Mark Beck

I gave my son his first camera last night, and started teaching him how to take photographs. He loves it, and I think that we’ll have a lot of fun together.

Here’s a link to a very informative blog post about architectural photography and lighting. There’s just some great nuts and bolts tips. Of all places, the Consumerist website wrote up about it on their blog:

Far too many real estate listing and apartment-for-rent postings look like they were shot by a rushed real estate agent. One photographer shows how a few lighting tricks can produce “Architectural Digest on the cheap.” For many of us digi-cam amateurs, the advanced multi-flash lighting techniques advocated by the Strobist blog won’t really apply or come into play. But the site’s got a ton of ideas on where to put and point the lights around a room, how to make certain features “pop,” and, if you’ve got a friend with an SLR and a favor owed to you, suggestions for a game plan.

Below is a great, Creative Commons model release by Joi Ito:

MODEL RELEASE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

I hereby give Photographer permission to use and license the Images for use in any Media for all purposes other than the advertising, promotion, commercial endorsement or packaging of any product or service, so long as that purpose is not pornographic or defamatory, with the exception that I expressly give Photographer permission to use the Images in advertising and promotion in connection with any publication of the Images by Photographer. I understand that the Images may be modified or altered in any way, and may be combined with other images, audio, text, graphics or other material. I understand that my name and identity may be associated with the Images.

I agree that all copyright in the Images belong to Photographer. This Release is given for good and valuable Consideration that I acknowledge I have received. I acknowledge that I have no right to any additional consideration or accounting, and agree that I will make no claim upon Photographer with respect to the Images for any reason. I agree that this Release is binding upon my heirs and upon anyone to whom I may assign any other rights that I may have.

I agree that this Release is irrevocable, perpetual and worldwide. I represent and warrant that I am at least 18 years of age and have the full legal capacity to execute this Release.

DEFINITIONS:

* “Model” or “I” means the person who participated in the Shoot described in this Release. If the Model is not at least 18 years of age or lacks legal capacity in the jurisdiction of the Model’s residence, “I” includes the parent and/or legal guardian of the Model.
* “Photographer” means the photographer, videographer, filmmaker or any other person photographing or recording the Model during the Shoot, including an entity, as well as any person or entity to whom Photographer has assigned or licensed rights under this Release and any licensees of any such person or entity.
* “Images” means all photographs, video, film, audio, sound or other recordings taken of the Model as part of the Shoot, including the Model’s appearance, likeness, form and/or voice.
* “Shoot” means the photographic, filmic or other recording session identified in this Release.
* “Media” means all media and formats including print, film, electronic, digital, broadcast television, Internet, podcast and any other media and formats known now or invented in the future.
* “Consideration” means something of value received in exchange for this Release.

MODEL Name (print):
Date of Birth:
Legal Residence:
Address:
City:
Country:
Postal Code:
Telephone:
Email:

Signature:
Date:

PHOTOGRAPHER/SHOOT

Name:
Address:
City:
Country:
Postal Code:
Telephone:
Email:

Shoot Description:

I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there’s purpose and worth to each and every life. – Ronald Reagan

I went to the Reagan Presidential Library with family visiting from out of town. Below are some photos that I took of the Berlin Wall display, as well as Air Force One. It’s such a beautiful place, and well done. I’ve visited a dozen times before, took lunch in the courtyard by myself, walked the hill leading up the museum with Kimberly 3-4 times, and have taken Evan on a father-son weekend out in the past.

We took Evan to the California Science Center, and he had a blast! It was wonderful to watch him explore his surroundings, and to exert his independence. Evan tried everything that he could get his hands on, and slept soundly on the drive home.

In the photos below, you can see Evan listening to some sort of “pan” device that converted background noise into musical tones. He seemed particularly interested in this.

In the other photos, Evan would pose for the briefest of moments, then quickly look away (or run) from the camera. You’ll have to take my word that the boy in the photos are those of my son.