Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography: Blog https://marronephotography.com/blog en-us (C) Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography (Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:59:00 GMT Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:59:00 GMT https://marronephotography.com/img/s/v-12/u563952537-o359062747-50.jpg Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography: Blog https://marronephotography.com/blog 120 120 Winter Wanderings and Wonders https://marronephotography.com/blog/2016/1/winter-wanderings-and-wonders When winter comes to full bloom, a lot of my friends ask the questions "why do we live here?"  Granted, there are days when bitter cold and high winds make me wonder the same thing.  But for the most part, I love the 4 seasons offered by the great Northeast and cherish the days when I can venture out and explore some of our 170 acres.  It sure comes in handy to have a playground in your own backyard and yesterday, I had the chance to go exploring.  Here's some of what I discovered along the way...

Can you see the various profiles formed by drifting snow?

 

I love the contrast between the tree and sky.  By itself, the tree might convey a certain loneliness.  But against the rich blue sky, I see independence 

 

I love the warm, curvy tones of this tree, long past it's prime

 

This image really cracked me up.  I can only imagine 2 turkeys coming face to face at the intersection and pausing to let the other one pass :))

 

A quick change of lenses brings a whole new point of view to the wonders of nature

I love looking for abstracts in nature.  Here a twig frozen in ice and a snow capped rock

 

Yes, I was walking on thin ice :))))

 

More wonderful abstracts.  Who says winter isn't beautiful?!?!

 

And finally, a warm, furry coat until spring.  I hope you enjoyed this little tour around the farm.  You can see my whole collect of Adirondack Scenics right here http://marronephotography.com/scenic-landing-page  Enjoy!!

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) https://marronephotography.com/blog/2016/1/winter-wanderings-and-wonders Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:13:15 GMT
Cassie and Mike https://marronephotography.com/blog/2016/1/cassie-and-mike With comfortable temps and a beautiful setting, Saturday was a great day to photograph Cassie and Mike's engagement session.  It was also Cassie's birthday so it was a pretty great day all around.

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton Engagement Portraits New Hartford Rome Weddings Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2016/1/cassie-and-mike Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:25:02 GMT
Eric https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/9/eric From the beginning of my career, I have always felt that a portrait should be more than a mere record by lens and film (or digital device) of what is placed before it.  Everyone desires a flattering image of themselves but if that's all you get, then only part of the story has been told.  The most important part, like who you are, what you love, what you're passionate about, is lost.  "Story", is the historic record of our lives and it can be told in words but even better through images.  The Senior Portrait, while oftentimes motivated by a yearbook deadline, is an opportunity to tell their story as our children reach this important milestone in their lives.  This session with Eric was absolutely amazing!  His passion for music inspired my passion for telling his story.  No image can be more flattering than to witness someone doing something they love!  

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton High School Seniors New Hartford Rome Senior Senior Portraits Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/9/eric Fri, 11 Sep 2015 18:43:19 GMT
Jenna and Tyler https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/8/jenna-and-tyler What a thrill it is to see my beautiful niece Jenna again and to meet her fiance, Tyler.  We had the pleasure of welcoming them to the farm for their engagement session and it was a fantastic night for food (thanks Hon), fun and photography.  What was most enjoyable was to witness the friendship, tenderness and love they share.  I'm sure Jenna and Tyler will have a very happy future and we can't wait to share their happiness at their Colorado wedding next Spring!!

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/8/jenna-and-tyler Mon, 17 Aug 2015 20:15:00 GMT
Your Best Portrait Starts With The Right Concept https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/7/your-best-portrait-starts-with-the-right-concept I recently updated my profile photo after spending an hour recreating a film noir style of lighting using 3 Nikon flash units (2-SB800's and 1-SB910 with Rogue grid).  Having received many favorable comments and likes  on Social Media, I decided to write this blog outlining how the portrait was done and why I feel it is so important have a portrait that you really like of yourself.  Needless to say, we live in an extremely visual age.  Between computers and mobile devices, we are flooded with images all day every day.  And yet, I'm very surprised when I see either the absence of an image or seriously poor quality images on peoples social media, especially from professional people who are trying to promote the quality of their services or profession.  It only stands to reason that people buy into who we are before what we do and to that end, a creative and well designed image can make a huge impact.  OK, let's get to the lesson :)

