What's comPassionateCamera all about?

I care about art, and I care about people.  I have compassion for people and passion for art.  Usually the two get intertwined, and I'm reaching a person's soul--or at least her or his emotions--what makes personalities and desires.

So I'm both passionate and com-passionate in my camera and in my people.  I really wrap myself around a wedding or a portrait because  I am expressing both the people and my own being.  I don't want to put out something that doesn't represent how I feel, and of course, how the people feel.

How long have you been doing photography?

I had my first darkroom when I was 14.  I hate to say how long that's been, but our team has combined over 50 years of dedicated experience.

Canon EOS 1-Ds Mark II, the 16.7 Megapixel digital camera that is the fastest and best.  Then a small cousin, the famous Canon Rebel XT that announced to the world what digital is all about.  I also have lots of expensive lenses and gadgets that plug into these bodies.

Why do you shoot weddings?

Well, I'm not much on cake, but the people are always something beautiful to take pictures of. I never know what to expect. I've been surprised by all kinds of emotional and physical outbursts at a wedding. I don't like to be bored, and I a never am. 

I like births too.  Both of these punch forth with vibrancy and and a fresh start.  These invigorate me.

And then there's the contact, quite often deeply emotional and real.  the juices flow, and I feel myself in a spiritual setting.

How do you shoot a wedding?

Lots of shots. I find myself composing shots in my head even when I don't have a camera and am overjoyed when there is something in my hands that can preserve what I see.

We meet about a month in advance and talk about what's going to happen at the wedding: unexpected things that might happen, events or people to note and what formal photographs we shoot. I try to limit what is posed fairly dramatically. Time is important and I prefer not to spend hours shooting 200 variations of a photograph i.e. bride with mother, bride with father, bride with mother and father, bride with each sister, bride with the photographer, and on and on.

There are important photojournalistic life-as-it-happens shots that will be missed while we are lining people up in an unnatural group and trying and coerce a smile out of them. What about a tear that is shed as a grandmother sees a bride for the first time? That's what's important.

At that meeting we establish a timeline and where those posed formals fit in.

After the ceremony I like to do what I call romantics. With these I try to grab that excitement of the bride and groom just participating in a life-changing event. Typically people are pretty excited by this event and are somewhat wired. I capture that energy.

At the reception I become paparazzi and go right back to my newspaper photographer experience and shoot what's exciting. I don't tell you what to do or where to stand. You're a unique individual and the last thing I want is for pictures from your wedding looking like the last wedding I shot. Goodness NO!

How do you meet with the people?

Your place, mine, or the Sunshine.  I don't like coffee. But I really like meeting people at a coffee house or tea room because I've found most people DO like coffee. When you call, we'll set up a meeting at Sunshine Mkt or CK Tiffen's.  Then I'll show you my work while you sip a latte. You'll like it!  The photographs, that is.

How do you book the wedding?

I have a nice little contract with way too much writing on it which you sign and send back to me with a deposit of $450. You can obtain the contract by meeting with me at the aforementioned place or emailing me.

What's your favorite location to shoot a wedding?

Wherever I haven't shot before. I always am looking for something new to view through my camera.

Do you travel for a wedding?

As little as possible, so I stay in g the Medford area, but will go up to Roseburg, Eugene, and Portland, Oregon; and down to Shasta and Redding, California.  I charge a travel fee according to distance and current gas rates.

Do you shoot bridal portraits and engagements?

Yep! These are some of my favorite things to shoot. Engagements are usually shot around downtown, or wherever the heck I am. I love shooting in an old city, discovering a bunch of unique places with the couple.

With a bridal session, it's not so much about discovering locations as finding out what kind of limits the bride has. I'm trying to create something beautiful but compelling as well which may not always happen in a grassy field. I love to contrast the beauty of a bride with the ugliness of the world in a way that emotes something more.

Do you shoot anything other than weddings and couples?  You mentioned births.

Yep! I shoot high school/college seniors, musicians and occasionally editorial assignments.  And newborns, kids growing, families, persons in the late years, pets.  I love 'em all.

What's the coolest thing you've ever shot?

A wild deer standing staring at me a few feet away and letting me shoot away.  My regret is not having my camera with me when a bear ran by me.  I won't let that happen again.

Have you won any awards?

We'll see.

Do you teach any classes on photography?

I teach workshops on occasion to kids and local persons who are searching for the next great thing. I don't know what it is yet, but I'll find out before the next workshop. I want to help other photographers unleash what they really want to do in photography and enjoy teaching about technique, technology and how to create art despite those two. 

I have a Ph.D. in literature, so I expect to teach some of this on a college level soon.  I may teach at Rogue Community College.

How then are the photos displayed?

I've searched out various inexpensive, quality albums--bound or spiral or ring.  The photos are then printed by offset or by me.  You pick out the classiest you like and can afford.

But you can also have the album online for your family and friends to visit.  Both are quite special.

What're best compliments you've ever gotten?

"You actually make me look good!"
"You caught my daughter beautifully.  Right to her soul."

My amazingly talented photojournalist friend, Lewis Anderson, whose artistic eye is fabulous, and who loves photography with passion!  He's been a mentor for me and stimulated my work as it is now.  He's top notch.

When video is part of the scene, Joyce  joins us and gives an elegant documentation with sound, a feature my camera work can't offer.

Why are you in Applegate, OR, the Medford-Grants Pass area?  You could make much more money elsewhere.

I love the Northwest, I love nature, I love the small amount of summer rain, I love the small amount of crowding. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Somewhere new doing something artistic just as I am right now. I expect it to be here, but you never know.  Life is a highway. I am just along for the ride.