Boise Shutter Light Photography

2012-03-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Roy Wessels with Keller Williams Realty has listed 6450 Granada, Boise, ID 83714. This is a gorgeous home sitting on a hill with an unobstructed view of Bogus Basin. At the base of the hill on the property is a large pond that the local deer enjoy visiting. Did I mention it has a beautiful sauna inside and a his and hers master bathrooms.

Prom-a-Rama at The Hasbrouck House

2012-03-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Are you going to prom? Need senior portraits? Find a prom or wedding dress? Flowers for a special occasion? A DJ? Limousine service? A manicure? Some new jewelry for your or as a gift? You will find all that and more at the Prom-a-Rama show at the Hasbrouck House in Nampa, Idaho. There will be a prom dress fashion show at 2p, courtesy of SC Bridal.

Amanda of Vintaged Faery Creations

Susan of the Hasbrouck House

Gown by SC Bridal

Hunter Limousines

William Hunter - Hunter Limousines

Amy MIller | Real Estate Photography

2012-03-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Amy Miller with Keller Williams Realty has listed this great home at 2325 Middleton Rd, Nampa, ID 83686. It sits on a small acreage, mostly pasture and with a nice lawn. It also has 3 car garage large bedrooms and is just across the street from the 6th hole at Hunter's Pointe Golf Course. View more photos on the Virtual Tour.

Leslie D'Andrea | Real Estate Photography

2012-03-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Leslie D'Andrea has listed this great home at 11143 Gunsmoke, Boise, ID 83704. It's on a nice sized corner lot with RV parking. There is lots of room in this beautiful home with it's full basement.

Annette Alonso | Real Estate Photography

2012-03-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Annette Alonso with Keller Williams Realty has just listed this beautiful home at 4533 S Ramona, Meridian, ID 83642. It sits on a 1 acre lot with swimming pool and the home is beautiful with a great floor plan. You can view the virtual tour here.

New from Canon - Pre Order Today

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

For all of you Canon lovers, here are two new products that are a must have. If you've been holding out for that new camera or new flash, now is the time to get them.

Canon 5D Mark III
Everyone has loved the Canon 7D with it's versatility with HD video and still photography. The Canon 5D Mark III is doing the same thing only on a full-size chip and with more features. Definitely worth the few extra dollars. Here are some of the features of this new camera.

22.3 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
14-bit A/D Conversion
61-Point High Density Reticular AF
iFCL 63-Zone Dual Layer Metering Sensor
EOS HD Video
Rugged and Efficient Design
Intelligent Viewfinder
3.2" Clear View II LCD Monitor
Multiple Exposure and High Dynamic Range
Wireless and GPS Compatible
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens

Canon 600EX-RT
The new Canon 600ex-rt flash is well worth it for the ability to radio control other flashes, not to mention it has an attachment to hold any gel filter. No more tape, velcro or whatever other modifications. Here are some of the features of this new flash.

New wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication for enhanced control of up to five groups of flashes
Zoom flash head covers wide range of 20-200mm; maximum Guide Number--197' (60 m) at ISO 100
Redesigned contact construction, improved flash head durability, and exceptional dust and weather resistance for reliable operation
Built-in AF-assist beam compatible with Canon's new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
Dot matrix LCD panel and backlit button provide easy visibility.
Color filter holder for attaching Canon and third-party color gelatin filters
18 Custom Functions for creative flexibility
Full swivel, 180° in either direction

The Many Faces of Emily | Children Photography

2012-02-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here are several of Emily's many faces. She was full of life and loved every minute of the Chinese New Year celebration we went to at NNU this year. She made lots of friends and took tons of photos. I'll have to share some of those here soon too. For now, just enjoy her many faces.

Hasbrouck Bridal Show | Event Photography

2012-02-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from Saturday's fashion show at the Hasbrouck House Bridal Show in Nampa this past weekend. They will be doing the same thing for Prom-a-Rama this Friday & Saturday (March 2nd & 3rd). Come and see my booth and enjoy the fashion show (Fri 4p & Sat 2p).

Chinese New Year at NNU | Event Photography

2012-02-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

We had a great time attending the Idaho Chinese Culture & Business Center's Chinese New Year celebration at NNU. All of the performers were very talented. Mark your calendars to go and see it next year. Here are just a few of the photos I took for you to enjoy. You can see them all by clicking here.

Hasbrouck House Bridal Show | Wedding Photography

2012-02-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

I spent all day yesterday at the Hasbrouck House's Bridal Show. It was a great time. Thank-you to William Hunter of Hunter Limousines for letting me represent him at his booth. He has an amazing limousine service with very affordable rates. I will be at the Hasbrouck House again today from 10a-5p. They have a bridal fashion show at 2p today. Stop by and get savings on Hunter Limousines and meet some great wedding & event vendors. There is an ice scultpure vendor that is a MUST SEE.

