tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39255722940057030102024-03-04T23:10:37.864-05:00LENS ENVYmark fleming photographyMARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-46727388154019920442009-09-15T21:46:00.011-04:002009-09-15T22:02:35.024-04:00See Liz. See Liz Run.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlo7_mwI2SIkhjxUQj2XSwEZKTYn2UJlYWEfQPKdE82PAhWYZyfDywE4A3-MWtSgcDrV2egj4w9h7f4wnpjOZ2gK-N56CHK6oXjOTe8gPiFsF6lx25DEhnjJdeZln1MHLq8lDKK259U3h/s1600-h/LizRunning-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlo7_mwI2SIkhjxUQj2XSwEZKTYn2UJlYWEfQPKdE82PAhWYZyfDywE4A3-MWtSgcDrV2egj4w9h7f4wnpjOZ2gK-N56CHK6oXjOTe8gPiFsF6lx25DEhnjJdeZln1MHLq8lDKK259U3h/s400/LizRunning-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381877891346438050" border="0" /></a>On my last trip to Boston, my favorite model (and girlfriend) and I made sure we put some extra time in our schedule to put in a little lens time. Not only had I been itching to get behind the lens but it seemed that our gorgeous Elizabeth was just as anxious to get back in front of it. Well, far be it for me to refuse an opportunity to squeeze off a frame or two.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Wanting to go in a different direction that some of our previous shoots, Liz suggested that we do a jogging theme. Not a bad suggestion at all, especially considering that I am pushing hard to add more material to my lifestyle portfolio. So, with her in her spandex shorts, purple top, and of course trusty iPod we set off toward the shore of the Charles River.<br /><br />It was a great afternoon! I mean how can you beat spending a warm late summer evening in the park with your best girl? Oh, and we also snagged a few cool frames. Not bad if I do say so myself!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrTFSx-1JOLsz3tj-dUY3N2NwLYiNjAakAgUuZTcjnUtbC74Fb_WBcKg27bMtKxf-tUn1zp3lzp0HGIMA2uuC_v0C4NfKXAOJXvQALyr-g2GlrkajejyJHF_opDq6Qld9RE_dYu_THVEW/s1600-h/LizRunning-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrTFSx-1JOLsz3tj-dUY3N2NwLYiNjAakAgUuZTcjnUtbC74Fb_WBcKg27bMtKxf-tUn1zp3lzp0HGIMA2uuC_v0C4NfKXAOJXvQALyr-g2GlrkajejyJHF_opDq6Qld9RE_dYu_THVEW/s400/LizRunning-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381878033586111378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EGtvNmBhhP1U8PhJqVWJYk3kcBANAlLgivO23nJs2qPVSWYWOtd8qm3GYgbeD35PzJPIhiL3rONY2fbSoYMsu_18DbEWB-VqhLFNbwn4jbE4H1RWfd4-B31n1opthmN_XJ8ingUp0LMr/s1600-h/LizRunning-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EGtvNmBhhP1U8PhJqVWJYk3kcBANAlLgivO23nJs2qPVSWYWOtd8qm3GYgbeD35PzJPIhiL3rONY2fbSoYMsu_18DbEWB-VqhLFNbwn4jbE4H1RWfd4-B31n1opthmN_XJ8ingUp0LMr/s400/LizRunning-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381878126777967634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz3XmEhC4UJ5rpfQ21hiX78FTCSvk76ySN3kiHEs_DYQrkvADvJ1y__G88pn2ESGQRVIe-05BtOblOvEJ4DRpJz71JrXfbIACehIYL62VnmIoSsbtx8MT0h-YD7ZoDS_CQwcLI270DGN2/s1600-h/LizRunning-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz3XmEhC4UJ5rpfQ21hiX78FTCSvk76ySN3kiHEs_DYQrkvADvJ1y__G88pn2ESGQRVIe-05BtOblOvEJ4DRpJz71JrXfbIACehIYL62VnmIoSsbtx8MT0h-YD7ZoDS_CQwcLI270DGN2/s400/LizRunning-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381878394030268242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQXnjzEvhvQi_vq2RRUxctY2a4B-a11zviRA2KqgUVaX9-hYUK8CsT5GUnsPP0K_FPTRi6wQgt1eIjJ0kP_Cti6r2v-uIn4gdMUu25shd7hMSmwuTJMNeA0QDTdabEg2LV43E0Y6HF5a/s1600-h/LizRunning-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQXnjzEvhvQi_vq2RRUxctY2a4B-a11zviRA2KqgUVaX9-hYUK8CsT5GUnsPP0K_FPTRi6wQgt1eIjJ0kP_Cti6r2v-uIn4gdMUu25shd7hMSmwuTJMNeA0QDTdabEg2LV43E0Y6HF5a/s400/LizRunning-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381878216845640146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyi5iDEhUa6ATbDQ6pwxxT43Ev-_GSPVfkh0zL4Yi3qsl6E-LPcd0Im0UJMviJR-KDAnPrLgxqAKR79Mds4sU30WhYXzcq7reDt7LE5kmxMiX4V-NiRq0NCx3vjAOHSTBNje_evVTCgSO/s1600-h/LizRunning-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyi5iDEhUa6ATbDQ6pwxxT43Ev-_GSPVfkh0zL4Yi3qsl6E-LPcd0Im0UJMviJR-KDAnPrLgxqAKR79Mds4sU30WhYXzcq7reDt7LE5kmxMiX4V-NiRq0NCx3vjAOHSTBNje_evVTCgSO/s400/LizRunning-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381878306591968306" border="0" /></a>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-88546721020856344122009-09-04T20:18:00.016-04:002009-09-04T20:48:37.053-04:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >China: A visual journey</span><br /><br />With my gear finally unpacked (read: dumped in a pile on the floor) and my photos finally uploaded, I figured it would be a good time to share some of the moments I captured on our trip to the far east.<br /><br />I could bore all of you with stories about the endless hours in flight, the highly determined street vendors, the incredibly untimely construction contracts, or even the unusual and highly questionable food. Or, as I suppose most of you prefer, I could just show you.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiX5tnLCVcbQV7fgXk2zM1n9sIA4lmLHm3YHRWmd4druGrJxaY4UjSV3romcLFPQmQKqqbgbqGIpdUDZ0dNbvLaxcLrgqoTQKPqGOk-B0KPod-NGSDHWvSZfj6YgKUNuZ6GfIaK2nHbt1/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiX5tnLCVcbQV7fgXk2zM1n9sIA4lmLHm3YHRWmd4druGrJxaY4UjSV3romcLFPQmQKqqbgbqGIpdUDZ0dNbvLaxcLrgqoTQKPqGOk-B0KPod-NGSDHWvSZfj6YgKUNuZ6GfIaK2nHbt1/s400/ChinaCOLOR-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771187773849970" border="0" /></a>First flight (Logan to Detroit) delayed 5 hours. Had to pass the time somehow, why not with camera in hand?<br />Boston, MA<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D60cYPn2SKrdnFSVFsKBLigEdaP4ixxq6RxxurbxsUqqmqwBdXXH1vERbhcjQZzUQkXfkQIe5BbX22C4MhnmFFSn8vWWWcC0TFXr9z5Jq7RlJvGrqnVTzKEbURtnb72wQzaLrXepUlzm/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D60cYPn2SKrdnFSVFsKBLigEdaP4ixxq6RxxurbxsUqqmqwBdXXH1vERbhcjQZzUQkXfkQIe5BbX22C4MhnmFFSn8vWWWcC0TFXr9z5Jq7RlJvGrqnVTzKEbURtnb72wQzaLrXepUlzm/s400/ChinaCOLOR-23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377772228879017938" border="0" /></a>One of the more enticing street vendors we encountered.<br />Hangzhou, China<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL9fM7bdQeWJP8PX9kZN_UMG7FvPRYxVXSQqw6xLs4243yOATgkuTdqDtUQ4mIhq-BgM10pZJBCtDSw2xge26men13J52HtF60V1DV7YJVrt3kLgVQs4DYZCWXnZG7pQZa9t5ttQ3ikRk/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL9fM7bdQeWJP8PX9kZN_UMG7FvPRYxVXSQqw6xLs4243yOATgkuTdqDtUQ4mIhq-BgM10pZJBCtDSw2xge26men13J52HtF60V1DV7YJVrt3kLgVQs4DYZCWXnZG7pQZa9t5ttQ3ikRk/s400/ChinaCOLOR-27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377772108495094674" border="0" /></a>Prayer candles outside Buddhist Temple.<br />Hangzhou, China<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH0e7w6yGUctoomsa1cMpOhO08SASSc6Fhqzy_F-4KSXbqVtFhR1m8oqYc_u7E3nfBQIIi7o07trJ4zYXlEdrW4htEOXE9L2wLY7mI-0kFgOm1t9NSyDLnZ3lDxHGDtgOUTuvZPXJzH40/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH0e7w6yGUctoomsa1cMpOhO08SASSc6Fhqzy_F-4KSXbqVtFhR1m8oqYc_u7E3nfBQIIi7o07trJ4zYXlEdrW4htEOXE9L2wLY7mI-0kFgOm1t9NSyDLnZ3lDxHGDtgOUTuvZPXJzH40/s400/ChinaCOLOR-20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771935816120306" border="0" /></a>Tour boats on Hangzhou's famous West Lake.<br />Hangzhou, China<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R8o1dSY9_DWp94jlJA0xJOEvwhCxLIA_ZDLzoSHfj-u_jOK_ds9D3hOG9vqmp31FBaf8LAU0zv4Y8ZhkYs8q0yCb6dyLC1NDn_VKvNe1cbQbOCjyq6nLwmw5dD0_HOSkOXDbP160rULk/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R8o1dSY9_DWp94jlJA0xJOEvwhCxLIA_ZDLzoSHfj-u_jOK_ds9D3hOG9vqmp31FBaf8LAU0zv4Y8ZhkYs8q0yCb6dyLC1NDn_VKvNe1cbQbOCjyq6nLwmw5dD0_HOSkOXDbP160rULk/s400/ChinaCOLOR-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771776815465170" border="0" /></a>Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Taken from our hotel room window after an afternoon thunderstorm.<br />Shanghai, China<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5PMFHjp_0pqLrefHiAf8-5Y8A4-drIlvcpBX02dT7ccUffP3RMjpy_h3gj5ORmKI0dhOrLQthlzvvtL9zREhQFU-LhRMX6ZeKyTrHotIRAGf_8DuvATVsZTj_vahi2IbfiKSrXpy3nyt/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-30.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5PMFHjp_0pqLrefHiAf8-5Y8A4-drIlvcpBX02dT7ccUffP3RMjpy_h3gj5ORmKI0dhOrLQthlzvvtL9zREhQFU-LhRMX6ZeKyTrHotIRAGf_8DuvATVsZTj_vahi2IbfiKSrXpy3nyt/s400/ChinaCOLOR-30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771511003715202" border="0" /></a>Farmers paddling through Xixi National Wetlands.<br />Hangzhou, China<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchgqIonJrDiPEpar2aNL5gLmHJzTyjENUrgundI_4vRM8QkWMqhTZcYudtDS1BIBb7miGtTL05k9RJhnEqcnq_z4H9EVlFoP8b9Rc8zzlA3e0Gnz61ABr5zUo1v7AxhrkeKhhX6ejonCB/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-32.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchgqIonJrDiPEpar2aNL5gLmHJzTyjENUrgundI_4vRM8QkWMqhTZcYudtDS1BIBb7miGtTL05k9RJhnEqcnq_z4H9EVlFoP8b9Rc8zzlA3e0Gnz61ABr5zUo1v7AxhrkeKhhX6ejonCB/s400/ChinaCOLOR-32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771405486269442" border="0" /></a>Late night, back alley card game.<br />Shanghai, China<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUch6PcN3jto9s3HZ_xYobrYA3m8LzBG6DgBgXJOtNSfPetRr8Ixsf3YzBLGCShhaRlXtMlmOtwVIQ6izjpTrZ4dimifXqvVs3vuG9_sXd0Ff5bFHJk8Dq46VnpXaiJ97mY6y4nLLxrzTz/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-35.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUch6PcN3jto9s3HZ_xYobrYA3m8LzBG6DgBgXJOtNSfPetRr8Ixsf3YzBLGCShhaRlXtMlmOtwVIQ6izjpTrZ4dimifXqvVs3vuG9_sXd0Ff5bFHJk8Dq46VnpXaiJ97mY6y4nLLxrzTz/s400/ChinaCOLOR-35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377771300565028850" border="0" /></a>Street market near Shanghai's famous Old Town.<br />Shanghai, China<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-L3pHyws1160d-KuBViDiYYRsst-cR_SUuwIjO8iId7fQgY8dEklp9umtjxXbZv8u68zRo5ffuC2t6T2GWEGypulwGWV07Rk4uEtFRxc2tIb4_TnkB7UaYYf9itTLtpwK9bm6CX8bNF/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-L3pHyws1160d-KuBViDiYYRsst-cR_SUuwIjO8iId7fQgY8dEklp9umtjxXbZv8u68zRo5ffuC2t6T2GWEGypulwGWV07Rk4uEtFRxc2tIb4_TnkB7UaYYf9itTLtpwK9bm6CX8bNF/s400/ChinaCOLOR-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776456149708210" border="0" /></a>The Oriental Pearl Tower, 3rd tallest tower in the world.<br />Shanghai, China<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx4TL4lWzAlDtEylWCSziTCXaIbQXw8qlRv6Qab7-BezTsgenv7qS-Uy3Qi_U6qvyRrj0IpAAPDbkyOFwItASgsPhJr0XmX074CVJL7DlIateB0kNtyAKrOZkWlEykTau01GMjed4qipB/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx4TL4lWzAlDtEylWCSziTCXaIbQXw8qlRv6Qab7-BezTsgenv7qS-Uy3Qi_U6qvyRrj0IpAAPDbkyOFwItASgsPhJr0XmX074CVJL7DlIateB0kNtyAKrOZkWlEykTau01GMjed4qipB/s400/ChinaCOLOR-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776331824137378" border="0" /></a>Traditional bamboo scaffolding on a street in Old Town.<br />Shanghai, China<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRidHiyvZX4xCQ6-NENZqg2IR8yAcaaWCPptLhOeqSN5GFLBZ8XvPG54JysxczJWSjoykfgMeBTxZ_UhdspgNJYYuEcoID9onTNgCiVUzio7NLRMZ-QO69cgWcoFlQIByCJfvWEEp7AzVe/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRidHiyvZX4xCQ6-NENZqg2IR8yAcaaWCPptLhOeqSN5GFLBZ8XvPG54JysxczJWSjoykfgMeBTxZ_UhdspgNJYYuEcoID9onTNgCiVUzio7NLRMZ-QO69cgWcoFlQIByCJfvWEEp7AzVe/s400/ChinaCOLOR-26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776223378481666" border="0" /></a>Cramped and cluttered, residential street.