Put On Your Game Face!

Tonight,  I was perusing the wedding photographic society forum.  A comment was made to another forum participant that he needed to add an avatar to his profile so people could associate a face with a forum post at our bi-monthly meetings.  This is something that I have not done yet either.

So I grabbed one of my favorite models and photography assistants named Sophie Jackle.  She was so thrilled that  I was going to actually allow her to touch my camera.  This is something that she is typically not allowed to do.  One would think that this because of my concern that she may accidentally damage my gear.  Actually, I may also be afraid that she would show me up with better and more creative photography.

Anyway, I sent up my 580EX flash unit with a 28 inch umbrella soft box as a key light.  I sent my 430 EX II with a grid spot for a rim light.  The intention here was to make a simple casual head shot for the forum.   I put my 50mm F1.8 lens on my camera and installed it on my tripod.  Nothing fancy.  Just trying to take a simple head shot for the forum.  The tripod would help make it easier for Sophie and me less nervous. 

H

ere is the headshot we ended up with for the forum.  I merely demonstrating what a game face was to my daughter Sophie using a souvenir I bought at one of my trips to Lambeau Field.   Here is the shot she took.  See I told you I should have some concern about her showing me up.  Great job Sophie!!!

Remember in previous posts,  I mentioned that we had to keep things even in our house between our two daughters. This works between fathers and daughters also.  Here are a few examples of  Sophie’s game face.

So next thing we knew, we heard footsteps. Apparently, our game face growls sparked this sweet and innocent little girl’s curiosity.

 

She is so cute and innocent.  I had to share another one also.

 

Remember that keep it even stuff.  Well, here are some shots of  Savannah’s game faces.

 

For good measure, one  rather loud one without the  helmet.  Apparently, she wanted to make sure you knew who was giving you the  game face !!


Now we had to pull out another one of my helmets for this “brown helmet” game face variation. 

 

Finally and last but not least,  a game face duet with a little Gene Simmons mixed in for good measure.

Did I tell you that both of my girls are requesting to dress up as Gene Simmons for Halloween this year?  Well, of course I had nothing to do with that request.  Do not believe my wife Jackie if she tells you otherwise.  Do you see my Mr. Simmons figurine perched on the shelf proudly watching Sophia doing her Gene Simmons imitation?

Till next time.  See ya soon!!

Note: Facebook readers can see bigger and higher quality versions of these photos by clicking  the “View Original Post” link on the Facebook page  below.  This will show this same post on my blog website. 

The Show

Last week, my wife had a well deserved Girls night out(GNO) with her friends.  This provided me with the opportunity to spend a little time with my girls.  Well, my girls told me that I needed to stay downstairs and wait for “The Show” at 7 PM. 

In the meantime, I heard a little music coming from the closed door of their bedroom coupled with some whispers and shuffling of some feet.  I knew I needed to stay patient or I was going to ruin their surprise.  Nothing seems to make my kids happier than surprising people.

Finally, 7 pm arrived and I was ushered into the bedroom and told sit on their bed as “The Show” was about to begin.  Within minutes, both of the girls strutted out of the “dressing room”(adjacent playroom)  in their dance/gymnastics outfits. Sophie made a beeline for the clock radio/CD player and started a CD.  Savannah and Sophie got in position pausing for the music to begin.  The show was under way.  It was definitely the best choreographed  dance set I ever seen that developed by a  7 year big sister and very independent three year old.  I could not help but smile in pride. 

This past Sunday, grandpa Dennis(my dad) and grandma Ginger arrived on their way from Florida as they headed to southern Indiana to visit Great Grandma Jackle.   The plan was to have lunch together.  As soon as they arrived, the girls wanted to give them “The Show” that I was privileged enough to enjoy a few days earlier.

Here are some shots from “The Show” 

 

 

Now for a few shots of the audience:

Jackie and Ginger sharing an entertaining laugh together from the best seats in the house.

Grandpa Dennis is completely mesmerized by his grandchildren’s dance routines.

In the spirit of other great entertainers like Don Ho, Savannah provided a lei to her grandfather in appreciation for his attendance of the show. 

Apparently, Dad could not contain his excitement and affection for this present.  I am not sure exactly what this look means but I am sure it is probably good. :)

Here is a slideshow of the entire mini-gallery.  Tip: Slide your mouse over slideshow to see toolbars to control the show.

Snow day , Birthday, Obama Day – January 20th, 2009

It was an interesting day yesterday in Raleigh, NC, my family, and in the United States in general.

Snow arrives in Raleigh

Originally, I grew up in Racine, Wisconsin.   After finishing my  sophomore year in high at J.I Case High School in 1981, we moved to Rocky Mount, NC. I transformed into a southern man as I now have lived longer in the south than in Wisconsin.  One of the advantages of living in North Carolina versus Wisconsin is the more moderate weather.  We do not see much snow in the winter here. So when it comes it is an event. 

Over Christmas, my brother who lives in the Chicago area, sent me an email with titled “For those wishing for a white Christmas”.   In this email, he attached a cell phone photo of the front of his home just after they received over 2 feet of snow.  At the time at least for a minute,  I missed the snow related activities and was reminded of my childhood snow fort building , snow ball fights, and  snow sledding.  I did not of course think about the snow shoveling and snow blowing which would have ruined the moment.  

When snow arrives in Raleigh, the town definitely slows down.   It is generally best not to be “out and about” driving in the snow as inexperienced drivers head for the ditches and possible your car.  The snow began to fall on Monday night and we woke up to approximately 3 inches of snow on the ground Tuesday morning.  

The schools were closed and my wife and I decided to work from home.  With snow on the ground, it can not be all work. We needed to get out there and let our children enjoy a little of white stuff.  All work and no play makes Steve a dull boy  - not to mention the kids a little restless.

Here are a shots of the family in the snow:

 

 

Happy Birthday Dad!

Well, my dad turned 71 years old Tuesday also.  I am so blessed to have a father like him in my life.  He has definitely taught me well and has been a role model on what it is to be a great father.   Happy birthday Dad!!!!! You are my coach, my mentor, my friend, and my ideal father.   You are one in a million! That is for sure.

Obama becomes President

It is now official. Barack Obama is now the 44th president of the United States.  After watching the festivities, I have a positive sense of unity and hope for our country that I have not felt much since the tragedy of 911.   I think Barak has inspired many Americans and people all over the world.  I hope this feeling continues as we face some of our most difficult issues as a nation.  Do you think there is any coincidence that he is the 44th president and I turn 44 in February ?  Hopefully that is a good sign of things to come for all of us this year.

Take care !!! See ya soon!!