Oregon Coast Photo Safari Day 3

Yesterday was day three of my Oregon Coast Photo Safari.  When I’m on a photo safari, for some strange reason I think it’s fun find and stay in some classic motels…that are clean of course.  This is the motel where I stayed between day 2 and 3 on the safari.  It was in a small coastal town right across the street from the place where I ate dinner.  And yes, it was clean and cheap and the biggest thing that impressed me was the fact that they still used real keys instead of swipe cards.

Coastal Motel
Coastal Motel

So after checking out, I headed back north, taking the slow and scenic way to Portland, and found a little meandering road called Mercer on the way.  That’s where I got this panorama.

Bry Cox - Mercer
Bry Cox - Mercer

Because only locals drive the road and they all know each other, I had a few local people stop and watch me to make sure I didn’t need any help or to see what I was up to.  I loved this scene.  The trees are fantastic!

From there I continued more north passing the lighhouse again and this time stop and created some images from a distance rather than up close.

Bry Cox - Heceta Head
Bry Cox - Heceta Head

I like this angle because it shows the cliffs below the lighthouse.  Such a great location.  This was right off the road and didn’t require any hiking, so other cars were pulling off too to look.  After setting up my equipment, I found someone to take a photo with me in it.  I never get any photos of me when I’m on a trip, so this is a real treat!

Bry Cox - Bry at Heceta
Bry Cox - Bry at Heceta

I got into Portland by early evening yesterday and began working all day today.  I work again most of the day tomorrow too, and then I’m done here. 

Here in Portland, because I’m working, I was put up in a very nice hotel.  I’ve stayed in a lot of nice hotels, but this has to be one of the biggest rooms I’ve ever had.  It is the size of a three room apartment and I love it.  It’s so nice to stay in a nice place after staying in a cheap place the night before.  The contrast really makes me appreciate companies like this that put time and effort into creating an atmosphere of good taste, and style, that is beautiful and comfortable to live in.

Ok, well I’ve got to go prepare for tomorrow.  I’ll get more images up when I get a minute.  Until next time, America!
— Bry

Oregon Lighthouse Photo Safari, Day 2

I made it just as planned to my favorite lighthouse at exactly when I wanted to arrive, just as the sun was beginning to set.  This is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and I’ve won some great awards myself with images of this lighthouse that I created some years ago.  It is called Heceta Head, and pretty much every art book on lighthouses has Haceta Head on the cover.  

Aside from the lighthouse itself, the location is absolutely gorgeous and serene.  It puts me in an introspective and creative mood just being there.  The air was perfect and fresh and I loved the sound of the very large waves crashing into the rocks below us.

I created a lot of images here tonight, but here are just two for now.

Bry Cox - Oregon Road Trip 4
Bry Cox - Oregon Photo Safari 4

The lighthouse is about a 1/2 mile hike from the parking area.  Once reaching the lighthouse, I hurried to make this image just before the sun dropped below some clouds on the horizon.

Bry Cox - Oregon Road Trip 5
Bry Cox - Oregon Photo Safari 5

Once the sun had dropped out completely, I created this image with the help of a photographer friend of mine, Bryan Welsh (MIT Studio) who came along with me.  He helped me paint the side of the building with a flash during a long 30 second exposure, a technique called “painting with flash.”  It came about once the sun had dropped out and in trying to figure out how to get the twilight image I wanted, found out that he had two hand-held flashes in his bag.

Painting with flash means that while the camera is on a tripod and open, we run around in the frame flashing the areas we want lit.  The flashes have to be in the right locations and at the right settings, and you have to constantly run to avoid ending up in the photograph yourself.  A very fun way to make a photograph!  🙂  I think we were laughing after every 30 second exposure.

There are more images from this location, and hopefully soon I’ll get some more up on the blog.

Today was such a fun day.  I loved driving down the coast, seeing small towns, eating in fun little diners, hanging out with my friend Bryan, and photographing this lighthouse.  This particular lighthouse was the main reason I wanted to come back out to the coast on this trip and I think I got some great images.

Well that’s it for tonight.  I should get to bed now.  Until next time, America!
— Bry

Oregon Coast Photo Safari, Day 1

I’m out in Oregon for a job I have coming up in a few days, but I came out early to take a road trip down one of my favorite roads in the country…the Oregon coast. Here are some images I created today.

Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Road Trip 1
Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Photo Safari 1

I love this!  This building is will be 100 years old next year.  I had a nice talk with the care-keeper today while photographing it.

Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Road Trip 2
Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Photo Safari 2

This is overlooking Haystack rock in the distance.  The next image shows Haystack better.

Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Road Trip 3
Bry Cox - Oregon Coast Photo Safari 3

Some nice waves almost got me while creating this image.

I’ve had a great day and had a lot of fun seeing some of these places again.  It is so pretty out here!  Tomorrow I’ll be heading south and working my way further down the coast.  I’m planning to arrive at my favorite lighthouse late in the day so that the sun will be in the perfect spot to make the lighthouse look spectacular.

If I can get a hotel with reliable internet tomorrow night, then I’ll get some images of this lighthouse up.

So until tomorrow, America!
— Bry

New DVD Portfolio, Updated Website

I have a new portfolio DVD for 2009, and it is all finished and ready for you!  It is formatted for your large widescreen home theater so that you can view the images large and in the comfort of your own home.

Bry Cox - Portfolio DVD
Bry Cox – Portfolio DVD

This DVD includes specific slideshows on weddings, bridals, families, children, high school seniors, models, as well as some entire wedding albums so that you can see how I might tell the story of your day from start to finish.  You can order one for free right off my main website, here. (Click on Free DVD on menu.)

You can watch it on any DVD player or computer, both Mac and PC.  The music is amazing and was all written and recorded by my sister, Elise.  Each music score was specifically chosen for each slideshow to accentuate the mood of the images.  It is a wonderful DVD and I know you will all love it.

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Note to photographers: I can understand how other photographers may want to frequent my site, and I appreciate that. However, I received thousands of requests from photographers for my last portfolio DVD, photographers not wanting to hire me but to get ideas for themselves.

If you are a photographer, please understand that I spent a lot of money and time producing these DVDs and am happy to give them for free only to clients and potential clients. I cannot respond to photographers requests for free DVDs, but you can certainly order them for a cost (along with many other photographic items) in the store part of my photographic workshop site.  Thanks for understanding.
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And until next time, America!
— Bry

Missionary Portraits of Dan

Here’s the order I’ve been working on today.  It’s for Dan, a missionary who’s getting ready to head out to Colombia, South America for two years.  Below is the composite I created for him.  I love how it shows different personalities and feelings, and will be a great piece for his family to enjoy at while he’s gone.

Composite
Composite

And here is a treo I created for him too.  Three images of Dan in his suit and his scriptures.

Treo
Treo

A couple years ago I photographed Dan’s brother for his missionary portraits, and now Dan is going out for his mission.  It is a great thing that he’s doing and I wish him much success.

Until next time, America!
–Bry

Phoenix & PPA Convention 2009

I just flew back from Phoenix and am glad to be home.  I love flying and traveling because I tend to be more introspective than usual, being away from my daily routine.  But now I’m home, and glad to be able to work again and get stuff done.

My trip started out a few days early by seeing my friend Collin and doing some work for him.  He is an amazing cosmetic dentist and I do a lot of the ‘after’ portraits for him after he fixes someone’s teeth.  I started off by photographing his staff, his office and then doing some fashion images for his upcoming brochure.

The next day I photographed his family and his little kids at their Ahwatukee home.  He has such a beautiful family and has adorable and cute little kids.  It had been two years since I’d last photographed them, so the kids had forgotten me.  It was fun to win them over, all over again.

I haven’t made my studio picks yet, but here’s a sample of images from the family session.

BryCox - Collins Family
BryCox – Collins Family

Here’s their family above,…

BryCox - Little Leyton
BryCox – Little Leyton

…their little boy, Leyton, who is amazingly smart,…

BryCox - Little Emi
BryCox – Little Emi

…and their little girl who has the cutest laugh.

PPA
After seeing Collin for a few days, I headed off to the national photography convention for the next few days, called the PPA convention.

9000 photographers from all over the country as well as many other countries were in attendance.  This is where photographers go to see the newest and greatest changes in the industry.  Last year I spoke at PPA, and this year I received a free pass because of an award that I’d won.  I also received a second award that I’m very proud of: a ‘Loan’ for my image of Joe McQueen.  The Loan Print is the highest award a photographer can win, and the image will now go in the PPA Loan Book art book.

Last PPA I released my second book for photographers and this year I received a great compliment from a great photographer, Clay Blackmore, an industry legend.

While passing in a hall, he said, “Bry, your book is the best book on photography I’ve ever read.”  I asked if he wouldn’t mind writing me a testimonial and he said, “That’s your testimonial.  Write that down…the best book on photography I’ve ever read!”  That really made my day to say the least.

