ANSON GESSEL: PHOTOGRAPHY ETCETERA

BLOG DOWN | NEW ONE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

Up & Out

2008-11-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

I'll be out of town and unavailable from 11.30 - 12.8. If you need to get ahold of me, please call and leave a message or email me. I will check in every few days for emergencies. In addition, my computer has had some issues and it out for servicing. I expect it will be back before I return on the 8th. If you have been waiting for an order or package fulfillment, this has been the reason. All my wedding's are backed up but I haven't had access to my photo-tools and previous emails.

-Anson

2008-09-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

Didn't quite nail the pose

2008-09-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

Pooped

2008-09-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

Wedding Season is almost over, let the road trips begin!

The Big Move Part 1

2008-09-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been patient with their packages and orders as we are moving this week. Lots of my documentation has already been packed but I should be back on track early next week.

Our house is currently under construction and our lease is up at our apartment... we were hoping to move into the house before the lease had expired. So we're going somewhere else temporarily until January when the casa is done. Then it will be The Bigger Move Part 2... any volunteers with strong backs for the sequel?

Labor Day 2006

2008-09-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

(photo taken by my mom with my Hasselblad)

Can you find the Bride & Groom?

2008-08-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is a fun one for the kiddies.

Davis + Shank | Wedding

2008-08-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

This was a fantastic wedding with the setting of Mount Rainer as a back drop. But not Mt. Rainer in the far distance, more like physically on Mt. Rainer! Unfortunately the clouds never did dissipate near the top, but it still made for beautiful imagery.

You can order prints HERE.

Colson + Acker | Wedding

2008-08-24T19:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks Aly & Shay, I had a wonderful time! You can order prints from this wedding HERE

Cummings + Wilson | Wedding

2008-08-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Christie & Val! You can order prints from this wedding HERE

Robinson + Kukal | Wedding

2008-08-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

Kurtz + Hancock | Wedding

2008-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Peter + Tatiana | Engage

2008-07-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

You can view/order print here.

Looking forward to the wedding in September!

Ferry

2008-07-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Line & Color

2008-07-21T00:23:00.001-07:00

Hoffman + MacDonald | Wedding

2008-07-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

Fischer + Mankin | Wedding

2008-07-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

A fantastic location, historical church, beautiful weather, and a very much 'in love' couple. I love my job!

Imagination

2008-07-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

The Many Faces of Austin

2008-06-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

2008-06-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

Justin + Christiana | Engagements

2008-06-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Talk about dedication to photography; these two flew up to Seattle from Salt Lake just to have my shoot their engagements. I was very honored to do so! We started out in Pike Place and ended up in Snoqualmie Falls. During the portion in Snoqualmie, the mist was so intense that I had to hide the camera behind my back and pull it out really quick, manual focus that sucker, and get the shot before I would hide it again from the mist.

I love the variety of shots that we were able to get. Almost no two shots were the same during the whole photoshoot. I always try to convince clients to hire me for more time because we can really explore the space.

Thank you Justin and Christiana for trusting me with such important photographs!

Grahpic Equalizer

2008-06-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Another one of my favorites from Wooster Collective. I love the sheer artisty that people can create out of simple and plain object. Making the mundane come alive. This is one of those, "why didn't I think of that!".

Revamped Graphic Equalizer from Marcelo Costa on Vimeo.

Uplifting Lives with Art

2008-06-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

I love it when art has a conscience and purpose. Midway through displays some amazing cinematography. I've created time lapses before but I was really impressed with the quality from a handheld camcorder. The children's expressions and enthusiam is priceless.

OTIS - LIBERIA // LONDON
Uploaded by JR

New Website

2008-05-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

I'm starting construction of my new website this week, designed by Indhira Rojas out of NYC. I'm very excited as this is a totally different step in a new direction. We decided to stick with a very clean, and simple layout. No tricks, flash movies, sound effects... just clean browsing enjoyment. When will this little dandy be up? I hope to finish up in two weeks if I don't run into major scripting/coding issues.

Also, I've bought up several URL's with the main website indexed at www.ansongessel.com. This should make navigation much easier to remember, as if my name isn't difficult enough already.

