Happy Holidays!! Since so many of you have been asking about photos, here is a photo coupon in celebration for Christmas and New Years.

• Get your coupon

• Buy a Photo, Package OR Create a Custom Christmas Card

20% OFF Coupon, just click, right click and SAVE of use the CODE:  HOLIDAY20 on checkout.

Two Packages available.  You can Mix and Match Photos!

Package 1: Mix and Match   A $42 Savings!

• 2-5X7’s
• 8X10
• 11X14

One 11X14, one 8X10 and Two 5X7′s.  All Luster finish.  Maximum Holiday Savings.
Email me for a PDF on other options, including wrapped canvas and trendy “Stand Out” options for about the same cost of a nice photo in a real frame.

Package 2: Mix and Match

• 11X14 Ready TO Hang Mounted Print
• 5X7 Photo Panel
• Photo Luggage Tag
• Photo Key Tag

Fast, easy, fun.  Cool, display options in one package.  The ready to hang 11X14 is floated off the wall for a trendy look.  The 5X7 panel is a photo mounted to wood, perfect for the desktop.  The luggage tag is made from high impact fiberglass and will last a lifetime.  Carry your family with you everywhere with a Key tag.

Mix and Match!

Happy Holidays anyone. Make sure to contact me directly for one of kind custom pieces.

How To Find Photo Packages on Gallery

• Get your coupon

• Buy a Photo, Package OR Create a Custom Christmas Card

The fall here is amazing and I am willing to bet this Fall will be more colorful and brighter then ever!  This year saw a lot more rain then last and I am told that water will help the trees turn into brighter colors then last year.

The towns around here are more then picturesque.  From Portsmouth to Rochester the location shoots are unreal.  Kittery has some incredible beaches and bridges.  Way too many locations to choose from.

I am booking fast and leaving at the end of October for another crazy life adventure.  Book soon, tell your friends.

For the month of October I am accepting limited Model positions that include a bunch of free stuff. Check out the Model Offer for 2011.  Only a few slots available for your school.  includes custom cool photo cards for school.

There is also the opportunity to assist in shoots if you are interested in photography.  Assisting can make the entire shoot fun especially when you are working with your friends and you are both getting your shots done.

Look forward to seeing you all soon!

HP

Thumbtack.com is gaining popularity everyday as a search engine to find local services and if you are not on it, you are missing the boat.  And, the thumbtack.com is highly edible for search engine crawlers, especially Google.  Just having a listing on there is another way to link back to your own sites, get testimonials and increase search engine visibility across the board.

DarrenSlaughter.com’s Thumbtack.com review is from a professional social media and web expert.

Between the background checks and user reviews, this site should become (if they market it correctly) the go to site for both consumers and tradesmen to come together.

Quora.com’s review of thumbtack.com states:

…if you look at the number of pages that Google has indexed (130,000 according to websitegrader.com http://websitegrader.com/site/ww… ) it would appear that the business is pursuing an aggressive SEO strategy.

Do some searches on your competitors and you will find some of their thumbtack.com profiles coming up.  The site is easy to set up, easy to share, get testimonials and refer others to use, all of which increase your rankings and chances of getting in front of your next sale!

Open a profile, build it, upload a little content, share with people you know who own businesses or offer services, get some of your past clients to give you a couple of testimonials, mention the service on your blog, back-link to thumbtack.com and continue to promote the service with your current marketing platform.  You will soon be taking the number one spot for your area!

If you would like to open an account, please use my Thumbtack.com Link, it’s FREE and helps me to help you by upping my level of engagement with the service.

Best of luck to you!  If you open an account, send me a link to the profile in the comments section and I will check it out.

HP

PS- Please leave a testimonial here if you have ever experienced my photographic efforts.  Thank you!

PSS- Leave a comment and tweet!

Again blessed with timing an incredible opportunity opened up seemingly out of now where.  In the midst of hasty, last minute grabs of staying on track through the nomadic transition of spring, my community of fellow evolutionaries invited me to photograph Andrew Cohen of EnlightenNext.  The timing was more then perfect and my final schedule actually and perfectly coincided with their schedule and last minute deadline.

Andrew is publishing a new book, Evolutionary Enlightenment, revamping his current teachings of Evolutionary Enlightenment.  The organization, EnlightenNext, needed a new head shot for the book and just more current pictures in general as the group, business and movement evolves into even more of a global presence.

This was my first true commissioned work on such a notable and important figure of our time.  Even in the moment the realization that I was doing exactly as I have set out to do, intend, become and create was right in front of me.  The process unfolding in real time.  Finally, I was able to give something to this community, to engage on a deeper level then through a book, the web or a phone call.  There and in person.  There I was about to  photograph someone who is at the leading edge of culture and the creation of it’s future.

I must say I was very nervous.  I ended up shooting most of Andrew’s team in hopes of grabbing each and everyone of them in their best reflection.  And the best part was I was on their turf challenged with lighting, location and time issues.  Most now have something to update just about every profile they have online and off.  My pictures are now all over the place.

