You can view my new website at www.jyoungphoto.com. The template I used was a basic flash template from a company named bludomain. I typically don’t like to use flash because of their drawbacks in size, compatibility, and online search ability, but I loved the simplicity of this one and it was cheap. If you have any suggestions or find any bugs let me know. The main question I am struggling with is if I want the music to start automatically or not.

I also updated the website that my clients use to view their images and purchase prints. The new website can be found at pics.jyoungphoto.com This part of my website is hosted by a company called SmugMug which has been amazing and easy to work with. They give you full customization to change the look and feel of the site, and take care of all the printing, billing and shipping of products for my customers at a really low price. It is also provides a great way for my clients to share their images with friends and family. My clients all get a unique URL just for them to find all of their events and galleries. If you have any questions about it or anything else on my site let me know. I always love geeking out to web stuff.

All the best,

Jeremy

The first one I bought was a No. 1A Autographic Kodak Jr. These were produced between 1914-1927 for the high-end price of $21.00. The body is made of wood with leather covering and leather bellows that fold out. The condition of this camera is amazing and all the part still work. I also was fortunate enough to find a copy of the original instruction manual so I have been learning how to use it.

Dialing in all the manual setting and hearing that “click” of the shutter is an amazing experience for a camera this old.  I can’t imagine what images have past through its bellows over the last 90 years. My goal is to take at least one picture with it and develop the film myself. I spent a few years in college studying black and white film photography and working in a dark room so we will see if it works… Below is a picture I took of the camera. It was shipped inside its leather case (shown on the right). I set it up and extended the bellows for the picture.

The second one I bought was a Kodak No. 2A Brownie. These were produced between 1907 and 1924 and were sold as a low-end camera for a price of $3.00. The irony in this is that I found this little gem on ebay and my winning bid was… if you can believe it… $3.00. I guess I should take solace in the idea that they have not lost their value over the years. I felt bad when I received it in the mail because I noticed the postage was $6.50, so someone lost money selling it to me.

The camera is a box style body and is made of heavy card stock covered in leather. And to add to the nostolgia, it smells heavily of dust and cigars, a point that I only think adds to its personality. This camera is much more simple than the 1A, and again, my goal is to take at least one picture with it. If I can get it to work I will post pictures. Below is a picture I took of the camera once I got it.

At one point, some tourists came over and asked if they could take their picture with the “models”. With 3 helpers, a big diffuser and me barking orders I guess we must have looked pretty legitimate.

On the day of the shoot, the baby was only 12 days old! Eyes could barely open, unsure of the world, but completely at peace. I brought Bobby (my brother) along as a second shooter/ assistant. He did a great job and took many of the best shots of the day, including the first one you see here. We played around with lighting and backdrops in the house before moving outside for some family shots.

I love this next picture. They have a two-year old son who is just amazing and loved the camera. In this shot he is giving me his “and let me tell you another thing” speech.

Fast-forward over a year and what used to be a big bump is now a 12 month-old baby with beautiful eyes who is not shy of the camera. We did a little photo-shoot to celebrate her first of existence. Check them out.

This shot took a few tried before we got it right but the kid didn’t seem to mind. I just love this moment with the tongue sticking out. I wonder if I was so fearless at 1-year.

I love this next picture. I’m sure it is not one that Chandra will want to keep but the expression is priceless. I call this the “Aren’t you done taking pictures of me yet” look. Looks funny now, but when she’s an adult she’ll love it.

This last picture has Chandra calling me in tears to thank me. That is by far the best compliment you can give a photographer and I am very proud to have been a part of it. Thanks Chandra, don’t forget to call me when she’s 2.

The plan for the engagement shoot was to bum around Balboa Park for an hour and then drive down to Sunset Cliffs to catch the sunset. We got very lucky by having perfect weather. Did I mention I love San Diego.

The day was so much fun, we goofed around, talked about old times, and apparently took a few pictures too. Thanks guys, I can’t wait to shoot the wedding.

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2008 was an amazing year for my photography. I purchased a proper camera and got out and shot as much as possible. I’ve already got several weddings booked for 2009 and counting. Wish me the best of luck.

Cheers, Jeremy

Below is Sara, my brother Bobby and his wonderful dog “Belle”. The picture on the right is the alcohol and snacks.

This is my beautiful baby sister… (shown below) Any boys that are interested have to interview with her father and four older brothers first. Applications will be posted shortly and include two letters of recommendations, a blood test, and a copy of your FICO score.

Shown below (clockwise from top-left) is Sara and I, Ben and Lilli (German roommates), my sister Jessica and I, and myself and Lilli. Sara and I decided to dress up, and I sported an all-black suit, Johnny Cash style…

Shown below (clockwise from top-left) My sister’s road-trip friends, more Germans, fire pit, and hot tub…

[Click here to see the all the pictures from this ablum]

]]> http://www.youngsblog.com/new-years-party-2009/feed/ 2 http://www.youngsblog.com/san-diego-christmas/ http://www.youngsblog.com/san-diego-christmas/#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:26:23 +0000 Jeremy http://www.youngsblog.com/archives/12 Where to you go for a Christmas picture if you are in San Diego and its the 21st of December? … the beach of course. My good friends Lilli and Ben wanted a Christmas picture to send back to their families in Germany. And What better way to make them jealous of our weather than to show off the California beach with surfers in the background. The tools for the day included the canon 50 f/1.4 lens, a polarized filter for deep blues and natural vignetting, and a gold reflector to warm the skin tones.

Below is my attempt at a picture of downtown Los Gatos while crossing the road from Carry Nations to Pizza Port. I love this town.

The usual suspects… clockwise from top-left… Sara, Bobby (having his reset button pushed), Alex (sleeping), Glenlivet (“Glen-Love-it”), Jeremy (me), Jen (w/baby), iPhone (wearing a new yellow dress), Ann, and the Katie-Lady.

Below you see that Katie does not liking having her picture taken (I have a bunch of these shots), she did the same thing in her senior year-book picture (j/k). Lower right is Nate with his beautiful pregnant wife Jennilynn. ahem, I just wanted to point out that I also introduced this couple so I am partly responsible for that the creation of that fetus. I’m still working on trying to get the child named after me.

I have no idea why people are licking each other. We were either a little tipsy; confused because the town is called “the cats”; or cleaning up a after a no-holds-barred cake-batter fight. Take your pick.

[Click here to see more pictures]

Cheers,
Jeremy