<br />Shanghai, China<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitegf6V-GMPfUz7xlqtw3ZT66uWX_T4tH5ZC5xHDHsHapIj6cteT4lvmzWjF9jn70hmHSdwh0Rowlejtb0bVWF6WiHN3mjonC4E3q9PYsTZteYoFKdhj-JBGXukokyzuOFHQ67xC-i5sFH/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-31.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitegf6V-GMPfUz7xlqtw3ZT66uWX_T4tH5ZC5xHDHsHapIj6cteT4lvmzWjF9jn70hmHSdwh0Rowlejtb0bVWF6WiHN3mjonC4E3q9PYsTZteYoFKdhj-JBGXukokyzuOFHQ67xC-i5sFH/s400/ChinaCOLOR-31.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377776003872162738" border="0" /></a>Rolls of silk in Hangzhou's famous open air silk market.<br />Hangzhou, China<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nX66n5MBwbBa-LgCHLEGIusQY6Hx1EAn81JhrIwklf0poXMWRPLvEL0ZYG_0HtyTtgGVyvHqrxf54Yp9iGBr-lVxNS2GYiyz8eVtXb9eyC-8Oa5QNUxZND3C5cAbBPy4pVmuBGqkLUzH/s1600-h/ChinaCOLOR-34.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nX66n5MBwbBa-LgCHLEGIusQY6Hx1EAn81JhrIwklf0poXMWRPLvEL0ZYG_0HtyTtgGVyvHqrxf54Yp9iGBr-lVxNS2GYiyz8eVtXb9eyC-8Oa5QNUxZND3C5cAbBPy4pVmuBGqkLUzH/s400/ChinaCOLOR-34.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377775850554306914" border="0" /></a>Neon lights up the sky along Nanjing Road. The road serves as a Chinese version of Times Square.<br />Shanghai, China<br /></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-25712041241952609942009-08-12T09:06:00.005-04:002009-08-12T09:20:02.363-04:00Foreign Lands<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ipa.tamu.edu/news/china_flag_large.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 452px; height: 302px;" src="http://ipa.tamu.edu/news/china_flag_large.bmp" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clothes</span>: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">packed</span> </span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gear</span>: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">stowed</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Passports</span>: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">stamped</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Typhoon</span>: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">passed</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Operation <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">China</span> has officially begun!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">See all you crazy kids in September. </span><br /></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-1842414133064617172009-08-08T20:12:00.007-04:002009-08-08T20:16:16.848-04:00A ‘Green’ Adventure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoVe02lau09bCmZED6Ru3HYl4GSayRFD9alv9ZqTRywDxXyx7nmqdD-kPBnUrPSg3Ze-ADyMk_rBHZyfvmDgZh-H0al18dofKy0kr6sVUxz4SVEqVuUcmMPRNZGT-DE3k6wQKuWhL-mgI/s1600-h/Wind-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoVe02lau09bCmZED6Ru3HYl4GSayRFD9alv9ZqTRywDxXyx7nmqdD-kPBnUrPSg3Ze-ADyMk_rBHZyfvmDgZh-H0al18dofKy0kr6sVUxz4SVEqVuUcmMPRNZGT-DE3k6wQKuWhL-mgI/s400/Wind-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367750363709716434" border="0" /></a><br />These days it’s hard to not be overtaken by the influx of all things ‘green.’ From the grocery store to the gas pump, no matter where you are it’s only a matter of time before someone or something brings your attention to the current efforts to clean up our environment.<br /><br />It’s pretty much a certainty at this point that they can’t be beat, so I figured it was about time to get my act together and go join them.<br /><br />Sure enough, after about a four hour drive up I-95, I found myself smack dab in the middle of one of the most prominent examples of green energy in the state. Stetson Mountain, one of the tallest ridge lines in Maine, has become home to the largest collection of wind generators in the Northeast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL30z6aXmlXFHuSGG7cupmNZhdqL26dJ0uAN7Hh7rN_FIFbJO41zGN3igmyHMjIgkQFQeBQ2YHBLnEZAu05lgSBB2kYzVviZ5uwcobhSKC8Hu53ZodFuRwIcCd2EDmqAsRnULBZjCqIZY/s1600-h/Wind-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL30z6aXmlXFHuSGG7cupmNZhdqL26dJ0uAN7Hh7rN_FIFbJO41zGN3igmyHMjIgkQFQeBQ2YHBLnEZAu05lgSBB2kYzVviZ5uwcobhSKC8Hu53ZodFuRwIcCd2EDmqAsRnULBZjCqIZY/s400/Wind-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367750482053626642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03fz5w38SuSQzd_26tqrviSsCgcsWBdkvE6CIhvV2g8M-O4WnoEleEOyatWdlMcgHdcR8JWJlLJ5KR8txjPAkXEwP2JnrKn3DkS6uvZMnn41rSs9H-NNE_pAf12Tc-lLHuIbAKt0mhG1q/s1600-h/Wind-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03fz5w38SuSQzd_26tqrviSsCgcsWBdkvE6CIhvV2g8M-O4WnoEleEOyatWdlMcgHdcR8JWJlLJ5KR8txjPAkXEwP2JnrKn3DkS6uvZMnn41rSs9H-NNE_pAf12Tc-lLHuIbAKt0mhG1q/s400/Wind-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367750575022391410" border="0" /></a><br />There are a total of 38 wind turbine generators strung out along this magnificent ridge line. 38 monolithic white towers shooting skyward nearly 300 feet from base to blade tip. Make no mistake, these things are huge and when those enormous blades all start turning in unison, it’s a sight to behold.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFghfwe-FneTfaqo_PgEVb2JkkXXBVIe669S7Oz_eeDtZkYPCkMl-S5XGvgRo6jUHHDvyBR55KZ7J41D2p1ykLI-0SrR2ZeetPLiGhk2PFdIaTMmJecritJ0mXx5tlK3OWmgZWrHrzsZH/s1600-h/Wind-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFghfwe-FneTfaqo_PgEVb2JkkXXBVIe669S7Oz_eeDtZkYPCkMl-S5XGvgRo6jUHHDvyBR55KZ7J41D2p1ykLI-0SrR2ZeetPLiGhk2PFdIaTMmJecritJ0mXx5tlK3OWmgZWrHrzsZH/s400/Wind-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367750786612960882" border="0" /></a><br />The best part, however, came when it was my turn to climb prestigious tower 20. Tower 20 is located at the tallest point on the ridge and offers a staggering view of not only the surrounding landscape but all 38 turbines as well. The only problem, of course, is that to get up there to see this view you must first climb a steel ladder 267 feet straight up. I assure you, this workout is like nothing you have ever experienced.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnU-3jXyurIOd6WxpT9SoSJql6Y9mWbSmzyUKbuSEoFZD5kj7ZPW1V3JIu7lOLGCBm-aMT_5x36F2yw64_a20WGyfPxtZ6l-49c959wDZx6PuNE1Y117HycxGIIF8MyIjgAT2eqm44gIi/s1600-h/Wind-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnU-3jXyurIOd6WxpT9SoSJql6Y9mWbSmzyUKbuSEoFZD5kj7ZPW1V3JIu7lOLGCBm-aMT_5x36F2yw64_a20WGyfPxtZ6l-49c959wDZx6PuNE1Y117HycxGIIF8MyIjgAT2eqm44gIi/s400/Wind-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367750670930596818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The view from the top (267 feet)<br /></span></div><br />To keep things in perspective here, it took myself and the site manager about 15 minutes to make it to the top. The General Electric maintenance crew however, are required to complete this climb in no more than 7. Needless to say there wasn’t a beer belly in sight.<br /><br />In any event, I’ll let the pictures tell do the rest of the talking.<br /><br />Enjoy.MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-54277556503775039402009-08-05T21:06:00.004-04:002009-08-05T21:10:19.369-04:00Truth or Dare<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIPwuX-D7BZFEYa7CmDab6A4xJ7eDyWeJrP5rNbG-bfWVIbYbi2YWyptZslQhcnHH34YFP8DmhRSJD4sRGrUkpm01OWbWMa5B9NJMxw7X06Thv2Q2IOKbyeNe5wHpP6thA7Ku1383YykS/s1600-h/Blog-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIPwuX-D7BZFEYa7CmDab6A4xJ7eDyWeJrP5rNbG-bfWVIbYbi2YWyptZslQhcnHH34YFP8DmhRSJD4sRGrUkpm01OWbWMa5B9NJMxw7X06Thv2Q2IOKbyeNe5wHpP6thA7Ku1383YykS/s400/Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366651182188845122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Maine Truck Driver Competition - Dysarts Truck Stop - Bangor, ME<br /></span></div><br />Alright, well it’s become blatantly obvious that this whole idea of posting everyday is tantamount to insanity. Especially given that I have moved on from the simple image with associated blurb. That stuff was easy, though of course I didn’t think that at the time.<br /><br />Now, I find myself in a nearly constant search. Beyond what to post on this damn blog of course. Instead, searching for the pathway to a successful career in photography. It’s not an easy endeavor.<br /><br />The thing is, I have for sometime thought that this blog should be dedicated to my professional pursuits (read: successes) and that all things motivated by my personal beliefs and feelings should be dulled down or totally left out. Well, it’s time to freshen things up a little. Make a statement as it were.<br /><br />The statement to be made was brought to my attention through the ever poignant expression of my good friend, Ryan. When I asked if he thought my blog was getting to personal he simply responded, “It’s your f&*#ing blog. You reserve the right to write whatever you please, it’s everyone else who has to make the decision whether or not it’s worth reading.”<br /><br />The kid has a point. Two in fact. The first of course being that this is my blog and I’ll cry if I want too. The second, and more interesting if you ask me, is that this thing needs to be worth reading. Now, which is more interesting reading? The occasional successes of a newbie photographer. Or, as I believe, the exciting, confusing, invigorating, and often times frightening journey of a aspiring artist.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTKiNM678qVzDOF6Y-NH3BKfhhkDE4PrCpc2VYZwVYXDpK7fKw0VGUnanYza-wthbmbLru3ipJXDTlyB7iaqRfMQ8QkoNzav1ffpfszTqQcp56KUVnZTihZ7MOaffc9OfVOEvb3l0zxMA/s1600-h/Blog-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTKiNM678qVzDOF6Y-NH3BKfhhkDE4PrCpc2VYZwVYXDpK7fKw0VGUnanYza-wthbmbLru3ipJXDTlyB7iaqRfMQ8QkoNzav1ffpfszTqQcp56KUVnZTihZ7MOaffc9OfVOEvb3l0zxMA/s400/Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366651260182130994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Maine Truck Driver Competition - Dysarts Truck Stop - Bangor, ME</span><br /><br /></div>So, in the spirit of keeping things fresh, I am going to begin a new regimen of blog writing. The idea is to bring a bit of retrospective thinking to this thing. Show you guys what’s really going on - the good, the bad, and most importantly, the ugly!<br /><br />I was going to begin tonight, but hell this is already a six paragraph post, I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to really throw some meat on the grill.MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-43374293877247956472009-07-30T09:39:00.008-04:002009-07-30T09:46:13.530-04:00Busy, busy, busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrJh8vhT-cT3zgWJES5lRprHku9XkUbNtFpaYFQnodZl55xxQzKAkIOqDggHOVxjjBwNsiaplikscRzzw5bvzIjNf0UjzstC3Jfc10ulJ5tn-L5oVRlTqdV-hchfzlqmedjGURf_ah07T/s1600-h/Circles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrJh8vhT-cT3zgWJES5lRprHku9XkUbNtFpaYFQnodZl55xxQzKAkIOqDggHOVxjjBwNsiaplikscRzzw5bvzIjNf0UjzstC3Jfc10ulJ5tn-L5oVRlTqdV-hchfzlqmedjGURf_ah07T/s400/Circles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364247633124035570" border="0" /></a>It’s been a crazy few weeks here in Maine. Assignment work has taken me all over the state, from a classy new club in Portland to a very muddy fiddle festival in East Benton, Maine. Each location brings a new set of challenges, a new set of characters, and of course a new set of images to process.