Senior portraits...

Spring is rapidly on the way.  Now would be a good time to start planning for senior portraits.  I am anxious to work with you to get a creative and unique set of photographs for the end of one of the most eventful years of your life.  I am now scheduling sessions for senior portraits.  Let's get in touch... blessings...
John

Historical Documentation

One of the things I do for fun is documenting historical sites.  Presently I am documenting the "Old Big Creek Cemetery" outside Shepherd, Texas.  There will be a flickr posting as well as Webshots.  I will also use some of the material for stock.  There are thousands of old cemeteries, churches and historical sites that will not be here in a few years.  They cemeteries, of course, are permanent but wooden buildings that have fallen into disuse will deteriorate.  I would like to encourage as many photographers as possible to take part in efforts to document historical artifacts while they are still here.  You would be performing a valuable service, publicizing your business and preserving history.  Many historical societies would appreciate getting photographs that would provide them with valuable resources.  One of the tragedies of the larger cities in Texas is that most have the attitude that new is better.  As you work think in terms of historical documentation but also as a way to build up stock material.  Many of these locations will make awesome locations for portraits.  A lot of fun in to be had documenting history that is now seen as commonplace or too old to be of value.  Shoot it before it is gone. You may well be the only one doing the work. 

Photographic locations

Today was a research day.  For any professional portrait photographer doing family photo sittings or sessions, location is a serious concern.  I armed myself with my Canon 50D and a couple of appropriate lenses then set out to find locations.  The family having photographic portraits done will have age ranges from one year of age to grandparents.  So I had a couple of criteria in mind.  And since I have very aggressive arthritis in my knees I was glad to look for places without too much walking. My criteria were simple.

1.  Locations had to be in a close grouping. 
2.  Play equipment needed to be present or close to accommodate the kids.
3.  I wanted a place out of direct sunlight or with dappled sunlight.
4.  Seating was an important consideration.
5.  The beauty of the location was of utmost importance. 

I found places to match every criteria.  I had a great time.  I found several places not having known of them before using the Android Google Maps application with satellite view. 

I scanned around the area with satellite view set at a low altitude until I found an interesting site.  Then I used the map driving directions to get there.  If I found one I liked I starred it on the map and took a picture of the location linked to the star and geographic coordinate location.  This way I can simply find the location I want and have the Android map app lead me there in it's navigation mode.  The Google Map app for Android is something I would highly recommend.  I will think through which photographic shooting locations will work best then use the Android Google Map application to take us there.  Likely we will use three. 

I will post more tomorrow as I found that I had some youth ministerial duties when I returned home so didn't have time to process.  Best blessings until next time. 

The pictures above I offer as examples used by a local farmers market for a product brochure.  I love Farmers Markets.  The location pictured here is one of my favorites; the Kingwood Town Center Farmers Market every Thursday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  I love local community events.

Welcome

I would like to welcome you to the blog for John McGeough Photography.  The blog will be growing in the future as I add and finalize the style and look.  I am a self-taught photographer.  I have been seriously pursuing photography for about 20 years.  I'm a retired teacher and ordained youth pastor so I now have more time to pursue my art with new dedication.  I use Canon equipment exclusively.  Currently, I us a Canon 50 D body with several lenses in order to meet the needs of portrait, stock and commercial photography.  Project photography is a favorite of mine.  I really love to pursue a subject, learning as much as I can about it while thoroughly documenting it.  Presently I am working on a project involving old, historic churches in the Greater Houston Metroplex out to about 100 miles.  This is the location where I will post proofs of photographs for my clients, examples of my photographic work and a record of my life as a photographer. 

The human hand is so expressive.  The hand is so complex and beautiful.  The entire life of a person can be revealed by the hand.  Does the hand show the roughness of a lifetime of hard work...  the dexterity of one who performs delicate tasks with precision... the tenderness of a mother holding the hand of her child.  I try to include photographs of hands with every session.  The most treasured picture I have of my grandmother is a picture of her hands crossed on her Bible. 

I look forward to growing as a photographer with this blog and through my work with my clients and projects. 

Best Blessings....