Archive for the 'Gatherings' Category

Charlie Rocks

Published
by
mattp9
on March 29, 2007
in Family, Gatherings and Photos
. 0 Comments

Well, I made it. This is for 3/29/2007 and it’s just after Midnight of the 30th. Still at work, swapping workstations and configuring the new ones for folks to work on tomorrow at 7AM.

This is Charlie - One of my great-nephews. I have several.

One of the advantages of being the last of 8 siblings is having a big extended family!

The guitar that Charlie is playing is my old 6-string Applause (made by same folks, and looks like an Ovation).

The neck on this beast is made of cast aluminum. including the frets as I found out. I wore grooves into the frets. Wore them down so far, that the strings started buzzing against the fingerboard. I tried to fix it myself with epoxy and that didn’t work. I guess I could have ordered a new neck from somewhere, but the prices I was seeing were more than the original cost of the guitar.

So.. I bought a new one, and had this one sitting around.

Charlie’s dad and mom, Chris and Katherine, are musicians first in their hearts.

I saw that Charlie would love to come over and play this guitar, even when it buzzed. He didn’t know the difference.

I decided to give it to him as a play toy.

Not wanting his fingers to be accidentally cut, I took the strings off.

Uncles are good for some things.

Old guitars being one of them.

Light Mood

Published
by
mattp9
on March 1, 2007
in Gatherings, Photos and Portrait
. 0 Comments

From my recent photo seminar.

Painting with light again.

I love the look on her face and the way the light enhances her features.

Really a simple photo, but the mood is powerful to me.

Kevin - Using Adobe InDesign

Published
by
mattp9
on February 28, 2007
in Gatherings, Photos and Portrait
. 3 Comments

Another from the last day of the photography workshop.

Kevin is a very talented person. Kind of an understatement. A renaissance man of talents. He shared on the use of Adobe InDesign as a tool for creating photographic picture books for weddings and other events.

I’m on overload with my brain stuffed with ideas and possibilities after three days of this workshop gathering of Midwest area photographers. Met a great bunch of people who are willing to share their talents, experiences and opportunities. A great spirit of friendship and commitment to quality customer service.

I’m thinking a bit more out of the box of normalcy now, and hope to bring some of that to my images here and elsewhere shortly.

FYI - Taken again with my 50mm 1.4 prime lens. This has no noise reduction on it, just some brightening levels. Otherwise, straight from the camera.

Anne and TimCo

Published
by
mattp9
on February 27, 2007
in Friends, Gatherings and Photos
. 0 Comments

At a photography seminar in Indianapolis, IN

Had a great time soaking up the experience, techniques, how-tos, and tips on professional photography from some experienced pros located in the MId-West. Each spent time explaining one or more aspects of their business flow, their shooting techniques, or marketing styles.

This is Anne and TimCo. Anne spent time sharing her way of marketing It’s all about making it a personal experience with each client. Everyone you meet, can have a positive or negative affect on your business. Time cut her presentation, and that was sad, as she was really effective in presenting her style.

TimCo didn’t present. I think he was running her slides, but I’m not sure. We are a group of about 60 photographers and the buzz of networking conversations kept even the breaks a busy time of discovery and new relationship building.

The photograph was taken with my 50mm f1:1.4 lens stopped down a bit to increase the depth of field. This is at ISO 1600, which is the limit of my camera. It was a lot darker in the room than this portrays. I’m pushing the limits and having fun doing it! =)

Painting With Light

Published
by
mattp9
on February 26, 2007
in Gatherings, Photos and Portrait
. 0 Comments

Cool technique.

Dark room, cooperative model who does not move, flashlight snooted with

black craft paper, f22, 20 seconds, ISO 100. Start shutter, turn light on,

and paint the light onto the model.

This is one of the few times I’ve spent time in a ladie’s restroom! We

used the retro couch in the vestibule of the restroom. This was one of

several I took this afternoon at a photography workshop in Indianapolis. No

processing, straight from the camera. No Internet from our hotel :-(.

More when I get a better connection!

* Sent from my Palm Treo 650

Matthew D. Penning

Email: matt@penning.us

Homepage: http://www.penningfamily.com

Blog: http://blog.penning.us

Photos: http://flickr.com/photos/mattp9/sets/

Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of

courage and true progress.

– Nicholas Murray Butler

Bonnie & Her Troupe

Published
by
mattp9
on February 23, 2007
in Friends, Gatherings, Photos and Portrait
. 0 Comments

Linda, Shelby, Karee & Bonnie Pose

Had a great birthday bash during lunch today at work.

Low and behold, folks wanted their pictures taken!

I obliged.

Happily!

Bonnie leads a group of dedicated folks who maintain a database of contact information on over 40,000 medical providers who interact with our clients. A very important and complex task.

We blew off some stress playing with the party hats! =)

7 of 8 Siblings

Published
by
mattp9
on January 7, 2007
in Family, Gatherings, Photos, Portrait and Wedding
. 0 Comments



7 of 8 Siblings



Dipping into the well again for today’s picture of the day.

This photo was taken in April 2002 at my niece Monica’s wedding to her Matt. It captures seven of eight siblings, gathered together. I’m not remembering why the champagne bottle was there, but we all put our hands on it. Missing is my sister Mary Anne.

In order of age, we are Larry, the oldest, Denny, Nick, Frank, Mary Anne, John, Trish and Matt - that’s me. Frank, who has a light trench coat on in this photo, was the Father of the bride. He died about 6 months after the wedding. We all miss him greatly.

Family ties, are strong in our family. We share our joys and celebrations, as well as depend on the support of family in hard times and sorrows. Some closer than others, but all connected by the love we share. We’re a bunch of hard headed folks too. It’s our spouses, children, uncles, aunts, and friends who let us know when we need to lighten up. That’s extended family.

I’m grateful for my family and larger extended family.