Heart Mender - Andy Andrews - New Book

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you know that one of my favorite authors is Andy Andrews.  The Lost Choice, The Traveler’s Gift, and The Noticer are three of the best books I ever read and are among the top books that I recommend to everyone.  He has a new book entitled “The Heart Mender” and when I finish reading it, I will post a quick review and note here and on Twitter.  Last week, I reread The Traveler’s gift and as always, it touches my heart and challenges me to think about the 7 decisions outlined in the book.  If you never read The Traveler’s gift, then I highly recommend you either read it or listen to it as an audio book.  It is one of those books that I can read repeatedly but never grow tired of its content and gain something new each time.  

Check out the promo video on his site here and watch for a review of the book later in the month. 

Have a great week and just as this sign states - The Adventure Begins:

This image was shot in Orlando, Florida.

I would love to photograph a wedding in this area.  The lines and textures are beautiful. The only downfall, I would be on image overload.  Never wanting to stop taking pictures.  :-D

dr. Frank

 www.kendrallaphotography.com

www.kendralla.com

Birthday Cake How to photograph

First - This is one of the cutest Birthday cakes I ever saw - Who would think to make a 3-D giraffe birthday cake? The cake is too cute to eat but the folks in attendance ate it up quick.

This cake was made by Amy's Cakes and I am always amazed how nice her cakes look.

Second - When I saw this cake, I thought, I better get as much detail as possible.

The first tip is NOT to use a direct flash on the cake. A direct flash will destroy most if not all of the detail. Keep in mind that shadows help with dimension and this cake needs its dimensions shown off. :-D

I used my Nikon SB800 on the camera and pointed it to the wall next to the counter (camera left). It created a soft light on the left side of the cake and a soft shadow on the right side.

I used the same technique to photograph the back of the cake (I did the same for the side and a few close ups of the 'feet'.) The critical point is to diffuse the flash. I used the wall and it created a very soft large light that wrapped around the cake's features. If a wall isn't close enough to bounce off or if the wall is very dark, then have a guest with a light (hopefully white) shirt stand near the cake and bounce the flash off their shirt. I have a large and small reflector that I use when needed.

Another key point about photographing cakes is time. Rarely is there time to set everything perfect compared to a controlled shot at home or in a studio. Since this cake had some much character, I took more shots than I typically do for a 'flat' cake. Therefore, it is critical to get the shots of the cake as soon as possible. I try to get the shots as soon as I arrive to the event-reception. This buys me a few minutes and eliminates rushing. If you wait until minutes before the cake cutting, you might miss something.

I use the same technique as a wedding photographer when I am photographing a wedding cake. If special lights exist, use them to create drama. For example, if the party or wedding reception has a DJ that utilizes uplighting, then their lights create very nice accent lighting on the cake.

This was shot with my Nikon D300 and Tamron 17-50.

Frank Kendralla

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer

www.kendrallaphotography.com

Economy village Ambridge part 2

A few more pictures from Old Economy Village. This is a beautiful setting for weddings and portraits.

I can imagine the giggling of littler girls as they run around the ground covering and hid behind the stone building sitting in the far back left.

Regardless of where I stood in the area, the beautiful clock was seen. No doubt it was done purposefully since everything within the village was done with thought and precision. The stone walls protected the grounds from some of the dirt and dust from the nearby river.

Images by Frank Kendralla

Wedding and Portrait Photographer

www.kendrallaphotography.com

www.kendralla.com

Economy village - Ambridge PA with the kids

We took the grand kids to visit Old Economy Village in Ambridge, PA and had a great time. It is a historical landmark dating back to the 1800's. Please visit their site for detailed information. Historically, it is filled with tremendous information and the guide was very knowledgeable. There were a few other guests that toured with us. The tour started with a brief video about the Village and the history of the Harmony Society. After the video, a tour guide dressed in similar clothes that were worn by the women of the Harmony Society takes you back in time and discusses each room/building and its historical significance.

Our guide explained many fun and insightful facts about the Harmony Society. Since we had our grand children with us, many of the questions were directed toward them. No doubt, this made the tour entertaining and enjoyable for the kids.

Photographically, it is filled with a gold mine of photo opportunities. Although the look is much different than some of my recent post and travels, it is no less exciting and colorful. The village is located within thirty minutes of our home and is another example of great photo opportunities close to home.

The gardens within the beautiful buildings and landscaping are available for weddings and other portrait sessions. I can image the look similar to weddings seen in the many wedding magazines. I wonder how many wedding coordinators and brides 'to be' know of this beautiful opportunity. This is another example of a beautiful place within Beaver County, PA and very close to Pittsburgh, PA which is a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding. In addition, how many wedding and portrait photographers realize this beautiful facility is available for weddings and portrait sessions.

As I walked through the buildings and down the streets and heard school kids playing, I wondered if the founders of this beautiful historical landmark ever thought children would play in the area. (The society practiced a vow of celibacy. Men and women married but never having children or enjoying them.)

