tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3553466921840842902024-03-14T00:53:12.546-07:00Playing WorkThe inspirations, joys, and challenges of running a photography business in rural AmericaLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-13540606947398374782010-05-10T14:15:00.000-07:002010-05-14T10:47:41.901-07:00Playing Work gets a new homeIn an effort to reinvigorate this blog (make it prettier) we have moved all of our content over to a wordpress blog. The new site url is: <a href="http://www.playingworkblog.com/">http://www.playingworkblog.com</a><br /><br />Please check out the new site and let me know what you think. As of post time we are still experiencing some issues with site performance that I hope to have resolved soon. We'd love to hear your feedback.<br /><br />Don't forget to subscribe to the new <a href="feed://playingworkblog.com/feed">RSS feed</a> on the new site!<br /><br />Thank you for your continued support of our attempts to Play Work.Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-68258605864950554012010-04-22T07:24:00.000-07:002010-04-22T07:28:48.737-07:00Happy Earth Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S9BcN09pzYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/kYAjSTK1I40/s1600/20090720548RS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S9BcN09pzYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/kYAjSTK1I40/s400/20090720548RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462967740625702274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Grove of Aspens trees in Utah, photo by Ryan Smith<br /></span></div><br /><br />Today I give thanks to this giant mass of rock and water that is our only home in the universe. Please remember to be kind to it.Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-29542873216921311362010-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:002010-04-19T07:52:25.858-07:00Make a left . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8u80mQU7tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/V87-xPqKEZY/s1600/20100416001RS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8u80mQU7tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/V87-xPqKEZY/s400/20100416001RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461666584925105874" border="0" /></a><br />Directions have been on my mind a lot lately. As much as I might wish the path to be as clear as the photo above, there is never an easy way to success as an entrepreneur. I am forced to take chances, compromise, stand firm, solve impossible problems and do it with a smile. I often find myself wondering what direction to go and I'm forced to pick one or the other. This can be an extremely stressful and difficult choice, but that's just it . . . I have a choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We all have a choice. What's yours?</span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-25684614925840061412010-04-15T12:35:00.001-07:002010-04-16T06:33:00.782-07:00Fear, Creativity and Portfolios<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8d1iv98shI/AAAAAAAAAKE/x4JX0MYs0-E/s1600/20100415056RS.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8d1iv98shI/AAAAAAAAAKE/x4JX0MYs0-E/s400/20100415056RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460462313062314514" border="0"></a><br />I try to consistently update my print portfolio with new photographs, but it is easy to get comfortable with what I already have in there. While I am always excited to add new images to show where my style is going, there is also a subtle fear in the back of my mind about how the new images fit in with my overall creative vision. It's silly I know, because after all it's my portfolio. It's my eye and it's how I see the world. It's pointless to let fear of other people's rejection influence what I put in my book. <br /><br />We work in a creative industry that frequently ignores creativity. How is that possible you ask? Well, for the same reason I hesitate when adding new images to my portfolio. It's the fear of change . . . fear of doing something different and unproven. <br /><br />I feel the photography profession is at a point where if you try to follow the old map you will quickly run into a dead end. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/business/media/30photogs.html">The NY Times reported on this the other week.</a> The map is old and doesn't account for new roads, tolls, roadblocks and wilderness. This leaves us with two alternatives . . . follow the old road until you run out of gas, or make your own map. I am working on my own map as we speak. It changes frequently, has many roadblocks and countless areas of uncharted terrain, but it's all mine. I'm the only one who can get to where I want to go.<br /><br />So I'm going to add new images to my portfolio and the only requirement is that I like them and they represent my creative vision. They must be visually striking, intelligent and cohesive yet unpredictable. And maybe, just maybe someone will like them enough to hire me.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What do you fear and what are you going to do about it?</span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-15329200282572387032010-04-13T08:49:00.001-07:002010-04-13T08:55:55.133-07:00The Universe in a Cardboard Tube<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8STB2S_8NI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/8QALF9sm784/s1600/RS_20100401184RS+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8STB2S_8NI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/8QALF9sm784/s400/RS_20100401184RS+-+Version+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459650308244238546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8STBgqwHbI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/7bMy_5v5dGw/s1600/RS_20100401176RS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S8STBgqwHbI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/7bMy_5v5dGw/s400/RS_20100401176RS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459650302438284722" /></a><br /><br />Sometimes I find joy in the simplest of things. Like pointing my camera through a cardboard tube and playing with different colors at the end of the tunnel. They make me think of our galaxy and the universe beyond. Do you think Captain Kirk ever saw anything like this?Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-31826736555651325702010-04-09T08:11:00.000-07:002010-04-09T08:11:57.043-07:00Moving Toward Motion<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qPi_fYp7inI&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qPi_fYp7inI&hl=en_US&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="340"></embed></object><br />
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Lately, I have been experimenting with video production and have been working hard to learn new technology and workflow. The above video was pieced together as a way to learn Final Cut Pro. It took me much longer than it should have, but I learned a lot about editing along the way. <br />
