When I went to Paris I took two lenses... but used only the Nikon 18-300. On a full frame camera, that covered me. You don't want to be fumbling with a lens change when you travel. If you don't feel your comfortable with those focal lengths, rent something with a wider range... otherwise I think you'll be okay with what you have.

Good eye, Jedrick. May I suggest, if the location is close to you, going at a time when the light is more interesting. Dawn... dusk. I think you have some wonderful shots here and they could benefit from more shadow and textured skies. But great work, good composition and exposure. Very evocative shots. my 2.

Thanks for the kind words. I confront this nearly every day... so it becomes second nature. Also, clients seek me out... I don't ask for volunteers so the the folks who sit in front of my lens are a little more willing to put themselves out there. With experience you'll learn how to make them relax. Keep it up!

Very pretty girl and nice even lighting. A little constructive posing advice... chin down is better than chin up. We should see a hint of back shoulder... so a little more of a turn toward the camera will help. She looks like she's holding back a smile... either wait until she gets a full smile or have her exhale through her mouth, parting her lips just slightly to relax the tension. Just a few tips... but good pic in general.

You have a very good eye. Try going when the light is a little more interesting... early morning or dusk. These same frames with early light would be spectacular! Keep shooting.

Rent it first, if you have questions. I happen to love the lens as well. And PLEASE don't complain about the weight! They can make this light as a feather using plastic lenses and parts... but they don't. Weight equals quality... plus it adds a modicum of stabilization. Rent it... if you like it... buy it.

Big piece in yesterday's (3/22) NYT business section on Kodak. Very sad story.

Nose ring is her personality. Leave it in. If she wanted it out of her photo... she would have taken it out. Otherwise superb work.

Someone didn't use their EV. When photographing snow if in aperture priority or shutter priority or program/scene mode, then you need to move your EV up a stop to a stop and a half to get white snow. Your camera's meter is trying to make the white snow neutral gray... And has done a great job of it. That's why your snow isn't white. While your composition is splendid and you chose some gorgeous vistas, the exposure needs to be corrected. My 2.

sorry, hit "post" twice.

People usually do not want to look at sad pictures of themselves or remember a sad occasion. They want to look at photos of joyful occasions (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc) and remember those times as happy and full of life. If I do a portrait session and the subject is upset or frustrated, the photos stink because the "emotional space" is wrong. Although your impulse to photograph a family event is a good one, think of reviewing the photos in 10 years and remembering the sadness you were feeling that day. I find it odd. Even asking permission is awkward, how many people will tell you no? I'd say hold off and photograph happier times that people will actually want to remember. My 2.

Love the skyline shots. Cleveland is a great town for photographers. West Side Market when it opens. Amazing. Wonderful shots, Jim.

Thank you Irene...

A few snaps after a quick trip to Little Tokyo for a delicious bowl of Ramen.

The Key-Maker


Astro-Boy


Hungry?

Welcome from another one in so cal. I'm a pro with a studio in Van Nuys. Ever want to just go to the park and shoot, let me know. A lot to learn, but it's a blast.