Chuck's Articles

Simple, squirrelly, soccer - 2007-08-02

CHUCK BROWN
OUT THERE

There is no simpler game than soccer.
OK, "Belching Contest" is pretty simple.
All right, fine. So is "Who Has The Best Scar?"
But in the wide world of sports, soccer is paint-by-numbers.
Soccer is so simple the balls don't even come.... Full Story >>


Engaging questions popping up everywhere - 2007-07-31

CHUCK BROWN
OUT THERE

Today's important topic is one to which most of us can relate - guys who propose marriage by having the engagement ring delivered by a really cute kitty and the friends who mock them.

I have a friend (who I'll identify only as Jim Rice over concer.... Full Story >>


WHAT'S NEW AT CBP.COM?

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT GRAD PICS
Why wait until May or June when the bugs are out and the ground is muddy? Our senior portrait photo shoots are designed to give you photos with the look and feel you're looking for. It's personal, it's fun and you can always shoot now and order prints later.
E-mail, call or facebook message for an appointment. Shoots last about an hour and can be done at the location of your choice or I can suggest some.


BUTT OUT FOR THE KIDS...
Coming soon to arenas near you is an awareness campaign encouraging adults not to smoke near arena doorways where kids are walking in and out. I was happy to contribute to this important issue. Now we just need a catchy slogan... Give a hoot, don't smoke near arena entrances!
OK, back to the drawing board...

CLICK HERE FOR LARGER IMAGE

Thanks for visiting CHUCK BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY, specializing in on-location family portraits, sports teams and leagues, grad photo packages and weddings.

Many of the images in these galleries are available for purchase. If you see an image you want in a section other than FOR SALE, please contact me for availability.

If you want to know more, or if you want to book a photo shoot, e-mail at chuck@nbnet.nb.ca

STYLE GUIDE

Written by R. Kramer/House of Photography used with permission.

So you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior OR FAMILY Portraits.

* Choose a VARIETY of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy. Also use a variety of colors... for example, if you bring a black, gray and white outfits for a 3 outfit session. You're previews will be really drab and boring. These are all good choices, but include some items of color too!
* Stay clear of stripes! (large bold ones of 5+" are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.
* Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.
* The most common problem we see is sunburn! and tan lines from the tanning salons! Everyone please keep out of the sun a week or two before your session. We often see uneven sunburn from guys who wear ball caps, peeling skin on noses from recent burns, raccoon eyes from those who were burned while wearing sunglasses. Or strap lines on the shoulders of gals who wish to be photographed in a strapless formal dress or top. Sunburn, uneven tanning and tan lines can not be retouched. Your session will need to be rescheduled.
* Second biggest problem is clothes that are wrinkled or don't fit. Gals, don't bring your clothes rolled up in a ball in a backpack. They'll be a winkled mess and they will photograph that way. Guys! we see over and over that their shirt collar and sleeves do not fit. Often due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. It is imperative that your your shirt and tie are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.

* Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds. So if you like these more dramatic looks, use darker more subdued colors.

* Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds. So if you like the lighter sets and backgrounds, bring lighter clothes that will go good with the backgrounds you prefer.

* For outdoor portraits. Be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. We recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors.

* Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. So try and use styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer. Otherwise you're portrait will look dated and out of style in a year or two. Classic solid sweaters will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer.

* Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! No problem for your casual clothes. And though white socks are in, they don't photograph well. So bring darker ones too. (just in case they show!) Guys don't forget those belts and Gals, don't forget your jewelry,

* Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large & bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.


Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some ideas:

* Musical Instrument
* Vehicle (car/truck/bike/cart) you must book a special session for this. They often require we go to a nearby park requires extra time and cost.
* Leather Jacket
* Uniform/ball/helmet/shoes/stick/bat the more the better!
* Hats
* Sports Equipment
* Sunglasses
* Poms/megaphone, cheerleaders don't forget your lollies.
* Pets (check with the studio ahead of time, they are an extra change for additional time/film required. And there are restrictions, we require a handler/pet carrier to tend to your pet during the rest of your session and they can't wait in the studio (As many of our other seniors have allergies) or in a hot car! They can't be tied up outside. Call the studio for tips.

Here are some final tips:

* Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait. That and all the little elements that come together to create the end result. Each thing you do right will make a major difference in the end product.
* Lenses must be removed from your glasses. Your optometrist will do this for free if you can't do it yourself. Or... borrow a pair of empty frames from your optometrist that look similar to your own. They'll often do this for free or for a small 5.00 deposit that they refund when you return them. Due to our lighting and the way we concentrate our lighting to bring out your eyes we can not photograph you with lenses in your glasses if you plan to wear them.
* Contacts can be worn, but often your eyes will be less red and will have more sparkle if you can get by with your contact lenses out.
* Long sleeve dresses and shirts are MUCH better than short sleeves ESPECIALLY for your head and shoulder/traditional poses.
* Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.
* Darker clothes minimize body size.
* Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group, don't mix lights & darks in the same outfit.
* To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose.
* Don't forget to bring your jewelry, especially your class ring. If you're in sports don't forget, helmet and ball, hockey stick, etc. You often need to contact your school/coach weeks in advance to get jerseys and helmets during the summer. (don't delay in doing this)
* You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! 5 o'clock shadow will show and can't be touched up! If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Gals, don't go get a new style or go to a new stylist that you've never used before.
* A little Visene will "get the red out" if you have allergies!
* Heavier thicker materials will photograph and lay better for example, a sweatshirt is much thicker and will photograph ten times better than a t-shirt or button down cotton shirt. Guys, button down shirts are fine if you put a sweater or suit or sport coat over them.
* Having your clothes fit and ironed is very important!
* Get a good night's rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session!



Like it? You can buy it!

Many of the photos you'll see in the galleries are available for purchase. You can order through the web site and pay securely using PAYPAL or you can contact me by phone or e-mail.

Packages are also available. Contact me and we can create the perfect print package for your needs and price range.

Let me take your picture

At Chuck Brown Photography you can enjoy a stress-free, no pressure photo shoot in the comfy surroundings of your own home or yard or favourite outdoor setting. The results are relaxed, fun, casual shots that I hope will find a treasured place on your wall or in your family photo album.

I bring 15 years of photojournalism experience to wedding shoots, giving you a unique collection of shots that tell a complete story of your big day.



SANTA'S HELPERS PICS

Please contact me for print orders.
If you saw your child in the Courier, you can order prints through the paper.
THANKS

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AWARDS AND HONOURS

THANKS ST. STEPHEN SPARTANS FOR HELPING ME WIN AN AWARD
The Canadian Community Newspaper Association announced March 10 that my photo of the St. Stephen Spartans hoisting the Nicholas Desilets Trophy won third place in the CCNA Better Newspapers Competition for sports photography. It's quite an honour to be singled out from among all the community newspapers in the country.

UPDATE FROM THE ONTARIO NEWSPAPER AWARDS IN WATERLOO
In case you missed it on CNN, BBC, HNN, CBCNW or St. Stephen-based humour columnists.com... I just returned from a whirlwind tour of some part of Ontario that's not Toronto where I humbly accepted an Ontario Newspaper Award - The Sandy Baird Award for Humour Writing.
My editor, Phil Andrews, a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan, commented, "Ole!" adding, "Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!"

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