New Blog Site

Friends,

I started writing blog posts in 2008 and have continued consistently since then. To better consolidate our efforts, we have combined our blog and website together. We thank you for reading our posts and we hope you will follow us at our new link.

http://robertharrisphoto.com/blog/

Give us your feedback and visit often.

Sincerely,

Robert

Robert Harris Photography

Aging Architecture

© Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy: All rights reserved


Several years ago, I mentioned the aging tobacco barns that were once prominent in Southside Virginia. No longer in use, the aging structures are fading from the landscape. In thirty years or so, these small wooden structures once used to cure tobacco will have vanished entirely. I had the good fortune to photograph some of these barns with the photography class I am leading at SVCC. (My father was kind enough to make the necessary arrangements to be granted permission by the Hudson family to photograph the site. )
I felt privileged as the team of enthusiasts photographed the landscape and various out buildings and barns and realized that coming generations will only be able to appreciate these structures through pictures; maybe even the ones being created that night.

The McKeever Family

30" painted canvas

© Robert Harris Photography: all rights reserved
Please do not copy or reproduce


We were delighted to install several beautiful portraits for the McKeever family this week. The final step before installing the custom art was to choose the perfect frame for the finished canvases. We are as thrilled with the results as they are!

With todays active lifestyles, art has been shown to provide health benefits; image the benefits of custom art of your family...

The Gift of Spring

© Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy or reproduce


Wanda and I took a much needed break today and strolled around Maymont Park; one of the treasures of the Richmond area. With a picnic lunch and a little sunscreen, we soaked in a beautiful spring day in Central Virginia. In the photograph above, Wanda absorbed the vista under a large oak tree that was probably around when the Dooley family built their mansion on the property in 1893.

Wanda and I work together every day, however today was just about enjoying the gift of Spring.

Michael at Ten

© Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy or reproduce


Michael is a ten year old that does what boys his age enjoy; playing outdoors, wake boarding, driving tractors and racing go carts at 60 mph. There is no question that his portrait would be created outdoors in the element he loves most. A well mannered young man with a bright spirit, Michael is a true joy to spend time with. His 36" portrait is now being painted to be hung over the stone fireplace in his parent's home. A portrait that truly represents Michael; a boy enjoying life at ten.....

Home from College

© Robert Harris Photography
Do not copy or reproduce

Three years after we photographed his Senior portraits, we were delighted to see Alex on his Spring Break from Howard University. While home, he wanted an updated portrait for his upcoming internship with a Fortune 500 company in Richmond. Majoring in marketing, we see this young man ready to make his mark! We are excited for Alex and wish him much success with his future goals.

Simple Moments

©Robert Harris Photography
Please do not reproduce or copy

I had to smile when preparing this image for inclusion in an album for the family. The flower girl's expression as she anticipates the final burst of spray completes a compelling composition of activity in preparation to celebrate the day. Simple moments like this help to weave a story that is unique to each day.

Aging Gracefully

© Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy or reproduce

When we think of a beautiful rose, we usually think of a flower full of color with softly curved petals surrounded by a gentle perfumed scent. Rarely do we see how beautiful the same flower can be even well past its prime. People are the same as this rose. We photograph many beautiful individuals during the prime of life, but none are more beautiful than a mature individual, abundant in years, aging gracefully, and full of character.

Virginia Awards

©Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy or reproduce

The above portrait of Cissy Anderson was judged: Best Bridal Portrait in Virginia's Professional Photography judging during the annual convention in Roanoke. Six lights were used to sculpt the beautiful features of Cissy during her portrait session before painting the image to further enhance her effortless beauty. We thank Cissy for this exquisite portrait as well as the judges who recognized this image as the "Best"



Image © Robert Harris Photography
Please do not copy or reproduce


"One Dog's Family" was judged the "Best Portrait of a Group," The portrait features the Jacqueline extended family and their dog, Daisy. Our complements to each individual in the group who made this portrait a complete success, and a special treat for "Daisy."

We greatly appreciate the accolades from our peers, however our greatest pleasure is knowing the joy our portraits bring to our clients and the value they place on our work...Wanda and I are very humbled and appreciative of you all.

With Sincere gratitude,

Robert

Morning Snow

© Robert Harris Photography
Please do not duplicate without permission


Sixty degree weather on Friday and almost six inches of snow on Sunday night produced a blend of Spring buds frozen in a layer of snow. The promise of approaching Spring and the reality of Winter....

