Category Archives: Dave Black

My Next Step in the Wonderful World of Sports Photography

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My journey through sports photography as been incredible. I started seriously about eight years ago with a goal of staying involved in sports. Previously, I was a coach. I coached pee wee football and Little League baseball, and then I also coached Middle School football. I love sports! I played football in high school and learned the love of sport from my dad many years ago. I stopped coaching primarily because I did not want to be that dad who could not let go of his own son. Besides, my son, James, already knew more about baseball than I did, so I knew he needed better coaches to help him advance when he was twelve. I still miss coaching to this day. However, I decided at that moment to pick up my camera and utilize my knowledge of the games to try and capture the games with my camera.

PV Baseball 2013-05-20-091

I was fortunate to have great training in my college days at Temple University. I even did a sports photography project as my final for our obligatory photo class. I believe the images I captured saved my grade. However, I would not re-discover this love of shooting sports until much later. Now, with coaching behind me, I became an amateur sports photographer. I started with our local high school baseball team, photographing their games, providing a slideshow of my action shots at their banquet, and creating photo collages for their seniors each year. This was a great learning experience for me and the head coach was very supportive. One of my photographs drew the attention of our local newspaper and they ran the image the next day along with the image their staff photographer submitted from the game. This was my first big breakthrough. Then a few weeks later, the newspaper’s photographer who was assigned to the high school championship baseball game was involved in a car accident when someone hit her. She could not cover the game, so they asked me. Amazingly, the underdog upset the favored team and my image took up over half the front page of the sports section the next day! This was another very fortunate break-through and now my endeavors into sports photography began to take off.

MVC Championship 2013-1213

I began to cover many high school football games for the newspaper, which I enjoy immensely! Just standing by the sidelines or beyond the endzone takes me back to my high school days when I played football. There is just something mighty special about Friday nights! In my work with the newspaper, I was asked one season to cover several of the local Division II college football games. I was thrilled to do so and quickly realized how much faster these games are compared to what I covered before as a sports photographer. The day after each game, the paper ran an image or two and I kept slowly progressing.



The following year I received a call on my cell phone from the university’s Sports Information Director asking if I would be interested in photographing three of their football games as a freelance sports photographer. Interested? Wild horses could not keep me away from this exciting opportunity! Right after covering these three games, I was offered a contract by the university to work with them covering all their sports. Amazing!

at Koehler Fieldhouse in East Stroudsburg on Wednesday, March 4, 2015.

Most recently, I approached a Women’s Golf publication to see if they might be interested in any of my work. As I said previously, I love sports. We worked out an agreement and now some of my golf photos are seeing the light of day, too. I learned a whole lot over the years and I am still learning something new every day. So, what is the next step in the wonderful world of sports photography for me? Well, I know I need to keep improving and learn more about how to consistently capture stunning and breath-taking photographs during each game. I also know I need to learn much more about the sports photography industry. So, I decided to sign up for the Summit Sports Photography Workshop in Denver, Colorado. I heard about this workshop before but a recent connection with Dave Black helped me bite the bullet and sign up. I am very excited to be taking this next step and it seems like the next logical step for me. As an added bonus, I decided to visit Yellowstone for the first time in my life for a week-and-a-half after the workshop. I am blessed to be doing what I am doing in sports photography. I am staying involved in sports and having the time of my life! One of the unexpected benefits of all this is meeting so many wonderful and interesting people. I can honestly say that my life is much richer and more fulfilling through these connections. Editors, coaches, players, athletic directors, media personnel, fellow photographers and so many more have blessed me. I have no idea where the next opportunity or twist will take me in sports photography, but I cannot wait to find out!

PV Baseball 2009-09-05-128

Petite Perfection: Finding the Right Summer Dress for Your Frame

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Finding the perfect summer dress can be a challenge, especially for petite women who often face the struggle of finding styles that fit and flatter their smaller frames. The key is to focus on cuts, lengths, and styles that create an elongating effect, making you look both stylish and proportionate. Here’s a guide to finding petite-friendly summer dresses that enhance your frame and make you feel confident.
1. Opt for Fitted and Tailored Styles

When it comes to summer dresses, the fit is crucial for petite frames. Dresses that are too loose or oversized can overwhelm your figure and make you look shorter. Instead, go for fitted or tailored styles that accentuate your shape:

A-Line Dresses: An A-line dress is a versatile choice that works well for petite figures. The fitted bodice and flared skirt create a balanced silhouette that elongates the legs. Choose a dress with a cinched waist to enhance your curves and add definition.

