The Daily Chews

Cat got your tongue?

2011-02-19T22:34:00.001-08:00

Albert.

Camera room on the verge of greatness

2011-02-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is the "Before!"

I'll unveil the "After" in two weeks. This will include removal of the garage door (allowing me to use yet another wall of the studio as a backdrop.)

I've hired a professional artist, Joe Paul Pierre, to completely revamp every square inch of the camera room. Joe has done work at several hotels in Las Vegas including Paris and The Venetian.

The designs are approved, with help from a professional interior designer who assisted with color choices.

The painting begins today!

2011-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

What is Pawstice?

2011-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

Pawstice (© David Jensen, 1-2011)

A warm solstice breeze whispers presence and passed…
“a bark and a purr and a coo everlasts.”

‘neath reigning clouds no tears to be shed;
blessed joy for warm paws, fur, feathers instead.

A rainbow cascades painted pawstrokes of gold …
“An Arch and an Ark!” winds’ whisp does behold.

Pawstice exists when the sun never sets
leaving impressions engraved in heart silhouettes.

Those here, those passed, their strength is so near
when you listen and love with welcoming ears.

Pawstice 2011 has a location.

2011-01-30T22:17:00.001-08:00

It's official: Ruth Arcand Park is now reserved for Pawstice, June 18, 2011.

Ruth Arcand Park

This is a terrific location. Just five minutes from the studio, it's one of my top three "within two miles" park locations for portraits. This secluded park is surrounded by forest and a grass lawn. Ruth Arcand Park will be perfect for Pawstice.

With input from staff, we're focusing on this as a free exclusive, invitation only event. Customers, their guests, and friends of the studio will be invited. No body will be turned away. However, as this is our first event of this kind we want to make sure it is done with class and dignity. This means we don't want to advertise it publically for fear of having too many guests and not enough hosts! Pawstice 2012 could be something completely different.

I'll set up an RSVP link in the days to follow.

Always open to ideas that will make this event sing!

Picture imperfect.

2011-01-29T21:35:00.000-08:00

Not all clicks of the pet-ography camera are perfect. But they tell a true and fun story!

Gotta hand it to ya....

2011-01-27T12:40:00.000-08:00

My hand made a cameo appearance recently (with a pinch of beef jerky) as I worked toward an up close and personal portrait of Willow and Annie.

Just look at those eyes.....adoring my fingertips much more than my charming personality.

Pawstice Update - Introducing Leola Adams

2011-01-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

Author, Singer, Counseling Psychologist and Animal Companion empath and communicator Leola Adams has agreed to share her talent and wisdom throughout the innaugural Pawstice Celebration.

Leola will perform and also meet with guests and their animal companions through mini sessions. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all who attend. Leola's music, empathic and 'touch' skills will not only amaze guests ... it will also be a healing and therapeutic awakening for those interested in learning more about what their animal companions are feeling and what they are trying to communicate to their humans.

Pawstice 2011 - June 18th

2011-01-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

Plans are firming up for Pawstice 2011. The date is set: Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 12-4 p.m. This is the same day that Anchorage celebrates Summer Solstice.

Pawstice will introduce all of the entries from the Talking to Animals 2012 Model Search.

And I'm really excited to announce that Debra and Doug Lindsay, both Methodist ministers (United Methodist Church of Anchorage) have agreed to lead a Blessing of the Animals during Pawstice.

Much more to come!

Talking to Animals Star Search 2012

2011-01-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

You heard it here first!!

This is the first-ever Talking to Animals Model Search. It's an excellent deal with a savings of $25 off your regular studio session fee and the added bonus of a free Facebook Profile photo so you can show off your Pet Star(s)! Even better, at least one photo will be selected from your session and displayed at Pawstice 2011 - a new annual event at the studio July 18, 2011 (Anchorage's Official Summer Solstice).

The Talking to Animals Model Search will be launched at the opening of the 2011 exhibit Friday, February 4 at Border's Books.

Snow day.

2011-01-23T17:26:00.001-08:00

Plowing snow in the driveway -- a favorite way to relax.

Behind the scenes.

2011-01-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Kelsey snapped this action shot during a recent wedding we photographed together.

This was one of just 4-5 weddings we cover each year.

Three fine mice.

2011-01-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

A very fun portrait session today included a visit from five cute little Feed Mice. They are living very happily ever after.

Sarah and her mom adopted these mice (and two others). They were, for scientific reasons, unsuitable candidates for the mouse propagation program at the Alaska Zoo. In other words, they escaped the original plan which was to be a part of the Zoo's food chain.

I have to admit that these three girls are pretty cute.

Talking to Animals. The book.

2011-01-05T14:39:00.001-08:00

I rarely make new year resolutions. So this proclamation is more of a continuation of a life goal which is....

Talking to Animals (the book) is now my first priority. I'm finally selecting images and writing cliff notes to fully embrace this project. I would like to have it available for signings February, 2012 at Border's Books.

A new film scanner should be here this week. This will allow me to retire the old scanner and do serious archive work in the weeks to come (sorting through a few hundred thousand film images, scanning and editing from film days - 1989-2002).

The premise of the book will be Whispering. This is much different than what Cesar Milan (the 'dog whisperer') claims as a definition of whispering. Much, much different. I believe it's a new concept and way of thinking that has not been widely considered, much less taught.

The book will inspire, increase awareness and bonds between people and their companion animals and plant a lasting impression with everyone who reads it. It will also be resource for coping with the loss of departed companions.