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The original footage was shot back in February and was not planned. I used this day as an opportunity to play and experiment with the Canon 5D Mark II. This video is by no means perfect, but it was a hell of a lot of fun to make. <br />
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In the spirit of learning, please give me your feedback. What do you like about the video, what do you dislike? I am open to all comments and suggestions.<br />
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Happy Spring!Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-78230446390974227712010-03-25T10:43:00.000-07:002010-03-25T10:47:45.261-07:00RARE: Portraits of America's Endangered SpeciesHere are two videos by photographer <a href="http://www.joelsartore.com/">Joel Sartore</a> promoting his new book, RARE. Thanks to <a href="http://www.aphotoeditor.com/">APE</a> for these links.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8426920&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8426920&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8426920">RARE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/joelsartore">Joel Sartore</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8562097&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8562097&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8562097">RARE: Behind the Scenes</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/joelsartore">Joel Sartore</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-37744696639107988592010-03-12T09:01:00.000-08:002010-03-25T09:50:09.116-07:00NY Photo Walk<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ-dm4gtI/AAAAAAAAAJs/eWhFcZQw3TI/s1600-h/20100306040RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447818405450646226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ-dm4gtI/AAAAAAAAAJs/eWhFcZQw3TI/s400/20100306040RS.jpg" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ-GXI2kI/AAAAAAAAAJk/G1ZHsgEdkKg/s1600-h/20100306021RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447818399210592834" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ-GXI2kI/AAAAAAAAAJk/G1ZHsgEdkKg/s400/20100306021RS.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ9rKWUXI/AAAAAAAAAJc/rVt2h3t9uCE/s1600-h/20100306029RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447818391909192050" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S5qJ9rKWUXI/AAAAAAAAAJc/rVt2h3t9uCE/s400/20100306029RS.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><br />
Last week, after 2 days working on a video production in New York I had a couple free hours to explore the city and shoot pictures for myself. It sounds odd, but as a professional photographer I don't shoot that many pictures for me. It's a sad truth that I am working to change by allotting more time for personal work.<br />
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Personal work is the whole reason I became a photographer. Don't get me wrong, I <span style="font-weight: bold;">LOVE</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> my job! I enjoy all types of photography and am blessed by having the opportunity to shoot a wide variety of subject matter, but it has become a rare occasion that I make time to shoot without any preconceived intention. It seems silly, but this has become difficult for me. I'm constantly thinking, can I use this in my portfolio, for an epromo, etc? By thinking this way I allow myself to control my creativity instead of simply allowing it to flow freely.<br />
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The idea of a photo walk was originally introduced to me by a good friend, Ian Summers. For useful advice and inspiration check out his <a href="http://heartstorming.com/">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.iansummersartwork.com/">artwork</a>. Ian has been helping me define myself as a photographer and encouraging me to unleash my creativity. Ian defines a photo walk as "a photographic sketchbook – an exercise in seeing." A photo walk is to be without attachment to how the photographs will be used.<br />
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So, with that in mind I set out last Saturday with camera in hand and open eyes. After dropping my friend off in the meat packing district, I made my way toward the <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/">High Line</a> based on his recommendation. It was a gorgeous day to be in NY and I found myself wandering around, looking at whatever interested me. I was walking for almost 3 hours and probably only covered about 1 mile. Slow and steady.<br />
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I found myself being drawn to textures and graphic compositions. I shot a total of 48 images or the equivalent of 2 rolls of film. I took my time, allowing subjects to present themselves. I didn't try to control the situation but rather waited for what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson">Cartier-Bresson</a> called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson#The_Decisive_Moment">decisive moment</a>. <br />
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This photo walk was therapeutic in the sense that I allowed myself to see whatever I wanted to see. There was no one but me deciding what to shoot. It felt great and after going back through what I shot I realized I had some images that I wanted to share. I'm not sure what they say about me as a photographer, but that's not the point. I think the point is that they represent one of the many ways in which I see the world. Below are three photos from this photo walk. If you want to see my 15 favorite, click <a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/NYPhotoWalk/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HERE.</span></a>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-15047397382143329912010-02-23T06:43:00.000-08:002010-02-23T10:38:11.045-08:00Snowpocalypse NowIn the month of February we've had over 3 feet of snow. Despite continuously digging our way out of our house, we have been relishing in all of the fun activities we can do in the snow, primarily snowboarding. We have lovingly been calling each storm, "Snowpocalypse," because of the fear induced by the media. I'm not sure who coined the term, but I think it's fantastic.<br />
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This past weekend we grew tired of fighting the crowds at our local <a href="http://www.skiwhitetail.com/">ski resort</a> and decided to have a backyard snowboard session. I thought this would be a good opportunity to try out a new camera. My friend Aaron, whom I've known since I was a child happens to have a mini ramp in his backyard. Back in the fall we painted a giant American flag on half of this mini ramp so we thought this would be a fun backdrop for snowboarding in the country. (Aaron lives next to a farm)<br />
