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Even more Updates
Thanks to Michael Albee … my new website is getting some great updates and added portfolio items.
Check out all my galleries:
And don’t forget … I’m running a headshot special through the month of June!
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Families & Portraits
Added a Families & Portraits page by request.
Here are just a few images and I’ll be updating more later in the week!
These are always some of my favorite shoots. As the photographer, I get an inside view of the family dynamic and always try to capture the true personalities of each individual and how they interact with one another.
Enjoy!
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Updated a few of my photo galleries and will be adding new ones over the next few days. Check out some of the new photos in:
Don’t forget I’m running a Headshot special WITH prints through the month of June!
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J. Mathew Butler is offering a Headshot Special through the month of June. $250.00 Package Includes:
- 1-2 Hour Location shoot
- Wardrobe & Make-Up consulting
- Photo CD of ALL pictures
- Up to 5 retouched / color corrected images
- Online proof gallery within 72hours of shoot
- (10) - 8”x10” Professional Prints formatted with name.
Check out jmathewinc.com for examples and book now as slots are filling up quickly! mathew@jmathewinc.com mathew at jmathewinc dot com 214.728.4576 http://jmathewinc.com
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Photo shoots are always unpredictable! There are so many factors that add to the excitement and “OH! @#$%?” moments including models, make-up, hair, weather, passive aggressive swans, and egocentric peacocks.
Growing up in the deep south, I am used to being around ducks and other sorts of water fowl who typically flee at the presence of any humans. I had heard various stories and have seen (I am a fan of “America’s Funniest Home Videos”) that geese and swans can be particular aggressive. Shooting this particular day at a park in Dallas offered me first hand experience with this beautiful but easily agitated creature.
As I was shooting my subject (a very kind and astute author), I placed my leg over a retaining wall onto a rock in a small pond about a foot from the shore . I noticed the swan in the distance. For a moment, I entertained snapping a photo but since I didn’t have my zoom lens on the camera and I didn’t want to stop to change the lens, I continued shooting my subject with my back turned to the pond and my impending aggressor who was already on his way to introduce himself. I few clicks into the shoot, I heard my author, in a very foreboding, yet scholarly tone state, “I think you should probably remove yourself from the pond.” I turned to see the swan living up to its reputation!
Its wings were slightly raised in red alert mode; Its head and beak were lowered in a very “I’m going to kick your!” manner; Its eyes were locked on the intended target, me; and, it moved with the determination of Paula Abdul going after a chemically enhanced diet coke. Before I knew it, he was only a few feet from me. I managed to snap one shot as I was throwing my leg over the retaining wall and moving as quickly as I could from the swan’s territory. I am assuming he was pleased with his accomplishment as he stopped short of exiting the pond for a full on physical confrontation. As for the picture I snapped, well, he signed a release as long as I agreed to send him a copy.
Peacocks tend to live up to there reputation as well. While on another shoot at a horse stable in White Rock, this fella decided that he needed a picture of his own. I noticed him as I was walking by and continued past him figuring there was no way I would get him to fan his plumage. He, however, noticed the camera.
On the way to our next shoot location, I got the strange feeling I was being followed. A very uneasy glance over my shoulder proved me right. Given my experience with the swan, my immediate thought was, “What is it with me and the fowl of the earth. Is there a conspiracy against me? Am I on a most wanted list hanging in the wise owl’s tree trunk?” Just as I was about to break into a sprint, the peacock stopped, straightened his neck, cleared his throat, turned his profile to me, and fanned his feathers. I am sure I heard him say, in a very british accent, “Dear sir, I am now ready for my portrait!”. I laughed and snapped away as he posed as if it was a common and very natural part of his life to be in front of camera. In all honesty, he was easier to shoot than most models. He followed directions incredibly well and did a fabulous job with his make-up! He signed the release and introduced me to his intended mate. It was a delightful time had by all.
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I had the opportunity to shoot some delicious pastries from Rush Patisserie this week. This simply elegant monochromatic scene was just one from the series that I took.
Rush Patisserie is one of my favorite Sunday Morning indulgences. Samantha Rush, Owner and Chef, is always there to greet you with a warm welcome and serve up some amazing treats. Although she hasn’t been in Deep Ellum as long as some of the other businesses she already has a dedicated following. So the next time you’re in Deep Ellum, you HAVE to stop in … or check her out online Rush Patisserie.
More photos later this week.
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Kids! They are unpredictable, moody, stubborn, and full of energy just like me in midlife. Needless to say, photographing them can be a challenge but definitely a fun one. It took Brody (2yrs) a bit to warm up, but once he got going, there was no stopping him.
At one point, his mother was trying to offer him some direction. He stopped, placed a hand on his hip and held up his palm to her and “shushed” her. In that all to familiar 2yr old voice and with a scolding stare, he very deliberately explained, “I take picture.” With that, he resumed mugging for the camera.
From this shoot, I discerned that when photographing kids, you need a fast lens to capture those spur of the moment movements and lots of starbucks to keep up! Posing a child can really lead to “cheezy” kid posed photos. If you give them the general idea of the pose and let them settle into it, you will get the best pictures towards the end of the series once they have relaxed. Other than that…Let Them Be Kids! I had alot of fun playing with Brody and always trying to be one step ahead of him and anticipate his next move. I must have looked pretty silly climbing monkey bars with one hand since the camera was in the other.
Kids are more than just “cute”. Capture who they are. There’s a little person there with it’s own personality. Find it. “Never let your guard down and be ready to snap that candid picture that turns out to be the Best!”
J. Mathew Butler
