Paul Newman

Several years ago(back in the 90's) when I was running around the country chasing race cars and stars. I had the privilege to meet all of my boyhood hero's and some really big name folks.
One of those people was Paul Newman. I must say he was not the most outgoing person I ever met and in fact I had quite a time trying to get him to sit for me. He had me follow him to three states until we finally met in Milwaukee .
It was a really strange photo shoot.I guess he knew I was not one of those slick Hollywood paparazzi types. I was polite and called him Mr. Newman which I guess gave me away . I had no army of assistants just me and him.
So here I was with one of the biggest stars in the world .My assignment was to get a portrait of him for a story RACER magazine was doing about how Racing has changed since 1969. Mr Newman had done a movie called winning where he played a character who had won the 1969 Indy 500. The portrait needed to look rough like we were in a garage the "grizzled veteran" type of thing, dramatic light you get it.
I had everything scouted and figured out and when we were ready to shoot he says" no don't like this lets go into my motor home" , which was really a mansion on wheels. Hmmm ,OK in a bus, no light what do I do now?? I always pride myself with being prepared .In photography most things never go as planned so to cover your "butt" and be prepared for the unexpected is par for the course.
To say the least I was surprised but not shocked maybe Mr Newman was challenging me, pushing me to now be creative under his terms."OK here you go take your shots" nothing like a little pressure. This was before digital photography so like many "so called" photographers today you had to know something.
"Mr Newman it is kinda dark in here can I turn on a light"??" No" he said ."If you don't mind Sir may I open one of these blinds a bit just for a little light"? "Just a little" he said.
With that I started to work with Paul Newman,how cool?? I said "I would like to work close with you eyes" Yea they all do,he said. Here I am moving this guy( a superstar of film) around ,posing , lighting and for a few minutes he worked with me. Hey do ya got it??he said," I got something"?? That's all ya get ,good luck,nice to meet ya.
I picked up my stuff shook his hand and before you knew it I was out the door. Ten minutes of my life I will never forget.

Racer magazine loved the photos !!

I"m posting this today because of a couple reasons first the year end tributes of folks who have passed will start and no doubt Paul Newman will be mentioned. Also it is the gift giving season and there is no one I can think of that has done more for people than Paul Newman. More important Paul Newman is a role model . People like him are few and far between. Celebrities today are measured by a much different standard. Traits like honesty ,integrity and helping your fellow man are not whats in fashion today.

I do not have the Images which were used for the story but I do have these out takes. I think he did like me?? Thanks Paul .

Postcards

I want to thank everyone who has responed to my postcards. They seem to be something that folks really like and i get so many nice comments about them.
One thing I want to make sure that everyone is aware that the postcard does have a value to it.What do I mean?? If you come to see me and you decide to book with me your postcard is worth $100 off any product or service . Including family portraits as well.
I thought this would be a nice way to say Thank you.
Please if you receive one of my cards and you think I may be the right photographer for you,give me a call. I would be happy to meet with you and talk about your special day!!

I Love this Image !!

I guess I'm an old romantic , this image reminds me of a painting I saw many years ago. I can't remember the artist . This is from one of our engagement sessions

Gimme something real !!

Yesterday I posted about an image that I loved . It is a great photo regardless of any manipulation ,the emotion and feeling are there. Everyday one of my favorite blogs is A Photo Editor . Today's post was about in so many words " show me something real, something I can feel" . Rob Haggert is a photo editor looking at thousands of images all the time for his clients and magazines . I'm sure some of you have done the same looking for a photographer for your wedding.
His issue was "what do I tell a photographer about their work when I know they just went through the motions". Even though it's good or even fantastic it's the same as many others. Where's your soul??
Now that i'm blogging I want to use this forum to express my feelings and for you to know who I am as a photographer . The images I have posted here are I think some of the best and powerful images I've been witness to. Love is the answer !!!
I truly believe that of all the categories in photography ,weddings are a place that the soul must shine. I don't believe it is enough to just make pretty pictures ,anyone can do that. They must come from another place. Don't get me wrong I love to do cool fashion type stuff but "gimme something real" is my soul.

Sometimes it just works !

I know I've said in the past how I really long for the days of film. I love the B&W work of photographers like Robert Frank . I feel today that some of the fun of photography is gone because it's a keystroke to create . Sometimes though you play around with stuff and wow it just works. I'm not a fan of photoshop but this works!!
I believe that if you can use the computer to enhance the work thats all good. Because the basic image and message must be there first. I just love how Christina"s vail and the plaster on the wall kind of create a sense of motion not to mention the almost kiss. I like to get that moment just before they touch,very romantic wouldn't you say??

Anna & Brandon

I had the honor to be part of a special day for a friend of mine, the brides dad Randy Buckwalter. I have had the privilege to work for Randy doing photography at the company he works at Harleysville insurance for about 20 plus years.
I was very excited and honored that Randy and his family chose me to be their photographer. Randy and Tammie his wife love their daughter as does Brandons family love him .
Knowing Randy all this time I had a special insight to his feelings and I knew their was a strong bond there. So you can know how I felt when they chose me. I know Randy would only have the best for his daughter.
Thanks Randy !

Hi I'm back

I hope everyone has had a great summer. We have had some amazing and wonderful weddings . I will be sharing many great images with you so here we go.

Where did May go ??

I cant believe it is already June!! But i do love summer and I hope to show you many great images from the season. I have some very cool photos from an Engagement session a few weeks ago. I waqs really surprised when Brad and Kendra said they would wade out in the creek . It all about fun and we sure had some,take a look !

Thank You , Everyone !!!

Welcome,

Since this is my first real post I want to say Thank You to all of my family , friends and clients who have supported ,helped and guided me all these years.

I want to especially say Thank you to my grandmom Louise Whitenight ,who with out her belief in me I never would have had the opportunity to do all the great things I've done and the great things to come.

Sincerely , Kevin

New website !!!!

My official website has been refreshed! You now have the ability to go to my slideshow gallery where I have updated portfolios showcasing my latest work. I will be adding new and exciting images often so please check back regularly.

Stay tuned for more AMAZING happenings at Kevin York Photography.

Now is the time to Be Amazed.

http://kyorkphoto.com

- Kevin
(618) 287-2800