Monthly Archives: June 2013

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The past eight years have been transitional times for the region known as the Hamptons and for the world of photography. The evolution of the photographic medium has changed the way people capture images, share them, and recall memories. The ebb and flow of the economy, (particularly the ebb in this case, with work being scarcer after the crash of 2008…) created an opportunity for Phillip to focus his energy and creativity on a personal photography project about the culture, landscape and the people of the East End of Long Island.

These Hamptons: A Photography Review

These Hamptons was created at a time when Kodak was shedding its less popular film stocks, and Polaroid was discontinuing many of their products, it gave him one last chance to use many of these products (which initially drew him to the art of photography) for the last time. Varying the cameras, film types and techniques to create the images contribute to the book’s dynamic layout and vast range of imagery. Though the images were only taken a few years ago, many are timeless and nostalgic in nature.

Below are some images which appear in the book.

These Hamptons: A Photography Review

The surfer at Montauk Point was taken in 2009 when Hurricane Bill was moving its way up the coast. Phillip was standing on the edge of the point when a surfer sat down in front of him to take a break. As he sat looking out at his fellow surfers, Phillip managed to a get a few frames of the surfer sitting nearly motionless, which was important for such a long exposure (about 30 seconds.)

These Hamptons: A Photography Review

The Lobster Roll (aka, LUNCH) is an iconic restaurant in Amagansett where after many years, the sign was re-lit with gleaming white neon. Phillip was driving down route 27 on a misty evening when he saw the intense white glow about a mile ahead. The sign never looked better.

These Hamptons was published on May 28th 2013 and is available at BookHampton or on Amazon.com.  If you have never been to The Hamptons and wondered what the buzz is all about or you have been to the Hamptons and love it, this is a beautiful book to own. Read it and come visit and you may see some of the actual locations these photographs were made at.

To Purchase from Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764343319

 

 
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Photography Retrospective: Blast From The Past

In 1983 I was about to complete my Master of Photography Degree at Brooklyn College. My thesis took me to a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. My mother had grown up in the area and I was curious to know where she came from. While I was there, I met Joe, a single parent father and his two children. I ended up visiting the area several more times over the next few years photographing their life.

Photography Retrospective: Blast From The Past

I was struck by the Joe’s attention and devotion towards his young children. They lived with him and saw little of their mother. He dressed them, fed them, took them shopping for clothes, made homemade ice cream, played softball and more.

Photography Retrospective: Blast From The Past

Eventually this collection of photographs was exhibited at several galleries across the country. It won awards at the Everson Biennial, Syracuse 1984 and the Women Photographers in America, Los Angeles 1985 Exhibition and Competition.

 
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Whether you are a first time owner of a new puppy, or have a treasured family dog that’s seen all of your children grow up, or a show dog, having professional photographs made is always a good idea. As a professional pet photographer, photographing dogs comes with its unique set of skills and preparation. Patience and calmness is a must. Pets are like people, they have their own personalities and temperaments. It is important to establish a rapport with each dog.

Here are seven tips on preparing for your dog portrait session.

1. Location: Decide on a location that’s meaningful for you. Do you like taking your dog to the beach, are you used to playing with your dog at home. Talk with your photographer about what you enjoy doing most with your pet.

Pet Portrait Photography
Golden Retrievers in their flower and vegetable garden

2. Grooming: This is best done the same day before the session. A shiny clean coat makes for the best photographs.

Pet Portrait Photography
Afghan show dog, beach setting for a magazine cover

3. Handler: If you are going to be keeping your dog under control, bring along another person to help get your pet’s attention.

Pet Portrait Photography
Jack Russell puppy
4. Toys and Treats: Every pet loves being rewarded for doing a good job. Bring along toys and treats your dog likes.
Pet Portrait Photography
Red Retriever and Labrador Retrievers

5. Leash: Bring a leash that’s neutral colored and as small as possible. A well-mannered, well behaved dog is always a plus.

Pet Portrait Photography
Jack Russell on a boat dock and Welsh Corgi at the beach

6. The Unexpected: Playtime with your dog can lead to some unexpected photographs. Relax and enjoy your pet, that pleasure will come through in the photographs.

Lap dogs in a home setting

7. A Family Heirloom: Dogs come into our lives for different reasons and by different means. However they arrive, they become an integral part of our families. When creating an heirloom portrait make sure your clothes coordinate with your pet. Solid earth tones for park, garden or yards work well. For a beach setting, wear lighter colors, pastels, whites, and blues can be very pleasing to the eye.

Dachshunds and an all american bred dog at a Nature Preserve

I have a nineteen year old cat, a thirteen year old dog and a twenty eight year old horse. I am thankful for all of the photographs I have of each of them. Each day they are on earth is a blessing. When they are gone, I have hundreds of  photographs of our lives together. Cherish your pet!