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Aaron, Brian (another old friend) and I took our snowboards, shovels, a case of Pabst, my new camera and a couple portable strobes into the heart of the Snowpocalypse. We played all day while friends, lovers, and siblings stopped by to hang out for a while. That's right, three grown men playing in the snow on a Saturday afternoon. <br />
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I took my camera along with that same playful intention in mind. As a professional photographer it's sometimes hard to just let myself play with no final composition or end use in mind. We set up a number of different scenarios with Aaron sliding across the top of his ramp. I played with different lighting and various compositions throughout the afternoon in between snowboarding and beer drinking. <br />
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I can't emphasize enough the importance of allowing yourself to just play. It frees your creativity and keeps you inspired to shoot more. Playing contributes to a happier you and a happier you gives you energy and motivation. That's why we play work.<br />
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Here are a few images from last Saturday. I carried that same playfulness into the retouching of these images. I did things in photoshop that I normally wouldn't do and things I've never done before. And that is essentially the idea behind play . . . create something you've never done before. Children create all the time so why can't grown men do it? I don't know that any of these images are particularly spectacular, but they are new to me. They are unlike anything I've ever done and that gives me motivation to continue exploring ways to play as a photographer. The possibilities for photography are endless as long as you keep playing. <br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">How do you play?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1JPGyzI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GucXDKzCKOI/s1600-h/20100220415RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441449874015308594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1JPGyzI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GucXDKzCKOI/s400/20100220415RS.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1QmrHaI/AAAAAAAAAJM/twctHVZKhac/s1600-h/20100220424RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441449875993206178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1QmrHaI/AAAAAAAAAJM/twctHVZKhac/s400/20100220424RS.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1k3iiII/AAAAAAAAAJU/M4G_HWF9pDs/s1600-h/20100220436RS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441449881432656002" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S4Pp1k3iiII/AAAAAAAAAJU/M4G_HWF9pDs/s400/20100220436RS.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-88842215805977811512010-02-19T11:29:00.000-08:002010-02-19T11:41:16.247-08:00Chace + Smith Photography Announces New Wedding and Portrait Website!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/S37jktTXzLI/AAAAAAAAAyg/i_UcMZ-f4i0/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/S37jktTXzLI/AAAAAAAAAyg/i_UcMZ-f4i0/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Our new wedding and custom portrait website is now live! Treat Yourself at <a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/">www.csphotographs.com</a> and browse Chace + Smith Photography's latest work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/">Chace + Smith Photography</a> and <a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/">Ryan Smith Photography</a> are now live as two unique sites. Our wedding and custom portrait photography is now represented by the <a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/">Chace + Smith Photography</a> brand, while our commercial and editorial work now falls within the <a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/">Ryan Smith Photography</a> brand. We are excited about this distinction as we feel it will allow us to define our work more fluidly to our clients, be they ad agencies or brides-to-be.<br />
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Each site (hosted by <a href="http://www.livebooks.com/">LiveBooks</a>) has its own individual style and design. The <a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/">Chace + Smith Photography</a> site highlights our work as a husband and wife team capturing the magic of life's greatest moments. Likewise, the <a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/">Ryan Smith Photography</a> site allows Ryan's work as a talented photographer to shine through to commercial, advertising, and editorial clients.<br />
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We hope you enjoy browsing through our new and improved websites!Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-70956632437541062162010-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:002010-02-05T06:52:33.933-08:00Inspiration From One of the Best<a href="http://www.nadavkander.com/">Nadav Kander</a> has been a photographer that I have admired for some time. He may be known best for his portrait work, but this project titled "Yangtze, The Long River" is absolutely stunning. Kander traveled from the mouth of the Yangtze 4100 miles to its source . . . a journey of epic proportions.<br /><br />Both beautiful and haunting, these images compel me to search for more. This work inspires me in a way that few other photographer's projects have. These photographs are both contemplative and in your face, lonely and oppressive, critical and objective.<br /><br />The scale of these landscapes is daunting. The geographic transformation of China and this mighty river are hard to believe in words, but Kander's photographs show the real transformation. What we are looking at here is a country in turmoil with itself. It's a country trying to learn how to grow without imploding. In Kander's photos we get a glimpse into this world and how this turmoil is affecting millions of people that have been displaced during the transformation of the Yangtze.<br /><br />I urge you to take 10 minutes to watch this slideshow with commentary by Mr. Kander. I hope it will inspire you as it has me.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BDfgKJnTtpY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BDfgKJnTtpY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-15866034890363169472010-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:002010-01-28T08:37:57.960-08:00Chace + Smith Photography Presents at Chamber Lunch & Learn Event<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/S2G8ogOeHYI/AAAAAAAAAyA/zAH2O1xm3fw/s1600-h/+.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/S2G8ogOeHYI/AAAAAAAAAyA/zAH2O1xm3fw/s400/+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431830029616946562" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Press Release)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On Wednesday, January 20, the Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly Lunch and Learn event at the Mercersburg Inn in Mercersburg, PA. Presenters at the event were Ryan and Larissa Smith of Chace + Smith Photography and Ryan Smith Photography. Their presentation was entitled "The Value of Photography: How Photography Can Enhance Your Business Marketing." After a meet-and-greet in the Inn's salon, guests were seated in one of the beautiful dining rooms. The Inn served a delicious lunch prior to the presentation. