The Black Dog's Photoblog

Decoy

2011-10-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Uma

2011-10-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

Goodbye Mr. Velvet Nose

2011-09-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

Mila

2011-09-08T22:50:00.001-05:00

A Lot of Class 2012

2011-09-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

Lord of the Manor

2011-08-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

The New Apprentice

2011-08-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

Just the Girls - 3 Years Later

2011-07-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

Remember these gals? Just the Girls (original post)

This is what I guess I'll call a "long" term project. The girls and their mom plan to come and have pictures done same time every year. These girls are still a blast and still come up with some of the best poses you can imagine. Truly a pleasure for me to work with them.

What?

2011-06-16T22:07:00.000-05:00

Wrapped in Flowers

2011-05-23T21:42:00.000-05:00

Bring It

2011-04-26T14:47:00.001-05:00

In Flight

2011-04-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

Snowflakes

2011-02-21T22:07:00.002-06:00

Art of Schutzhund Photography Blog

2011-01-05T20:13:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I've been featured on the 'Art of Schutzhund Photography' Blog in one of their 'In Their Own Words' segments. I've been following this blog for a while and just love these interviews with other Schutzhund photographers. So I was thrilled to be asked to do this interview.

You can read my interview at: Art of Schutzhund Photography - In Their Own Words: Vinnie Norberg

Angel and the Snow

2011-01-04T23:06:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone

2010-12-22T21:25:00.002-06:00

Christmas/Holiday Cards For Sale

2010-11-23T03:07:00.002-06:00

The Christmas & Holiday cards are designed and up for sale on etsy. There are 10 new designs just for this year and I'd recommend ordering soon as I will need 1 week to print and ship. Each card design comes in a set of 10 for $16.50 (+ shipping +sales tax in MN) but I can do larger sets if you need more. Please check my etsy shop to see the 2010 designs. Thank you. I hope you like them.

Meow

2010-11-03T13:13:00.003-05:00

Farmall

2010-09-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Sunset after the Storm

2010-08-18T20:30:00.001-05:00

Jump

2010-04-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

Buds

2010-04-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring - Hyacinth

2010-03-26T22:50:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T14:49:00.000-06:00

Pine Cone

2009-12-03T22:45:00.002-06:00

Watch the Leaves Turn

2009-09-27T18:58:00.001-05:00

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

Congratulations Class of 2009

2009-06-07T12:14:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say congratulations to some special people who graduated this year.

My nephew Eli, who is full of life and a blast to be around.

Kandi, who graduated a year early AND puts up with my son on a daily basis.

(Sorry, we haven't done her senior pictures yet but will soon.)

The Old House

2009-03-27T13:11:00.001-05:00

Glass Bottle Frames

2009-02-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

(Pictures in this post are provided by Photojojo. Photo credits: ’stpiduko’)

Thought it might be time I post a little update.

We've finally finished remodeling the studio and waiting area with the exception of a few finishing touches. It looks so nice and fresh with the new flooring and paint. It’s so nice to have the waiting area and shooting space all one big open room. When you’re doing a shoot, you never know when you're going to want to spread out. It also lets the light from both rooms flow throughout the space.

I’ve also been busy updating the décor in the waiting area. Gone is the old country/outdoorsy décor and we’ve brought in a nice caramel color microfiber suede sofa and love seat. It’s a cleaner more stream lined look yet still very comfortable and casual.

Of course with the updates I had to find some new and innovative way to showcase some of my recent photographic work. But what’s “new and innovative” in displaying photography? There isn’t too many different ways to do this and they’ve all pretty much been around for eons now. To my thrill and surprise sitting in my email inbox was a newsletter from Photojojo with the lead story being Glass Jar Frames. GREAT idea! Here’s a link to the article and directions to make your own Photojojo's Glass Jar Frames. Not only is this a fun idea it's also eco-friendly.

I used some of the old bottles I have around and loved the results. Sorry that I haven’t had the time to take my own pictures to show you my Glass Bottle Frames. I’ll have to try and get a few up later this week. If not, I guess you’ll just have to stop by my studio for a look-see.

