Ladies of Softball

Last Thursday I shot some new portraits of the CSUN softball team. I try to only give direction during a shoot when it is absolutely necessary. I think that when a photographer gives too much direction, the photos end up looking a bit contrived. Of course, there are times when a little gentle prodding helps a person loosen up in front of the camera, but my goal is to let their personality come out on its own.

I think you can tell a lot about a team during a shoot. I've been through some shoots where it was obvious that the team members were not really close, but that doesn't appear to be a problem with the softball team. This year's team was fun to photograph -- and I think the photos reflect that. The athletes interacted with each other without much prodding from me. They were a funny bunch, which made my job fun. How many people can say that about their job nowadays?

Here are a few of my favorite shots.





You can see the full shoot here.

--Braden

A Beautiful Day for a Swim

As I was shooting a swim meet at Cal State Northridge last week, I was thinking about some of the similarities between sports photography and wedding photography -- dealing with colorful personalities and moments that only happen once.

A wedding is full of details and moments that make that particular wedding unique and special. I love the challenge of finding those moments and capturing them. Likewise, sports are filled with moments that happen only once. You can’t ask a player to go back and make that 28-foot, game-winning three-pointer again. The moment passes and it’s gone. You either got it -- or you missed it. There’s nothing in between.

Here are some shots from the swim meet. By the way, one of the great things about living in Southern California is that you can watch an outdoor swim meet in the middle of January while wearing shorts and basking in 85-degree heat. Enjoy the weather. --Braden

New and Improved!

Hello, faithful readers! I have very exciting news. Dynamo Creative Photography is (finally) re-launching a snazzy, new website. The address is the same: www.dynamocreative.com. Check it out and let us know what you think. We'd love the feedback. Also, stay tuned for details about how you can win a free photo shoot, courtesy of Dynamo Creative Photography! 

A Tribute to Tia Leslie

Don't worry. My favorite (only) sister is alive and well. She's also always complaining that there are no photos of her and her favorite (only) nephew! So the sole purpose of this entry is to prove her wrong. See exhibits A through I. There is more evidence, but these are my faves!

Tia Leslie: There are many "aunties," but there is only one Tia Les. (We love ya, too, Tia Miriam. See exhibit B.) Thank you for helping Grandma and Grandpa babysit Boo the other night so we could (finally!) have a Date Night. BTW, the Lakers won that night, so Daddio was a happy man. (And we got free tacos! Woo hoo!!) We sat way up in the "nosebleed" section, but, hey, the tickets were free, so I'm not complaining ... too loudly. I was dizzy, though! Have you sat in the nosebleed section at Staples? Anyhow, I digress. Enjoy your tribute, Tia Les. (No more complaining!)

Welcome, Ryan James!

Two of our closest friends, Rebekah and Frank, recently welcomed their second son, Ryan James. The day he was born fires were raging all over SoCal -- very apropos since Frank is a firefighter! Perhaps Ryan will follow in his daddy's footsteps. No pressure, Ryan. : ) Congratulations to Rebekah, Frank and big brother Ty! We love you guys!

Here is baby Ryan enjoying a little snooze. He looks just like his mama!

Our Inspiration

I've always had a love for photography. The idea of freezing a moment in time is quite extraordinary. I think of that every time I look at my wedding pictures, which were taken a decade ago (!). Photography was the one area of our wedding budget that we didn't skimp on -- and it was worth every penny.

Today, my inspiration is my baby boy. The day Jaden was born he re-ignited my love for photography (and I'm sure Braden would say the same). Our son makes me see the world with new eyes. And what better way to capture his innocence, sweetness and energy in exploring the world than through a camera lens? Here are a couple of recent photos that Braden took of our "inspiration" -- fresh from an afternoon nap!