Canon PowerShot SX40 | Camera Review

2012-02-24T06:54:00.001-07:00

I've had a few people recently ask me what type of camera I'd recommend for them to take travelling with them. It's an easy answer for me. But, just to help clarify, here are a few questions I asked them.

Do you want great photos with creative functionality? YES
Do you want to carry several lenses with you? NO
Do you want good zoom capability? YES

The Canon PowerShot SX40 camera will give you all of that. It boasts a 24-840mm in 35mm equivalent zoom lens. WOW! That's some serious zooming. With the 12.1mp image, Image Stabilization and the Digic 5 image processor you will get great photos under most conditions.

This camera is small enough to carry in a carry-on or purse but it gives you all the functionality and features of a DSLR. It's also a great one to take on the go anywhere like backpacking or hiking.

I'd recommend shopping for it at B&H Photo & Video. It's the number one source for photographers and has unbeatable customer service. Their prices (with shipping) are generally lower than most other retailers. If you're lucky enough to live in New York, you can walk through their huge two story building. There you will see pretty much everything that is in their phone book sized catalog.

Dawn Templeton | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a great new listing of Dawn Templeton's with Keller Williams Realty. Located at 805 Grayeagle, Boise, ID 83712. It is off of Warm Springs next to the greenbelt and Warm Springs Golf Course.

Sheryl Scott | Business Headshots

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sheryl Scott is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty of Boise. Here is her new business headshot.

Brian Doke | Business Headshots

2012-02-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Brian Doke with Mustard Seed Insurance. He saved my wife and I $200 every 6 months after tripling our auto insurance and increasing our home owner's. Definitely worth talking to at 208-577-5577.

Barb Vanderpool | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a great listing just put on the market by Barb Vanderpool of Keller Williams Realty. It's located at 5887 Lamplighter, Boise, ID 8370 3. View the virtual tour here.

3 Chances to Win an HD HERO 2 camera

2012-02-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

We have an amazing opportunity to bring two beautiful daughters home to our family from Ethiopia. The catch is that we have to raise approx $18k in two months. We have already paid several thousand out of pocket and this is all that is left. But it's only 2 months away and we're not able to make this journey alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child.

I had a difficult day a couple days ago when it snowed. It was a rough start to a day and then I received a voice message from my wife with this amazing devotional from Sarah Young called Jesus Calling.

Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me.

Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.

When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything. rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will. though this may feel frightening - even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.

Luke 1:37; Ephesians 3:20-21; Psalm 23:1-4

It's always nice having the reassurance that anything is possible!! God's timing is amazing!!

We are reaching out to all of our family, friends & business networks to ask for 3 things.

Make a donation of at least $15
Pray for us and for our daughters in Ethiopia
Forward this on to others

How to Win a Free HD HERO 2 Camera

As an incentive for those of you who need a little incentive. I have decided to have a drawing for the most versatile, compact, highest rated sports camera today, the HD Hero 2 camera. If you haven't seen one of these cameras in action, you're missing out. Click here for a video.

Here is how this will work.

First of all you have to make a donation of at least $15
Second you need to become a follower of our adoption blog: http://2ourbeloved.blogspot.com

Once you've done those two simple things you will be eligible and will be entered into the random drawing.

For every $15 you donate we will place one raffle ticket for you into the drawing.
We will draw one name when our fundraiser hits $6,000, one at $12,000 and one at $18,000.
If you are not in the Boise area, but still in the U.S. we will ship the camera to you for free.
If your name is drawn in the $6k or $12k drawing you will be ineligible for any of the following drawings for the HD HERO 2. We will be drawing 3 different names. :)

You can either mail donations to the address below or click on the donation button to make an online donation.

Richard & Connie Davis | PO Box 45763 | Boise, ID 83711

Idaho Photography School

2012-02-16T06:00:00.004-07:00

I have always been of the philosophy to help others out and share what I've learned so that someone else doesn't have to reinvent the wheel. There are a lot of photographers that don't want to share their "secrets" and make you struggle to learn. Or they'll charge a large amount of money to share those secrets with you. I've decided to start teaching a couple of classes a month to help you develop your skills and take your photography to the next level.

My basic class I am going to teach once a month and it will focus on teaching you all of the functions of your camera and how to use them. When talking to people, this is the most common missing link. People buy cameras but haven't learned how to use any of the features and are just using the automatic mode. If you're mostly using the automatic mode, then you need this class.

