Almost Deleted

This is another photo that got mixed in as a test shot that actually turned out well. This is a self portrait done with the remote on my Nikon. I had the camera set to manual focus, and was checking the exposure. I love that hat.

This is why you shouldn't get in the habit of deleting a photo from the camera. Always import it, give it a chance, and then delete it if you need to. I'm trying to get in the habit of checking the photos on the camera less while I'm in a session. I just need to trust the consistency and focus on the subject.

One More

Ok, one more from the shoot with Rhonda.

I had so much fun. I think a lot of that was Rhonda's fault, she's just a lot of fun to hang out with, but also I just have fun pushing that little shutter button down.

This was shot using my homemade snoot with a 20 degree grid strapped to the front of it. I basically stole the idea from one of my favorite photographers, Zack Arias. Instead of buying a lightsphere and painting it, I cut a hole in the bottom of an old Lysol Disinfectant Wipes pale, and wrapped it in black gaff.

Oh, and I love this location. There is still so much more of it to explore, and it's right in my backyard. 10 points if you know where it is.

Elevator Number 5

My very good friend Rhonda came by today and we snapped off a few shots for her newsletter. Despite it being a little claustrophobic, we were able to fit myself, Rhonda, two bags, a light stand with a half-collapsed 60" umbrella and a Nikon SB-28 flash in the same elevator. I used a 15mm fisheye lens on the D80 to grab Rhonda in what I like to call her "Muppet Face". I told her this one would hit the internet.

If you're in the Charlotte/Fort Mill area, I'm running a special on portraits until the end of June. $25 per 'look' with a minimum of 30 minutes and one location per look. A 'look' is basically a change of clothes and hair. You'll walk away with at least 3 photos per look. Single portraits only. Contact me if you're interested.

African Baby

I'm backing up my photos today and this photo catches my eye like never before.

I want to go overseas again.

And I want to kiss this kid on the cheek.

Clearly I Need More Models

Not that Heather isn't beautiful, and a really good sport, I can't make up an entire portfolio with nothing but my wife. I mean, I could, and I would, but I won't.

I mentioned that I would be giving away free portrait sessions, so here are the details.

ATTENTION: This is not a popularity contest, and I am not picking 'favorites'. It's not personal, it's business.

To be considered for a free portrait session, please do the following:

1. Become a 'FAN' of Organic Visual on Facebook.
2. Post a current photo of yourself on the wall of the Organic Visual Facebook page.
3. Start your post with "PORTRAIT GIVEAWAY:"
4. In the description, briefly tell me what you intend to use the photo for.
5. Tell me what your geographical location is. I'll be shooting in Charlotte in June, Hampton Roads and DC in July.

The deadline is May 23rd at Noon-ish. One week from right now.

My wife, Heather, and I will be choosing and scheduling 4 sessions in the Charlotte/Fort Mill area, and 6 sessions in the DC/NoVa/Hampton Roads area.

Things you should be aware of:

1. You must be at least 16 years old.
2. You must be willing to sign a release form giving Levi Bethune and Organic Visual full rights to any photos taken, as they may be used for promotional material, private galleries, and commercial use. (under 18 needs parent's signature)
3. You must be willing to drive up to 15 minutes to meet me at a location of my choosing.

You'll get at least 5 GREAT photos out of this deal, and it will only take about an hour. My wife will be with me on the shoots to help with art direction and comfort. Further instructions and details will be sent out to the people we select, but this is just what you need to know right now.

Please understand, if I don't pick you, that doesn't mean I don't like you. It doesn't mean you're not photogenic, and it doesn't mean I won't take your photos some other time. This is not a contest. I'm looking for a rather specific, yet diverse look to represent the photography for my business.

Even if you're not picked, based to the response of this offer, I will be giving away more sessions in the future, and all those offers will be made first to the people who participate in Facebook/Twitter.

Free Portraits Anyone?

I'm looking to boost up my photography portfolio, so I'm going to be offering some free portrait sessions.

You come with makeup, wardrobe and hair ready to go, and I'll pick the location and bring 'props'. We'll spend no more than one hour, and I'll give you at least 3 free images that I choose from. I'll use any and all images for my own personal and business portfolio, and you'll have to sign a model release.

(You must be 16 years old or older. Single portraits, headshots, or couples only. I'm not offering family portraits for free online, but contact me if you're interested.)

There are limited spaces available, and I will be choosing the people I shoot. If you're interested, and in the Charlotte area during the month of June, or the DC area in July, visit the Organic Visual facebook page and become a fan. Details will be posted there FIRST. If you want to get in on it and don't have a facebook account, you can follow @organicvisual on twitter. Oh, don't have twitter either? Ok, you can read about it right here on this blog after it's been posted in those two places first.

Zoyenka Loves Momma

Isn't she gorgeous?

This photo was taken on Mothers' Day while we were picnicking at the Greenway in Fort Mill, SC.