Time to dig in!

Puddy.

2011-01-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Bored at home while fireworks were terrifying one of my dogs New Year's eve and I decided to cruise Craig's List. Sometimes I'll find a cool antique furnishing or other odd item useful as a prop in the studio.

Nothing new of interest for sale. The sonic blasts were still booming around the house.

So ... then I search engine Pets and Fireworks on CL.

Several pleas for help popped up immediately. Exactly what I expected to see.

But then I saw the following: Puddy's Story

Here's what I read ....

Puddy had a rough life from the very beginning. At 3 months animal services got a call of a black lab/rott mix puppy running around little Campbell creek. I had been bugging my parents for a new dog and promised they could have all of my PFD's if i could have one. That day me and my dad went to the shelter and seen her, she was at the very last column of cages on the far right when walking in, and she was the only dog down that line. the first thing we seen was a big red sign that read "Vicious" my dad and i laughed and started the adoption papers. 12 days or so later, we got a call to go and pick her up, i was so excited she was what our family was missing, a second dog. She is a purebred black lab. We took her hunting and on fishing trips, she HATES fireworks and bikes, she will eat everything but green peppers and yes that includes mosquitoes and bees (we always thought she would get stung though she never did) she used to bite at the water from the hose like constantly and loves car rides. Now she is 12 years old she takes arthritis meds and has been on seizure meds for about 7 years. Sadly when my parents get back tomorrow from their vacation they are scheduling a appointment for her to be put down, since her back legs are giving out and she needs help going up and down the stairs to go potty. I think we would all agree on any animal not suffering anymore but i honestly am dreading the day to say my last goodbye as she is and always will be not only my best friend but my furry baby :)

That evening, I emailed and invited Puddy's human to bring her to the studio for a few minutes. I wanted to meet this four-legged dog. She agreed and we spent an hour together. What a sweet dog. She was everything her person described and more.

There's a lot more to this story...perhaps to be shared in another way one day. But I was so fortunate to be able to meet Puddy and to photograph her. What a wonderful way to start 2011 and to begin the new year.

View from behind the camera.

2010-12-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

A customer (Pete) sent this photo of me in action at the Alyeska Canine Trainer's Club annual holiday party. I was photographing three very dark dogs and their human at the time.

Thanks Pete!

More behind the scenes action

2010-12-18T21:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I turn the camera over to my clients. In this case, 3-year old JJ took a turn at clicking the shutter button on my camera. He did a great job. Too bad his subject wasn't very cooperative.

In action at Alyeska Canine Trainers

2010-12-14T10:51:00.001-08:00

Kelsey aimed her camera toward me while I was working with a very well-trained Jack Russell Terrier during the Alyeska Canine Trainers Club annual Holiday party.

The elaborate twinkle light display was a hit and the portraits were loved by all.

Flash loves mail.

2010-12-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

Flash has way too many rituals. She's a creature of habit.

She taunts Kelsey for 'mail' every day when the FedEx delivery arrives.

Kelsey prepares the mail for Flash and it is then delivered to me (as shown to the right).

Kobuck peeked around the mail for a cameo appearance.

Yes - Flash chewed the custom carrying handle on this particular mail.

The "A" Team = Kelsey in green!

2010-12-01T23:08:00.001-08:00

Always there with a smile. Always doing an amazing job.

I told someone over the phone today that Kelsey is the glue that holds the studio together. That's not even the half of it.

Shown here - she's helping out as we bring a trio of pugs back into the studio after a brief visit in our Classic Park.

Thank you, Kelsey. You're my rock!

Flash and Pilot

2010-11-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

"Pilot," our neighbor's dog played in the snow with Flash this morning. They held still for a brief snapshot from my pocket camera.

Flash's only interest, as usual, was her tennis ball.

Snow is easily Flash's favorite thing in life. (I think I run a close second).

Tubbs, Peaches and Princess

2010-11-28T00:59:00.000-08:00

A couple pocket camera snaps of Princess with her siblings. All are Friends of Pets dogs. This is the first time they've seen each other in two months. Before then, they were in protective custody for at least seven months.

We're hoping they can visit with each other a few times each year - maybe with the fourth sibling whose name is Luther - a three-legged labrador mix. Luther now lives a comfortable life with a longtime Friends of Pets volunteer.

Shown above right: Peaches on the floor. Princess sitting up to the right. Tubbs laying down on the sofa to the left.

Pie made easy

2010-11-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

Dinner at Simon's concluded with a shared piece of Pumpkin Pie. Relaxing TG Day with none of the clean up or trying to figure out where to put the leftovers.

Put your hand on the paw of the dogs who love you.

2010-11-25T15:54:00.001-08:00

photography. an art of giving.

2010-11-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

photographers ...

we share a meeting of the minds
in passion and in our hearts
to create timeless portraits
and to make statements
about the day in which we live
and the people for whom we touch
　
our images will resound
with generations we'll not meet
and our names may fade away
but our purpose will never be lost
　
thank you for your art
the giving of yourself to others
and for preserving, as witness
the love, tears, joy, memories
and legacies of our time.

Copyright David Jensen, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

The Blank Stare.

2010-11-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Every week I receive at least one request for 'pointers' on how we run a successful portrait studio. 90% of the inquiries request if they can shadow me for a few hours or days. The others simply want a simple "1, 2, 3 Step by Step "How to photograph pets!" instruction sheet. The request happened already this week (Monday morning via email) from a couple of photographers I met in passing a few months ago (they live out of state).

