Monday, December 7, 2009

Michael and Myoshi Family Portraits

Can a family be any more cute? Michael and Myoshi have such a beautiful family. Their personality just draws you in to them.
I generally like to start with the formal pose and then move into the fun stuff. However, these two adorable little girls stole the show from the beginning and dictated fun first. They are my kind of people.
Myoshi requested a backdrop for some of her family portraits to have the classic look before moving into the lifestyle shots. I set up a nice backdrop in their kitchen, opened the curtains, added some light and let the little girls have their fun.
Within and hour of shooting, we moved through three different scenes in their home. Family portraits, in my opinion, is what it's all about. It's about the love, the fun, the future and the memories.

I really enjoyed this session.



View the slideshow...





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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Moore Maternity Session

Wow! It's just around the corner when my family will be introduced to our newest member. We can't wait.

My sons continue to claim things for the new baby and are ready to start playing with him. For my wife and I, we're taking it one step at a time. With a growing family comes growing needs.

We felt it was the right time to have our session. Out came the gear and the wireless trigger for the camera. The trick was to keep the boys in position and be themselves without going overboard. At that point, they would go watch their favorite movies while we continued. The boys fell right in.

The good thing about the remote is that I can't set up a rigid pose, but show everyone a location and let them fill the scene with their personality. There are no mirrors and no one behind the camera (when I'm in the scene). There is only what happens.

Check out the results of our session on the following slideshow...




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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Family Photos in Time for Christmas

Here's a great offer for everyone nearWilmington, Delaware who want or need to get those family portraits before the Christmas holiday rush.
It is always great to send a family photo to grandparents along with your holiday card. So celebrate the upcoming season with a NO SITING FEE family portrait session.

That's right, NO SITTING FEE.
Rodrick Moore Photographers is hosting a Portrait Party the early afternoon of Saturday November 14 in a location to be determined.

We're trying something different by advertising this via Facebook and email. So spread the word to anyone you know who wants those family (or individual) photos taken in time for the holidays.

Here's how to get on the list:
  1. Have an email account (each mini session will have online proofing available soon after)
  2. Submit your request to attend by completing the form below or by going to this -closed-.
The number of requests will determine the location. Therefore, as the location is finalized, you will receive and email with the location and time of the shoot.

--- Closed ---

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Family Pictures Should Tell What Not Just Who


This is a moment from my personal life. My told me she could tell I really love this picture.

Near bath time, the boys had gone before me and started going through their ritual. This time, I noticed my older was assisting my younger son as I would normally do. Being the father / photographer I am, I quickly grabbed my camera because this moment they would never remember.

The what? Just the act of helping.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sharpening My Tools at the PDN PhotoPlus Conference in NYC

I just returned from a great conference in New York City and feel energized. Professional photographers from all over the world come to this annual PDN Photo Plus International Conference.

The workshops and presenters were phenomenal. Well renouned photographers and authors shared vital information and techniques. Exhibitors displayed the latest technology and methods. One I truly loved was the new DVD media which etches data into the DVD better than traditional methods resulting in an actual archival medium for digital files. Wow, this will be great for my clients.

Here are a few of the presenters and special guest presenters:

Zack Arias - developer of the One Light Workshop

Here's a quick shot to demonstrate the more than humongous advertising that is done in New York City.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Please Vote for Me

You have nominated me as a finalist for the Best in Business: Photographer category. Now, please vote for me to acquire the title at this LINK.

Yeah, my name is spelled wrong in the Best in Business: Photography category, but it is me.

I am honored to be nominated and will greatly appreciate your support in voting for me and my work.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Kevin - Corporate Head and Image Session

Sometimes the best place is out of place.

Kevin told me he wanted the look similar to my profile picture. I asked him what was that and he told me... that look. And all that time I thought he was talking about contrast and shadows. We all see things differently.
When I picked the location for the shoot, I wanted texture and something that put a DJ out of place. In place could have been any city look with graffiti or not for that urban look. However, this spot was clean, had white clouds on a blue background, and beautiful red brick. It was the spot.

The rest was to be filled with the emphasis of focus on my subject, Kevin.
Two lenses (zoom + 85mm fixed) gave me the depth I needed. Ambient light gave me the contrast I like and a flash blend lightened the shadows to give detail for those selected frames.



I sought to capture an essence of Kevin as I saw him. Solid and in the groove of his profession.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Blush & Brushes Nominated

I've worked with Blush and she does wonders for brides. I'm happy she has been nominated for the My Fox Philly Hotlist for Best Makeup.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Belvedere Family and Friends Day

We received a special invite a little late so my boys and I made our way to enjoy the family friendly event sponsored by the Belvedere Volunteer Fire Department. My wife headed the opposite direction for a previous commitment.

Coming from an earlier photoshoot, I decided to carry along one of my D3's to capture the festivities with whatever ambient lift that was available. From the start my sons enjoyed the moon-bounce and the music.
A few members of the community brought out their show cars showcasing the results of timeless hours they spent preparing the vehicles for shows and competitions. We had seen the movie Transformers so my oldest was very interested in the yellow and black car. He told me it was Bumblebee and asked if it was a real transformer. I told him unfortunately not, but it was a true transformation to a nice show car.

The festivities wrapped up with drawings for family fun prizes and school supplies giveaways. The sun took a nosedive and I spent the second half of my time shooting at high ISO going for the mood.
This was a great event centered around family, one of my favorite subjects. If my calendar is free, I would enjoy returning. Next time, I would arrive a little earlier. By the time I had wrapped up my photoshoot, gathered my boys and arrived, just about all of the fish was gone. I still had a sufficient supply of grilled meats, but I missed the southern styled fried fish. Maybe next time at this event or when I'm in the South.

