring weather to make its arrival and, hopefully, stick around for a bit!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! ~ Denise ~