Race Horses in Arkansas

While speaking in Arkansas, a photographer friend of mine out there made arrangements for me and the group I was teaching to take some photographs in the early morning light at the Oaklawn race track. It was invigorating and fun because of the cold morning air and because photography is not normally allowed there. But with our special permission, we were able to get right up close and photograph the horses training. Here are a couple of my favorites.

This first image is so great when you look at it up close. The eyes are tack sharp and the blur in the image looks fantastic. It is all natural of course, no effects, no blurring – it’s all done in the camera. I especially like the horses position in the frame and the overall shape of his feet.

On all of these, I added my new custom edges that I’ve been working on. I really like the finished look of these images.

We had free reign of the areas that no one sees, including the back. So while walking through the back area, I photographed the stables.

As I was leaving, I photographed this tree, looking up against the sky using my Lensbaby shift lens to get a real optical blur around the edges. I love how it turned out!

If you’re in need of some really great images, whether it be some unique art for your wall or some custom family portraits, give me a call. Spring is here and it’s a great time to get in. 801-728-3317. And check out my main website too if you’re new to my work, BryCox.com.

Motorcycle Road Trip To and From Boise

I was asked to judge at the Idaho State Professional Photographers Convention, and because I didn’t need any equipment at this event or really anything other than a dress suit, I decided to ride my motorcycle. It was just shy of 800 miles round trip and I took some images along the way.

Due to safety, I couldn’t look through the viewfinder, and had to shoot one handed off the cuff, framing in my mind. I had slung my professional point-and-shoot camera over one shoulder so that I could grab it when I needed. I set the exposure manually (which is one of the things I love about that camera) and would swing it up when needed, and swing it back down after the shot, never looking through the viewfinder. Coincidentally, I have not cropped any of these images. I love how they came out exactly. Each is perfectly cropped as it is, and I love that about them.

I have not sharpened or blurred any of these images in post production. They are as I shot them. What is sharp and what is blurry is natural and only accentuates the images for me. The vibration of the bike in the image below works great, and even zoomed in the ground is crystal clear, and perfectly sharp, in a motion blur kind-of way. I love the sharp lines that the road creates, juxtaposed against the vibration of the bike.

I decided to process out these next two as black and white and really like them. In the first, I love the swoop of the clouds filling the negative space created by the mirror and handlebars. And the mirror just barely touches the side of the image.

And this broken sign was just standing like this with awesome cirrus clouds behind it, waiting for me to drive by and capture it. It’s the kind of thing you only see in small towns or off the beaten path.

There is a small grove of trees on the west side of the freeway, and I had one shot at getting it — no turning back. As you drive by, you see each perfect row flash light at you from the end – bam, bam, bam, bam, and then it’s past. This image showing one of those rows with the blurry foreground is one of my favorites from the ride.

When you’re on a bike, you’re IN the scenery. You’re not observing it from within the confines of a car, or looking at it through some frame. You instead are really in it. You see the road beneath you, you smell the fields that you pass, you feel the warm and cold air pockets, and you look around at great scenes like this that surround you.

As I got closer to returning home, the awesome skies made up for the colder and colder weather. I was trying to beat a storm at my back and didn’t want to ride in the rain. I was getting cold enough. But storms bring great, dramatic skies, and great skies make for a great ride.

I love the lines of these clouds. This was to my far right side, almost over my shoulder.

Getting closer now, crossing the border back to Utah. You can see I’m much colder as the temperature was now about 50º, which is especially cold with the wind chill of riding through the air.

And one last one getting closer to my town.

During my ride, I listened to one of my favorite books on audio, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” A book on neither Zen Buddhism nor on mechanics,   it’s a philosophical book on a man’s search for Quality, Purpose, and the search for Values. I tend to re-read it every few years or so, and this time opted for the audio version while riding. It was the perfect book for the ride to stir my thoughts during that long solitary time.

