the C spot

Dental Instruments

2008-07-16T15:26:00.001-04:00

House that goes with the Dragon

2008-07-03T10:40:00.002-04:00

If you look close at the doorway, you can see the "Dragon" light hanger to the upper right ( see previous post: Here there be dragons... )
This is one of my favorite houses along the Kanawha Blvd. in Charleston WV.

Here there be Dragons....

2008-07-01T10:43:00.004-04:00

This was on a Spanish style house on the Blvd. in Charleston WV, holding a porch light. I didn't expect to see a "dragon" holding the light on the wall- I like it!

Fort Hill Overlook

2008-06-19T09:49:00.003-04:00

Anyone who lives or travels around Charleston, WV will recognize the bridge or the overlook; or both.
I've taken ( and seen photos taken ) at dusk, night, day, etc...but I hadn't seen any right at sunset before- I thought this was really beautiful the way the light played out on the city.
The small post size doesn't do the image any justice- it really looks good full size.....

Chico's addiction to Italian Leather

2008-06-13T14:17:00.003-04:00

Chio loves to hang out with my wife and I; but he doesn't like getting in his bed when he gets sleepy- ( bed located lower right of the image...) He get's into the most comfortable ( and expensive ) chair in the room to rest in and watch TV! (I'm usually the one who gets the floor...)

It's been a while since "Chico the wonder dog" has been on my blog, and a few of you ask about him from time to time- so here he is; all 100+ pounds of him!

At what cost?

2008-06-06T09:16:00.001-04:00

I usually don't "mirror" what my other blog says- but this is important ( at least to me...)
I ran across this post from Matt Brown today-Free Is Killing Me- If you really want to know the cost of "free photography" here it is...
People are not entitled to use your vision and experience without compensation unless you yourself think YOUR work has no value! If that is the case; Keep in mind you are hurting those who do...

it's been close to 15 days...

2008-05-28T09:46:00.006-04:00

What a wiener!

........and I haven't blogged. I've thought about blogging, I really have! Most of my earth shattereing thoughts occur around 1 or 2 in the morning, and I've even written them down.
The problem was, next morning I couldn't even recognize my own hand writting. At one point, I was sure an alien must have gotten into my room and left me a cryptic message about the future of all mankind ....if I could only READ the darn thing!

Anyway....

Someone saw an article in a magazine lately that showed how to do a certain technique to get a certain look to an image. Just happened to be a look that I happen to like; in fact -I do to a lot of my work. ( the "Weiner" above is an overexagerated version, ok? Or maybe not sooo much, hmmmm....)

I was asked how that made me feel- ahving my "secret" out there for everyone to see....hmmmm.. The "politically correct" answer or how it made me REALLY feel?

How about both?

First of all, I've written "how to's" for Lexar, Fujifilm, PPS, WV Wild and Wonderful, to name a few with just this kind of information, so It would be hypocritical for me to say anything other than " Hope the check clears! "
Honestly, the internet is full of people spilling their guts on how they do everything, no matter how cool originally it may be- so that nothing seems unique as it once did for long; same goes for magazines ( this one was an industry magazine of how to's and stuff) but by the same turn, it't the stuff we all ( me included ) want to learn about! Otherwise, what's the point?

I wasn't miffed, or mad, for that matter. There will always be people that just don't care for that sort of "look" or technique on something; and that's OK. I'm interested in the ones who want to BUY my work and don't ask questions "how".
The main thing for me is this: I don't do any enhancements or even take a shot with the thought "hmmm- maybe this will sell"

I am only interested in A: Is this something my client want's to convey or B: Is this relevent to what I want to say as an artist?

If I can answer either of those two questions with my photography, then that's what I do. I don't want to be defined by a technique; the technique is only a tool- like my camera is a tool. Technique can become pase' I want to stay relevent and open to new possibilities!

So no, I'm not upset that people can look at my "secret sauce" for images online or in a book- that's how we all learn and I didn't come up with something that wasn't already thought of by someone else anyway- It's the main ingredient that makes the meal- everything else should just compliment the flavor......

You should see what I'm cooking up next ;-)
BTW: Here's a link to my website if you want to see some of my work: Photographic Design

Design Works Studio

2008-05-16T10:04:00.003-04:00

I went to the open house for Michael Switzer's DESIGN WORKS STUDIO last night ( pictured w/yours truley on left and Michael on the Right) in a renovated building he's put a lot of sweat and tears in. I was impressed by how he was able to keep the buildings charactor intact while making the space welcoming to his clientel.
Michael , thanks for the invite and I wish you all the best!
If you want to see more of his place, he's located at:
311 1/2 Washington St., W-Charleston, WV 25302 PH: (304)346-7006

And Michael, if you read this- I still want on top of the list when you sell that old clawfoot bathtub..... :-)

2008 Fujifilm Talent Team

2008-05-01T16:12:00.005-04:00

I'm always honored to be a part of something bigger than myself- for the third year in a row, I have been selected to be a part of the Fujifilm Talent Team- Here is the eNews release I recieved today:

FUJIFILM USA ANNOUNCES NEW PROFESSIONAL TALENT TEAM 2008
TALENT TEAM MEMBERS The Fujifilm Talent Team consists of 112 world renowned photographers who share their vision and expertise with both current and new generations of photographic artists and business people.The Fujifilm Talent Team consists of 112 world renowned photographers who share their vision and expertise with both current and new generations of photographic artists and business people.The Talent Team's mission is to communicate their knowledge and expertise in the photographic field while clearly defining how to make today's imaging environment a more creative and profitable experience. Whether capturing their images on film or via digital means, these talented photographers are all leaders in their field and are Fujifilm Shooters. The Talent Team's activities include providing seminars and workshops, and producing art and gallery exhibits.
Click the link below to see who else is on the team with me!
Fujifilm Cable Release

Another image ( or two)

2008-04-28T14:45:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of flowers for Monday....

