We had our first Rooftop Concert last week and it was, as they have come to be, just magic.

Thanks to Faith Johnson, Ryan Innes, and Peter Breinholt.

Rooftop concert co-founder CJane Kendrick

Our concert poster designer, Matt Mildenstein with his beautiful wife Heather

Rooftop concert co-founder Mindy Gledhill

Making on-stage announcements with Mindy and Courtney

Ryan Innes

With Peter Breinholt

Amy, in the crowd, dancing like a polite maniac

Next month, June 1: Desert Noises and Moth & the Flame. See the full summer lineup on the Rooftop Concert website.

Today I scanned some negatives.

This picture was taken in the summer of 1999. It’s of my friend Heather Roberts at her house in Salt Lake City. We had just spend that Sunday afternoon at her friend Kim McKay’s cabin at Sundance. A girl named Amy Ferguson was there and she was the real reason I was there, too, as we had just started hanging out and I wanted to see her again. So Amy and I sat on that deck, on a lovely Sunday afternoon at Sundance, and kissed for the first time. There’s a picture somewhere, of our feet on that deck chair, but I couldn’t find it when I was scanning these negatives.

Heather and I drove back to Salt Lake and I sang happy songs the whole way home. Probably something from the band Cake.

At Heather’s house I asked if I could take some pictures of her–you know, like I do, as I will, and I shot a couple rolls. There’s a few pictures that are all right from those rolls but as I was about to leave, she stepped inside the house and I saw that this was the picture I had to take.

Ten months later I married Amy.

Two years later this picture was selected to be in the Utah Art Council’s permanent collection and appeared on the cover of American Photo Magazine.

One of the things I love about photography are the memories and stories that are inextricably attached.

Ideally, I’d have my camera with me at all times. But that’s not always the case. Like, at church, for example. Who takes a camera to church? So that’s why I’m so darn glad I have a camera on my phone, because I take that sucker with me everywhere I go (including church). Oh, sure, it can’t solve all my artistic problems (or hardly any of them) but when I’m in a pinch, it will do the trick.

Sometimes I use it just to take a picture of something I want to remember later, like the giant banner at the fabric store stating “Not going out of business” (hilarious) and sometimes I use it to see things differently than I would if I was looking through my regular camera’s viewfinder.

So here you go. All of these were taken with my camera phone and this slide show is just a bit longer than 2 minutes. Enjoy!

Good pictures are made in the head and the heart, not in the camera. If you are interested in improving your camera skills but just aren’t sure how to go about that, or if you’re already making pictures you like, but know there’s room for improvement, or if you just want to shake up what you’re currently doing, then you may be interested in taking an online class I’m teaching on March 27, 2012 called “10 photo workouts to make you a better photographer” as part of the Alt Design Summit’s online channel. You can read more and sign up here. Space is limited.

Vegas, at the Bellagio

I’ve been in Vegas for the last few days for WPPI and last night I took a walk around town.

I photographed a mother/daughter portrait session this week for an April article in Ladies Home Journal. Here’s the daughter, Rachel. The shoot was styled by Alison and we had a fantastic time. Once the article comes out, I’ll post a few more.

Helper, Utah is a peculiar town. But it’s worth getting off the highway and driving down that main street. It won’t take you long, and you might be glad you took the long-cut.

Looking back on 2011 has made me feel overwhelmingly grateful for the year I’ve had. I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love for a living. I want to say thanks to Amy for being so supportive. I couldn’t do this job without her belief that I’m doing the right thing. When I leave the house to go to a photoshoot, after we kiss and hug, and just before that door closes, I always hear her call out, “Take great pictures!”

What follows are some of my favorite images I shot in 2011. It’s been a busy year. Some of these pictures have already been posted on the blog, but there are quite a few that haven’t been seen until now. Also, this doesn’t represent everything I shot (there’s a few weddings, portrait sessions, a fancy party at Sundance, and some of the 30 Strangers that aren’t in here).

Maybe this should also be said. I care deeply about the work I’m creating. My aim is to make pictures that will have meaning many years down the road for the people for whom I take them. I care about what I do. I keep working at this craft day after day and I’m finding a great sense of pleasure in where this road is taking me. I hope 2012 is the year that I can make something beautiful for you and the people you love.

