Step by step, moving forward 2017

In November 2015 after leasing this building 10 months for my Photography studio I purchased it with help from First National Bank and Karen Zeiset. Karen treated me with respect and listened to my financial needs. Thank you Karen.

2015

There was a lot of hesitation, worry and surprise from folks. Once, I was told I had the ugliest building in town. People were concerned about the area, North town is generally not the sought out location for a business. I would wait out front for clients to arrive, watching their questioning expressions as they would drive up, slowly pulling in to park.

With any small business just starting, funds are tight. I did what I could, when I could to try and improve the building. Local painter Robert McCoy worked with me and I was able to get the front of the building painted. (Robert and his crew did an amazing job, they really got the job done.)

It takes a village and vision, blood and spit to build a creative Photography business. I've had a lot of help from friends and family.

Troy Williams designed and created the modern metal 327 street numbers.

Teranie Riley always keeps an eye out for that really cool prop.

Friend Pat Arthur spray painted the big planter pots a bright pink with matching mailbox!

Johnny Trammell has given me construction and business advice, networked my photography courses and helped in so many other significant ways.

I was able to hire two hard working, reliable people to help me get the place in shape, a big thanks to Jenni Hammersberg and coincidentally another Jennifer, both who worked so incredibly hard and really helped me out.

A big THANKS goes to my dear, sweet friend Andrea Jones. She came down and helped me clean and organize the studio which was a big deal. I honestly, could not have done it without her.

There are so many other friends and family who have stepped up and helped out. Mika Smith, Ivan Zhidov, Nancy & Jerry Reding, Wendy Holman, Jessica Stark, Shauna Hutchinson, Wes Hallmark, Carrie Chavers, Katie Davis, Pat Cunningham, Bobbie Elliott, Jessica Lane, Matthew Mollman, Steve McGrew, Max Wagner, Jonathan Manning, Sikander Lodhi, Royal Lantz, Meng Tong Lim, Narciso Arguelles, Patricia Isbell, Joe Donley, Fred Howell and so many more. I am incredibly humbled and appreciative of each and every one of you!

One friend who went beyond the friendship call of duty is Amber Heilman. Amber is the High school Art teacher in Rush Springs and an Artist in Chickasha. She offered to paint a poppy mural on the South side of the building. If you are passing by 327 North 6th, be sure and LOOK ! It is quite impressive.

There is still so much to do and I imagine there always will be.

As the building has improved so has the studio. In 2016, the studio started offering Photography courses, beginning, intermediate and advanced to Chickasha and surrounding areas.

The courses are designed to be step by step, hands on and interactive. Field trips, class demonstrations and small class sizes for personal attention. 

www.chickashaphotoclasses.com

The studio crew has grown as well, recently Wes Hallmark a Chickasha native has signed on to the studio and will be teaching FILM Photography courses starting in March. We are really excited about Wes joining the team. He brings 38 years of Photography & Videography experience to his students. FILM ADVANCE with Wes Hallmark.

And, I couldn't be more pleased to announce my new intern Jayne Gregston! Jayne will be helping me with the Photography courses and shoots. She is a current level 2 student and is incredibly bright. I am looking forward to working with her.

Now in 2017 it is my goal to create a Photography Education Hub at the studio. All things Photography Education. We will be offering the 3 & 5 week Photography courses along with day classes and workshops. Some of the ideas are to offer a day class in Head Shot Photography/personal branding images and a workshop in How to create an Artistic Videography short Film.

If there is a specific Photography topic that you would like to see as a day class or workshop please let us know. E-mail: contact@Z-Artscene.com

Gina Zhidov Photography | 327 North 6th, Chickasha | www.chickashaphotoclasses.com

 

 

 

North Town light & shadow Part 2

Part 2 of my North Town, Chickasha Oklahoma series.

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P O E T R Y with light & shadow

North town has such a beauty to me.  The colors, textures, lines.  Rust and faded tones create contrast.  

This train bridge has been here since I can remember.  My mother and I used to walk to Austin park and this bridge is along the way.  We would stop to rest and mom would let me throw rocks into line creek.  Sometimes the train would pass over while we were under the bridge,  very LOUD and exciting to watch it go over.  

