The Navy Photographer

My Dad served in the Navy for 20 years. He was a WWII POW, caught after the three-month battle of Bataan in the Philippines starting December 7, 1941. Subsequently, he endured the 81 mile Death March. He retired in 1960. But his last two tours of duty included services as a Navy Photographer, and he wore the appropriate Navy lapel with that designation.

Yes, he was a Master Chief Radioman. He was assigned as a photographer during his tour in Morocco and his final tour in Burlington, Iowa. Who would think that the Navy had a one-building base on the Mississippi River, but he was stationed there.

After retiring from the Navy, he spent his part-time involved with photography. He had become the feature writer for the SubBase newspaper in Groton, CT. All of his articles pertained to photography and mostly about the technical aspects, such as shutter speed calibration and reviews of cameras and lenses.

My Dad became my photography mentor when I was 13 years old. He selected a Voigtlander Bessamatic to be my first 35mm camera. And then he purchased Voigtlander and Schneider lenses for his Voigtlander Ultramatic camera system; we shared the same compatible lenses.

We teamed together to photograph some local weddings. This is when I realized that I would follow in his footsteps and more so, becoming a professional photographer.

My Dad passed away during the summer of my Senior year. I felt a great loss. I was alone in my endeavor, and I had to find other means to learn the craft of photography. I went on to purchase the balance of Time/Life Photography books and complete the entire series. In a manner of speaking, these books represented the spirit of my Dad mentoring me.

Later on, I purchased books by Ansel Adams; The Camera, The Negative, and The Print became three books to aid in learning photography.

In college, I became the Yearbook photographic editor, performing the same things my Dad had taught me, creating assignments for the team of photographers, established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in the darkroom, editing prints, and designing the front cover of the Yearbook. Mr. Chamberlain, our Yearbook counselor, somehow managed to get a state appointed job for me as the photographic editor. I was now getting paid.

Over the years, I have learned from other professional photographers such as Bryan Peterson, Doug Gordon, David Ziser, and Rick Ferro. I have learned Photoshop and NIK Software Complete. I am a professional member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), and the Georgia Bridal Association (GBA).

Each time I go on assignment, I always remember the golden lapel of a bellow camera, the Navy Photographer's pin worn on my Dad's uniform. And to this day, I wear the pin as a constant reminder of my Dad's instruction.

I am certain, if my Dad were alive today, he would be very proud of my image making abilities and artistic creativity.

 

In His Hands - Canon EOS 7D, Tamron 18-270mm, f/16, 1/2 sec., ISO 100. Gradient Neutral Density filter, +2.  Photo taken at Tybee Island, GA while attending a Bryan Peterson Photography Workshop. Ken "Max" Parks is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer with WeddingsThruTheLens.com

The Argument: RAW v. JPEG

For many years there has been an argument as to what a photographer should shoot, RAW or JPEG. And the RAW advocates had always brought up the issue, “You can't change the white balance in JPEG, only RAW.” And for the most part, they were right, up until now.

All of that changed with Photoshop CS5 and its feature within Adobe Bridge. Not too many photographers are aware of this feature. I discovered this while attending a Scott Kelby seminar in Atlanta. Like myself, the other attendees were astonished. Scott demonstrated how a TIFF or JPEG file can be opened in Bridge as a RAW file and then the process of changing the white balance and other elements of an image can be readily made. Being a JPEG guy for all of these years, I was amazed.

The white-balance adjustment is required when a photographer adjusts their camera for the wrong type of light condition. White balance (WB) is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your photo. Proper camera white balance has to take into account the "color temperature" of a light source, which refers to the relative warmth or coolness of white light. Our eyes are very good at judging what is white under different light sources, but digital cameras often have great difficulty with auto white balance (AWB) — and can create unsightly blue, orange, or even green color casts. Understanding digital white balance can help you avoid these color casts, thereby improving your photos under a wider range of lighting conditions.

Whenever I'm approached on this subject, I silence the RAW wranglers with the following, “TIFF and JPEG white balance can be adjusted within Adobe Bridge. You can go to File, then Open file as Camera RAW, and there you have all the abilities to change the white balance.”

When attending the Bryan Peterson Photography Workshop in Savannah/Jekyll Island, I pointed this out to Bryan and a few students at the end of the last day. One student had complained that she was using up too much memory on her camera card and she didn't want to shoot JPEG because of the inability to adjust the white balance. A RAW file can take up to 30 Mb while the same image can be recorded in JPEG at about 8 Mb. It was at this point I had to wager in.

“That's no longer true...”

