Title: Objectification.Thought I would share one of my favorite shots taken from the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race - ArtPrize Edition. For me this one really tells the story and I had an amazing time not only shooting this event, but being one of the sponsors. 

Title: Objectification.

Thought I would share one of my favorite shots taken from the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race - ArtPrize Edition. For me this one really tells the story and I had an amazing time not only shooting this event, but being one of the sponsors. 

Title: Watching The Spot.No words. Just beauty. 

Title: Watching The Spot.

No words. Just beauty. 

Title: Hand-Me-Down. Ever wonder how the pros get the ultra-clear shots even in low light? How about the next step further… without using a tripod!!! Here are some of my tips for mastering handheld shooting. Do not fear a shutter speed as low as 1/10s or slower with a normal lens ever again.Terry’s 5 Tips for Handheld Shooting1. It’s all how you hold your camera! You must be firm enough to support it, yet maintain a comfortable stance - but keep in mind you do not want to pull or strain anything in the process. Camera strain is the top reason that you get “camera shakes” and fuzzy photos.2. Take time to properly set up your shot. Rifle-shooters need not apply! Take the time and set up your shots, proper planning helps reduce shakes and unexpected results.3. Breathing practice is not just for pregnant women! When you take a breath your camera will slightly move up and down causing your focal point to blur. The trick is to take a couple breaths and relax, steady your heartbeat. When you are ready to fire the shot, take a deep breath - exhale only slightly and then hold your breath. NOW SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER! Of course don’t hold your breath for too long, I would had to be the reason that you pass out! 4. Learn your body language. Body language in photography is all about being comfortable… the more comfortable you are the less pressure you will apply to your camera. Use your surroundings to steady your body - a tree makes the perfect monopod when you lean on it! Some of my best shots where when I leaned my camera on the top of ledge or railing… look around, you will be surprised what help is around you. 5. Self control - rapid fire is for the devil! This is the most important and often overlooked camera skill. There is nothing sexy about a photographer who “sprays and prays” to get the shot. When you properly pull your camera’s trigger the camera will not move. Shots should NEVER come as a surprise to you, and yes I said never. When you practice good self control this will also help take away your body’s natural tendency to “jump” from anticipating the shoot and help you to hold your camera still after shooting. 

Title: Hand-Me-Down.

Ever wonder how the pros get the ultra-clear shots even in low light? How about the next step further… without using a tripod!!!

Here are some of my tips for mastering handheld shooting. Do not fear a shutter speed as low as 1/10s or slower with a normal lens ever again.

Terry’s 5 Tips for Handheld Shooting

1. It’s all how you hold your camera! You must be firm enough to support it, yet maintain a comfortable stance - but keep in mind you do not want to pull or strain anything in the process. Camera strain is the top reason that you get “camera shakes” and fuzzy photos.

2. Take time to properly set up your shot. Rifle-shooters need not apply! Take the time and set up your shots, proper planning helps reduce shakes and unexpected results.

3. Breathing practice is not just for pregnant women! When you take a breath your camera will slightly move up and down causing your focal point to blur. The trick is to take a couple breaths and relax, steady your heartbeat. When you are ready to fire the shot, take a deep breath - exhale only slightly and then hold your breath. NOW SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER! Of course don’t hold your breath for too long, I would had to be the reason that you pass out!

4. Learn your body language. Body language in photography is all about being comfortable… the more comfortable you are the less pressure you will apply to your camera. Use your surroundings to steady your body - a tree makes the perfect monopod when you lean on it! Some of my best shots where when I leaned my camera on the top of ledge or railing… look around, you will be surprised what help is around you.

5. Self control - rapid fire is for the devil! This is the most important and often overlooked camera skill. There is nothing sexy about a photographer who “sprays and prays” to get the shot. When you properly pull your camera’s trigger the camera will not move. Shots should NEVER come as a surprise to you, and yes I said never. When you practice good self control this will also help take away your body’s natural tendency to “jump” from anticipating the shoot and help you to hold your camera still after shooting. 

Title: Art Therapy. I love taking photos of people looking at pieces of art… there is almost a zen-like quality to them. Art and art appreciation is a cure all, fin.

Title: Art Therapy.

I love taking photos of people looking at pieces of art… there is almost a zen-like quality to them. Art and art appreciation is a cure all, fin.

Title: Assemblage.Some street photography from ArtPrize 2011. I love how I caught the young couple holding hands dead center - frames it well.

Title: Assemblage.

Some street photography from ArtPrize 2011. I love how I caught the young couple holding hands dead center - frames it well.

Title: Walk-On.It’s looking a lot like ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan! One of my favorite pieces/installs is by a collaborative group calling themselves Grand Rapids Streetwear and they are showcasing their work inside the SiTE:LAB/2 Fulton Space. They group took streetwear to a new literal level and threw 500 white t-shirts onto the street of Grand Rapids and invited people from the community to walk on them in sneakers dripped in pink paint. Yes, pink paint! I really loved how the designs/imprints left on each shirt were not only unique but the street itself played a vital role in the design. If you happen to get down to ArtPrize this year make sure to stop into the SiTE:LAB venue and talk to this group - I enjoyed their outlook/view of community, so make sure you get a chance to talk them up!SiTE:LAB + U of M School of Art & Design2 Fulton, Grand Rapids MIArtPrize Artist: Grand Rapids StreetwearTitle: Assocreationwww.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/93504 

Title: Walk-On.

It’s looking a lot like ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan! One of my favorite pieces/installs is by a collaborative group calling themselves Grand Rapids Streetwear and they are showcasing their work inside the SiTE:LAB/2 Fulton Space. They group took streetwear to a new literal level and threw 500 white t-shirts onto the street of Grand Rapids and invited people from the community to walk on them in sneakers dripped in pink paint. Yes, pink paint! I really loved how the designs/imprints left on each shirt were not only unique but the street itself played a vital role in the design. If you happen to get down to ArtPrize this year make sure to stop into the SiTE:LAB venue and talk to this group - I enjoyed their outlook/view of community, so make sure you get a chance to talk them up!

SiTE:LAB + U of M School of Art & Design
2 Fulton, Grand Rapids MI
ArtPrize Artist: Grand Rapids Streetwear
Title: Assocreation
www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/93504