The final day of shooting was focused on Andrew at his office.  An office of sanctuary.  My guide and collaborating confidant, Amy, helped me find and secure three locations for shooting.  Once set up, it was just a matter of moving from one setting to the next with hopefully a memory of the settings for each.

I don’t think I’ve come across a group so committed.  Not a moment is wasted, the energy high and conversation one of real importance.   Anyone would be lucky to work in such an environment.  The true, authentic spirit of collaboration is an absolute joy to work within.  An environment that is non personal and mission oriented.  Simply amazing, a space of constant possibility.

Anything is possible.  Work towards something, get over yourself and the path will unfold.

A big thank you to Joel and Amy for all their support and smiles.

Below is a small sample of Andrew and the team that heads up the Magazine and Book section of what is………………………Enlighten Next.

HP

The Zoo Bar Proprietor and his lovely partner in life finally take the plunge and commit.  A simple ceremony in Vero Beach, Fl was followed by a perfect celebration at Inlet Wines back in Sebastian, Florida with the closest of friends.  Long time friends and community members of Skydive Sebastian, Jacob and Daniel operate the Zoo Bar, the hub and center point for Skydive Sebastian’s culture and community.  Both bring something special to each other, their fellow skydivers and the community of Sebastian, Florida.

Jacob and I have always worked and supported each other on small projects, events and teamwork.  I was fortunate enough to help run his Tiki Hut for a season and together on the Drop Zone we created some pretty cool stuff for the community.  He has always been my biggest supporter.  So to be at the right place, at the right time to give something back is a true honor.

Congratulations you two.

I am currently working on a small album for them and will post soon.  Here are a few shots to share for now.  Do hope you like them.

HP

Yes, printing on metal is not only a reality it is nothing short of amazing.  Metal prints make a dramatic impact on any installation and surprisingly enough are very affordable.  The printing technology enables brilliant, time tested materials to pop color and keep it’s original state for many years.  The metal comes in four finishes to compliment just about any creative spark you might have a for a picture.  Just about any size is possible and the prints can get big, especially when splitting prints into multiple pieces.

I am currently working on a piece comprised of three 24X36′s making up one picture 3 feet X 6 feet.  Now that’s one big wall installation.  The process itself is fun as we make test prints and fine tune the finally print.

Below are 4×6″ samples to show finish.

If you have been thinking about acquiring one of my photos, now would be the time to get it and get it in metal.  I highly suggest something from 11X14 and up as these pieces stand out all their own, and comment below for 20% off.  You can check out many choices I offer on my products page.

The process of choosing, printing and finally ended up with a final installation is fun in itself as you are a direct part of the custom creation.

HP

PS – If you think this is cool, share it with a friend on Facebook

Another memorial produced this amazing book for Steve Harrington, a well accomplished and incredible person in the world of wingsuiting and the community of skydiving.  A large memorial was held for him and I was lucky to be asked to document the event and life of Steve.

The final album includes pictures of his entire childhood to adulthood and his accomplishments in wingsuiting.  Well known in the community many photographers contributed towards this final piece.  I hope to post the entire album slideshow, but must first wait for approval from family.

I’ve never built an album with so many entries by other photogs.   It was a mission to organized, edit and then design.  But, it was well worth it.  This one book and slide show chronologically documents Steve in his best moments and a snapshot of life.  The whole project was an honor to have undertaken.  In times of a passing friend everyone wants to be able to help, to be a part of the process.  Photography has given me a gift to give back in a remarkably simple and lasting way.  Photography breaths life into memories forever nurturing them with a simple glance.

The final product included a 12X12 picture album with matching DVD picture slideshow.  Photos below.  It’s an exciting time to be a photographer.  The channels for sharing our unique reflection of life and the world seem infinite.

I am in the process of co-organizing and documenting another memorial for a long time local here at Skydive New England, Barbara, slated for June 11th of this year.  There will be two separate ash dives to try and accommodate all the people who would like to be involved.  Barbara gave a long and deeply committed fight against cancer and finally succumbed to it’s final blows late last year.  The love and passion from the community here is incredibly strong and emotional.  I believe most people search their whole lives for this type of acceptance and love.  We as skydivers are truly blessed.

The ash dives will utilize a hand made tube used for the Dave Hersey Memorial Dive last year.  As of this writing, I realized I have never posted the final Poster I made, but there are a couple of pics on an earlier post about Dave Hersey and the community of SNE, if you are interested and I’ve included the final Poster below.   An ash dive in skydiving is the communities unique, personal and most honoring way to give back, memorialize, remember and celebrate the life of their own.

To all who visit, I do hope you enjoy my reflection on life.  Thanks for taking a look.

HP

They were married  in a friends of the families apple orchard, Smith’s Apple Farm in Acton ME, a real one with lots of history.  No planning, just running around chasing, snapping photos.  Another jumper and great friend, Kyle Jervis was there shooting too, some of the photos are his.  After the wedding I built an album as a present and a surprise.  Then it was back to work.

This past summer we all lived in the woods together, skydiving, instructing, shooting pictures and video and living life on the edge.  The company, Skydive New England actually closed down the business for the day as they knew they were going to lose all their employees.  Tight group.

