Paul Howalt Photography

Ashley & Gannon Get Married

2011-08-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Gannon's wedding celebration was Amazing! They had to be the one of the most fun and enjoyable couples I've had the opportunity to work with. We began with some warm 'sun-flared' bridal shots and we just continued to have a great time walking around the Mesa Temple grounds after that. I had a hard time editing the group of shots down to just these below...

Brunson Family Shoot Video

2011-05-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

OK... Here's a video compilation of some of the best shots from my session with the Brunson's. What an incredibly photogenic and fun family! I just couldn't quit until I finished this video. If you'd like a copy, please contact me... I will also have the proofs up soon too at PaulHowaltProofs.com - Until then hope you enjoy this little montage! :-)

Jumping To The Canon 5D Mark II

2011-04-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

OK, so after a year or so of shooting with the Canon 50D, I have become increasingly frustrated with the limited sensitivity of the camera's sensor. I HATE, HATE, HATE shooting anything or anyone with a flash and with my 50D, I was getting a large amount of noise at anything higher than 600 ISO. Conclusion: the camera was great for daylight hours, but failed in the twilight and and evening time... the best time of day to shoot!!!
The camera I needed was the full frame, High ISO, 21 megapixel 5D Mark II. The bad news was that the camera body alone runs about $2,500... UGH!

So, again, I went on a mission to sell everything I had of value, including my 50D and lenses, and purchased a 5D Mark II. I immediately loved the new found freedom to shoot in low light situations and experience minimal noise at even 2400 ISO! And hey, this camera even shoots broadcast quality Hi-Def video. They shot the 2010 season finale of "House" with five 5D mark IIs! Neat!

Looking back, I should have started with this camera, but, it was good for me to learn why I needed it after having shot with a 50D for a bit.

The Arizona Golf Resort Wedding

2011-04-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to shoot the Moore-Willis wedding at the Arizona Gold Resort in East Mesa last weekend. I wanted to post a quick review of how very impressed I was with the versatility of the resort and how facilitating the staff was.

The wedding I was shooting was scheduled for their lawn location, which was very well groomed; but it turned out to be a rainy day, and the chairs were beginning to sink into the turf. Stacy Turner, the on-site wedding coordinator, was quick on her feet and had the staff move the entire production to the fountain courtyard that easily and elegantly accommodated all the guests that were to attend.

And... as with all weddings that I've ever been to, there is always something that goes completely awry. This one was no different. In addition to the rain, the vendor that was hired to create the wedding cake completely forgot! Again, Stacy Turner and staff to the rescue!... they quickly went out and bought a few sheet cakes from a nearby grocery store and brought in a beautiful realistic "stand-in" wedding cake to save the day. No one knew the difference.

I was so impressed with how Stacy and the staff were able to quickly mobilize and seamlessly 'save the day' without the guests knowing that anything was wrong.

The resort grounds are beautiful and there were many great sculptural and lush backdrops for photo environments. I wish we would have had more time (out of the rain) to hit them all! The wedding party conveniently stayed overnight right there at the resort the night prior to the wedding and had a great time at the on-site restaurant and bar in the main clubhouse.

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived to shoot that day, but I was a bit blown away to observe the tight ship they operate over there... I would highly recommend considering the resort and staff to host your big day!

For more information, click:
http://www.arizonagolfresort.com/banquets-and-weddings.htm

LOCATIONS:

2010-11-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of links to my photo galleries documenting outdoor shoot locations I like to use, in and around the Mesa / Tempe areas. I've listed the prices that each property owner charges next to the name of the venue. Some locations need to be booked beforehand, so decisions on these location should be made as quickly as possible.