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Underneath another bridge, there's L O V E.  Spray painted stories on the metal frames under the bridge for only a few who know.   Makes me smile to think about how many people pass over the bridge daily totally unaware of the vibrant, poetic colors just below.  

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At the end of the day, when things slow down.  It's quiet.  The birds are gathering in the trees, families are home, dinner is on the stove.  The t.v. is on.  A slight chill is in the air.  Another day is done.  

North town has so many great subjects to photograph!   

Gina Zhidov Photography | 327 North 6th, Chickasha | www.chickashaphotoclasses.com

What does it mean to be an Art Supporter?

When you hear someone mentioned as an Art Supporter, have you ever wondered what that really means? It can mean they donate annually to an Art group or cause. It can mean they volunteer their time toward an Art project or club. Another way that I think is often not considered and I feel is crucial to the advancement of Art, is the Artist who supports another Artist.

When another Artist shares their hard learned experiences, their resources, their tricks of the trade, they are giving to another Artist a part of the time they were not with their families, they are giving of a time when they were struggling to create their Art, they are giving a piece of knowledge and wisdom that they have worked very hard to achieve. All in the support of another Artist, because they know how hard it is.

How hard it is to get your Artwork out from behind the couch and into a gallery. How scary and intimidating it can be to trust yourself to make the right business decisions and not fall flat on your face. Only another Artist understands how challenging it can be to juggle the many relationships of work, home, kids, a spouse and then carve out time to create a solid, creative, intelligent, thoughtful and evoking Art piece with hopes of maybe selling it to the right, appreciative buyer.

I am a Photographer and an Art Supporter. I believe we are all on this crazy color wheel together wanting to inspire and share our creative stories and when one of us "makes it," it only clears the path for more Artists to follow.

We Artists U N D E R S T A N D the emotions and tears, the joys and pitfalls that only another Artist can. WE GET IT.

Whether the Artist is already accomplished in their career or struggling, when an Artist reaches out and helps guide, promote, celebrate another Artist, it is in my view the ultimate Art Support.

Do you know of An Artist who graciously gives of their time, experience and wisdom to other Artists? To them I say a HUGE THANK YOU! Thank you for caring, thank you for forging the way, thank you for fighting the hard fight, thank you for pulling us UP even when you feel overwhelmed. BRAVA to YOU!

Gina Zhidov Photography | 327 North 6th, Chickasha | Chickashaphotoclasses.com

Chasing F A L L

My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane. Robert Frost
 

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Warm color & texture.

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Life embraces Fall.

Fall Photography level 1 starting October 13th, 2016.  See website for more info.  

Gina Zhidov Photography | 327 North 6th, Chickasha Oklahoma | 941.447.1299 

And we photo folk ventured off into the woods

F I E L D  T R I P  Level 2 Photography class (behind the scenes) with guest photographers Johnny Trammel, Joe Donley and Wes Hallmark.  

Some of us met at the studio before heading out to the Parallel Forest field trip.  

student photographers Ian E.  Serena G. Kenan Caldwell and Will Ford. 

It was a rainy, stormy day with potential for even more rain and thunderstorms toward the evening, but that didn't deter the 2nd level Photography course students!    Several local photographers Johnny Trammel, Joe Donley and Wes Hallmark came along to partake in the Photography mayhem.   

And we photo folks venture off into the woods...  

Can you spot the Photographers?  

2nd level Photography class Field trip to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge, Parallel forest.  Photo credit Mika Smith.

There's a beautiful dry rock bed deeper into the woods past several pasture clearings.  This is such a great area to photograph form and contrast.   The Parallel Forest, the dry rock river bed and the Elk calling in the distance created perfect moments to capture images.  

The storms were moving in quickly, so we decided to go to the top of Mount Scott and photograph the storm.  

It was a really GREAT field trip!   The Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Lawton, Oklahoma is a magnificent photography location!   The students had a lot of photo moments to capture.  

Thank you to the the 2nd level photography students for their enthusiasm.  I look forward to seeing the images you've captured.  