Now if I could just get my hubby back to work on those barn wood frames.

The Other Eye

2009-02-12T14:37:00.001-06:00

Shopping at Thrift Stores

2009-02-02T17:31:00.001-06:00

My mother and father are the original "green people" in my life. They were very environmentally friendly by today's standards doing things like composting, conserving energy and mom always loved shopping at thrift stores. So when I accepted the current project I'm working on one of the categories they wanted pictures for was green shopping ideas. I had to think back to what my parents did and thrift store shopping came to mind.

I have to send a BIG thank you out to Family Pathways in Wyoming, MN for welcoming us into their store and letting us photograph. And to my 2 shoppers Melanie & Elizabeth, first for suggesting this store and second for letting me annoy them while they shopped.

LayZ Green People

2009-01-31T17:08:00.000-06:00

I'm real excited about a new project I've been working on, making photographs for the Layz Green People's website. Photographs that show different ideas of living "green". It's a chance for me to help, get involved and maybe even learn some new ideas from others around the world.

LayZ Green People is an international website collaboration by writers, artists, photographers and others from around the world to bring you simple green living ideas. Everyone is welcome to join, share ideas and pledge to make this a better world. This is a new website and still forming, so check them out. Hope I see you there.

What to Do When Your Back Itches

2009-01-27T21:37:00.000-06:00

Long-Term Project, Part 5

2009-01-23T13:53:00.004-06:00

The Benefits
We can’t have a decision on long-term projects without also including some fun, now can we? After all if there are no benefits, why bother?

One of the most obvious benefits is that you’ve taken on that challenge and accomplished what you’ve set your mind to finish. Also, the motivation that comes from knowing there is a purpose behind what you’re shooting.

Who wouldn’t like seeing their work being displayed at an Art Gallery or in book form? This would also give you that great since of accomplishment besides possibly making some cold hard cash.

It’s good to have something to do when other work is slow. Really helps to keep that photographer in you moving and maybe even trying some new things.

Good luck! I’d love to hear about your long-term photography projects.

Here’s links to the rest of this discussion in case you missed it. (I know, I need to update these links and now that I've put this comment in, lets hope I don't forget.)
Part 1 – Not for Everyone
Part 2 - A Theme
Part 3 - Your Goals and Message
Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting

Cold Nose

2009-01-16T15:12:00.001-06:00

Icicles

2009-01-15T12:03:00.000-06:00

Damn it’s cold out there today with a -26° air temperature and -35° for the wind chill as I type. Our high temperature is predicted at a -5° for today. I guess for Minnesota it’s normal this time of year. To me, it’s still damn cold.

From a photographer’s stand it can help produce some outstanding nature photographs. Like those of Icebergs. Something about that crystal clear air.

A few of my tips for shooting in these types of temps.
1. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Cover any and all skin that you can. I always keep a scarf over my mouth and nose or ware a ski mask. I’ve found that breathing on my camera produces condensation on the viewfinder. Then I can’t see what I’m trying to make a photograph of – that’s no good.
2. Warm your camera slowly after shooting in the cold so as not to get condensation on the lens and interior parts. What I do is put my camera in my camera bag while I’m still outside. I will then set my camera bag in our unheated garage for about an hour before bringing it inside. Once inside, I let it sit for a few hours (1-3) in the bag before taking it out. Once out of the bag I will let my camera sit for another ½ hour or so before turning it on and uploading any shots to my computer. I’ve also heard but haven’t tried that wrapping your digital camera in a plastic bag while outside and then bringing inside works the same way.
3. Bring extra batteries and keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket. The batteries don’t last as long in this kind of cold. So I usually bring a few extras.

I've Been Shot

2009-01-13T21:18:00.001-06:00

I Love Snow

2009-01-02T21:48:00.004-06:00

Jake

2008-12-28T23:31:00.002-06:00

Happy Christmas

2008-12-23T19:40:00.003-06:00

A Puppy's Christmas
(Unknown Author)

It's the day before Christmas
And all through the house
The puppies are squeaking
An old rubber mouse.