Other classes & workshops will be on topics such as: workflow, lighting, composition, editing and more. Watch for updates about class times and locations.

BSL Photography is a proud member

of Professional Photographers of America

Zachary Lopez | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Zachary Lopez with Idaho Properties has just listed this beautiful home at 5915 Yaquina Head Way, Garden City, ID 83714. It has an amazing view, theatre room and full wet bar upstairs. View the virtual tour here.

Joelene Gould | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Joelene Gould with Keller Williams Realty just listed this great home on a large lot at 2007 Mayflower Way, Boise, ID 83709. View the virtual tour here.

Amy Miller | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Amy Miller of Keller Williams Realty has just listed this great home at 1798 E Kamay Dr, Meridian, ID 83646. Click here to see the virtual tour of the great shop in the large garage and the rest of the home.

Mike Brown | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a new listing of the Mike Brown Group with Silvercreek Realty. This beautiful home is located at 1971 W Pachino St, Meridian ID 83646 and was built by Biltmore Properties. View the virtual tour here.

Bill Pugh Construction | Architectural Photography

2012-02-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of some beautiful custom homes built by Bill Pugh Construction. Be sure to check out all the photos this weekend at the Nampa Home & Garden Show Feb 10-12 (this Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at the Idaho Center.

Annette Alonso | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Annette Alonso with Keller Williams Realty has just listed 57 Waterbury Ln, Meridian, ID 83646. This home was recently remodeled, is a great buy and on a large lot. You can view the virtual tour here.

Flaming Idiots | Event Photography

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was invited by my good friend, Josh Masters, to a play at Boise High School this past Thursday night. He is part of an amazing drama company, the Washington Street Players, that put on a play titled "Flaming Idiots." It was a great comedy that kept you entertained and the 2 hour play felt like about 15 minutes. There was an intermission where they provided pizza, cookies and soda. Rumor has it they will be doing William Shakespeare's play, "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" in March. This is one of my favorite plays so I'm sure I'll be there taking some more photos.

Graphic Design | Sports Photography

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

A little more fun with the greenscreen. Last month I photographed several shots of these boys showing off their baseball skills in front of a greenscreen. Here is some of the photos that we've created since the shoot.

Rod Beck | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rod Beck with Silvercreek Realty Group has just listed this beautiful home on an acreage at 25612 Kingsbury Rd, Middleton, ID 83644. Click here to view the virtual tour.

Bill Re | Staging Ladies | Real Estate Photography

2012-02-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

See the difference it makes to stage a home. Below are before and after photos of a home that Bill Re of Keller Williams Realty has listed at 13967 W Elmsprings St, Boise, ID 83713. This amazing home staging was done by the Staging Ladies. See the updated virtual tour here.

Don Miller | Real Estate Photography

2012-01-31T09:06:00.003-07:00

Don Miller with Silvercreek Realty Group has this great listing at 572 Davenport in Meridian, ID 83642. Click here for the virtual tour. Staging by the Staging Ladies.

Scott Zierler | Real Estate Photography

2012-01-30T09:07:00.001-07:00

Scott Zierler of Silvercreek Realty is listing this beautiful home built by Prestige Homes at 5979 S Rising Sun Way, Boise, ID 83709. Click here to see a virtual tour.

Bill Re | Business Portraits

2012-01-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some great business portraits of Bill Re with Keller Williams Realty Boise.

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Janet Thompson with Keller Williams Realty Boise just listed this great north end cottage at 1720 N 19th St, Boise, ID 83702. See the Virtual Tour.

Chris, Emmily, Caydon | Family Portraits

2012-01-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

What a great time I had with my friend Emmily and her family. Here are a few of the shots we took.

Vineyard Boise Vinearts | Digital Photography

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Go Love People - Missions Far and Near

I've submitted two mosaic images (approx 1200 images each) using some of my digital photography for the Vineyard Boise's Vinearts Exhibit. If accepted they will be on display beginning January 22 in the Vinearts hall at the Vineyard Boise Church. This sessions exhibit is entitled "Go Love People - Missions Far and Near."

When you talk about doing missions people think of travelling some distance and trying to convert a rural tribe to Christianity. That’s what I use to think as well, then the Boise Vineyard changed my way of thinking. I’ve been a part of the Boise Vineyard since the tents first went up at it’s current location. The vineyard has opened my eyes to what it means to do mission work in a biblical sense. We should start looking at our neighbors, friends and families. Who has a need that you can help with? Mission work can come is several forms including financial, time and resources. Some of us may not have money to spare but we might have time that we can offer or even a service that we can provide. Hear are a few examples. Spending time each week to converse with an elderly family or friend. Getting up an extra 30 minutes early on a snow day and shovelling a neighbors driveway. Paying for the person’s order behind you in a drive through.