In most cases my first question to the aspiring pet photographer is "What do you REALLY love to photograph? What are you most passionate about? What do you want to do with your life in One, Five and Ten years from now?" Most of these questions earn an answer "I don't really know." That answer is sad to me.

I often get a Blank Stare when I answer the question about my success, which is:

"Success isn't measured by a bank account.

My success is related to my love for animals first and foremost. I knew I had a connection with four-legged companions long before I developed my photography passion.

When I decided to pave my path in photography, I committed to working 70+ hour weeks more than 20 years ago - because I Love Doing This Work. I was designed to do it. I'm blessed to be able to do it. Not one day passes where I don't think "My God, I am so fortunate." Not because of money (we've had some tough times over the years like everyone else) but because I'm blessed to be able to meet people and animal companions who love and adore each other. And I have the ability to give them something they'll treasure forever (for generations)."

There seems to be a glamorous mystique about the success of Alaska Pet-ography. And in this day and age, lots of photographers (some are well-established and very good at what they do) want an easy way to do what we do at my studio. They want the recognition, the reputation and I often get the impression that the primary motivation is to increase their photography profits.

I was the first in Alaska to introduce the idea of pet portraits. Wow - there were skeptics. My parents were always supportive but I could tell, early on, that they were hoping I would hold onto my day job. "How can someone make a living photographing dogs!!???" They were certainly proud watching as I proved it could be done.

My point for revealing this is to encourage others to follow their heart, to understand their passions, to grab them with gusto and let them lead you to 'success.' Failure absolutely trips us up along the way. Embrace that failure! You tried it. You learned from it! Now - go do it again!

The Blank Stare usually reflects disappointment that I haven't answered the real question they wanted to ask which is: "How can I make trunk loads of money doing what you're doing??" (Believe me, my trunk is rusty, worn and not overflowing with Pet-ography profits.)

The adage "Money isn't Everything" is true to this day. "Everything" is doing what your heart believes is right and making a difference in the lives of people and their companions whenever possible.

Not everyone is 'designed' to do what I do. But everyone is designed to do something beautifully.

Jersey Girl.

2010-11-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

A special post for a special girl. Halle has led a remarkable path. She deserves everything she receives these days with her special humans and four legged companions.

New stories touch me every day. Halle is particularly sweet. Look closely at this portrait - especially her eyes - and you'll feel what I mean.

Giving lip service,

2010-11-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

I suppose there's humor in every situation. In this case, Michelle had placed a little treat in her mouth to lure Satari to her face for a kiss. Satari, at 11, doesn't have the best depth perception these days. The result was a snag up on Michelle's lip as seen here. I love the expression on Michelle's face as she tries to maintain a stiff upper lip (sorry - couldn't pass up the chance). Add yes, Michelle left the session with a bruised lip thanks to this love nip.

Sadly, Satari has an unmanageable brain tumor. She will only be with us for a few days. These portraits will be true treasures for Michelle and family.

Me...I'm trying to hold it together. Sessions like this are rewarding for what they accomplish but exceptionally demanding on our hearts and psyches at the studio. So ... seeing a funny outtake helps the healing process for us, too.

Sniffin' around for a smile.

2010-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

Not all pix are suitable for public consumption. But I nearly always come up with outtakes that are hilliarious and acceptable to those of us who know dogs are dogs and they like to smell.

Here's a click (I couldn't resist) of a sniff that was warranted. This little puppy had a flatulence problem during tonight's session. Na Pali had to know where a special puppy aroma was coming from. She obviously figured it out.

My apologies! But this image brought a smile to my face when I needed one!

Na Pali, the adult, is still adjusting to having an eight week old puppy around the house. I love the expression on Vader's face.

Dexter

2010-11-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

A happy face for a happy day (talking about the dog pic......)!

I'm convincing myself that a special bobblehead exhibit may be coming to a gallery in Anchorage one day in the next year or so.

Is it just me? I like this look. It's a different perspective, for sure! I have a sense that an exhibit like this would bring some smiles.

Viewers will definitely have to appreciate big dog and cat noses in their faces.

new stuff

2010-11-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

So excited - I'm bursting for Wednesday to arrive as a brand new projector will be delivered. It's state of the art (expensive) and will display my images in the viewing lounge better than ever before. Yippee!!!!! I may stand by the parking lot window Wed. a.m. in anticipation.

Also expecting a new tripod 'head' that will guarantee even more stability to my hunky camera and lenses and attachments. Yeah, it's expensive too. Hmm.....I wonder if some of that Bush/Obama stimulus money is available????

Website is down.

2010-11-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

Arghhhh. The server that hosts my http://www.alaskaportraits.com/ website, based in London, is being attacked by an international group called "anonymous". Seriously. They launched what is called DDoS - a Distributed Denial of Service bug. Apparently this has been an ongoing problem and the FBI is also dedicating resources to it.

For now, my website is worthless until the server debugs the invasion.

Frustrating, to say the least. But they have a good reputation so I'm going with the flow for now.

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

2010-11-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday from everyone at the studio, Kelsey!

Mary. Friends of Pets. Read with a tissue.

2010-11-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

I'm always affected by the homeless dogs and cats that appear before my lens as part of the effort to find them forever homes. I've adopted a few, helped as a liaison to connect families to the companion animals I've photographed (more than 1500 in twenty years). I'll do anything in my power to assist. And it's never easy watching some of them come through the doors. The only thing that brings a sense of calm is knowing that once they've encountered Friends of Pets, the Alaska SPCA or any other animal rescue organization is that they're assured a far better future than their past.

