Rick Hawkins Photography

time machine at my finger tips

I love having a photography business of long standing and history. I have a great group of clients that have called on me for years. I hate to even refer to them as clients because they are also friends at this point. I have a rare oppurtunity to be involved in their lives as a chronicler of time and change. I often keep all their photos stored in one folder and have a pictorial time machine at my fingers. I have some ideas on how to work a group of photographs that were taken over a long period into a interesting sequence that shows the dramatic growth of young folks. I've been experimenting with books and video clips. I'll be working on fine tuning this idea over the summer.
This is Harper. I think the photos are about 8 years apart. I'm looking forward to working with the Kates soon. Note to Jennifer, I'd like re-shoot the boys next to the front window copying the photo of the boys at the window. Note to everyone else, this is the kind of "business" I'm looking for. We can all watch each other get old and hopefully have some proof that we enjoy the process.

summer portrait time....going for the timeless

It's the time of year that I start booking summer portraits. I've had a portrait "season" for about 15 years now. So much has changed in the time frame with me and with the business of photography. Ny first ten years in photography was spent trying to learn how to use the camera in a creative way and this pursuit led me into the world of band photography and album art. I didn't really start doing portraits professionally until after I got my photography degree. At that time there was about five portrait/wedding photographers here in town and not many more in the county. But as high end photography gear got more economically viable and digital editing became a much easier thing to accomplish due to effect plug-ins, the number of people calling themselves photographers went through the ceiling. The effect of so many folks entering the market has driven down the fees of photographers and more than that it has changed the way that many folks see photographs. The current trend is heavy on the editing and colors have become very washed out. They often appear more like an advertisement than a family. But I can't help but wonder how this look will wear with time. I remember in the 70's that double exposure was often used at weddings with the bride super-imposed in the corner opposite the groom. Usually a candle was involved. Now these photographs are snickered at. Now, I'm not implying that the current popular "look" is destined for a future of jokes but every trend in "style" does always have a shelf life. After trying a few times to get the plug-in look I had the realization that in order to maintain a fresh look I just needed to focus on making my photographs as good as they could be with as little editing as possible. I think the straighter the photograph the better chance it has of becoming "timeless".


What I enjoy about doing portraits is the importance of it. While it may seem like a pretty picture of loved ones it has a historical context within the framework of a family that adds another level of depth. My goal is not just to take pretty picture but also to capture some element of a persons personality that will help the photograph transcend it's background or the outfits folks are wearing. Photography through time has always been mainly about keeping a memory. I want that memory to hopefully say something about the person and sometimes that thing is unseen outside of the people close to that person. I've found that the photographs between the smile and say cheese shots are often the strongest in this respect. Of course I have to get those shots as well but more often than not people comment years later not on the posed shots but the photographs where the kids are cutting up.


The photo above is a good example of subtle personality in a photograph. I didn't realize when I shot the photo that the boy's shoelaces were untied and later while editing i was talking to the mother and I was actually worried about it. "Oh, he never ties his shoes", she said. Years later she told me that it was her favorite photograph of him. " He ties his shoes now" she said with a sad look on her face. I thought that I had messed up at the time and instead I was able to deliver something important and valuable to her memories. Lesson learned and not to be forgotten. I've been thinking about writing this blog for awhile and more than it being informative for clients it was something that I needed to cement into my own mind by putting it out there in a public way. Every so often I have to rededicate myself to my craft and have an idea on how to proceed and market. I will always experiment and be playful when attempting portraits but I want to rededicate my self to looking at the portrait as more than just smiling folks looking at the camera. I have clients that I currently use a journalistic approach with. We often photograph at their homes and capture real events instead of creating an event or doing things that they never do outside of having the their picture taken. I hope more people will be interested in the idea. I'm very open to projects and or events as vehicles for a "shoot". Well...I think I'm done here...I appreciate you taking your time to hear my thoughts. I'm looking forward to my summer shoots. Let's talk! I'm booking now! Also all fees include ownership of files and no silly rules about my photos having to have my name water marked across them when displayed on social media.

Child portraits.....black and white

I've never thought black and white was my strong suit. I've always loved good black and white prints and have been awed at some photographers ability to use the process to a grand and often poetic effect. When I first began shooting and for the 20 years until I went digital I had to use black and white film. That forced me to view everything I was shooting with that roll as a final black and white product. This was a good exercise for me but more often than not I was carrying a couple of rolls and seldom using them. I did make it a practice of shooting at least one roll at all my portrait shoots but the processing of the film and getting proper prints made it difficult. Although I love what digital photography has done for me, sometimes I miss being constrained by choosing a certain film type or even speed. Shooting film was a very expensive ordeal for a person who loved to shoot all the time. I was more careful and deliberate with my actions with the camera. I'm glad I have this in my experience and I'm trying to keep that mode of operation in mind. I continue using black and white now and would love for a client to request an all black and white session. I think it would be a neat way to approach a shoot. You could plan for it as far as locations and dress. Hint Hint...anyone?