I wrote about the same book years ago after finishing it again, and I wrote this blog post (for those who follow me regularly, you may remember it). In any case, the ride was great and I’m especially excited about the images that came from it.

If you are need of great portraits for spring, something artistic and meaningful like some updated family portraits, let me know. It’s a great time to get in. 801-728-3317.

New Orleans Street Photographs

In January, I spoke at the national photographic convention in New Orleans, called ImagingUSA. After working, and having been there before, I took some time to walk down some of my favorite streets to create some fun images.

I processed these images out using some of my new b&w and toning effects as well as come of my custom made edges that I create and sell to other photographers as well as use myself.  I’m really happy with these images and how things turned out.

I feel that these images are especially interesting, and the look I’ve used just accentuates that. These images make a great series of my trip there.

It was a fun walk, but I had to hurry and move quickly through the streets so that I could catch to my flight home in time. I found it interesting how so many buildings had similar windows, stairs and textures, even though the colors where so different. The similarities really show in these b&w images.

I also walked to an old cemetery I remember finding last time I was there. I really liked this area and wished I had more time to really play and photograph the area. Nevertheless, I still created some cool images. The trick is to shoot this in such a way that you don’t show all the people walking through, or the modern buildings behind the tombs. Those things would have been very distracting in the final images.

I had to get at least one image of me, and chose to do it in an abstract way, using my shadow.

Here’s one in color. It’s the top of a pyramid shaped monument. The others I created for b&w, but this I never even tried converting it. It was meant to be in color, even though it sticks out of the series.

I love these iron gates, with the shadows they created. The lines and textures were very exciting!

So as I was walking back to my hotel to head off to my flight, I passed one last time this large abandoned office building. It’s very weird to see such a large building completely empty and I had been passing it multiple times daily while there.

I also found my name on one of the sidewalks.

And finally, I created this painting while I was there using an image I took with my iPhone while going to a vendor party one night on Bourbon street.

I’m very happy with my street images and walk-about. It was a good way to end the trip.

Last time I was in New Orleans, I focused on people I saw while walking around.  This time I focused more on textures and lines.

If you’re a photographer and would like to know more about my workshops or speaking schedule, check out my workshop website at BryCoxWORKSHOPS.com.

 

Beautiful Panoramas and Scenics from Southern Utah

I have so many things to blog about right now, but I’m so excited about these desert scenics I created last weekend in Southern Utah. I had this image in my mind of what I wanted, and passed many different mountain ranges because the clouds weren’t perfect. They would have just been a well executed photograph of beautiful scene, but nothing that would really grab you. But after some driving, we eventually did find this range with the perfect clouds and lighting! This image is my favorite, and I especially love how all the shapes and lines work together so well.

The line of the clouds, the angled rock in front, and the bush for balance in the bottom right corner — it all is so nice. And the detail in these images is incredible. Hopefully someday you’ll get to see them big where you can really get lost in them. I worry that small web versions just don’t do them justice.

On another day after a pretty hike up a ridge, we came across this valley at dusk. I originally shot this for black & white, but ended up liking it in color better. There was a cool wind blowing at us from this valley, and the scene was just surreal.

And here are some fun abstract vignettes taken near the first scenic. I really liked what the light was doing and thought these may work in a series of some kind. All of these images are finished with my new custom made edges that I’ve been working on too.

Soon I hope to have my online art store back up, and then I’ll offer some of these images on there. My store is down because I’ve been converting it to a new system and storefront which is taking longer than expected. But the new store should be better, more efficient and more versatile.

Would you like some new artwork for your home? Maybe some scenics like these or perhaps some new custom family portraits? Give me a call at 801-728-3317 and lets talk.

Temple in a Snow Storm During Bridal Show

This last week I was one of the main vendors at the bridal show held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake.  It is always a great show.  I look forward to it every year.  Here is a look at my booth if you didn’t make it.

During the show, there was a beautiful snowstorm and I created some wonderful storm images of the Salt Lake Temple looking out the window.  I created a few variations and I’m still deciding which one I like the best.  Which ones do you like?