"Say What?"

2008-05-12T15:35:00.001-07:00

I found these two in Volunteer Park. Apparently it was a birthday-getup.

Kurt Cobain's House

2008-05-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

One sunny day I decided to explore graves/memorials of famous Seattlites.

This was Kurt Cobain's house near Viretta Park on Lake Washington. His house, of course, is gated but there is a small grassy area (Viretta Park) with a bench just South of his house which fans use as a memorial. No cemetery would accept his burial for fear of vandalism so his ashes were spread over Wishkah River. For those of you who don't know, Kurt Cobain was the lead singer in the 1990's alternative rock band, Nirvana. They led the Seattle grunge scene throughout the early 90's until Kurt's death.

Bench reads, "Kurt's ghost wuz here"

Bruce & Brandon Lee

2008-05-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Bruce and Brandon Lee's gravestones are located at Lakeview Cemetery. It took me about 1/2 an hour to find but it is easy with directions. It is a few feet off of the road, at the top of the hill, where several roads converge in the middle of the cemetery.

Bruce was the most prominent martial artist of the 70's. He founded Jeet Kune Do, which is a combination of martial art styles. He made martial art movies popular in America with films like, 'Enter the Dragon' (which has awkward martial art/pro basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) & 'Game of Death'.

Bruce died mysteriously in 1973; cause of death is still uncertain. Bruce was more popular than Jackie Chan and Jet Li combined.

Brandon Lee followed in his father's footsteps in both martial arts, and acting. Most of his films flopped at the box office until he took the lead role in 'The Crow'. Brandon died on set during a gun fight scene. The gun was supposed to be loaded with blanks but a projectile from the gun killed Brandon.

Jimi Hendrix

2008-05-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Ever head of the EMP? Seen that funky looking, multi colored, free-flowing building by the space needle? That was Paul Allen's memorial to 60's rock legend, Jimi Henrrix.

Jimi Hendrix was a musical prodigy. He would practice the guitar 12 hours a day, seven days a week. He was known for playing the guitar right handed, left handed, behind his back, and over his head. He is famous for playing a very controversial (b/c of the Vietnam War) "Star Spangled Banner" version at Woodstock in 1969 and then lighting his guitar on fire. Almost all his songs have been used in hundreds of movies, usually representing the 60's. Here is one of my favorites. And another with a movie link from 'Wayne's World'.

Roy Family | Duvall

2008-05-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Man in the Mirror

2008-05-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change!"

-Michael Jackson

Vintage

2008-05-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Ewww... Gum Wall

2008-04-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

The Gum Wall is located in the Post Alley near Pike Place.

Dare I Enter? You Be the Judge...

2008-04-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well I did, but the staff at Benaroya didn't seem to think I qualified. "I can play the mouth harp!" I said as I was escorted out. Apparently the symphony doesn't need a mouth harpist.

Garden of Remembrance

2008-04-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

This memorial honors Washington State's fallen military members. It is located South of Benaroya Hall on 2nd Ave.

WWII

Vietnam

Iraq - Afghanistan

2008-04-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

2008-04-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

2008-04-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Choice Produce & Pepper

2008-04-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

In search of some flowers for my wife I ran into a very friendly vendor, Justin Lee, who manages Choice Produce & Pepper. He asked me a few questions about my vintage 1952 Rolleiflex camera and I took a few shots of this little gem located in Pike Place. You can find them on the main strip across the street from the fish throwers and bronze pig.

Barbie's New Accesory

2008-04-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

2008-04-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Seabrook, Ocean Shores

2008-04-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Nested just off of the beach in the woods is a beautiful new community called Seabrook. We visited it in March so the weather was cold & windy, but sunny. The community has free bikes, just find a yellow bike and its yours for the day! I recommend this to anyone for a quiet, peaceful retreat for a day or two. You don't need to bring anything except food, books, and your galoshes.