Sometimes, I'm sidestruck. Today was one of those days. I'm crying in my heart and hiding it on the outside (except for this blog).

Mary was rescued from a village. She was transported to Anchorage after being shot through the neck. I don't know who did it. I don't know who has helped her since then or how it is that she's still here to bless the beautiful people who will one day provide a forever home.

When she walked into the studio, Mary was calm, confident dog with a little tail wag. Or at least that's how she appeared.

I did my meet and greet. All was good. She even ate some special treats. I read her as another gentle soul waiting for her perfect companion.

Kelsey and Kara (Friends of Pets volunteer) coaxed her to the studio stage.

I lifted the camera to my eye and looked at her through the lens. In an instant...... She completely shut down. She quivered. She hid her face. To her, my camera and its clicking sound was the same as a gun. All of the sudden, I felt guilt. Tremendous guilt and shame.

After much more gentle work we calmed her and found a more comfortable "place" for her to relax on the sofa. I snapped a couple photos. One of which is shown here.

She's a lover. She needs to build trust with someone special.

And me. I'm heartbroken that she viewed me and my camera in a way that no other creature has done before. I know it wasn't my fault. But it affected me deeply. I don't know if it's hate that I'm feeling for someone in a village or something else. Most of all, I want to see a happy ending for a creature that deserves it much more than someone who was aiming a gun in her direction at one time in her life.

Weird dogs (according to Kelsey)

2010-11-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Kelsey documents and keeps track of the lazy studio dogs. They provide plenty of entertainment.

Her own Murphy dog will make an appearance Thursday. He's just plain nuts because of separation anxiety. He bounces around like crazy anytime Kelsey leaves the office for another room.

Shown here, Princess showing her hussy side and Flash in stasis with her toy.

Whine.

2010-11-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

vent, Vent. VENT!!!!

Fauxtawg Dawg will have to explain in more detail later - when I try to understand it more myself!

But for now: I love offering solicited photography advice to people who ultimately reply

"Oh, I used to do pet photography years ago. I just thought you might be able to tell everyone else how you do it because it would sound better coming from you."

Thanks for letting me vent!

Ski bum ...... dj

2010-11-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Feeling the pain tonight. Pushed myself on the Hilltop Park ski trails. Maybe a mile +/-. That's a lot for someone who's been slacking for too many years. Proud of myself. Have to keep the momentum going!

The making of a snow angel.

2010-11-09T14:23:00.001-08:00

Kelsey snapped this IPhone photo of David a moment after he convinced Nicole to make snow angels as part of her senior portrait collection.

The image below is one of the portraits from this chilly shoot.

Skiing by the seat of my pants . DJ

2010-11-08T23:01:00.000-08:00

What a night. I tackled a ski trail tonight for the first time in 20+ years. Well, it was a small loop. And 30 minutes is enough for a premiere return to skis.

But STILL! My heartbeat is rat-a-tat-tatting to the drum. Broke a sweat. Didn't fall on my butt. Lost my hat to the wind on one hill and I backtracked to retrieve it. This proves the need to bring one of my goldens along on a multi-use trail soon (when I know I won't injure a four-legged someone with my ineptness) so they can retrieve lost objects!

Excited to get back out on the trail for more than a half hour.

Anyone want to join me for a little exercise? I'm game.

Dog Breath. Starring Casey.

2010-11-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

What a day!

2010-11-05T22:11:00.001-07:00

Eight dogs and umpteen stories to tell. But I'll keep it short and to topic: the nuances of being a dog photographer.

The day began with three crazy adult pups. And I loved working with them. It was exhausting and cold - as you can tell by Jack's breath in the photo shown here. Even Kelsey commented 'I don't know how you do it day after day!' But the humans who are owned by those dogs - they are going to adore their portraits. So worth the effort.

Next up ... three Pet Patrol dogs for Friends of Pets (shown to the right). The gray dog shown in the 1-2-3 sequence was renamed (at least during the session) 'Humpy." Prior to snapping the photograph I had removed his E-Collar as he had just been spayed two days ago.) Problem is, anything that moved or didn't moved was a target of his, ummmmm... amoristic attachment. So, we moved right along with 'Humpy' hoping that the "fix" job may curb his enthusiasm sometime soon.

Finally, two Doberman Pinschers strolled through the studio. They were magnificent. Both are rescues - one (Casey) with a tragic beginning in life where she endured severe treatment. But she's in good, forever hands now. The other Dobie, 'Justice,' was a great poser. Problem was, he also fumigated the studio. Don't tell the military about this Gas as they would have bottled the stuff for chemical warfare.

And in the final tally, I think to myself: This is a wonderful life, indeed.

Photographers can lead or follow.

2010-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

I had some spare time recently and chose to use it browsing and bantering back and forth on a well-known national photography forum. The selected 'thread' was devoted to blaming newby digital photographers for the demise of the future of professional photography. My conclusion: It's amazing to see how much passion and energy is spent passing the buck rather than looking to ones' self.

I asked: "Rather than whining, why not lead?" No one on the thread knew how to respond. The replies immediately regressed back to self-doubt and proclamations that the business of photography is doomed because of EEWACs (Everyone Else With A Camera.) Responses instantly regressed with sniping about their own superiority and then disparaged the quality of the work being passed around as "professional" by newby photographers.

