Mike’s Favorites of the Week

September 23, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

Since I shot two high school football games last week, this is the second post on my favorites of the week. These favorites are from the Bishop Ireton v. St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes game. It was tough to only pick five from this game, that’s for sure. As always, you can read the recap of the game at The Sports Fan Network. And, you can view all the images from the game in my gallery. Don’t forget to visit my Facebook page for more on what I am doing. It pays to be a friend of Michael Garth Photography. Also, you can follow me on Twitter: @mgpimages

Posted in Sports Photography

Mike’s Football Picks of the Week: Centreville v. Mt. Vernon

September 21, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

I shot two high school football games last weekend for The Sports Fan Network. The images below are from the game on Friday night, Centreville v. Mt. Vernon. You can read the recap on The Sports Fan Network using this link. Below are my five favorites from the game.

To see all the images from the game you can go to The Sports Fan Network, Northern Virginia page or my gallery here.

The second game I shot over the weekend was Bishop Ireton v. St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes. Look for my favorites from that game tomorrow.

Posted in Sports Photography

Mike’s Football Images of the Week: Chantilly v. Stone Bridge

September 14, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

I am a Contributing Photographer for The Sports Fan Network and each week I shoot at least one high school sporting event. So far this year I have only shot football. My goal is to get out and shoot other fall sports as well. We will see how it goes. Every week I will be featuring my favorite images right here on the blog. The event(s) I shoot over the weekend will not only be featured on The Sports Fan Network, but you will be able to see my picks of the litter. Featured this week are images from the Chantilly v. Stone Bridge football game. Chantilly won the game 22-14. Stone Bridge junior Jon Allen (#93) is one of the area’s premier defensive players and is already being heavily recruited. In the images below, he’s the defender that’s horizontal to the ground grabbing hold of the running back (last image in the series). Be looking for his name now and into the future. Click on his name to learn see a short video on him. Enjoy my pics and look for more next week! To see all the images from the game click on the Sports Fan Network link. You can also read a recap written by yours truly.

Posted in Sports Photography

Where I Was on 9.11.01

September 11, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

It’s likely that we all know where we were on the morning of 9.11.01. We were going about our routine business – when everything was abruptly halted by the news.

I was on my way in to Washington, DC that morning. I was making my way from Route 395 in Virginia nearing the exit to South Washington Blvd by the Pentagon, sitting in very heavy traffic that was barely moving, when I heard the news about the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Like most everyone – it was thought to be a huge, disastrous error on the part of a pilot in a small plane. As I inched my way through traffic, the report of the second plane came over the radio. At that point, again, like most others, I believed that this was no longer an accident. I still had yet to pass the Pentagon and I began to think that maybe the Pentagon would be a target or maybe other buildings in D.C. A part of me said to pull over on the shoulder on Washington Blvd and wait and see. You see, I had my camera with me. My trusty Nikon 8008s. I carry a camera with me just about 24/7. Back in 2001 was no exception. I was thinking, if something were to happen at the Pentagon, I would be right there. But, I had to get somewhere and the traffic was horrific. The thought of blocking the shoulder for no apparent reason didn’t sit well with me as I don’t appreciate others who do the same. So, I continued my ride on into D.C.

I passed the Pentagon on my right but continued to look in my rear view mirror for some reason. I had just passed over the GW Parkway when I looked in my rear view mirror again. This time I saw smoke rising into the air from the Pentagon. I thought, “I knew it!” At that point, the others in traffic around me did not seem to be aware of what had just happened. But I knew I wanted to get somewhere to try and get some images with my 8008s. I managed to make it to the circle on Memorial Dr and rather than crossing over the Memorial Bridge to get to my appointment, I went around the circle and entered Arlington Cemetery. My dad is interred there so I have access to the grounds beyond the visitor’s parking lot. I talked with the guard there and he waved me through. At this point, even they seemed to be unaware of what had just happened.

