RJ Snow Photography Blog

Clifton AZ–Through My Lens Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:21:00 +0000

During the month of March I spent a few weeks in the middle of nowhere (near Morenci), AZ in support of a mining engineering project. I drove through this town (Clifton) on my way back and forth from the mine each day. At first I paid no attention to this little town, choosing instead to be jaded from being in this area and annoyed for having to slow down for a few miles. Upon closer inspection I encountered a variety of interesting scenes. However, the town had a washed out and dull feel which was augmented by my loneliness at the time (being away from my family). I edited this collection of photographs to reflect my feelings at the time.

This business must be limited by the size of their front door….

I guess you can get a haircut here. I’m not sure I’d site in a chair below a person with sharp scissors. There is a sinister look to this place…

This was behind the haircutting place. An alternate set for Helm’s Deep?

Visible from the main road. Seems stable enough right?

1st Place in Photography

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:31:00 +0000

Nope, Rob didn’t win this title. Nope, I didn’t either. Nate did!

Nate has picked up on how much fun taking pictures can be. He makes sure there’s enough light. He focuses. He frames the subject just right. Then he makes adjustments if the shot isn’t exactly what he had in mind.

For Christmas he got his own camera. He has enjoyed photographing and taking videos of himself and his sisters playing. We never even taught him how to use it. He just picked it up and was off and running.

Last Fall, his school held a Reflections contest. The theme was: Diversity Means... Rob asked Nate if he wanted to participate and sure enough, he did. There was a whole list of things he could do: write a story, draw a picture, etc. But of course, he chose photography. We didn’t give him any ideas as to what he should photograph and why. Rob explained what diversity meant and Nate decided he wanted to color some rocks and take a picture of them. Fantastic idea!

Nate went to work coloring. Then he gathered his rocks onto the deck and snapped some photos. Rob imported them into Lightroom, Nate chose his favorite and then pumped up the colors a little bit. We printed it and mounted it on stiff cardboard for the presentation.

Guess what?! He WON! Nate got 1st place in photography in the entire school. How COOL is that?! Here’s where the sad part comes in. Rob put Nate’s email address on the entry form, not thinking that that was the form of communication the PTA President would use to notify the parents the day before the award assembly. We had NO idea until the next week and had completely missed the entire thing. I wanted to cry. Actually, maybe I did. Nevertheless, Nate was stoked to have won and when we had gotten back to school a week later (we were in Denver) his teacher gave him his gold medal.

You should have seen that kid walk towards me with it around his neck. I’ll never forget how proud and happy and excited he was. He was even pumping his fist. He also got a certificate, some free activity/kids meals coupons, and went on to the next level of competition (which he didn’t win. But that’s totally ok).

I’m going to be framing his photograph and hanging it over his bookshelf by his bead. I’m so proud of this kid. He’s the best!

Nephew: Aiden

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Here is the newest member of our extended family, Aiden James.

Looking at these pictures makes me want to go take a nap. Congrats to Mark and Cammie!

Warped

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Taken on February 4, 2012 in American Fork, Utah in natural light with the Nikon D90 and the 50mm f1.8 lens. The exposure was made with a shutter speed of 1/20s, f/11, and ISO 400. Black and white conversion, split-toning, and contrast adjusted in Lightroom 3.6.

After seeing a movie (Chipwrecked) with the kids at the old theatre in American Fork the kids and I did our own mini photowalk of the area behind the theatre. A significant pile of wood immediately caught my attention. Let me know what you think!

A Focal Point

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Almost a year ago we moved into our new house. Doing this brought many large, bare walls. What are two photographers to do with huge, bare walls? That’s an easy answer, right? Just fill them! But au contraire, it’s not so simple. With tens of thousands of photographs in our library, how can we ever decide exactly what to frame?

The first bare spot we decided to focus on was in the living room above our sofa. It’s one of the most important real estate in the home, no? It’s one of the first places people see when they walk in. Everything we are as a family, as a couple, as individuals, and least importantly but important nonetheless, as photographers, is riding on that one piece of art. Talk about pressure!!