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Smiths began their discussion with the history of their business, why they moved back to the area in 2007, and the various clients they work with. The majority of the presentation concerned the value of quality photography in business marketing, as well as licensing and intellectual property. The goal of the discussion was to motivate and inspire listeners to utilize photography to enhance their business image through marketing, even in a tough economy. The Smiths recommended developing a strong brand strategy, factoring photography and design into the overall marketing plan, and budgeting for marketing and photography.</span></span></div></span></div>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-11814410265435454712010-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:002010-01-21T13:13:05.256-08:00Opening Reception: Thank YouLast Friday I had the privilege of sharing some of my favorite work from our <a href="http://usplayingwork.blogspot.com/2009/08/creative-highways-project-closing.html">Creative Highways Project</a> in a gallery setting. I shared the exhibition with Staci Grimes and Stacey Ferree, two fantastic local photographers.<br /><br />We had a great turnout and I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate my friends and family coming out to show their support. It means a lot to have such a supportive community. This support is just one more reason that we have chosen to live in a small town like Mercersburg. Knowing that my neighbors support my endeavors is a great reward. This community of creative, energetic and motivated people highlights our reasons for wanting to live and operate our business in rural Pennsylvania.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to last Friday's opening. If you weren't able to make it then, the photographs will be on display until February 20th, so stop in and check out what I'm puttin' out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S1ec8d1pt2I/AAAAAAAAAIs/m98HuXYEYiQ/s1600-h/20100115007RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S1ec8d1pt2I/AAAAAAAAAIs/m98HuXYEYiQ/s400/20100115007RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428980438434166626" border="0" /></a>Here I am pretending to know what I'm talking about.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S1ec8R2J5kI/AAAAAAAAAIk/nLBUXDpY1Zs/s1600-h/20100115002RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S1ec8R2J5kI/AAAAAAAAAIk/nLBUXDpY1Zs/s400/20100115002RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428980435215050306" border="0" /></a>My ever supportive family.<br /></div>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-45841125967987540882010-01-07T07:46:00.000-08:002010-01-07T08:37:14.942-08:00America Through the Eyes of the Artist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S0YBxgpNWII/AAAAAAAAAIc/iCwQD-Ostx4/s1600-h/20090630092RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/S0YBxgpNWII/AAAAAAAAAIc/iCwQD-Ostx4/s400/20090630092RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424024751302334594" border="0" /></a><br />(posted by Ryan)<div><br /><div>I am proud to announce that I have my first shared photography exhibition opening this month. I will be exhibiting 8 photographs from our <a href="http://usplayingwork.blogspot.com/2009/08/creative-highways-project-closing.html">Creative Highways</a> project for this exhibit titled "America Through the Eyes of the Artist" with photographers, <a href="http://www.sunsongphotography.com/">Staci Grimes</a> and Stacey Ferree.<br /><br />I was thrilled when the <a href="http://www.councilforthearts.net/home.html">Chambersburg Council for the Arts</a> contacted me about this show because I immediately thought of our Creative Highways project. I had been looking for a way to showcase this work so the timing was perfect.<br /><br />I am hopeful that people who come to see this show will walk away with a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity for the American landscape. These pictures mean a lot to me and each one tells a story about our country, about the open highway and about the way we, as humans, interact with our environment.<br /><br />I have poured my heart and soul into these photographs. I remember the temperature, the smell, the exact location and how I was feeling whenever I took these photographs. I meticulously worked through the printing process, burning through too much paper and ink until I had the print as I thought it should be. I even matted and framed these images wearing my winter jacket in the drafty attic space where I keep my matte cutter. It has taken months to get to this point and it feels good to know that from January 15 through February 20 these images will hang in a space meant to share artwork.<br /><br />Please join me for the opening of this show on Friday, January 15 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. I would love to have you there.<br /><br />Here is the press release:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“America Through the Eyes of the Artist” will be on display at the Kaleidoscope Gallery from January 15th through February 20th at 159 South Main Street, Chambersburg. The exhibit will feature photography by Stacey Ferree of Waynesboro, Staci Grimes of Shippensburg and Ryan Smith of Mercersburg. The opening reception will be held on Friday January 15th from 4:30-6:30 PM and will be an opportunity for Gallery patrons to meet the artists. </span><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-11894840699741836012009-12-29T06:56:00.000-08:002009-12-29T07:25:59.558-08:00Creativity on a whimThis video was shot using a Canon G9 during two games of bowling last Sunday afternoon. The beauty of having easy access to inexpensive video tools is that we can now create fun stories on a whim. I didn't intend to make a video of our holiday bowling bash, but after taking a couple of shots a storyline unfolded. It's not professional quality by any means but it was a blast to make and share.<br /><br />Here is the story synopsis:<br /><br />On a dreary Sunday afternoon, a group of bowlers with the hopes of going pro descend upon the local bowling alley in Bainbridge, NY. There's nothing better than family, beer, fried food and bowling during the holiday season.