2007 Guatemala

My wife, Connie, and I have been very fortunate. We have had the opportunity to do a couple of international mission trips. Our first was in 2007 through the Vineyard Boise. We joined a short term mission team to go to Guatemala to love up the children of Casa Bernabe orphanage. We went with the hopes and desires to touch the lives of all the children there and give them hope and to minister to each of them. God had other plans for us. We didn’t go there to bless the children, the children blessed us. It was an amazing experience, everyone there had such incredible faith, including the children. A six year old child asked to lay hands on a pregnant team member who became very sick while there. The orphanage staff and children didn’t know where their next meal would come from but they did know that God would provide for them. They were very happy and content with what little they did have. It was a life changing realization for me. It is so easy to get caught up in the American dream and want what our neighbor has or the newest and latest things and to forget to be thankful for all the things that God has provided to us. I am so thankful that I have a house to live in and that it has a floor. I’m thankful for my wife and daughter and being able to spend time with each of them on a daily basis. I’m thankful I have drinkable water and food to eat every meal. I’m thankful that we don’t have to have to be armed or have armed guards in front of every store. Most of all I’m thankful for God’s love and grace in such a broken world.

2009 China

Mission work comes in all ways and not always what or how you would expect it to be. There are people and children in need everywhere in the world. God even calls us to take care of the orphans and widows. Our second mission trip we didn’t even think of as a mission trip until late in the process when God revealed to me that even though it was a personal need being met (growing our family), it was a mission trip. We had been commissioned by God to adopt a girl in need of a forever family. In October of 2005 we started the paper trail for an international adoption through China. By February of 2006, our dossier was in China and we were on the waiting list. We were told it would be approx 8-10 months until a match for a child. Our 8-10 months turned into a 3 year wait. We received a referral for our daughter 12/31/2008 and left for China on 2/17/2009. We spent 3 amazing weeks in China. Just a few days after arriving in China we became the proud parents of our beautiful daughter, Emily. She was 15 months old and surprisingly had mom’s beautiful hair color and dad’s facial features. We soon discovered that her personality was a mixture of both Connie and myself. During the 3 years that we waited, Connie prayed daily a list of approx 60 items that she wanted our daughter to be. God answered every one of those requests. Connie and I are amazed at how God orchestrated the growth of our family and His attention to detail in providing us a child. I am now on a life long mission as a father.

2012 Ethiopia

Last year we started the adoption process to grow our family more by adopting another child. For several reasons we decided to adopt from Ethiopia. Over this past year many challenges have happened and we are trying to trust in God’s timing and plan. This past year while waiting for a referral for our daughter, we felt that God laid upon our hearts to adopt a second older child. We are currently updating our home study to adopt two children, one 10 years old and the second will be 0-12 mos old. This past October I was laid off from my job and I’ve been looking for one that will pay enough to support a family of five. We have been blessed that I have been able to keep us from loosing everything by doing photography while searching for a job. However, self-employment is not an option because they require two years of financial records. So we are praying for a stable job that will support a family of five. We are also trusting in God for the means to bring home both children. We have already incurred several thousands of dollars of expense and we have approx $18k left to go. We are expecting a referral for the infant this spring and travelling this summer.

Amber Cook | Business Portrait

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a business portrait of Amber Cook, a Certified Massage Therapist. My wife and several members of The Grotto Group rave about Amber's massages.

Amy Miller | Real Estate Photography

2012-01-18T11:50:00.001-07:00

Amy Miller of Keller Williams Boise has just listed this great home at 3539 Justin Ave, Meridian, ID 83646. See the virtual tour.

Tonyah Lee | Real Estate Photography

2012-01-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tonyah Lee with the Mike Brown Group at SilverCreek Realty just listed this great home at 1645 Stream Pointe Lane, Eagle, ID 83616.

2012-01-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

I pray that all my friends, family & clients had a safe and happy New Year!! Thank-you all for a great 2011. 2012 is going to be an amazing year for all of us!!

Sabol & Rice of Idaho | Commercial Photography

2012-01-01T22:25:00.003-07:00

Sabol & Rice of Idaho asked me to take photos of the new Police & Fire Annex building in Nampa, ID. They installed the industrial sun shades. I don't know much about these things, but I think they look great. And this building is definitely a step up for the city of Nampa. It looks great!

Emily's 4th Birthday | Event Photography

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

For Emily's Birthday this year we went to Emerald Lanes and had a bowling party with her friends. It was a great time, very clean, friendly staff and the best part was the pneumatic bumpers that automatically go up an down depending on the person bowling. Kids and adults could play together and the bumpers are all automatic. We had a great time and are looking forward to spending more time there as a family.