Images by Frank Kendralla

Wedding and Portrait Photographer

www.kendrallaphotography.com

www.kendralla.com

Jared Platt - check out his work and blog

This image was shot during my walk around Station Square in Pittsburgh on a very cloudy, rainy day.

Frank Kendralla

Wedding and Portrait Photography

I am not sure how I stumbled upon this blog site but when I did, I knew I must share it with others. He has great information, photos, and great tips for using Lightroom. Jared Platt - check out his work and blog.

Pittsburgh - beautiful lines part 2

Photo by Frank Kendralla

How often do you hear that (fill in the blank) isn't a beautiful city. There isn't anything to photograph in it. I challenge each of you to begin looking at your city in a different manner. Look for the strong lines and contrasts that exist in many different scenes. Challenge yourself to get up earlier than normal and take a photo of a sunrise. Stay up later at night and capture the sunset. Go out on a dreary day and notice the beauty in the scene. I shot this photo on a very dreary rainy day. The sun would peak through every so often but never long enough to cast any defining shadows.

Take one lens and start walking around looking for photos you see and feel in your heart and mind. Before you snap the shutter, know what you want the image to look like.

This image was shot in manual mode.

Have fun and enjoy the beauty of life!

Pittsburgh - beautiful lines

Photo by:
Frank Kendralla
Wedding Photographer
www.kendrallaphotography.com

www.kendralla.com


I was walking to my car from photographing a bridal shower and noticed the beautiful lines and great saturation of color from the light coming through the wild looking sky.  I grabbed a few shots from different angles and this is one of my favorites.  I processed it in Lightroom and Topaz adjust to bring out the colors and lines. 

The second image is near where I was standing when I shot the first image.  All the lines from the railings and the climbing vines immediately caught my attention.  I couldn't pass this shot up.  In my mind, I imagined a couple standing near the opening, enjoying the view of the city.  No doubt, many couples stood in this same spot laughing and enjoying the time together.  Maybe they hid under the bridge just out of the view to sneak a quick kiss or stay dry from a hard rain. I can hear the laughter of little children as a brother hid around the opening waiting to scare his little sister as she passed by him crouched down hiding from her view. 

Life passes us by very quickly.   Each day we drive or walk by beautiful scenes, buildings, and amazing looking settings.  However, since we passed by them hundreds or even thousands of times, we fail to notice the beauty of the scene.  It is critical that each day we work on gaining a vision and not worrying about obtaining all the latest and greatest gear.  Each day, I am working on stopping and looking at the scenes around me.  These two images are part of a few fun images that I took from Station Square while walking to my car after photographing a bridal (wedding) shower.

Yes, obtaining the newest gear might be critical to obtain certain images.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that these two images are possible with minimal equipment.  Just as many others stated before me; it’s not about the camera, it is about obtaining a vision and learning to see the beauty of life.  Years ago, I read the book by Lance Armstrong, “It’s not about the bike”.  Without going into details about the book and its content, the title makes a great statement.  The same holds true with photography.  We see a beautiful image and want to know everything about the camera.  However, when we read a good book, do we ask what word processor was used to type the original document or the type of pen that was used when the author scratched down their notes?  No, we ask them what inspired them to write the book.  The same principal holds true with photography, before snapping a shot, think in your mind what do you want the image to look like. 

Look around, what do you see today that has been there for years but you never noticed?

The adventure begins

The second image is what visitors see at the entrance of one of the theme parks in Orlando, Florida.

Each day we are given a new day to enjoy life and live it to its fullest.

One of the most amazing things that I find with photography is that with a simple item (camera), we can capture life's memories. Last week I spent time in Orlando, Florida on a business trip and was amazed and awe struck with all the photo possibilities. There is no doubt that I could spend years in this one area and never portray all the beauty and excitement that is contained in and around Universal Studios. The hotels, shops, rides, and most of all, people. People from all walks of life traveled and no doubt spent hundreds and thousands of dollars to take in as much of this excitement as possible.

I wonder how many 'local's realize and truly appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. I am sure many do and live in the area because of the climate and the beautiful landscapes, cityscapes, and people. All of this brings me to my main point; how many of us appreciate and enjoy the area we live in and its surroundings. Many live in or near major cities, but I wonder how many spend time in their city soaking up its beauty and culture. How many of us take the time to photograph the beauty of everything around us. Too often, we wait for the perfect time and miss many almost perfect opportunities. We become more interested in the next camera or lens but forget that it is all about the vision and utilizing our photographic eye to capture life.

Last week continued to confirm in my heart that there is so much beauty in the world and as a photographer; it is my role to capture it and share it with others.

I plan to post more and more fun shots that I capture not only in Pittsburgh but other cities that I visit in my travels. The time is NOW to get out and enjoy the beauty of life!

Photo by Frank Kendralla
Wedding and Portrait photographer
www.kendrallaphotography.com
www.kendralla.com