All good portraits should start with a concept just like a journey needs a destination.  Sure, it's fun to get in the car and just drive but seriously, how many times do we do that?  In the same way, starting with the concept informs the entire process from lighting to background and even the subjects expression. I was going for a dramatic, thoughtful, determined confidence and while I wanted those characteristics, I also wanted a hint of likeability. I do tend towards the introspective and while I enjoy working with people very much, I am often thought of as aloof.  Truth be known, I usually have a million thoughts running through my mind and am very project oriented (sorry:)

OK, so I have my concept and personality theme identified.  Now the lighting has to support that vision. here's my lighting diagram:

Lighting diagramLighting diagram

Technical data: SB910 set at 0.0EV SB800's set at -0.7EV Camera [email protected] ISO 160

About the technical data.  I wanted to photograph this at a lesser f/stop and let the focus fall off sharply but since I'm the subject and not behind the camera, getting the image in focus can be quite challenging.  According to others, my eyes are my asset so that was my focal point and getting them in focus was essential.  Actually, that brings up an important point.  Everyone that I have photographed over 33 years has concerns about some aspect of their appearance and it becomes the filter through which they see themselves.  The obvious "ouch" for me would be my balding head although, I'm certainly not the only member in that club.  Knowing that we all have this filter, it's my job to identify and accentuate what you like about yourself and reduce or eliminate what you would rather change.  For example, you'll notice on my portrait that the cropping takes off the very top of my head.  Here's the reasoning: since the goal of the portrait is to create a statement of "dramatic, thoughtful, determined confidence" and focusing on what I like best about myself (eyes), having my full head visible keeps that as a primary object showing one of the areas I like least (balding head).  You still understand that I have a full and complete head just like I have a full and complete body although, that too, is not shown.

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Finally, I converted the image to B&W using a combination of PhotoShop techniques until I had just the right amount of contrast and depth.  Since the style is reminiscent of a 1940's Hollywood genre, B&W reinforces the theme.  

With the development and ease of access to digital devices, "picture-taking" is practiced at an all time high.  While I love the idea that my craft, which I cherish, is so popular, I do find it distressing to a degree, how many images flood the internet that are grossly inferior artistically and technically.  Too often, we don't take the time to carefully think through a project and too often, we sacrifice quality for expedience (or cost).  Given the concerns we share about our own image, starting with a concept and trusting it to a seasoned professional, will always be the surest way to get your best portrait ever. Most people think of me as a photographer but actually, that's just what I do.  Why I do it, which is more important, is to encourage people.  To emphasize through photography, the qualities that you yourself and others will find most appealing.  Not just in a physical sense but the essence of who you are. The wonderfully authentic you. That's something we can all be encouraged by.

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton New Hartford Professional Portraits Rome Utica Whitesboro film noir https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/7/your-best-portrait-starts-with-the-right-concept Thu, 02 Jul 2015 16:07:19 GMT
Nicole https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/nicole Sneak Peak of the stunning Nicole!

 

Only a few SUMMER sessions left and FALL sessions are booking up fast!!

Email or call ASAP to get your senior session booked today!

NicoleNicole Nicole2Nicole2

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton High School Seniors New Hartford Rome Senior Senior Portraits Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/nicole Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:26:11 GMT
Adrienne https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/adrienne Have you met Adrienne?  If not, you're really missing out!  What an incredible time we had on almost all of our 170 acres!!

AdrienneAdrienne

Only a few SUMMER sessions left and FALL sessions are booking up fast!!

Email or call ASAP to get your senior session booked today!

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton High School Seniors New Hartford Rome Senior Senior Portraits Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/adrienne Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:22:24 GMT
Maryrose https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/maryrose We really had a blast with the always fabulous Maryrose!

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Only a few SUMMER sessions left and FALL sessions are booking up fast!!

Email or call ASAP to get your senior session booked today!

 

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton High School Seniors New Hartford Rome Senior Senior Portraits Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/maryrose Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:17:54 GMT
A New School in Haiti https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/a-new-school-in-haiti Being from the Northeastern United States, I am well accustomed to four seasons.  However, when you consider the seasons of life, seasons of success and joy, seasons of pain and loss and dozens of other life occurrences, the idea of a season takes on a completely different meaning. When speaking of climate, the distinction in seasons between the Northeast and Haiti, range from quite similar (Summer) to drastically different (Winter).  But when considering the economy, job growth or the opportunity for children to be educated and become successful individuals, it becomes clear very quickly, that without assistance, Haitian children will one day join the ranks of the unemployed with little hope of living a life we so often take for granted.  Hearing the call, I was honored to be included in the team that traveled to Haiti in May 2014 to begin the work of building a new school in Pont Leocan, located about 2 hours north of Port au Prince, just north of St. Marc.  This first trip was to lay footers and build as much of the block building as possible.  Haitian workers would resume building until we returned to add the roof, doors and chalkboards to the 8 classrooms.