I made my way down Eisenhower Drive in the Cemetery. It’s one of the main roads through there. I turned left on Arnold and parked my car along that road. For some reason, I didn’t want to take my car all the way up to the end of Eisenhower which was much closer to the Pentagon. I really wanted to somehow run over to the Pentagon grounds. Mind you, I was in a suit and tie and I knew that there was a fence between me and the Pentagon. I grabbed my camera bag and took off running in the direction of the Pentagon. Oddly, there was another guy near the fence watching the whole thing unfold. I asked if he saw the plane and he said no. He said he was getting out of here and that was the last I saw of him. I got to the fence and saw that there was another fence also. The second one ran right along Washington Blvd. I climbed the first with relative ease. But, the second one, it was one of those wobbly fences with no top bar. And, it was covered and entwined with roaming vines, bushes and other assorted growth. I started to negotiate the fence, but it was difficult. Then I began thinking, what do I do once I get over there, I have two rolls of film with me. How will I get back to my car? What if I get sent away by those establishing security around the crash site? All kinds of thoughts like that. I decided to stay where I was and try to shoot through the fence. I shot a few and figured this was no good. So I made my way over to the maintenance complex on the Cemetery grounds. It is from there that I began to take more pictures. Not the best vantage point, but the only one I had.

I only had two rolls of film with me so I wanted to conserve it. I had no idea what, if anything, else was going to happen but I wanted to be sure I had some film left. Those of us in the area were just kind of staring over at the Pentagon. Watching the billowing clouds of smoke. The fires being extinguished by huge streams of water and foam. My thoughts were on those inside the Pentagon and what was happening inside. Were they getting out? No doubt there would be injuries and maybe even deaths, but how many? As close as I was, I still felt detached and not close enough. Close enough to do what, I really don’t know. Maybe help in any way that the help was needed. Just something inside saying I wish I was closer.

At one point, I didn’t note the time for any of the events that day, a truck came driving around announcing on a loud speaker to take cover because there was another inbound aircraft. I was thinking, “wow, take cover? I am in a cemetery, there is no cover.” There were people milling about and we were just kind of looking around. Looking up into the skies. Looking for something. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shaking a bit after that announcement. I thought, how in the world do I dodge a jet liner? That’s when at least one F16 came screaming through the sky at a seriously low level. I am not sure if there were more than one, but they were making noise and letting us know they were there. Constantly circling the area in a protective mode. My shaking subsided a bit with the sight of fighter aircraft in the sky. We now know that only one aircraft hit the Pentagon and perhaps the announcement was related to the unknown intent of Flight 93 that was eventually taken back by brave, determined American heroes.

I tried to reach family members by cell phone but I couldn’t get service. I had no idea where anyone was or what precautions they were taking. In particular, my son who was in school at the time. I could only hope that everything was working out. He was in school in Alexandria, VA. A somewhat safe distance away. But no one had any idea at the time to what extent we were under attack. I could only hope that his mom was taking care of all that. (Thankfully she was.) There was no way for me to get out of the Cemetery. The roads were blocked all over D.C. There was no way to get back home the way I came because that required for me to pass the Pentagon and those roads were shut down. I tried to exit through the back of the Cemetery. There is an “authorized only” entrance but I thought that maybe an exception would be made given the circumstances. No way. I was met by several soldiers who instructed me to turn around and go back the other way. No other instructions but to return from where I came from. I tried to negotiate it, but nothing doing. So, I went back to my vantage point for several more hours until some roads were re-opened. In all, I spent more than six hours in that one area.

It is a day that will never be forgotten.

Below is a link to a map that shows what and where I was on that morning. Zoom in on the map and you will see my route of travel. Also, each icon includes some information that will appear when clicked on. As well, I have included a selection of images that I made that day.

Where I Was on 9.11.01

Posted in General Photography

Friday Night Lights

September 6, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

Some of you know that I am a Contributing Photographer to The Sports Fan Network. This is an online media outlet dedicated to high school sports. I shot an opening night game last Friday. Hayfield Secondary School v. South County High School. It was a good defensive battle. Although each team was able to get deep into the other’s territory, the drives were stopped by either a fumble or interception. Hayfield ended up on top at the end, relying on Stephen Ross’ 62 yard touchdown run in the second half for the games only score.

Below are some of my favorite images from the game, including Ross (#28) on the way to the end zone. You can see all the images from the game at the Sports Fan Network, Northern Virginia section. Look for my images all year long. Oh yeah, they won’t be limited to just football.