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwDrVdsSRBwIYWdgb4vMTArJ3QhH62W4Ez0wpwUGljPO-wf6sDtGaqXlCdBbpaY7XGTI5SaCDEJHFz7SR5o6A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Music by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The energy of this song seemed to fit perfectly. </span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-26843523895651407802009-12-10T04:35:00.000-08:002009-12-10T08:23:21.540-08:00How to Photograph a Christmas Cookie<div>(Posted by Ryan)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SyBFDBcBi-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/aWUw31AM1RY/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SyBFDBcBi-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/aWUw31AM1RY/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413402670327237602" border="0" /></a><br />It's no coincidence that food is on my mind. Larissa and I just finished eating a fantastic recipe from the November issue of <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/">Bon Appetit</a> . . . butternut squash risotto with shrimp to be exact. Although I love the recipes in Bon Appetit, it's really the photography that keeps me opening the magazine. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point in the last two years Bon Appetit has undergone a major shift in the way it chooses to have it's recipes photographed.<br /><br />I have noticed a dramatic change in the way food is depicted. The style of shooting has become 20 times more interesting to me and ultimately keeps me interested in the magazine and its recipes. In an age where print is dying, Bon Appetit is making a strong effort to differentiate itself.<br /><br />For example, when I opened the December issue the other week I saw one of the most creative <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshows/2009/12/once_upon_a_christmas_cookie#slide=1">Christmas cookie spreads</a> I've ever seen. Photographer <a href="http://www.ibonjean.com/">Isabelle Bonjean</a> photographed 3 beautiful "cookie landscapes" for the December issue. I'm not sure who the food stylist was, but whoever they were, they did an amazing job. Creating surreal landscapes from sugar, flour and chocolate is no easy task. These photographs must have taken considerable time and patience to create.<br /><br />It's creativity like this that sets Bon Appetit apart from other magazines. They are giving photography extra emphasis in their pages and by doing so are keeping readers like me interested in the magazine. I hope they continue to push the bar with photography and that their magazine can continue to survive in an age where many publishers are calling it quits.<br /><br />And for the record, Larissa made the cardamom orange sugar cookies last weekend and they were spectacular!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What's your favorite magazine? Favorite cookie?</span><strong style="font-weight: normal;"></strong>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-46745147728495632472009-12-03T07:24:00.000-08:002009-12-03T08:02:55.871-08:00Powered ParaglidingI have put myself in a lot of strange positions in order to get the shot I perceive in my head, but I've never been able to truly get into the sky. Hanging off the side of a cliff, standing on top of a crane, or teetering precariously from the top step of a 12 foot ladder is one thing, but to be able to truly shoot from the air is a completely different beast. I have had a desire to photograph from the air for years and have never had the opportunity.<br /><br />Recently, by a series of unrelated but oddly similar coincidences I have been introduced to the idea of <a href="http://www.usppa.org/">powered paragliding</a>. It wasn't long ago that I read an article about photographer <a href="http://georgesteinmetz.com/">George Steinmetz</a> in <a href="http://www.pdnonline.com/">PDN</a> and was blown away by the uniqueness of his work. The other day I was talking with <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/6997092">Zander Hartung</a>, who happens to be a talented filmmaker as well as a paraglider. He reminded me of <a href="http://georgesteinmetz.com/">Steinmetz' work</a> so I went back to take another look.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SxfEf0NYJZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/1utETWxl_Ws/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SxfEf0NYJZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/1utETWxl_Ws/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411009528178681234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />By looking at George and Zander's work, I was inspired all over again to find a way to shoot from the sky. The area in which I live offers a perfect platform for shooting from a powered paraglider. I live in a wide open valley with rolling hills, farmland and unique mountain features and have often dreamed of soaring through the valley.<br /><br />It is my hope that in a few years I will be sharing aerial photographs of Mercersburg and the surrounding areas of Franklin County with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What inspires you? </span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-50653351368819692552009-11-25T07:13:00.000-08:002009-11-25T07:36:24.390-08:00Thankful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/Sw1Op1ITHII/AAAAAAAAAH8/89zfwDTLeXI/s1600/20090702196RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/Sw1Op1ITHII/AAAAAAAAAH8/89zfwDTLeXI/s400/20090702196RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408065208085322882" border="0" /></a><br />Today I am thankful to be alive.<br /><br />I am thankful to have a kind and loving family who supports me in all my endeavors.<br /><br />I am thankful to have shared the past 9 years with my soulmate, Larissa. She is my wife, business partner and most importantly, my best friend.<br /><br />I am thankful for my most loyal adventurer, Sadie. She pushes me in ways that only a four-legged creature can and she never holds a grudge when I have to cut our run short.<br /><br />I am thankful for the abundance in my life. I am never without love, friendship, food or a home.<br /><br />I am thankful for my eyes and I am thankful for my career as a photographer. The people I have met and the places I have been are held close to my heart. I am thankful for the invention of photography. I am thankful for the continued creativity and passion for which people pursue this medium.<br /><br />I am thankful for the challenges in my life. They remind me of what is truly important. These challenges force me to adapt and learn in unexpected ways.<br /><br />I am thankful for my health.<br /><br />I am thankful for this planet and all of its intricacies and I am thankful for all of the wonderful mysteries contained in this universe.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What are you thankful for today?</span>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-29957861969876216382009-11-23T18:58:00.000-08:002009-11-24T07:37:30.280-08:00Austin City Limits turns 35<div>(posted by Ryan)</div><div><br /></div>I believe this is relevant not only because I am fascinated with time lapse photography but also because I love Austin City Limits and have a soft spot in my heart for Pearl Jam. I was only 11-years-old when Ten was released and although I've lost touch with the band over the years, it was this album that began to shape my early teenage years. In 7th grade I wrote all of the words to "Jeremy" in calligraphy for an art project. My mom didn't completely approve of my choice in songs, but we compromised by removing the f-bomb from the lyrics.