The Blog of Michelle Black

Awhile Back (and lots more where this came from)

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:56:11 PST

, originally uploaded by Michelle Black.

Q.M.

Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:47:17 PDT

, originally uploaded by Michelle Black.

If you take the photo when they are certain you have already already gotten the 'smiling' shot, just snap a few extra frames and see how much softer their expressions will sit :)

A Shift in Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:01:42 PDT

, originally uploaded by Michelle Black.

There is one very distinct lesson I've learned this year, and that is, my work is becoming less and less about me.

Bye Bye Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:59:55 PDT

This blog has permanently moved to http://light-traces.com - see you there!

Michelle

We are walking through an unceasing dream

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:32:00 PDT

, originally uploaded by Michelle Black.

illusions
delusions of grandeur
I've been wrong before
chosen the right keys to the wrong doors
been washed up onto shore
only to slip on wet floors
floors drenched in bad decisions
rotting away all possible provisions
infected by love's incisions
and left to wander in distraction
the result of negative reaction
as they laugh with satisfaction

but light seeps in
trickles down again
the window is open
and everything I've chosen
everything that has brought me here
to the place where I will abandon fear
this is the day I turn it into a souvenir
this is the day I will not look back
only up

© 2010

So, I've been working on something.... :)

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:58:08 PDT

This has been a long time coming, composting ideas, gathering content, writing, designing.... (pulling my hair out *cough* ).... writing some more, shooting, selecting just the right images.....

And now, near completion and ready to release within the next couple of weeks, I'd like to share with you one of the most precious projects I've undertaken, and one that is just very dear to my heart all around.

My first eBook Guide (printable with printable reference cards), "Photographing Children Just as They Are" will be available to photographers all over the world - not just aimed at professionals, but to parents, hobbyists, and anyone who loves to photograph children and wants a little kick in the caboose both technically and creatively speaking. I'm SO excited about it, too, I'm excited about the way it has sort of come together on its own over time, and I'm excited about its potential to change the way you think when you are taking photographs of kids. Today was actually my "self proposed deadline" --- that obviously wasn't enough time to get it just how I wanted it, hehee. I'll be sure to let you know when it's ready, and in the meantime here are a couple of (digital) previews for you. I will photograph some printed examples upon its release! The contents of the eBook will be described in more detail when it is ready :)

MORE EXCITING NEWS!

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of working with my first face-to-face student, Katie Frank, a photographer from Florida. She was in Ohio and we booked a 4 hour mentorship session at my photography studio. To my surprise, Katie is also a teacher, so you can imagine how intimidated I was, teaching a teacher, at my very first LIVE class, lol! The good news is, it went extremely well, I didn't confuse her (hehee), and I will DEFINITELY be teaching more of these in the future, both locally and out of state. I've had plans for group workshops in the past that fell through due to time constraints, but am refreshed and ready to book some dates (for small groups ONLY). In a way, I am happy that I've waited a bit longer than expected because now that I've taught a one-on-one, it definitely solidified the fact that I want to work with small groups only; the experience was just so intimate and I feel I really connected to Katie. We've kept in touch every few days since and she's keeping me posted on what she's been up to, what she's learned, how she's implementing what we discussed, etc. What an AWESOME feeling it is to learn and grow with your peers! Next week I will be posting images from our hour-long fashion shoot with model Lorrin Cowgill, stay tuned :)

Along with that post, I will also share more information about booking this class / mentorship with me, either in this area or in yours.

Inspired: Projections by Charles Bergquist

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:33:31 PDT

Viernes Show Projections Collection from Charles Bergquist on Vimeo.

Balloon

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:38:10 PDT

, originally uploaded by Michelle Black.

It doesn't take much for a child to feel PuRe JoY

Meet Valerie :)

Portrait Inspired: Christina Ricci by Patrick Hoelck

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:56:07 PDT

Things I love about this image include the classic feeling, the soft detail brought out by the rim lighting, the delicate positioning of her fingers, the intimate and powerful gaze in her eyes, and the combination of subtle cold and warm tones. Beautiful :)

Be sure to view the rest of Patrick's Portfolio, thoroughly pleasing to the eye!

they are who they are

noreply@blogger.com (MichelleBlack) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:19:13 PDT

Total freedom, that's what I feel when I have a camera in my hands. Give your subjects that same freedom and you're going to make an impression every time you make a new capture :)