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZyvsdnIRe8INThhyVCBAvVjnFQ2erXSozARiNJNDRkUuhmZvvQJJ4kbk4fidkp8zBZqhIEEmILY58V0PbQikSy3vkHmVzwojsXsJhGK45Sq0n3iIEmEbo9B5QWfkufhVizgLYd_0goht/s1600-h/Blog-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZyvsdnIRe8INThhyVCBAvVjnFQ2erXSozARiNJNDRkUuhmZvvQJJ4kbk4fidkp8zBZqhIEEmILY58V0PbQikSy3vkHmVzwojsXsJhGK45Sq0n3iIEmEbo9B5QWfkufhVizgLYd_0goht/s400/Blog-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248238405546786" border="0" /></a>Needless to say, I’ve been pretty busy pushing that magical little button. However, I did promise to keep everyone here updated, so I figured while I was waiting for the local fish market to open this morning (part of another assignment) I would bring you all up to speed.<br /><br /></div>First of all, I’ve been focusing a lot more lately on keeping my G10 with me at all times. Not surprisingly, that little habit has lead to some pretty interesting shots. All the shots featured on today’s post are ‘found’ items that I took while traveling around with the G10. Proof, once again, that having a camera with you at all times is a very important piece of the creative puzzle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8AvAlDRVGQK_cCAmaeIi9qeUW1naPpooz8Wjuq_vC4a3EM_jV4tBGl91_pAfwgh3dSidYswBKGnyuet1k5j1sVdynp74ksimuKM2Ctaja1NS1z8fj64x3ijSEc2V3Su671dzbfBOOaJF/s1600-h/Blog-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8AvAlDRVGQK_cCAmaeIi9qeUW1naPpooz8Wjuq_vC4a3EM_jV4tBGl91_pAfwgh3dSidYswBKGnyuet1k5j1sVdynp74ksimuKM2Ctaja1NS1z8fj64x3ijSEc2V3Su671dzbfBOOaJF/s400/Blog-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248394161204994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI_lHUu4YkUxVv-pNqSJRCDycTOjUOeRjWZdnb1k1kDhePVrlDKjY-vRAL0OoBdZP5yYpaCRZg3Sn5mQ13sKssy_gljK2__FjCoCQWLg3f7TBoW_whDqDWcs6ii5ikNqOcFVlWWp4w7fk/s1600-h/Blog-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI_lHUu4YkUxVv-pNqSJRCDycTOjUOeRjWZdnb1k1kDhePVrlDKjY-vRAL0OoBdZP5yYpaCRZg3Sn5mQ13sKssy_gljK2__FjCoCQWLg3f7TBoW_whDqDWcs6ii5ikNqOcFVlWWp4w7fk/s400/Blog-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248489839102018" border="0" /></a>The main goal of my traveling G10 is to focus more on the small things, the little moments in life, the bits and pieces that make the best pictures. These shots were all found either inside my very apartment, wandering the streets of Portland, and even a few from Elizabeth’s new apartment in Boston. You never know when you’ll come upon a picture. They may not all work out, but one thing is for sure, if you don’t have a camera, you’ll miss the opportunity all together.<br /></div><br />As far as assignment work goes, the next images to appear here will be from my trip to the East Benton Fiddle Fest with Liz and Dad. Trust me, we found some pretty interesting characters roaming around in the mud, so keep those CSS readers updated, it’s going to be a good one!<br /><br />Now, it’s off to the fish market to pick up today’s catch!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv8R9m5PEPS92xfrCuYu7TwmMDVoODoMaJTvXh1LnY2n9BG38cYW6f5olGRw6vCCqp2x8Bh0VLPWv0sIND_rZn-AqjOiGT5FhD0P_5XKRcRyC592ztNYsQdyZy-Gv7GONMncERqmyTFbw/s1600-h/Blog-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv8R9m5PEPS92xfrCuYu7TwmMDVoODoMaJTvXh1LnY2n9BG38cYW6f5olGRw6vCCqp2x8Bh0VLPWv0sIND_rZn-AqjOiGT5FhD0P_5XKRcRyC592ztNYsQdyZy-Gv7GONMncERqmyTFbw/s400/Blog-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248567519301106" border="0" /></a></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-10660848256146925152009-07-27T11:06:00.002-04:002009-07-27T11:10:43.876-04:00Stay TunedHello all.<br /><br />It's been a crazy few weeks here. A lot of shooting and not a lot of blogging.<br /><br />However, make sure you keep an eye on twitter (MFPHOTO) or watch the twitter update on the side of the blog, I'm always trying to keep everyone up to date from the field.<br /><br />Sitting in Starbucks in Boston at the moment, after driving down last night from East Benton, Maine. Yea...google that trip if you want a good laugh. I anticipate being back at the computer sometime later today and hopefully even having some images ready for blogging later tonight.<br /><br />I appreciate everyone's patience - I swear I'll get this blogging thing down. Let's just hope it's sooner rather than later!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-7208699356748576822009-07-21T01:09:00.004-04:002009-07-21T01:27:56.701-04:00Fair Warning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMjmgJ0IJZsOLR1XiYfTDYW8S-EZ_kwCQ2D40HqeTeCAhLCSFuQI6ooFFZxDEZP_Ad-Uwy3Xf7CLZiR4bXrG3HShxpbSF2-pWU3ziOdU1EBQvL5USk9mBbumm4AI1cmmUEILCtatvdmTE/s1600-h/Avedon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMjmgJ0IJZsOLR1XiYfTDYW8S-EZ_kwCQ2D40HqeTeCAhLCSFuQI6ooFFZxDEZP_Ad-Uwy3Xf7CLZiR4bXrG3HShxpbSF2-pWU3ziOdU1EBQvL5USk9mBbumm4AI1cmmUEILCtatvdmTE/s400/Avedon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360779999722711122" border="0" /></a>Well, I warned you that this whole blogging everyday thing was bound to lead to some less than thrilling posts. That being said, the decision to venture further down the page is entirely your own.<br /><br />You'll do well to notice the above image is not my own. It's the work of one of the most gifted people to ever capture light, Richard Avedon. Arguably the most influential photographer of the 20th century, Avedon was a magician behind the lens.<br /><br />Not only could the man put his subjects at ease within minutes of meeting them, but he could peal back the facade and expose the real person underneath. His techniques varied from asking to move invisible pieces of dust in order to gain a slight physical connection with his subject, to asking awkwardly probing questions to evoke a 'unique' emotional response.<br /><br />Regardless of their methods, photographers like Avedon, Platon, and Liebovitz all have one thing is common. They all shoot with their gut. Meaning that they aren't concerning themselves with technical specifications or lighting ratios, rather they are focusing entirely on the subject. Not saying that tech specs aren't important, I mean it's be pretty hard to pull of a decent image without some knowledge of f-stops. The trick, though, is not focusing on the how but rather the why.<br /><br />Why this subject? Why this composition? Why this lighting? Tell a story with your images. Bring the viewer into the room, show them what you're seeing and allow them to feel what you're feeling.<br /><br />To sum it all up:<br /><br />Shut up and shoot!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-57659311767040075512009-07-19T23:45:00.007-04:002009-07-20T00:02:59.175-04:00Maine Lobster (the untold story)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCMtToeLNjGS255aEWmN2d9vkMx-gMR_28_kR3mS-smWfiTGnr3DDAwuR_jZBj40pjy-tvSOgEvX76J6DmSFyLhv_C60XB47ij14Ll_7M4QibWiBqx_U26FTNviiWJd2iaxk0OS7F6nOw/s1600-h/Dad-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCMtToeLNjGS255aEWmN2d9vkMx-gMR_28_kR3mS-smWfiTGnr3DDAwuR_jZBj40pjy-tvSOgEvX76J6DmSFyLhv_C60XB47ij14Ll_7M4QibWiBqx_U26FTNviiWJd2iaxk0OS7F6nOw/s400/Dad-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360383736692162322" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">World's Best Assistant (AKA: Dad)</span><br /></div><br />First of all, let me apologize for my disappearance over the past few days, digitally speaking at least.<br /><br />I was fully intending to keep everyone posted on my exciting trip to the coastal community of <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stonington,+Maine&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.821085,95.009766&ie=UTF8&ll=44.155638,-68.66601&spn=0.507409,1.484528&t=h&z=10"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stonington, Maine</span></a>. That is, until I we got there and realized the nearest Wi-Fi signal was about 40 minutes away. Needless to say, my updates quickly fell behind.<br /><br />My photography, however, was anything but lacking. From nearly the moment we arrived, my shutter was clicking away, capturing the rarely seen side of one of the world’s premier delicacies. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and certainly don’t forget the butter!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcz6ikVuGSEsvt-dBP0bWH2T7Vy1rLtds5riKzcCCZeLVxNldXnKIaJQU8NtUMn4xf0Bh3_E31k9qgcoDK4ax5-bG4AaVvNl8eHBNaR4kJ-skkRm3yL_zkgtDAZiDi4FdB9GTJ8vjnXXG/s1600-h/Lobster-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcz6ikVuGSEsvt-dBP0bWH2T7Vy1rLtds5riKzcCCZeLVxNldXnKIaJQU8NtUMn4xf0Bh3_E31k9qgcoDK4ax5-bG4AaVvNl8eHBNaR4kJ-skkRm3yL_zkgtDAZiDi4FdB9GTJ8vjnXXG/s400/Lobster-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360384776550568482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Maine's #1 export (also the least attractive)</span></div><br />The ‘weekend’ as I’m calling it began on noon on Wednesday. With all the gear, and my parents, loaded into the Mark Fleming Photo mobile (AKA my parent’s <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.winnebagoind.com/products/itasca/2009/navion/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Itasca Navion</span></a>) we began our trek up route one in search of real Maine lobsters. Well, to be more specific the men and women who make a living catching real Maine lobsters, better known to you and I, as real Maine lobstermen.<br /><br />My goal of photographing this down to earth, hard working, coastal culture began bright and early Thursday morning. 3 AM bright and early to be exact. These guys don’t waste a minute, by 6 last of the boats have geared up and begun their trip out into the Gulf of Maine to catch their clawed bounty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtZ7Pr1GQXvw8tV1iIZlLflwvrzI6bOtX_u6tBCwKn5-LXdQbbbYcg1FFBkOyIeHALchSgVCvFhzsnUM1wWrGFlx5RfVFV-2sioMyUXyRqgCbX2Md-fn9RnyqBpgoAAV5fjUDqlV8so-I/s1600-h/Lobster-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtZ7Pr1GQXvw8tV1iIZlLflwvrzI6bOtX_u6tBCwKn5-LXdQbbbYcg1FFBkOyIeHALchSgVCvFhzsnUM1wWrGFlx5RfVFV-2sioMyUXyRqgCbX2Md-fn9RnyqBpgoAAV5fjUDqlV8so-I/s400/Lobster-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360384567042688050" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The various bait fish arrive in these colorful crates.<br />The smell? I'll leave that up to your imagination.<br /></span></div><br />For me, the fun began with introducing myself and my trusty assistant (Pops) to the ‘crew’ at the Stonington Lobster Cooperative. Let’s just say that walking into a group of hardened seamen with a camera and strobe light (soft-box equipped) on a stick isn’t the easiest way to break the ice.<br /><br />To make a long story short, after showing up three days in a row before the break of day, one gains a bit of street (or water as the case may be) cred. Once making friends the photography came easily. My Pops proved yet again to be an invaluable piece of the puzzle, carrying a power pack on his back and holding the strobe on a stick all weekend. Let me tell you, having quality light in these circumstances makes all the difference. Not to mention that spending some quality time with my Dad, especially at 3 in the morning on a dock surrounded by piles of dead fish, is one interesting bonding experience.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Heard enough?