 

From May 2014

Haiti 2Pont Leocan May 2014Work begins

1- Vern and Dick layout the foundation 2-Haitian workers dig out earth to proper depth (not accomplished by the hired equipment operator)

3- Footer progress  4- Blocks are laid  5- A wall rises

Haiti 3Haiti 3

1- Jim leads the team pouring concrete 2- Vern and Dick keep us straight, level and plumb  

3- A sudden downpour halts work for the day 

4- Test positioning a roof purlin  5- The team with Haitian workers 

 

From June 2015

Haiti 4Pont Leocan 2015The work resumes

1- The building with purlins on the Western side  2- Chalk boards  3- 3'x22' Steel roofing  

4- our 500 gallon shower held up by 3-2x6's

Haiti 5Pont Leocan 2015

1- Richard with Pastor Olney  2- Our interpreter and friend Been Valcin 3- Completed Steel roof with plexiglas sunroof  4- 2015 team (minus 3)  

5- Keith, engineer and fearless leader  6- Walt makes handy use of our wheelbarrow 7- Interior of classroom with wall modification

8- School is in session  9- Me...tired, filthy and very happy!

Haiti 1Haitian children At the end of the day, this is the main reason we went to Haiti...for them.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) FOHO Free Methodist Church USA Free Methodist World Missions Haiti International Childcare Ministries https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/6/a-new-school-in-haiti Mon, 15 Jun 2015 19:01:00 GMT
Iris https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/iris My favorite flower... and shortest blog post 

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/iris Fri, 22 May 2015 20:22:12 GMT
A Flower for Every Season https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/a-flower-for-every-season The outstanding characteristic of bleeding hearts is in my opinion, the shape of the flowers. As the plants' common name suggests, bleeding hearts bear heart-shaped flowers, from which a little "drop of blood" dangles at the bottom. On the type with pink flowers,  the sides of the drop are streaked with pink during this early period; after the bloom fully opens, the drops are just white. They are truly among the most whimsical plants in our garden.

bleeding heartsBleeding Hearts What are your favorite flowers?  While these are in my top 5, my #1 favorite will bloom in June.  Any ideas?

Technical data for those who want to know: Nikon D800 Iso 320 f/2.0 @1/1000

 

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Adirondack Art Fine Landscape Scenic Spring https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/a-flower-for-every-season Mon, 11 May 2015 17:28:22 GMT
Adirondack Spring https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/adirondack-spring Springtime in the Adirondacks is so magical. I love the combination of evergreens, still waters and blue skies. It is definitely one of my favorite seasons of year, as well as summer, autumn and winter. wink emoticon Each year, I make several trips north to unwind and soak in the wondrous beauty of the Adirondack Park.  My spring trip is always the same weekend but whether or not the season cooperates is another story.  This year, the weather couldn't have been better but it was clear that the slow arrival of spring would mean very little foliage or plant life.  So that automatically presents a photographic challenge.  Autumn is easy.  The leafs change color and everywhere you look is spectacular beauty.  But how do you find the beauty in between seasons?  How can you step outside of your particular way of seeing to see things differently?  That's a challenge I put before myself every time.  While I appreciate my "brand" and enjoy having my style recognizable, I also want to make sure that I'm not limiting my ability to see things anew.  It's really an exciting challenge and throughout the weekend I was really having a blast finding the gold otherwise hidden.  Here's a sampling:

GrizzleGrizzle Grizzle Ocean is a rather small pond and only 1.1 miles from the South end of Putnam Pond in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.  Busy beavers make dramatic changes to the wilderness over time and thereby create a very diverse landscape.  Fallen deciduous trees are juxtaposed against thriving evergreens.  Sunlight carefully illuminates a fallen birch against a forest background resting in soft shadows.  Calm waters offer beautiful reflections and bring a sense of peace to the world and within.  If you would like to view all the images or see these individually, please follow this link. 

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Adirondack Art Fine Landscape New Scenic Spring York https://marronephotography.com/blog/2015/5/adirondack-spring Wed, 06 May 2015 14:56:07 GMT
The Sweetest Days of Summer https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/7/the-sweetest-days-of-summer Children and Grandchildren! Nothing fills our hearts more than time spent together.  Enjoy this video of my beautiful granddaughter!