And now, a review of 2011. Do you have a favorite here? Do tell.

Why yes, I am available to photograph your wedding. Let’s talk.

…..

FINE ART PRINT SALE – Right now, a number of these non-portrait and non-wedding prints are available for sale. And from now until January 18th, if you use the code FREESHIPPING you will get (you guessed it) free shipping. See the selection and purchase prints here.

…..

If you are a pinterest user, well then, pin away!

Threshold
A photography exhibit at Art Access Gallery from the Salt Lake Seven

Tonight (January 21, 2001) is the opening for a group exhibit I’m in at the Art Access Gallery. The hours for the opening reception are 6pm – 9pm. The address is 230 South, 500 West, Salt Lake City. Come by and say hello.

Exhibiting photographers are:
Kent Miles, Justin Hackworth, Bill Patterson, Carl Oelerich, Alan Jackson, Brett Howell, Brian Buroker, Steve Proctor, Rocio Briceno

Threshold
Salt Lake Seven Group Statement
Art Access Gallery
January 2011

There is no end to photographic possibilities. But there is a point in the
making of photographs that marks the moment of decision to release the
shutter. That moment might be called the Threshold. On one side of that
point, there is no image, only imagined possibilities. On the other side of
that point is the consequence of our choice. It is the final truth.

In the Threshold a picture will reach out and demand that it be made. The
photographer doesn’t know why. It is a picture without explanation. It is a
picture recognized and made before knowing what it means. It is a picture
made before you can talk yourself out of it.

To be an artist requires becoming attuned to the Threshold, and to dwell in
the moments of clarity and awareness that lay between the imagination of a
picture and its realization.

The images for this exhibit begin to get at those moments.

Above images from Justin Hackworth, Brett Howell, Kent Miles, Carl Oelerich

2010 has been a great year for Justin Hackworth Photography and Amy and I have hearts chock full of gratitude for everyone that has been a part of our business this year. To say thanks, we invited local clients to a party and private concert with the very talented, irresistible Mindy Gledhill who sang songs from her new album, Anchor. It was a perfect night. A giant thanks to Mindy who wowed us all with her music, her gift, her keytar.

Mindy was joined by Stuart Maxfield and Jacob Jones, of Fictionist. Thanks for coming, fellows.

Before the concert, Amy and I told everyone how lucky we feel to serve you, and it deserves repeating here.

From Amy:
You sometimes hear these clever sayings about the difference between making a living and making a life–a little cliche, yes. I am really thankful that Justin gets to make a living as an artist, but I am also deeply grateful for the difference our clients make in our life. Justin calls me every single week, several times a week, after a portrait session or a client meeting or a wedding, uplifted and changed by meeting with you. He learns from you, his awareness is expanded by you, his heart is touched by your stories, your way of life, your choices. He calls to say, “These people were so great today. I think we’d really be friends.” And so often, you have become our friends. Because you’ve influenced Justin, you’ve influenced me and our children, and I am thankful, thankful for YOU and the blessing you have been to us. And that makes a difference in our life. Thank you so much!

And here’s what I had to say:
Here are some of the jobs I’ve had. At age twelve I made bee hives. When I was fifteen I worked at a pizza parlor called Sober Society. Later, Kentucky Fried Chicken. I delivered pianos in high school for Bowen Music. I worked at Rays Gas and Lube. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I worked as a desk clerk at The Best Western Executive Inn and as a bar back at the Cadillac Grill. Two years at a shipping department. For three months I had a job at a call center, selling family oriented films over the phone (those were some dark days). During college I worked at the Firestone parking booth in Salt Lake, which I re-named, the John Wilkes Booth Memorial Booth. There was a short-lived job as a technical writer. I had a job as a project manager and later at that same company, marketing manager, where we sold technical services to librarians.

And now, now I have the job I love. And it’s only because of great clients that come to be photographed and trust me to make something meaningful for you. I’m not interested in being mediocre or just pretty good. I want to take great pictures. And my goal is to make something that is far more valuable to you than the amount of money that you spend. I love this job, and I want to sincerely thank everyone that has come this year to be a part of this business.  This is my dream job, and you make this dream possible.

…..

Party people
Our very capable office assistant took pictures of some of the guests. (Megan needs a better title. She’s so much more than office assistant).