It's amazing that so many talented photographers, people who are supposedly gifted at focusing, are more inclined to crank their vision to a self-centered, micro-depth of field. Their focus is so narrow that the Big Picture has been lost in a blur. They follow along, whimper and forget the power they, as individuals have at their fingertips. Perhaps they have never understood what is possible with their own potential as a person. It's easier for some to pass the buck rather than stand up and lead.

I'm talking about Photographic Leadership: Making a conscious decision to understand our roles in the world around us. This applies to much more than just the click of an fstop or aperture. Rather ... what can we do to make a difference in someone else's life with our work (instead of tearing others apart)?

Observing. Teaching. Sharing. Appreciating. All of these are more than just words. They are tools that can lead one to understand his or her own place on this earth.

What is photographic leadership to me?

Get in the trenches.
Teach. Make a change in the photographic environment we live live in. Mentor someone. Give them something to aspire to.

Be a Role model.
Continue to put out awesome work while demonstrating a positive business plan.

Impact your community.
Advocate. Join a non-profit or community organization and make a difference with your art. Illustrate what a true professional is capable of creating.

Develop your own Speaker's Bureau (a list of professional organizations you can speak to on an annual basis about what is going on in the world of photography).

Continue to grow and learn.
Absorb everything! Talk with others. Learn from others (even newbies!). Share ideas. Stretch your own boundaries. Step outside of your comfort zone.

Define your Legacy.
Long after you're gone, what will be your mark? What trace will you leave behind? Has your life (or photography) made a lasting imprint on those around you?

Thanks for listening!

Who hates dogs?

2010-10-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

We answered the phone this morning to someone who apparently hates dogs. He called to complain that the studio has an exhibit at Kaladi Brothers, Brayton Drive.

"The stuff on the walls looks like something that would hang in a serial killer's bedroom." he said.

"When will it be off the walls again so I can come back to my favorite coffee place?" he demanded.

We did our best to "handle" this twisted, lack of soul phone call terrorist. (He wasn't brave enough to talk to me directly ... good thing.)

And a subsequent call to Kaladi's to make sure everyone else was enjoying the artwork yielded this response from the store manager:

"We're getting lots of positive responses from our customers. But one guy came through earlier today telling us that he hated dogs."

I understand that dogs are not everyone's cup of Kaladis' Best. But it's scary to know that there is someone out there who has such hatred for innocent souls that he would go to the extent of harrassing my staff and also exclaim this hatred to others.

The Kaladi's manager summed it by saying .... "he's part of that one percentile."

True. And my biggest regret is that staff had to listen to this monster's tirade.

Too bad the one percentile's parent hadn't been neutered before having a child.

A few words from Pixel: Why David usually only photographs weddings for people he's worked with in the past.

2010-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

It's rampant in the wedding biz these days. Vendors, guests and family members are getting worse with their camera manners. Call it attention deficit disorder, boredom at weddings ... or perhaps just call it for what it is: Rude.

As artists, professional photographers like (and need) to be able to do their very best job without interference. We feel a loss if we can't create images the way we intended to and the way a couple has dreamed we would (while never ignoring the fact that the couple has also paid generously for the photographer's professional services).

Like a musician or oil artist, professional photographers are justifiably sensitive to outside noise and interference. After all, who wants to perform in (or listen to) an orchestra when a wannabe musician decides to play along with a kazoo in the audience? And who tosses a splash of Glidden Semi-Gloss on a canvas before a master painter's brush strokes have even dried?

When a talented photographer walks into a wedding hall ... he or she just wants to create! "I want to be allowed to be the artist that I am," is something David has been heard to say. People who interfere with the bride and groom's dreams of having perfect professional photography are disruptive and disrespectful of the couple and the professional photographer. We've heard more than a few couples apologize because of their guest's univited interference and rudeness.

PointandShootarazzi want to be instant stars. They'll let nothing get in their way of supposed fame. Their Etch-a-Sketch version of photography will play well on fb mere moments after the flash, click and send. They'll post their blown-out and blurry stick-drawing pixels on a Wall and take reward in counting how many Likes and Comments pop up with each of their posts.

"Look at me .... I fauxtographed Jack and Jill at their wedding! I'm so Good!" states the PointandShootarazzi.

Then PointandShootarazzi breaks his or her own arm while patting him/herself on the back - ignoring or oblivious to the fact that they possibly ruined a professional photographer's efforts to create a truely remarkable image. And some of PointandShootarazzi's fb friends see how cool it is to be a PointandShootarazzi ... so cool that they decide they'll do the same thing when they're at their next special event. "It must be okay to be a PointandShootarazzi because everyone else is doing it." It's self-perpetuating.

Yet, we photographers resist the temptation to show up at someone else's workplace to do everything possible to upstage them at their job. What's the difference? Everyone has a hammer - but they don't show up at a construction site and start wacking away on nails. And who doesn't own a spatula or spice rack? When have you ever heard of someone going back to the kitchen at Simon and Seiforts and handing over a jar of Nature's Seasoning to the chef?

So, in the end, one way to improve the quality of the wedding work environment is by contracting only with clients who have hired the studio multiple times over the years. This helps but it's never a guarantee. But, it's one of the reasons David Jensen Photography limits its wedding commitments to less than six a year.

As the song goes: "People are crazy."

A rather sensitive topic for some. But funny all the same!