I also love seeing all my photographer friends from all over the country. I should have taken more photos with everyone, but here are a few from the last couple days.  A quick note: photographers where their credentials around their neck at events like this.  It’s a way to quickly tell what rank everyone is.

PPA 2009 - Lori Nordstrom
PPA 2009 – Lori Nordstrom

My good friend Lori Nordstrom just came out with a new line of fashion camera neck straps that are very cool.  I got one of course.

PPA 2009 - Jackie Palmer
PPA 2009 – Jackie Palmer

Jackie Palmer assisted me at one of my workshops a few years ago and is now a good friend of mine.

PPA 2009 - Awards Ceremony
PPA 2009 – Awards Ceremony

And here is a group of photographers in my MasterWorks group just after the awards ceremony where Karen received some new credentials.

If any photographers see this, I want you to know that it was great seeing you all.  Seeing my friends at these events is what really makes these gigs fun for me.  Take care and I’ll see you all at the next event.

Until next time, America.
— Bry

Introspection

It’s the time of year when we all look back on the past year as well as looking forward to the coming year to make plans and also wonder what’s to come.

In that line of thought, I own a lot of poetry books and love to read them, mostly because of the influence of my mom who was a renown author back in the day.  My favorite poetry books I bought used after a lot of searching through an enormous used book store in Salt Lake called Sam Weller’s.

The artist in me gets inspiration and clarity from these books and I’ve been reading them even more intently over the last few days.

Here’s one poem in particular, called Survival by Margaret Moore Meuttman asking what will be remembered in 1000 years.  Here’s just a piece — the last stanza:

Perhaps a prayer, perhaps a song,
Fashioned of love and tears,
But only beauty,…only truth
Will last a thousand years.

I love that last line, “only beauty, only truth will last a thousand years.”  It’s hard to describe how much work goes into creating just one image, even though I work hard to make it look easy.  Nevertheless, an enormous amount of time, talent, and love goes into every project so that you can enjoy your custom portraits now, for years to come, and also by future generations.

Over the holidays, many clients called me later to thank me again for their orders.  That really meant a lot to me.  I also want to thank you all again for hiring me as your personal family artist in 2008.  I love what I do and appreciate that fact that you all love what I create.

I am so proud of the work I was able to do this year.  I feel it was my best work ever, and I know I will create even more spectacular images for you all in 2009.

See you all soon!

Bry Cox - Mountains
Bry Cox - Mountain Tops

Because of the introspective nature of this blog entry, I thought it appropriate to post this image I created of the Salt Lake Temple, titled, “Mountain Tops.”   The title is a reference to the Old Testament use of mountains as a symbol of the temple — thus the phrase, “Mountains of the Lord.”

Well that’s it for now.  Until next time, America!
— Bry

Temple Images on Sale at BryCoxArt.com

Christmas is approaching!  In my own shopping looking for presents this year, I’ve had a hard time finding anything of quality that I want to spend money on.  Knowing that many people probably feel the same way, I’ve decided that since my portrait order queue is full and it’s too late to order anything in the way of portraits (unless it’s a smaller order from a past photo session and for a frame size that I already have in stock), I thought I’d add some value to some of my art pieces that are already my best sellers.

So through the holidays (up through December 31st), the following images will be on sale at BryCoxArt.com.  No promo code is needed, just go to the site, browse around, and see what you like.

These images can also be finished in a custom size for you, sometimes in a less expensive version that isn’t on canvas.  For those options, you need to call me.  But the most common options are in the online store.

My best selling image, “Snowfall, Salt Lake City,” is an open edition print making it an incredible value and priced much lower than the custom prints.  Normally it’s only $49, but right now it’s $29!

Custom canvases of “The Widow’s Window” and “Direction” are $539 right now.

I have also introduced a new size to the image, “Balance,” making it very affordable at $98 which includes framing.

Finally, my art book, “Impressions of Italia” has been marked down from $130 to $89!

Bry Cox - Mountains
Bry Cox - Mountains

Bry Cox - Snowfall
Bry Cox - Snowfall

Bry Cox - Balance
Bry Cox - Balance

Bry Cox - Direction
Bry Cox - Direction

Bry Cox - Impressions of Italia
Bry Cox - Impressions of Italia

Bry Cox - Widows Window
Bry Cox - Widows Window

Orders made in the next few days will be available for Christmas!  Browse around and see what you like and take advantage of the discounts going through December 31st at BryCoxArt.com.  Again, let me know quickly, and I can get it to you for Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  Until next time, America!
— Bry

Eva & Saddie

Here’s one of the Christmas orders I’m working on today.  It’s of these two beautiful little sisters, Eva & Saddie.  I first designed up this treo below using the colors from the background and dresses.  It’s a cute series showing each girl individually and then together.

