New Myspace Design

I have not really been into myspace so my page has been really lacking in content and design. I apologize to those of you that may have sent me messages that I missed. I am much better by regular email.

Thanks to MACork Solutions, I have a new design. Check it out! Click the link below:

http://www.myspace.com/rossoscarknight

- rk

New Myspace Design

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Through the eyes of a child...

tip: click picture for larger view

I had the longest blog entry for you to read and after I finished typing it I erased the whole thing. I decided to keep it (at least most of it) to myself on this evening. This picture in itself says a million words!!!

I took this picture last year in October. My subject was gazing at his father. I saw him looking for approval, guidance, answers, safety, love, direction, forgiveness, encouragement, strength, peace, patience, long-suffering....

In the background is my subject's sister wearing pink tights! Cute and annoying at the same time, right? If you want to critique this photo you may tell me that I ruined my composition by forgetting to remove the additional color contrast. But let's not get too technical.

What can we learn from this picture?

Although our siblings - or let's say our spiritual brothers and sisters - are always near, they can sometimes be distracting from our true form of worship. It is a blessing to fellowship and find strength in numbers, however, there are times when we get caught looking to others for the answers that we need to seek directly from above.

I thought of this as I squinted through my camera lens nine months ago and I am now reminded of my time for intercession with the true leader of my life.

Amen.

- rk

Through the eyes of a child...

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Morning at the Chateau!

This morning I got up extra early to drive to Chateau Elan for a family photo shoot. A while back, Betsey called me from Arizona and let me know that she and her kids and her grand kids would be spending some time in Atlanta together. It has been a while since they have all been together. The coolest thing about this shoot was the number of family members. Each individual family had 5 members. I never get this lucky!!! My engineering symmetry kicked in and here is what I came up with!

- rk

Morning at the Chateau!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

August 4th is FUN IN THE SUN - Part I!!!

We've had a great response to folks wanting to participate in FUN IN THE SUN - Part I (What is this?? - click here). I heard from people in Philly, D.C., NY, the Carolinas, Texas, Florida, Alabama, VA, and even Cali. Atlanta was expected.

I hope that you can make it too!

I thought it would be a neat idea to get everyone outdoors to hang out for a day. My clients, old/new/current friends, bloggers, photographers - everybody.

Yes, it will be hot, so you may sweat (bring water..and food for that matter), but look on the bright side, you may meet your soul mate?! And you both are guaranteed to be hot! Even if you didn't think so when you looked in the mirror before you left home! OK, I'm not looking to make love connections between people, I really think you should enjoy the city. Bring the whole family out. Not to see me...although I'll be there in pretty noticeable attire...but to see one another.


There is so much to do at the park:

1. Bring your four-legged friend for a stroll (yes)

2. Fishing (maybe not)

3. Grilling (yes)

4. Playground for the kids (yes)

5. Rollerblading (yes) - rentals available

6. Biking (yes) - rentals available

7. Swimming (yes)

8. Tennis (yes)

9. Volleyball (yes)

10. Softball (yes)

11. Soccer (yes)

12. Running/Jogging (yes)

13. Sleeping (at your own risk, but yes)

14. Watching the birds (if you want)

15. Photography! (great opportunity)

Shall I go on??


There are restaurants within walking distance of the park if you do not want to bring food. As for myself, I'm breaking out the old picnic basket (photographer budget style!).

Where: Piedmont Park - Midtown Atlanta

When: August 4, 2007 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

How: We'll figure that part out!

Who: You, me and a bunch of other folks

For those of you not from Atlanta, check out info on Piedmont Park by clicking this link.

Things to keep in mind: Park Rules.

I'll most likely be centrally located under the cool shade of a tree near the 10th St/Charles Allen entrance at the top of the hill facing the city. If not then you will find me on one of the game fields trying to keep up with the youngsters. See you soon.

If you sent an email to network@rossoscarknight.com then you should have already received an email.

Two more weeks until the big announcement!!!!!!!!

"...the key is to love what you see..."

- rk

August 4th is FUN IN THE SUN - Part I!!!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Slide show faster than ever...new server!

http://www.photosbyknight.com/gray/

Slide show faster than ever...new server!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Gray Slideshow Update..

Due to an overwhelming response to the slide show this week, we have temporarily disabled one of the links (www.spelhouse.com/gray/). www.photosbyknight.com/gray/ is still active.

We are making server changes to ensure everyone will continue to be blessed by this amazing proposal, however, at the same time we must manage webspace. We are pushing near 150 million hits!!!