<br />Click <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.markflemingphoto.com/data/web/Lobster_Web/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</span></a> to see a full gallery<br />from this weekend’s crustacean laden adventures.</span><br /></div><br />Anxious to hear people’s thoughts, so please don’t be shy. Let it rip people!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-87873346496499580872009-07-14T15:40:00.006-04:002009-07-14T16:02:12.487-04:00Epic Adventures Ahead<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLOX9zDPjiB_O0SYxXeDk9ORjr5NMiYWKmczjFEWZ8pGjxV0abq8S5ty-TFrKvZSJKRnFqR9P9B7DWD6WfBBS-MhprRRjxtZOuNcrFCsjXAkHYcW0zzXqHE_Xmv-QFMkNrbUBrW7ROT6l/s1600-h/SELF-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLOX9zDPjiB_O0SYxXeDk9ORjr5NMiYWKmczjFEWZ8pGjxV0abq8S5ty-TFrKvZSJKRnFqR9P9B7DWD6WfBBS-MhprRRjxtZOuNcrFCsjXAkHYcW0zzXqHE_Xmv-QFMkNrbUBrW7ROT6l/s400/SELF-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358403161571088930" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">self portrait w/ speedlight<br />(facebook called for a new profile pic)</span><br /></div><br />Yea, this posting everyday thing is really starting to become an enjoyable experience. I’ve found myself looking for things I’ve accomplished, figured out, thought about, pondered over, or even found remarkably disturbing to share with you all.<br /><br />Today, for example, has been a day of planning and packing. You see, I’m embarking on a ton of new adventures over the next year and as such have a lot of loose ends to tie up. Along with my larger travel endeavors, my days are also filling up with various and sundry editorial and commercial gigs as well as the ever popular self assignments. To bring everyone up to speed here’s a quick run down.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Adventures of Mark</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epic</span>:<br /><ul><li>Shanghai & Hangzhou China to visit Ryan (Depart: August 15, 2009)</li><li>Cross Country Adventure w/ Ryan (Depart: June 2010)</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Extraordinary</span>:<br /><ul><li>Maine Lobstermen portrait session (Self-Assignment - Stonington, ME)</li><li>Upcoming portrait session with ‘dreamy’ Maine celebrity (Down East)</li><li>Commercial shoot @ The Pearl bar/club (Portland, ME)</li><li>Wind Farm editorial shoot (Way-The-Hell-Up-There, ME)</li><li>Various cooperative model shoots AKA portfolio building (In & around Portland, ME)</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Everyday</span>:<br /><ul><li>Visiting the lovely Elizabeth (Boston, MA)</li><li>Visiting Parents in hometown (Palermo, ME)</li><li>Visiting new nephew (Mystic, CT)</li></ul></div><br />Phew! It’s going to be a busy couple of months. Especially considering I’ve made the decision to revamp my entire portfolio with new images. That’s right, new book will be on the way in hopefully no more than a month or so. I’ll be sure to share with you all online when it’s complete.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ_O-cSAZLoFYGHn2jWH225YDKmV7oELvvBB43674JlgIuXg95YzQV8D11QxJVzCEBUU8tOa1kgNL37qOVnvqnMuiyJBJeA5pEfcBuem-a8rm6zDLiRu_vOAblzUIOnco9yCrhUC4wRnw/s1600-h/Stone-4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ_O-cSAZLoFYGHn2jWH225YDKmV7oELvvBB43674JlgIuXg95YzQV8D11QxJVzCEBUU8tOa1kgNL37qOVnvqnMuiyJBJeA5pEfcBuem-a8rm6zDLiRu_vOAblzUIOnco9yCrhUC4wRnw/s400/Stone-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358406997389231746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Stonington Harbor, Maine (2006)<br />copyright Mark Fleming Photography</span><br /></div><br />The first thing to get crossed off the list will come this Thursday/Friday. I will be heading north to one of my old landscape haunts, the uniquely quaint Stonington, ME. Now, I’ve been to this humble fishing village (one of the few left in this state) numerous times. I watched the sunrise over that harbor more times than I can count.<br /><br />However, this time I’m going to attempt a series of photographs that have been on my to-do list for going on ten years now. Intimate portraits of working lobstermen. Now, i’ve shot these stone faced seamen before though always from a ‘safe’ distance. This time will be different. Bright and early (3:00 AM) I’m going to arrive at the Stonington Lobster Co-Op camera and gear at the ready. I’ll introduce myself, explain a bit about what I’m trying to do, and hopefully convince at least one stoic weather worn face to step in front of the lens.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3W0dtQQkMMRyS5gpk5bB3sUVzNIygt0tMoIpmmJasHDeDjrYD9_cZjmcPuHcGFYmitPdWY1GzyUQS6ezOKe1Z7FOvpyfRJxRfT_YAnEVaeRcZL-4MAuaZRsMre_2iyqLI7VIHu7gfOU9/s1600-h/Stone-3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3W0dtQQkMMRyS5gpk5bB3sUVzNIygt0tMoIpmmJasHDeDjrYD9_cZjmcPuHcGFYmitPdWY1GzyUQS6ezOKe1Z7FOvpyfRJxRfT_YAnEVaeRcZL-4MAuaZRsMre_2iyqLI7VIHu7gfOU9/s400/Stone-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358406923447715106" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Stonington Harbor, Maine (2007)<br />copyright Mark Fleming Photography</span></div><br />My goal is simple, create intimate and evocative portraits of the men and women who make their living hauling traps out of the freezing waters that fill the Gulf of Maine. Lighting will be kept to a minimum as to avoid overwhelming such a skeptical crowd as well as to keep the images subtle. The plan as of today is to go with a AB800 strobe unit inside a medium softbox, powered by an Alien Bee Vagabond (Courtesy of <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://lensprotogo.com/">LensProtoGo</a>) and held by my trusty assistant, my father. The singular light source should, if everything goes as planned, keep the attention on the subject while providing a quality of light that ensures the utmost detail and clarity.<br /><br />There will be more ‘behind-the-scenes’ info and images after we get ourselves up there. So, for you gear heads, stay tuned. For everyone who would rather watch paint dry than talk about lighting ratios and f-stops, don’t worry I’m sure I’ll have some humorous antidotes from a weekend spent with my parents in a small fishing town that will provide some good reading.<br /><br />Keep your RSS feeds updated folks, the next few months should make for some pretty interesting blog posts.<br /><br />As always, any questions you may have are welcome. Either leave a comment or send a personal note to mark@markflemingphoto.com<br /><br />Fleming, out!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-XSJGvq9o80j26kHvE1Z3s5HpuNtdMxDpta-5vukn2rWjLKt0nl9wcRWSF3xcHpW0wtMMg6McyXmdYrBW794EVyrkzo3vmVe_UIq7XsaFr_CvMnt_LHFaTGA7MhhTrA-aSvoh-XAe_4A/s1600-h/Stone-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-XSJGvq9o80j26kHvE1Z3s5HpuNtdMxDpta-5vukn2rWjLKt0nl9wcRWSF3xcHpW0wtMMg6McyXmdYrBW794EVyrkzo3vmVe_UIq7XsaFr_CvMnt_LHFaTGA7MhhTrA-aSvoh-XAe_4A/s400/Stone-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358406843571825058" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Stonington Harbor, Maine (2007)<br />copyright Mark Fleming Photography</span></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-79866422559490941842009-07-13T20:29:00.005-04:002009-07-13T20:33:54.463-04:00Messing Around<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74Tin8rwjzOgYcYoWrSIr0kJ5beWl3jVSh89Z0wamWiRtb-jX-Z4lZTAlmkeBDZOEFCy39OsdIL7LdynNqNsIfBkXFEKA_S94W-il6PMXDEQfExckK91IgL_bfsUXx76SDoOErVlN4nkM/s1600-h/g10-3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74Tin8rwjzOgYcYoWrSIr0kJ5beWl3jVSh89Z0wamWiRtb-jX-Z4lZTAlmkeBDZOEFCy39OsdIL7LdynNqNsIfBkXFEKA_S94W-il6PMXDEQfExckK91IgL_bfsUXx76SDoOErVlN4nkM/s400/g10-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358107032331874146" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />When one takes on a favorite activity (let’s just use photography for arguments sake) as a profession, it can be easy to get caught up in the professionalism of it all and forget the fun.<br /><br />To this end, I make it a regular habit to take my lovely Canon G10 out on the streets of various cities that I frequent and just shoot away. This particular weekend I happened to be in Boston visiting Liz.<br /><br />I grab the camera, wrap the strap around my wrist and just start walking. I then start to focus entirely on the environment around me. The people, the buildings, the textures, the colors, all of it taken in and analyzed for visual stimulation. If something catches my eye, well I push the button. I may not even raise the camera to my face, rather just pushing the button while directing the lens direction from my hip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX1Rp371c1EBhZG9Z2W92tzjoZHSCMrviGUIJQVNYrVdGjxb2hh8eLVJ0I9Wx0Mt4hUYJGFzxf2xb7VnD_k5PdJRrU_gz5VcVVDmwCQg33uq0XNzx5ZquTNKhA4k2w3nKnf3RUGMd4atd/s1600-h/g10-4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX1Rp371c1EBhZG9Z2W92tzjoZHSCMrviGUIJQVNYrVdGjxb2hh8eLVJ0I9Wx0Mt4hUYJGFzxf2xb7VnD_k5PdJRrU_gz5VcVVDmwCQg33uq0XNzx5ZquTNKhA4k2w3nKnf3RUGMd4atd/s400/g10-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358107145701067122" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The most important thing, however, is not getting caught up in the business side. Forget wether or not this short will make the portfolio or make some stock shelf someday. Remember how much fun it is to simply observe and capture. Shoot what you see, how you see it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLv8lJuPoe1LvPEJ6cDuqJemG3Z7s2YtKwx3udJLN6hjRs8uCFiEMXzc3bkHr3fxyo2-uGA21XqVmuFfLsSXGncC5yt46cbS4f6XA-SJnpZVHvxkYNJ5SXq8gqBu6h11_1EBuipK9ux9Y/s1600-h/g10-2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLv8lJuPoe1LvPEJ6cDuqJemG3Z7s2YtKwx3udJLN6hjRs8uCFiEMXzc3bkHr3fxyo2-uGA21XqVmuFfLsSXGncC5yt46cbS4f6XA-SJnpZVHvxkYNJ5SXq8gqBu6h11_1EBuipK9ux9Y/s400/g10-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358106960958166754" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />It’s hard not to over think things, especially after working so hard during the ‘week’ to try and make it as a professional photographer. But, trust me if you do let go and just have fun with a camera, it can be one hell of a rejuvenating experience.<br /><br />Again, we’re going to end with what apparently has become my own personal mantra, get out there and push the button!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEqqYtkdps7uLC7_DaI1NDP-sXmUXfUNr5w3OnCVrEKbjU8Hte-C5AWCfFjv-uTDrlaGFeXBTQncZjxvaOWvdLQSFqGd8F2NGDY5Marj8Vw6BcM16U-bbPq4B991T5if4Nzwnz3ePcHVk/s1600-h/g10-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEqqYtkdps7uLC7_DaI1NDP-sXmUXfUNr5w3OnCVrEKbjU8Hte-C5AWCfFjv-uTDrlaGFeXBTQncZjxvaOWvdLQSFqGd8F2NGDY5Marj8Vw6BcM16U-bbPq4B991T5if4Nzwnz3ePcHVk/s400/g10-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358106616027789746" border="0" /></a><br /></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-78756304457806195522009-07-12T19:50:00.006-04:002009-07-12T20:00:52.742-04:00Old Dog. New Tricks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV5-_JezVlQzPUXV9v39xTIwRno5HfyphMPW5dnM_Mr7pO8fA9pG6CMawRpI-dfzk-bQHk8KKtLLE21hGsV4OFYbokfEY3waNyWeNbf06bW9jY2r5khHtFW2eU2ad08xq9OeuMhxSJVJs/s1600-h/0005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV5-_JezVlQzPUXV9v39xTIwRno5HfyphMPW5dnM_Mr7pO8fA9pG6CMawRpI-dfzk-bQHk8KKtLLE21hGsV4OFYbokfEY3waNyWeNbf06bW9jY2r5khHtFW2eU2ad08xq9OeuMhxSJVJs/s400/0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357727577487561378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I told you I was going to post.