Eva & Saddie
Eva & Saddie

The design of that treo went quickly, and I had time to finish this composite too.  Looking at them now, I love both designs.  This composite really showcases these kids and shows off their happy personalities and inner sparkle.  I really like the flow of the design as well.

Eva & Saddie
Eva & Saddie

I have a lot of really cool orders I’m working on, and may put a few more up later tonight or maybe even tomorrow so that you all can see them.

Until next time, America.
— Bry

Trish’s Wedding Album Design

I finished Trish’s wedding album the other night, and am really excited for her to come see the design work.  The wedding was held in the White Chapel, across the street from the State Capitol building in Salt Lake City.  All week leading up to the wedding, the weather was crazy and it looked like it was going to rain on the wedding day too.  And there was a little rain in the morning, but the weather couldn’t have turned out better!  I love using weather to create mood in an image and this was a great day for that!

Trish's Wedding
Trish

The reception was then held just down the street at the historic McCune Mansion.  That is such a great location and made for great architecture inside and out to accent the photographs as well as the events of the day.

Below is an album page layout showing two pages up (as if the book was opened to this spread).  This segment shows us out in front of the chapel and then segues to the McCune Mansion with the couple walking down the street.  I have the entire album uploaded as a slideshow for you to see here.

 

Trish's Album 1
Trish

This next design spread shows the reception near the end, cutting the cake and dancing.  I loved the color and design of the cake and used it as a background behind the other photographs.  It gave this spread just the right accent.

 

Trish's Album 2
Trish

To see the entire album slideshow, just click here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!  And until next time, America!
— Bry

Little Addison

I don’t photograph kids with cheesy props, but rather focus on their personality, letting them tell me who they are and what expressions they want to give me.

I love being able see kids grow and change over the years.  The order I’m working on right now is of little Addison.  I first photographed her when she was first born.  Here she is one week old (on the left) and then later at six months old (on the right).  I have a continuous album just for these types of sessions that show your baby growing up over time.

Addison 1
Addison 1

So now for Christmas I created some more images of her at her home.  This one is of her in her backyard.  I love the expression on her face, not to mention the cute little red coat, hat and purse.  Hopefully you notice how well the images are lit and composed, which is not only difficult for adults, but especially for children who are constantly on the move!

Addison 2
Addison 2

Later, she changed outfits and I created the next two images of her in her bedroom.

Addison 3
Addison 3

She is such a cute and beautiful little girl, and so expressive!  I love this one below too, with her hiding behind her crib.  This image is also toned with a little selective color.

Addison 4
Addison 4

Well, that is it for now.  I need to get back to more Christmas orders.  If you need anything for Christmas, now is the time to call!

Until next time, America!
— Bry

Halloween 2008

What a day, good and bad. On one hand I had a good time with my friends celebrating Halloween, but I also lost a good photographer friend who’s had declining health for the last few months.

First though, the party.  I had a few different costumes for different parties last week including a soldier general and James Bond. But yesterday for the real Halloween parties, I decided to be Bob Dylan.

Me as Dylan
Me as Dylan

I specifically didn’t shave, and even made a laminated and very official looking backstage pass to wear so people who aren’t familiar with Bob Dylan (which was more than I thought) would know who I was.  My cousin Tony and I hit a few different parties and got home quite late.

Last week I spoke at the Professional Photographers of Iowa convention.  I had a good time there and met some great new people as well as seeing old friends.  One friend in particular, Lori Nordstrom, who is always kind to offer me help at these things, took me to see her brand new studio after I was done.  It is set in the town square of a perfect and beautiful small town.  She is a great artist, has a way of really connecting with people, and creates fantastic images!  She is known around the country for her style and ability to photograph children so well.

Just before going out to Iowa, I had heard that another photographer friend, Jerry Aucker, from Portland, Oregon was having more health problems.  He had had a few heart attacks recently and had declining health.  About a week ago he was hospitalized for kidney failure and pneumonia and then passed away yesterday afternoon.

Many in the industry know and love Jerry for his kindness and friendship.  He’s been in the portrait business for decades, since 1973 and has made many friends because of his thoughtfulness and loyalty.  He led the metro photographers organization there for years and had me out many times to speak to them.  He was a good and kind man and will be missed.

— Bry