Why long and painful? Well, in some ways I had to learn Photography all over again. Software and a computer rather than a darkroom; new cameras that cost 10 to 20 times what my old cameras cost; classes and seminars and endless sessions of trial and error. Now that the Studio is completely Digital, is that all over and behind me? Of course not, Digital Photography is continuing to grow and change, new equiptment and software is coming out all the time. Some might say I'm on the leading of technology, around here we call it "The bleeding edge of Technology"

You might wonder why, when everything was working so well with film, I went through all that. Well, let me show you a few of the things that Digital Photography allows me to do better than ever possible with film.

Occasionally, a family planning a Portrait during their vacation here in Ocean City finds out that due to some emergency that one member cannot be present for the Portrait. On one occasion, one of the fathers in the family had to return home for a work related emergency, and by the time he would return, several other family members would have left town. Should they cancel the Portrait or have a Family Portrait without all the family?

Actually, we photographed the family without the dad, and photographed him when he returned. Check on the Portrait below to see if you can figure out who was missing.

Click to see who was missing

And how about one more just for fun.

Click to see who was missing

Once in a while I get a call from someone who loves the look of a Beach Portrait but is concerned about a family member's ability to participate due to health problems. Also, weather plays a great part, too much wind, or a breeze from the west bringing bugs to the beach can make a Portrait Session a disaster.

With all this in mind, I built a sand dune behind the Studio several years ago. While it is not the real beach, most clients are fascinated with the sand, real dune fence and real dune grass. Thanks to Digital Photography, I can make Portraits done on this easily accessable and protected dune, look just like the Portraits done on the real beach on the best of days! Remember, this Studio Dune is used only when we can not or should not go to the real beach. One client jokingly accused me of wanting to use the Studio Dune because it was easier for me. Little did he know that Portraits done on the Studio Dune require 5 to 10 hours of computer time not needed out on the natural beach!

Click to see the unenhanced image