<br /><br />Now it's time to put the proverbial money where my proverbial mouth is. So to speak, of course.<br /><br />To pick up for a moment on yesterday's post, it appears that yours truly was in good company by scanning the shelves this weekend. It appears kick ass photog, Robert Benson was doing much the same thing. Check out his latest post <a href="http://robertbenson.com/blog/">HERE</a>, to see what I'm referring to.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTOPXJY7WA2FmHnuEa6IIipSbhf3iW9TohTdGyDcOOK9rKXIYMzMQHWhCC0s1JGigqow_riR3gn3Ub-HslYn85h85jgZXvy04wLY6pz-yCB34JWLlZfRAnhydWQ4akJ8xwHgyi3g5-dIq/s1600-h/0003.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTOPXJY7WA2FmHnuEa6IIipSbhf3iW9TohTdGyDcOOK9rKXIYMzMQHWhCC0s1JGigqow_riR3gn3Ub-HslYn85h85jgZXvy04wLY6pz-yCB34JWLlZfRAnhydWQ4akJ8xwHgyi3g5-dIq/s400/0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357727440875918226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In other news, spent a good deal of my night (read: all night) going through some images from the archive and seeing if I couldn't rework some of the processing.<br /><br />That being the case, I figured it probably wouldn't hurt to share some of the results. Now, remember, the goal wasn't to rearrange my photographic vision on images that had already been captured. No - THAT part comes in the weeks to come.<br /><br />The idea behind this time consuming practice was to see if I couldn't try and clean up my processing a bit. Loose the grit, keep the detail, and overall make a good looking image just that much better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8Eo-8qhdbKs-SPnlsoFx1DL31STbgS0qd-PDmW4cRX3O9wRdaQjxjsPsQsBou8zunPaOptsE-Xn4wF5ynO7S9dbZtQB-39Zpi8kJ_86cEBIpdoQ2qTySaVV7BS1dazVq-z2Q1ZLlOUn2/s1600-h/0004.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8Eo-8qhdbKs-SPnlsoFx1DL31STbgS0qd-PDmW4cRX3O9wRdaQjxjsPsQsBou8zunPaOptsE-Xn4wF5ynO7S9dbZtQB-39Zpi8kJ_86cEBIpdoQ2qTySaVV7BS1dazVq-z2Q1ZLlOUn2/s400/0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357727499334571618" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Tomorrow the week begins with a series of phone calls and random errands. On the more exciting side, I ship off my passport to get my visa for China tomorrow.<br /><br />Oh yea people, Fleming and his camera are hoping on a bird metal bird this August and heading to the far east for some good ol' fashion debauchery. Stay tuned - more details to come.MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-51265593826365874622009-07-11T22:11:00.007-04:002009-07-11T22:40:08.093-04:00House Cleaning<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDe7TSg9grt6srftPuTaBiIaPVZriBQERWOciBs0VY_folav7QUezC-3MBKbyHjjzhYyEtYJyc1FEFs2DQHE1av8V0s_2CawehyqjyKAy4FMvI4b4C810xlRYh1bfzhsQeR5hupP7NvHHR/s1600-h/Nilsson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDe7TSg9grt6srftPuTaBiIaPVZriBQERWOciBs0VY_folav7QUezC-3MBKbyHjjzhYyEtYJyc1FEFs2DQHE1av8V0s_2CawehyqjyKAy4FMvI4b4C810xlRYh1bfzhsQeR5hupP7NvHHR/s400/Nilsson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357395555697768530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Above image: Marcus Nilsson</span><br /><br /><br /></div>It’s about time I brush the dust off this currently stagnant piece of cyberspace, don’t you think?<br /><br />I’ve promised to post more in the past, perhaps thinking by writing down such a commitment would somehow solidify it in my own mind. Not the case. In fact, I’ve found it increasingly easy to ignore this, my own personal piece of the internet. Why? Because for some peculiar reason I thought that unless I had a shoot pending or undoubtedly important piece of personal photographic trivia, it didn’t warrant a post. However, as it turns out, the only thing this much personal censorship ensures is one hell of a boring blog.<br /><br />It’s time to brush off the dust and give who ever is out there something worth reading.<br /><br />First on the agenda? A preview of my view on the photographic world.<br /><br />My taste in photography has changed vastly over the past few years. I’ve gone from a naive lens baby chasing dreams of sweeping, Adams worthy, landscapes to a pixel pushing shutter junkie, obsessed with histograms and dynamic range.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0qrULidruk61hr5JGWX0zCnN_IqhFXF3mkOj7Y31-PX9xvxuOdLFng34ksCIOd5YPK_e_52ZAhWL2IOv_QZPxHKY3aQFBUXauVZdDtAv-XV5ZjoI2L9N99ZP4mgKyHCU2VMugIjGVW2D/s1600-h/Giardino.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0qrULidruk61hr5JGWX0zCnN_IqhFXF3mkOj7Y31-PX9xvxuOdLFng34ksCIOd5YPK_e_52ZAhWL2IOv_QZPxHKY3aQFBUXauVZdDtAv-XV5ZjoI2L9N99ZP4mgKyHCU2VMugIjGVW2D/s400/Giardino.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357396041583097890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Above image: Patrik Giardino</span></div><br />Fact is, we live in an age where everyone has 12 megapixels in their pocket and a PDA capable of capturing full 1080p HD video. In such a technologically diverse society it’s hard not to get caught up in the ‘how’ of photography and neglect the ‘why.’<br /><br />Which, of course, brings me to my point (read: rant) that each of us as photographers has to take time to self-examine. We need to ask ourselves if we are still pushing boundaries, asking questions, and making a statement with out work. The problem with this question, of course, is that often times the answer is no. Instead, we’re resting on our laurels, staying the course, being safe, etc.<br /><br />For me, the crutch of late has been post-production. Instead of focusing on the image, I’ve become obsessed with what happens after it gets uploaded. Adjusting layers and tweaking curves, that isn’t what photography is all about.<br /><br />I’ve forgotten the most important (and fun) piece of the puzzle, the thing that defines our very profession, pushing that damn button!<br /><br />What’s the answer? Simple. Focus in, re-charge the batteries, and start over.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq97r3ehOz-9z5OxZAhMYb_g47iXgrVbJxgM9T5YLVYfShsM4d4wRdDB7j_LkA8ntp2xOg2qH7GYOVU0rkxQR33Ee_ikWHgjm7qMFzCQQ2mUI8VEeJ9YRRJ77ytVf42FMuQPtWpw6rafzU/s1600-h/Coulter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq97r3ehOz-9z5OxZAhMYb_g47iXgrVbJxgM9T5YLVYfShsM4d4wRdDB7j_LkA8ntp2xOg2qH7GYOVU0rkxQR33Ee_ikWHgjm7qMFzCQQ2mUI8VEeJ9YRRJ77ytVf42FMuQPtWpw6rafzU/s400/Coulter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357396917779100562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Above image: Dylan Coulter<br /></span></div><br />The first step in that process, at least for me, is looking at new images. I search all over for inspiring work. In magazines and books, on TV, stuck to billboards, plastered on business cards, soda cans, and of course spewed out all over the internet.<br /><br />Here’s a smattering of my findings. I hope you enjoy their work, even better, I hope you are challenged by it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.jeffharrisphoto.com/#mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=2&p=7&a=0&at=0">Jeff Harris</a>: Accessories • Still Life • Product</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.levibrownphoto.com/portfolios/one/">Levi Brown</a>: Food • Product</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.dylancoulter.com/#/section=portfolio&portfolio=0">Dylan Coulter</a>: Portrait • Environmental • Landscape</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.plamenpetkov.com/stilllife/food_liquids/">Plamen Petkov</a>: Product • Still Life</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.patrickfraserphotography.com/">Patrick Fraser</a>: Portrait • Celebrity • Travel</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.giardinophoto.com/">Patrik Giardino</a>: Portrait • Sports • Alternative</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.marcusnilsson.com">Marcus Nilsson</a>: Food</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://sanganphotography.com/#/food/food/1">Sang An</a>: Food • Product • Clothing</span></li></ul></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Go forth and push that button people!</span><br /></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-7334127792401309012009-06-14T23:03:00.003-04:002009-06-14T23:08:17.410-04:00Weekend Warriors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP_TedsAP_-Z2fuuzdpJwP9DxiXxCUCHGm-gVJm-r4zNbrttPM_uMQUx4b0bDbWgdsXiuQbTySDvgjqBNVoOKbtGRm_UJzM-buzErBMlgasZb1zw99qGAwBJL-gPpF4uD1ez79wXqccCI/s1600-h/MJF-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP_TedsAP_-Z2fuuzdpJwP9DxiXxCUCHGm-gVJm-r4zNbrttPM_uMQUx4b0bDbWgdsXiuQbTySDvgjqBNVoOKbtGRm_UJzM-buzErBMlgasZb1zw99qGAwBJL-gPpF4uD1ez79wXqccCI/s400/MJF-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347385279133209506" border="0" /></a>Those of you who have been following the blog for a while know our friends from Last Ditch Racing well. However, if you’ve been living under rock for the past year and a half check out these two links (<a href="http://markfleming.pixyblog.com/entry/inner-sanctum">Link</a><a href="http://markfleming.pixyblog.com/entry/inner-sanctum"> A</a>, <a href="http://www.lastditchracing.net/">Link B</a>) to read up on Mr. Cassidy and the Last Ditch Crew.<br /><br />This past weekend marked the culmination of weeks...no, months of planning and preparation. John and I have been trying to set up a portrait session for some time now, however the trick has been finding a day when all parties (including the car) would be available. Well, it appears that this weekend the stars were aligned, because we finally were able to get the entire crew and car together for some quality shutter time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWImlUPyN7QcqkqUOUi1KfWKZbT61shkVAcU8r6BAAN_64m1OH49mEonSXVt1EdhCPU2fT1MYaQPnPjz74YFoBf-PI4gDyDY0NGik1F6d30o63X3eEpfilseCV9usFBNVmV0maE0qbtnp/s1600-h/MJF-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWImlUPyN7QcqkqUOUi1KfWKZbT61shkVAcU8r6BAAN_64m1OH49mEonSXVt1EdhCPU2fT1MYaQPnPjz74YFoBf-PI4gDyDY0NGik1F6d30o63X3eEpfilseCV9usFBNVmV0maE0qbtnp/s400/MJF-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347385284446884658" border="0" /></a>Our goal for the weekend was to create several ‘unique’ action shots as well as bagging a few quality portraits. To accomplish this goal we secured two locations, two camera men (Kevin shooting video and me on stills), about 6 crew members, and one high octane racing machine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNnIcxys-Y7DwKV1kskasYc6pyhgUiC4Qq7FIybI6k0WFv-niYS4lpjl-22TBKJUY7iyoylOdJsivH9LD69DrvBEjxgBKJDXtdgbw95kme-oLFC4SM7sD1q29l1ucjM96JqyK0_sFdKgw/s1600-h/MJF-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNnIcxys-Y7DwKV1kskasYc6pyhgUiC4Qq7FIybI6k0WFv-niYS4lpjl-22TBKJUY7iyoylOdJsivH9LD69DrvBEjxgBKJDXtdgbw95kme-oLFC4SM7sD1q29l1ucjM96JqyK0_sFdKgw/s400/MJF-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347385289090383858" border="0" /></a>The first location, a working gravel pit, was the perfect spot to nail not only some truly unique action sequences. As it turned out, the piles of dirt and numerous pieces of heavy machinery lying around also served as a great background for some portraits as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm8HpkPhV28XThtjh3b7970j8DQIJP3Vpn7IeijaAtO-dAhyphenhyphen40KPsHhsrUYOTlX6QY5qvBDTthKxmfjr12jfoVG6Qvl-e56Su-v7vGPvJjXkcy3kZLF_rx774GrHZA-YJyYVq5J6HzL5R/s1600-h/MJF-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm8HpkPhV28XThtjh3b7970j8DQIJP3Vpn7IeijaAtO-dAhyphenhyphen40KPsHhsrUYOTlX6QY5qvBDTthKxmfjr12jfoVG6Qvl-e56Su-v7vGPvJjXkcy3kZLF_rx774GrHZA-YJyYVq5J6HzL5R/s400/MJF-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347385291283721858" border="0" /></a>The second location, a local industrial yard, didn’t disappoint. The car and it’s rugged operators fit perfectly against the background of towering steel structures.