The Understatement of Unfair

I hate that the last post I write for the year has to be a tragic one.

On the morning of December 26th, 2009 my Step-father Phil suffered a massive heart attack in his sleep. My mother found him in his bed.

I thought my family would have a longer reprieve after my uncle died, but this wasn’t enough time. I think the part that bothers me the most is that there were some really shitty people in my mom’s life before Phil came along. Liars, thieves, abusers…the works. She finally found a man that deserved her and barely had any time with him. He cared for her like nobody I’ve ever known.

Moreover Phil did so much to help other people that he never took the time to handle his own needs. Never went to the doctor, never took a day off, never got himself life insurance just in case. All these things were put on the back burner because other people needed his hand. Giving is a great thing, don’t get me wrong. I just think there should always be time taken to tend to your own needs.

If you don’t, how can you continue to help anyone?

Maybe we all just think we have plenty of time. How can we be so sure? I was talking to Phil a mere 12 hours before he died. There was no sign that I could see.

Maybe we see ourselves as invincible.

Maybe we’re just to scared to take precautions.

It makes no sense to die out of fear of illness.

It makes even less to leave your family alone because you were too busy taking care of them.

Here’s the second reason I hate having to write this post:

I’ve spent the last couple of days making a website (www.phildhyne.com) to celebrate the man that gave my mom so much love and joy. Phil’s death put my family into instant debt due to the lack of life insurance. If you know me, you know how much I hate to ask for assistance like this…but I have nothing left to give.

There is a donate button at the top of his site. All of the proceeds from that will go to assist in paying for his funeral and other bills he left behind. You don’t have to give money, there is a section on the site where you can just leave a kind word if you want. Anything would mean the world.

—-

In closing, I’m going to ask you to do one last thing. Not for us this time, but for yourself and your own family. New years day is 2 days away. More often than not we make our resolutions and hit the ground running but burn out within a week or two. I challenge you to make a real change this year. It’s the start of a new decade and it’s time to become something different. Lose the weight you’ve been meaning to lose, spend time with the people you haven’t seen in too long, get the better job, the happier lifestyle you’ve always wanted and for once…don’t stop until you’ve done it, don’t take no for an answer, don’t get off the treadmill because it’s hard. More people need you than you think and if nothing else, you owe them that much.

If you need help with getting there…shoot me a message and I’ll find some resources to help you accomplish your goals. Just do whatever it takes to get that goal accomplished.

Thus ends my rant.

Take care of yourselves my audience,

-D

I post therefore I am.

Here we are once again for my semi-bi-monthly-ish blog post! According to my intended New Years resolutions this is my last month to let this thing slack off, right? Right.

So what’s been going on in your worlds?

Mine has been all over the place. Right now I’m in the midst of searching for an agent to take some of the weight of representing myself off of my shoulders. I think it’s time for the help. There’s lots of work going on as usual. The latest news is that my work is being published here in Kansas City on a monthly basis now and one magazine is planning on publishing a feature about me around spring time.

I’ve expanded to include food photography though I won’t be posting any of it until after the shots go public. I know…so mysterious. 

Sokah is huge and goofy, not to mention a great model for geeky dog photos.

This has been a week of firsts for him. First time seeing snow, and the first time around a fire. We were outside the other night for close to 2 hours while he tried to eat and pounce on every single snow flake after which I built a fire and we all fell asleep in front of the fireplace. Awesome night.

This was his expression about both:

Anyway, busy as I’ve been this is a slow season and I’m plenty anxious for it to warm up already. I recently discovered that my studio lights aren’t fond of freezing temperatures. Thankfully I always have a backup plan so everything still worked out beautifully. There is a lesson in this for all you budding photographers out there though.

Always test your gear before a session!

In my case the temp dropped 15 degrees in an hour so I couldn’t do much. That’s why having plans b, c, and d in line is the second part of the lesson. I think the saying goes something like “Luck favors the prepared.”

On an unrelated note, Brad came in for another shoot since my last post. Did a great job as usual and got two more castings right after the shots went up. Awesome!