<br /><br />From what I understand, this video was created by using over 10,000 still photos. Yep . . . 10,000. Photographer <a href="http://www.jhjackson.com/">Jonathan Jackson</a> shot a photograph every 6 seconds from 9:09AM – 11:29PM to make this video.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6973684&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6973684&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6973684">Pearl Jam / Austin City Limits TV Taping / Time Lapse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jhjackson">Jonathan Jackson</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-31296516012505155082009-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:002009-11-13T07:17:08.316-08:00A Day in D.C.: The Best of Both Worlds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sv1x-8JwYVI/AAAAAAAAAxs/q3l5AoMXFcw/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sv1x-8JwYVI/AAAAAAAAAxs/q3l5AoMXFcw/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403600454027338066" border="0" /></a><div><div>Posted by Larissa</div><div><br /></div>This Wednesday, Larissa and Ryan traveled from the country to the city for some face time with ad agency creatives and DC Fotoweek exhibitions. We had traveled to Baltimore for similar purposes last week, so we made sure to grab our little sack of quarters for parking and made our way to our nation's capitol. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again we were reminded of how expensive D.C. is in comparison to Baltimore. Both cities are equidistant from our town, but Baltimore seems to be where we have spent the majority of our "city" time of late. Ryan and I laugh now at our innocent little sack of parking meter quarters we never used after spending $30 on parking throughout a day of zipping around Georgetown and other parts of the city. Lesson learned...again.<div><br /></div><div>We had several portfolio showings with some great firms, met friendly, creative people, and even managed to grab an IPA and antipasto at a brasserie in Georgetown. We saw some amazing international photographers at the <a href="http://www.fotoweekdc.org/">D.C. Fotoweek</a> exhibits such as <a href="http://www.bazanphotos.com/">Ernesto Bazan</a>, <a href="http://www.lightstalkers.org/ziyahgafic">Ziyah Gafic</a>, and <a href="http://www.joao-pina.com/">João Pina</a>. At the Embassy of Sweden we saw an exhibition called "What Lies Beneath: Nature & Urban Landscape in EU Photography." It is always nice to spend some time immersed in other photographers' work, not just your own.</div><div><br /></div><div>We made our way from appointment to appointment, to exhibit, to a seminar, to our friends' apartment for a late dinner, all through a consistent drizzle with no umbrella, Ryan tucking his portfolio under his jacket for protection. These adventurous days, outside the norm of our daily farmhouse office lives, remind us of our old city life and all the precariousness that came along with it. They remind us that this urban existence is just down the road, as are our clients, but we can always return happily to our simple country life at the end of the day. Can we have the best of both worlds? I like to think so.</div><div><br /></div></div>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-85176919932276813452009-11-06T11:01:00.000-08:002009-11-12T12:54:43.367-08:00Inspiration and the Shape of Things to Come in Wedding CoveragePosted by Larissa<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/SvR7GzwpnsI/AAAAAAAAAxk/DA4IZoVMKH0/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/SvR7GzwpnsI/AAAAAAAAAxk/DA4IZoVMKH0/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401077210027761346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">© Stillmotion Photo + Cinema</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sometimes something comes along that causes one to stir in one's desk chair with an energy outside the daily trudge through the to-do list. You suddenly see that there is something to all of this endless searching, social networking, brainstorming, organizing, perfectionistic tendencies, and questioning that you do in the business of creativity. You see an artist's work that inspires you beyond voyeurism and envy - that inspires you to keep molding and refining your art and how you represent your art in doing business.<br /><div><br /></div><div>A friend passed along a link to <a href="http://www.stillmotion.ca/index.html">Stillmotion Photo + Cinema</a>, a wedding photography and videography team based in Canada whose work has inspired me today. While we are not solely a wedding photography enterprise, we do enjoy shooting weddings from time to time. Watching the videos on the Stillmotion site reminded me of why so many professionals are drawn to the wedding industry. I got so much joy from looking at the photos and videos on their site, not just because of the intrinsic bliss of a couple's wedding day, but because of the sheer level of craftsmanship that goes into each of Stillmotion's pieces of work.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only hope that people can glean the same level of inspiration from our work, wedding or not. And stay tuned! The integration of video and still photography is certainly the shape of things to come here at <a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/">Chace + Smith Photography</a> and <a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/">Ryan Smith Photography</a>. </div></div>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-88579495117557123412009-10-27T06:46:00.000-07:002009-10-28T07:39:21.406-07:00Two Bands, a Makeshift Studio, and Murder Weapons Make For a Great Halloween PortfolioI'm not particularly crazy about horror films and scaring the living daylights out of myself, but there is something so intriguing and inspirational in creating images of a darker nature. I've always said that I like to make beautiful pictures and that is still very true. I strive to make great pictures every time I pick up the camera. Sometimes even the darkest subjects can make beautiful pictures when interpreted in a certain way.<br /><br />This is the third year in a row that Larissa and I have created "Halloween" photos. The previous two years involved Larissa and I murdering each other in various ways. This year, the opportunity presented itself to photograph <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thomasroue">The Pale Barn Ghosts</a> and <a href="http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=234644">The Hello Strangers</a> (Larissa's band) in preparation for their Halloween show.