Laughter is the Best Medicine

Kids Amaze Me

A few weeks back we posted about our little friend Michael who recently lost his mom to cancer and has relocated to the Finger Lakes to live with his grand parents. He was in need of almost everything. We put the word out and the community came through in force. Michael received clothes, bunk beds, a PS2 system with games and more. One story that really touched me was when one little boy heard of Michaels situation, he immediately told his mom that he wanted to give Michael all his toys. He ended up giving Michael a full tote of his Thomas the Tank wooden trains. It puts a lump in my throat with pride to live in such a great place with such amazing people.

Class of '09 MySpace Challenge

I feel I have an awesome website, thanks to Ellen from Lake Effects Web Design, as well as an awesome blog. My Myspace web page is in need of some serious work though. So here's the challenge: Any student from the Class of 2009 who submits a Myspace layout to us will receive a free set of 8 wallets with their order. Wait it gets better. The top 10 layouts will receive their session at 50% off and the winning design will receive their entire session, including any add-on session modules totally free. In addition, the winning senior will receive a web slideshow of their session set to music and published on our Myspace page. Layouts will be judged on creativity and their ability to generate traffic to the studio. We're looking for a design that will reflect our branding, logo and of course our images, so if you need any supporting material feel free to ask. The winning design will be picked on April 30, 2008. To view the current page go to http://www.myspace.com/cheslerphoto

Scenics from Red Rock

I would certainly not consider myself a landscape artist when it comes to photography. There is so much I need to learn about creating the magnificent vistas I see in Outdoor Photographer Magazine. I do realize that I am not choosing the perfect time of day for lighting, but there are so many other little tricks and details that I would love to learn. Here are some of my attempts from Red Rock Canyon. They are not bad at all, just don't expect them to be on any magazine covers in the near future.

Red Rock Canyon

On Wednesday, Amanda, Mark, Ellen and I went to Red Rock Canyon just west of Las Vegas. It was really cool even though we didn't get a chance to see any of the big horn sheep or wild horses that reside there. I personally liked the Valley of Fire better last year, but Red Rock was still impressive. Next years Senior Portrait Artists conference will be held at the Red Rock Resort just outside the canyon.

Viva Las Vegas!

It doesn't matter how many times I visit Las Vegas, I come back every time, not only exhausted beyond function, but inspired beyond belief. The WPPI conference was exceptional again. I am returning with a full head of ideas and a further renewed passion for my career. I went with Ellen and Amanda, but we also brought Amanda's husband Mark. He is not a photographer, but I have a feeling he will be very shortly. The experience he took away from the conference was a life altering "awakening" on his view of the world around him. It was so profound that words can't convey it, it must be experienced first hand. I exeperienced what he did my first year at WPPI in 2005, and to see him experience the same thing feels like I brought someone over with me into the light. It is not the light of death, but the light of life. Here are a few images from Vegas, including some of Mark and Amanda sipping some of the surreal moments that are inevitable in such a surreal place.

The sunrise image above was shot obscenely early by Ellen Chesler.

Vegas Baby!!!!!!!

I don't know what I'm still doing up. I'm heading to Vegas later today for the WPPI conference, which has become an annual tradition for Daryn and I for four years now. My sister Ellen joined us last year and this year we will also be joined by Amanda and her husband Mark. Each year I came away with something different, from huge amounts of inspiration and marketing ideas to some great new friendships. My first year there I felt like I was bowing to the stars and now I feel like I'm going back to hang with old friends. I am so thankful that I have a career that allows me to travel and experience events like this. I will be online sporadically to check my e-mail and post some of this years excitement. Sue and Kim will be in the studio this week holding down the fort. Well that's it for now. Next stop, Bally's Las Vegas.

This morning on 13WHAM

We did the morning show this morning for Channel 13. We had a great time, despite me feeling under the weather. Click on the link below to view the vidoe clips from this mornings segments.

Trash the Dress Video

Double Take

I had the privilege of photographing these adorable twin girls this past week for the twins book. Vogue has got nothin on these little ladies. The photos for the book are coming along nicely. We are still looking for more sets of twins who are willing to share their stories with us for the Tribute to Twins.

13WHAM Morning Show Delayed

You may have noticed that we were not on the 13WHAM Morning Show this past Monday. We have actually rescheduled it for this coming Monday, March 10. The crew from Channel 13 will be out here on Thursday to scope out the studio for a live broadcast.

Kudos to the Pilot

My brother just sent me this You Tube video of a commercial airliner trying to land in a heavy cross wind in Hamburg, Germany when a much stronger gust nearly crashed it. The pilot should be made a national hero for saving the lives of all on board.

Sessions for Michael

A few weeks ago Amanda's cousin called from down south to tell her parents that she had been having headaches so she went to the doctor. They discovered a brain tumor that needed immediate surgery. The tumor was so extensive that she didn't survive the operation. She was a single mom of a 6-year-old boy named Michael. He is now up here in Rushville with his grandparents. Michael did not have much where he lived and has even less now. Michael is in need of boys clothing, size 6, and shoe size of 12. He has no winter clothing to speak of, or toys. In order to get some things for Michael quickly, I am offering a free half hour in studio portrait session and an 8x10 print for anyone who brings in a donation for Michael. If you can bring something to the studio as soon as possible, we can schedule the appointment for the shoot at your convenience.

Answered Prayers

A few months back I posted about our little friend Janie who was fighting cancer. The prognosis did not look good at all. I asked everyone to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I just got the news this weekend that when the doctors did their last scan they couldn't find anything. The cancer appears to be gone. I was in disbelief. I think I still am. I'm even hesitant to post this, feeling like I might somehow jinx things. Could it be that the prayers of hundreds or thousands have been answered? Or could the courage and strength of one small child be enough to kill the beast? I don't know, but I do know that I will hug my kids a little tighter tonight.

"Sarah Sing"

My little sweetie peetie pumpkin pie turned 10 today. Double digits, what a milestone. She's already talking about a car. We had an awesome party for her last night at Bristol Harbour. Our good friend Kate Lee performed with her band during the party. The highlight of the night was when Kate Lee debuted her brand new song "Sarah Sing" that she wrote for Sarah. I can't wait for it to be recorded. Sarah smiled from ear to ear all night.

Happy Birthday Sweetie. I Love You. -Dad

Visit Kate Lee's website at KateLeeMusic.com