Take note aspiring models, more often than not it’s a simple matter of getting a better portfolio that will boost the amount of work you’re bringing in. Don’t shy away from investing in your dream. The right photographs can literally change your career.

With that said, I’m wrapping this up. Today is my birthday and I apparently am supposed to put work away now.

I hope you all have a wonderful day, I can’t wait to show you the rest of what I’ve been up to!

-D

Momentum

Well, as per usual it’s been about a month since my last update on here. 2010 is fast approaching and you can bet that just like last year “update more frequently” will be on my list of resolutions. At least I’m consistent, right? It’s 5am and I’m ready to ramble!

So what’s new?

Very good question… If you haven’t heard yet, on October 8th I was voted the best portrait photographer in Kansas City! Naturally I’m pretty excited about that. I didn’t realize I had so many fans. It’s been quite the surreal experience.

Aside from that coolness I taught at a fellow photographer’s workshop in the beginning of October. I absolutely love doing things like that. I get to meet great people and help them learn about new ways to look at their craft, their work-flow and their business… tons of fun. Plus I get to do some shooting too, and we all know I like that at least a little bit.

Overall I’d have to say that life is good. Sokah is huge, and healthy. I am medium-sized and healthy as well. I have some work coming up in a few magazines which I believe will be out before the end of 2009. I can’t be totally sure but I think one will be out next week. I’ll scan the pages or something when they hit so I can keep you all in the loop (it’ll have to be the ‘or something’ option since I don’t recall owning a scanner anymore).

Oh! I just remembered. One of my clients from earlier this month, Brad Sarver, caught a huge gig from the portfolio shots I took for him! Out of a pool of hundreds Brad was cast for a TV commercial with a major auto maker. How cool is that?

I don’t know which of my shots did it for him but here is the star himself:

We’re shooting again at 2pm today to round out the rest of his portfolio. After that, I’m going to get started on my book.

That’s right.

I’ve decided that I’m going to write a book on Photoshop techniques aimed at high-level users. I haven’t decided yet on if I’m going to limit it to one subject (ie. people, products, etc.) or if I’m going to make it all inclusive. So far the former seems to be the most likely.  If you have anything specific that you’d like to learn about, let me know and I’ll at least answer you directly even if your question doesn’t make it in the book.

Given how long it takes me to crank out a new blog entry I can’t really say how long it’s going to be before I finish this project…but it’s gonna happen. I have a feeling that once I get going on it, I’ll finish quite a bit quickly. On the same note, If there is enough interest I’ll start doing some video tutorials for you all as well.

I know more has happened this month, but for now I can’t remember anything else. My brain is trying to write chapter one of my book instead of wrapping up this entry with something resembling wit.

Anyway public, I hope each of your lives are going well.

Until next time…Keep the faith.

-David

Your Powers Combined…

Man, what an exciting week!

First off…let’s hear a round of applause for me updating the blog in under a month! Wooooo!

Remember me saying I was going to revamp my style a bit? It’s here…and I love it.

This is by far the highlight of my week though…

Just a few days ago I was notified that I had been nominated for something called “The A*List,” I had no idea what it was so I figured I should go check. Well, turns out that the city gets to vote on who they think is the best of the best…pretty cool. I’m in the portrait photography category.

So I spread the word around thinking I might do alright, but that there were a ton of great photographers in this city.

Here’s where I have to gush a little bit…you all (clients, followers, friends, family, fans, etc…) are incredible. In a few short days your votes have taken me from the bottom rung all the way to 1st place. Knowing that you all support me so much is a truly incredible feeling! I’m not a clever enough writer to be able to say it any better than that.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, or just haven’t voted yet…go check it out. Voting ends on the 27th, so there is still a long way to go but with your help I know I can stay on top!

Let’s talk more about photos though, and the lovely Jessica Crider…

If you’ve ever worked with me before, you know that I’m a bit spontaneous. This time my spontenaity got me, Jessica and her boyfriend Jordan all soaking wet. All because I decided on a whim that we needed to shoot in a lake. Yes, in the lake.