Info on the Photography courses:   http://www.z-artscene.com/photography-101-course/2016/4/14/photography-101-course

Level 1 starts Oct 4th.  $150.00 5 week course, once a week - two hours.  

Gina Zhidov Photography | 327 North 6th, Chickasha Oklahoma | www.Z-Artscene.com

P A R A L L E L Forest

Off the side of the road on North hwy 115 toward Meers Oklahoma, tucked away in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge is a government planned forest originally planted for timber in 1912, but is now a quiet, curiosity to those who step inside.

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 Animal made paths; likely by the local bison and longhorn stretch throughout, leading you deep into it's magical scented Cedar woods.   

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It's really easy to get carried away and keep following the paths of exposed roots and dappled light.   As you enjoy the softness of the light and the quiet of the woods, suddenly you step into a clearing of bright sunlight and pasture grass.   Keep going... 

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A nice surprise of drift wood and rock appear in a dry river bed!   I followed the river bed for a while before turning around heading back into the forest.  

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There are rumors of the forest being haunted and that if you hold still you can feel the spirits run past.  My experience was more spiritual as the birds sang, an occasional twig would break and the wind would rustle the leaves in the canopy.  I did see hooves prints of bison and large paw prints that might have been from a mountain lion so I stayed aware.

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I was hoping to see a lone Bison or Longhorn off in the distance on a path, but I did manage to spot this guy.  

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I will go back soon to the Parallel Forest, during an early, chilly Fall morning with hopes to capture some fog rolling across the forest floor.  Maybe I will see a lone Bison or Longhorn, wouldn't that be wonderful? 

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Image property of Gina Zhidov Photography | www.Z-Artscene.com | 2016

S E E I N G VERTICAL Landscapes

L E N S   10-20 Wide Angle  |  C A M E R A 5 D mkii  

I wanted to create thoughtful, dynamic images and I challenged myself to use my wide angle lens and shoot VERTICAL Landscapes.    

To create a dynamic image I needed a foreground, middle ground and background to create depth.   I looked for and angled myself with leading lines to draw the viewer's eye to the subject.  Using the Rule Of Thirds, I thoughtfully composed in camera.   

As I would approach a scene, I would look for leading lines in my foreground, find an interesting point of view, position myself and study the light adjusting my camera settings.   

I've only been to the Wildlife Preserve a few times and it seems I can only make it there during the 1-3 p.m. harsh sunlight.  This day it was partially cloudy which allowed me diffusion of the sun.  Timing is a crucial part of a creative image and today I would wait for the clouds to roll over my subject creating softness,contrast and rich hues.  

Using the wide angle lens, I chose to shoot as low as I could which most of the time it mean't I was lying on my stomach and shooting up toward my subject.   

The real challenge was shooting vertical landscapes.  In the beginning, I would approach a scene and automatically without THINKING start to frame up my  subject Landscape/Horizontal.   A large part of this exercise was to make me THINK about what I was doing.  Instead of quickly seeing a moment, raising the camera and taking a shot I wanted to make myself SLOW down.  Become part of the process of creating an image.   By challenging myself to shoot vertically I instantly became aware.  

Earlier in the year, there was a fire started from lightening at the Preserve and because of this there are a lot of burned trees and limbs on the ground.   I tried to use them as leading lines and interesting subjects.  

NOTE:  My wide angle lens creates a vignette when I use it on my 5d mk ii full frame camera which I cropped in Photoshop and by doing so, it does change the overall composition.  I tried to take this into consideration when I was framing.  There is some barrel distortion which I could fix in Photoshop but I kinda like the clouds being distorted.    And, I really should have taken a small tripod, because this lens NEEDS a tripod to focus sharply.  

 Overall, I'm happy with my images and I look forward to going back to the Preserve with the experience I gained shooting Vertical Landscapes.  

Will Benzel 2016

#WillBenzel #actor #theatre #film #headshots #actorslife #auditions #talent #cinema #model  #onelight #photography 

@WillBenzel Twiiter

Will_Benzel Instagram

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Glamour & Grit - Vanity Fair-esque Portrait booth 2016

This weekend I was hired to create a Portrait booth at a black tie event.  An amazing opportunity and I was thrilled to be able to do it.   Since the event would be upscale and guests would be in fabulous dresses and tuxedos, I instantly knew I wanted to create a Vanity Fair set.  Glamour and Grit was the theme.  I wanted to juxtapose the richness of tones and fabrics in the attire with the worn and faded patina of the furniture and props.  

