The World Through My Lens

This is where the cowboy rides away

Cliff — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:51:48 +0000

Have you ever had a moment in time where everything just clicked? That’s exactly what happened with this picture. I have started getting bored with the same old landmarks that everyone shoots, and was halfheartedly shooting around the Fort Worth stockyards with some other photographers when this scene happened. When they’re not driving the cattle down exchange street, the cowboys will keep watch over the stockyards and talk with visitors.

Two of these cowboys were chatting with a family, so I decided to grab some closeup candids while they were somewhat still. I thought the first cowboy was going to be the better shot, but his white shirt, white hat, and gray hair drew attention away from his face – just the wrong kind of contrast. So I decided to turn my attention to the second cowboy. His dark clothing and hat, as well as the dark backdrop made for the perfect contrast. That would be good by itself, but then the sun perfectly lined his hat and filled in his face. And then, his expression said it all.

Here is a cowboy who has been on the cattle drive for some time, it’s been difficult, and he is ready to see the end. You can see the sense of weariness almost covered by his sense of duty. Right there, in that moment, everything clicked. Any casual person might stay in that moment for awhile, but no, this is where the cowboy rides away.

Photographing Food

Cliff — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:49:56 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to photograph some dishes for a local winery and restaurant’s menu and website. Farina’s Winery in downtown Grapevine is a rustic little place with a great atmosphere and even better food. I photographed three dishes, Filet Mignon, Lasagna, and Kahlua Cake. I used a simple setup; a main light with umbrella, a reflector, and a bare flash to light the wall. I used the same location for all the settings, only changing the tabletop by adding a cloth and a sheet of lexan for gloss. I’m very happy with the result, and hope to see the work displayed soon.

By the way, the food is excellent. It was difficult to not eat it until after the shoot.

Expecting

Cliff — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:32:49 +0000

My latest session happened to be with two people that are dearest to me. It’s not very often I can get my wife in front of the camera. As you can tell in this set, we are very pregnant. In fact, there will be a little one here in a week or two. But don’t think that because I’m a new father and a photographer, there will be lots and lots of baby portraits appearing on here. Who am I kidding? For now, you can enjoy selections from my latest maternity session.

Another day at the office

Cliff — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 04:52:09 +0000

So I found this awesome gas mask at my local military surplus shop. I’ve had it in my mind to do something a little more edgy and a little less vanilla, and this has been the vision in my head. I have other ideas of doing some post-apocalyptic scene, or some elegant lady in an evening gown and the gas mask. Maybe those will soon come to fruition too.

Even though it’s a different type of mask, this reminds me of Dr. Who – “Are you my mummy?”

Another day at the office, a photo by cburns1 on Flickr.

Day at the Zoo

Cliff — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:07:59 +0000

I spent the day at the Fort Worth Zoo. Sadly, it was too cold for the apes to come out, but I did get some great, and sometime expressive shots of many other animals.

Self Portrait

Cliff — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:08:40 +0000

Self Portrait, a photo by cburns1 on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Strobist: Bower SFD728C in Apollo Orb at camera left as main light.
Neewer TT560 at 1/2 power at camera left, behind subject.
Vivitar 285HV at 1/4 power at camera right, behind subject.
Silver reflector at camera right for fill.

Kellie

Cliff — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:30:36 +0000

Kellie, a photo by cburns1 on Flickr.

I’ve been taking a look at my post production workflow. I’m learning different ways to retouch skin and set the mood through the color. This is the result of a few techniques I have picked up along the way. I have learned that it doesn’t take any one technique or concrete settings to make a good picture. It takes multiple small adjustments and techniques.

Video fusion

Cliff — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:09:45 +0000

Recent trends in technology have allowed for the easy creation of video slideshows. Not only can photos be seamlessly integrated with music and backgrounds, but so can video. This allows photographers to present clients with new product options without a large investment in video editing. Sure, anyone can upload a few pictures and have a video like the one seen here, but for the pros, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Some companies will even step aside with their branding and allow you to add your own.

PictureIt Fort Worth Wrap Party

Cliff — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 20:38:58 +0000

Saturday saw the end of a great photo contest. Contestants submitted photos showing what they love about Fort Worth. I submitted three photos in the categories of events, night life, and arts and culture. I didn’t win , but I was a runner up in the arts and culture category.

You can see all the entries at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pictureitfw

Steer Fort Worth’s PictureIt Launch Party

Cliff — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:49:37 +0000

Steer FW is Mayor Betsy Price’s young leader initiative to encourage civic involvement. Friday night was the PictureIt launch party at the Cowtown Chow Down. The PictureIt contest features the best Fort Worth has to offer in food, entertainment, and community. – From Steer FW’s Facebook

Mayor Price meets with Attendees

Making liquid nitrogen sorbet

You can register for the the contest at http://fortworthtexas.gov/steerfw/pictureit/