Cupcake Ice Cream Cones...Very Good!!

Merry Christmas | The Story of St Nicholas

2011-12-23T23:20:00.001-07:00

2009 - Idaho Botanical Gardens - Winter Garden A Glow

The Story of St. Nicholas

Maybe we give old St. Nick to much static for the over commercialization of Christmas. This thought comes to me after reading what the Chaplin of Grove City College in Pennsylvania had to say.

At Christmas time when calling us to be manger people, perhaps Jesus might say, “consider if you will my servant, Nicholas. He was born of wealthy parents in 280AD in the small town of Patara in Asia Minor. He lost his parents early in his life in an epidemic but not before he was old enough for them to help him discover the gift of faith.

After that, little Nicholas went to Myra and lived a life full of self offering and giving of himself. His life was full of sacrifice and love in the spirit of Jesus. Nicholas lived such a Christ-like life when the town needed a bishop, he was immediately elected. Later he was imprisoned for his Christian faith but released by the emperor Constantine.

Many stories of his generosity were collected and spread like wild fire from mouth to mouth. It was told how he begged for food for the poor. The story most often repeated was about how he would put on a disguise and go out and give gifts to poor children. In fact, Nicholas gave away everything he had plus everything he could get from others.

Good Nicholas died in 314 AD. Later, his body was moved to Italy where his remains are reputed to be today. The story of Nicholas has spread all around the world and today there are more European churches named after Saint Nicholas than any other person in the history of the church, aside from Biblical characters.

People have done many things to St. Nick. Clement Moore, the poet, gave him a red nose and eight tiny reindeer. Artist, Thomas Nast gave Nicholas a round belly and a red fur trimmed suit, but I guess those things really aren’t important.
What is vital is that he lived in the mindset in the lifestyle of Christ and because he lived that way, the life of Nicholas touched the whole world and here’s the kicker that same Christ like mindset and lifestyle is supposed to be in and lived by us all. and that is the true story of Old Saint Nick.

Merry Christmas | One Solitary Life

2011-12-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

“One Solitary Life”

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village,
The child of a peasant woman,
He grew up in another village,
He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty.
Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher.
He never owned a home.
He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never had a family.
He never went to college.
He never put his foot inside a big city.
He never traveled 200 miles from the place he was born.
He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials, but himself.
While still a young man, the tide of popular option turned against him.
His friends ran away.
One of them denied him.
He was turned over to his enemies.
He went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.
While he was dying his executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth, his coat. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Twenty long centuries have come and gone and today he is the center piece of the human race and a leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever march, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one, solitary life.

Chroma Key Green Screen | Sports Photography

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Gail Hartnett | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Gail Harnett of Keller Williams Realty just listed this great home at 731 E Ridge Dr, Eagle, ID 83616.

Janet Thompson | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Janet Thompson of Keller Williams Realty just listed this great home at 1902 McGlinchey Ave, Meridian, ID 83646.

Bill Re | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Re with Keller Williams Realty just listed this great home at 13967 E Elmsprings Ct, Boise, ID 83713. View the virtual tour.

Tonyah Lee | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-16T13:07:00.001-07:00

Tonyah Lee with the Mike Brown Group at SilverCreek Realty just listed this great home at 10993 W Tidewater Ct, Boise, ID 83713. View the virtual tour.

Real Estate Photography | Why Hire a Pro?

2011-12-13T13:22:00.001-07:00

Some Digital SLR's have developed to where they are the same cost as a digital point and shoot camera. And the digital point and shoots have the same megapixel ratings as the digital SLR's. So which is better and can't I shoot the same quality of photos with each? The answer is yes and no. Think about your favorite all time photo. How does it make you feel when you look at it? Isn't it the emotion that makes you love the photo? The photographer created an emotional response in you. Creating an emotional response requires understanding the camera and how it works. The biggest factor is your lens. Understanding focal lengths and how the optics of your lens, changes the perspective of what you see. Optics can create illusions of vast space between objects or just the opposite. They can emphasize a single characteristic to create that emotional response. When it comes to real estate photography, you want everyone who views your listing photos to have that emotional response and to want to come and see the home.

Anyone can learn or be taught on how to use their lens and optics. There are several great instructors out there that will spend hours with you teaching you to see those perspectives and how your lens helps you obtain that perspective. As you're learning, you'll see that you need more than one lens, at least 3 to start. And you'll discover that the entry level lens doesn't have the optics needed for the perspectives you enjoy. So you'll end up wanting or needing other lenses. Then you'll learn about half-sized vs full-sized sensor chips and the benefits of both. Before long that entry level camera has become too small. Now you're looking at a camera body in addition to those lenses just to get the shot that you want. Depending on your camera, you may need to buy different lenses to upgrade the body, not all manufacture's lenses will fit on all camera bodies.

