Team Sports Photography

   While I have not entered the realm of team sports photography, I was once asked by my son's soccer coach to photograph the team as she didn't want the "usual team type pictures". It's not always the photographers fault they're so bad. Color labs that print sport photos often have cheesy templates with an image of a football, soccer ball, baseball glove and so on. Somewhere on the template the photographer types in 'Johnny Smith' followed by 'The Razors'. All the photographer has to do is to drop in the images of the team and the individual player and presto, team photo. I wanted something different for Patrick and his team and while it required a bit more work, I think I managed to pull it off. His team was called 'The Earthquakes', so I used a font to match the team name. In this case I used 'Cracked'. I also have the background of a soccer ball or net. The individual photo is larger than the team. C'mon, think about it, we don't always know the other kids so why not make our child stand out a bit more. And let's face it, they're kids and they don't always like getting their picture taken. Why have a posed photo of them looking so stoic. I think you'll see by the photos that there is indeed, a better way. And the second photo I added is an example of something you're more likely to see, and no, I did not take that photo. Maybe here at Spotlight Photography, we ought to do team photos, I guarantee you won't see anything else like it.

Unite2Fight

Spotlight Photography had the great opportunity to photograph the Unight2Fight fundraiser at the downtown American Legion Mall for The Little Red Cancer Agency. It was a free family festival and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was attended by the Mayor, Radio Disney, Jenny Anchondo of Fox 59 and other notables.

Photographing children at Spotlight photography

   Ask any portrait photographer what is the hardest age to photograph when it comes to children and you're bound to get as many answers as there are personalties. Back in my 'kiddie photography' days, I would have said one year to about two and a half. We had to stick 'em up on a table with bright lights pointed at them as if they were there for an interrogation. It could be a little intimidating despite all the bubbles that were blown into the air to help draw out smiles.
  
   I have learned quite a bit about children since I started photographing them in 1977. Of course the best thing is, I have 2 acres to do outside portraits on so plenty of room for the young ones to run around. I have developed a style over the years that does not involve bubbles, squeaky toys, stuffed animals or bouncy balls. Like little Cailyn (above), give them a fishing dock and it becomes a perfect diving board.

   I have photographed almost every member of her family for as long as I've had Spotlight, since May of 1985. Children will always have a good time at Spotlight. Whether checking out the horse barn, running back and forth over the Japanese bridge or climbing on the rocks, they may not want to leave.

Sending Mark to school.....

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great Fathers Day weekend! I have sent Mark back to school! He is learning lots of new stuff at The Winona Experience in Brown County!

Peyton Manning Children's Hospital

Back in the middle of 2010, I had the honor of becoming the Director of the Indianapolis chapter of Flashes of Hope. Flashes of Hope is a national non profit organization that changes the way children with cancer see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research. Each month, myself and a group of volunteers go into Peyton Manning Children's Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children and set up a photo studio complete with make up artists from Tyler-Mason salon. All photos are given to the families for free. Yesterday we were at PMCH and our photographer was Jennifer and Andrea was our other volunteer. We had a lot of kids and it was a lot of fun.

Riley Park

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Cayce and Jordan. Cayce attends New Palestine High School and her cousin attends Greenfield Central High School. I have been photographing this young lady since she was a baby. I couldn't resist playing peek-a-boo just to bring back some old times. And yes, she still cracked up. Half the sitting was at Spotlight and the other half at Riley Park in Greenfield. It's a great place to photograph and both of them did an awesome job.

Mackenzie's Photo Shoot

We had a great session today with Katie and Dan...and of course Mackenzie!! She is sooo cute!!!

Jazmine in the Snow

Mark is doing a senior portrait session with Jazmine Johnson from Mt. Vernon High School today!!! It is a great day for photos. I will post some snow pics asap!!!!! Have a great day!!

2100 Weddings

Mark and Renee' are getting ready for the 2011 wedding season. Come visit us at these upcoming wedding shows...Feb. 26 @ The Community Life Center in East Indianapolis and "Love's Enchanted Path"..A premier bridal fair @ The Creative Arts and Events Center on Feb. 19 in Greenfield! See you there!!

AARWBA 2010 Banquet

This was great !!! Mark and Renee' got to go to the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Assoc. Banquet!!! There were about 15 drivers there!! Mark got lots of great pics. We also got to meet and chat w/ Bruce Ashmore,one of the worlds top race car designers!!! WOW!!!