One of my favorites...

2008-04-24T09:20:00.003-04:00

Don't ask me why- but this is one of MY favorite images from the "Pittsburgh Project" The fish was a bit of grafitti on a wall near a bench overlooking the city; I "brushed" a few things on the photo ( in photoshop of course) and really liked it. I have no idea what it's supposed to represent- but it looks like some kind of idol- a "Fish Spirit" of some sort....

In thru the out door...

2008-04-23T09:42:00.002-04:00

I can't really explain whay like these red doors with the cool brass knobs- but I do! ( I was too chicken to try and open them to see where they opened to)

Hip to be Square

2008-04-23T09:08:00.002-04:00

This is actually a photograph of a flower that I turned into a kaleidiscope art piece. I've actually gotten a couple of comments about this image from people who've looked at my Pittsburgh video I posted last week - and this stood out to them.

Art from Pittsburgh

2008-04-17T10:04:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd share a little video I made of images I turned into "art" from my latest trip to Pittsburgh.

Camera Hound

2008-04-12T09:34:00.003-04:00

It's been a while, but here's that wonderful dog of mine- Chico!
I picked up a new studio light while in Pittsburgh , needed to test it out, and Chico came strolling thru the living room at just the right ( wrong?) time- poor thing will probably see blue spots for a week!

Pittsburgh in the evening

2008-04-03T07:48:00.001-04:00

Wireless service has been spotty at best here in the hotel- Since I now have a signal- thought I'd share a photo with you...The Duquene incline on the West Side of Pittsburgh.

Old Train Station

2008-03-24T09:13:00.004-04:00

I was doing a bit of mentoring with a fellow photographer this weekend, and one of the locations we went to was an old train station near Gauley Bridge in WV.
It's been abandoned for a long time and I wouldn't recomend going in- but here's a view from one of the open doors.
I always wonder what places were like when they were new, or at their peak of operations, becuase you just know there was a lot of activity here at one time!

Updated photo galleries

2008-03-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

I’ve just updated the design and photos on my website http://www.claytonspangler.com/
Check it out and let me know what you think- The rest of the website will catch up to the “Galleries” very soon…
*NOTE* It does have music ON at the moment-I’ll make it optional later- but it can be turned off if it isn’t to your liking by the link at the bottom right ( looks like an equalizer)

Anyone had a mentor?

2008-03-20T09:22:00.003-04:00

I just read ( and replied) to a blog called PHOTOALLIES by Greg Clarke- he's trying to establish a "mentoring program" with the ASMP ( American Society of Media Photographers) in LA.
I know, I know, you're thinking "C- what's that got to do with me?"
I don't really know- actually. maybe something, maybe nothing....
But If you've ever had someone mentor you and/or take you under their wing to show you how to be a photographer, then go over to his blog and reply on his post- I think the first step on any path is to ask for help and he has.
Think of it as "payback"....
Cheers!

what is art?

2008-03-19T10:43:00.002-04:00

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." ~Aristotle

I found this quote from someone in the "flickr stream" and loved it.
I think that this thought is what elevates anyones passion ( photography for me) to the next level- finding out what something means to you; then translating that into a "share-able" experience for someone else.

back from the "land of the bed"...

2008-03-13T09:28:00.003-04:00

Getting sick sucks! Sometimes you may think that a small break would be nice- or just deing "a little sick" on a pretty day would be OK; but when it HITS you, it's never "just a little" or "nice to be off."
For the past week, I've been down with a respritory infection that had me too sore to lay down and too weak to get up- definetly not my favorite way to be off from work!
But it does make you slow down and take a look at things- For the first time- I felt like I'm in a good place in my life . I was able to take off sick- and know things would be OK- I had a dog who brought me his toys and a cat who slept with me for company, a wife who was worried about me; things could've been worse....
Anyway, I'm back upright and moving ( maybe shouldn't be after all...) and back to work. I'll try and post something more interesting next week after I get caught up a little.

More from Dayton

2008-03-03T10:43:00.005-05:00

I don't know what the name of this building is, but I liked the architectural details in it. From the Gothic Arch windows to the copper balls on the top near the building's windows. I rarely get to see much of the cities that I travel to on business- but I'm determined to make more time-and hook up with "the locals" to see more of places I visit!

First in Flight

2008-03-03T10:21:00.003-05:00

This is the "Flyover" sculpture in Dayton Ohio. It was created by artist David Black and represents the first flight of Orville and Wilber Wright.

More from Dayton Ohio

2008-03-03T10:16:00.007-05:00

I thought this was interesting....It's the Chandelier located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel (next to the Dayton Convention Center) The sun was just coming thru the window as I was walking by and was lighting up the crystals! It sort of looks like an ice waterfall...ok, ok, you had to be there....but it really was pretty-LOL

Professional Photographers of Ohio Convention

2008-03-03T09:54:00.009-05:00

Dayton Convention Center

PPS Trade Show Booth

Just back from the Professional Photographers of Ohio's annual convention and tradeshow- the weather was great, which made for a good event.

I'd like to give a "shout out" to David Ziser, photographer extraordinaire! I recognized him and his lovely wife LaDawn from his blog at Digital Pro Talk and went to say "HI"

He laughed and was excited to know I was a "dailey reader" of his blog and was happy to meet with me. A very courteous and humble man ( as well as telented) LaDawn as gracious as she was beautiful- they are quite the pair!

we had a good laugh at his "celebrity status" and went on our way. But it was nice to know the ground touched his feet just the same as everybody elses; and he was aware of that too.

I'll be posting a few more photos from this weekend in the next few days, so check back in!