Something Old, Something New

Steven Wright said "When I think of the past, it brings up so many memories."

Think about that one for a second.

From time to time I like to look through older photos I have taken. I'm always learning new techniques, whether it's in camera or in Photoshop. Sometimes a new technique strikes a chord with an old photo and new art is born. Several years ago my neighbor wanted to take his new camera on a Cape Cod safari. This was the location we started at. When we got there I was a little uninspired by the light and lack of color. Cape Cod can be a bit dreary in the winter. But we made a few compositions anyway. I have an underlying motto when I go somewhere with my camera: "Don't come back without SOMETHING!" In other words, there's always something of interest almost anywhere you go. Sometimes you just have to look for it, whether you just change your perspective, get a little or a LOT closer to something in the scene, or use a different lens to frame something interesting, there's usually something artistic to be found. So almost 5 years to the day I combined an interesting composition with a newer photographic treatment to create "Crackled Pier". Enjoy!

I Love Working With Pros!

One of the perks of photographing weddings is that you get to eat at some of Cape Cod's greatest restuarants and resorts. But it's kinda hit or miss. Sometimes you get what the wedding guests eat and other times you get a sandwich from the kitchen. I'm not complaining, I appreciate being fed on the job. Which brings me to the subject of this post.

Cape Cod Chef on Call.

I met the owners Judy and Kevin early on in November. Judy was planning a wedding at Hedgebound Estates in Truro for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. She recommended me to the bride and groom and I ended up photographing this intimate occasion. It was on a private estate with just over 20 family members. I'll post some of the wedding photos later. For now, back to Chef on Call. Prior to the wedding Judy asked me to photograph Chef's Kevin and Michael preparing and serving a small private dinner party. She wanted professional images for promotional pieces. The chefs put out the Carrot Ginger soup and I photographed it and proceeded to move it aside. Chef Michael said "Well, eat it." And so it went for the rest of the night. An extrordinarily tasty salad, stuffed pork tenderloin, etc. The wedding fare was 5 star as well. It amazes me how this crew can produce this kind of food on location. I highly recommend them for anything from a personal chef service for 2 or a large function of up to 200. I wasn't disappointed and you won't be either. Thanks Judy and Kevin!

http://www.capecodchefoncall.com/

The Cape Cup Art Show

Just got back from hanging up some new work at the Cape Cup in Orleans. Check it out. And while you're there why not hang out for a while for a bite to eat. They have a great breakfast and lunch menu. Great coffee, tea, and if I'm not mistaken beer and wine too! And another perk is that they have a gluten free case with tasty muffins, chocolate chip cookies, biscotti and brownies.
Once again I would like to thank Bill and Elise for making their walls available to local artists and staying open evenings every third Wednesday of the month for "Feed Your Love" open mic night.

www.capecup.com

www.feedyourloveopenmic.com

Something New in Fine Art

I'm proud to announce a new Fine Art Series I've been working on.

Above are 10 new limited edition pieces I am offering Entitled "Frantic Forest". What I love about this technique is that it really pushes my creativity. I'm forced to create a vision of the finished image before I press the shutter. Composition is extremely important or else you just get a blob of colors, which in some cases isn't a bad thing, but actually creating an appealing composition requires thinking a little outside the box. I hope to have some to exhibit at my Artist Reception at the Brewster Ladies' Library on Oct. 16th. For now here's a sneak peek. Enjoy!

MAZ

Give it up once again for.....

Madeleine Bickert of DecorRx

http://www.decorrx.com/

Since I created her business portrait last year Madeleine has had me photograph several of her interior design projects. One complete tear out and redesign, one Real Estate staging project and one straighforward interior decorating project.

I really can't say enough about her talent and attention to detail.

Aside from her decorating projects and writing for home magazines she will again be appearing at Snow's Home and Garden in Orleans for their "Designer on Duty" series. She will provide free 15-minute design consultations and answer decor questions for interested customers who drop by the store. http://www.snowshomeandgarden.com/

Saturday, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 & 30th. All from 10 a.m to Noon. Get there early, or better yet camp out on the sidewalk. You don't want to miss these freebies.