2010-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

While checking our newest adoption dog, Princess, into the vet clinic for her first visit under the my name, a voice from across the room struck up an amusing and sensitive topic:
======================================================

"Are you sure?" she asked. "I heard that this procedure can be done while leaving them intact."

"No," said the very patient and understanding staff person. "When they're neutered, they have to be removed."

"Really?" "I was sure that Petey would be able to keep them," she said in somewhat sad tone.

Then she sparkled with a brighter tone ...."What about fake ones?"

"Well, we don't recommend them here in Alaska because of how cold it gets."

"Oh. I guess that makes sense. But what do you do with them?" she queried.

"Well," the staff person replied, "they're disposed of unless you want them."

"Oh, no....." Petey's mom exclaimed .... as she finally looked around to see if anyone was listening.

Walking out the door this nice but clearly disappointed person called to her intact boy dog (who was sitting in the exam room .... "Good boy, Petey. It'll be okay. I'll see you tonight."

Poor Petey. We trust his human mom won't think less of him for making his contribution.

Side note: This true story reminds me of a vet who used to be in town. She kept a jar of, umm, specimens on her desk in a jar. It was an interesting statement.

anyone there?

2010-09-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Just curious....please email me: david@alaskaportraits.com
if you are following this blog.

:)

dj

John the photographer wants to be a millionaire, too.

2010-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

"John the photographer ....are they ready?" That's what the emcee called David, er... John, at a recent reception. It illustrated a long, long day behind the camera.

Once again a family member with a Canon Rebel stalked David on nearly every portrait throughout the afternoon and evening. David had to request that the person move to the side several times because the person with the camera was so blatant. No respect whatsoever for the professional photographer that was hired by the couple to do his job. And when the fauxtographer was posing with his family for David's lens - the guy handed his camera to another person who stood right over David's shoulder with the camera. Sigh.

Kelsey stated it best when she told me "I don't show up at an event with my own microphone and speakers and try to take over the dj's job."

All of this aside, there was one hilarious moment that we have to tell you about:

During a solemn portion of the ceremony - at a very formal Catholic service - a guest neglected the important TURNING OFF OF ALL CELL PHONES announcement. The church was quiet except for the priest. And all of the sudden a phone rings.

The funny part....this person's cell phone was set to a song that is popular with a lot of young people, here's the verse the entire church listened to before the mute button took over:

"I wanna be a millionaire....so frickin' bad........."

It was all David could do to hide his smile and chuckles behind that big old camera of his.

Again, Kelsey said it best when she suggested that "at least it was the censored version of this song.!"

Ouch.

2010-09-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

David took a serious tumble today.
No irony was lost with him given the fact that this happened at a place called Falls Creek.
The portrait session carried on. This was a redo session (the last attempt was rained out) and we were on a serious timeline. Mission accomplished.

The good news: no gear was damaged during this gravity vs. David incident (an amazing feat).

The bad news: several stitches to sew up the knee. Likely knee MRI in the near future!

Life goes on .... and so too does the energizer rabbit known as David.

Weddings.

2010-09-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

David is wondering why he spent YEARS attending wedding shows and spending $ on marketing as a wedding photographer. Last year, he decided to halt any wedding marketing efforts ..... and the 2010 calendar still filled up.

2011 is just around the corner and five weddings are already on his books.

As shown to the right, Pixel caught David in action at Holy Family Cathedral two Sundays ago.

The invitation photo to the left was the object of his artful focus.

Not sure, but I think Pixel was trying to make a statement by including the wheel chair in the candid shot of David.

A brief overview of why David can't resist accepting a few wedding assignments: All are past clients and might as well just be called good friends. Locations include Crow Creek Mine, Crystal Lake and Fairbanks. And most also include David's signature (and exclusive) Eclipse Wedding Album.

Watch that focus, Grasshopper.

2010-08-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Pixel snapped this close up of a grasshopper on The Rock along Turnagain Arm yesterday. It was our first time seeing a grasshopper in Alaska (after 53 years).

So much to see in this state.

Do not read this if you are a USPS employee.

2010-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

A special thank you note to the United States Postal Service from David:

As some may know, the street in front of the studio is experiencing roadwork the past and next few days. Access to the studio has been unhindered - unless you're an employee of the postal service who is holding my mail indefinitely.

I called and talked to someone at the Lake Otis station about the undelivery of our mail. The customer service manager of my district said that USPS can hold mail up to 10 days if the delivery route person decides that the conditions to deliver the mail are not reasonable. And that is what our delivery person has apparently told my local post office's customer service personnel..

I invited the customer service manager out to the studio to see what the conditions are. She said she would visit - after a BUNCH of doubletalk - to review the situation "again". I said, "so 'again' means you've already seen it, correct?" She said "no". And then went into a dialog about how she uses information provided by carriers as part of her 'review' process. Then she complained to me that carriers have to undergo difficult delivery situations throughout the year.....and on and on an on. She whined to me that she was a carrier for several years before taking this customer service job eight years ago and knows how difficult it can be to be a carrier.

Then she told me I could file a complaint using the USPS form # FU.IDON'TCAREABOUTMYJOBANDIHOPEICANRETIRESOON!!!

I asked her if she would followup with me after her personal visit (aka..."reviewing the situation again.") She stated she would prefer if I filed USPS FORM FU first.

I said "So, you're in customer service and you won't call me back?" Then she said "I didn't say that." So I said, "then you are going to call me to followup?" She finally said she would "in a day or two."

