Relax, Play Games, Take Care of You

I paid a quick visit to Chicago this past weekend to do some shooting for my portfolio.  I always love seeing different parts of the city from different angles, etc.  I actually got a chance to see one of my favorite views from the other side and I LOVED it.  Sometimes we miss things in life because we pay too much attention to things from JUST our perspective...


While I was there I paid a trip to a park in one of the suburbs and took this picture.  I am fresh from seeing the movie Eat, Pray, Love and I when I looked at this picture I thought about the movie.  This summer has been busier than heck and it's easy to forget to just relax in the midst of everything going on in life. I also thought about the joy of playing games. Doesn't need to be anything special as the main ingredients are family and/or friends and FUN!!!  Sometimes the simplest games suffice. Last part is taking time for yourself.  We do and we do and we do and we often forget to "Take Care of YOU"... 


So with the summer ending soon and all the back to school stuff around the corner, taker time to "Relax, Play Games and Take Care of You". 


David

Who Dat?!? - Man Behind The Lens

If you know me, I am not one to take pictures of myself so why should I mess up a good thing at this point?!?! This past Fall, several of us "Pros" got together and did a "shoot out" here in Bloomington/Normal.  While we were just playing around and acting goofy; one of my favorite things to do, "Dr. Eric Codrington" took this picture of me.  It's a very cool pic and want to thank him for it from the bottom of my heart. 

Beas

Party Like it's 1969

Yes I am a Prince fan but this post has nothing to do with him or his music but has all to do with this "1969" Jacket from "The Gap".  I fell in love with this jacket from the moment I saw it and I couldn't help myself; had to shoot it.  I started my shoot having the mental picture in my head of what I wanted and I got my vision down for the camera after a few minutes.  I just LOVE this shot and how the buttons punch out against the jacket.  I hope you guys enjoy this.

David

Macy's 1st Annual Fall Fashion Show

I have the distinct pleasure of working with Macy's and some of the most fashionable kids and adults in the community for Macy's 1st Annual Fall Fashion Show happening August 28th at the Bloomington/Normal store. The theme of the event is "Fall into the Magical Essence of Macy's".  These local models have been working hard over the last few weeks getting their runway "Model T" pose and fierce walks on.  Last week were were graced with the presence of Chicago's own "Terrance L" (renown model) who took the group to another level as he coached and demonstrated how to wear and walk into that "Macy's Magical Essence".

Come join us on the August 28th to see some exciting fashions here in our local Macy's.

David 

I LOVE Adobe Lightroom 3

A few weeks ago I was doing a shoot for a local restaurant (Station 220; formerly known as Central Station) and I tried out one of the new features in Lightroom 3; shooting tethered.  I absolutely loved it!!!. The head Chef and Manager got to see the pictures as they were coming out of the camera and I was able to keep on shooting in the process.  Adobe, thanks for the two home runs you guys have hit with Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3.

David

Faith

The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...

I had such a great time with this couple and their engagement pictures.  The wedding is going to be very exciting as the union of this awesome couple comes together. More soon on this.

David

I'm Still Alive and Kicking

I'm still here, shooting and trying to give more love to the Blog. Enjoy this for now...

David

Photographer on Duty

Just needed a title so there's nothing more to it then that.  Been trying to figure out which is better, natural or artificial light.  I have gotten some great shots in natural light lately; especially on those days with "even" light or a cooperative cloud or two. However, here comes the flash with shadows being the only thing to deal with other then strapping on a battery pack and/or lugging equipment around.  Here are some pictures I shot last year and over the last couple months as the weather has permitted.

David

Preaching to the Choir

When I left work yesterday, I came upon these tulips as I was driving by; I truly hope that's what they are as I am not an expert flower person, I just know what captures my eye.  As I passed them in my rush to pick kids up from activities, I said to myself, "I have got to shoot these".  Towards the end of 2008, I made a conscious decision to focus on people photography through portrait and lifestyle sessions as well as weddings; I am blessed to say I have two (weddings) booked for 2010 thus far.  Anyway, I made a decision to shoot these tulips the first chance I got which was two days later.

I picked up a 24-70mm and 16-35mm lens from my bag along with my Canon 1D Mark III and off I went.  There were landscapers close to where I was headed and I was hoping they weren't going to be a problem in terms of me being in their way and visa-versa.  When I got there, I wasn't going to get one of those shots everyone gets but I wanted something unique and different.  Being a little rusty with non-people shots, I was hoping I still had a few tricks up my sleeve.  This first shot hit me as an example of the power of God's love in allowing us to prosper in his Grace thus the title "Preaching to the Choir".  Here's hoping I got there folks.  Enjoy your spring and summer ahead from David N. Beasley Jr. Photography.

David

Got Knowledge? - A Different Kind of Blog Entry

Talking with another aspiring photographer today reminded me about my journey over the last few years as a photographer. No more “similac” and “pull-ups” if I can use those two analogies; we’ve made it to solid foods. I’m almost like the teenager who just got his/her license and is asking Mom and Dad for the keys to the Buick. Photography to me has been one of the most rewarding, inspiring, life changing, difficult, frustrating, annoying things I have ever developed a passion for and I would have it no other way. There is still so much to learn, experiment with and explore that will keep me occupied for quite some time but if it didn’t, I would be bored out of my mind and uninspired.

Over the last 8 months, I have been put in situations where I’ve been asked questions about photography from other young and aspiring photographers that I actually know the answers to; how cool is that…? Way too soon to claim victory but it’s a great feeling none-the-less. So this is one of those Blog entries that’s not about the pictures but more about the thought (s). Inspire someone today! This can come via your photography… If you’re not a photographer use your words (kind words), sharing of knowledge or by reaffirming “yes you can”!!! Someone today needs to hear those words. Someone out there is struggling trying to figure something out that’s pretty important to them and YOU might be the one to help get them over the hump. Someone needs to hear YOUR story so they can “see themselves in it”. Remember, someone or someones did it for you at some point on your journey so now it’s time to “pay it forward”!

The beauty of having a photography Blog is that someone may stop by, maybe just for a moment, and see the pretty pictures. But us “real” bloggers share more than that in hopes that pictures might serve as a “window” into what we have in “common” versus what might “separate” us. Today everyone is choosing up who’s side there going to be on, like we did back when we played kickball on the playground. BUT, who’s going to pick the new kid and help him/her out… I have been blessed to travel across the United States, India, Jamaica, etc. and have learned that we all smile the same, have the same fears, share similar interest and all need knowledge to complete more of this puzzle we call life. Drop by someone today and give them the piece they’ve been looking for… Got Knowledge?

For A.Morris…

David