Megan, the amazing office assistant

Chances to win something that night were very good, because we gave away a ton of stuff, thanks to our favorite places of business. We gave away gift certificates to four restaurants: Communal, Rooster, Angels of Philly, and Sammy’s Cafe. We gave away a Lower Lights CD, tickets to Comedy Sports, bags and notebooks from Seraph Stationery, gift cards from The Royal Noodle Picture Company and hand-made chocolates from Lilly’s Sweet Occasions. We want to pour on the gratitude, here, to these places.

Speaking of gratitude, big thanks to Megan who took these photobooth pictures, packaged all the party favors, and the list goes on and on. Special thanks to my sister Jenni who came all the way from St. George just to hand out raffle tickets. It meant a lot to have her there. And once again, thanks to all our clients, from 2010 and from every year.

There’s a lot of stuff I’ve never done in my life. I’ve never been to see the great wall of China. I’ve never been satisfied with anything I’ve ordered from Del Taco. And I’ve never put together a gift buying guide. Well, one of those things is about to change. I now present to you a holiday gift buying guide for the photographer in your life. And since every third person now calls themselves a photographer, there’s bound to be someone in your life that will benefit from this list.

Books

On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide – In the intro it says, “…it is not necessarily about technology or process. It is a book on how to think and act like a photographer.” A must for any photographer.

No More Second Hand Art: Awakening the Artist Within – Not about photography, specifically, but about finding what’s authentic about you and avoiding making derivative art. I love this book.

Annie Leibovitz at Work – If you enjoy Leibovitz’s work, then you’ll dig this book. It’s all about how and why she makes the pictures she does, in her own words.

Here are a some of my favorite monographs from some of my favorite photographers. These books aren’t new, but are welcome additions to any photographic library. This list could easily be 200 entries or more, but here’s a start.

The Brown Sisters by Nicholas Nixon
Snaps by Elliott Erwitt
American Music by Annie Leibovitz
William Eggleston’s Guide by William Eggleston
The Americans by Robert Frank
Immediate Family by Sally Mann
Uncommon Places by Stephen Shore
Self Portraits by Lee Friedlander

Gear

PoGo – Polaroid Mobile Printer – Even though they have been around for two years I just found out about them and can’t wait to get my mitts on one for myself. They make cute little 2×3 prints and they don’t require any ink cartridges. You can take it anywhere with you and print wirelessly with any Bluetooth enabled device or directly from your camera with a USB connection. So fun!

Canon G-12 – One of the few point and shoot cameras that shoots in RAW. It also shoots in manual mode for extra control and it also shoots video (but most point and shoot cameras do that now). And I’m a big fan of anything with an elegant design.

Epson Multimedia Storage Viewer – Download images right to the hard drive. Why does that matter? Let’s say you’re at a wedding or traveling on the road and don’t have access to your laptop and you’ve filled all your cards, you can download images from your card to the Epson hard drive, then delete the images from your card and keep shooting. When I’m shooting a wedding, I download all my images to the Epson hard drive, then put the card away. So I always have two copies of the file (one on the card, one on the hard drive) in case something unexpected happens.

Holga – For some lo-fi film fun, you just can’t beat a Holga camera.

Paper goods

Calendars from Lulu – You might know Lulu as a book making company (like Blurb) but they also make very cool calendars at fantastic prices. Calendars are offered in two sizes but I recommend the large 13.5 x 19 size for extra impact.

For a few more bucks but a nicer design, you might also check out the calendars from Minted.

The photographer in your life will be so impressed with what style you have when you give him or her a 8 pack of photo cards or write your own love note on one of these.

Subscriptions

I think magazine subscriptions make great gifts. There are a lot of choices for the photographer in your life. Here are my favorites.
Photo District News - This is a trade magazine and not for everyone. If you’re a working photographer and care about the industry, I don’t think you should live without it. If you are just starting out and don’t make your living in photography, then you might not care so much about this.

American Photo – Profiles on the world’s greatest photographers, both current and past. Lots of reviews on gear and technology. Good price, too.

Lenswork – For serious photographers, deals with the photographic process.

Vanity Fair – Not a photography magazine, of course, but they use the best photographers in the world to accompany their articles and even the ads are worth checking out.

So there you go. Now, your holiday is sure to be merry and bright.