Also at Snow's, on October 16th from 11 a.m. to Noon she will be giving a one-hour presentation on cost-effective ways to redecorate a home for fall and winter holidays.

http://www.decorrx.com/

Attention Class of 2011!

It's not too late for Senior Portraits.

Call the studio today to reserve a date and time.

Nauset High School Seniors - Did you know that a portion of your senior portrait session with Mark Zelinski Photography goes directly to your Gymnastics Team?

Call now! 508-896-2963 or email mark@mazphotography.com

You're only a senior once! (Hopefully ;-)

Blue Light Special

You know the saying about the cobbler's kids needing new shoes? Same thing goes for photographer's kids. You'd think we would have hundreds of portraits of our kids up in our home, but that's not the case. So I decided that would be my anniversary gift to my wife this year.

These two portraits are from a session in our living room. Camera, window, couch, and kid. What I like about these portraits is that there is not a lot of equipment. That has two benefits. 1) I don't have to lug it around. 2) It puts the kids at ease. "Just look right here. Dont worry about that flash and the big light modifier" All the focus goes right to the eyes.

The reason I called this post "Blue Light Special" is that when you photograph something with just window light or in shade of any sort, the light is predominantly blue. Knowing how to adjust your camera is essential to get the portraits to have that warm, cozy feel. Ironically, my wife loves the aged photo look that we eventually had them printed with, but I'm posting both so you get the idea.

Special? Reserve a "Blue Light Special" in the months of September and October and get these special rates:

$59.95 - Session for one child and one fully retouched 5x7.

$79.95 - Session for one child and one fully retouched 8x10.

$129.95 - Session for one child, one fully retouched 11x14 and 24 wallet prints.

And now, for the first time, right here on our show...I mean, on YouTube!

In an effort to make my marketing materials more accessible to potential clients, I am converting everything over to electronic format. Instead of printing brochures and contracts, and burning DVDs, putting it all in an envelope and mailing it out, it will all be available on YouTube and via email. Personally, I prefer printed material in the mail, but you can't always rely on the good ole postal system, and people want stuff yesterday! So here's my first installment on YouTube. You can click on the link below and view it there too (so you can rate it and comment on it too, which would, like OMG, be TMTH) THX.

MAZ



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSl8jSdF-Us

Senior portraits

Well, High School Senior Portrait season wound down toward the end of November with Dec. 1 as the deadline for most yearbook photos to be turned in.

I clearly remember my own senior portrait session almost 20 years ago. I remember going to a photographer that other kids recommended hoping and praying that I wouldn't look like a GEEK in my yearbook photo. I think that experience has helped me in photographing high school kids even today. I have two goals during a session. 1) Create an accurate portrait of a high school senior that the parents will love, one that has a pleasant expression and a twinkle in their eye. 2) Make the session fun, assuring the guy or girl that they are looking like a model, and showing them some of the cool, fasionable and edgy portraits we are creating along the way. Let them know they don't look like a geek! If I can pull this off it really shows in the photos. The kids have fun, I have fun and the parents always love the photos. I'll post several of my favorite senior portraits over the next few days. Keep posted for some exciting offers for the class of 2011!

One of my favorites from this fall!

This portrait is from a recent engagement session for Jennie and Phil who's wedding I will be photographing in May. It was about 49 degrees out that day, but with no wind it made for nice portrait weather. The spring wedding should be beautiful with flowers and trees in full bloom and cool, comfortable weather. Our session was at the Brewster Grist Mill and Herring Run. There is a little path that goes way out into the woods along the stream. I had Jennie and Phil stand in the path and got on the other side of this patch of flowers and overgrowth. I liked the way the background and foreground, both out of focus, framed the couple and gave the portrait a "private moment" look.

Congratulations Jennie and Phil!

Camera info: Canon 40D w/85 f1.8 lens. Canon speedlite off camera to left of frame @ -2 stops just to lift the shadows a touch.