A Day with Nathan

For those of you who have not met Nathan Smith of SmithFineArt.com, let me introduce you. Everyone; this is Nathan. Nathan; this is everyone. 

Nathan is the creative mind behind SmithFineArt.com. He is a family man with a wonderfully supportive wife and happy, but somewhat shy son. Nathan carries an energy around him that is very contagious and uplifting. 

When Nathan isn't behind the camera or glued to his monitor processing his work to perfection, he is spending time with his family, playing video games or driving around location scouting. 

 

Nathan is also one of the organizers for the Salem Digital Photo Group, leading us through the group's giving events like our annual help portrait event. He also teaches workshops on Lighting and post processing for the group.

 

Take the time to look at Nathan's work and see for yourself what a wonderful craftsman and artist he really is. If you take the time to get to know the man, you will a better person for it.

Thanks Nathan for all that you have done and will do in the coming years. Your friendship is greatly appreciated.

My World - A view of the world how I see it

Last weekend was fantastic from a creative point of view. Exhausting and fantastic all at the same time. Starting with the Kitty shoot Saturday at the Willamette Humane Society, moving into a planning session for my photo group's workshops. It was a long and rewarding start to a weekend. 

Then Sunday came early, 5:00 AM to be exact to prepare for winter shoot at a local park.

Then Sunday afternoon came and it was time for the shoot with Nathan Smith of SmithFineArt.com. Pardon the raw look to this, it is merely a first draft; the final will look super-d-duper.

After the shoot with Nathan I hung out while a couple of other photographers spent some time shooting him. While they did their thing, I assisted with lights and shot some background plates.

Once I got back home, I began editing. Until my student came over for the weekly mentoring session. Yup... that's right. I am mentoring a person for the year. Helping guide this individual to discovering their true potential and find their path to creative enlightment. This will be an annual project with a new student each year. So far it is going swimmingly, although after the assignments I handed out this week, this individual might not feel the same way.

I did more creatively this weekend than I did over the entire summer (June to August). It feels great, but I am exhausted and ready for some sleep.

Willamette Humane Society Photography

It was another glorious morning at the Willamette Humane Society. Glorious because I got to give and get some love from some amazing animals. Also, it was glorious because there weren't that many cats. Oh, don't worry, there are plenty of cats for you to choose from, but there weren't nearly as many as the last time I visited which means more people are giving these loving animals good homes and that makes for an exciting day for me.

There are some wonderful cats at the Willamette Humane Society right now, here is a select few from this morning.

Penelope

Penelope is a sweet kittie that was a little camera shy at first (aren't we all), but then warmed up to me and came in for some loving coupled with some purring action. 

Schnider

Schnider isn't up on their site as of yet, he is that new, but he was a fun, loving and handsome guy. If you want a cat that can be both snuggly and playful, then Schnider is the one for you. 

Sweet Melinda

Yup... that is her name. Sweet Melinda lives up to her name. She is sweet as sugar and loves to lay in your arms and have her head, right between her ears, rubbed. Sweet Melinda can make any home a lot more loving.

Wallace

Wallace is a little shy at first, but once he warms up to you, he bend over backwards for some attention. I truly love his strong jaw line and deep yellow eyes.

Last but not least, is my Cat of the Week. Each visit I pick one kittie that gets a little extra special attention. I set up a small studio, bring my favorite kittie in and do a little something extra-special. This week's pick is... 

Simone

See the full gallery on Posterous

Simone is a very loving kittie with some beautiful features. She sat in my arms for close to fifteen minutes before we began the portrait, and she never once tried to move. She was happy and content. Once I put Simone in the studio and snapped the portrait, she hopped down and began exploring, returning to me every few minutes to get a little more loving. She quickly becomes attached to people and like to get some love frequently. She is also a fun kittie, lying on the floor rolling around and crawling on her side playing with me.

Simone is waiting for a good home, but I doubt she will have to wait too long because she is quite a catch and will make a great addition to someone's loving home. Could that someone be you? Could be if you hurry.

That's all for this week. Take a trip down to the Willamette Humane Society and see what new family member is waiting for you. Better yet, head on down and ask how you might be able to help make all the animals' short stays a little better.

Until next time... Be loving to your animals, because they deserve nothing less.