Wrap Dresses: Wrap dresses are excellent for petite women as they can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly. The V-neckline of a wrap dress creates the illusion of a longer torso, while the tie waist helps to define your shape.

Fit-and-Flare Dresses: Similar to A-line dresses, fit-and-flare dresses offer a structured bodice with a flared skirt. This combination creates a flattering shape and allows for easy movement while maintaining a streamlined appearance.

Styling Tip: Avoid overly voluminous styles that can swamp your frame. Stick to dresses that offer a more tailored fit to enhance your proportions.
2. Choose the Right Length

The length of a dress plays a significant role in how it flatters a petite frame. Here’s how to choose the right length to ensure your dress makes you look taller and more proportionate:

Knee-Length Dresses: Knee-length dresses are ideal for petite women as they show off your legs and create the appearance of longer limbs. This length is universally flattering and works well for both casual and formal occasions.

Above-the-Knee Dresses: Dresses that hit just above the knee can make your legs appear longer. This length is great for summer days and gives a youthful, playful look.

High-Low Dresses: High-low dresses, with their shorter front and longer back, offer a trendy option that elongates the legs while adding a touch of drama. This style can be particularly flattering for petite frames.

Styling Tip: Avoid floor-length dresses or those that fall mid-calf, as they can make you appear shorter. Opt for lengths that showcase your legs and add a sense of height.
3. Embrace Vertical Lines and Patterns

Vertical lines and patterns can create the illusion of added height, making them perfect for petite women. Here’s how to incorporate them into your summer dress wardrobe:

Vertical Stripes: Dresses with vertical stripes help elongate your body by drawing the eye upward. Choose dresses with thin, subtle stripes for a sophisticated look or bold stripes for a more playful style.

Monochromatic Looks: A monochromatic dress in a single color or similar shades can create a continuous line from head to toe, which makes you appear taller and more streamlined.

Vertical Patterns: Look for dresses with vertical patterns or designs that lead the eye vertically. This can include prints like vertical florals or abstract designs.

Styling Tip: Avoid horizontal stripes or busy patterns that can cut off your height. Stick to designs that emphasize vertical lines to enhance your silhouette.
4. Play with Necklines

The right neckline can make a significant difference in how a dress flatters a petite frame. Here’s how to choose necklines that enhance your proportions:

V-Necks: V-necklines are great for petite women as they create the illusion of a longer torso and elongate the neck. This style also helps to draw attention upward, balancing your overall look.

Scooped Necklines: Scoop necklines offer a similar effect to V-necks by opening up the chest area and creating a longer line. This neckline works well for casual summer dresses and adds a feminine touch.

Belted or Drawstring Styles: Dresses with belts or drawstrings at the waist can help define your shape and prevent the dress from overwhelming your frame.

Styling Tip: Avoid high necklines or overly embellished collars that can make your torso appear shorter. Opt for necklines that enhance your vertical line and keep the look balanced.
5. Consider Fabric and Prints

The choice of fabric and print can also impact how a summer dress fits and flatters a petite frame:

Lightweight Fabrics: Opt for lightweight, flowing fabrics like chiffon or cotton that add movement without adding bulk. These fabrics are perfect for summer and keep your look airy and fresh.

Small Prints: Small, delicate prints are more flattering for petite figures compared to large, overpowering patterns. Choose prints that add visual interest without overwhelming your frame.

Styling Tip: Avoid heavy or stiff fabrics that can add bulk and make you look shorter. Stick to fabrics that drape well and complement your figure.
Conclusion

Finding the perfect womens summer dresses canada for a petite frame involves focusing on styles that enhance your proportions and elongate your body. By choosing fitted cuts, the right length, vertical lines, flattering necklines, and suitable fabrics, you can find dresses that make you look and feel your best. Embrace these tips to celebrate your petite frame and enjoy stylish, flattering summer dresses year-round. With the right dress, you’ll exude confidence and sophistication, no matter the occasion.