A Place called Home

Image © Robert Harris Photography

We are in the process of completing a beautifully painted family portrait for the Martin Family. The last light of the day provided a wonderful warm glow to the camera study. Even the family pets paused for a "moment" as the scene came together at last light. Now off at college or living across town and distant cities, each individual briefly came together for a portrait in the place they all call "Home".

Contemporary Classic

©Robert Harris Photography


The special occasions of life deserve a lasting portrait. A brides wedding rises to the top of the list as one of those moments. So much time and preparation go into selecting the gown, accessories and hairstyle, we find brides desire a portrait that will capture the beauty and grace of this special time in their lives. A contemporary classic for a lifetime to come.

A Warm Smile for a Chilly Day

© Robert Harris Photography

Cameron was so excited to have his portrait made, he didn't even mind that the weather was chilly the day we created his portrait. Even a few drizzles of rain couldn't dampen his spirit! We used several scrims and reflectors to shape the light around him and to keep him dry as the portraits were made. We even had time to make a few images of Cameron hugging his mother toward the end of the session. My favorite memory of this six year old, is how well mannered he is. On his way out, Cameron left us with hugs and thanked us for "taking his picture."

Thank you, Cameron. I know your Mom and Dad are very proud of you.

Farmer's Market at Sunset

Image © Robert Harris Photography

When I was a child growing up in South Hill, VA., I remember a farmer who would bring fresh vegetables from his garden into town to sell to local residents. We called him "Butterbean" Jones. It was a good name, because I can remember it after all these years. Some 40ish years later, the town now has a new pavilion for farmers to sell their produce.

I was reminded of this story as the sun settled over the new Farmer's Market pavilion while making photographs of the new structure, nestled in the center of this vibrant town in Southside Virginia.

As nice as the structure is, it was a challenge to photograph. A combination of five exposures were captured as the sun set in the western sky to achieve the desired results. Passing clouds overhead produced a nice contrast to complete the composition. Now all we need is fresh vegetables this summer; Mr. Jones would have been proud.

The Artist's Date

Image © Robert Harris Photography
Image made w/ Leica d-lux 3 camera

I have found through the years that to maintain a "creative spirit", an artist must "replenish the well". Those who create know the challenge of maintaining a fresh approach to their work and remaining enthusiastic for each project. If we spend all of our time creating, we can become artistically exhausted.

Several years ago, I was encouraged to read "The Artist's Way". One of the main goals of the study was to take the time as an artist to replenish our creativity. Many times, I will take a walk with a camera to "see"; not for a client but for myself. Some of my favorite photographs have come during these times of "just for fun" and enjoying the beauty of creation and the handywork of our Creator.

I also take the time to appreciate work by other photographers, painters, the visual arts and music. One of our favorite Sunday afternoon diversions is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: VMFA. What a wonderful resource for the arts. We will grab lunch in the cafe within the museum and then visit an exhibit on a regular basis. We have recently taken in works by Picasso, Tiffany's, and most recently a wonderful exhibit of photography by Alfred Wertheimer, featuring beautiful black/white photographs of Elvis before he was a household name. Wertheimer's eye and technical ability are evident in the many photographs taken over a very brief period of time leading up to Elvis's growing fame.

We were first introduce to the museum when we were children by my Great Aunt Frances Harris. I remember my sisters and I spending the week with her in the summer. During our visit, our first stop was the library to pick up a couple of books to read. We then spent the rest of our time seeing the many sites around Richmond, including the capital and the museum and of course the Fire Museum on Churchill (I'm sure that was for my benefit and not my sisters)

Frances would be proud to know we are now members of the museum she first introduced us to when we were children and the roll it plays in helping to maintain our creative energy.

Robert


Reference
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: VMFA

Noah at Five

Image © Robert Harris Photography


December is the month Noah turned 5 years old. It is also the time we made this lasting portrait of Noah for his parent's home. The morning of the camera study was unusually warm for this time of year and the sun's rays brightened our spirits as we created a composition around the lake on the family farm. The sun also created a few lighting challenges we overcame with scrims to shape the light as well as strobes to create the pleasing light Noah's face. The 24x30 canvas will now hang near his sister's portrait we created almost two years ago when she was five.
Great memories, and more to come.

Happy New Year!!

Robert