Trying out the new camera gear in Flagstaff

On Wednesday afternoon I took Rico for a walk around downtown Flag while Julie took a nap with Reagan; I needed sleep, too, but really wanted to play with my new lens. I just bought Nikon's 70-200mm f 2.8 and was blown away. I played photojournalist and just captured a few shots of daily life around downtown. The lens focused super fast on these people playing hacky sack.








The afternoon lighting was perfect and the lens really captured the detail on this little dachsund, too. Black dogs don't usually photograph very well but the D300 and new lens really nailed it.






Later, while Julie got ready for dinner I walked around at dusk to see how good the D300 would perform hand-held in low light; I was blown away by these shots of the Monte Vista where we were staying. This lens was the 17-55 f2.8; over the last several months I've really seen the value in spending the money on high-end lenses. The difference in image quality as well as shooting options is unbelievable. I'm able to get shots I could never get before.






Just before I met Julie for sushi I waited at the train station for this shot; now I'm using the tripod. I wanted to wait for the Amtrak but it was an hour away and we were hungry!






Cool night shots on the way back to the hotel; all handheld.

First road trip with the little princess!!

After 3 weeks of parenting practice, we decided it was time for a road trip. I was a little overwhelmed with work projects so I put everything on a brief hold and we left for Sedona on Monday. Our first stop was Alcanterra Winery near Cottonwood; their wines are outstanding and we bought a bottle of Viongier.










Julie's dream is to own a winery one day. From talking to the winemakers, though, the reality is that it is a money pit and you'd better not quit your day job. Later in the summer, though, this winery will be harvesting and they invite (beg) their friends and patrons to come help pick grapes. We're going to join in the fun; I guess that could be the next best thing to owning a winery. I'll photograph the whole event, of course.



After we checked in to the condo we went to Oak Creek Brewery for dinner and microbrew or two.








Next day we went to the Javelina Leap winery near Page Springs. Very cute tasting room and I really liked their red Zinfandel so I bought a bottle.










On to Flagstaff; Sedona got boring pretty fast. Everything shuts down around 9pm; Flagstaff has a lot more action and even cooler climate. We stayed at the historic Monte Vista downtown; pet friendly for Rico!







I have another new lens for my camera so I'm going to walk around downtown while my girls take a much-needed nap. More pics to come!

Introducing Reagan Elizabeth Bonham!!!

Well, here she is! I had no idea how incredible it is to be a dad; I certainly waited long enough. If anyone had told me a little over a year ago that I'd wind up getting married AND having a baby I would have laughed. However, after dating Julie for only a couple of months those big decisions came easier than I could have imagined! Funny how one's perspective can change in such a short period of time. Anyway, Reagan was born on Monday, April 14, at 10:40pm in Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa. Mom and baby are doing just fine; dad has learned to change diapers and take over ALL household chores. These are pictures, in no particular order, of her first week starting at 1 minute after her birth.



She looked a little confused when she first came into the world.




First bath at home




Laughing it up in the hospital



Sleeping like a, well, you know....






Rico contemplates life with his new little sister



WOW!!! Fatherhood rocks!



Motherhood too, of course




Window light is perfect for portraits!

Graduating Senior portrait session

On Tuesday I met Linsey and her dad for her senior session; she was a little nervious in front of the camera at first but warmed up quickly. I find that I like to do the generic shots first before getting to the creative stuff; that gets the subject used to being photographed and they loosen up a little. I rarely use the initial shots but they are a great warm-up. Playing music they like helps a lot, too...John Mayer is almost always a good choice! I'm learning some of his songs for my music gigs.





I have been studying a lot lately to learn more about lighting and portrait techniques and it really paid off today. I almost always try to work with natural light first and then add flash only if needed. Most of these were shot with only sunlight and a reflector.






This was the last shot of the session and I love how it turned out. I suggested that she bring along something unique to her to use as a prop. As it turns out, she loves to work with stained glass. I had her dad hold the piece behind her and I zoomed in tight; I put the sun behind her and held the reflector with one hand while shooting with my right...a little awkward but, hey, whatever it takes to get the shot!

Danielle and Michael's Wedding Day

This was the most fun I've ever had shooting a wedding; I also provided DJ services and had an assistant handle music during the times I was shooting important parts. The wireless lapel mic comes in very handy when I'm announcing their grand entrance AND shooting it at the same time. They got married on Feb. 29; does that mean they only have an anniversary every 4 years?