It took about a month to prepare for this event.

 Researching prop ideas and the how to's in creating over sized pieces was a fun challenge.  I wanted this Portrait booth to be extra special, so I turned to Artist Carrie Chavers who owns The Chickasha Art Center to help me design and create the props and set design.    It takes a Village to raise a Photographer, Carrie and I created the over sized props.   Several of the antique furniture pieces were on loan from the Grady County Historical Society - Thank you Pat Cunningham.   The backdrop is custom painted by my studio and the lovely green velvet drapes are from Yesterdays' Antiques - owner Bobbie Elliot.  

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BTS Photo Credit:  Carrie Chavers

Andrea M. Jones Entrepreneurs' Organization of Oklahoma Chapter Administrator was the coordinator for this amazing event.   She chose the Devon Boathouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with it's modern architecture and furnishings.   It was an impressive and perfect venue.  

BTS Photo Credit Carrie Chavers

Guests sneaking a peek of their images BTS Photo credit Johnny Trammell

CLICK on an image to scroll through the gallery below for Behind The Scene  images

I really had a BLAST photographing these awesome people.  So much fun.    It was a great time for them to Vogue!  I think they all look like STARS.  

It was my desire to offer the guests an after the Oscar's Portrait booth experience,  something you would see in Vanity Fair.  I wanted them to feel like they had won an Oscar!  Everyone was so elegant and handsome. And they seemed to really enjoy the custom made props!    It was a FUN and  stunning event.

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Photo credit  Johnny Trammell 

I want to take this moment to give a big THANK YOU to Carrie Chavers, Rachael Brown and Johnny Trammell for the LOVE.   They really worked hard to help me make this happen.   A VERY special shout out to my dear friend Andrea Jones who gave me this opportunity.    You my dear are an amazing, brilliant, kind, hardworking, creative person in this world and I am very glad to call you my friend.  

A poetic tree and golden hour light, moments captured.

In our life we make friends.  

And like with any good friendship, bonds are created, memories are shared.  I’ve been blessed to know the family of Garry & Mika Smith for many years now, it’s a caring, tight knit family.  They truly care about each other, sacrificing and giving. 

Their son Chas Smith is a young man that I have really enjoyed getting to know.  He is a really good person in the world, a creative, gentle spirit.  

Recently, Chas contacted me to help him with a special moment in his life.  He asked me to do their, Chas & Shonnie's pregnancy shoot.    The images were to be a surprise for the family. 

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Shonnie & Chas 2015

Chas had put a lot of thought in this, he had already picked out a beautiful outdoor area, a nearby pasture with the most poetic tree.    Chas and I scouted out the area the day before during the time of day that the shoot would take place.  The golden hour shone a perfect amount of warm sunlight through the leaves of the tree and cast a beautiful amount of open shade for our photo shoot.    

The very next day we loaded up props of big poppy flowers, a nice sized Kilim rug, pillows of teal and ruby red and headed to our soft pasture grass with the poetic tree and golden hour light. 

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REALLY GOOD FRIEND Shauna helped me with props !  She's such a cool breeze.  

As we arrive we see a lot of cows, everywhere!  They were lovely cows, don’t get me wrong.  There was even the champagne colored, very handsome bull laying off in the distance.  A baby bull was a little more active, jumping around at the sight of us.

We unloaded the props and equipment, and quickly realized that there were a lot of cows resting in our perfect, open shade of the poetic tree.  Now, for those of you that have never been around cows, they have a tendency to poop.  Cow Patties the size of a dinner plate at every step! 

And so it is for the Photographer, you never know how an outdoor shoot is going to take place, so many unknown variables, but thankfully, I am a seasoned professional and am used to side stepping a lot of SH*T! 

We managed to slowly, thoughtfully step around the poop and find a clear, small area of open shade, position the poetic tree nicely in the background and capture some sweet memories. 