The good ‘ole standby family portrait would be the most common answer. But we had already planned on doing portraits of our family on the wall going up the stairs. Another equally common answer would be a picture of Christ or a temple. But we have a more subtle, yet just as important place for that. A beautiful landscape or flower? Nah. Architecture? Too predictable.

What we wanted was a statement piece. We wanted something abstract and artsy that maybe wasn’t so obvious. We wanted something that people would look at and not immediately know what they were seeing. Something that might need contemplation. Something that might make someone feel a little uncomfortable because they didn’t know what this large piece was and what it was doing on our wall, above the sofa in the living room no less! We wanted them to ask questions and we wanted it to be personal to us and who we are as a family and as photographers.

Some (or even many) of you might think we are slightly crazy, but this is what we put so much effort and love into hanging (just ignore the glare). Unfortunately we had to crop the picture so it would fit into a standard frame. We didn’t spend the $250 to get it custom matted and framed, but we should have. I’d like to redo it someday exactly how I want a la uncropped and double framed without glass since it’s a metallic print.

We’ve both always loved this photograph. The colors are beautiful and it brings back good memories.

Any ideas as to what it is exactly? We’ve never officially titled this piece, but we lovingly call it The Face. Now do you see it?

A few years ago we went to Pennsylvania to visit my Grandma Maria. Rob and the kids had never met her and we thought it was very important to do so. While there our family stopped in Philadelphia for a day to walk and explore. In the square near city hall there were some random sculptures of heads.

While we played around them, Rob took the photo and in post-processing he added some color to bring out the texture and then used a negative of the left side of the face, on the right-hand side. I can’t tell you exactly why, but I just fell in love with it! It’s so creative. And now we hang it proudly.

When you are choosing art for your own home, just remember, choose something that moves you. Choose something that makes you happy every time you see it, which is very often. Make sure it says something about who you are or a story or memory. You’ll never go wrong, even if others don’t quite get it.

Debbie and Scott Married

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:26:00 +0000

Scott and Debbie were married a few days after Thanksgiving. I had a delightful time sharing a special day with these great people. Scott and Debbie had an intimate ceremony with family and close friends followed by a playful reception. I think you’ll enjoy these photos.

Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:11:00 +0000

Congratulations to

Julie Martell

for winning our portraiture give-a-way!!

Mistake

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:58:00 +0000

I made a mistake! That never happens

Below it states FREE (web-sized) copies of your favorite images. We’re actually giving away FULL-RESOLUTION images so you can print your pictures anywhere.

A New Year Give-A-Way

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0000

Just a reminder for you to enter our give-a-way by Monday night!

Obviously, photography is very important to me and Rob. We love capturing our family’s love and smiles. We enjoy doing this for other people as well.

We realize that getting family portraits taken can be a difficult matter of time and money. So for RJ Snow Photography’s New Year Give-A-Way, we’re offering the following:

FREE 1 hour photoshoot for a family, individual, a group of friends; anything goes.
FREE retouching of your favorite images.
FREE (web-sized) copies of your favorite images.

Stipulations:

We’d like to offer this to someone who really needs it so we’re limiting it to people who have not had professional portraits taken in the last 5 years.
The photoshoot will need to take place in February 2012.

Just send us an email at rjsnow@rjsnowphotography.com and let us know you’d like to be entered in our giveaway. You may also nominate someone you know. We will send the entries through a random-number generator to select the winner. The deadline to enter is January 9th at midnight.

Good luck!

ps. If you want to see the winners of our last give-a-way, their post is here.

A Simple Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

This a special image of my youngest daughter Caroline. We have similar images of our other two kids and display all three in our living room. We are so proud of our wonderful children.

I love simple lighting. It stays out of the way, and lets the beauty of the subject shine. I used a single umbrella to the right of my daughter. The speedlight cast light through the 60-inch umbrella, creating nice catch-lights and creating smooth shadows. I shot this image at 1/200s, f/5.0, ISO200, using our D90 and 35mm f/1.8 lens. Let me know what you think.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:45:00 +0000

My Yard In Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:30:00 +0000

We haven’t gotten to fixing up our front yard yet. All it is is weeds and more weeds. Next spring we’ll be redoing the whole thing, but for now, it is what it is.