Finally, here is the post they have asked for.  Below is a slide show of their final album design.  If you might be interested in prints, check out these cool products for about the same price as framing.  If you would like a copy of the album, contact me directly via the contact page of this blog.

If you would like to see all the pics from the Wedding go to Meaghan’s Wedding Gallery.

LOVE YOU TWO!

PS – Go and “Like” the Harry Parker Photography Fan Page and tag your photos and keep up to date

PSS – Make a comment below, Do you like the design?

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This has been installed for a while. Then it took a me while to wander over there and take a photo of it.  Pretty excited of the new products.  Who prints and 8X10 anymore?  You would be surprised.  It’s a habit.

And, with just a peek at what is possible in printing now days, one will find the choices nothing less then Sheik.  I am loving the process of printing and exploring the possibilities of creating real art out of what used to be just a print.

This new product, the Collage Wall, is a great way to fill a wall over time.  The high-resolution prints are mounted on 2mm black styrene.  The prints are supported by a grid of push-in pegs, pictures hang aligned and stay level.  And they float off the wall giving a very clean and modern look.  Installation is fast and fool-proof. And you can add, remove and rearrange pictures in seconds.  Pictures come in all different sizes so there is no end to the creative wall art one can create for themselves over time.  You can see a list of current products on my Wall Art Page.

Mother Tiffany chose the Collage Wall for the simple flexibility of adding to the collage any time.  And with such a cute kid, that’s going to be a lot of photos.

Tiff, Bodhi’s Mother and famous author, co-authored a book called the The Group, an amazing read on creating, getting along and working together.  You can check them out on The Group FaceBook Fan Page.

PS – Go “like” Harry Parker Photography Fan Page

PSS- Leave a comment below

PSSS – Check out some other photos of Bodhi

So a while back, while intensely reading my Rangefinder and bumming that I couldn’t go to WPPI this year, I thought about my biggest and closest community, colleges and crazies. I came across several articles that were incredibly inspiring.  They always seem to pop up again and again.  The greats, those photographers who did something simple, set a trend, preserved a section in time of our heritage, of culture itself. You know what I am talking about, the greats like Ansel Adams for outdoor photography and the like.

The other articles that catch my attention are the projects.  Where photogs actually think of something to do as opposed to just chasing, working, following.  A project, an idea, something to sink one’s imagination into.

So, I’ve come up with my own.  To document the best and most colorful of my biggest community, skydiving. Normally, I would only post this on my highly energetic Event Documentation Site, The Harry Parker.com, but as I stretch my legs in the area of portraiture, I feel this must be mentioned on this blog. Who knows, some of you out there just might be interested in this crazy culture called skydiving or actually be interested in having this service.

Learning to work with people, lighting, posing, etc. is a very large undertaking and it’s ability to serve many aspects in photography is limitless.  Simple lighting, mobile, easy set up, breakdown, go anywhere portraiture is usable in so many different ways.

I must say, it’s a different world when someone actually commissions your work, but having to chase someone, beg them to take their picture, what a job.  Taking a picture of a skydiver randomly as they look over their shoulder is almost easy.  Actually having them pay attention?  next to impossible.  Skydivers are made up of pure chromosome 11, ADHD in its most classic forms.  Time will tell if my quest, my project has enough merit to attract the brightest and best in the sport who will grant me just a minute to forever capture who they are as a skydiver, now, in this time period.  I am quite thankful this group gave me a shot.  It’s times like these when people, allow you, to take their picture that I feel somehow transported.  It’s like I am actually doing something and wonder what it was like so long ago when the masters had someone sitting in front of a camera attempting to create and paint with light.

These shots were taken in Z-Hills Florida at a skydiving center aptly name Skydive City, a place where I cut my teeth in the sport more the a decade ago.  The jumpers in these pictures are CReW Dogs.  These jumpers thrive in opening their parachutes very high and then flying together, linking up in the sky by wrapping hands and feet in the lines of each others canopies.  Jumps can last as long as ten minutes.  That’s ten minutes of pure adrenaline.

CReW, as it is affectionately called, is made up of some of the most interesting and cross culture people I know.  It’s a hard breed of skydiver.  There are a lot of hero’s out there, but its a slim cross section that would even think about engaging in this activity.  They are a tough breed and have no problem showing off victory scars of jumps gone wrong in the past.  And above all, they are like family.  No where else in skydiving will one find a group that takes care of their own more then in CReW, they are a community unto themselves.  So, I thought it best to start here.

About 50 CReW dogs showed up for an event at the center.  I set up around sunset, had about 20 mins to set up using whatever I had and could find, figure out a little light and it was time.  These guys had just landed from a night 16-way diamond attempt.  Yes, jumping at night running into each other with their parachutes.  The attempt was highly successful and they were all incredibly juiced with adrenaline.  I had some helpers and I grabbed them right as they walked in and took these shots.  This is as raw as it gets.

Thanks for taking a look!

The out the Harry Parker Photography Gallery for all the photos, over 100.