Comments

Interesting shot – probably better as a vertical so it isn’t directly in the middle.

The increase in contrast and sharpness makes the image much more interesting.

This is a win/win situation as both the before and after dandelion seed pod shots are excellent. Sharp and good detail. Photoshop work makes the dandelion really pop out and further illuminates the delicate feathery quality of the dandelion seeds.

Joseph Coplen - Biography

The first pictures I can remember taking were as a result of my father’s love of photography. My dad took some classes when I was growing up and I got to come along. I learned by watching him and imitated what I saw him do. He gave me my first camera; a Pentax 35mm SLR when I was a junior in high school. I used it at the local vocational school to take pictures of friends and that started me on my career path.

Through the years I took pictures as only a hobby. In 2002, a band my mother was managing wanted pictures taken for promotional materials. That was when I got the idea that I could do what I loved to do, and make money at it.

I began taking more pictures and developing my photographic eye. I took pictures of an organization called “The Network,” in Springfield, Illinois that put on plays and poetry readings. I took my first wedding portraits in 2005 and from there I began taking pictures of local hip hop artists, other musicians and future models.

I also can’t forget the photos I took of the devastation of tornadoes that ripped through my city in 2006. I was one of the first people on the scene and took powerful images of homes damaged, people lost, dreams shattered.

My most recent works have been of local aspiring models as well as photos for the publication, “The Lamp,” the campus newspaper for the Lincoln Land Community College. Since serving as a staff photographer for them, I have had the privilege of taking a variety of photos including sports-related photos, college admissions events, black history month readings, and the annual car show on campus.

My most memorable journalistic photography event includes being a member of the press corps for Illinois State Senator Barack Obama’s announcement that he was running for the office of United States President in 2008. That February 2007 event produced many photos of what some say is our next president. I also had the rare and up close opportunity to take photos of the Springfield Illinois City, Water, Light and Power explosion, gaining much sought closeness to get the pictures that would later be published in The Lamp.

While I take pictures of almost everything, I love taking journalistic type pictures; the ones that tell a story and stir emotion. I hope you enjoy this look into my work and I look forward to working with you in the future.