Quinn

 

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Family and Children Portraits light natural https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/7/the-sweetest-days-of-summer Wed, 02 Jul 2014 15:31:23 GMT
Senior Portrait Casting Call! https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/6/senior-portrait-casting-call Seniors_IgniteSeniors_IgniteWin a trip to San Deigo!

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) High School Seniors Seniors Ignite National Model Contest https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/6/senior-portrait-casting-call Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:53:48 GMT
From the school at Pont Leocan, Haiti https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/5/from-the-school-at-pont-leocan-haiti My second mission trip to Haiti to build a school and once again, it's the children that captured my heart.  It's amazing to me to be in an environment where I am not only in the minority but in an odd way, a side show.  The children crowd around wanting to be photographed and even more, wanting to hold my hand or hug me.  I almost feel as if I'm on exhibit but the genuine affection they convey quickly puts me at ease.  The most difficult time I had was trying to focus my camera and as you'll see, sometimes, it didn't work out.  All of the children in Haiti are required to wear a uniform in order to attend school.  Unfortunately, many of the families cannot afford them.  In spite of the difficulties, the children still exude bright, loving smiles!  

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) FOHO Free Haiti Leocan Methodist Missions Pont Port Prince World au https://marronephotography.com/blog/2014/5/from-the-school-at-pont-leocan-haiti Tue, 27 May 2014 18:52:51 GMT
Navigating the World of Senior Portraits https://marronephotography.com/blog/2013/4/navigating-the-world-of-senior-portraits

Your son or daughter's senior year will be a very busy time for them and for you.  Between college visits, summer jobs and yes, Senior Portraits, there's a lot to consider.   By now, you’re probably getting flooded with advertisements by photographers hoping for your business.  If you’ve worked with one of us in the past, and were satisfied, then it should be pretty easy to figure things out again.

I wanted to write this blog for the multitude of people who are, for the first time, considering senior portraits or perhaps, just want some insights on how to have a great experience. 

That, actually, is my first point; your child’s senior year is all about the experience.  It’s the final chapter in their life at home and a celebration of their accomplishments at school.  Unlike school pictures, which while valuable, are really just a record of their growth, the Senior Portrait underlines one of the most significant milestones of their life.  The portrait session should convey this in an experience that is both fun and produces their best portraits ever! 

Senior Portrait sessions usually take place the summer preceding your senior year.  Generally, between May and September, with June-August the busiest months.  But that said, anytime up until graduation can work. 

Here are some other guidelines to consider:

1-Check out their website; most professional photographers have a website loaded with senior portrait samples.  By spending a few minutes there, you’ll know quickly if their style appeals to you or not.  Most of all, make sure your “senior” agrees with you.  A good photographer will give enough variety to please everyone.

2-Plan for your investment; the senior portrait is not like the school pictures you purchase every year.  I can promise you that in most cases, this is the last individual portrait of your child that you will have.  If you think that they’ll send you an update in 2 or 3 year, you’ll be waiting a long time.  Most likely, you won’t see another portrait of them until their engagement or wedding (wow, does time fly).  There can be a broad range of pricing options among photographers. Don’t be afraid to find out what to expect before you commit.

3- Schedule your session early; my own kids have graduated, and I was shocked at how busy the summer before their senior year was.  With so much going on, the more you can organize your time, the better.  Photographers tend to get busiest in August so you run the risk of squeezing in your session at a time that’s good for your photographer instead of a time that’s good for you.  You might even consider other times of the year.  We can satisfy yearbook requirements easily and then photograph for your personal use anytime during the year.

4-Don’t DIY; let’s face it, we live in a do it yourself world.  But that’s not always the wisest choice.  Here again, is where viewing the work of a professional will give you insight as to whether or not, their style matches your taste.  Plus, the experience of working with a pro can't be overstated.

5-Personality; as in any experience, we want to be around people that we like.  There’s an old saying that goes, “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.  When selecting a photographer, working with someone you like and respect will make the experience all the better.  Professional Photography is a relationship profession and should be one of the highlights of your senior year.

Take some time to do your homework and I can guarantee that this will be a cherished memory.

If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them as best I can!

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(Karl F. Ermisch ~ Marrone Photography) Clinton New Hartford Rome Senior Portraits Utica Whitesboro https://marronephotography.com/blog/2013/4/navigating-the-world-of-senior-portraits Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:59:35 GMT