Bill Leyden's Blog

A brisk 45 degree morning with winds gusting to 45 mph and sand that stopped the van a mile from the venue was not enough to stop Michele Gauger’s group from spending a morning at the dunes. Here, Hillery Ilikea Aguiar-Galloway strikes a wonderful pose against the wind in front of the ‘big dune.’

Amargosa Dune

Although I hid my camera in my vest most of the time, about an hour of shooting left my lens grinding when focusing. Luckily, I ended up at the WPPI convention, where Canon cleaned my equipment for free. Thank you!

I can never refuse Wolfs Robe when he calls. I was happy to have my friend, Bridge along to hold the light pistol to open up some of the shadows from the strong Arizona sun. Normally, I prefer to shoot under cover, as my late friend and mentor, Monte Zucker would do. But Wolf has his favorite spots.

Here I turn his body away from the light and have him look back toward the sun:

Wolfs Robe

Of course you don’t see Bridge holding the light pistol:

Using a light pistol to 'open' shadows.

Next time I’ll bring a hat and more sun screen.

The locals say they have not seen snow stick in Prescott this long in many years. Looking south over Watson Lake to the Prescott Resort at sunset 2 weeks after the first major snow of the Winter of 2010 shows a persistent blaket.

Watson Lake

Looking north from the same location is a striking view with the identifying snow-covered peaks near Flagtaff, AZ in the background.

I was happy to be invited to my friend Rod’s home in LA. Rod is an acting coach and director. While I was there, I couldn’t help making this image of him. He agreed to let me bring a single light on a tripod into his lovely home. I wanted to duplicate the effect of Rod on a stage reviewing a script – like I had seen him do before.

Rod Menzies

I have been fascinated with using the HDSLR to make short HD Videos during a shoot.  As Samara was leaving the beach to go home, I asked her back for a moment.  “Do that triangle pose thing again,” I said.  This time I used the video; I love the result! So does Samara!

I asked Klaus what was the secret to his full life. He said, “Simple. I radiate love.” Here he is with his companion, Kokomo

Klaus Wille and Kokomo

Arlene McCarthy

Alene McCarthy prepares to address the annual gathering of contributors to the local volunteer service organization, People Who Care.

Arlene, who seems to be everywhere at all times, still needed a secret weapon to conquer the podium at the Prescott Resort:

Wow!  What fun to visit Samara at home and to make a couple of great images.  Musician, healer and Yoga instructor, Samara is truly gifted.

In a darkened theater in Hollywood, CA, Director Shayde Christian and Cinematographer Austin Schmidt ‘block’ a shot.

Shooting in Hollywood

After saying goodbye after a year of volunteering in the Southwest, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Stacy Raker returns home to the Midwest.   I couldn’t resist making this image of her before she left for a going-away party.

Stacy Raker

It was fun to make this image, although she, like almost everyone I have ever photographed gave the standard disclaimer, “I hate my picture taken.”  I suspect someone will be glad that she did it anyway.