• Mesa Arts Center - $Free
• Abandoned Chandler House - $Free
• Gilbert Riarian Area - $Free
• Al's Building Materials - $Free
• Langley's Market - $Free
• St. Francis Restaurant - $Free
• Arizona Golf Resort - $Free
• Mormon Temple Grounds - $Free
• Downtown Mesa - $Free
• Farmhouse Village - $Reserve
• Joe's BBQ Gilbert - $Free
• Shenandoah Mill - $Reserve
• Villa Siena - $125/hr. + Reserve
• Mother Nature's Farm - $50 + Reserve
• Power Ranch Elementary - $Free
• Val Vista Lakes - $125/hr. + Reserve
• Downtown Chandler - $Free
• Joe's Farmhouse Grill - $50 + Reserve
• Las Sendas - $Free

Desert Botanical Gardens Shoot

2010-05-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photograph 3 of my friend's kids at Phoenix Botanical Gardens this spring. This turned out to be more of a "discovery" style shoot where I followed the kids around while they explored all the neat sculpture, trees, rocks, fences, fountains and tents. With all that really cool stuff around, what kid could ever keep still for a boring documentary style pose? - None I know!

Underwater Portrait Shoot

2010-05-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is here once again and that means there's no better time for Lake Trips, Slip N Slides & Pool Parties. I really enjoy shooting underwater portraits. With the proper equipment, this is a great way to capture some very unique family portraiture in the most unbearable "outdoor photo months" of the year! These images are so fun to enlarge and hang on the wall in your family gallery! Below are a few I've taken of my own kids... Give me a call if you'd like to schedule a underwater or pool party shoot this summer!

Rita And Her Pets Christmas Shoot

2010-05-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

This session was challenging and fun! Photographing someone and their dog is one thing, but throw in another dog and a chicken, and you have a recipe for distraction. Once we were able to get Oso, Miss Rufus and Rex the rooster to settle down, there was just enough daylight left to get some fun shots taken before the sun disappeared completely. I have now perfected my rooster calling talents and maybe next year will go more smoothly. LOL!

Fahey Family Holiday Shoot

2009-12-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to photograph friends for the holidays... It's very relaxed, and we always get some fun photos! This holiday shoot with the Fahey's was no different. These photos below are only a fraction of the ones we shot last weekend. (click images to enlarge).

Lourie

2009-10-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to get my wife in front of a camera, but recently she agreed to have me shoot a few photos in the studio. It all happened pretty quickly, but I think she made these shots come out absolutely beautiful!... but then I'm just a little biased.

Jack

2009-09-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Jack and his parents were headed to Hollywood and need to update his headshot portfolio with a few new images. Here are some of the photos I took that made the cut. From what I hear he landed a few roles and auditioned for an Adam Sandler movie coming out next year... FUN!

Kourtney

2009-09-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun photos of Kourtney. She is so animated and entertaining! Her parents came to me needing some casual candids to submit to a summer magazine contest. The theme the magazine wanted to capture was "Discovery", so we teamed her up with Bullseye, her puppy and a few bouganvilla blooms and got some great imagery. Then, just for fun, we captured a few black & whites in her favorite dress. (click to enlarge images)

April & Kurt's Anniversary

2009-09-20T02:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun sessions I've ever done was an anniversary back in April of 2009. Kurt and April wanted to do a shoot to commemorate their anniversary. They are such a fun couple and are still so much in love, the whole experience flew by, and I had so many shots that I didn't know if I'd ever get through editing them all. Here are a few of my favorites. (Click images to enlarge)

Jacksen and a Pair Shoes

2009-09-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

This was a very impromptu shoot. We had about 3 minutes to get as many photos as possible before Jacksen's bedtime. I had an interesting old pair of shoes hanging around, and we thought it would be a lot of fun to put his little feet in them and see what happened. Mom and dad wanted to give him a mohawk beforehand, but he didn't quite like the sound of that... maybe next time! (Click images to enlarge)

Kaylie

2009-09-17T03:13:00.000-07:00

We did a few headshots of Kaylie earlier this year. This little actress has her eye on Hollywood and is quite accomplished for her age! Her sun-bleached California surfer-girl look seems so perfect for many of the recent Disney children's programs. We didn't use any of these for the actual final... I just wanted to play around with some classic black and white portrait work from the shoot for her and her family. Click on any of the images for detail.

