The Power of the Camera!

You can "Snap a picture." You can "Create a portrait." You can "Immortalize someone." You can "Capture History."  You can "Support Your Family!"

I do all the above with my camera.  Spiderman was told, "With great powers comes great responsibility!"

For some reason that line in the movie has stuck with me.  The camera has led me to photograph weddings from New Orleans to Canada, politicians, NFL players and their families, large businesses like Marriott and Lakeside Shopping Mall, ...the list goes on and on.  

I never take a job for granted and I'm always shooting like it's my last image ever!  The power of the camera has opened my eyes to what the world truly is and is not.  The opportunity to create what seems like magic at times is "Awe Inspiring" to say the least.  

Yesterday I had a gentleman walk in my studio because he wanted to schedule a portrait session for himself.  He said he was hitting the milestone of turning 80 years old.  He wants to give his family prints as a surprise gift.  He said he hasn't ever done anything like this and now it is time!

I was emotionally moved on the inside because I understood my responsibility.  He said he wanted a bust image from chest up for the image.  I then showed him a few images of what most head shots look like.  Then I showed him my favorite portrait of a man I have created until date.  It was an image of New Orleans Saints player, Marques Colston.  I have an agreement with Marques to NOT show any images of him or his family for the privacy of being a celebrity.  It absolutely kills me to not blast this image everywhere because of how much I Love it.  My word is my bond so no...I have not posted the image anywhere.  My respect for the Colston family out weighs the value of getting several "LIKES" on Facebook.  

My new 80 year old friend said to me, "Yes!  That is how I want to look for my family to remember me.  I like how it is regal yet simple. Not a big smile yet subtle." 

After he left my studio I immediately understood the power of the camera and the human side of what my responsibility really is in this world.   I have a big heart so I was a little emotional thinking about how I get the opportunity to capture this guys essence.   Small job for a huge meaning!


​(hero theme music in background while I open my shirt for super hero status) hahahaha
Sometimes I feel like this guy...