View a quick slideshow of the event's highlights...


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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Baby Stages 6 Months in the Park

I had a great time in the park with Lawrence and Titania celebrating their son's sixth month. The little guy has started crawling... well kind of, since he scoots in in reverse. He didn't need to show his skills since his parents planned a picnic outing.
Such an adorable guy, he was his mother's focus of attention. I zoomed in close as much as I could under the soon to be setting sun to capture the emotional bond between parent and child.

This little guy wanted to give his dad some attention... including the nice little buttons on his shirt. However, nothing says I love you like a wet kiss (one of my favorites, below).


View the slideshow...




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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Does "Life Matters" to You?

I am all about family and will be providing photography coverage for the Life Matters Conference which will be held Sep 12 in Wilmington, DE. This conference will focus on topics that matter such as marriage communication, being single, self image, domestic violence, anger, grief and more.

Not only will the attendees (and hopefully me also) will be feed through word and food, but the event will end with a concert by the fabulous Norman Hutchins.

This is geared to be a great event which I cannot wait to place before my camera.

What I Love about Apple

Aside from the cool factor, beautifully designed hardware, and knowledgeable people to assist you, Apple works at reducing the size of its software. The latest version of the operating system, OS X Snow Leopard is 7 GB smaller than the current version. My dust collecting Windows run computers experienced large leaps in size of their operating systems.

I do like the fact that when I upgrade, the process is pretty easy. Apple products are on the upper end because a lot of research and development goes into them to make them what consumers like me desire and obtain. When it comes to upgrading, Apple generally keeps that simple too by offering a low price to not only upgrade a single computer, but for upgrading a family of five from a single disk. With currently three Macs, I need the family pack.

If you are on the borderline of leaping into a Mac, now is as good a time as any to jump in with Snow Leopard. I can't wait to get my copy soon.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Bill Jr Stages - 1 Year

It has been wonderful watching this young miracle grow from a moment is mother's belly to a moving and grooving one year old. Moving and grooving really describes him because he was all over exploring and having fun in the park with his mother and dad.
I came with my trusty 50mm and 85mm prime f1.4 lenses, but the 24-70mm lens ruled the day. This lens allowed me to zoom in and out as needed following all the energy Bill displayed.
Every once in a while Bill would slow down for a family shot, but not for long. The above photo was rounded off with more smiles and laughs.

I was told the swing his favorite and I could tell why. I think I have never seen anyone laugh as much as he on this pendulum ride. Well, I guess mom may be in the running since she was really having a good time on the seesaw.

View the slideshow of this great time I had...




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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

My boys enjoy music so my wife suggested we make a family outing downtown at the jazz festival.  There was great food and music.  Because of the likelihood of rain, I left my camera in the car.  However, after sitting for a while watching my boys having fun, I had to get my gear and a blanket for us to share.
I only had the 50mm f/1.4 lens, but this workhorse can get the job done, flash or no flash.  I cranked up the ISO and caught the moments.  Soon it began to rain and we opened our umbrellas.  The large golf umbrella served as a mini tent as my oldest son let rain drops roll down the back of his hand.
It wasn't long before the boys had to burn off some of the funnel cake energy and played in the rain drops.  My youngest let the light rain sprinkle his face.
Little moments like these are what I like.  My oldest took a picture or two of me.  However, the funnel cake sugar didn't allow him to keep a steady hand and the shots were left on the editing floor.

Monday, June 15, 2009

BPAS - Family Photography Workshops Beyond Point and Shoot

I have been asked many times for advice on photography methods and if I give classes.  On rare occasions I have given private lessons, but had not given workshops much thought until now.

Why now?  Well, because as I enjoy the moments I spend with sons capturing the little things they do, I realize the connection my clients have when they request my services.  These loving parents want to document a special time in the life of their family.  Some of these moments happen when I am there and other moments are not so structured and occur at the oddest of times.  If I have my camera available, I capture it as close to the way it occurs as I can.  Most of my parent clients would like to do the same.  So, I have started gathering my notes from what I have done or shared to put together the BPAS Workshops.

Here's how to tell if BPAS is for you:
  • You are a parent or grandparent of small children
  • You love or want to take pictures of your children
  • You want more than the traditional and common point and shoot poses
  • You want to get more out of your camera
Well, BPAS is designed so you, the common parent can feel comfortable with your camera and take pictures beyond the stop-pose-point-and-shoot method.  Topics include camera basics, advanced camera settings, personal style and digital file management.  Yes, I have forgone film years and years ago and like the quick gratification of digital.

The workshops are structured for small group, direct interaction between me and the parents.  There will be hands-on activities setup in a comfortable family room setting staying away from the technical theory and more toward the application to get family album results.  The information is derived from my personal documenting style for my clients and my own family life.

If you are interested, send me an email or use the contact link and I will add you to the distribution list to be notified as the sessions are scheduled.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Baby's First Year for Lawrence and Titania

I love this couple. From their wedding until now, they have been great. Now there is more to love about them with their baby son. For this session they chose to mingle with the vibrant colors of a local playground. Nothing says baby more than bright colors.
With my extra gear in my backpack, the baby bag and my two cameras, we started off with a few posed shots since the baby was into it. The 50mm f/1.4 was great for the opening shot, but I switched to my trusty 70-200mm f/2.8 for the lovely portraits.
Toward the end as the sun began to get lower in the sky, I decided to give the photos a kiss of flash to brighten up the family while maintaining a decent background. For the photo below, I blew out most of the frame and then brought it back in with post production exposure to give it a special look.

Every family has a story and this one has beautiful stories.


View the slideshow...

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