Now what about lighting? How do you light up that room that doesn't have a light in it? How do you prevent hot spots when using a flash? There are so many flashes, won't my pop-up flash work? With that wide angle lens that gives me the vast perspective, it distorts the side angles and makes everything look curved. How do I straighten those lines? How do I get a true blue sky or green grass? Does my software do these things? If not, what software should I buy to help me do that? How long is it going to take to edit each of these photos? How many photos did I take of this house?

Is this a money making activity for you (part of your 60-80%)? Or is your time and money better spent hiring the work out so you can focus on lead generation and closing deals?

I've actually heard this from some realtors: "It doesn't matter what the photo looks like, photos are just to give people an idea of what the home looks like." A close friend of mine and I were talking the other day and he mentioned that he's been casually looking through real estate in hopes of seeing something he'd want to purchase. They are expanding their family almost over night from 2 to 4. He told me that he won't even look at a listing if they don't submit clear, bright, and clean photos. Is it worth risking that he's the only potential buyer out there thinking that?

Richard Davis
Boise Shutter Light Photography

Various | Business Headshots

2011-12-11T13:23:00.001-07:00

Here are a few headshots from this past week.

Chris Jacobsen with Financial Services Planning

Patricia Geesaman with Open Lines Training

Darcy Gars with Darcy's Catering

Idaho Ballet Nutcracker | Family Time

2011-12-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

A Christmas treat: Ballet Idaho's Nutcracker followed by dinner at PF Changs. The ballet was great and so was the food and service at PF Changs.

At the Nutcracker, New necklaces and earrings for Connie

She loves this dress.

Love the egg drop soup!

Daddy's Girl

Peggy Fahy | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-09T17:02:00.001-07:00

Peggy Fahy of Keller Williams has another great listing at 2811 W Stallion St, Meridian, ID 83646. You can view her virtual tour here.

Annette Alonso | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Annette Alonso of Keller Williams Realty has this great new listing at 1435 W Verbena Dr in Meridian, ID 83642. See the virtual tour here.

Urban Exchange | Event Photography

2011-12-07T12:30:00.001-07:00

Urban Exchange Consignment Clothing had an open house last weekend and I had the opportunity to go take a few photos for them. It was a great store and the quality of clothing more than surpassed my expectations.

Peggy Fahy | Real Estate Photography

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Peggy Fahy of Keller Williams Realty has a new listing at 3844 N Frandon Ave in Meridian, ID. See the virtual tour here.

Chris Jacobsen | Business Headshot

2011-12-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here is Chris Jacobsen with Financial Planning Services, LLC

Synthes | Special Event Photography

2011-12-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jeff Marquez with Synthes said that he had a few pallets of things to setup for a presentation at a local hospital. So I volunteered to help him out with our mutual friend Josh Wittchow. Four hours later we had it setup. I had a great time and learned a lot about orthopedic surgeries and techniques for installing the screws, plates and nails. Makes me want to go back to school and become a surgeon...almost. :)

Homecoming Dance | Event Photography

2011-12-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

A New Beginning Adoption Agency had their 1st Annual Homecoming Dance event. I was fortunate enough to be the photographer for these amazing families. The dance was a lot of fun. Sound Wave Music was the DJ and Adam & Kristin did an amazing job with the music. They had a very talented special guest, MacKayla Hunter, who performed a couple of songs for everyone. Then several of the youth were part of a fashion show and go to strut their stuff. Thanks to Tanya Carnahan with Style Spy Girl for coordinating the fashion show.

Happy Birthday Ona!! | Event Photography

2011-11-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

The Northcut's | Holiday Family Portraits

2011-11-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

Denver Barfuss | Business Headshot

2011-11-09T13:17:00.002-07:00

Here is a new headshot for Denver Barfuss with VRI Technology.

Janet & Mike Thompson | Real Estate Photography

2011-11-08T22:13:00.002-07:00

A new listing by Mike & Janet Thompson with Keller Williams Realty. 7182 Cascade, Boise, ID 83704

Sharon Walker | Real Estate Photography

2011-11-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

Here is a new listing for Sharon Walker of Keller Williams Realty. This home has some great upgrades inside and a large shop in the back yard. 3729 W St Andrews Dr, Boise, ID

Tonya Lee | Real Estate Photography

2011-11-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

Tonya Lee with the Mike Brown Group at SilverCreek Realty just listed this great home at 2412 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702. This is a beautiful north end home with a full-sized basement and nice sized lot.

