Emily and Jacob Christmas 2012

I tone mapped this image using Nik Software's   HDR Efex Pro 2 Tone Mapping. I shot the image using camera RAW and I could of ran it through the RAW processor with different results because you have different adjustments. Tone mapping is similar to HDR but using a single image to get a HDR look. My wife wanted an "artistic" portrait to send out with Christmas cards. She did not want me to post this until the Cards were sent out to our friends and relatives. Unfortunatly the lab did not process the prints very well and we did not have a chance to get them out for Christmas. I have essentially tone mapped another image in another post. I did not understand what tone mapping was and went through a lot of extra steps. It is one of my favorite images that I have ever taken. It is of a purple Mercury in the post Pacific Coast Dream Machines Automobiles. I shot for an HDR image, but this was the only image that did not have distracting elements similar to the post Taking Control of the Uncontrollable but I did not shoot extra shots. I was still new to HDR at the time. Tone mapping does not have the same dynamic range as HDR, but it mimics the look. Shooting in RAW allows you to save some of the dynamic range as opposed to shooting in jpeg. RAW format does not compress the data and allows you more leeway with your adjustments.

Al, a Binky, a Blankie and Bedtime

My daughter Emily was never attached to anything, but my son Jacob is independent but attached to many things. His alligator Al, a binkie and a blanket. He has slept alone almost from day one. He knows what he likes and that's the way it has to be. Its amazing how different your children can be! This post is about some of Jacobs favorite things.

Carol found a Linus shirt and I couldn't wait to take these photos. You can hardly see it because of his blanket. So much for plans it was hard enough to get the photos I got.................terrible twos...................another difference in my children. Emily was an angel when she was two. I just hope Emily is not saving it up for her teenage years.

Even though Jacob was facing away from the main light I thought this photo was interesting it showed how we had his hair slicked back like Linus. The light is not in the correct place for a profile, But it still looks good and shows how much he cooperated. Man is he already mocking me?

Jacob At Play

I think the remote control car is one of Jacobs favorite toys right now. Dad is having fun with it too. The print will be 12"X30" and will be placed in a custom frame.

Look Who's Walking

Jacob Has actually been walking about a month now, but my schedule has been hectic. We have a shot just like this of Emily in the same chair in another house.

Ben as Superman

This is Ben on the cover of a comic book.

Nicks 4th Birthday

Here is an portrait of Nick for his 4th Birthday. Sometimes its so easy. I just setup the lights and background and let him go. The whole shoot lasted less than 5 minutes. I think this was one of the first images.