Also stated during the discourse:

She said USPS doesn't like to ask its drivers to get out of their vehicles. And she stated USPS doesn't expect drivers to "go out of their way" to deliver mail (meaning straying from their usual route.) And she said that after 10 days, the mail can be returned to sender. On top of all this she had the ball bearings to tell me her excuse as to why it is such an apparent USPS economic hardship for a driver/carrier to drive around the block to deliver my business mail (even just once in 10 or more days).

She never said USPS customers should expect due diligence considering extenuating circumstances. She was all about the poor, sad fate of the life for USPS carriers. Sounded more like she would be a better union or employee relations rep.

Happy days. Through rain, sleet and snow ... but not around the block.

Wrapping up a wet, wet day.

2010-08-29T22:13:00.001-07:00

Hatcher's Pass was in true Alaska- mode Saturday. As a photographer in Alaska, David is used to working with every possible shooting condition. In this case, it was just plain wet.

Here are two images ... including one Pixel snapped of David at the end of the day and another photo David created with the roaming telephone booth. Notice the warning sign in the above photo:

"Trailers and campers not recommended."

What you can't see is the big trailer behind the Subaru (carrying a telephone booth and sofa lounger). Pixel will send this image to the quarterly Subaru magazine. We assume that the sign was intended for users of the Summit Lake road in the winter.

In the phone booth - several of David's friends and clients. David assures us that the next Booth photo will be an icy adventure that will include him in or on the booth - cell phone in hand.

David on the run

2010-08-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

Pixel caught this pixeled "action" image of David on the run last weekend. David had just completed a couple of portraits of a bride and her father before they arrived at the wedding hall (Tanglewood Golf Chalet).

When David saw the photo ... he vehemently complained that it should not be posted on ANY blog. David claims he was carrying a lens in each front pocket - adding pounds to his waistline.

On closer inspection, Pixel and I will confirm that wideangle lenses were definitely a part of this image. We're just not admitting how they were used.

Captain Cook Hotel - maybe not?

2010-08-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Walking down toward the reception hall in the Captain Cook, David was ready to connect with the room host to make entrance arrangements for his bridal couple. He had just toured the downtown area with the lovely bride and groom who enjoyed the comfort of an evening horse and buggy ride.

The couple was about 50' behind David when the host erupts out of the Hall and ludly announces "Smith, Table for two, please come this way!!)

200-300 guests were awaiting the couple's entrance. The bride and groom were in glorious attire. It was impossible to mistake that they were the guests of honor. And all they received in the hallway was "Table for two" from the host.

30 minutes later, a Scottish toast was being announced and prepared. It was impossible to see the couple because the house staff was so busy clearing "table for two's table" and pouring champagne. Preparation and delivery of the traditional toast was completely lost to the commotion.

David's wedding couple was oblivious to the faux paws of the Cook's staff. They are gracious and deeply in love. Nothing could have taken away from their evening.

But David ..... caring little about whether he is ever a part of the Captain Cooks' events, had nothing to lose and complained to the house (after making three calls before finally reaching someone with an interested ear.)

Hopefully the Cook will be receptive. Pixel and I can't imagine that David will recommend a positive word to his families unless the Cooks' staff make some positive changes.

Wheel chair please.

2010-08-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

4000+ images after two weddings this past weekend and David is pooped.

All went well. Fantastic portraits throughout. Beautiful scenery, couples and participants.

The exceptions to the weekend were two: The first wedding, a young lady guest who who insisted (loudly) two times that David should pose his groups with the mountains in the background. Great idea except for the fact that she was telling David (rather than requesting); and it would have required hi to shoot directly into the bright sun; and because of the staging area, a railing and large table would have been directly in front of the bride, groom and other well-dressed attendees.

The second wedding included a very persistent portly person who confidently required that David hold EVERY formal pose long enough for her to snap her prosumer camera 2-3 times after he created his official images. She then proceded to stand one foot behind David throughout the formal portraits - never getting a clue that everytime he accidently bumped into her from behind his tripod that, just maybe, she was out of place. The result, cummulatively, added 20 minutes to the formal poses-taking away valuable time at the reception. But we're certain that she'll flaunt her images proudly to friends and family as if the lighting, posing and smiles that David created were her own magical concoction.

Wedding guests are becoming so rude. David's decided that he may have to start wearing a sign on his back that says "If you can read this sign you're following to close."

David's Man Cave

2010-08-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes...this is a peek into where David spends some of his time repairing things for the studio and around his house. No excuses for not fixing things - it's all organized and waiting for the next projects.

Put that camera away.

2010-08-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when paparazzi go to far with cell phone cameras. Pixel and camera apparently wore out a welcome with David's wife, Carol.

A one judge, three-legged dawg, ride-hitchin' town

2010-08-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

The radio is blaring southern twang ... "I found out she was sleepin' with him in the bed of our RV."

65 miles from Spokane, I'm sitting under a shady tree in the metropolis known as Colfax- smack dab in the parking lot of a Taco Time restaurant.

Pixel and I needed to rest and chomp some dawg treats for a bit.

The friendy old timer working the counter of the restaurant greeted Pixel and me like the tourists we are. Maybe the long sleeve shirt and full-length dress pants in 98 degree heat gave us way. Old timer guy rambled a few mutterings I still can't figure out - probably just as well.

I bravely ordered my three tacos: "It's three taco thursday here in Colfax!" he proclaimed. (Pixel and I understand any language - even Drawl - when a bargain is at hand).