Posted in Sports Photography

The Dancer

August 24, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

Very recently I had the great opportunity to shoot some dance images of Alli. I think most would agree that dancing is an athletic activity and dancers are athletes. Strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, timing, and mental and physical endurance are all part of a dancers skill set. My interests and specialties are in portraiture, sports, and performer-related images. One of my all-time favorite photographers, Joe McNally, is the master of the dance image. Hands down. I’ve been inspired by his work for some time now, mainly due to his master of light. But, his dance photography is “off the hook” as they say. He has a resume 500 miles long. SI, NatGeo, every major publication in print and out of print. It didn’t take Joe to make me realize the talent of a dancer, but he has inspired me somewhat in wanting to bring dance portraiture into the fold. After all, it is an athletic endeavor.

There are many kinds of dance images and dance photographers. And, to me, there are various types of photography and various purposes served by each. Some serve to preserve time. Some to preserve place. Some to preserve time and place. I understand all that. And they serve a great purpose. But, I am more interested in an artful approach rather than documentary. The creation of a timeless image. I want to create images that when friends and relatives come to the house and see the image hanging on the wall, they say “wow, that’s a beautiful picture” or “I’ve always loved that picture.” They see it as a creative image (or maybe even art!) more so than a document of time and/or place. Those pictures are great and they serve a real purpose. It’s just not the style that interests me.

So, with that said, my approach is relaxed, flexible, and collaborative. I want to know the model’s ideas. What do they want to get out of the session? I let them know if I think I can fulfill their vision or not. I have a small studio space so some things just are not possible. That’s not to say we can’t try things outside. (And, I have an idea brewing on that very subject. More later). Shooting creatively and more deliberate usually results in a low image count. Don’t expect 200 or even close to 100 images to review. Expect closer to 10 or 15 final images to choose from. Since I shoot digital, we will have a good idea what we have before I even post the images to the proof gallery. It’s a luxury not always enjoyed by guys like Joe McNally.

Alli’s enthusiasm for dance was evident during the session. She is clearly passionate about dance. During the shoot, we tried a few different poses and lighting setups. I came into the shoot with a loose script of shots that I wanted. Alli was mainly interested in just getting some nice dance photos that maybe her mom could hang on the wall. We had fun throughout the almost two hours we spent making images, changing lights, taking breaks, etc. We even managed to shoot a couple of nice headshots at the end. Alli, thanks again and good luck. Everyone, enjoy the images below.

Posted in Dancers, Headshots, Portraits

High School Senior Session

August 14, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

Here are a few images from a high school senior session I shot yesterday morning. They were all done on location, locally in Northern Virginia. These sessions are fun to do and I really enjoy working with seniors. Many come with great ideas on what they want to shoot, etc. Either way, I want to provide images that are unique, individual, and different. Sometimes it’s a challenge getting the senior relaxed in front of the camera. To help out, I give lots of encouraging direction and instruction as we move through the shoot. Even the most challenging sessions are usually in a groove very soon after we begin.

Sessions last about 90 minutes, but there is no high pressure time limit. No looking at the watch. It’s fun to get outside, have some fun and make some cool images.To keep up with what I am doing, you can subscribe to the blog feed and “Friend” me on the Michael Garth Photography Facebook page. Links to do both are at the top right of this page. Check my availability using the Schedule link and contact me through the Contact link. Thanks!!

Posted in High School Seniors, Portraits

Headshots – Luba Hansen

August 7, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

I recently shot Luba Hansen’s headshots on location in Rockville, MD. She is a very engaging person and extremely enthusiastic about moving forward with her acting career. She contacted me through my website and we had several email conversations about what she is currently doing in the acting field, why she wanted to get new headshots, and what she was looking for in new headshots. It turns out that her current headshots were several years old and she was looking to update them so that they represent more of who she is now and what she looks like now. She mentioned she wanted both “theatrical” and “commercial” looks. As well, she wanted a full-length image. Normally, a full length shot is not part of a headshot session, but I’m flexible and will work with such a request in most instances. A full-length image does give casting directors a better idea of a person’s body type and with more and more initial casting contacts taking place online, it’s probably not a bad idea to have a full-length image in your portfolio.

Luba and I finally made contact by telephone to finalize her session. We discussed clothing ideas, colors, and more about what she was looking for from her new headshots. After the discussion, I felt confident that working together, we would get what we she wanted. We met on a Saturday morning about 9AM. We talked a bit about how I like to shoot and how the shoot would be flowing and somewhat spontaneous as we walked around moving from one location to another. Generally, we find good light and backgrounds and we shoot for awhile. Once we both feel like we got something usable, we move on. Walking around (and not shooting constantly) really helps to get everyone in a more relaxed mode. None of my shoots are high pressure. I want them all to be a fun, energetic experience. Many people, including actors, find themselves a bit frantic and uncomfortable in front of a camera. I know it seems strange, but it’s true. Especially for those who are newer to the industry. It’s my goal and hope that my style of shooting helps to put the client at ease. There really is no pressure.