The wreath which had merrily
Hung on the door
Is scattered in pieces
All over the floor.

The stockings that hung
In a neat little row
Now boast a hole in
Each one of the toes.

The tree was subjected
To bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid,
It's missing some limbs.

I catch them and hold them.
"Be good", I insist.
They lick me, then run off
To see what they've missed.

And now as I watch them
The thought comes to me,
That their's is the spirit
That Christmas should be.

Should children and puppies
Yet show us the way,
And teach us the joy
That should come with this day?

Could they bring the message
That's written above,
And tell us that, most of all
Christmas is love.

Just wanted to wish everybody a Happy Christmas. Enjoy!

Winter Sunflower

2008-12-22T03:33:00.002-06:00

Long Term Projects, Part 4

2008-12-21T00:03:00.002-06:00

Ice Covered Black-Eyed Susan

Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting
Everyone has to eat sometime. I know, they say artists are starving but we still have bills to pay.

With that in mind you need to consider financing when thinking about undertaking a long-term project. You first need to look at what resources you have readily available that will help cover costs. Sometimes you’ll even need to look for funding in outside sources such as investors or grants.

Before talking to investors or applying for grants, actually before you begin your project, you’ll want to set a budget for the project. Consider your needs. Equipment, printing, supplies and travel needs. What will it cost to implement this project?

Be flexible and prepared.

Long Term Projects, Part 3

2008-12-19T07:52:00.002-06:00

No Motor Vehicles Sign in Nessel Township

Part 3 – Your Goals and Message
Going hand in hand with a theme is the goals and message you wish to convey with your project.

What do you wish to accomplish with your long-term project? Is your intention to have a book published or exhibit your project? Are you attempting to educate or raise awareness to the public about something? Do you want to show people beauty you don’t think they’ve realized before? Do you just want to make someone smile or laugh? This is a question you should ask yourself and answer before you begin. You will want to keep this in mind throughout the process of making pictures for your project.

Also, kind of similar to your goals is what message do you wish to send viewers of your project?

Ice

2008-12-17T07:38:00.002-06:00

Junkyard Ford

2008-12-13T13:37:00.002-06:00

Long Term Projects, Part 2

2008-12-11T17:17:00.003-06:00

Corn field waiting to be harvested in Nessel Township.

Part 2 - A Theme
Your first big hurtle will be deciding on a theme for your long term photo project. There are so many things to photograph how do you choose just one? I’d suggest that you pick a theme topic that already interests you. Something that’s close to your heart and really captures your interest. Remember this is something you’re going to have to stick with for an extended period of time so it better be something that can hold that interest and help motivate you to get out there and shoot. Do you like nature? Maybe a theme on the four seasons or life at your favorite swimming hole would be good. Do you like animals? Maybe birds or dogs would be a good theme. Maybe you want to do a theme based on a current issue effecting your family & friends like battling cancer or illness. See where I’m going? Brainstorm ideas and come up with something that’s original and unique to you.

Then if you want to get more technical you could also say that your project will only be in color or only in black & white. Will you decide to only use just one lens? (Shoot the whole series using only a macro, wide angle, telephoto or maybe just a prime.) Maybe you want to go with all film or all digital. I’ve seen a great project done using only a Polaroid camera.

Your project should be unified. Stylistically and thematically

My current long term project is an all black & white using only a wide angle lens study of a small township in rural Minnesota. Do something you enjoy, learn and can grow with.

Long Term Projects, Part 1

2008-12-09T00:36:00.003-06:00

One of many hunting stands in Nessel Township

Part 1 - Not for Everyone
Being in the midst of a project as I type this I thought it might be nice to share with you some of my thoughts (struggles, highs and lows) on doing long term photo projects.