I’m also excited that all of these were processed out using my new duo-tone black & white effects that I recently created, and are finished with my new line of  custom edges that I’ve been working on.  I create and sell these effects and edges to photographers around the country when I speak to save them time and money.  These are a part of my new line of effects.  I really love how they look, especially with these images.  I’ve also tried them with portraits and absolutely love it!  I will post them on my blog soon.

After looking out the window, I had to step out for a couple images outside.  Again, I shot two variations and can’t decide which one I like better.  One is shot faster to catch the flakes in the air and the other is slower which creates some really cool diagonal lines.  Both work for so many reasons.

Before running back in, I got a passing tourist to take a photo of me with my camera.  I love the snow in the air, but hate that I’m out of focus.  DANG!

Anyway, soon I’ll have those temple images ready to purchase in my art site.  But until then, let me know which ones are your favorites.

Bry Cox Artwork in the Parade of Homes + Interior Photographs

The Parade of Homes just started, and one home in particular, home #18 off Fort Lane in Layton, Utah is worth seeing.  It not only is fantastic and designed very well, but it also features my artwork throughout the home.

It was built by Haskell Homes, and was designed by the team at Noble House in Bountiful, which includes my good and dear friend, Jenna Rix (JM Design Sparrow).

The large oil painting above the console there, is actually from my cousin, Tony Cox.  The image to the left, above the stairway, is one of my photographs, stretched on canvas.  This particular image I took while strolling the streets of Tuscany a few  years back.  It’s a 40×60 and fits that wall just perfectly!

Here’s that same room, looking the other way, back into the kitchen.  The design team asked me to also photograph the house, so these are some of the interiors from that shoot — the day before the parade opened.

I don’t normally get to shoot images like this one above when doing interiors, but fortunately Jenna loves this style.  She loves the kind of images that show you what the room ‘feels’ like, so I was able to play and get some of these cool images too.

Here’s the office, with an Eames chair and one of my images on the wall.

The master bedroom upstairs.

Another view of the master bedroom.  The lighthouse canvas on the wall was taken on the shores of Oregon.

The guest bedroom downstairs featuring “Blue Jalopy” taken in Tuscany, and “Serenity at Twilight” (on the right).

Here’s the team the day before the big opening: Jenna (with Noble House), Guy Haskell (the builder), and Karen (owner of Noble House).

Of course one of me and Jenna,

And the house alone.

Noble House had me design up some large prints for their store.  Here’s what they look like.

Now of course, there are plenty more images and much more to show you, but instead of posting them all here, you should instead just go by and see the place.

Haskell Homes are incredibly energy efficient and Jenna and the team at Noble House are fantastic designers and carry unique and beautiful furniture as well.  Everyone has been great to work with and it’s been fun to see how it all came together.

And you really need to see my artwork in person.  Some are images that have not been seen enlarged before either, like this rainstorm in Shanghai finished as a 40″ image.

Or this one that won a number of awards this year, “Fan of Wisdom,” taken at the Confucius temple in China.

This lighthouse was one of many that I found while photographing the coast of Oregon.  The colors were a perfect fit for the room it was placed in.

And this image was also in Oregon, near Canon Beach.  You may recognize the rocks in the background.  It’s called, “Looking Forward.”

These art images and others are discounted right now while they are on display at the Parade of Homes.  Let me know if you’d like prices on anything or need something made up custom for your home.

And it’s also the best time right now to do family portraits in the garden studio here at Bry Cox Studio.  The place looks fantastic and the weather is perfect.  Call now to schedule something soon.  I have some specials going on right now too, which is an added bonus to getting a Bry Cox portrait right now.

Also, browse some of my past blog entries (BryCox.com/blog) or even my my main website at BryCox.com.

 

New Award: UTAH HIGH SCORE!

I have won another award!  Yes, I won the high score for Utah!


My four prints that are in professional image competition, have gone on to the district/regional level, where I had the highest case score (total of all four prints added together).  From this point these prints will go on to the national level in 2012.