Kite Master's

2008-04-18T13:36:00.001-07:00

Proverbial facelift

2008-04-17T11:57:00.001-07:00

Currently in development is my new logo, website, stationary, magazine advertisements, contract/pricing, and a variety of other little goodies that you'll get if you hire me. I found a great graphic designer out of NYC, Indhira Rojas, who works at AR Media, which creates brands like Banana Republic, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Armani, Calvin Klein, etc. We're giving my brand a more feminine/neutral feel.

In addition I've decided to take a new direction with my albums. I really wanted to offer something totally unique and classy to my brides; and something no other photographer can offer. I found a talented gal who is very skilled in bookbinding. She's going to create several custom, handmade albums with Hahnemuhle Fine Art paper (really, really, really, really, cool paper) for the pages. I'm not sure when I'm going to implement the change with albums but it will be associated with my new pricing.

More Precious Than Gold

2008-04-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Unwin + Owens | Wedding Coming Soon!

2008-04-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

I should get the rest of the film back Thursday and I will post online all the pictures at my client site by Friday night.

This was the smallest wedding I've shot to date (about 30 guests or less) and it created a great intimate feeling throughout the whole day. It also gives me a chance to get to know the individual family members much better, creating fun portraits as they open up to you.

Another wonderful wedding!

Volunteer Park | Water Tower

2008-04-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Waste not, want not

2008-04-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

After a wedding, my last few shots often to go random things that catch my eye. In this case, I was turning in my film and realized a had 3 shots remaining on a roll, so I wandered around the Key Arena for a few minutes.

2008-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Park Conservatory

2008-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

If horticulture is your hobby of choice, go check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory. They have really cool carnivorous plants too!

Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM)

2008-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Asian Art Museum was the original location for the Seattle Art Museum until the SAM downtown was built. The building was designed around the Art Deco theme. The black donut is called "Black Hole Sun" and many believe the 90's popular grunge band Soundgarden got the idea from it, since they are locals.

Seattle Window Washers

2008-03-20T22:54:00.001-07:00

Bus Poetry

2008-03-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

Trees

I dream about trees
Some are little
Some are big
Some are medium
They pull out their roots and walk to my house
Then knock it down

Eat my entire town
And all because
Everything there
is made of trees

-Sharon Zumwalt- age 6

Now that the weather is warming, I ride the bus into Seattle periodically to take pictures for personal work. Surrounded by unenthusiastic commuters, I sit patiently, gleefully pointing my camera everywhere, in anticipation of the shots to come. This shot is a result of my impatient trigger finger.

Armed with my Rolleiflex Automat or my Hasselblad 500 C/M, I take only 3 or 4 rolls of film (12 shots per roll). This forces me to really take my time, think about each shot, explore every angle, nail the exposure, and not shoot from the same angle twice. The result is a more refined technique which will hopefully spill into my wedding portraiture.

Wedding's are a flurry of emotion and and you have a limited number of shots (unless you have your trusty time machine on-hand). Some feel that shooting more rapidly is the solution but I prefer to shoot less but higher quality shots.

Also, I have given myself several assignments which will come to fruition shortly, in the form of photo stories. Because these personal projects are art, they are very subjective and what I think is fantastic you might think sucks. Oh well... that's why their personal projects.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

2008-03-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, or NILMDTS, is a foundation established to help grieving couples who give birth to an infant that may not survive long, or at all. Photography may be the last thing they think of in these troublesome times and NILMDTS offers free photography for these couples. I found this website from another photographer who has had some experience shooting these special moments.

Having a recent newborn really helped me empathize with this plight and decided to join NILMDTS to offer my photography services to local families & hospitals. Please view this video and take a moment to view their website. They are asking for a $5 donation to keep this non-profit running affectively and efficently.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

The Brown Family

2008-03-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

Same Sign, Different Angle

2008-03-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

City Hall

2008-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

As they say, "You can't fight City Hall"... so I photographed it!

Weird

2008-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Image you are in a large room and you are being attacked by a force of 5 year-olds... how many could you take on? Apparently I could take on 28.

I think I could take a few more, but I'm no expert.

28

Birth Story: Avery Ann Gessel

2008-01-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

At 6:32 PM Avery was born into the world. The following are highlights of the event. This is rated PG due to the suspenseful nature of the delivery. My mom took the pictures of me holding Avery and walking the halls with Amy, I think she did a pretty good job! Enjoy-

Repent!