However, I should first warn you that long term projects are not for everyone. My first long term project started by requests from other people to have photos of a certain topic. That project lasted nearly 10 years and could probably have gone on for another 10 years. There were many interruptions during the process of completing this project as I’m sure you will find with any long term project. Sometimes you can’t really set a time limit on a long term project and you’ll have to be able to sense when it’s complete (which in some cases it may never be finished). You really have to be dedicated and passionate about your project to stick with it for the long haul. Only you will know when you’ve accomplished what you feel is the finished product. I would suggest before you undertake the project and that you ask yourself; “Is a long term project really for me? Do I really want (and have enough time) to put a lot of time into one project? Am I willing to set my project aside to work on something more pressing and pick it back up later? Am I willing to take a chance and possibly make little to no money on a project I am pouring my heart and soul into?”

Dennis Frandsen County Park

2008-12-07T00:27:00.002-06:00

This is a 117 acre park with 1 mile of lake shore on the north end of West Rush Lake. The land was donated to Chisago County in 1994 by local businessman Dennis Frandsen. This was the largest donation the county had ever received.

Looking Up

2008-12-02T21:37:00.002-06:00

Red Winter Berries

2008-12-01T13:18:00.003-06:00

For the Moment

2008-11-24T16:55:00.003-06:00

For the Moment
a collection of fl...
By Vahneesa Norberg

Book Preview

The book is finally done and up for sale! A week before I had hoped. I’m so excited. What a fun yet time consuming project. Sorting through all of those photographs and deciding which ones made it in the book and which ones just weren’t good enough. Choosing the page layouts that work best with what you envision for the book. Reviewing each page for errors. There’s more decisions and options than I had initially realized but now that it’s done, I’m thrilled. I hope you all enjoy it. Check it out at blurb.com (link above).

I've also made up a 2009 calendar using 12 of the photos from the book showcased in the collage above. If anyone is interested in picking up a beautiful calendar, this is it with a new flower for each month. Please email me directly at vnorberg (at) blackdogsphoto.com. The calendars are selling for $18.95 each plus 6.5% sales tax within the US (outside the US please contact for additional charge due to higher shipping costs).

Friday!

2008-11-20T16:56:00.000-06:00

Taken using the old Minolta and 35mm Fuji film.

Follow the Leader....(or be original)

2008-11-07T21:55:00.002-06:00

What could've possibly possessed me to make this picture 5 years ago? Well if you can figure that out, let me know. Just kidding. It's hard for me to even remember what I was thinking 5 years ago.

I do remember posting this picture on a photography forum back then which was met with an awful response and ridicule from my fellow photographers. How could I take a picture of such gross garbage and even think about showing it in public? How could I call this photography? Of course, most of that forum's highly rated pictures at that time were either nudes or scenery. I guess maybe they were only accustom to seeing beautiful pictures and weren't ready for stark realism.

My only regret is that I listened to them.

Several months ago I picked up a photography magazine off the news stand (I can't remember which magazine). Brought it home and sat down to read. To my amazement there was a big huge picture of nothing other than cigarette butts. This photographer had done a series of photographs on garbage. The pictures were not only interesting but also awakening. Did anyone else see that article? If so, could you remind me which magazine and issue? I'd love to give that photographer a plug!

So what have I learned? You can't always listen to everyone else. Sometimes you have to follow your own vision even if it isn't a beautiful vision.

Bonfire Night

2008-11-05T22:04:00.001-06:00

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

Relaxation

2008-11-03T23:27:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T06:27:00.006-05:00

More of Gizmo

2008-10-22T21:20:00.003-05:00

Gizmo

2008-10-21T21:43:00.001-05:00

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill

The Black Dog & CEO

2008-10-18T23:27:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't already know him, this is Dalton. In my world he IS the black dog. (He is also the dog on the main page of my website and in the right corner on the about us page.)

I remember the day we brought this tiny little black furball home. I remember his little black toes and puppy smell. I remember his sweet yet adventurous eyes. He was so happy, playful and alive. It's hard to believe it's been more than eight years ago now.