Brett and Maren got married on October 2nd in Bountiful, Utah. It was one of the most lovely fall days I can remember.

I’ve known Brett since 3rd grade. We were both in Mrs. McCulloch’s class. We both played football together in Jr. High. Yes, I played football. What’s so funny about that? And then, friends in high school, college, and later years.

So now, a wedding. Love and bliss, kissing, dancing, and all that. What a great honor it was to be the photographer at one of my great friend’s happy day.

…..

Justin Hackworth photographs the weddings of lifetime friends or of people he’s only just met, and he wants to photograph you. Planning a wedding of your own? Give me a jingle. I’ll catch you on the jangle.

Red shirt in a red room

Trevor came to New York to photograph the BlogHer convention with me. Here he is, photographed at the Museum of Modern Art on my last day in New York.

Fate loves a bold heart. BlogHer, 2010

Our 30 Strangers exhibit is less than a week away! I hope to see you there. Here’s all the exhibit info.We’ve been gathering sponsors for the exhibit and I’ll include them in a post soon when the list is finalized. I’m so grateful they want to help with the exhibit and contribute to such a good cause, the Center for Women and Children in Crisis.

On Monday, I’ll have a blog post that shows a little behind the scenes look at how the images were selected for the 30 Strangers exhibt and a few things to look for to enhance your enjoyment of the show.

Yesterday I got to photograph a beautiful wedding in Salt Lake. Some people were sweating, talking about how hot it was, but I was there, taking pictures of the bride, grateful as all get-out that it wasn’t 30 degrees outside. I have lots of memories of being at the Salt Lake Temple when all the coats in the world wouldn’t warm me up. I like it when the weather’s good. Summer makes me happy.

In a few minutes, I’m leaving to go photograph another wedding in Salt Lake. I just posted Jamie’s bridal pictures and I am really looking forward to the wedding. The Conley’s do it right.

So, two weddings in two days and less than a week away for the 30 Strangers exhibit. It’s been a good week. I do love my job.

Don’t wait up. I’m headed to Vegas. Every year, there is a trade show and convention for wedding and portrait photographers. It’s called WPPI. I love being there and meeting other photographers doing great work and meeting with vendors that can help us make our business better and increase our service to our clients. This year, the keynote speaker is Gregory Heisler. This year, WPPI is legit.

Suitcases are packed. I just need to put them in the car, right after I make this post. Then, I’m hitting the road.

Update on the 30 Strangers. If you haven’t already put your name on the list, you have until midnight tonight. Tomorrow morning we’ll randomly select the participants and send an email to confirm the date we’d like to photograph you. Thanks to everyone that expressed an interest.

And now, Vegas, baby.

For brides that love beautiful things, there is Alta Moda. One of the finest places around for wedding gowns. This weekend, February 26th and 27th there are having their trunk show.

From their site:
You will not want to skip this event.  We don’t even know you yet, but we know you’re out there, searching for something special, something to less run-of-the-mill, something sensational.  If we’re lucky enough to meet you at the SUPER trunk show next weekend, we just know you’ll find the one.

When Brigham Young entered the Salt Lake valley for the first time, he said, “This is the Place.” My guess is, you just might say the same thing when you visit Alta Moda.

The Mandate Press in Salt Lake City, Utah, is fast becoming known as the finest place in the country for letterpress printing. That’s because they are the finest place in the country for letterpress printing.

Ben Webster runs the show over there and Process Magazine is writing an article about him.  Then they called me because they need an accompanying portrait for the article.

I love going to Ben’s shop because they are always working on so many cool projects. It’s inspiring to see what they do and how many beautiful printed pieces they churn out on a daily basis, like business cards, wedding announcements, baby announcements, thank-you cards, birthday cards, holiday cards, and the like.

Let me just tell you that there is a mile-long list of photographers that get their business cards from Ben (like me!) including two wedding photographers I love, Max Wanger and Amelia Lyon.

If you want letterpress, it’s no secret that the Mandate Press is the place to go.

And now, Mister Ben Webster.

Seth Godin spoke on Friday in Salt Lake. I loved it. He is funny and inspiring and brilliant. I saw my friend Janet Meiners there, too, and judging by the length of her blog post about it she took far better notes than I did.

Big thanks to Kelly King Anderson at the Startup Princess for lining this up.

Seth Godin