Questions, Questions, Questions.
Well, ask and ye shall receive. My asking for questions has been a goldmine for today. Here are some questions and answers.
QUESTION: "Have you photographed lightning bugs? Is it possible to capture them lit?" From Chloe.
ANSWER: No, I have never photographed lightning bugs. Yes, it is most likely possible to photograph a lightning bug lit, though I'd not want to try it because the technical aspects would almost be insurmountable. The bugs do not put off a lot light, and a bunch of them together in a pack would make it easier.
QUESTION: "Chris, what is your favorite thing to shoot? Breaking news? Sports? People? Artsy weather shots? Do you ever get well-meaning friends or family who ask you to shoot weddings or other less-journalistic events? How do you respond? These should keep ya busy for a while. ;)" From Ravngrl.
ANSWER: Surprisingly, I really enjoy photographing a well-planned portrait. The interaction with the subject makes the cerebral connection more enjoyable than just documenting the situation. This does not mean I like doing the quickie environmental portrait that is too common in the newspaper industry. Sports, sans baseball, is probably my next favorite followed by feature stories and documentary work.
Many, many people ask if I do freelance work. Usually I say yes and give them a card with my info and wait to hear from them. It is rare someone calls. Most friends and family realize things are not free in life, "There ain't no free lunch" a college professor used to say, and do not ask. I will do some things for people, and have saved the photography at several weddings just by having a camera with me. That gives me a lot of satisfaction to know I have helped.
QUESTION: "Chris, I have a Nikon D50. What types of lenses do you recommend for taking photos of players and crowd shots for Ravens training camp?" From regular reader Danielle.
ANSWER: The best lens for Ravens training camp, if shooting from the spectator areas, is probably longer and more expensive than you want to spend. They keep the players a good distance away from everyone for most of the camp in Westminster. But a good long zoom with a 200 mm maximum length will help. But the best strategy might be to use a wide-angle of some sort around the autograph area. That is where you can get close enough to the players to have them fill the frame and also feel as if you are part of the action. The players do not have their helmets on and you might score an autograph or two to boot.
QUESTION: "How do you incorporate photos in your home....do you have pictures throughout your home..do you change frequently - or do you find yourself like many of us...tons of photos stored on the computer and no where else?" From Eileen
ANSWER: Over the years I have had the fortunate expense, and pleasure, to show my photographs in several galleries and shows. The lackluster sales have allowed me to accumulate a good number of my "art" photographs, mounted and matted, in frames.There are quite a few sprinkled throughout the home, most relegated to the basement or in storage.
Over the years I have not framed a lot of my photojournalism photographs except the more beautiful ones. And now we so rarely make prints I do not have any framed from The Sun. Which gives me some ideas.
They are also all stored in the computer. Way, way too many trapped in the dark confines of the CPU.