He's still happy, playful and alive despite being diagnosed with lupus around a year ago. His eyes have filled with wisdom and an almost human like quality. He is my friend and loyal companion.

Nature's Yellow

2008-10-17T22:59:00.002-05:00

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.
~ Stanley Horowitz

Discovered Sign

2008-10-09T23:55:00.001-05:00

While driving around Nessel Township the other day I discovered this sign. I'll definitely have to stop back at this spot. You just know there are great pictures in there that I'll have to include in the project.

Stauffer Lake

2008-10-08T15:27:00.001-05:00

Just sharing more of my Nessel Township project that I started in August.

On this particular morning the mist was rising off this little lake called Stauffer Lake. It's located in the south-west corner of the Township. I honestly don't think a picture does this lake justice but I had to try anyway.

Nature Prepares to Say Goodnight

2008-10-06T01:18:00.002-05:00

Morning Frost

2008-10-04T13:55:00.002-05:00

The Clothes Line

2008-09-25T15:37:00.000-05:00

Can you smell that clean fresh air?

Being a fan of Dorothea Lange, I had to try photographing laundry hanging out to dry. My biggest dilemma in making these photos was deciding how I wanted to show the motion of the clothes blowing in the wind. Did I want to blur the motion or did I want to stop the motion and have the picture in clear focus. Ultimately, I couldn’t make up my mind so I tried a little of both.

For the first picture below I used a slow shutter speed with a tripod mounted camera which gives you the feel of motion with the blurring where the motion occurs. The second picture I used a fast shutter speed which shows you the motion but stopping it in it's tracks.

Laundry hanging out to dry kind of reminds me of when I use to develop my own film and hanging prints up to dry. It seems like everyone can relate to the clothes line in some way or another. That’s what really fascinates me are how many people love photos of laundry strung out to dry. It seems to bring up a thought, a memory or an emotion. Maybe of their grandmothers or that clean smell of the outdoors or maybe its how nice and crisp the sheets feel to sleep in after drying in the warm breeze of autumn. Maybe it’s just remembering a time that seemed so much more simple.

A thought, a memory, an emotion, isn’t that what pictures, are about?

Craftsmanship

2008-09-22T12:39:00.001-05:00

An Apple a Day

2008-09-20T19:37:00.001-05:00

Learning

2008-09-01T20:58:00.001-05:00

It’s September and for many that means the return to school. Many will hear new and interesting things.

I love learning and in photography I feel like I’m constantly learning. I’m constantly discovering new techniques and new people with new ideas. I always try to get people to give me their thoughts on where and how they’d like their portraits. It not only helps me become aware of new ideas but it helps to create that one of a kind, originality in each person’s portrait package. That little something that no one else will have and that little something that says “you”. Remember, your portraits are about “YOU” not the photographer taking your pictures.

Also, just a note, there’s still plenty of time for your Class of 2009 senior portraits. Not everyone has their senior portraits done in the summer before they start back to school. Many people like to wait for the colorful fall leaves or even the winter snow.

“The Earth Laughs in Flowers”

2008-08-29T22:15:00.001-05:00

The Earth Laughs in Flowers
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This will probably be my last flower post until next spring as many of my flowers in the garden are starting to fade.

These last few weeks of August the weather up here in Minnesota has been beautiful. Nice sunny days, gentle breezes and warm (not hot) temperatures. You can tell that summer is coming to an end and fall is just around the corner. Fall is my favorite time of year and I’m looking forward to the season change. I love all the changing colors, apples, hay rides and cool evenings. But winter and cold always follows for us Minnesotans. I really will miss the flower garden until next spring.

“Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.” – The Koran

Seeing Ordinary

2008-08-19T21:42:00.002-05:00

Do you ever wonder what photographers do in their spare time? I like to photograph simple ordinary tasks and objects. Like cleaning house or canning vegetables. Why do I do this? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s the experience or a way to play with and practice a new technique or accessory I just learned or bought. All the while, I accomplish a daily chore while exercising my vision.

