New Blog is here

OK. We've made the change over. Click here to go to the new Blog.

If you want the full address it is http://jameshazelwood.squarespace.com/

As of today, all our entries will be posted in the new Blog.

New Blog Coming Soon

I'm in the process of changing to a new Blog service.

During the week of Sept 7, I'll be transitioning. All the content of this Blog will be available on the new Blog, so the history buffs that want to do investigative reporting on my activities going back to 2005, will have an easy time digging up the dirt. Especially important since I'll be announcing my candidacy for something or the other.

I'll post the link to the new Blog when we get it all set.

Why make the change? Mostly technical reasons related to image storage online. I'll spare you the details. I've also been managing multiple blogs, and its been too time consuming, so I'm consolidating.

Check back later this week for the new link.

Julie's ballet dance at Narragansett

juliedance_0071, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

Julie was referred to me by Newport Photographer Peter Silvia. She's in town for a week performing The legends at Foxwood's and wanted some images of her by the sea. She brought her friends who served as make up artists, Stage mom's and choreographers. The guy from the Dpartment of Fish and Wildlife thought we were from some Magazine. This is one of 70 we shot on this gorgeous morning this week. Actually it was our final take, and although the rest came out great, this is my favorite.

For the photogs out there - I had to bring out the store of lighting equipment. Julie was performing in the evening so that prevented a sunset shoot (best light time) so we were out there on the rocks near Pt. Judith Lighthouse where it was like f 3,000. So I brought out my Q flash at full power to camera right, plus two Canon 580 ex flashes also at full power, also camera right but closer to me. Everything was manual. 1/250 at f 11 ISO 100. I just punched the contrast and gave it a little vignette in Lightroom.

Yoga

justine_0031, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

In the warmth of the setting Sun, did some photography in preparation for work with a series on Yoga. Justine and I were at Harkness memorial State park in Connecticut. This is one of my favorites from the session.

Summer is winding down -won't be able to do these outdoor shoots soon.

The Guys

j0181oneil_0245, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

You can only shoot this picture successfully of the groomsmen. Not a flattering angle for women, but I was looking for that rock band look. We powered a Q-flash at full power bare bulb, put it about 13 feet in the air, and the blazing hot sun at their backs.

It worked. I love this shot.

Castle Hill Wedding

j0181oneil_0330, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

Lisa and I were at Castle Hill for Lauren and David's wedding. See the Slideshow below. This was a great day, despite the high humidity. We covered the territory of the Island, with a ceremony at St. Anthony's in Portsmouth on one end, and a stop on Ocean Drive on our way to the Castle Hill Inn. Great couple and wonderful guests and family - Thank you all for welcoming us into this marvelous event.

Lauren & David

Family Portraits on the Sand Bar

fam1, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

We had a great time last week with the FIsher's as we headed out for some family portraits on the Sand Bar at Ninigret Pond.

The Plunge

OK Finally, someone has done it - a wedding site for guys. It's called The Plunge.com

Non-Lame Groomsmen gifts, Planning the Epic bachelor party, and a Blow by Blow translation of the wedding day as seen by guys, written for guys. Check it out.

And gals, if your man is giving you a hard time about the wedding day, send him to this site. It may save your wedding. Alright, that's an overstatement.

PS Warning. Some of the stuff may offend some women, remember this is a site written by guys.

Hartford Dance Troupe

dancetroupe_0082, originally uploaded by jameshazelwood.

I did some photography one evening recently for the Hartford, CT based Modern Dance Troupe. We had a great time creating some images for their publicity materials. Here's my favorite group photo.

A new way to say Thank You

Kiva.org. Today I was at an event with the Willow Creek Association. Great learning event, with about 10 speakers on the subject of Leadership. Among the presenters was the founder of Kiva.org. Check it out. Basically, it's a micro-lending website, where people can lend small amounts of money to entrepreneurs around the world to start businesses.

A woman in Africa starts a vegetable stand, a Man in South America starts his own Taxi business, a sheep herder in the the middle east, etc. I was so inspired, I've decided to start a small project with my Wedding Photography. Starting today, I'm giving gift certificates to clients, this way they get to discover the joy of giving and lending. If they're not so sure about it, heck, the first $25 isn't even their money. So it's a win win.

Kiva currently has a 97.5% success rate on repayment of all loans. Wow. maybe Citibank should talk to them