Ten Composition Elements for Photographers

I and some friends recently took a photography workshop from Michael Andrew, a most splendid human being and awesomeful guru. He has 10 compositions he likes to have at his disposal when he's shooting portraits. They're great, and tend to spark one's imagination when doing photography, so here they are. I think these very much apply to Michael's specialty, wedding photography, but could apply to any number of situations.

1. Single (simple portrait).
2. Paintballer Pro (Lightroom presents Michael created...in essence, that "style" of shot).
3. Motion.
4. Framing shot (something in the background frames the subject).
5. Faceless.
6. Yin and yang. (Contrasts...tall/short, high/low, big/small.)
7. Sense of depth.
8. Shapes.
9. Flash.
10. Silhouette.

These can be used individually, or in combinations, and pretty much all are great to ensure variety in one's work.

Thanks, Michael!

I'm Not Done Loving Photography Yet

I Love This Look

I love the look of these smokers at RUB BBQ at Rio Las Vegas. The colors and texture are pretty much what every man would like their home decor to look like, I think.

My Biggest Photo Ever

My photo of a grinny kid appears on a billboard for Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids.



The billboard can currently be seen on the I-15, going north, near the South Point hotel and casino.

Now for Something Completely Different

Sweet Little Princess

Another Missing Tooth

This I Like

Just Another Kid's Portrait

But I like it.

On a related note, I dodged a bullet last night at the Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids gala.

I often talk about how I'm involved with this children's literacy group. I do their Web site and some PR and photography.

During their yearly fundraising gala, they have a live auction with high-profile items up for grabs, things like lunch with the mayor or trips or other packages. They asked me this year if I'd be interested in having a portrait package in the mix. I said "no," of course, but they soon talked me into it. Four one-hour portrait sessions during the next year, and a two hour workshop for the winner and their friends about children's photography. Presumptuous, I know, but hey, I figured it might appeal to someone!

The gala coordinators asked if I would be willing to do two packages if the bidding got high enough. I thought I'd be funny and say, "Hey, if someone goes to $1,500, I'd do another one!" Of course I never thought that would happen, so it was no real sacrifice.

I was sweating bullets leading up to the gala. I truly wondered if anyone would bid anything. Horrifying! They had a few 8x10s on display, and during the auction there were a few more portraits shown on a big screen, but that was pretty much it.

As my auction package came up, I was close to collapsing with apprehension...until the bidding started. It took about a minute for the bidding to pass $2,000! And as it went to $2,300 I think I lost consciousness. It was for me. Taking pictures of kids. The auctioneer pushed it up a bit more and said, "If you go to $2,500, the photographer will do another package for the same price. Any takers?"

Another hand went up. Two packages sold at $2,500 each. Dollars. Real money. All of it going to an amazing charity.

I was obviously thrilled beyond belief. It was a great reminder of the appeal of photography. And the power of photography to do good in the world. That's 5,000 books that will now go to kids who need them. And I get to do what I love!

It was an amazing evening, and thanks for letting me share.

Weird Random Encounter

Today, a few friends from work and I, or me (Kit?), had a random Flavor Flav sighting. For those of you who have been hiding out in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Flavor Fav was in the rap group Public Enemy. Their biggest song was something about fighting the powers that be. I'm pretty sure.

In recent years, Flavor has been featured in innumerable reality TV shows. And now, he is featured in this amazing, exclusive photo.



Very nice guy from what I could tell! Very patient with photo-seekers.

I wrote about the encounter in the fantastic new Las Vegas blog I'm writing for Harrah's and its Las Vegas casino destinations. I totally just added those links so we'd stay at the top of the search results in Google for "Las Vegas blog."

Check it out! That way, your clicks will be seen in our stat reports, and the powers that be will realize that I know what the flip I'm doing and they'll just let me do what I do and all will be right with the traffic and the views and the buzz and the booking and the spas and the dining and the blog will be the best Las Vegas blog in the history of blogging.

I Maded This Pitcher

I need me some prettier subjects.

Please Vote

Hey, take a sec to vote for your favorite photo!

http://www.michaelthemaven.com/index.cfm?postID=1061

If you don't find the ant close-up to be your favorite, well, then, uh, don't. Thanks!

I'm Feeling a Bit Patriotic

Took this shot for a couple I know. They're heading off to far away places soon. If his mom doesn't tear up, I'll eat my camera strap.

Zombies in Vegas

Whoo-hoo!

This Was Not Easy to Capture

A Good Day for Dolphins

A good day for dolphins, and people.

Thanks for sending that one, Brandon.