Just for fun!

It's hard for me to say what my favorite genre of photography is. I really do enjoy all sorts. I've been told that it's best to specialize. Although I can see the value in this advice, I can't say necessarily as to whether or not I agree. When I involve myself in special projects, not related to what I would consider my niche, it really inspires me on many levels. It teaches me new skills, improves old ones, stretches my creative thinking and helps me to trouble shoot. Above all, it keeps me from getting bored and burned out.

My son is home from college and is always so generous about helping me with new ideas, whether they be just for fun or for a specific purpose. This stop motion video was just for fun and totally on a whim (even better)! I'm getting a kick out of how fun it turned out. Best of all, it makes me smile and laugh.

We shot this at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL, on a cool, quiet afternoon. I just love this yellow sofa that they have. I initially shot about 500 images showing each small movement. It reminded me of the old claymation shows that I used to watch as a kid. The project ended up to be over 240 frames and hours of processing just to get a 55 second video. My son had many fun ideas himself, like the disappearing bow and many other facial expressions. This has sort of a vaudeville/silent move-type flare.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Turn up the peppy music as it really ties in with the French jazzy theme! We feel a mini-series coming on ;).