This wasn’t so much of a problem for Jessica (except for her aversion to mud) as it was for me and her boyfriend (my assistant for the day), she had plenty of swimsuits. Jordan and I both came without something to swim in. It’s so great when people are able to go with the flow though, I love it. Jordan didn’t even flinch when I asked him to get in the water and hold a reflector for me. He waded in jeans and all just to help out, and that made all the difference in the shots. I couldn’t have gotten them any other way.

Thank you to both of you for catering to me. I know you agree that the ends justified the means.

I also had some time last week to sit down and finish going over my second shoot with the ever-beautiful Randee Jean.

I don’t know what it is…I think she understands what I’m looking for before I do. Either that or I’m just that good at communicating what I want (don’t laugh too hard).

A big part of what takes me so long to go through her shots is that I can’t decide which ones I like the most…there are too many!

All of these photos were shot at the same studio where the workshop I mentioned in my last post will be held. I love the location because of how versatile it is. There’s a ton of space and it’s right in the middle of downtown so I can just walk outside if nothing indoors fits the look. How could I complain?

I firmly believe that the location can make or break a shot. I know that looking at beautiful people can make us critical of ourselves. Beautiful locations do something different though…they allow us to imagine ourselves there, I feel like they give the audience a kind of freedom. I wonder if it’s possible to shoot models in a way that eases individual insecurities while granting that feeling of freedom and empowerment.

Alright friends, it’s time for me to wrap up. A big thanks again to everyone that has supported me so far. Even if you choose not to go vote for me, the fact that you are here reading and looking at my work is enough!

Labor day is knocking on the door so, please have a safe and relaxing weekend.

-David

Progressions and Procrastinations

Wow, has it really been two whole months since my last update?

How you guys put up with my inconsistent blogging I’ll never know. All I can say is that if I had the time to sit down and blog, it would probably mean I wasn’t out shooting and that would be no good.

Full update after the jump…new photos included.

Read more »

And The Pipes said “I Release Thee!”

When it rains it pours…or in this case explodes off of your toilet and floods your entire home with 2 inches of water.

That’s what has been up over here as of late. I would post photos of the damage, but guess what…the cameras got soaked too!

I’m thankful though, I turned them on a day or two ago in blind hope…and they work again. If they hadn’t though, I have insurance so it would all be fine regardless.

The terrible thing is that two very important hand-made japanese swords were water damaged. I’m still waiting to hear from the claims people on what can be done about them. I’m very uneasy about that given how difficult they will be to replace, the sentimental value is immeasurable.

Good news though in the fact that my computer and all of my data storage drives are in tact. I’m pretty sure this is the first time Murphy’s law hasn’t cost me some photos.

So that means that as soon as I can get everything cleaned up and get my home back in order I’ll be posting those photos I took last week!

Keep your head up,

David

New Puppy

I’m getting a new dog.

You may remember reading about Otto a few months ago. Well, due to the circumstances that I alluded to in my “hey I’m not dead” post, Otto is no longer mine. Since I have no idea if I’ll ever get to have him back in my home…I’ve decided to adopt another dog.

He doesn’t have a name yet , and I won’t actually have him for a few more days while he’s getting his shots and stuff.

Kind of neat how I came across him though.

I spent most of Thursday night on petfinder looking to see who was adoptable in the area, and I found two, one was an Akita mix, and the other was a Husky mix. I went to meet the Akita that night, he was a good dog, but we just didn’t click. I called up Wayside Waifs (the shelter with the husky). They were closed in preparation for a big adoption event happening this weekend. So I went up to on friday at about 6am.

When I was walking around the shelter I couldn’t find Maizie, the dog I had come to see. On asking about her I found out that she had a litter and wouldn’t be available for the next 8 weeks.

Sadness.

As I was turning to leave though, I saw this other dog and knew right away he was the one, but the staff told me he wasn’t available either with no reason as to why.

Sad again.