Garage Fire | Boise, Idaho

2011-11-05T01:01:00.000-06:00

On my way home I was the first one on scene of this garage fire in my neighborhood. Everyone made it out of the house including the dogs. The homeowner wouldn't move away from the smoke and suffered some smoke inhalation. The fire was confined to the garage but the smoke went throughout the house.

Kim Nitsos | Business Portraits

2011-11-03T12:03:00.001-06:00

I have come to love my green screen. I can put you anywhere you want to be.

Jay & Kali | Family Portraits

2011-11-02T14:53:00.003-06:00

I had a great time catching up with Jay & Kali this past week and meeting their son. We had a great time enjoying the fall colors at Kathryn Albertson's Park.

The Doerty's | Family Portraits

2011-11-01T17:18:00.004-06:00

I had a great time photographing the Doerty family. What a great family!

Chelsea Bradley | Real Estate Photography

2011-10-25T22:59:00.002-06:00

Here is a great 3 bed, 2.5 bath condo for sale by real estate agent Chelsea Bradley of Keller Williams Realty Boise at 5904 N Cobbler Ln, Boise, ID 83703

Bev Young | Real Estate Photography

2011-10-24T20:30:00.001-06:00

Here are some photos from a new listing for Bev Young's with Keller Williams Realty. Address is 3698 Gekeler Ln, Boise, ID.

Ethiopian Adoption Fundraiser | Event Photography

2011-08-20T21:10:00.000-06:00

Here are a few photos, with our old point and shoot, of what we have left over. Tons of brand new and lightly used items. Make an appt to come shopping tomorrow!!

Angela Schlagel | Real Estate Photography

2011-07-20T03:05:00.003-06:00

Fireworks | Event Photography

2011-07-04T23:10:00.003-06:00

We had a few small fireworks this fourth, nothing fancy but I still had fun taking some photos. :)

Boise River Sunset | Landscape Photography

2011-06-24T01:52:00.002-06:00

I stopped along the river last night to take a few photos of the sunset.

Boise Lightning Storm

2011-06-23T01:15:00.002-06:00

I stayed up and took a few photos of the lightning. Here are a few of them to share. I hope you enjoy! :)

Emily | Photography Training

2011-06-10T14:45:00.001-06:00

I brought Emily (my 3.5yr old daughter) along with me on a new listing photoshoot and she brought her $35 Vivitar digital camera so she could take pictures as well. Here are some of my favorites that she took.

Ironman 70.3 Boise | Sports Photography

2011-06-08T22:18:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. The Ironman 70.3 Boise is this Saturday. I am one of about 6 photographers that get to help record this event. This will be my 3rd year photographing the event. It's about the only time I get to see my old triathlon and Masters Swim Team friends. It's fun watching them all compete at a level I would love to. If only this was available when I was still doing triathlons. I may have stuck with it. There is hope though. Someday I may find balance in my life which will allow me the time to train. Here are a few photos from some of the previous Ironman's that I have photographed.

Delorenzo Consultants | Real Estate Photography

2011-06-05T22:51:00.003-06:00

Click on the address above for more information

Julie Delorenzo | Real Estate Photography

2011-05-20T06:37:00.002-06:00

Click on the address above for more information

Nate Wilson | Real Estate Photography

2011-05-20T06:34:00.005-06:00

Click on the address above for more information

Gail Hartnett | Real Estate Photography

2011-05-07T07:16:00.008-06:00

Click on the address above for more information

Virtual Tours | Real Estate Photography

2011-04-23T23:20:00.003-06:00

I am now offering free virtual tours every time I do a listing shoot. It's free, it's unlimited, it can be branded or unbranded, with music/without music. You just select the photos and then I create it. It's fast and easy. Here are a couple of samples for you to enjoy.

http://www.bslphotography.com/213flume.htm

http://www.bslphotography.com/6553plantation.htm

Amy Miller | Real Estate Photography

2011-04-14T15:36:00.000-06:00

Here is a beautiful townhouse near BSU & St Lukes in Boise, Idaho that is listed by Keller Williams real estate agent, Amy Miller.

Janie Pollmann | Business Headshots

2011-03-30T13:25:00.000-06:00

Here are some of Janie Pollmann's photos from her shoot. She is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. I had a lot of fun working with her and some great conversation. She's a great addition to the Keller Williams team.

Tom Delorenzo | Real Estate Photography

2011-03-29T20:54:00.004-06:00

This is a beautiful custom home was designed and built by Keller Williams Boise real estate agent Tom Delorenzo. These photos don't do the architecture justice. You must see it in person to truly appreciate it. It has a true Frank Lloyd Wright influence with a perfect view of the Boise River. The Green belt is on the opposite side of the river keeping your yard private and secluded.

