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I just finished teaching a Family Beach Photography photo session for The Palm Beach Photographic Center FotoFusion 2014. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with my students much of the information I have gleaned from thousands of hours photographing families at the beach.

Family Beach Photography

I thought about titling this blog: All Dressed Up With No Place To Go,  What Can Go Wrong, Will or Three Strikes And You Are Out.. At the location secured three weeks before the class, we had permission to photograph but had to pay for parking. It turned out the day of, we received free parking passes but were not allowed to photograph. My two families with their young children were incredibly patient as we moved to a second location. Since we were not going to be able to photograph at the beach, I figured we could create the same type of portraits, with similar lighting techniques and students could learn from the experience.

Family Beach Photography

After going through two very useful lighting setups, again we were asked to leave the location. The gate was going to be locked and we needed to be on the other side of it. No worries, next to that site was a place I thought I could finish up with more candid family photographs and give the students the final part of the workshop. Mom and Dad are in position, the background is good, the light is perfect. About to shoot, once again we are asked to leave. No worries. I resorted to begging. It worked with the promise of being quiet.

Family Beach Photography

The students appreciated the experience. Lesson learned, you can make plans but when reality takes over, go with the flow and do the best you can!!
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I could also title this blog, “The Life of a Tree,” “Climbing Trees”, or “A Tree over Time”. I have been a portrait photographer in the Hamptons for over twenty years. When I photograph I imagine what would be enjoyable and interesting for my clients. I like my portrait clients to be engaged in whatever it is we are doing. I feel that natural expressions come forth and enable me to photograph who that person really is. One of my favorite locations has a giant tree. It’s a magical tree with all of its nooks and crannies stretching out over the sand by the bay.

Portrait Photography, The Life of a Tree

This giant tree has held countless children and families in its limbs.

Portrait Photography, The Life of a Tree

I remember how much fun I had as a child climbing trees. The world looks so different through the limbs of a tree.

Portrait Photography, The Life of a Tree

Some families have chosen to make their holiday cards from the portraits on the tree.

Portrait Photography, The Life of a Tree

I started using this location with its giant limbed tree over twenty years ago. It has weathered many storms, lost some branches and many leaves. This is what it looks like now, in July 2013. I wonder what portraits I can make from its aging limbs.

Portrait Photography, The Life of a Tree

Time will tell!

 
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Michael Blount Joins Deborah Kalas PhotographyI am excited to introduce Michael Blount to Deborah Kalas Photography Studio. He will be working as my lighting assistant, technical expert, and second shooter for weddings and events. Michael began his interest in photography at the age of 15 when he received his first film camera, a canon AE-1 for his birthday. He graduated from Chadron College in Nebraska with a degree in Environmental biology. His interest in photography led to a job photographing for the Department of Interior in Montana, Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, Nebraska and Texas.  He soon realized how much he enjoyed photography and wanted to make it a career. This led him to enroll in the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, MA, an intensive photography program which focuses its curriculum on the art, business and technical aspects of photography and digital imaging.

Michael Blount Joins Deborah Kalas Photography

Children’s Portrait

 Michael is very excited about moving to East Hampton because he loves to spend his time outside and at the beach. He has a labrador retriever named Izzie, who is Buttercup’s new friend.

Michael blount joins Deborah Kalas Photography

High School Senior Portrait                                     Pet Photography