Life & Light Photography

Introducing the young Miss Savannah whose fun-filled spirit made the whole photo shoot an exciting adventure.  She was photographed in the famed pecan grove on the grounds of Richard Bland College in Petersburg.  The late-afternoon light spilled through the trees in so many of these images–painting Savannah in warm light.

Many thanks go to my wife, Sarah, for her assistance and to Savannah’s mom who worked as a model agent and fashion stylist (moms have so many roles).

It was a priviledge to be present and tell the story of Mike and Mallory’s wedding day; I am thankful for their family and friendship.  Their special day was unique for me since it was my first wedding photographed solo.  Special thanks goes to my wife, Sarah, who assisted.

Equipment: Nikon D90, D2Hs, 50mm 1.4G, 18-105mm 3.5-5.6, and 70-200mm 2.8 VRII.  Lighting: SB-900, pocketwizards, reflector, difussion panel.

Mike and Mallory love Sushi (and each other for that matter!). I met up with them earlier this year at one of Petersburg’s hottest restaurants, Wabi Sabi; it’s one of their favorite places to go for sushi.  The brick and cobblestone culture of downtown Petersburg is perfect for a relaxed, Friday evening engagement shoot.

First we went to the alleyways and streets in the Old Towne and then headed inside for some sushi, of course.  My wife, Sarah, did all the lighting and food photography.  Look for more of Mike and Mallory soon, since we shot their wedding earlier this month!

Equipment: Nikon D7000 and D90, Nikkor 14-24 2.8, Nikkor 50mm 1.4G, SB-900, Pocketwizard Plus IIs, various reflectors and a difussor.  Special thanks goes to Mike Topham Photography for the use of some equipement.

On a cool day last Fall, I grabbed a camera, my family–including my brother and his now fiancé–and drove out to the Malvern Hill battlefield in Henrico.

The sun just kept popping out from behind the blowing clouds overhead, making for some good mixes of harsh and soft light.  It’s a bit crazy shooting portraits when the light is changing so fast!  One moment you’re shooting into the sun, getting that back lighting and then the clouds roll over and you turn everyone around and start clicking in the other direction.  Enjoy.

Of life and light.  These two go together so well.  After all, “in the begining” the Hebrew Bible records God creating light then life.  Light was there waiting for life to spring up.  Well, with that light in place, that certainly makes a camera useful today for capturing a bit of the living that goes on in the light.

So the goal of this weblog is to share life–in all its diversity and possibilities–through the medium of light. This is about life, people, and events told through a picture.  I’d expect it to include personal thoughts, projects, family stuff, and professional shoots. Almost anything goes, so long as it’s told with an image.

So let’s start by getting personaI.  I took this image last Fall of my ninety-year-old grandfather; he was sitting on the couch in his living room when he turned and looked at me.  Soft light from the windows is gently pouring over his face.  Growing up, I spent about as much at his house as I did at home.  This picture’s going to be special for some time.

D2Hs, Nikkor 50mm 1.4G @ ISO 640, 1/100th @ 1.4

Regards, P