I believe we all see things differently. In fact, I believe we see with our mind and not really our eyes. How else would you explain a person being blind and yet producing excellent, beautiful photographs? (Example: Flickr: Blind Photographers Group)

This also explains why one person looks at a photograph and finds much beauty while another person finds the same photograph dull and drab.

Using Ansel Adams as an example, I believe he seen many things in sharp focus. Take a look at some of his pictures. He visualized them this way in his mind and transferred that visualization to his photographs. While I see things with a very limited focus. My brother even commented when I was younger that I had “tunnel vision”. I think this shows in many of my photographs.

Bottom line I guess is that ordinary things can make beautiful photographs. It all depends who’s looking and what their mind is seeing.

Scooby ~ April 2002 - August 2008

2008-08-11T17:41:00.012-05:00

May you from this day on run wild and free in a peaceful land of large fields and plenty of apple trees. A place where no fears can torment you and you’ll always feel safe. May you always have a toy to hold in your mouth and many other puppies to play with. May you finally rest and find that peace you’ve so desperately been searching for these past few years.

We’re sorry to have kept you longer than we should. It’s just that we didn’t want you to go so soon. We love you and will miss our special little wild one.

Cambridge, MN Relay for Life 2008

2008-08-09T22:05:00.004-05:00

Every year this is one of my favorite sites. The reflection of the luminaries and vendor booths around the water after the sun goes down. I can't leave until I see this.

A closer view of the luminaries at dark

Last night I attended the Cambridge, MN annual Relay for Life. These Relays occur all over the United States beginning in Tacoma, Washington back in 1985.

This morning I was trying to figure out what to write in my blog about this event and it turned out to be much harder than I thought it would. Now-a-days we all know someone who’s life has been touched by cancer. I could share with you my stories about the survivors I know and about the people I’ve lost but I think it would be better to let you reflect on your own stories or memories.

The man with the hat! Don't you just love it?

This really gave us a chuckle. Hanging at one of the vendors stands, a "Redneck Wind Chime".

I must send a special thanks to my husband’s aunt Marian for introducing us to these Relays 5 years ago and for her hard work and devotion to this cause. We have come a long way since 1985 in detecting and treating cancer but there is still a long way to go.

American Cancer Society, Relay for Life

Photo Essay of Nessel Township

2008-08-04T20:05:00.003-05:00

Rush Point Store, Est. 1879. View an old photograph of this store here -->old photo of Rush Point Store or visit the store's website here -->Rush Point Store Website

Just the beginning of August and already I’m busier that last month. I’m excited about the new month and the new developments for my business. Besides being a month away from the beginning of the school season and finding that many seniors haven’t yet had their portraits taken I also have a few projects this month which will take me out of the studio. This is very exciting for me. I began one of these projects on August 1st which is photographing a small township just north of Cambridge, MN called Nessel Township. It’s a very quite and peaceful place that consists mostly of agricultural land. I’d love for my photographs of this area to show others what beauty is contained here. I’ve decided to do this essay entirely in black and white using only my 17-35mm wide angle lense. My hope is that this will become a collection of work that I can build on for some years to come and maybe duplicate for some of the other small towns in Minnesota.

Designed in Simple Georgian Architecture, Calvary Lutheran Church, Est. 1870

West Rush Lake Shoreline

Just the Girls!

2008-06-23T01:16:00.000-05:00

What a blast these 2 girls were! So awake and alive with energy. Oh to be young again.

Before these 2 girls came for their portrait session I spoke with their mother and she indicated to me that she always preferred more spontaneous or candid portraits over the formal sit down indoor studio portraits. So I came up with many ideas of poses and settings I thought would work for them. I always like to have a plan.

We started with our first scene that I had picked out and I asked the girls, "what would you like to do in these pictures?" This session just took off from there. There was jumping, running, flower picking, posing, hugging and playing peek-a-boo. It was so much fun for me to see and photograph these girls just being themselves. It wasn't really what I had planned, it was better. These 2 girls were just adorable.