So, Luba, my assistant and I walked around, talked about photography, her acting experience and just generally what she is up to in life. In between those conversations we captured some new headshots for her. All in under two total hours and even less time actually shooting. We got several looks that she was happy with (as was I). I posted the best images of the session to an online “password protected” gallery where she could view the images, get input from her friends and make final selections. Generally, I provide four final images, lightly retouched in several digital formats. Formats that allow for printing (high resolution) and easy posting on websites and electronic casting submissions (low resolution, fast upload). A bit about retouching, while I am an active member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, I am not a master retoucher. That is a specialty unto itself. I do provide light retouching and most times that is adequate, But, there are times when I employ a retoucher. You will likely never know whether the retouching was done by me or a retoucher. This is done at my discretion and a cost that I absorb. Of course, if you have a preferred retoucher, just let me know and I will simply provide final, non-retouched images to you so that you can take on the task of having them retouched.

Once Luba had selected her preferred images, I finalized them and sent them to her electronically by email. As a bonus, I provided her with files that were full 8×10 images as well as 6×9 images on an 8×10 document with her name on the bottom right. You will see what I mean from the images in the slide show below. Some like to have a full 8×10 image while others prefer the 6×9 route. Both are usually acceptable formats for submission and it comes down to personal preference.

Luba gave me some feedback on the finals and she is now currently using those headshots and getting auditions, etc.

*Some have inquired as to why I don’t give a disk that contains all the images from the session. My answer is simple: I prefer to only allow my final work product to be floating out there in space. And besides, what would you possibly want with up to several hundred unfinished, non-retouched images of yourself? You don’t want those possibly floating around in space either, I would imagine. You have plenty of time to pick what images you want finalized. In fact, you have all the time you want. The online gallery will remain up until you have made selections and are happy with the final product.

If you need new headshots, or just portraits for your own personal needs, contact me. We can discuss what your needs are for new images and get it done. The investment for your new headshots is $199. I am already booked for the afternoon of August 13th. See the Schedule for availability! As always, Facebook friends of Michael Garth Photography receive a 10% discount. You can friend me using the Facebook link at the top of this page.

Posted in Headshots, Portraits

Vancouver

August 5, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

My family and I recently vacationed on a cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage. I’ve mentioned it in several posts accompanied with a few images. This is the first post that actually includes a gallery of images. Our itinerary called for us to be on the ship in Vancouver, British Columbia by mid-afternoon. We flew from Dulles International Airport (early, early) to Chicago and then on to Vancouver. We wanted to give ourselves enough time to move through Customs twice, get our luggage (we had a scare in Vancouver when one piece of luggage didn’t make it on to the carousel. We waited and waited and were the last ones still waiting for luggage. Turns out it had fallen off the carousel in the back room behind the wall), catch a cab to the port and make our way through the line to get on the ship. We made it in plenty of time. With some time to kill, we got settled in and got a little familiar with the ship.

As far as photography, the images in the Vancouver gallery represent various views while docked and while cruising out of the harbor. If anyone has any idea what the pile of yellow stuff is in the one image, please let me know. It looked like sulfur to me. A common site was float planes. Lots of them taking off, flying around and landing in the water. I think they were giving tours of the Vancouver waterfront. The bridge is The Lion’s Gate Bridge. I hope you enjoy them. The next gallery post will show images of our first day at sea.

To keep up with all my Blog postings and to learn what I have been up to, don’t forget to subscribe to the Blog and “like” my Michael Garth Photography Facebook page. The links to do both are on located at the top this page.

Posted in Alaska

Lions Gate Bridge

July 14, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

The images here are of the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our cruise through the Inside Passage of Alaska originated in Vancouver and as we made our way out through the Burrard Inlet, we had to pass under the bridge. The bridge took about a year and a half to complete and became functional in late 1938. It is a designated Natural Historic Site of Canada. The bridge’s official name is the First Narrows Bridge. You could hear the cars passing over on the bridge honking their horns as we passed under. A bicyclist waved. In the image below, you can see him if you look closely, just past the third lamp post from the left.

Posted in Uncategorized