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Isn’t that what it’s all about, really?  Side stepping the poop, finding some open shade and feeling the warmth of golden hour.  

Z-Artscene.com Gina Zhidov Photography 2014 Year in Review

2014 - A year of incredible photography growth

 Invested in equipment:  # 1 ) a Professional Canon 5d mark 2 camera

 # 2) Two - 7 ft Westcott Parabolic Umbrellas which create the most dreamy light 

# 3) A Paul C Buff power pack, with it I can  power my 3 - b800 Alien Bee strobes and shoot anywhere, a rooftop, a parking lot, under a bridge, in a field.  

 Studio - I rearranged the studio 3 times including painting it gray with the help of Brian & Henry.  

Vaughan-Coburn Wedding - I really pushed out of my Portrait Artist comfort zone by photographing my first Wedding with my Photographer friend Betsy Gillies.   This experience was so insane great. I am thankful!!  

Norman Transcript, Tail Gating Party - A big thank you goes out to my sweet friend Misty Westfall who I have a feeling was a big help in me getting the Norman Transcript gig!  It was a FUN experience, working with the models and setting up the scenes.  Getting a 5-page spread in the Norman Transcript was such a phenomenal feeling.  And I was able to get a full page advertisement which featured one of my photos with my friend Jessica Stark!  

AFRO Series 2014 - man all I can say is WOW!  I have always been into Afros, and my friend Cynthia saw my extreme need to photograph big hair.  Cynthia arranged several of her friends in Tulsa to do an  Afro photoshoot.  We were very fortunate that Living Arts of Tulsa kindly allowed us to set up a studio in the gallery.  We were living art as patrons of the gallery would walk over and watch us do the shoot.  I met some amazing, FUN people that I now call friends!  Josiah, Neke, Marcus & Jerica, all arrived ready with great attitudes and a willingness to make it happen! 

Cyrus & Brianna Shoot - This shoot was one of those that I just had a feeling was going to be good.  Cyrus & Briana are brother and sister teenagers!    They both are so awesome.  Cyrus has a theatre background and he just rocked it.  He seemed to have the right expression at the right time.    And SWEET Brianna, what a dear person to photograph.   She gave me some beautiful stuff.  I'm very proud of the images we created that day.  Whenever I get low or insecure about my Photography ability I return to these images... I;m very proud of them.  Thank you for the inspiration you two!  

Bedroom Farce - Thanks to the amazing Katie Davis ( and I really mean that, Katie is amazing!) I was able to do the head shots for the Bedroom Farce cast.  I am always blown away at the talent that walks into my studio.  REAL people with a great vibe who are incredibly hard working.  

Foolish Philosophy Project - What can I say.... I was asked to create some cool photos for a very cool, up and coming Vinyl record company.    It was a month long process of arranging mini shoots and then arranging the Main shoot photographing awesome people in Foolish Philosophy t-shirts and hoodies.  I had a blast, an absolute blast working with so many people who were willing to help out.    A huge thank you goes out to all of the models.  You guys are so great.  Everyone came prepared and just gave it their all.  So proud of everyone.    It takes a village to raise a photographer:  Damon Mantooth, Jared Ellis, Danja MacNeill, Cynthia Cunningham, Ford Filson, Cord Courtney, Russell Cunningham, Brandon Nalley, Emma Rose Kraus, Cyrus Heilman,  Dani Jimenez. and Chas Smith.  A big thank you to Eva Wilcox for working the video!   I am very thankful for having the opportunity to create.  

Paint & Shoot, Adam and Johnny's Art Show - These two turkeys,  SMILE are my friends.

 I have known Adam for about 5 years.  He is a down to earth GOOD guy who works hard and has a beautiful family and I am very glad they are part of our community.   Adam just happens to also be a very talented Artist.  When I first learned of his talent my response was  "his shit should be in a New York gallery."    It's different, in a good way.    You want to look at it, take it in.  he is able to capture his subject and allow the viewer to SEE them.  