One October evening the kids and I went outside in the early evening to play and wait for Rob to get home from work. I took the camera out to document what I saw. It was just a fun little exercise to get myself looking for shots. I recommend it to anyone. Take the camera somewhere you always go; somewhere that doesn’t seem noteworthy or of any interest whatsoever. You’ll find interest, maybe get some pretty cool shots while you’re at it, and train your eye to see what others may not.

I walked over this so many times without thinking a thing about it. Enter camera in my hand, and all of a sudden it’s fascinating.

I love the colors on this piece. The yellow is striking. The white striping is art.

I found this hiding amongst my grass.

And many, many of these.

I didn’t even know these chrysanthemums had been planted until they popped out this fall. I love the vibrant color in this…

but also love it in black and white so that the detail of each bloom can really stand out.

This is one of our struggling trees in the warm autumn light.

My succulent. I love the black and green. It’s so striking.

Aaannnddd…my doormat.

I had fun practicing my skill and now I have an interesting documentation of my yard. Cool!

J.K.J.A.E

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Those are the initials of the Hymas family, if you were wondering. They’re so cute together!

Awww!

Another awwww!

We weren’t planning on taking Allen’s picture this time around, but he hopped right on the stool as we were taking test shots. Cute.

Proud, proud parents.

Revamping

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Please excuse the mess while we revamp our photography blog.

Sisters: Racheal & Kaylee

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:25:00 +0000

These two sisters are my nieces. Aren’t they sweet?

Racheal is a go-getter, intelligent, curious, and passionate.

Kaylee is easy-going, calm, smiley, and content.

They complement each other perfectly.

Weeks Warriors—JDRF

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:01:00 +0000

JDRF is “the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research.”

Our friends, the Weeks, have two young children with type 1 diabetes. Their mom, Shannon, is an active volunteer with JDRF in the community and has even told her story to KSL 5 News. Here is a link to their story of diagnoses and how they have to live with diabetes every day.

In August, a Walk to Cure Diabetes was held at Wheeler Farm and Shannon asked us to take some photographs of their team, Weeks Warriors. Of course! We were happy to help and we also took our kids to participate in the activities.

Here, Brooklyn is climbing the rock wall. Her grandpa is giving her a boost, just like I’m sure he does every day.

This is Tyson. In the middle of all the festivities he had to sit down. He was complaining of his feet hurting and had to have his blood tested then had to have insulin administered.

Here are a few other supporters of the Weeks, along with a little baby supporter.

Thank you, on behalf of the Weeks family, for all the love and support. Go Team Weeks Warriors!!

Life~Focus

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Back to what I was saying…

Rob and I have decided that we want to more readily remember the reason we began taking photography more seriously…to help others.

Our motto on our business cards is Life~Focus and that’s truly our purpose.

We know so many people who are struggling with trials and burdens. We know so many people who have a family member diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness. When we hear of these things, we always think, “I wish there was something we could do to help.” Well, this is what we can do.

We are now offering complimentary portrait sessions to those in need; specifically, to those who have been or have family members who have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness. This is how we got into photography in the first place and this is how we want to help others.

We understand firsthand that this is a touchy subject. We know how hard it is to go through these things. When a diagnosis comes, there are thousands of thoughts going through your head. One thought that usually isn’t at the forefront is, “we should get family portraits taken” but maybe it should be. Don’t miss the opportunity. It is something you’ll cherish forever. We promise.

Please feel free to contact us or pass along our contact info to anyone you feel could use our services.
We’d be happy to help.

Hope

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Taken in Georgetown Colorado on September 17, 2011. Shot at 1/80s at f/8 at 35mm with ISO 400. Edited in Lightroom 3. Selective black and white conversion done with the adjustment brush, selective saturation and luminance adjustments, and graduated filter applied on right side to even out exposure.

