“The times they are a-changin” is a song by Bob Dylan from the 1960′s and today is proof of this as the final production run of Kodachrome will take place. With the special make up of the film it requires a different process to create and even to develop with only one lab left in the country which will handle the processing until the end of 2010.

Since it joined the product line over 70 years ago many photographers have used the various iterations of Kodachrome due to the colors it created in both still and motion picture film. From the Afghan Girl photograph in National Geographic by photographer Steve McCurry to the Zapruder reel in 1963 the film has caught many special times. Kodak has created a special gallery to share some of these images.

So while Kodachrome will no longer be an option for those photographers who shoot film, the images of the past will remain as a reminder and of course so will the words of Paul Simon…

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world’s a sunny day, Oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama don’t take my Kodachrome away

The f/22 profile for this month brings us New York City photographer Caryn Leigh Posnansky. I first met Caryn in Montana a few years ago and have continued to stay in touch with her as we share ideas and help each other out. The following is a brief conversation I had for the f/22 earlier this year.

What was it which first got you interested in photography?
I picked up a camera in high school and I was immediately hooked. I photographed for the my high school yearbook my junior and senior years. I’ve never been a shy person but being behind the camera helped open me up even more. I also love the reactions to my photographs.

Prior to becoming a full-time photographer, you worked as a casting director. With the focus of your photographic work on people, how does this background help you in your photography?
Casting is believing in your eye and believing in your decisions while knowing what your client is wanting. Photography is very similar to this as well. Casting and photography are both so subjective. You can show 20 different people one photograph or one casting candidate and you will get 20 different critiques. While casting, I had to learn to look at the big picture, think about the viewer and the client and trust my gut. While photographing, I have to look at the big picture, take in all the details and then trust my gut. I have found that once you trust yourself and your creativity, others will trust you as well.

Do you have a preference of working in the studio versus being on location for your shoots?
WOW, good question. I like both. I love trying to use natural light when it’s available, even in a studio. The lighting you create in the situation whether it is the natural light or artificial is what will make the photograph.

Some of your work recently was taken on black and white film, versus digital. What is your feeling on the change from film to digital and how this is impacting the photographic world?
I love film, I love printing, I love the work put into making a print. BUT, since we’re living in an “I need it yesterday” world, digital is the way to go especially with my commercial and editorial clients. I will be giving myself a personal assignment using film this year as there’s nothing like the results it provides.

Are there any photographers you follow on a regular basis, and what about their work inspires you?
There are photographers who I love, but I don’t “follow” any on a regular basis. I find new photographers who inspire me daily. Inspiration can come from one photograph that just catches my eye to an entire series. I’m a simple photographer who loves simple photography, but can really be sucked into the complex work of some photographers.

This past year you added some more clients to your portfolio. Being in one of the most competitive areas for photography, do you have any suggestion to the readers and how to grow your business?
Believe in yourself and the power of word of mouth is amazing, and free!!!

That is a great piece of advice especially in today’s fast paced world. By providing high quality results as well as quality customer service the word of mouth advertising is what will grow your business, which is of course free. Thank you Caryn for taking the time to answer the questions and remind us of the importance of caring for your clients.

Image copyright by Caryn Leigh Photography

Image copyright by Caryn Leigh Photography

Image Copyright by Caryn Leigh Photography

Be sure to check out more of Caryn’s work on her website Caryn Leigh Photography.

Thanks again Caryn and stop back next month for another f/22 photographer profile.

Yesterday I was in California to help celebrate my niece’s fifth birthday with a trip to Disneyland.  This was a surprise to her and with her love of the Disney princesses at this time you knew it would be a memorable day for her.  Wanting to capture the day, I had my camera with me during the visit and of course to Disneyland.

Hannah wakes up and thinks about staying in bed for a little more but then the word Disney gets her attention.

She then makes her way to the cards left to open

While waiting for the shuttle Hannah tells me she is now five, or that she wants me to stop with the camera

The first time through Hannah meets Cinderella

Hannah waits in line at Pixie Hallow

Later in the day Hannah hugs Cinderella while wearing her Belle dress which was part of her birthday presents.

On the way out of the park, I came across the brick with Christina Difrancesco’s name on it.  Christina was the wife of a good college friend and at a young age left us as a result of a brain tumor.

As the rain falls here in Denver, I was looking through some images I took in the past month.  It was just over two weeks ago I headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road prior to it opening for the season.  As I parked at the Forest Canyon Overlook and started walking up the road I photographed along the way.  The plan was to make it as far as I could for sunset, which ended up being just about to Iceberg Pass.  I was treated to an interesting sunset and started back along the road.  Getting close to the car and about an hour after sunset I noticed the city lights of Denver in the distance and grabbed the following photograph.  The brighter colors in the image are due to the light pollution from the city.

After looking at this image, I decided to make it something which would be available to folks who donate towards my Team in Training fundraising efforts.  At the top level if there is a different image you would like let me know and that can be arranged as well.

Now as it is raining here in Denver, I know at 11,000+ feet at this spot the road is covered once again in snow and closed.

This week the highlighted site for linking the week is Indie Arsenal.  Indie Arsenal is a local group here in Denver with two different chapters for creatives to join to meet like minded individuals as well as to collaborate on projects or other items in which it may be helpful to get the thoughts of others.  The Denver group meets on the second Tuesday of the month while the Boulder group is the first Monday of the month.  In addition to the meetings and other events, there are plenty of online resources to help you out as well as a forum to share resources, ideas and ask some of those troubling questions.