Sunday, August 29, 2010

Operation: Love Reunited Homecoming

As many of you know, I am a photographer for the wonderful organization of OpLove.  Last night I had the amazing experience of photographing a homecoming for an amazing family.  Typically I post sneak peeks of 4-7 images but in processing this shoot I knew I had to tell the story as it unfolded in front of my lens and post as many images as I needed in order to do that.  So there is my disclaimer that this post is very heavy with pictures :)

I saw excitement, anxiety, anticipation and even boredom in the moments leading up to the ceremony ("Come ON already, I know he's here!!!") transform suddenly to awe and raw tears of happiness and relief the moment the soldiers walked through the door and they set eyes on their loved one.  All of the emotion I saw and felt coupled with physical work to keep up as they rushed to greet and hug him... I really had my work cut out for me.  At one point I dropped my camera from my eye as I became consumed with emotion but quickly snapped myself out of it so as not to miss recording one moment of this amazing reunion.  Thank you again to the B family for choosing me to photograph these memories for you.  I hope you enjoy them not only now but also in the many years to come.

The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Family Shoot in Charleston!

I've been vacationing with the kids all week in Seabrook, SC.   While here I had the pleasure of doing a family photo shot for a wonderful family that drove 2 1/2 hours for little old me to be their photographer!  I have to admit I was so stressed all week about the weather... you never know when it's going to storm here.  Well it turned out to be a hot afternoon of 107 degrees with the heat index but NO rain and barely a cloud in the sky!  I consider this to really be a blessing, especially considering right now it is the same time one day later and it is pouring rain and thundering.  So I am very happy to be safe and dry inside posting the sunny sneak peek of this adorable family! :)
Thanks so much to the sweet L family for coming out to see me in beautiful downtown Charleston, you guys are awesome!  






Friday, August 13, 2010

It's all about the camera and Photoshop... or is it?

I hear a lot of comments regarding how my camera takes great pictures or how I must be a whiz in Photoshop to get the results I do.  Absolutely!  My camera DOES take great pictures when I have my manual setting adjusted to expose each shot correctly, my focus point selected purposefully and good composition and crop set in-camera.  And I really DO love Photoshop for enhancing the images and bringing them to life.  It's an amazing tool!  I have learned first-hand that most of the work is behind the lens and in the knowledge of the photographer.  Through guidance, patience and practice I have come to a point where I consistently get good shots straight out of camera (SOOC) and through my knowledge of Photoshop I simply apply basic enhancements.  For some images I do more complicated editing (such as the baby in the sac) but those images do not reflect the majority of what I love to capture... I find beauty to simply be capturing babies, children and families as they are.   At the end of the day I am still learning as a photographer and that continues to drive me.  Each day I work to better my skills and be the best photographer I can be because, although it's cliche, it truly is a passion... and unfortunately it's not all about the camera.  So THANK YOU to the photographers who continue to inspire and teach me, the families who entrust me to capture their precious memories and my family and friends who support me and my very time-consuming love for this art :).  I truly am grateful.    

Thursday, August 5, 2010

This is the last month for Tea Party Minis!

Just a quick reminder that August is the last month for the Tea Party Mini Session special.  I have a couple spots open and it's first come first serve.   Email me for details regarding availability at info@tylerplankphotography.com.  Pricing and package details can be found HERE.  I hope everyone is enjoying this last bit of summer!