Kyle's Acting Headshot

2009-09-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been commissioned to shoot a few headshots for children auditioning for acting and modeling work in Phoenix and Hollywood. Here's the first headshot I did for great kid named Kyle. He is energetic, fearless, polite and always willing to share his unique perspective on life... a true entertainer!

This shot actually got him an audition with The Fray to be cast in the band's new music video, "Heartless" as a 'grade-school age' version of lead singer Isaac Slade.

Carson

2009-09-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

I couldn't have asked for a more cooperative baby model than Carson! He just woke up from a nap ready to 'strike a pose'. Sometimes straight-faced, sometimes laughing or drooling, this little guy was a great sport and lasted through 4 outfits and a few hundred shots - WOW! What a performer! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the session. Click an image for larger view. If you'd like to view the slideshow with many more shots from the session, click here: Carson's Gallery

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Client Reviews:

2009-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

"WOW!"- I’m not sure what else to say. We had a chance to look at the proofs, I can’t tell you how impressed I am with your work. We love so many of the shots. We LOVE the black and white shots and never realized we would like them so much."
- Sarah Fahey

"I have admired your photography for some time now, and how unique the photos of your family are. Carson and I really enjoyed the photo shoot with you, the pictures turned out GREAT! This is the first time in years of stressful and disappointing pictures of my children that you turned the experience around for me! All my expectations were met. Thank you so much! We will definitely be seeing you for our holiday family photos for sure!"
- Robin Phipps

"Thanks for the great shoot with my kids! You not only were able to capture their uniqueness individually, but also as a group. When I look back on those shots one word comes to mind - and that is "priceless". Paul, Thanks again for your patience and professionalism. We will definitely be seeing you again soon!"
- Kurt & April Braddock

"We had a great time at the photo shoot! Jacksen was very comfortable and you were able to get some really great shots! You brought out the wild and fun side of him and he had a lot of fun. Your work is so professional and unique and has such better quality that the run of the mill shopping mall photo studios. Your style is much more elegant and you can really tell that you take great pride in what you do. We really liked how creative and patient you were, I know working with kids is tricky, but you did such a wonderful job. We can't wait to come back and have our family pictures done, I know we will get incredible photos from you! Thank you so much!"
- Angie Lee

"I would like to express my appreciation for the amazing photographs that you did for my sons headshots. The photos turned out beautifully, and everyone just loves them! Paul, your attention to detail is like none other, and the persistence in finding a quality color lab on my behalf was unsurpassable!
You truly have an amazing gift and an eye for detail. Your artistry shines through in his photos and I totally plan to come and have you photograph my family for Christmas portraits.
Thanks again for your incredible professionalism and fresh ideas, as well as your style and approach in your photography."
- Sarah Sien

"I want to extend a big thank you for the special anniversary shoot you provided for my husband and I. We are still SO much in love and you truly made our session a wonderful experience! You captured so many emotions we have for each other. You made us feel very comfortable - we had so much fun! You came up with tons of unique ideas and were able to capture photos that we will treasure for a lifetime!"
- April Braddock

"We have held an annual family picnic for a least 15 years now, but this was the first time we hired a photographer. You and your amazing photos will make this reunion one that we will all remember. In spite of the hot day, you worked tirelessly to capture magic moments of young and old, family and friends. Thank you for giving us great photographs that will now be a beautiful chapter in our family history.
You have an amazing gift!"
- Judy Gilbert

A Day At The Zoo

2009-09-07T02:19:00.001-07:00

Products:

2009-09-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

PRINTS:
• Download my Print Price Sheet PDF file HERE:

PROOFBOOK:
a proofbook is an 8x10 spiral bound book that contains 6 images per page. the pages are printed on professional photo paper. Proofbooks can be ordered in multiple quantities.
Call for pricing

COFFEE TABLE BOOK:
these hard-cover books come in a variety of sizes and number of pages. they are a great way to showoff your photos! they come in both horizontal and vertical formats. (2 sides = 1 page. a book with 30 sides = 15 pages).
7x7, 20 sides • • • • • • $Call
7x10, 20 sides • • • • • $Call
8x11, 20 sides • • • • • $Call
7x7, 30 sides • • • • • • $Call
7x10, 30 sides • • • • • $Call
8x11, 30 sides • • • • • $Call

CANVAS GALLERY WRAP:
choose any image and have it printed on premier art canvas and wrapped around 1.5” width wooden stretcher frame to give it that high-end timeless feel. these gallery wraps come ready to hang. (Standard sizes below. Other sizes available.)
Call for pricing...