I described how to get into Bridge from Photoshop while Bryan took control of her PC. He looked at me with the same astonished look of those at the Scott Kelby seminar and stated, “I didn't know you could do that!”

The argument of RAW v. JPEG is over.

Photographic Savannah (published in Examiner.com)

On the coast of Georgia lies the port city of Savannah. This small city attracts millions of visitors each year, who take delight in the Savannah Historic District, architecture of the colonial homes, and the scenery of the many inner-city parks.

One of the photogenic sections of Savannah is the Riverwalk. And this is where images can feature musicians, street photography and of course the Savannah River activities such as the coming and going of large cargo ships. The background is composed of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

The outskirts of Savannah offer more photographic opportunities. This was witnessed during a Bryan Peterson Photography Workshop, the first for the highly renown professional photographer. Bryan and his local assistant had a group of eight aspiring photographers, including myself, travel to Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and a small shrimp town of Darien.

During the first day of a 3-day workshop, Bryan Peterson walked his students into the use of flash photography, motion and creative reflection photography, and the scenery of the Savannah Riverwalk. The second and third day consisted of sunrise images, macro-photography, and framing. All-in-all, the photography workshop brought out the professionalism in each of its students. Instead of shooting like tourist, Bryan taught his students to view things in a different light.

Savannah is a wonderful southern hospitality city. And, even more wonderful to photograph.


 

Suggestions?

By Ken "Max" Parks, March 22, 2013

When I played tennis in Florida, I sought advice from former tennis players of yesteryear, champions in their sport.  I was looking for sound instruction.  I was looking for suggestions in improving my game.  Little did I know that the advice received was more than tennis, but life itself.

Bill Tildon has been considered to be the best tennis player of all time.  He was rated the world's best, or number one, for seven years straight and won ten grand slams.  Who better to get advice.

"Never change a winning game; always change a losing one," was the best advice I had heard.

This applies to  every aspect of your life, whether it be related to your profession, your marriage, or other interests and hobbies.

Over the years, I have had people give me advice without me asking.  They think that giving me advice, acknowledging it, and attempting to adhere to their words of wisdom would be to their benefit. 

However, I have learned to consider the source of the advice.  Is this person a winner at what he or she does?  Does this person simply want to follow the status quo and have you act upon a demure and boring life?  Does this worldly person try to convince you that you cannot succeed without their words of wisdom? 

I've come across those who demean and try to tear down your goals.  One of my many bosses at Wang Labs told me, "You are NOT a programmer!"  I went on to develop a Finance and Insurance software application for the automobile dealerships and leasing companies.  And I grossed over a quarter of a million dollars in the first year of operation.  The same boss, was fired from his job because of so many employees were fed up with his mismanagement and poor treatment of others.  Several employees, along with myself had quit.  Some had transferred, and the naive tolerated his antics. I considered the source; he was a loser.

As a professional photographer, I have received many accolades from my peers and associates, especially from friends on Facebook concerning my artistic talent.  And, I greatly appreciate their warm and lovely assertions.  I have won awards for my photographic art, and I have adventured in new aspects of photography.   So far, so good.

Recently I have been approached without any intervention on my behalf and suggested that I change my photographic business.  The first suggestion was not to "ride on the coattails" of my former mentors, such as my Dad.  Secondly, I was advised not to offer services that I cannot "honestly" provide.  Thirdly, I was told, "get a constructive hobby."

My Dad was only one of my photographic mentors.  He had taught me about the technical aspects of photographic equipment, darkroom procedures, and various details of German made cameras.  I have learned a vast amount of photographic knowledge from other mentors, such as David Ziser, Doug Gordon, and  Rick Ferro, especially in concern of the artistic aspects of photography, more so than what my Dad had taught.  

If my Dad were alive today, I think he would be amazed in my photographic talents and be very proud in what I've accomplished.  He would probably need some convincing that the Japanese have advanced in the technologies of cameras and lenses to meet or exceed the quality of German cameras and lenses.

My services include but are not limited to wedding photography, portraits, modeling, and events.  One can review my wedding photography portfolio and easily determine that there is a hint (sarcasm) of talent.  The same can be said of my other photographic services.

Some people may think that my professional photography business is simply an old hobby.  One person had introduced me to her friends, "This is Ken, and his hobby is photography."  I was ready for this.  I reached into my wallet and showed a copy of a wedding couple's check for $1,800 and quipped, "Yep, this hobby pays quite well."  From that point on, my professional photographic business was never referred to as a "hobby."