You may remember these four images when I first entered them at the state level, where I won Master Photographer of the Year, along with TWO Kodak Gallery Awards, a Judges Choice Award, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, and the Court of Honor!  (past blog entry on these images.)

Here are the four images I entered this year.  I’ll keep you posted as they continue on, as well as keeping you up on the next four prints that will be entered next year in the State level in April.

If you’d like some fantastic award winning images of yourself that are really cool, funky, while at the same time classy and professional, give me a call at 801-728-3317.  And feel free to check out my main website at BryCox.com (or my blog if you’re reading this in a separate feed readerBryCox.com/blog).

“Impressions of China” Art Book in Final Proofing Stage

My book, “Impressions of China,” is in its final proofing stage! I have received the artist proof from the printer and have been checking every detail before the final copies are printed and bound.

I am very excited by the look and quality of the images in this proof edition, love the presentation of one image per page. The entire book is 185 pages, and cost me a bit more to produce because it is printed in full color — all 185 pages! It contains images and street portraits that I created while traveling throughout China on two different speaking engagements last summer.

The book has been designed to match the look and layout of my earlier book, “Impressions of Italia” so that the two books can be a set, whether displayed on a coffee table or bookshelf.

If you’ve been following my blog, then you’ve seen some of the images that will be in the book already, like the two photographs below that I recently won some awards with, including Master Photographer of the Year!

I would love all of you to have an early copy of this book, and have decided to sell the first set of these for my material costs only, $75!

I will also include a gift certificate for the same amount that you can use on your next portrait session or order, so it’s like getting one or the other for free! If you’d like to be on the list and get one of the early copies for only my material printing costs, plus a gift certificate for $75, then let me know by sending me an email at web@brycox.com, or visit my website at www.brycox.com and click on CONTACT to get ahold of me. Make sure to put in your name and contact info in the email so that I can get a hold of you.

Cape Cod & the Lighthouse

I just finished a job in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod, and afterward decided to take a bit of time to myself to photograph a nearby lighthouse.  I don’t know what it is exactly that is so attractive about lighthouses, but I love to photograph them.  It is always so serene to be in these places.

I drove to the top of the Cape to a small town called Provincetown.  On the edge of town there’s a jetty.  I hiked across the jetty to photograph this lighthouse that was way out on a little piece of land.

Once on the other side, I hiked around in the brush to get just the right spot, where the sun would only be lighting the side of the lighthouse — creating some depth.  This was one of my favorites.

Then I decided to create some self-portraits because I have realized that when I go to fun and beautiful places that I only get great photographs of my surroundings, but never of me.  At some point in life I’m sure I will want to look back and see photographs of me on one of my adventures.

So I set up my tripod with a radio shutter release and went to get in the photo when I could hear the camera snapping photographs randomly and without my control.  I ran to the camera to stop it and as a result of my camera’s mishap, I got these two images which I really like.

The movement gives them a certain interest and life, which makes them more interesting than me just standing there next to the lighthouse.

After I got the release working I took some more on purpose, but kept the idea of movement in the images.  The running images made me think of Richard Avedon’s self-portraits that he did while in 1950’s Paris with the Eiffel Tower.  I used that inspiration and created this set of images.

It was so quiet and serene out on that little piece of land.  I tend to be more introspective when I’m out of town, and especially when I’m in a beautiful place creating a photograph just for me.

There’s something about just relaxing and getting away from the distractions of life, and just looking at light, and being creative … and just thinking.  It took me about four hours total to cross the jetty, take some photographs, and hike back to land.  A very fulfilling night!

On the walk back, I took this image, looking back towards the lighthouse.

And here is the jetty looking back towards Provincetown.  I wanted to get across before sundown while there was still light to see, and I just made it.

When I got back, I saw a quaint hotel right on the beach and I booked a room.  It didn’t have a restaurant, so I headed into town for dinner, but missed everything.  All the restaurants were closed.  I went to bed on a few candy bars, but felt very fulfilled!