I went to my office to start my work day, but couldn’t get this puppy out of my mind and decided to head back up there over lunch. Turns out he wasn’t available because a staff member thought she might want him. I said, ok well let me know cause I want this dog.

I got a call an hour later saying he was mine.

Happiness.

I went up there this morning to play with him and make sure we were right for each other. We bonded right away. Now he’s getting his shots and getting neutered and I get to pick him up on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I forgot to take my camera so the best shot I could get on my crappy phone is this one:

Not great, I know…but I’ll make up for it soon. Eventually you will get tired of seeing photos of this dog.

I’m super excited. If any of you readers in the KC area have dogs, he’s only 2 months old or so and will need plenty of socialization with other dogs so get hold of me and we can do the whole “puppy play time” thing.

Hello Peeps, I Live.

I have been gone for quite some time now huh?

I feel like I owe you all an explanation, however I’m not going to delve into the horrible, gritty details. Suffice it to say, some things have gone on that I never expected would happen, none of them are good, and I was completely blindsided. I still don’t even understand why it happened in the first place let alone why it continues. Life moves forward though…very slowly it seems…but it moves.

I am the Peep with half his body ripped off.

Some changes are coming about as a result of what has been happening in my life. The most relevant here is that for the foreseeable future I will not be booking any weddings. The events currently on my calendar will be shot as planned, but no more bookings are being accepted.

I am truly sorry to take that from anyone that really wanted me to shoot their upcoming wedding. I will leave the resources up here about what you need to ask your potential photographer, and if you like I can recommend some amazing photographers that can help you out.

I am not giving up photography. Just weddings.

I went and bought a point-and-shoot canon digital about a week ago so I wouldn’t have to carry around my giant SLR’s all the time. That’s been a lot of fun, it’s great to be able to keep my camera in my pocket rather than weighing down my neck. Hopefully that will help me get back into the swing of things again.

I do have a reward for all of the readers that have stuck around during my absence. As soon as it finishes uploading I will post again revealing what this amazing reward is.

It will be today…I promise!

Meet Otto

What a weekend. Otto is the newest official family member now and as promised, I have some photos.

I forgot to take my camera with me while we were outside. Ooops. It worked out better that way in the end though. Otto is a very intelligent dog (as I believe most of them are) but his fearful nature is a major obstacle.

I know I can change that as I’m able to work with him on a daily basis. So far that seems like it will be the hardest part of training him. More than anything, training the people that he will be around will be  a bigger challenge.

Given that today is the day he doesn’t get to go back home to his previous owner, I’m sure it’s especially tough on him.

Anyway, so that’s today’s news.

OH, and the Central Missouri Humane Society is now #4 in the contest on ZooToo.com that I told you about in my last post!

How awesome is that?

Adopting a Dog!

A friend is moving to San Francisco and can’t take their dog with them. This obviously not a good thing but rather that have Otto (the dog) given to a shelter, he’s going to be the newest member of the family. I spent a lot of time with him on Thursday and Saturday. He’s a very timid, fearful and untrained dog…at least that’s what he would like people to think.

On Thursday I went to get to know him a little bit and get an understanding of his temperament. Then, we did a little training. I was told he was a bit of a puller on the leash, so that was the first priority. In about 45 minutes Otto had a good grasp of not pulling, and he learned sit, stay, down, and started working on coming when called.

Saturday was great, and once he got used to being with me he was responding perfectly. He’s a bit neophobic, but I know that as I help him with his obedience and his confidence he will be a completely different dog altogether.

Provided the weather holds up a bunch of us will be going to the dog park. So to make up for the lack of photos today, I promise I’ll take plenty Saturday so you can all “meet” Otto.

By the way people, the Central Missouri Humane Society is trying to win a 1 million dollar makeover for their shelter. As I’m sure you know, the trouble of the CMHS are pretty important to me, so if you feel inclined to help them out, you don’t have to do much. Go to www.zootoo.com and set up a profile, fill out a few things and select the Central Missouri Humane Society as your shelter. It doesn’t cost you anything but time.

They have to hit at least #20 to be considered, and right now they are at #24.