As to being constructive; I take the same view as my photographer peers and associates.  Like me, they strive for the highest form of photographic art and aim their cameras in the quest for the "WOW factor."

I have considered the source of the triad of ill-advice. I'm much more inclined to go with the advice of a winner, "Never change a winning game; always change a losing one."

So far, so good...

The Joys of this Past Week

By Ken Parks, March 21, 2013

This past few days has been a wonderful time.

This blog has been getting a lot of reviews.  Last week on the 13th, this blog had 27 page views.  Yesterday, it had 14 page reviews.  Many of them originating from Google searches.

On March 16, there was the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade in Atlanta.  Even State Police cars from New Jersey and Connecticut participated in the parade.  My meetup group, ATLsalt Photography, had several members take pre-parade shots and enjoy the festivities.

My IRS return was very favorable this year... I have some plans on investing it. 

A lot of people on my FaceBook (FB) page are commenting on some of the great photography of late, such as Zoo Atlanta, my copying of the 1973 Yearbook, and the parade.

Also, I enjoy avian photography.  My new hobby in combination with my profession of photography, is a bird feeder in the back yard, only a few feet away from my living room window.  The feeder was installed on a low branch and already visitors have been welcomed to feast on the seeds.  A cardinal had a great time and filled his tummy with joy.  This morning there were finches and robins taking in their fill. 

I have an upcoming avian shoot this weekend, and I hope to provide some instruction on photographing birds to my fellow photographer friends.  Last year at the same location, I managed to get some early morning shots of Canadian Geese and a Red-tailed Hawk.  The organizer commented on the Hawk shot, "You've got the photo of the day!"

About two weeks from now, I'll be attending the Bryan Peterson photography workshop in Savannah/Jekyll Island.  I'll be like a sponge, absorbing as much information from this world renown commercial photographer.  I have learned from the likes of Doug Gordon, Rick Ferro, and David Ziser, the last two are on my FB friends list.

All three teach, instruct, and provide seminars on wedding photography.   David told me a few years ago, "Get the Sigma 8-16mm rectangular fish-eye lens.  It'll be a great way to change your perspective and give you that WOW shot you're looking for."  It was a good investment as I now use the secondary camera with the fish-eye and the primary with the 70-200mm. 

This is one of my favorite avian shoots, three Canadian Geese flying in formation during the  morning sunrise at the Decatur cemetery.

Photos Taken from my Website

By Ken Parks, March 15, 2013

The Internet can be used for good business purposes, such as my wedding photography business, WeddingsThruTheLens.com.  My images have been created for the purpose of striving to create what I call "The WOW Factor."  I have shot several weddings, models, and even a wedding in Italy.

Most everyone knows that I have an infatuation for the Italian culture.  My Italian friend, Dino, who lives in Vigevano, Italy has taught me a variety of culture, language, architecture, cuisine, and has been my host on several field trips such as the Dolomiti Mountains, Torino's Egyptian Museum, The Shroud of Turin, Innsbrook, Austria, and the list goes on and on.

The meetup groups in Atlanta have offered me several opportunities to photograph models, events, and some neat locations throughout Georgia.  And through some of these meetup groups, I have accomplished winning awards in photo contest/galleries.  I don't participate in contests anymore as I have proven my abilities.  Some of my photographs have been featured in local magazines and national news websites.

In all of my adventures and wedding assignments, I have taken countless thousands of photos, with only a few select images for the eyes of my viewers.  My most recent photo gig was Zoo Atlanta, and it was a blast.  My two Canon 7D cameras rendered more than 1,900 images, and yet I posted only a handful, my best shots.  And, I often employ post-production using Photoshop CS5 (5 years experience) and NIK software complete (3 years experience).

However, it has come to my attention that some people saw fit to take some of my images and posted on their website as their own.  I am flattered that they have selected these "WOW Factor" images from my website.  One of my best wedding model shoots was that of a friend on my Facebook account.  The meetup group had set a modeling session and used four models.  I shot several images of my FB friend and published a few.  She loved them, and at one time used one of my images for her Profile picture, commending me on my talent.

This is bound to happen when photographers with little or no experience, will take from someone's website photographs of higher quality. 

I don't mind; there are more impending issues that keep me from wasting my time chasing down those who take my images and post them on their website as their own.  I just happened to stumble on a few. Again, I think this is flattering.  There's no harm done.  If they took my images and won a highly publicized contest or had them published on the front cover of a wedding magazine, then I would do something about it.

In the mean time, I move forward with the quest for the ultimate "WOW Factor" photo.

