Journal

5 Years on - Nick Returns from Iraq

2012-05-17T01:12:24Z

Five years ago, our son's friend Nick returned from his first tour in Iraq. I found this video I made on You Tube recently, as I had forgotten about it. Wow. Over 100,000 views. Watch carefully around the 54 second mark, then again when, unbeknownest to Nick, he is greeted by my son and friend Ross in a Dockey costume.

Revolutionary War Reenactment

2012-05-06T18:05:28Z

I spent some time on Saturday afternoon at Smith Castle, Wickford, Rhode Island to photograph some of the members of this troup of Revolutionary War actors. Some of these people look like they are right out of central casting. but they are all volunteers - this is their hobby. One woman told me she participated in a reenactment of the Battle of Saratoga, inwhich 3,000 people particpated. (I havea video of the cannon firing that I'll post later)

Back from 10 Days in Central America

2012-04-27T03:12:52Z

In Honduras

Jumping for Joy in Panama

2012-04-16T03:23:48Z

I'll be out of the country in Panama and Honduras til April 23/24 with no access to internet or cell phone coverage until I return. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of Moniq, one of our models at the Panama Photographic Workshops where I teach a Photography workshop annually to up and coming Panamanian photographers.

My wife takes a great portrait ...of me

2012-03-13T02:33:20Z

While out in California visiting my mother, Lisa and I took a couple of days - rented a gorgeous BMW 1200 Motorcycle and traveled over the mountains into Palm Dessert, and back through a very windy I-10 corridor. Along the way, she grabbed this pic of me - using my new favorite point and shoot camera the Fuji x-10.

How to get a Great Headshot Portrait

2012-03-07T19:14:58Z

Peter Hurley is probably one of the best Headshot photographers around. The video above is great advice for BOTh Photographers and anybody having their picture taken - including brides, grooms, models, HS seniors, families. My favorite line "don't wear it unless you love it." How many times have I don portraits and the person shows up and says, "well, this outfit is ok on me, but the better one is at home."

Hello, why did you bring it?

Brides, wear the dress you LOVE, not the one your friend said you should get.

Fan mail from Brittany & Jon

2012-03-05T02:41:25Z

Jim,

We had such a fabulous time with you and Jackie Your easy-going style and sense of humor make you both a pleasure to work with. You were both so unobtrusive during the ceremony and reception that, at times, we forgot you were even there!

Your photos are fantastic. Everyone is very impressed with them; one of Jon’s friends said we look like one of those photos that comes with the frame, and my dad said he keeps watching the slideshow. The photo booth was hilarious fun and definitely made the evening memorable for our guests. We sincerely appreciate your flexibility so that we could afford to photograph the memories of our big day.

Thank you.

Best wishes,

Jon and Brittany Dunne J

The Look

2012-02-16T02:26:36Z

My signature - One of my earliest weddings, I found this angle as a bride was looking at her groom, and I've captured this image many times. For me it's the most important photograph I take all day. Don't know why, just is - in many ways I could go to a wedding take one photo and this is it - then go home. It tells me everything that needs to be communicated in a wedding photograph. So, how do you think Loren feels about her man in the image above, slight tad bit of affection, ahh, yea, just a little.

Selling a Camera

2012-02-14T03:32:12Z

I am selling this Canon 5D body, if anyone is interested. Camera works great. It's just that I've got 3 of them, and don't really need the extra gear, so I'm lightening my load. Let me know if you are interested. Email me james at jameshazelwood dot com

Finn

2012-02-10T02:24:43Z

I've photographed Marisa and Shamus wedding, their pregnancy photos and now their first child. I can only claim arranging the Engagement photography back in 2006 for Australian Photographer David Williams. He was in town to teach a workshop at my place, and we asked this couple to pose - they were great as were David's images. So young Finn was born in mid-December, and just a week or so ago, I was with Marisa and Shamus at their house. We spent about an hour or so doing a variety of images for an album of this new family. As Marisa said, "Finn you will be one of the most photographed boys on the planet, if I have anything to do with it."

What I love about this family, aside from great looks, is Shamus' commitment to being a father. As you can see from those forearms, Shamus is kind of a big guy. Electrician, the kind that climbs the big power lines and hooks up a million volts so the twon can have power. This guy could play Rugby, Football and go Snow mobiling in one day and not get tired. But, he is also full on 100% into being a Dad. Yup, changing diapers, takes care of the kid when Marisa goes out with the friends. Awesome!

My new lighting technique with newborns is to use continuous light. I've got three flourescent daylight balanced tubes inside a 50inch Softbox. This means lots of softlight, and no flash. Why no flash? Babies whince, blink, flinch everytime you pop off that flash. People say they don't notice it. You they do. The continuous light lets them relax and you can see what you are photographing and how to shape the light. I love it. Used the 50 mm 1.4 Canon lens most of the time on this shoot.