I love the color of the ribbon suspending these bells. I can’t help but feel hopeful when I look at this image. The color and the sounds of the bells pealing make me very happy.

The wind was fairly strong on the 17th of last month so it took many tries for me to get all of the bells in fairly sharp focus and manage to keep them all in the frame.

I’m glad I could share this image with all of you and I hope you enjoy it!

Corner Chimes

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Taken in Georgetown Colorado on September 17, 2011. Shot at 1/3200s at f/1.8 at 35mm with ISO 200. Edited in Lightroom 3. Black and white conversion, slight crop, split-toning with blue in shadows and cream in highlights, tone curve adjustments, and vignette.

Wind can bring many things such as leaves, dirt, sound, chill, and change. Wind chimes have been noted for centuries for their melodic and artistic properties (I’m thinking Flintstones). This chime caught my eye because of its lovely curved shapes, unique markings, and its location in the center of the town. I hope you enjoy this little part of Georgetown.

The Russells

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:31:00 +0000

We did some family portraits for the Russells way back in July. Here they are finally being blogged!

Cute family.

Cute couple.

Cute big brother.

Cute little brother. I took extra pictures of him ‘cause he’s new!

A Return

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:45:00 +0000

As you may have noticed (or maybe not), we haven’t done a whole lot on the portrait side of photography. At least, not of the paying sort. First came baby, then came colic. Next came moving away from our established base in Layton to our parents house. Then, moving again to our new home. After that came yardwork and a busy summer. Next, kindergarten. And now? cold weather.

All this = 1 paying gig in the last year. All the others have been either freebies or for family (also freebies, of course). Which, honestly, we’re okay with. We love photography and that’s why we do it. It’s our joy. We don’t do it because we hope to earn “extra” income off of it.

This isn’t to say that we have neglected it. We photograph all the time but we could always do more because we really, really enjoy it. We think about it and dream about where we want to go with it. But if we start to stress about how much we have or have not been paid, it suddenly becomes more of a burden and a lot less fun.

As I said, we think about it and dream about where we want to go with it all the time. I think we’ve decided. I will write another post later with more details but for now, the title of this post is a clue.

Have You Seen the Dust?

noreply@blogger.com (EngineeringNerd) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

I’ve been “too” busy to make many photographs for quite some time now. I’ve shared a pittance of the photos I’ve taken. My excuses include babies, home purchases, yard work, and even my professional work. This is very sad (you may now shed a small tear). Not for the many good things I’ve experienced in the last year but that I’ve neglected an old friend. I intend to correct the problem right now starting with this image.

^{Taken in Georgetown, Colorado using a D90 and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens. Shot at ISO 250, f/4.5, 1/400s.}

I made this image in front of a historic hotel in Georgetown, Colorado. My family and I had a great time visiting this little town. I imagined the workers lifting these doors and charging the vault with a ton of coal. I can’t image doing that work. I might get a callus….

Sweet Sariah

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:34:00 +0000

Back in February we did a newborn shoot of Sariah. She is just so sweet.

She is so loved!

A yawn and a stretch.

Her little bear is watching over her (or as Rob says, ready to maul her…).

Sweet baby girl!

Anti-School Picture Day DEAL

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:46:00 +0000

School Picture Day is coming up.

Forget those boring pictures in front of a dated backdrop and get some REAL portraits of your children.
Let them show off their personality and who they really are.

For a mere $50 you get:

a 1/2 hour on-location photoshoot (as many kids/portraits that fit into that time.)
20% off professional prints
Complete editing of printed pictures
Digital files of all images

Not to mention pictures that don’t cause extreme embarrassment.

Give the kids a break! Make them feel as special and cool as they know they are!

Karlee @ 2

noreply@blogger.com (TravelMama) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:50:00 +0000

We’ve taken many pictures of Karlee in her almost two years of life. In fact, I’m not sure she’d even recognize Rob and I without a camera in front of our face!

Sadly, Karlee and her family are moving to the big land of Texas. We will miss keeping up with Karlee but wish her and her mom and dad SO MUCH LUCK. Thanks for the friendships!!