Zoo Atlanta Re-invented

Ken Parks, March 10, 2013

(Published in Examiner.com)

The people who redesigned the layout of Zoo Atlanta should be highly commended. 

New platforms and decks have been added to allow for closer views of the animals.  And there are plenty of animals, over 220 species.  In some places, the food trays have been placed close to the decks so as to get that close up shot with one's iPhone.

What I found to be the most impressive part was the Silverback gorillas.  At this time of the year, the weather was mild, in the mid 60's, and the animals seem to be much more active.  As a photographer, I was having an enjoyable field day, rendering over 1900 images and then having to select the best.

Most people will find themselves pleasantly surprised.  Zoo Atlanta is definitely on the short list of things to do in Atlanta, especially for families.  Children were awed by the Pandas, Giraffes, and Kangaroos.

The various birds also drew "oohs" and "ahs."  My favorite was the carnivorous Milky Eagle Owl.  This bird attacks and eats small mammals and other birds.  The largest of any owl species in Africa, it is know to be more ferocious that the American Bald Eagle.  It may look cute and docile, but I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of its hunting  talons.

For children, the petting zoo section was the major draw.  This gave children the opportunity to be right up close and feel the goats and sheep, much more safe animals.  It was a pleasure to see the joyous faces of the children as they talked to the animals, walked with the animals.  And some children found the statues of animals, such as the lioness and her cub, to be a playful toy and a wonderful pose for the family album.

Every year, I put the Zoo Atlanta on my calendar.  Early to mid-March is the best time of the year. All Zoo Atlanta images can be viewd on my SmugMug account or my Flickr account.

The Great Outlet

By Ken Parks, March 8, 2013

All of us have experienced some sort of tragedy in our lives, and then afterwards we try to find comfort to quench our sorrow, an outlet, you might say.

Over the years I have experienced disappointments and sorrow, only to find solace in photography.  Other than the One who can provide true inner peace and comfort by means of His Spirit, I use photography as an outlet to sooth the soul, and show more than just a snap-shot.  It is to be creative, something by which others can view my inner being.

The most recent months have been interesting.  Perhaps, the best choice of words would be challenging, integrity or the lack thereof, and deception, all wrapped up neatly in someone else's quagmire.  It is imperative to take a stand, to scupper the efforts of the dark side of the force and finally bring order to the galaxy in my life.

Again, I return to the art of photography so as to eradicate the dilemma and bring creative images to the eyes of respectful and wanting souls. 

I am hoping against all odds.  I am hoping that the campaign of the dark side will be toppled. I am hoping the actions of the dark side will have a boomerang effect. 

I believe in a divine karma. 

After all is said and done, there is photography, my great outlet.  It is the remedy and the restoration.  My mind, soul and heart are at ease.

When photographing the Neddick Lighthouse, there was a moment I stopped and listened to the seagulls and the waves.  It is here that the sailors and fisherman were relieved and found safety in its beacon, drawing them away from the dark side of the shoreline rocks.  The light provided a means to escape an overwhelming fate into the hands of eternal darkness.

Photography is defined as the process of recording images on a sensitized material by means of light.

The Great Teacher once said to his followers, "You are the light of the world..." and that is The Great Outlet.

Speaking of Athletes

By Ken Parks, March 7, 2013

First and foremost, I love photography.  And, the compliments I have received over the years has been the driving force to lead me further into my quest to create the finest art of photography imaginable.

With that said, I have also enjoyed several different sports, including baseball, basketball, and tennis.  Sometimes the two enjoyments intertwine.  Because of my advancing years, organized sports and individual sports has been limited to less activity.  I still am able to ride my Raleigh 15-speed bike (low impact cardiovascular exercise) and do a bit of hiking.  Therefore, one of my photography interests is sports photography.

In the most recent past, I have photographed several baseball games from the point-of-view as a fan.  The Atlanta Braves, the Rome Braves, and the Gwinnett Braves have been photographed on occasion.  I made a trip to Fenway Park and used the opportunity as a photo gig.

But when I look back to the days of High School, I regret that I did not take my studies seriously.  I was average grade at best in taking college prep courses.  I should have studied Latin and the law so as to go to law school, and become a specialist at contracts.  I simply did not have a vision of what I could have been: a free-agent lawyer or sports-attorney for baseball players.  The combination of sports-agent, baseball, and photography could have been my cause and enjoyment.

The reason I bring this up, about being a lawyer, is that several people have told me that I would have made a fine lawyer. And that came from the opposing side after a major hearing in which I represented myself, Pro Se, in a child custody issue.  There have been several court appearances whereby I have gone Pro Se and won.