<br /><br />We knew that we wanted to shoot tight portraits of each band member against a black background. I had been thinking about this year's Halloween shot for some time and already had the lighting planned in my head . . . dark shadows, high contrast and mysterious light. We set up our studio in our neighbor's barn, which worked perfectly. I set up in the afternoon and had everything ready for the evening of the shoot. We were able to shoot 8 portraits between 6:30pm and 10:30pm. Pretty damn efficient!<br /><br />The ninth portrait had to be shot the following week because Brechyn from The Hello Strangers was not able to make it to the previous shoot. We decided to try something a little different with this one by utilizing the spooky closet in my attic. I lit the scene almost identically to the other portraits to keep the mood consistent. <br /><br />I wanted each band member to really bring his or her ideas to each portrait, and everyone came through. The goal was to show a little bit of each band member's personality while emphasizing our darkest human fears.<br /><br />Here are a few images from this year's Halloween shoot along with a short video I created to help promote the October 31st show. To see the other 5 images from this shoot, go to the <a href="http://www.csphotographs.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=4">Horror</a> portfolio on our website. To see more of the video shorts, add us as a friend on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Mercersburg-PA/Chace-Smith-Photography/53070993020?ref=ts">Facebook</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6i4yy5QI/AAAAAAAAAxc/bmGximyJ4aw/s1600-h/20091014052RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6i4yy5QI/AAAAAAAAAxc/bmGximyJ4aw/s400/20091014052RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397276680718050562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6iQgF6dI/AAAAAAAAAxM/yYH-CawAZak/s1600-h/20091014102RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6iQgF6dI/AAAAAAAAAxM/yYH-CawAZak/s400/20091014102RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397276669902186962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6UQ7ymjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/_Jaeyom1BVs/s1600-h/20091014183RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6UQ7ymjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/_Jaeyom1BVs/s400/20091014183RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397276429500193330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6ToGPIlI/AAAAAAAAAwc/KyXof5U8jH8/s1600-h/20091022031RS.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Sub6ToGPIlI/AAAAAAAAAwc/KyXof5U8jH8/s400/20091022031RS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397276418538152530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5qUM9IlU9zAYd-AvPT8LKXkiD8CPBkP-de51Jq_meVX8maRBW-UMynp5xnDFld4XG6h72ijIl8e5POR6rUA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All photos and video © </span><a href="http://www.ryansmithphoto.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ryan Smith Photography</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />What are you going to be for Halloween?</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-154327850283338512009-10-15T10:08:00.000-07:002009-12-18T07:01:38.257-08:00World Climate ConferenceAs leaders from all over the world gather in Copenhagen for the <a href="http://en.cop15.dk/">World Climate Conference</a>, I thought it might be worthwhile to re-post something I originally published for Blog Action Day 2009. <br /><br />By nature I am an optimist, so I still hold a flicker of hope that on this last day of the conference, some form of climate action will be established this year. This is no daunting task. This treaty needs the support of the entire world. If you want to add your name to a petition urging our world leaders to make concessions and reach an agreement, you can add your signature <a href="http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_copenhagen/97.php?cl_tta_sign=c8564e5bf81d646e53a402ee7460fb13">HERE.</a> This is the largest petition I have ever seen and think it says a lot about the challenges surrounding this issue.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blog Action Day: Climate Change</span> - originally published on 10/15/09<br /><br />Today is the day that thousands of bloggers are uniting to write about one single issue: Climate Change. It's an issue that affects every single person on this earth, regardless of country, social class or occupation. We are all responsible for our own actions even when we don't realize that the small things we do each day are having significant affects on people across the globe.<br /><br />Now is a good time to stop and think about our actions and the unintended consequences those actions may have. How do our actions affect ourselves, our neighbors, our fellow countrymen and women, the rest of the world and most importantly our children and their children's children? Climate change is not just a name for an invisible force but a living, breathing organism. Climate change is essentially the Earth. It's our home and we are responsible for it.<br /><br />I don't pretend for a moment to have an answer for the climate change dilemma. I don't think anyone knows exactly what to do, but in my opinion awareness of one's own actions and the changes that are already happening are an important step in the process. With that said, I have compiled a few links to photographers that are doing great work surrounding the issue of climate change. Take a moment to visit some of these links.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StckAVnYvpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/wiuzcibhxTs/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StckAVnYvpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/wiuzcibhxTs/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392818667020402322" border="0" /></a>James Balog<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.extremeicesurvey.org/">Extreme Ice Survey</a><br />Photographer James Balog and his EIS team have undertaken an ambitious project to document the Earth's disappearing glaciers by setting up 27 time lapse cameras at 15 sites in Greenland, Alaska, Iceland and the Rocky Mountains. What this has resulted in is over two years of continuous monitoring and a body of work that is absolutely astonishing. If you're still a climate change skeptic, please visit this site and look at the photos and videos.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StcoWasMORI/AAAAAAAAAHs/_MgQd79iSDw/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StcoWasMORI/AAAAAAAAAHs/_MgQd79iSDw/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392823444386363666" border="0" /></a>Sean Gallagher<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.gallagher-photo.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">China's Growing Sands</span></a><br />Photographer Sean Gallagher has lived and worked all over the world and has recently been turning his focus to social and environmental issues in Asia with an emphasis on China. His project about <a href="http://www.gallagher-photo.com/">China's Growing Sands</a> is a well-rounded story about desertification in China. The images are shockingly beautiful and haunting. I have visited Sean's work repeatedly and am struck by the power his images have.