<br />All in all, I think we nailed this one. Bravo boys on all your hard work!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqD-HcMjQlmjz-hGCyhyphenhyphen8POL4UkMCatcbuCwBPyaqZb_WduDBMQB2JC7-FGg1AjCAcTGWDpQEP8-0s6BpqRcY817OWrXIn0f4jJiTrnUImX7sgaiz6YYY1mzt9sRQ-ROYn22wptVsuEos/s1600-h/MJF-6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqD-HcMjQlmjz-hGCyhyphenhyphen8POL4UkMCatcbuCwBPyaqZb_WduDBMQB2JC7-FGg1AjCAcTGWDpQEP8-0s6BpqRcY817OWrXIn0f4jJiTrnUImX7sgaiz6YYY1mzt9sRQ-ROYn22wptVsuEos/s400/MJF-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347385286805832114" border="0" /></a>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-15742688174437474582009-05-28T19:14:00.005-04:002009-05-28T19:41:35.211-04:00Park Bench Portraits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LX2r0suCmJCqF9swdPdd3z2xB0vO9MrkAB83VbFlXfdfd6ieJ7mVXCAYtkFSOCfnosspXLhZKTI1sWxcVobIIbv0zdRM4jZhIGwysBUpu9z1WByAS66beGu0gGBDz12yHm7qwHN5PlOR/s1600-h/nycG10-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LX2r0suCmJCqF9swdPdd3z2xB0vO9MrkAB83VbFlXfdfd6ieJ7mVXCAYtkFSOCfnosspXLhZKTI1sWxcVobIIbv0zdRM4jZhIGwysBUpu9z1WByAS66beGu0gGBDz12yHm7qwHN5PlOR/s400/nycG10-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022354220066082" border="0" /></a>My best friend of six years, Ryan, is moving to <span style="font-weight: bold;">China</span> next Saturday.<br /><br />The kid has been dreaming of teaching English in a foreign land for close to two years. So, finally fed up with his life as a Boston bartender he jumped online about a week ago and started sending his resume all over the globe. Sure enough, within a three day window he gets a response from a school an hour south of Shanghai.<br /><br />The abridged version of the response reads, "<span style="font-style: italic;">We start our training program in two weeks. Can you put your affairs in order and make it to China in that short a period of time?</span>"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8JoHPJsO3pWXatlJblDK1yp6CQO637URIYfBxkDPaLtyF5zKriNDAsec6U21_0fNp6cu-PtvR8aPou9ffAoaev92Wfz_GkBzGnBGMjE4Kx9rvO9Lma9l9qNVPCZiBkMt7Kgs7yeIlEHC/s1600-h/BENCH-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8JoHPJsO3pWXatlJblDK1yp6CQO637URIYfBxkDPaLtyF5zKriNDAsec6U21_0fNp6cu-PtvR8aPou9ffAoaev92Wfz_GkBzGnBGMjE4Kx9rvO9Lma9l9qNVPCZiBkMt7Kgs7yeIlEHC/s400/BENCH-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022452027028034" border="0" /></a><br />Never one to refuse a challenge, Ryan responded with a resounding yes. This is the part of the story where I come in.<br /><br />You see, to get one's self to China, one needs a Chinese visa. These wonderful documents are only given out by Chinese consulates and the nearest one to our humble abode here in the Northeast is on 12th Avenue in New York City.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCXYyVI0RiyVspFe5LLzlIskOL4E9CQ_q0bo3S3eKnff5UX7he4k4aJ1AFpPKvOkACEBccv0Jf813kiqax0mjiCkVvUVtgQUvW_9_Qzbeqg4s9CgXPBWP3YAfL_a8wKShfk8aFv8EKabd/s1600-h/BENCH-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCXYyVI0RiyVspFe5LLzlIskOL4E9CQ_q0bo3S3eKnff5UX7he4k4aJ1AFpPKvOkACEBccv0Jf813kiqax0mjiCkVvUVtgQUvW_9_Qzbeqg4s9CgXPBWP3YAfL_a8wKShfk8aFv8EKabd/s400/BENCH-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022367197154002" border="0" /></a>So, in hopes of getting our fair haired friend to China in a weeks time, Ryan and I jumped in the car. Mind you my foot hit the pedal at 2:00 AM EST. Did I forget to mention that we needed to be at the consulate at 9:00?<br /><br />Anyways, to make a long story short, we got him there in one piece and I spent the rest of the day wandering the city with my handy G10 whilst he waited in line.<br /><br />I made it my goal to spend the entire day shooting without looking through the view finder. Shoot literally from the hip. Shoot without letting anyone know. Shoot with your minds eye.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9yVjTy6PP6TGIZVc72YBOlcpbjqnZ7Y4lmVEYE3Xw4avBGUlztsnWB2UMI6U7M3B2eQ6KvLYHuwdOPub3KJbgaOdk4sbYu_Pkogq-3eOWd14stXDpUfe9iiLQA3mzc5JZ_g_3hpe499u/s1600-h/BENCH-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9yVjTy6PP6TGIZVc72YBOlcpbjqnZ7Y4lmVEYE3Xw4avBGUlztsnWB2UMI6U7M3B2eQ6KvLYHuwdOPub3KJbgaOdk4sbYu_Pkogq-3eOWd14stXDpUfe9iiLQA3mzc5JZ_g_3hpe499u/s400/BENCH-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022360812541986" border="0" /></a><br />To me, shooting from the hip, without looking through the finder always results in better street images. The compositions are crooked, subjects off center and unaware, pieces of clothing, bags, or extremities sneak into the frame. The shots are hurried, cramped just like our view of the city while walking through it.<br /><br />For me the street has never been a place for careful composition. There's no time! The shot is there one moment and gone the next. Don't think, don't wonder, just click the damn button! If something catches your eye then shoot. If you don't then the shot is gone before the camera has even made it to your eye.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OFm4vIAC8Bdp3FC57XkpMl8wo2uDFuhx1pWAUq-BP1_iFBFihWZ-h142cLu1QUXH9VCbiIak74DEHHqT20SXee9i0K2lx2cTNEWYX2TYLAo8rLJpQyfs-INOak03XGruWdjGyBatHAJ4/s1600-h/BENCH-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OFm4vIAC8Bdp3FC57XkpMl8wo2uDFuhx1pWAUq-BP1_iFBFihWZ-h142cLu1QUXH9VCbiIak74DEHHqT20SXee9i0K2lx2cTNEWYX2TYLAo8rLJpQyfs-INOak03XGruWdjGyBatHAJ4/s400/BENCH-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022359036821730" border="0" /></a><br />From the moment I step off the train my camera is in my hand, on, and ready to go. I keep it in my right hand as I walk, imagining the frame, seeing, aiming, and squeezing all on instinct alone.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mWxZG1c1rAodo13hJo_0dqlZInq3OfL0XbHxgtxonvozF4_N3vTpQ5sp-GEjEArCbdGUxExdZuSXRTllulK3yMr1fcDTPwxIlq2JhvQH640f2UNmppSSoRIuO8GpJo06Q8NDddZk_tYP/s1600-h/BENCH-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mWxZG1c1rAodo13hJo_0dqlZInq3OfL0XbHxgtxonvozF4_N3vTpQ5sp-GEjEArCbdGUxExdZuSXRTllulK3yMr1fcDTPwxIlq2JhvQH640f2UNmppSSoRIuO8GpJo06Q8NDddZk_tYP/s400/BENCH-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341022353826980626" border="0" /></a><br />Sure you'll get wasted frames. But every so often you'll catch a glimpse, a smile, a gesture, a moment that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. That is what street photography is all about!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-51135467625953589022009-05-26T00:20:00.002-04:002009-05-26T00:39:47.919-04:00Wheels Up - WAY UP!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHV9DtRE4HyiJDfF8WYVQng54yXIkWyw22xhhTh1i3k_4-Cm8couI2FiIEFnUr_bwPeOgJaj78_ucpYxslOllsEgZ8muuKpZP3Yw-2wVlfxG0eZZaTzfzbjn37eJojHYpX5GOeg0crYNx/s1600-h/Blog-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHV9DtRE4HyiJDfF8WYVQng54yXIkWyw22xhhTh1i3k_4-Cm8couI2FiIEFnUr_bwPeOgJaj78_ucpYxslOllsEgZ8muuKpZP3Yw-2wVlfxG0eZZaTzfzbjn37eJojHYpX5GOeg0crYNx/s400/Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339987563218715042" border="0" /></a>Sorry friends, it's been a while since last we spoke. Late nights, early mornings, you know the routine.<br /><br />What's important, though, is that we're back tonight with some fresh images. These two frames were pulled from a skate shoot I threw together earlier this evening.<br /><br />With the promise of good company and a round at a local bar my good friends John, Joe, and Kevin agreed to jump on their boards and perform for the camera. Now, these guys have been gracious enough to deal with my lengthy shoots before. So, they knew what was coming when they agreed to jump in the car and drive a good 45 minutes north to visit a fairly new skate park.<br /><br />For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of being dragged along on a shoot, I'll share what this normally involves.<br /><br />- 2 Pelican Cases (1 for cameras/lenses & 1 for my collection of speedlights)<br />- 2 large Tamrac totes (filled with various grips, accessories, and other odds and ends)<br />- Minimum of 4 stands + tripod and head<br /><br />Needless to say, when we roll into a skate park, we tend to draw a bit of a crowd. Luckily, we have Kevin and his quick wit to deter any would-be pranksters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUXaRWsjxgpAND2DFZc-aHFQPjXVCk6PgZCNa7yK2MTCK0LFu6TChbxIcvQyHT9nML7xDmjpUvE7-cWRqkhpC_vPPCAkDytziFz0r6F1pclJlCuVvJkA6L40KFeHf6MV5GM_-aaQMEO0w/s1600-h/Blog-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUXaRWsjxgpAND2DFZc-aHFQPjXVCk6PgZCNa7yK2MTCK0LFu6TChbxIcvQyHT9nML7xDmjpUvE7-cWRqkhpC_vPPCAkDytziFz0r6F1pclJlCuVvJkA6L40KFeHf6MV5GM_-aaQMEO0w/s400/Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339987557022050786" border="0" /></a><br />Our goal of the evening was to capture images that showed Kevin in his element as well as the unique curves of the skate park. The two shots you see above you were created with three speedlights, a set of Elinchrome remotes, my D700 w/14-24mm, and one very talented skateboarder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson for the day:</span> This one is for your Tech Heads! Don't forget your subject. It's so easy to get caught up in shutter speeds, f/stops, lens choices, and white balance settings that we sometimes forget that there is a living, breathing person in front of our lens. Talk to them! Tell them what you're doing - using as little terminology as possible of course - and make sure you constantly remind them how grateful you are to be able to work with them. After all, without their participation you'd really be up a creek wouldn't you?MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-19838279630317488032009-05-18T16:58:00.002-04:002009-05-18T17:03:05.332-04:00Industry News BitesAfter a great weekend on assignment and away from the internet, I’ve spent quite a bit of time catching up on industry news this morning. I decided today’s post would be a great opportunity to share some of the cool things happening in the industry with you all.<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.pdnpulse.com/2009/05/newsweek-redesign-drops.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Newsweek gets a face lift. </span></a><br />It’s time for a new look for one of the nations premier news publications. Seeing the modernized design Newsweek is now sporting, one has to wonder how much the closing of so many print media organizations this year is weighing on the ‘big-boys’ of print.