Master Photographer of the Year Award

This week I won EIGHT AWARDS, including ‘Master Photographer of the Year!‘  I also won TWO Kodak Gallery Awards, a Judges Choice Award, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, and the Court of Honor!

Each year photographers are allowed to enter four images, and here were my four entries:

It was an exciting night, but I was actually out of town during the entire awards ceremony, speaking in Georgia at their annual professional photographers convention.  However, I was keeping tabs on the Utah convention by phone, trying to see how I did.  When the news came in, it was even better than I had expected.  I not only won the big award of the night (Master Photographer of the Year), but a number of other great awards as well!

The level of competition is very difficult in the Masters, as I compete against the absolute best of the best.  I am always trying to raise the level of quality that I offer my clients each year, and to do a better and better job in every way possible.  As expectations and competition in the industry continues to rise, I hope that clients see these awards as a sign that my quality and commitment to great portraiture also rises each year.

Now these images will go on to regionals and then nationals.  I’ll keep you all posted on how they do.

BryCox - Portland ME Lighthouse 2

The Coast of Maine

Last week I was in Maine.  I was asked to judge and speak at the Professional Photographers of Maine convention.  Afterward, I took a day to myself before flying home to just drive the coast looking for some great photographs.

I started at Portland Head Lighthouse, in Portland Maine, because it’s one of the most beautiful and photographed lighthouses on the east coast.  I woke up at 5:00 am and left my cozy and warm hotel room to battle the freezing cold in hopes of a great sunrise image.

This is one of my favorites, because it shows the rockiness of the coast.  I love the yellow coming in from the horizon, and you can barely see another lighthouse on the water in the far distance.

BryCox – Portland ME Lighthouse

Here’s a closer and vertical image of the same lighthouse.

BryCox - Portland ME Lighthouse 2

BryCox – Portland ME Lighthouse 3

I really liked this one. I used a Lens Baby shift lens to give me optically soft edges, and then breathed on the lens to fog the glass.

BryCox – Portland ME Lighthouse 4

Later that day I found this lighthouse, Pemaquid Point.  It was getting late as I did this panorama.

BryCox – Pemaquid Point 1

Here was a little building just to the side of the lighthouse.  I liked how all the rocks pointed to it.

BryCox – Pemaquid Point 2

This was a little bench that looked out to the ocean.

BryCox – Pemaquid Point 3

The next morning on my drive back to the airport I stopped to photograph this frozen lake.  It was so cold there.  I was just out of my car for a moment, and absolutely froze.

BryCox – Maine Frozen Lake

It was a great trip and I’m very happy with the images I created.  I hope to have a reason to get back there sometime soon…and hopefully when it’s a bit warmer. 🙂

China Update #7 – Art Images

After I was done speaking, I took some time to create some art images of the people and places there.  A few of us photographers chipped in and hired cars to take us to some remote places in China so that we could see some unique things.

I hope to do an art book of just Chinese art images similar to my Italian art book I did a few years ago.  I will first need to sort and choose my favorites, as well as do some slight artwork on the images and adjust for contrast and proper cropping.

For right now though, here is an early preview of some of my favorite images, before post-production artwork.  It was a fantastic journey and I’ll be excited to show these images after they are finished.

By the way, feel free to let me know some of your favorites!

BryCox - China Art Images 1
BryCox – China Art Images 1
BryCox - China Art Images 2
BryCox – China Art Images 2
BryCox - China Art Images 3
BryCox – China Art Images 3
BryCox - China Art Images 4
BryCox – China Art Images 4
BryCox - China Art Images 5
BryCox – China Art Images 5
BryCox - China Art Images 6
BryCox – China Art Images 6
BryCox - China Art Images 7
BryCox – China Art Images 7
BryCox - China Art Images 8
BryCox – China Art Images 8
BryCox - China Art Images 9
BryCox – China Art Images 9