*All prices are subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

2009-09-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

1. Can you shoot at a location that I pick out?
Yes. I can shoot at your home or anywhere within the Phoenix Metro Area. I try my best not to travel out of town, but I can probably be persuaded if you ask real nicely and pay for a tank of gas. ;-)
See my list of favorite locations HERE

2. What kind of outfits should I bring with me?
I address this thoroughly in the "PROCESS" section of the website. to sum it up quickly: 1. For children, holiday and family portraits, think timeless & classic (avoid trendy). 2. For Headshots: Gear your outfit toward the types of roles you are seeking. 3.

3. I'm pregnant, when should I schedule my newborn's session?
As soon as possible. The best days to photograph your baby is in the first 2 weeks. Just give me a rough delivery date and I can make your session a priority. Then call as soon as you get back from the hospital to firm up a date.

4. Am I going to receive Color or Black & White photos?
You will receive your photos processed in BOTH Color and Black & White.

5. Do you photograph weddings?
Yes, but we will need to pre-schedule a meeting to discuss exactly what your needs are.
I love to do newlywed shots in your wedding dress and tux after you get back from your honeymoon - or even before! (More FUN and less pressure!)

6. Do you photograph pets?
Yes, pets are a blast!

7. I've never been if front of a camera before - what if I'm nervous?
Many clients are first-timers. nothing is required except that you show up in comfortable clothes and take a little direction. Ironically, most 'scaredy-cats' end up being the best models. Once we start, you'll see how casual and fun the whole experience will be.

8. Can I bring a friend or other family members on a shoot?
Yes, definitely! It usually helps you relax and be yourself. It's also nice to have some help if you have complicated wardrobe and/or hair choices.

9. Why should I choose you?
Because my shoots are CUSTOM, relaxed & fun and you'll receive about 10 times more photos than from the shopping mall studios...
oh, yeah... and... bonus!... I provide free snacks & drinks if we shoot at my home studio.

10. When do I receive my photos?
You will usually receive the photo CD and link to the online proof gallery 1 week after our session... If you order any prints and/or other products after that; those can take a couple more weeks depending upon the complexity of the order.

11. How many photos do I get?
You usually receive 40-80 shots per outfit.

12. Can I take my photos to Walmart, Costco or CVS and have prints made?
You can take them there, but they are very UNPREDICTABLE photo labs. My print prices are extremely reasonable - and I send them to a lab that actually cares about the quality of each print you order. :-)

Pricing:

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Fees cover my services and time (location scouting, session prep, photo editing, burning CDs and online gallery uploading). Prints are not included with your order.
Prints and Printed products are available separately.
Download Print prices HERE.

* MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE! *

A. MINI SESSION (Individuals or Groups) - $40
(ie: Facebook Profile, In-Uniform Portraits, Halloween Costume, Child's Birthday, Band Promo, Fun Booth, Etc.)
1-3 Outfit changes (approx. 30-50 shots)
1 Location (my Studio)
Basic Retouching
Standard Extras

B. INDIVIDUAL PORTRAITS - $125
(ie: High School Seniors, Newborn, Children, Maternity, Headshots, Etc.)
1-6 Outfit changes (approx. 80-200 shots)
2 Locations (ie: my Studio, your Home, Outdoor)
Basic Retouching
Standard Extras

C. GROUP PORTRAITS - $150-$400
(ie: Family, Engagement, Office, Sports Teams, Children, Clubs, Friends, Etc.)
Group shots, Sibling groups & shots of each individual and/or couple in the group.
On location (or in studio if needed)
Basic Retouching
Standard Extras