Dan Frison | Real Estate Photography

2011-03-26T08:55:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of listing photos for the Idaho Advantage team at Keller Williams Realty Boise that I took last week.

HGTV Remodel

2011-03-26T08:42:00.014-06:00

I'm doing a shoot for a couple who are going to submit their remodeling project in to HGTV. Their intent is to show how this old homes are worth keeping instead of tearing down for new cracker box homes. Here are a couple of the shots of the house in the early stages of remodeling. It'll be a fun project.

New Backdrop | Event Photography

2010-12-20T01:53:00.007-07:00

The winter photo shoot was a great success!! Thanks to all of the Keller Williams Realty staff and agents who helped support our adoption!! My new backdrop looked great no matter what people were wearing and it was so subtle that it isn't distracting. I've put a couple of sample images here for you to see. I'm going to write a review on it later. So check back to see where you can order one.

Winter Photo Shoot Tonight!!

2010-12-18T14:11:00.005-07:00

I wanted to let you all know that Connie and I will be at the Owyhee Plaza, 2nd floor by the stairs tonight taking pictures. I bought a hand painted winter backdrop for tonight. We are charging $20 for your choice of a 5x7 or 8x10. Proofs will be placed online for additional prints as well. So if this is something you would like to do as an individual, family or couple, please stop by. We will be there from 6-9pm today Saturday, December 18th, 2010.

Did I mention that 50% of proceeds will be going to our adoption.

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B&H Photo & Video 2010 Christmas Offers

2010-11-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Looking for great gifts at great prices. B&H Photo & Video is the best in the business with amazing customer service and even better products.
Not sure which item would be perfect? Just read the reviews for the product and see what professionals and enthusiasts are saying about the product. It's a great place to go to get insight on any product.
Worried about price? B&H Photo & Video has some of the lowest prices in the business with the greatest selection anywhere.

Proofs Pages

2010-11-27T02:36:00.002-07:00

I just spent the day editing a lot of photos and reorganizing my client's proof pages. It will make it easier for all of my clients to find their photos.

If you have more than one shoot or multiple edits, all of those photos will be under the same link, yet separated out into easy-to-identify folders.

http://bslphoto.zenfolio.com/

Cotton Carrier

2010-11-15T10:52:00.001-07:00

I am on the mailing list for B&H Photo & Video and recently received a review on the Cotton Carrier. I have been searching for over a year for a system to carry my camera while hiking with a backpack &/or carrying Emily. After receiving the link, I reviewed the product and watched all of the videos. It was easy to see the versatility and ease of use right away.

So I saved and saved and finally made the decision to purchase one. So far it has lived up to it's expectations. It is very light weight and seems durable enough to last. I've used it for two event photo shoots, both over four hours long and it worked great! Both events were indoors and I had to have off shoe mount flashes on both cameras. I didn't have any neck or back fatigue and really enjoyed not having to worry about the second camera swaying on my arm and I didn't have that extra weight hanging on my neck all day.

The side holster works great for keeping the camera out of the way, yet still very easily accessible. I was able to use the Cotton Carrier while carrying my CompuTrekker backpack without interferring with camera use. I think I could easily utilize my full frame backpacking pack with the Cotton Carrier.

I have a Bogen Manfrotto tripod with a quick release mount plate. I was able to set up one camera on the quick release setup for my tripod like the video showed and it worked great. It still kept the camera close to my body.

I'm looking forward to taking it hiking this next summer. We're also thinking about walking the 2.5 mile leg of the Christmas Run and will probably utilize it there as well.

When you're ready to buy one, I'd recommend going through B&H Photo & Video. They have amazing customer service and are very reliable.

Get ready for Summer Sports

2010-03-24T19:46:00.000-06:00

Are you looking for that great camera combination for this years summer sports. Try the new Canon EOS 7D SLR. It takes amazing still photos with its 18-megapixel sensor and also does true HD 1080p video, giving you the best of video and still photography in one camera.

Add Canon's 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens and you'll get crystal clear images whether you're indoors or outdoors. This is my favorite sports lens. One of the things I love most about it is that it is designed dust and moisture proof. Now that doesn't mean waterproof, but humidity doesn't bother it at all.

Can't afford to purchase one or either of these at this time or even want to try them out before you purchase them? You can rent either or both of these along with any other photography equipment you're looking for at LensRentals.com. It's an affordable solution to trying a piece of photo equipment out before you purchase. Maybe you just need extra equipment for that one shoot you're doing. I always rent extra backup equipment for weddings. I never want to be without equipment to shoot with if something fails. Watch for great buys on used equipment as well.