I met Johnny Trammel a little over a year ago at a photography class.  We hit it off right away.  He makes me laugh, although a lot of times I don't think he means to. ha!  He is a really good Photographer with a creative eye.  I have enjoyed getting to know Johnny and it's nice to have another Photographer to bounce ideas off of, talk shop so to speak.  

When I heard that Johnny and Adam were having a duo art show and that it was both their first show I was thrilled!  As an Artist it is really important to have a first show.  It gives you much needed recognition.  It mean't a lot to me to do their promotional photographs.  It was a fun evening, silliness abounded and we got some great stuff!  

2015 - one frame at a time...  

2015 is lining up to be powerful.  Starting off the new year with some BIG news:  I will be moving into a much larger studio space in January!  As some of you know, I have been looking for a workable space a very long time, about 5 years.  This new space will have a dedicated studio, plus a PROP room, a private dressing area, and I will have an office.  This opportunity is really going to move www.Z-Artscene.com forward in a big way.   I will be able to offer large group/Company/Reunion Portraits.  Large family Portraits.  Dog Portraits.   We can do real FASHION & Beauty shoots.   

This will be good for everyone.  I want to create a Photography HUB.  All things Photography. I would like to offer classes and do projects such as learn Videography.  I really want to learn how to create a quality video. 

I've been working on a new look for my business, creating a new logo and style.  Getting closer.  smile.  

I hope that everyone has a safe and great New Years Eve and here's to a beautiful New Year!  

Gina Zhidov

1st Wedding notes

Just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph my first Wedding. As a Studio Portrait Artist I am used to working in a controlled environment of lighting and subject.  Photographing an event such as a Wedding pushed me into a completely new realm.  

Here are my 1st Wedding notes:  

PREPARATION is key.  I had about a month to prepare and I used every bit of that month.  I purchased several Wedding Photography online classes and researched well known Wedding Photographers techniques, gear, mindset.    The videos allowed me to see where best to position myself during the ceremony, to be confident and get in there to get the tight shots and  to ask the right  pre-wedding questions such as "what access do I have during the ceremony?"  A lot of pastors are concerned with the intimacy of the ceremony and would prefer the Photographer to be further away.  Its always best to ask the pastor and the couple what access you will have.  

Credit Photographer Betsy Gillies

A big part of the preparation is MENTAL.  I spent the entire month building up my confidence with daily positive thinking and affirmations.  "I have quality gear"  "I am an experienced photographer" "I am preparing myself with skills and tools to succeed"  "I am a professional."    It is critical to believe in and trust your abilities.  

 Photographing a Wedding is very PHYSICAL.  You are in constant motion for about 5 hours or longer.  I prepared by doing daily Yoga and taking long walks.  I  practiced various exercises such as lunges and squats.    I wanted to condition myself to be able to keep up with the pace.  

GEAR - the big question!  There is a lot of information about the best Wedding Photography lenses.  What I learned is that it just depends upon what kind of images you want to convey.   35mm are great for a documentary feel.  24-70 is a general consensus best lens for the Ceremony.  85mm 1.8 is great for formal Portraits.  I decided to use my 24-105 f4 throughout the entire Wedding process and use a flash for the indoor reception.   I made this decision because I am very comfortable and familiar with what this lens can do.    I am used to how it feels on my camera and given that this was my first wedding I didn't want any surprises.  

 Yes I was over prepared, I had extra 16gb formatted CF cards, a back up camera with extra SD cards.  Several lens just in case.  Extra charged camera batteries and extra speed light batteries.  

And although I didn't need the extra batteries, backup camera or other lenses there was a moment right after the Ceremony when everyone was hugging and congratulating the bride and groom when my camera stopped taking photos because my CF card was FULL!  Since I had prepared I had a second CF card tucked inside a pocket on my  camera strap and I was able to exchange CF cards quickly and keep shooting.  It was actually a very cool Photographer moment.  (smile)    

Credit Photographer Gina Zhidov www.Z-Artscene.com  My "Photographer's moment" I took this right after I exchanged out my FULL CF card.  If I hadn't of prepared with an extra CF card in my camera sling I would have missed this shot.  