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StcpeUn_KGI/AAAAAAAAAH0/-AZmrOyw5Rk/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/StcpeUn_KGI/AAAAAAAAAH0/-AZmrOyw5Rk/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392824679708698722" border="0" /></a>Benjamin Drummond<br /></div><br /><a href="http://bdsjs.com/facing-climate-change/stories/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facing Climate Change</span></a><br />Benjamin Drummond and Sara Joy Steele are a documentary team that have been working on a personal project titled <a href="http://bdsjs.com/facing-climate-change/stories/">Facing Climate Change.</a> They combine photography, audio and writing to communicate these stories in a compelling way. The work they are doing is incredibly important and more relevant than ever. Visit their work and look through some of the stories they are telling.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What personal stories do you have that relate to climate change? What consequences do your actions have and what can you do to minimize your impact? Please share any links and stories that you think relevant to the discussion on climate change.</span><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-82733392980449143682009-10-02T13:58:00.001-07:002009-10-06T08:28:25.796-07:00Cash Flow: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SsZrixnCQMI/AAAAAAAAAHc/E2h0jGFlAjU/s1600-h/c-saw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vFBCESO7lCY/SsZrixnCQMI/AAAAAAAAAHc/E2h0jGFlAjU/s400/c-saw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388112249372164290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are times as a business owner when you feel like you're on top of the world, and other times when you're face down in the dirt wondering, "What the heck just happened?" It's inevitable that any business, big or small, will experience fluctuations in cash flow. There are too many factors that are not within our control to be able to constantly regulate a consistent stream of cash. However, there are things we can do to minimize the slide factor.<br /><br />The illustration above shows a complete imbalance. Imagine your business as both of those little guys. The guy on the left is having his best year ever. Money is flowing in and he is busier than he has ever been. There is so much work that he can barely keep up.<br /><br />Now look at the guy on the right. He was in the same position as the guy on the left just a few months ago. Business was so good and he was so busy that he couldn't see the point in continuing his marketing efforts. He thought, "Why spend money on promotion when business is already booming and I can barely keep up as it is?" But here's the catch: because he stopped marketing to his customers, they forgot he existed. Business slowly started to fizzle. Less work was coming in, but he was grateful to relax so he continued to ignore his marketing plan. By the time he realized how slow business had become it was too late. He was already completely off balance and heading straight for the bottom.<br /><br />Despite his current position, he vows to rebuild and never let this happen again. He starts making calls, sending out promotions and networking with clients. He is scared because money is running out and bills are due so he pushes hard . . . really hard. Business starts to come in and he keeps pushing like a madman. He says to himself, "I'm going to get so much business that this will never happen again!"<br /><br />A year later, he is lying face down again wondering what happened. He repeated the same cycle as the previous year. He pushed so hard for so long that he became burnt out. He let his marketing efforts slide for too long and ended up in the same situation as in the previous year.<br /><br />So what can he do?<br /><br />He needs to find a balance . . . a consistent marketing effort mixed with a consistent motivation to keep work coming in without letting it overwhelm him. Maybe he needs an extra employee. Maybe he needs to streamline his workflow. There are any number of things that he might need to do, but the key to all of this is that he consistently promotes his business to existing customers while simultaneously reaching out to new ones.<br /><br />He needs his cash flow to look more like the next illustration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.csphotographs.com/seesaw3.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.csphotographs.com/seesaw3.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a>In this scenario there are ups and downs but they are much easier to weather than in previous years. He has found the sweet spot. He has leveled his expenses and kept a consistent level of cash flow throughout the year. The marketing plan that he puts in place annually is followed closely and never stops. Business is good but not overwhelming, and some months are better than others.<br /><br />Now he is balanced on top of the business seesaw, and able to adapt to fluctuations in the economy and changing trends in his industry because he has not allowed himself to get too far up or down on the scale. This may sound too good to be true, but with some planning, foresight, and diligence, the catastrophic scenario in the first illustration can be avoided and a more balanced work and cash flow can be achieved.<div><br /></div><div><i><b>How do you balance your work and cash flow?</b></i></div><div><br /></div>Ryan Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296333542106989800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355346692184084290.post-42263548753985086612009-09-22T09:28:00.000-07:002009-09-22T09:36:12.807-07:00Playing Work Featured on Tilt Studio Blog!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Srj8mbHEq8I/AAAAAAAAAu8/M-_BH60TfbQ/s1600-h/20090629039rs1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JIhKv9agnKY/Srj8mbHEq8I/AAAAAAAAAu8/M-_BH60TfbQ/s400/20090629039rs1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384331091564080066" /></a><br />We are excited to have our Creative Highways Project featured on the blog of the fantastic Tilt Studio of Baltimore, MD. We have worked with them on several projects, and are proud to have a relationship with such a forward-thinking and environmentally savvy company. Thanks, Tilt, for allowing us to share our work and ideas with you and your readers!<div><br /></div><div>View the post <a href="http://www.tiltstudioinc.com/design/chace-smith-photographys-creative-highways-project-2009-what-is-americana/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out Tilt Studio, Inc. at <a href="http://www.tiltstudioinc.com/">www.tiltstudioinc.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Larissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04241697129017772043noreply@blogger.com0