The photographs above were all made with film.

Jimmy Hendrix Tribute

I recently shot the Jimmy Hendrix tribute tour at TPAC in Nashville. I met up at the show with Evan from American Songwriter The show featured several renowned players. The line-up was: Dweezil Zappa, Jonny Lang, Robert Randolph, Keb Mo, Kenny Wayne Shephard and Buddy Guy. There was guitar pyrotechnics all around. I was only allowed with the press pass to shoot the first song of each persons section in the show. This made it an intense experience. I wanted to get my standard journalistic shots right off and still have a few minutes to experiment and try some double exposures. Consequently I also got to watch the show as a member of the audience. Which often I feel removed from...unfortunately. The show was great. The sound was clear and not overbearingly loud. Robert Randolph really blew me away on the pedal steel. His guitar parts sometimes seemed to emulate background vocals. Buddy Guy was a real dude. He has a real understanding of "owning" the stage. I really feel fortunate that music photo-journalism has found me. It gives me the chance to go out and see music and photograph. Two of my favorite things, but at shows I'm "working" there an added level of intensity that I enjoy. Theres a heightened sense of atmosphere and more attention to the energy of the show. Now if Evan can land me the Roger Waters pass then it will be on. Oh yeah...then theres Bonnaroo.

Fall portraits

I had several fun photo shoots. It's been cloudy most of the days I've shot but I kinda reveled in the flat light and windows.






Heres a few. More in the portraits folder.

Olivia

Olivia is growing fast. This was our second photo shoot in 6 months and it is quite evident that she has grown. She is more alert now. Big eyes take in the world. Its hard to get a unique shot of children this age. Many folks go for the baby in a bucket shot at this stage but thankfully not the Branch family! Plus with the last name of Branch the baby on the tree works! In other information this site (for reasons unknown) is not accurately reproducing the colors of my photographs. I am suffering a loss in the richness of color. I have sent them an inquiry into this issue. The photos here are not looking like the photos I am uploading. They are for some reason somewhat muted. I'm putting this out there because I may have to soon change and upgrade this blog. It may be time for a big change!

CCL 50 years young

This year marked the 50th birthday of a place near and dear to my heart. As young boy I gained new perspectives and insights from my time spent at summer camp. I was an awkward camper. I was somewhat intimidated by some of the other boys. This is not a negative on my fellow campers, it is simply a recognition of my shortcomings in youth. Camp helped my shortcomings but in ways that would not become obvious to me until later in life. Every persons experience of camp is different I'm sure. This was evident at this years alumni reunion. Stories were told and boys became legends and heros. I wasn't that camper. I was tied to the place as much as the people. I have always belonged outdoors so camp was a realization of what I am in that respect. My place as a camper came later as I took my photography there and attempted to catch what I had always found magical. It was and is through my camera that I can express to current campers and alumni my understanding of the magic. The action of boys and the green glorious summer of the cumberland plateau. Thank you Malcolm and Patsy for retaining the integrity and simple magic so that we can all continue to learn and pull from our experiences that came from our time in your place.
More photos can be found in the CCl folder and available for ordering on http://pictage.com/1098194

CCL gearing up for the 50th

Camp Country Lad is one of my favorite on-going photography projects. Of course I'm biased from being a camper there as a kid. It's a wonderful place that has kept it's traditions and place unchanged for 5o years. This month is the 50th birthday and I will be returning to photograph for the second time this summer. My July 4th visit was great and I got some interesting shots as the senior staff put on a great fireworks show. Large rockets zoomed overhead from the dam while others went straight up from a canoe. All reflected in the lake. I also did a few night shots that I liked that caught one of my favorite things about camp...the absence of ambient light pollution. The sky is bright with stars.


I have taken alot of photographs but never shot the big dipper. It's always fun to scratch one off the list. I'll blog again after the 50th and I'll see all you CCL folks there. If you are not a CCL person and have questions about this wonderful experience for your child contact me. I'm more than willing to describe to you how what I learned at the camp has benefitted my life and how it may be as valuable as any education I ever received. More photos in the CCL folder. Oh yeah...heres me at 14 with a big fish at camp. Thats another story for another time.

Steve Miller

Again I got the call from American Songwriter to cover The Steve Miller Band at the Ryman. I love the Ryman and grew up with Steve Miller. His Book of Dreams record was the first record I ever bought with my own money. His career is interesting in that it was going nowhere then he almost died and during his recovery time wrote all the songs that would go on to be on the albums Book of Dreams and Fly Like an Eagle. Many huge hits came from that time and many of those songs have been run into the ground even to this day on classic rock radio. It was neat to see a performer that is basically an old blues dude who just happened to figure out how to write pop songs. He has sold over 35 million records!
At this show I tried some new things. I had been experimenting alot with in-camera double exposure while in NYC. I tried this technique for the first time on a "big" band at this show. I think I'll keep throwing it in the mix.