<br /><br />• <a href="http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blogging from the boys behind the lens at the New York Times</span></a><br />Who better to launch a kick-ass photo blog than the guys who are slinging lenses for our Nations premier news paper. This is one that you’ll definitely want in the CSS feed!<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/18/health.minute.roller.derby/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Derby makes the National News</span></a><br />Being a photographer for the local roller girls, I couldn’t help but notice roller derby making a nice little debut on CNN. Check out your local derby, don’t think you have one? Think again!<br /><br />• <a href="http://worldwidephotowalk.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Kelby announces his second annual World Wide Photo Walk</span></a><br />From the God Father of Photoshop comes the second installment of one of the coolest photo events the world has ever seen. Grab your camera and hit the streets!<br /><br />• <a href="http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Think you’re family’s awkard? </span></a><br />Finally, we all need a good laugh on a Monday. Be sure to check out this fabulous collection of awkard family photos. WARNING: Content may not be PG13 - best clicked away from work desk.MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-12246495081673536272009-05-13T21:04:00.004-04:002009-05-13T21:17:01.769-04:00Revitalization<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCO_NNDouVaiiLdc3iBi6708YD0dJqBs1c4qUGafgj4gBsTaAhIJnm7Fi4voJKshrwJkykgSojH8afJhvwAWn6ewpzz9xRdFCu9VxFNwkTi3ujzu1qkgeO4jHmkxZTerEvYwChWb4lPqN/s1600-h/_DSC9684.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCO_NNDouVaiiLdc3iBi6708YD0dJqBs1c4qUGafgj4gBsTaAhIJnm7Fi4voJKshrwJkykgSojH8afJhvwAWn6ewpzz9xRdFCu9VxFNwkTi3ujzu1qkgeO4jHmkxZTerEvYwChWb4lPqN/s400/_DSC9684.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335481869777402194" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It’s been a week of self-examination. Looking deeply at my photography and my photographic technique.<br /><br />I’ve gone through folder after folder of digital images, re-thinking nearly every exposure I’ve captured over the past year or so. At the end of a day long self-examination, however, I found myself completely burnt out.<br />in the spirit of clearing my head, both photographically and otherwise, I tossed on my sneakers, grabbed my trusty 50mm f/1.4 and headed out onto the street.<br />My goal for my late night adventure was simple enough, click the shutter. Don’t think, don’t analyze, don’t worry, just push the damn button! When something interesting comes along, point the lens in that general direction, find focus, and squeeze off a frame or two.<br />I can’t tell you how freeing this simple activity can be. It’s such a great feeling to let go of the rules, the restraints and just take pictures for the sake of taking pictures.<br /><br />Do yourself a favor and give it a shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4mca5wIoczmeAMU-rcGsRC7Agv9LEs9H2SIwGGy_ahrwo7FkoyyjsPO0cJCvbYU-2NzUgLGe6eRAbIf4UuGriQ5LavMtLMovFgDoaBL9sdSp24JYonx4FhdDHRHXJoWj-4lu4OfrnM1M/s1600-h/_DSC9633.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4mca5wIoczmeAMU-rcGsRC7Agv9LEs9H2SIwGGy_ahrwo7FkoyyjsPO0cJCvbYU-2NzUgLGe6eRAbIf4UuGriQ5LavMtLMovFgDoaBL9sdSp24JYonx4FhdDHRHXJoWj-4lu4OfrnM1M/s400/_DSC9633.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335481864052830306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnahl2AvGpaRHsRff0xCGXemuceCgYvMML-haedq4kA_uzNDyvEDrRZKD4xGD-72jL6oRegmOuB26202PbArhiyifIN9UC1g_DqY_HbN4GjtY9nNAT7dDnvFhM89wXA9ukcKYS9SgXPOu/s1600-h/_DSC9687.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnahl2AvGpaRHsRff0xCGXemuceCgYvMML-haedq4kA_uzNDyvEDrRZKD4xGD-72jL6oRegmOuB26202PbArhiyifIN9UC1g_DqY_HbN4GjtY9nNAT7dDnvFhM89wXA9ukcKYS9SgXPOu/s400/_DSC9687.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335481866049863378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp7bnLx-0eZF-RNCDNLBPDznKBotWPM3poNUe8LEzpJSOnk-GDVJ4KdDVmbB3S9thiWKqlm7hFyDkX6vIXovppFih8Ig5i8yEoY1Qm2A4QbjPw1QR8J7w9LaF83fXTYU5ain1OKu9ATbQ/s1600-h/_DSC9565.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp7bnLx-0eZF-RNCDNLBPDznKBotWPM3poNUe8LEzpJSOnk-GDVJ4KdDVmbB3S9thiWKqlm7hFyDkX6vIXovppFih8Ig5i8yEoY1Qm2A4QbjPw1QR8J7w9LaF83fXTYU5ain1OKu9ATbQ/s400/_DSC9565.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335481865576916994" border="0" /></a>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-5600220137532484632009-05-10T21:25:00.004-04:002009-05-10T21:32:06.249-04:00Return to Childhood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTV3B3luSO39yD68jwpPRlRdl9hcbe91NbsTperdcx0pbT5yjZxip3bZjqNc8KMqp4m5EtkVIiaQptq_XmSqnS2hacX1aQxtsmIP-AK3cLHhZFVw8CY4_kPNRt4OpOTGEwvCFSD7gzfJ1/s1600-h/003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTV3B3luSO39yD68jwpPRlRdl9hcbe91NbsTperdcx0pbT5yjZxip3bZjqNc8KMqp4m5EtkVIiaQptq_XmSqnS2hacX1aQxtsmIP-AK3cLHhZFVw8CY4_kPNRt4OpOTGEwvCFSD7gzfJ1/s400/003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334373079699000594" border="0" /></a>Remember being a kid at the playground? The slides, swing sets, monkey bars, and of course the see-saw all laid out in front of you just begging for you to come and play. Hours could be spent running, jumping, swinging, and climbing. The thought that you could fall and get hurt never once crossed your mind, hell even when you did fall you would (with assistance from Mom and the always handy Band-Aid box) be back on your feet and ready to go again in minutes.<br /><br />What happened? When did our yearning to experience life at break neck speeds with all our senses fade? How did those thoughts of broken bones, insurance bills, and sick days creep into our minds?<br /><br />There are those among us who have fought off those creeping thoughts, pushed aside the rules of being ‘grown-up’ and have returned their bodies and minds to that adventurous state we more commonly know as childhood. Who are these fanatical free thinkers you ask? The men and women who participate in a sport known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Parkour</span></a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi367EhJZlegaLB_4n_jTlE3NNqLf7QAmAe6GZMijipF8637-W6HPBmCTi6pUOtpTUta4djC_yYWTikiiFiTUerx0S4iot2GB1NwpJfhF8b-iQLfiqn-hOHJHQkYNBJxSQgwD47uAF2tw7d/s1600-h/002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi367EhJZlegaLB_4n_jTlE3NNqLf7QAmAe6GZMijipF8637-W6HPBmCTi6pUOtpTUta4djC_yYWTikiiFiTUerx0S4iot2GB1NwpJfhF8b-iQLfiqn-hOHJHQkYNBJxSQgwD47uAF2tw7d/s400/002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334372016280228786" border="0" /></a>These crazed athletes run, jump, climb, and dodge their way through modern day cities transforming our streets and buildings into the grown-up equivalent of monkey bars and see-saws. Their moves are graceful, even zen like, as they traverse their concrete and brick laden path.<br /><br />In the most simple terms, the sport is all about getting from point A to point B. The fun, though, is in how you accomplish that seemingly simple task. This, in case you were wondering, is where photography comes into play.<br /><br />I’ve been interested in the sport for some time, since seeing one of the founders of the sport <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastien_foucan"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sebastien Foucan</span></a>, in 007: Casino Royal, in fact. How can one not be fascinated by watching people jump off buildings, crawl through pipes, vault over railings, and backflip off walls.<br /><br />My goal was to seek out the local Parkour community and see if I couldn’t capture some of these amazing acrobatics on film. Lucky for me, I happened to know a few guys in the video world who happened to know another few guys in the Parkour world. Oh, how I love networking!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9e8i2J4ZC3o0xNdfTeqSUbSNLyNbXhgMmVh7m-vdJoge8rJXaqUzzl82WWmmPIgz2aDuiIGLFdvUaWm8U5HhGSWqibr0haOGygGYwconwWGDTDg7myuDRWdl6m4NqLNb6OvldvdELS49/s1600-h/001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9e8i2J4ZC3o0xNdfTeqSUbSNLyNbXhgMmVh7m-vdJoge8rJXaqUzzl82WWmmPIgz2aDuiIGLFdvUaWm8U5HhGSWqibr0haOGygGYwconwWGDTDg7myuDRWdl6m4NqLNb6OvldvdELS49/s400/001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334372024207445554" border="0" /></a>A few emails were exchanged and bing, bang, boom we met up down town for a preliminary photo session. I’ve found that when dealing with athletes, especially those who aren’t used to working around the camera, if you can squeeze more than one session in you really will get better images. It not only gives them a chance to get used to the camera and the lights, but it also gives you as the photographer a chance to learn their moves and better anticipate the decisive moment to click the shutter.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse at our first session. These guys are certainly amazing athletes and I am currently in the process of setting up our second session. Stay tuned for more information and of course more images!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-13898888125512805482009-05-08T13:12:00.004-04:002009-05-08T13:27:40.424-04:00Identity CrisisToday at Mark Fleming Photography is marketing day. Arguably the most important day of the week for every photographer. I have grown to both love and dread this day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTJugw_qXfMr_k1vlIrl7_TOnzh5oKYxA-JzZiqdsFi8Km2bWLmfyZRfelANWmL6DUnow8eNg6Y_QaUNbODGfwAqQN6vLCCzxKkHrZDoGUKmb-E4LFnaNA9tuBVcDOeak3T0jVvqmg8SR/s1600-h/001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTJugw_qXfMr_k1vlIrl7_TOnzh5oKYxA-JzZiqdsFi8Km2bWLmfyZRfelANWmL6DUnow8eNg6Y_QaUNbODGfwAqQN6vLCCzxKkHrZDoGUKmb-E4LFnaNA9tuBVcDOeak3T0jVvqmg8SR/s400/001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333503315106227154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Email Pr</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">omo Sample</span><br /></div><br />My love comes easily enough. The idea of pursuing new clients, new concepts, and new challenges always gets my blood pumping. However, it is on these days, when I am thumbing through my entire collection of photographs in search of that mind blowing, eye catching image that I feel a sense of dread creep over me. Dread that my images are stale, dated, and worse yet...boring.<br /><br />Each time I find myself digging through my archives, watching the progression my photography has undergone over the past few years, I realize that I am still not there yet. Where is ‘there’ exactly? The answer to such a questions is just as ambiguous as the question itself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndbNtA42d9DKmRR-Oj3tbyPV_-fmeiCLZpHAorwg4VX9-Aj7ARVIr_BcFr2eLCYrL128tEnQGB8Zeih5YYCrABGI9DmswTsdKT3hs_GdqIKUHk0GGedwP1Jt2EO7yK8kaKbXajWXT1TI/s1600-h/Promo_002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndbNtA42d9DKmRR-Oj3tbyPV_-fmeiCLZpHAorwg4VX9-Aj7ARVIr_BcFr2eLCYrL128tEnQGB8Zeih5YYCrABGI9DmswTsdKT3hs_GdqIKUHk0GGedwP1Jt2EO7yK8kaKbXajWXT1TI/s400/Promo_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333505290512268194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Email Pr</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">omo Sample</span></div><br />My own photography has changed so much over the past years that sometimes I look back and barely recognize my images. I know, for me, post production techniques have played a major part in my photographic progression. I have pushed the pixels as far as possible only to then turn around and pull them right back. I have worked on composition, creative shutter techniques, color correction methods, utilizing different lenses, and even different ways of holding the camera.