2008-01-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have been shooting tons but took some time off with the arrival of my daughter (pictures to come), and we've all taken turns being sick... several times. I will exercise the demons of lazy posting habits and start posting in a more regular fashion.

Film vs Digital

2007-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

I read an article in the October 2007 Rangefinder Magazine about the quality of film in comparison to digital. It illustrates perfectly my impressions on why film should be used for certain aspects of wedding photography. CLICK HERE to go directly to the article.

Click on the photo to view it larger. This photo is enlarged to show you the detail of the figures face and necklace in the following examples.

Click on the picture to view it larger. The image on the left is digital and film on the right. You can clearly see digital produces pixels and film has grain. This is important when enlarging pictures past 8x10. This is why I shoot primarily with film cameras for family and wedding photography. You never know how big you'll want to enlarge a picture until after the event.

The top image is digital and the bottom film. The original image has been enlarged to a 16x20 print and then cropped to show a face. While digital may appear sharper, is noticeably pixilated. The image below has been enlarged to a 16x20 as well and there is clearly more detail (again, click on the photo to view it larger and you'll see what I mean).

Also noteworthy, the authors Rand and Meyer point out, is digital's inability to produce quality prints 20x24 and beyond. Sure, the camera may have the megapixels, but the detail was never recorded in the first place. This is noticeable for large groups showing tiny faces, or details.

One thing I really learned and can appreciate is the size of silver halides (grain in film) compared to pixels. For those who don't know, film is basically just a bunch of silver particles that are light sensitive. The silver halide crystals in most films are about 1 micron. For digital sensors, the size of the pixel ranges from 3.4-11 microns in professional digital cameras. This means that that while a full-frame sensor (most wedding photographers use less than full-frame sensors) can capture up to 22-megapixels, the 35mm equivalent is 28MP. The typical wedding photographer uses a 16MP camera that does not contain a full-frame sensor. I use medium format film, which is X3 the size of 35mm. It has a megapixel equivalency of 94MP! That means every frame I take with my medium format film is 94MP with full detail.

I always knew that I liked the quality and look and film of film over digital. This article just really helped me understand the science behind the quality.

-As a side note, I'm not against digital. I have several digital cameras that I use frequently and really enjoy. I also employ my digital cameras in professional work when necessary. I also really believe in medium format digital cameras. The sensors are X3 as big as 35mm DSLR sensors. I plan on getting a digital medium format camera as soon as I find $30k in my couch cushions. I'm just saying the digital and film cameras serve different purposes and that you should always use the right tool for the job.-

Children of the Corn

2007-10-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Austin is showcasing some new poses he's been working on.

Israel + Elluz | Engagement

2007-10-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

VOLETTA COUTURE FASHION SHOW

2007-10-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

In September Bellevue Square had their annual Fashion Week. A bridal store in the Hyatt building in Bellevue invited me to come and shoot their wedding fashion show. Featured were designer dresses by Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packham... to name a few. It was a great time and I was really impressed at the decor. They took an abondoned cement space and made it look like a night club by hanging curtains, lighting, tables, etc. Below are some of the pictures to give you an idea of what it was like.

New Website, Please Leave Input!

2007-09-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be adding a few changes to my website, I'm too close to the project to decide on many of the changes. Let me know if their is anything that really bothers you, little or small; also anything you would like to see or have available. The end result will pretty much look the same but function quite differently.

To get started, the easiest way to help me would to visit my site as if you were a bride. Perhaps you've already seen 20 other photographer's websites prior. You need to ascertain some information about me before moving on in your search. Here's some questions to keep in mind:

What's your first impression?
Did you find everything you're looking for?
What info is unnecessary or missing?
Do you appreciate that you can see what I look like (assuming you've never seen me before)?
Would you like a FAQ somewhere?
Do you find my animated advertisement cool/annoying?
Would a video hold your interest (of me in action with a Bride/Groom)?
Do you wish the initial picture were in color?
Is the font too light to read anywhere?
Would you like the option of hearing sound? (I would have controls to turn on and off)
Any other criticisms or witticisms?