D. PARTIES AND FUN BOOTH - $100 per Hour
(ie: Family Reunions, Holidays, Graduation, Dances, Office Parties, Wedding Reception Fun Booth, Etc)
2 to 8 Hours shooting on location.
Approx. 20-60 shots per hour.
Mobile Lighting, Backdrops and Fun Costume Props
Basic Retouching
Standard Extras

D. WEDDINGS / RECEPTIONS - Prices start at $500
Call and discuss for a more accurate estimate (480) 225-1480.
Or Download my general Wedding shoot estimate HERE

STANDARD EXTRAS:
All Packages include:
• An online proofing gallery
• CD or DVD of image proofs
• Backup of all images for 1 year
• Location Scouting

UPGRADED SERVICES:
• Additional Outfits / Looks - $90 Each
• Intensive Retouching - $50 per photo (Fix fly-away hairs, Skin blotchiness, Removing wrinkles, Brighten teeth, Remove moles, etc)
• Video of our photo session - $TBD.00
• Product Design Services - $TBD.00 (Engagement Announcements, Holiday Cards, Wedding Invitations)

PAYMENT POLICY:
a $50 deposit is due upon scheduling your session. The balance is due upon receipt of your CD or DVD. Any products ordered will be handled separately.
I accept Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Paypal or Check.

The Process:

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• STEP 1 (Scheduling) - Give me a call. We will discuss scheduling, your desired looks, locations and deadlines. Based upon what direction we come up with, I prepare and secure the necessary equipment, backdrops and locations. I prefer to shoot either at sunrise or sundown if we are shooting outdoors. If we are in the studio, anytime after 5:30 pm is good for me. On weekends, I am flexible.

I require a $50 deposit at the time you schedule and a signed model release contract.
Call 48 hours prior to the shoot if you need to cancel or reschedule.
If we will be photographing your newborn baby (or babies), keep in mind that it's best to schedule a session before they reach 20 days. Call as soon as you know your due date and I will fit it in.
I like to schedule Maternity shoots during the 7th month of pregnancy.

• STEP 2 (Outfits) - Arrive on time with twice as many outfits as you think you need. Prepare at least one outfit that is simple, classic and timeless. The goal is to make you the star of the show. Don't bring the clothing that you know you'll be embarrassed being seen in 15 years from now (unless we schedule a goofy, trendy wardrobe shoot just for the fun of it - I really enjoy those sessions too :-) I can always point you toward some ideas if you need me to.
Here are some items that you need to bring and have ready to wear: 1. A comfortable pair of worn-in slightly faded jeans 2. A plain t-shirt or tank top (1 white, 1 black, 1 solid color) 3. Simple flip-flops, sandals, boots or sneakers 5. Well coordinated outfits that compliment your skin tones. 6. Something dressy and sophisticated. 7. Hats, jewelry, accessories, hair ties.

• STEP 3 (Hair and Makeup) - Bring makeup essentials, don't overdo it. I strive to capture a natural look, unless you have something specific in mind for a more targeted acting headshot. Remember... Shine = Bad! Matte = Good! Bring Powder.
Have all your hairstyles decided on for specific outfits ahead of time in order to speed wardrobe changes. Bring a friend / assistant if you need or want help.

• STEP 4 (the Shooting) - Before we begin, I usually go through examples of shots we will be trying to capture. This usually helps you with understanding why I'm asking for you to do goofy things or look in an odd direction.
I try and maintain a casual and relaxed pace in the sessions, I want you to be as comfortable as possible in front of the lens... I can take the typically stiff "shopping mall-studio" photographs if you want me to, but if you want photos that emotionally resonate with your family and loved ones, we're going to have to get your personality to "come out and play". Feel free to bring a friend or two (or family members) to your shoot! The more, the merrier, I say...
I usually take 40-80 shots per outfit or look and 200-400 shots per family or couples sessions.