I'm far from the abilities of a Gerry Spence or a Robert Shapiro.  But I have taken the time and effort to study family law in Florida and Georgia in so much that I have won most of my Pro Se cases.  I represented myself in another person's bankruptcy case where I was supposed to be a creditor in the matter of child support arrearage.  The U.S. Bankruptcy judge awarded me as a creditor.  And on the issue of "Fraudulent  Bankruptcy" the same Judge ordered that the X-wife refile her financial affidavit.  After I pointed out the discrepancies under my testimony, cross-examination, and evidence, the Judge was not pleased with her false financial statements.

When it comes to speeding tickets, I have done my homework and know the weaknesses in the system, the same that a lawyer implements in such hearings.  So far, my W-L record is 3-0.  There's that sports-guy in me, counting wins and loses.

I've been told that I make a good litigator. 

Even when there is opposition to some of the things I have been alleged, I have resolved to take a stand.  There's nothing worse that having to face a habitual liar in court. 

Putting past my regrets, I'm a professional photographer, a darn-good professional wedding photographer at that.  At least, that's what several couples and viewers have stated.  That reminds me: I have another wedding coming up soon.  It's always a pleasure to photograph a couple who is looking to start their lives in a positive direction.  One of my mentors told me years ago,  "The bride is the quarterback... always follow the quarterback."

Magical Mystic

By Ken Parks, January 31, 2013

Part of this article is featured in the Examiner.com

I lived in Mystic Connecticut for more than 20 years, and revisited this quaint New England town this past summer.  Some things have changed and others are reminders of the past.

The old Mystic River Bascule Bridge opens every hour, 40 minutes past the hour.  This gives ample time for tourists to step out of their cars for the next 10-15 minutes to engage the locals in conversation and get a quick view of the local tourist shops.

The main attraction is the Mystic Seaport, notable for its collection of sailing ships and boats such as the only surviving wooden whaling ship, Charles W. Morgan, and the Joseph Conrad, an iron hulled sailing ship.

The Mystic Seaport consist of 60 original historic buildings, dating back to the early 1800s.  the village was also used in various scenes of Steven  Spielberg's movie "Amistad" representing New Haven, Connecticut of the 1830s.

My old stomping grounds lead me to a wonderful lunch at the Mystic Pizza.  I ate at this pizzeria back in the 60's when it was only a walk-out order restaurant in the same building with a laundry-mat.  The restaurant name has been used in the movie by the same name "Mystic Pizza" which put Julia Roberts on Hollywood's fame list.  The veggie pizza was buonisimo.

Other attractions in the area include the Olde MysticVillage, a replica of old stores and restaurants.   There are plenty of hotels and well needed as the population of the town triples during the summer vacationing months.  Every year in August, the town traffic is halted and only pedestrians walk main street to view the arts and craft of the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival. Artist come from all over the world to display their craft and hopefully become winners of the art contest.

A stone's throw away in Groton Connecticut is the U.S Submarine Base and the Submarine Museum which houses the first nuclear submarine, the U.S.S Nautilus.  My Dad was a retired Navy veteran and I was privileged to have an ID. I've visited several submarines and even went on a short cruise aboard an old WWII diesel sub.

The area visit brought back many fond memories, my alma mater Robert E. Fitch High School, the college that I attended in Norwich, Connecticut, and the road leading to Mason's Island and Ender's Island.

Before leaving, I had to have a dinner at the former Seaman's Inn.  Now it is know as Latitude 41 Restaurant, the first place I worked at the age of 16.  Here I saw Ethel Kennedy and her entourage of children and security guys come for a Saturday lunch and stroll of the Mystic Seaport Museum.  I also met Walter Cronkite and that is a story in and of itself.

It is a magical moment to visit one's old stomping grounds and the memories of the past.

This is my Dad's exact location and favorite spot to take pictures of the Mystic Seaport.  As I was taking this shot, I envisioned him there, holding his Rollieflex and taking his light reading with his Luna Pro light meter. This was taken on Pearl St.

The old homestead, 9 Indigo Street, is where I lived from 1961-1978.  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Robert E Fitch High School, is where I attended from 1969-1973.  I walked the hallways, visited the old gym, and looked over the baseball playing fields.  Even the old trophy case reminded me of my days photographing the various sports. My summer visit was a time to reflect and engage the memories of the past.  Afterwards, I drove the cross-country course, which reminded me of the days running with coach John Kelley and several classmates.

Several of Ken's images can be found on his professional Flickr account.