I also have to say thanks for a friend and fellow photographer for her suggestions on this shoot, what lens she’d use and letting kids be kids when you photograph them.

2008 MN High School SuperMileage

2008-06-17T16:02:00.002-05:00

I’m just going to take a little bragging time here.

Any of you ever heard of the MTEA SuperMileage Challenge? This year it took place on May 19th & 20th, 2008 at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, MN. (Yes, I realize I haven’t posted in my blog since the 18th of May. We’ve been very busy around here, but more on that in the coming days.)

This was my son’s second and final year taking part in this challenge. The goal of this challenge is not to be the fastest vehicle but instead to get the best mileage using E85 fuel. My son’s vehicle won the prize for the top performing E85 vehicle and his school was awarded $300! The vehicle he designed and built got 493 miles per gallon on it’s best run. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me. Especially in a day when gas prices are outrageous and many of us are beginning to realize that we need to very soon find an alternative fuel source.

Here's a little write up from the MN Corn Growers Association's Website about SuperMileage Cars and this year's challenge.
High school students build super high mileage cars
Written by Jonathan Eisenthal
That's my son and his girlfriend accepting the check for his school pictured at the bottom of the article. :)

High School Senior Portrait Scholarships

2008-05-18T17:09:00.001-05:00

Last spring my son convinced me that I would really enjoy doing senior portraits. Tell me, what mother can turn her own son down? We had a great conversation and even talked about my senior portraits, or the lack of them. My parents couldn’t afford to pay for senior portraits back then. So while my son and I were talking, I decided that if I were to do this, I was only going to do it if I could bring the senior portrait experience to some people who would otherwise not have this opportunity.

Recently I read about a photography studio in MI who gives out “Senior Portrait Scholarships”. My thought was how well this concept fit with my goals. In fact, I wish I had thought of it sooner. So as the Class of 2009 is preparing to have their portraits, I’m thrilled to announce that I will be offering 2 Senior Portrait Scholarships.

Especially, these days when so many families are experiencing financial setbacks and difficulties. I’ve been there myself. I know there can be many different reasons that can prevent a person from being able to have senior portraits. I feel this is an important part of the senior year experience.

The 2 students selected will receive a portrait setting and senior portrait package free of charge. The senior portrait package will include one 8x10, four 5x7s, wallets and one yearbook proof.

To be eligible you must be a resident of the Stanchfield, MN area attending one of the local High Schools and submit an essay of 250 words or less.

Awards will be based on either financial need or personal circumstances.

Applications must be submitted by June 30th, 2008. Winners will be announced on July 7th, 2008.

Please see www.blackdogsphoto.com/09ScholarshipAppl.html for application.

I would like to challenge other high school senior portrait photographers to do the same.

Photographers - Go Green

2008-05-05T12:12:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know “going green” is the latest cool buzz word. But it really is a serious thing and something we all need to be thinking about these days. I won’t give you the lecture as I’m sure you’ve already heard it all. Instead, I’d like to share with you some of the things this and many photographers do in an effort to “go green”.

1. I use the internet and my own webspace to help me cut down on excess printing of photos and advertising materials.
2. I recycle as many products as possible, such as ink cartridges, film containers and paper.
3. I use recycled products when available such as recycled photo paper for all printed proofs, office stationary, business cards, advertising brochures & packaging materials.
4. I use rechargeable batteries.
5. I use digital imaging as much as possible which considerably cuts down on my use of hazardous chemicals, paper and the need for unnecessary packaging.
6. My newest thing, “The Outdoor Studio” cuts down on my use of electricity. With the natural light from the sun, I have less need to power artificial lighting.

What do you do? I’d love to hear your ideas on Green Photography. Please share your thoughts and ideas with me and I’ll be happy to try and incorporate those ideas into my studio.

Some links green photographers might find helpful;

Red River's GreenPix 100% Post Consumer Processed Chlorine Free Photo Paper

Business Cards & Stationary from Green Printer

10 Beautiful Roses, 10 Beautiful Years

2008-04-28T15:19:00.002-05:00

As I reflect on the past 10-years, I’m also looking forward to the coming 10-years.