• STEP 5 (the Post Processing) - After you leave your shoot, the tedious part for me begins. I import all the images form the camera into my editing software. I delete 'blown' shots and round up the best images. I spend many hours doing all your "basic retouching" (color balance, level adjustments, vibrance, sharpening, noise reduction) and assemble an online slideshow for private password-protected viewing, displaying your images in both color and black & white. After you've reviewed the slideshow, you can get back to me with your choice of images you've selected for "Intensive Retouching" if you are ordering a package that includes it. After I've finished, I will deliver ALL your hi-resolution jpg format images on CD or DVD and archive them permanently in my studio in case anything ever happens to your master copy.

• STEP 6 (Prints & Product Orders) - At this stage you have all your retouched photographs on disk and a link to visit your online slideshow whenever you want. In addition, most clients want to purchase items such as traditional 4x6" prints, larger canvas gallery prints, a framed series, postcards, holiday cards, Invitations, announcements, proofbooks or hard bound coffee table books. I can supply these items as well. Please take a look at the product section of the site to get a better idea of what print items you'd like to buy. I will have a better visual representation of each item soon!

• STEP 7 (Tell your Friends) - This is the part where you show off all those wonderful images of you and your family! Pass around the slideshow link at work, bring the prints to your next reunion or get-together or even post the album on Facebook. If you refer any friends or family members, I will give you $50 off your next session. Remember, what's a great session if you don't follow it up the next year with another one to show everyone how much you or your kids have grown or changed!

Scheduling:

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Call me (480-225-1480) or email me to schedule your next session. The calendar link in the bottom left corner will give you an idea of the dates that are available. I don't schedule more than one session per day and try my best never to schedule more than 2 sessions per week. We might have to split your session into 2 days if you want 3-5 different "looks" (outfit changes).

Contact Information:

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MAIL:
Paul Howalt
4838 E. Baseline Rd. Suite #120
Mesa, AZ 85206

EMAIL:
Howalt@Me.com

CELL:
(480) 225-1480

FAX:
(480) 835-0196

My Mission

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If you've looked through my work, you'll notice that I don't shoot "everybody line up and say cheese" photos. I strive to give you uniquely candid perspectives, and images that reveal the nuances of what makes you... YOU!

I am also a big believer in families (whatever form they take)... My ultimate hope is that our sessions and final images will put big smiles on your face and strengthen bonds for many years to come!

If you're headed to Hollywood and we're shooting a headshot for you, we can make you look however you want to be perceived. If you're looking for villainous roles, we'll make you look as devious as possible! If you want to be cast as a homemaker, we can 'fine tune' that look too. Who knows, maybe you want MANY different looks for a VARIETY of roles that you're shooting for!

About Me

2009-09-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

Photography became a passion of mine back in 1982. I stumbled into a photo class my sophomore year of high school. I immediately fell in love with the entire process... the intimacy of capturing the images, and the craft of processing on the back end. My professional career has taken me down many different "creative" roads, but I've never been without a camera by my side.

Professionally, I focus mainly on shooting Portraits of Children, Families, Engagements, Maternity, Graduation and Acting Headshots.

As always, my favorite subjects are my two kids! Their love for life and their capacity to stir up so much self-created drama gives me continuous opportunities to capture images that I hope will put many smiles on their faces in years to come.

Re-Entry

2009-04-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned, I am also a graphic designer. Part of what we do is photo-document portfolio pieces for our website and various promotions. We used to have a professional shoot the pieces, but now with the economy the way it is, we've decided to take on the task ourselves. Fortunately, digital photography has come a long way in that, a 12-15 megapixel SLR capable of shooting RAW, goes for around $1,200. We (Tactix Creative) decided to buy the 12.2mp Nikon D-90 (with lens kit) for $1,200 to shoot the work. It was a great deal - and, bonus - it shoots video! It did a GREAT job with the photos we needed to update the portfolio... (once we figured out how to set up the shutter delay to reduce camera shake)

The great price on the Nikon made me wonder what was Canon was offering for the same amount of money. I found the 15.1mp 50D body for $1,100. Hmmm. Very tempting. It yields 20" x 30" images, 6 frame per second, can shoot 14 bit RAW and it has that big beefy Canon SLR style I had learned to love. The only thing better was the 5D Mark II, but that was completely out of my price range (over 2ce as much) and it doesn't have an on-board flash! Those specs coupled with a creative workflow tutorial from local all-star professional photographer Allison Tyler Jones clinched the deal and set my camera buying wheels in motion.

