Photographer Blog

Hi there

In my blog a few months ago I talked about the enormous variety of things on our planet to stimulate our senses (see Scenery to Stimulate the Senses).

Another aspect of this variety is how subtle the changes can be. Take a sunrise or a sunset for example.  The different layers of colour stretched across the sky changing every second and no two sunsets (or sunrises) are ever the same – truly an amazing thing to see. But sometimes the colours within a captured moment, even though months (in some cases even years) apart can be very similar.

To illustrate what I mean, take a look at the two images below.  The first image is of a sunrise taken back in April 2009.

Sunrise at Tauroa Point, Northland, New Zealand

The next image is of a sunset taken just this month.

Sunset over Auckland City, New Zealand

Notice that even though the shapes within each individual setting are quite unique, the colour toning and hue is very similar. I guess it makes sense since it is “painted” by the same artist. It reminds me of the saying:

“God doesn’t have to put his name on a label in the corner of a meadow because nobody else makes meadows.” – Cecil Laird

For some more photographs of nature please feel free to visit the Nature & Landscape area of my personal website.

Until next time.

Greg

Hello everyone

Many would no doubt agree that becoming a parent is one of the most amazing experiences to enjoy.

The first few months and years after the birth of a child are perhaps the most precious of all. True, there are many challenges, and these of course continue as your child grows. However, the absolute joy and deep love that exists between a newborn and the parent, forms a connection or bond that is not easily broken.

Okay, mostly the bond is with the Mum at first, because hey let’s face it (sorry Dad’s), during that early phase the kid is only interested in one thing right? Right! 😉

When we look at this tiny little bundle though, with their cute little feet and hands, button nose and wide open eyes, we are in awe of how amazingly beautiful they are! As a parent, can anything impress you more?

Of course, their little feet don’t stay little for long. In an effort to preserve in time a memento of their child, some parents take “prints” or even “casts” of their child’s hands or feet.

In fact I recently came across a new online business in Japan where you can upload a print of your child’s hand or foot and they produce a professional stamp. You can click on the image below for more information on Otete & Anyo (which by the way is the Japanese nickname for “Hand & Foot”).

Of course, as you will find, it is reasonably expensive – but hey, what a cool idea! And if you can’t afford it, you can of course go back to the simple “print” or “cast” method.

Or better still, come see us! We would be happy to instead preserve a memory of your child – or even your entire family – with full colour professional photography.

No matter what method we may choose to capture that moment, or “footprint” in time, the important thing for us as parents is that we are their personally to enjoy the special times in the life our family.

So let’s make the time!

Greg

Hello

One of the things I love about our earth is that you never get bored with the scenery. There is such an enormous variety of things to stimulate our senses.

Even though each season has it’s own unique elements, there is still an endless variation of characteristics. Take Spring for example.  What do you think of when you hear that word?  No doubt things like daffodil flowers, newborn lambs and fresh green fields of grass come to mind.

Spring 2009

For a closer look at the selection of images above, simply follow this link . . . click here . . . And please feel free to visit my personal website (www.greglever.co.nz) for more of my photographs.

And remember, if you are ever feeling bored, take a look out your window at our planet’s extraordinary scenery. Better yet, get out there and explore it.

Try something new. Find a place you have never visited before. Talk to a person you have never spoken to before. Taste something you haven’t eaten before . . . I think you get the idea. 😉

Have a great day!

Greg

Howdy

Ok, this posting is for those a little bit apprehensive about getting their picture taken.  Actually, it is quite a common feeling, so what can help us to “front up” when a camera is pointed at us?

Well, I want you to think about this for a moment.  We all have someone we know that doesn’t like their photograph taken.  I can think of a few in our family, my Nana (who has now passed away) was one. Sadly, there are very few photographs of her in our albums.  This less than perfect photo is an example.

Old “surprised” photograph of Nana

Often when photographing these ones we always end up with a blurred shot of their hand, elbow or the back of their head as they duck for cover to avoid the camera.  If you are clever enough to sneak a shot of them without them noticing they usually have a mouthful of food, are picking something out of their teeth, or are in some other unflattering pose.  Hardly the image they would want recorded as a memory of themselves and not likely to be one you make poster size, frame and put on your wall either!  (Unless you are just plain mean that is!)

Now don’t get me wrong, there is a place in the album for those “unexpected” shots, even the not so good ones of “little Johnny” with his finger up his nose – in fact, we shouldn’t be without them.  However, there is also an important (if not vital) place for those photographs of when we look our best too.  And that is why it is important to have a professional portrait photograph taken – and updated regularly.  Here is another (much older) photograph of Nana with Granddad, my Mum and her sister.

Old family portrait photograph

Here are three things to keep in mind if you are a little camera shy.

(1) People who see your photographs are usually those that love you and know you well. (2) Having a record of you and your family is positive and benefits many generations. (3) A professional portrait captures an image of you looking your best under the best conditions.

In the Resources section of our website you will find the “What Can Help?” page that provides more information that you might find useful.

Well, I’ll catch you in the next posting.

Kind regards

Greg