Since I mentioned it, I have a Black Rapids single sling camera strap and I feel it is a MUST when it comes to shooting a Wedding or event.   It slings over your shoulder and across your chest  and your camera hangs at your side so you can be hands free.  I carried my camera for a good 5 hours plus and the sling is so comfortable, it really disperses the camera weight.  

For one month I physically and mentally prepared, educated myself on Wedding Photography, lined up the right equipment and over prepped my gear.... Damn, now I had to actually Photograph the Wedding!  

Credit Photographer Gina Zhidov www.Z-Artscene.com  

I believe the most important part of Photographing a Wedding is to have a 2nd shooter!  No question, I would never shoot another wedding without a 2nd Photographer.    There is absolutely no other way you can capture all of those incredibly important, touching moments.   I was  fortunate to have an experienced 2nd shooter, Photographer Betsy Gillies.    Betsy was amazing, professional, creative, workable and I loved working with her.   We were able to divide up the work which allowed me to focus on the Shots list (main images couple requests) and allowed Betsy to take some amazing creative images.  

Credit Photographer Betsy Gillies

One final 1st Wedding note:  Retouching.  After all the preparation and then Photographing the Wedding there is a long period of "Retouching Isolation."   I retouched images from 9 a .m.-10 p.m. for a full 7 days working straight through the weekend.  It was important for me to be able to show and give the bride and groom their Wedding images as soon as they returned from Honeymoon.    

I must mention how wonderful the bride and groom and their families were to me and Betsy!  It was a really great wedding, everyone had a fabulous time and it's because of all the families & friends  hard work, thoughtful planning and LOVE that they put into the wedding process. 

Would I do it again?  I really feel it was a successful, positive experience and I am very glad I got the opportunity.  For now, I want to get back into my studio.

  I do want to promote Betsy Gillies as a wonderful, reliable, creative and professional Wedding Photographer.  She loves photographing Weddings and it shows in her moments captured. 

1st slideshow Photographer Betsy Gillies.  (Click on images to scroll gallery)

2nd slideshow Photographer Gina Zhidov.  (Click on images to scroll gallery)

Afro Wisdom Collection 2014

Personal projects, I try and do at least 20 personal projects a year to push my skills and do creative work.  Afro Wisdom is one of those projects and was inspired by my friend Cynthia who is a beautiful human and especially beautiful when she wears her Fro.  A few months ago we did a Fro photo shoot, I wanted to test my lighting and black backdrop against her gorgeous big hair.   While shooting we started talking about the possibility of doing a series of Fros and Afro Wisdom was sparked.  

Cynthia went above and beyond organizing models.  She brought me fabulous people, Josiah a professional dance instructor, Neke a college student, Marcus a musician and Jerica a magazine publicist.  

Cynthia is from Tulsa, a 2.5 hour drive from me.  So when she was able to put together such talent I knew I needed to seize this opportunity.  Having no connections in Tulsa I reached out to one of my Artist friends Narciso Arguelles and he gave me the name of Amy Boewe at Living Arts.    

I want to say that the Living Arts in Tulsa ROCKS!  (http://www.livingarts.org/)  Incredible non -profit gallery.   Amy was so kind and accommodating.  We had a perfect space to set up a temporary studio, she even brought us bottled water!    

We had the best time with the photo shoot and I got a lot of great images that I will be editing throughout the month.  While I photographed, one of the models Neke, used my cell and took incredibly FUN behind the scenes photos which I love because they document the process, tells the story.  Thank you Neke!   (Behind the Scenes Photo Credit:  Neke Carey. )

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone.  

A big shout out to Josiah Kelly, Marcus James, Neke Carey, Jerica Wortham and Cynthia Cunningham for all the hard work, ENERGY and FUN you all brought to the shoot!  

Please click on an image to scroll through the gallery.  More images will be posted soon.  

Ya gotta love em!

I really had FUN working with these fabulous people!   A brother & sister team, they kept giving and I kept capturing cool images.   We just let it flow, giving the shoot a Performance Art feel which I love.   Playing with props and using things that are important to them we gave the photos a voice.  Cyrus IS his electric guitar and Briana brought sunflowers from the garden.  As part of my job I wanted to show what a cool connection they have, brother let sister wear his iconic hat!  

Hey isn't that?