My website can be found at: www.ansongesselphotography.com

So please take a second to browse around and give me any input, good or bad... I can take it! In a week (or two, or three) I will have my new site up so check back and let me know your opinion. After all, you are the consumer. Thanks!

SALT FLATS | BRIDALS

2007-09-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

SHEENA + JAMES | TACOMA

2007-08-21T12:20:00.001-07:00

Against My Better Judgement...

2007-08-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'll post this clip I saw on the web. It is ridiculous but good for a few laughs.

Click Here For Clip

Runyan + Smith | Wedding in Bellevue, WA

2007-07-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Seattle from 1000 feet

2007-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

This was really hard shooting downward looking through a waist finder on my Hasselblad.

DAVIS + KROSHUS WEDDING | SACRAMENTO

2007-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

A few of the Bride & Groom

Details

These were some Panorama's I did for fun. I wasn't too serious about perfect stitching. You may want to click on them to see better.

You can view more pictures at www.ansongessel.instaproofs.com.

HI, I'M A MAC...

2007-07-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

I love these commercials and they are all true. CLICK ON ME FOR LAUGHS

Since I was 15 my dad worked for Microsoft. I became very used to the various programs and PC's in general. I learned how to build my own computer from spare parts as well. One semester while studying photography at BYU I had two computers and they both crashed within a week of each other. Many photographs and documents that I didn't have backed up yet were lost (that is stupid on my part... lesson learned). Both PC's had gotten tons of viruses and the like from roomates and myself downloading music, movies, this and that. I couldn't browse the I-net without incessive pop-ups every 30 seconds!

The photo program at BYU only uses Mac's and so I ran out and bought an iBook G4. I have never had a virus, I don't own any spyware, firewall, security programs, and rarely if ever have a pop-up.

So now I'm a loyal Mac fan in a Microsoft family. I'm working to convert my mom, Vista is making life difficult.

Seattle Library

2007-07-03T14:33:00.001-07:00

I really love Architecural Photography and have considered pursueing it part time from time to time. These aren't the most clean images and certainly not wide angle. I just stopped in to get some books for my son and had my trusty Hasselblad around my neck from Pike Place Market.

One thing you'll notice is the latitude of film which shows detail in the highlights and shadows. I love film for this reason b/c I've found that many of these pictures would require taking two shots and compositing if shot with a digital camera. For example, notice how you can see structures and detail beyond the windows in the last shot (this isn't the most clear and best example, but..). With most digital cameras the windows would be blown out since it was a bright Seattle day. Film! film! film! film! ...and so on.

Pike Place Market

2007-07-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Additions to Website

2007-06-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm currently building a Real Estate website for Residental and Commercial Agents. Services will be: still photography (exterior, interior), head shots, and 360˚ VR. That webpage is expected to be up sometime in the next few weeks at gesselphotography.com. Also I have updated some pictures on ansongesselphotography.com in the bridal section. I will add to the wedding section in a few weeks as well since I only feature one wedding. I have a lot on my plate!

Kaylynne | Lake Tahoe Bridals

2007-06-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

By the power of Xango, I am He-Man

2007-06-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

These are some shots I did for Xango while still in school. Their art director was kind enough to trust a novice and it proved to be a great experience for me. Xango did half a billion in revenue last year (pocket change) and so this was a good opportunity for me.

Reno... it is what it is

2007-06-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment downtown and saw this painting on the side of a building of a Rolleiflex Twin Lens Camera. I love this camera and use it in much of my portraiture. I was late to my appointment but couldn't pass up the photo-op.

SLC Temple Details

2007-05-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Cause I Can

2007-05-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I shot these from my hotel room in LA on my honeymoon. I honestly don't remember how I ended up with this color but it wasn't shot this way. Something in the way I scanned it.

Palmer + Sammis Wedding

2007-05-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a sneak preview anyways. I won't get the rest of the film back until later. This roll snuck in with the tester rolls I sent to various labs in Seattle in search of my new lab.

The Evers

2007-05-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes a kid happier than 1,000 bubbles per minute.

Fowler Family

2007-05-09T22:16:00.000-07:00