I asked the old timer - how far is it from here to Pullman?

"14 miles, maybe 15," he said. "But don't swerve and don't speed! This is a one judge town and you'll be in a spot of trouble if he doesn't like ya!"

I reassured him about my driving skills and thanked him for caring so much. We found a shady tree and munched on crunchy Taco Time tacos and lapped up a cold coke.

Pix snapped this photo of David at Milepost 49 on I195. David's a little deranged about that Milepost 49 thing of his. We can't figure him out.

Loving the air conditioning. Off to Pullman - through cricket sounds, wheat fields and the smell of John Deere fumes in the air.

Anyone know a good small town lawyer for a one judge town? Just in case.

When people hurt David's feelings.

2010-07-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Someone hurt David's feelings today. He's feeling pretty down. Here's what happened:

Mom, a new client, called and scheduled TWO high school senior portrait sessions a while back. One session was for her son and the other for her son's best friend. We did everything right: talked to her about pricing, how to prepare for the session, what her son and his friend would like to do for their session and made sure everyone was excited. David was definitely excited to be able to work with the guys. It reminded him of his best friend in high school and how he regrets not having photos of their adventures together. The boy's sessions were to happen this coming Friday.

Today mom calls again. "We found a friend who can do it for much less..." This is after David and his staff spent more than an hour working with Mom and her son's friend over the phone discussing every detail of the session and pricing (2-3 weeks ago) and the studio has turned away LOTS of other high school seniors who would have gladly scheduled their sessions during the same timeframe. This mom has known David's prices and packages ever since her first call. With two days remaining, it will be impossible for the studio to reschedule anyone in those time slots.

It hurt David and his staff. It hurt his ability to pay his staff. And it hurt others who wanted to hire David during that time.

Fauxtawg Dawg thinks this 'mom' is the same kind of person who as a child probably ordered a dozen pizzas and had them delivered to someone as a practical joke. Pixel had a few choice things to say, something related to what David picks up in the yard with shovel, but we'll leave those expletives off this post.

Paparazzi Overload

2010-07-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

David thought it was an anomaly (sorry, Fauxtawg Dawg been using a thesaurus lately). But Pixel has confirmed it: "Wannabe photographers are taking over weddings."

What is it about guests who have cameras these days? They're crowding the aisles, kneeling two feet in front of couples during the ceremony (nearly ruining the professionals' ability to create the clean, unobstructed portraits that are expected of him), stalking the staging and portrait set up David creates with his one-of-a-kind posing. And what do they think they're accomplishing. Do they think their $200 camera and lack of skill will surpass the quality of David's work? Well, maybe so - when they're ruining the shot all by themselves.

Do these paparazzi pretenders think they're doing this as a possible gift to the couple? What is it in their pixel-sized brain matter (sorry, Pix) that makes them think their photo will be the "it" shot? In my humble opinion, they're just plain disrespectful to the couple, the photographer, other guests and the ambiance and solemness of the service itself. They obviously don't understand that the couple has invested a couple grand or more in a professional photographer. So, like a child with attention deficit hyperactive tension disorder, they ignore manners and bring poor social skills to the wedding.

Just this past weekend an unthoughtful young lady climbed on a chair directly behind David (while he was creating a pose with his 20# camera gear in arm and aim). She then leaned on his freshly repaired shoulder for support so she could plagiarize the pose David was trying to create. David looked at her, told her about his sore shoulder, and she said " Oh, you're okay, I'll stay out of your way" and continued snapping away and leaning on his arm. The bride had to tell her enough was enough. Later, the bride told David he could tell the aspiring shutterbug to back off at any time.

Friends, family and guests at weddings: Unless the couple has asked you to create photos or video for them - sit down, enjoy and respect their ceremony. The exception would be this: If you think your hind end looks awesome in front of the bride and groom during their ceremony and you think it should be featured in The Album - knock yourself out and snap away. David's NOT going to interrupt the ceremony and ask you to move.

Every wedding David has photographed this year has included someone who stalked his posing or elbowed into him for their own lens abuse. This basically hurts the couple and their hopes to have a collection of perfect portraits.

A warning from Fauxtawg Dawg to the obnoxious amateur camera operators in David's world: "Respect the ceremony and the investment your friends or family have made in a professional photographer." Anything less will earn a long leg lift on your tiny Gucci Camera bag."

Our first report!

2010-07-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pixel's fauxpawgrapher colleague Kelsey caught David in action at Beluga Point yesterday. He was trespassing on Alaska Railroad property. You'd think he would know better than that. But the train had just come through a few moments earlier so he must have figured it was okay. I think he looks like a pudgy version of Dudley Doright without the uniform.

Later in the day, David and Kelsey took their young lady client to McHugh Creek and captured a few more portraits. While there, a creepy guy stalked them around the waterfalls, quietly said a really rude thing to David's client (while David was digging for gear with his back turned) and stalked around in a strange kind of way. He stood right behind David for 5-10 minutes - making him nervous because David likes his clients to pay attention to his camera - not a deranged psycho. Later on, David heard what the guy said. It was pretty rude. The guy either lacks social grace or is on APD's wanted list.

David said he's going to start carrying bear spray on his Portrait Journey's in the future. He's also going to work out a secret code with his staff so they'll know when it's time to call the local k-9 units into action. Pixel is a little more comforted about that. But next time I see this guy I promise to chew on his leg a bit myself.