Every day there seems to be new inventions, new technology and many improvements to existing things. I’m looking forward to what the next ten years will bring in photography inventions and improvements. There really has been big changes in the photography world in the last 10 years with the invention of digital and it does have me curious what surprises the future of photography holds.

I’ve recently picked up a new lens. It’s called a Lensbaby 3G. For all of you who have never heard of this lens, it’s a really unusual looking thing and in a world of automation, this lens is all manual. One of the coolest things about this lens is it’s flexibility and it’s demand for creativity on the photographer’s part. It has a very limited focal point that you can move to any point in the photo by bending the lens (yes, the lens bends.) Once you figure this lens out you are rewarded with some amazing photos and there is a endless amount of possibilities that open up to you. I’m really looking forward to using this lens more in my portrait and nature photography.

10 Beautiful Roses taken with my new Lensbaby 3G lens.

MN Horse Expo 2008

2008-04-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my husband and I had the pleasure of watching Chris Cox at the MN Horse Expo. I just love to see a trainer who is so in tune with their horse. There were many other things we enjoyed too from the trick riders, stunt riders, the rodeo, the parade of breeds and all the vendors selling so many different things. Of course, I had to buy a thing or two.

Horses are such intelligent and majestic animals. I love to photograph them. Some are very fascinated by cameras, they almost seem to pose just for you and they love having their picture taken. Others are more shy and reluctant. Because each one is unique, I doubt I could ever grow tired of the challenge each different one brings to a photo session. If you’re a horse owner, think about having your portrait taken together with your horse. It will give you a lasting memory to keep and look back on.

The Outdoor Studio

2008-04-22T23:29:00.000-05:00

The remains of some echinacea flowers in my front yard taken April 17th.

After a few days of yard work, picking up fallen branches, cleaning up flower beds and trimming back shrubs, I have to admit I'm excited about spring and the upcoming season. Even though my little corner of the world is just starting to turn green and the flowers are just beginning to bloom, I am excited about some new landscaping ideas and the new direction my studio will be taking. I'm anticipating the individuals who will come into my life looking for that special portrait.

A new step for the studio this year is that I've decided to discontinue the indoor studio and focus my time and talents on the outdoor studio. Besides photography, I've always had a love of nature and the outdoors. I thought why not combine the two and focus on what I feel I do best. As I recently read an article titled 'Greenspace' in my latest issue of Professional Photographer magazine I was so inspired to take this step. The article was about Chris Lommel Photography and talked about his surviving his battle with cancer and his outdoor studio in Big Lake, MN. Life really is too short sometimes. I think it's best to enjoy it while I can.

Dryed Black Eyed Susans in my front yard.

A little bird's nest I found in my back yard while on a walk.

Gwen's Flower

2008-04-18T10:09:00.004-05:00

This photograph of a yellow spider mum was taken a few years ago. It was in the midst of a floral arrangement sitting on my sister's kitchen table. She thought the flower was so beautiful and asked if I thought I could take a picture of it for her to keep. So with only a tripod and the chandelier light I snapped off a few pictures for her. She kept one of these pictures hanging in her kitchen. That's the best compliment I could ever have received.

As Natalie Norton says in an article I recently read titled, Blog Power – 'Why You Should Consider Setting up a Photoblog’, I’ve always thought of bloggers as being somewhat narcissistic. That’s not really how I’ve wanted to portray myself to the public. But she also goes on to list some very good reasons why a photoblog is a positive thing for any photographer.

I’ve had a few friends and colleagues recommend this to me when I was inquiring on how frequently they update their website with new photographs and announce new products and promotions. They do most of this through their photoblogs. I’ve read a few of my friends’ blogs and I’ve been impressed. So I’m thinking it’s become time. So this is about to become my spot on the web to blog and keep everyone up to date on the Black Dog's Photographer. I can't promise you that this will be a daily thing but I will keep it regular.