I made the decision to sell everything 'valuable' that I hadn't touched in a year and get the 50D. After about 4 weeks of serious eBay selling, I ordered the camera from www.Adorama.com and got the 16gb UDMA flash memory card to burn all those 21 megabyte RAW .cr2 image files to (at a rate of 6 per second)!!! I think it's the BEST SLR value for the money right now.

I've taken about 1000 shots since it arrived 3 weeks ago and I've got to say that I have absolutely no regrets!

The Elph Years

2009-04-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

In 1996 a small pocket camera came out that bragged about being as small as a credit card. This was revolutionary for the point and shoot camera industry... It was small enough to fit into a shirt pocket and looked like it was machined from a solid block of aluminum. It was SO COOL! The great look and feel coupled with price and the fact that it utilized a brand new film cartridge known as Advantix, made me jump at the chance to buy! It might not have given me the control I wanted, but man, was it convenient and beautiful! It was a great bargain-priced substitute for this phase of my life.

It was useless to think about digital photography at this time... I remember in 1996, 1mp 'SLR-like' battery sucking cameras going for around $1,000.00 - YIKES!

A few years later, the Canon Elph evolved into a great 4mp and 7mp camera, and I have owned both of those as well. I must admit, the great industrial design keeps me coming back... they are just so sexy. They look like a piece of hardware that Apple would design.

I will post some photos taken with those ELPH cameras down the road (if I can find any good ones, that is).

Stolen, but not forgotten...

2009-04-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Back in 1982, photography became a passion of mine when I was exposed to my first photo class in high school. I sort of stumbled my way through it and got passing grades... I was mostly fascinated with the whole darkroom experience and being able to enlarge images I had taken just minutes before. I didn't have a decent camera though, so I borrowed my dad's Minolta whenever I could for assignments.

Between my Sophomore and Junior year, I remember scrimping and saving my pennies in order to buy my very first SLR. In 1983, after I had mowed enough lawns, washed enough boats and shoveled enough sidewalks, I was able to proudly walk into the local Minneapolis camera store and purchase the Canon A-1... with a little bit of money left over to buy an off-brand basic zoom lens. I was so excited to get that little piece of chunky equipment in my hands... I took it everywhere I went. I shot some good stuff, a LOT of crappy stuff and a veritable 'visual overload' of concert performances. That was definitely my favorite thing to shoot. I remember how exhillerating it was, as a high school kid to shove your way to the front of a concert crowd at a music festival and shoot your favorite bands and musicians. The security never hassled me or told me to stop. I was so star-struck back then, I thought that I might just end up shooting musicians for the rest of my life.

After High School, I went to college at Arizona State planning to be a graphic designer. I still took a few photography courses though, whenever I could fit it into my course plan. I had to satisfy the photo bug within me.

But soon, the fun came to a crashing halt.

One day as I was coming home from school, as I approached my apartment, I noticed my front door was completely off the hinges and was split where the deadbolt used to be. Most anything of value in the apartment had been stolen, including my Canon A-1 and lenses. This, of course, was heartbreaking! Mostly because I didn't have the money to replace any of the gear - UGH!

I was forced to give up on photography and focus solely on creating through graphic design instead. I guess it proved to be a good move and has given me a steady paycheck over the past 16 years, but the bad part is that I've been stuck with a cheap (but convenient) 'Point-and-Shoot' Canon Elph since about 1996. Now don't get me wrong; I've had the 4mp and the 7mp versions and have enjoyed the compact size and design, but let's face it, there's only so much that you can do with them, creatively speaking.

I'll never forget the fun that I had with my Canon A-1, and if I still had it, I'd be shooting with it. Just seeing a picture f one brings back a flood of great memories.