This guy has one of those faces.  You know, the kind that looks like someone famous.  Olen Cox is a writer/actor and has real possibility of becoming a director someday soon.  (follow him on twitter olen_91 )     Whatever ventures he decides to grab hold,  I trust that he will be successful and I can say "I knew him when!"  (click on image to scroll through gallery)

The Fro Knows

The Fro Knows...

I have always been a tad envious of a woman with a fabulous Fro.    The Fro speaks with a clear voice of history, empowerment, keeping it real, strength, music, crazy love, lost love.  

I find a Fro to be poetic, "Big & Full & Soft & Scrunchy& In Your Face, I will let you be if you embrace me."

I love them, all of them.   Thank you Cynthia for sharing your Fro with me even for just a few hours.  

(please click on an image to scroll through the gallery)

Handsome

Every time I see Will Benzel, an aspiring actor/model  I think "wow, look at those eyes, wow look at his jaw line, wow he has such a great smile!"    I met Will over a year ago while taking marketing head shots for the local university's Theater department.  At that time he had long hair, which was a really cool look for him,  yet it distracted from his handsome features.  

Because Will is open to new concepts he has changed his hair style and color several times throughout the year and he recently got it cut by my stylist Shauna Hutchinson.   This new hairstyle gave Will and I the opportunity to update his head shots.    I absolutely LOVE how these photos come across.  Will did such a great job and he always works really hard during his shoots.  

I am proud of these images and of YOU Will, keep up the good work!  

Freckles...fabulous!

Meet Taylor, a 16 year old 6.5 ft, red head with freckles.  A photographer's DREAM.  She is a junior in High school, plays basketball, and is an all around good person.    A friend and model Jess, who I have worked with numerous times on photo shoots suggested I photograph her cousin Taylor.   All I can say is beauty and talent runs in their family.    

Here is what impressed me most about Taylor, her professionalism.  She was prepared, arrived on time and had practiced the model poses I had sent her in advance.  GREAT attitude, and takes instruction well.    She is a 110% natural.  I really enjoyed working with her.  Special thank you to Taylor's mom Kristi, who is a photographer herself!  

I really enjoyed the process and the opportunity.    

Please click on an image to scroll the gallery for more images.  

CLICKHEADS

First official meeting Friday night of the local Photography group CLICKHEADS was a success. Organized by Photographers, CLICKHEADS is a group of 5 who meet once a month to discuss each other's current projects, review images, bounce ideas and learn.  

  Wanting to do a group project, Johnny, Tiffany and myself decided to catch some light trails and set up on a I-44 overpass near Chickasha which was a perfect vantage point.  White and red streams of light with the McDonalds sign or the Chickasha lights gave us fun backdrops.  

We had been shooting images for about an hour, when a car with very bright lights pulled onto the bridge stopping and talking to Johnny and Tiffany.  I was on the other end of the bridge and had no idea that it was a State Trooper who was responding to the "several calls" he had received about people on the bridge.  The next thing I knew Johnny and Tiffany picked up their tripods and headed quickly my way talking in a loud voice telling me that we had been asked to clear out now!   I guess I was a tad slow breaking down my equipment because the Trooper circled back and flashed his lights at me encouraging me to hurry up.  We packed up and headed home, laughing and joking about how CLICKHEADS almost got thrown into jail.  I told Johnny I was very glad an adult was with us (SMILE) because I don't handle authority figures well.    We were able to get some fun light trails and have a great story to tell.  

Johnny was able to capture the tail lights of the new Dodge Challenger, its tail lights go completely across creating a very cool effect.  See Johnny's Challenger trail light image at    http://500px.com/photo/77037997/challenger-by-johnny-trammell

Tiffany and my trail lights are below.  Please click on an image to scroll through entire gallery.

simple and effective

it was fun to do a photo session with Brandon, a fresh face on the actor/model scene who is compiling portfolio photos as part of his entrance into a master degree program.    Originally he contacted me to do his head shots.  Brandon came prepared and brought a lot of enthusiasm to his photo shoot.   It was a success with some great head shots and we also played with a few model poses which are an added bonus.  (please scroll through gallery for more images)