I love those Ryman windows! Click on photos to enlarge!

Willie Nelson

I photographed Willie Nelson this summer for American Songwriter magazine. It was great to gets so close to a living legend. There aren't many songwriters/performers of Willies caliber still alive and doing business. He belongs up there with Ray Charles and Johnny Cash and he performed and wrote songs for both of those fellows. People joke about his partying but he is one of the hardest working men in the business. His current tour helped raise funds for tornado relief in Alabama. He is 79 years old and still kicking butt.
The stories that guitar could tell! That instrument could have been in the Country Music Hall of Fame 30 years ago!

at the park

I met the Buttreys and The Millers in Nashville for a family photo shoot. Centennial Park is an interesting spot to photograph. There was a big wedding at the Parthenon so we used the pond and the gardens. Neat spots! It was hot but that didn't stop the young'uns from running about and jumping.
I like getting families together in the same shot. It always adds some historical perspective getting folks together.

the Watts

I like doing home visits. I like trying to catch the connection between the people and the place. The comfort level of the subjects is visible. The Watts are located on a little slice of Tn. heaven. A long straight gravel drive bordered by a horse that greets you on the way in. They had great trees all around and a happy dog. Life is good!

More in the portraits folder! Click on an image to enlarge! Thanks to the Watts!

The Bakers' 50th !

I've known the Bakers for more than twenty years. They are the parents of one of my best friends. They have always been a very sweet couple. They renewed their vows in front of a small group of family. I think everyone there would say it was a day that lifted up our faith of what love could and should be.

Crawfish Party 2011

I attend the Kates' Crawfish Party every year. It's something I look forward to with great anticipation. The food is amazing and the folks gathered there are wonderful. I'm already looking forward to next year!


Thanks to the Kates for a great event!

Charlie is in the house

The Olsons have a nice little thing going. Kids from the neighborhood jumping around. Interesting cats sneaking about. So now they add Charlie to the mix. She's sweet and thats a good thing to add in. Older sister is a natural for the camera. In fact they're all pretty people. Except Colin of course. I can see that and he'll expect me to.


This was a house call. I enjoy house calls.

Olivia

I shot the Branchs' wedding. It was a great honor to get the call to photograph the newest member of the family. Olivia is a cute baby and I look forward to photographing her again. Cool parents make cool kids. I think it's a law of nature.

booking summer sessions now...

It's getting about that time. I'm gearing up for summer. I have a lot of projects I'm planning on working on so time is somewhat limited. That said I always enjoy my summer family portrait work. This summer I'll be expanding my locations and trying some mew things. As always I aim to please and want every customer satisfied. Contact me to book a session for the summer. I'm looking forward to it!






I'm interested in all kinds of family projects. Parties, reunions even day hikes are activities I enjoy shooting. I also offer discounts for multiple families and multi-generational photographs. Those kind of pictures have a historical importance that I try to help make happen. Let me know your ideas and I'm sure we can work out an interesting and memorable photographic experience!

house calls

One big difference in family portrait photography in modern days is the absence of a photo-journalistic bent. While this term is all the rage in wedding photography it has all but been forgotten in family portraiture. It seems the public wants pictures at beautiful places where the image can be controlled to it's most appealing level. While I understand this and enjoy doing it I do feel the idea of house calls with the idea of photographing what is happening on a normal basis has definite place and value. When photographing at home small children are much more relaxed and natural. But the big reason I think it's a great way to do portraits is historical importance. I often reflect on the importance of portraits as visual milestones. With the home visit you add the visual of a family space. People like looking back and remembering where they lived. As a parent I like seeing photographs of my child playing with his toys or drawing. I want to remember those things that were unique to that time and place. I often tell parents thats it's hard being a portrait photographer because I'm competing with people that have a much better chance at taking a magical shot that marks time, space and development. The parents!

The downside of home shooting is the lack of control. With outside portraiture or studio portraits you can change your direction or the lights and improve your lighting situation. The home visit requires a different set of expectations on "quality". The idea is that exposure takes a back seat to emotion or things thats may prove more important in time. More photos of my visit to the Surles' home in the portrait folder. P.S. I love these people.

he has gumption

This is my neighbor. He built a fine igloo in the backyard. It appears he at least started the project with snow blocks! That's impressive to me and reminds me of some of the crazy projects I did as a kid. Or as an adult for that matter. He told me his friend made one as well and slept in it! That boy has what we call the gumption.

Christmas Eve Brunch

What inspires my photography? Well...I'm easily inspired. Heck you can put that on my headstone! A good meal is inspiration. A tasty meal surrounded by family is a good place to start! Good job Amanda!