<br /><br />All of these tweaks to my process have helped me grow and mature as a photographer. I’ve learned to test the limits of convention, pushing my own creativity to the max.<br /><br />The thing that keeps me going, however, is knowing that everyday I have the ability to change my <span style="font-weight: bold;">perspective</span>, my <span style="font-weight: bold;">technique</span>, my entire <span style="font-weight: bold;">photographic process</span> even. No matter what camera, lens, or computer you use, the final image is nothing more than a documentation of <span style="font-weight: bold;">YOUR</span> idea. Keep things fresh, don’t be afraid to try new things, and your images will always continue to improve.<br /><br />The key for me is to always keep an eye out for images that inspire. I am almost constantly searching the net for new photographers whose work speaks to me. They could be portrait photographers, editorial shooters, adventure junkies, even fashion photographers. What they shoot doesn’t nearly matter as much as how they shoot. What lighting techniques do they use - if any? Do they process their images in Photoshop? What is it that draws you in?<br /><br />Then, once you’ve stuffed your head with all these great photographs, take the techniques and styles you’ve seen and start to incorporate them into your own images.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > Here are a few photographers I turn to on a regular basis for <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">inspiration</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">:</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.platonphoto.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Platon</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Best portrait shooter since Avedon</span></li><li><a href="http://www.chasejarvis.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chase Jarvis</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Advertising shooter who always pushes to the limit</span></li><li><a href="http://www.zackarias.com/#/client/template.xml?aaa=home&bbb="><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zack Arias</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Music/Portrait shooter with excellent sense of composition</span></li><li><a href="http://joemcnally.com/portfolio/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe McNally</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Master of on-location lighting and editorial style </span></li><li><a href="http://www.michaelclarkphoto.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Clark</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Adventure shooter with clean and crisp style</span></li><li><a href="http://www.davehillphoto.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dave Hill</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Pushes to the limit and BEYOND!</span></li><li><a href="http://www.manipulator.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jill Greenerg</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Gorgeous portraits with a post production twist </span><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.akornphoto.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Kornylak</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Climbing/editorial shooter who pushes his gear and himself</span></li><li><a href="http://damonwinter.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Damon Winter</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Portrait shooter with clean and unique style</span></li><li><a href="http://www.davidmclain.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">David McLain</span></a> - <span style="font-size:85%;">Editorial shooter who gets powerful, simple images<br /></span></li></ul></div>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-61399165908062272402009-05-06T20:56:00.004-04:002009-05-06T21:19:40.966-04:00Skate Shoot 1.0<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphETY3CHnaj4scj27AGHgqKY1panCy8nHacG_y8cJBdaoz87KCeyT4AQU5f_GwCAUKLh1L5Q7FF584LYk9IY1iL1BUWCZqd7A1UWTM0Rn3y4adg_4VNOdOQ6nPVo-Dy1y9ANVtmO2jZf3/s1600-h/BlogUpload03.jpg"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='406' height='339' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmqsEu6VXvqEFWT-Spip0GFqFYN0-2j8_GNrSXP9OwrxjCr_GicEW0Eur5U_iyCIzzfTOcjlYIsjmcGcm2BQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /></div><br />Hey everybody!<br /><br />Let me take this opportunity to welcome you all once again to the new blog. Very excited to get things started here.<br /><br />Before we get to far along I do want to clarify a few points.<br /><ul><li>Your input (questions, concerns, and comments) are vital to this blog. I want this to be an open forum. If you have a question regarding lighting, gear, processing, state-of-mind, or even what style jean I prefer by all means ASK! </li></ul><ul><li>Refer to number one.</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XsMvpKlh90is0KNoK1z1ubg0IU_kjD3Q-df7a4aOrhnzFzGxsjyX05py-HAZeGyQEi3tYAKHlA4c0qFrwRs8yA1rMgaSX0ir83SQohF02glb7PjgLYF5FWfjWySYG-U7Tp0L3R1o501r/s1600-h/BlogUpload02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XsMvpKlh90is0KNoK1z1ubg0IU_kjD3Q-df7a4aOrhnzFzGxsjyX05py-HAZeGyQEi3tYAKHlA4c0qFrwRs8yA1rMgaSX0ir83SQohF02glb7PjgLYF5FWfjWySYG-U7Tp0L3R1o501r/s400/BlogUpload02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332879949669877522" border="0" /></a>Alright, enough formality. Let’s move on to the good stuff!<br /><br />Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge proponent of personal work. I always have a self-assignment going, sometimes more than one! It has been an essential part of my business plan. A portfolio full of images that you took on assignment doesn’t portray your creative vision nearly as well as images you’ve created for yourself.<br /><br />Lately, my sights have been set on expanding my action sports portfolio. That being the case, I’ve found myself spending a lot of time hanging out with skate boarders, snow boarders, BMX riders, rally car drivers, and even the occasional traceur.<br /><br />This past week, as part of my ongoing effort, I spent a few nights with some skateboarding junkies. We roamed the streets of Portland, night after night, searching out the best spots to set-up and shoot. The amazing part, was that after setting up in numerous locations around the city with three riders and more strobe lights than a 1980’s dance party, we somehow managed to avoid even a chance encounter with Portland’s finest.<br /><br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Add_Image" title="Add Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="addImage();" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" class="gl_photo" border="0" /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAVWvQXW5q7E1uAtmnkD0iI_9Pm9huS4OskVvAG1cfAHv8t-TRxG9OaSLK6mNiKOZekqs0G336xnfE46a9grqivtYhEPAAYeseHQ59h1agO7TM3Y90EN2NJvZB-iKi6b8GlDaRK-iOQfs/s1600-h/BlogUpload01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAVWvQXW5q7E1uAtmnkD0iI_9Pm9huS4OskVvAG1cfAHv8t-TRxG9OaSLK6mNiKOZekqs0G336xnfE46a9grqivtYhEPAAYeseHQ59h1agO7TM3Y90EN2NJvZB-iKi6b8GlDaRK-iOQfs/s400/BlogUpload01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332880376115886626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphETY3CHnaj4scj27AGHgqKY1panCy8nHacG_y8cJBdaoz87KCeyT4AQU5f_GwCAUKLh1L5Q7FF584LYk9IY1iL1BUWCZqd7A1UWTM0Rn3y4adg_4VNOdOQ6nPVo-Dy1y9ANVtmO2jZf3/s1600-h/BlogUpload03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphETY3CHnaj4scj27AGHgqKY1panCy8nHacG_y8cJBdaoz87KCeyT4AQU5f_GwCAUKLh1L5Q7FF584LYk9IY1iL1BUWCZqd7A1UWTM0Rn3y4adg_4VNOdOQ6nPVo-Dy1y9ANVtmO2jZf3/s400/BlogUpload03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332880370141664754" border="0" /></a>I hope you enjoy the shots as well as the quick behind the scenes video. The video was shot entirely on my Canon G10. Pretty crazy that a ‘point-&-shoot’ camera can capture such quality video in such poor lighting conditions.<br /><br />To check out some much higher quality videos make sure you stop by the multimedia section of <span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="www.markflemingphoto.com"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE SITE</span></a></span>!MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3925572294005703010.post-38857732885337977212009-04-30T20:37:00.002-04:002009-05-03T17:39:09.082-04:00NEW SITE, NEW BLOG, NEW MARK!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Welcome everyone to the blog of award winning photographer Mark Fleming. Who is this Mark Fleming character you ask? He’s the guy sitting behind this very keyboard! More specifically, I am an editorial and commercial photographer residing in the seaside metropolis of Portland, Maine.<br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />This being my second installment in the online blogging world, I am sure those of you who have followed my photographic exploits through my previous blog (LensEnvy) are surely wondering why a self-admitted shutter junkie like myself would need two blogs. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqs2sC2kMUb72zN7VWcVNlpNi5jDO2G84bynslx4nrKN5qemfPcvUDvJXYq91HK4YuMarYX1rwT-bMyAIobpPCw2CXdoPzaTXkeavb-y9n1dQmb64H02wSPDRwHsVz1kbJvCms3JzUtoE/s400/edit-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325306324432893954" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The truth of the matter is that I don’t. This online presence will serve an entirely different purpose than my previous posting ground. LensEnvy, which I started very early in my career, was really a place to throw up an image or two include a quick description and maybe a humorous anecdote and move along. Though it has been</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> a lot of fun, this blog will be far removed from LensEnvy. Here I will share stories, ideas, notes, jokes, opinions, videos, and of course images from my side of the photographic experience. </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Being a working photographer, I usually spend anywhere from 20 to 23 hours a day thinking about, discussing, planning, dreaming about, or occasionally even taking photographs. This blog will be where I can share my perspective of all of that with you. From links to cool sites, notes on photo gear, behind the scenes videos, great words/images/or video from other photographers, Photoshop hints, and even a Photoshop/Lightroom tutorial from time to time, you’ll be able to find it all right here! </span></span></span></div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />So, get your CSS readers primed and ready, drop that remote control...err mouse...sit back and enjoy the ride!</span></span></span>MARK FLEMINGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12206218948402284452noreply@blogger.com2