Once the situation is rectified, we will have the show up and running! Although not completely desirable, this may require secured access.

To view individual pictures from the event, go to: click here

Blog you soon!

rk

Gray Slideshow Update..

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Slide Show Links..Robert Gray and Keisha Williams...

Hi everyone..

I posted two links to the slide show last month. If you are having problems viewing the show it is b/c we have several thousand people viewing the show right now!

Here are the links:

http://www.spelhouse.com/gray/ (currently disabled due to over 6500% increase in traffic)

http://www.photosbyknight.com/gray/ (Still up and running)

Happy Monday to everyone! (Is that from Office Space?? - one of my favorite movies!)

Slide Show Links..Robert Gray and Keisha Williams...

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

At Home with Ms. Evelyn Ford!

A fun slide show from a fun shoot last month!

Click here to view the show.

Enjoy!

- rk

At Home with Ms. Evelyn Ford!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

KNIGHT goes to Africa!

Over the next two to three years I will be working on a book that centers around weddings and different traditions throughout the world. I won't release the name of the book as of now, although it has already been "given" to me.

I ask that you pray for my efforts and continued faith. This book and my travels will be no small feat. The plan is all coming together...the finances will hopefully follow.

In 2008 and 2009, I want to take at least two trips to Africa to document weddings throughout the continent. Thanks to my readers and some clients, I have received great insight into where I will travel. Currently, I am working on weddings in Kenya and Nigeria for next year! I also have my eyes set on Cape Town (thanks Nicole!).

Stay tuned for updates and how you can possibly help!!! For now, just mention "KNIGHT goes to Africa" in your prayers!

(by Faith all things are possible)

- rk

KNIGHT goes to Africa!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Question of the Week?

I was just finishing editing this photograph for a client and I had a thought...

Some of us pray for answers to the world's most complex questions. Others look deep inside ourselves to see if those answers already exist. Still, more of us read to gain insight and increase our overall intellectual capacity. Consequently, we become a source of information for others.

This week, why not connect with an older member from your family or a peer in your circle of influence to explore what wisdom is just a phone call away! What do you have to lose? Well, the real question is, what will you do with what you gain???

- rk

Question of the Week?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Baron and Rosa - Two Peas in a Pod

I'm on a roll with editing so I thought why not post a few more shoots!

I first met Rosa in my former life as an Engineer/Business Consultant. Don't let that smile fool you, despite her cool demeanor this girl is packing a Master's in Environmental Engineering (no small feat...believe me, I know!). Baron spends the better half of his day helping others (like you and me) to see better since he works at a contact lens manufacturing company. The irony is, Baron has 20/20 vision!

Baron and Rosa first met at an "undisclosed" location by chance and things took off from there. Rosa can be a bit of a tough cookie. I tried to set up a scenario during our photo shoot (contact any previous lifestyle client of mine about this) where she acted like she had met Baron for the first time. Her response was to walk away (ouch!!). OK, on a serious note, these two were really cool to work with. Not too much directing from my end, just love emanating from the both of them. It was so steamy I we all welcomed a little sprinkle of rain that surprised us as we left1!

Baron and Rosa will marry this September in Atlanta, GA. Both have family coming from all over. Rosa's family from Taiwan and Baron's family from Alabama. Can't wait for the wedding folks!!!

-rk

Baron and Rosa - Two Peas in a Pod

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Kiva "da Diva" and the Fireman

ROK Photo does not market for prenatal portraits but we made an exception for Larry and Kiva. They will welcome a young man into the world in about 2 months. I asked Kiva was she hoping for a ball player or future Fortune 500 Executive (secretly I had my fingers crossed for a world-renowned photographer!!) but she answered, 'I want him to be whatever God has destined him to be.' I may be paraphrasing a bit - but this was truly the best answer.

How did Larry and Kiva meet? The story goes like this...Kiva went to the fire department to get her blood pressure checked (hmmm). What do you know? Larry was there working and willing to help out! This shoot started off with a nice bit of rain and thunder but by the end of the shoot the sky was filled with sunshine and beautiful clouds.

Check out the pics below.

Thanks Kiva and Larry for letting us show you that we can make it happen rain or sunshine!

rk

Kiva "da Diva" and the Fireman

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!

Pick up a copy of this Saturday's (7/14/2007) Atlanta Journal Constitution for an article that you are sure to enjoy! The article will feature images from Ross Oscar Knight Photography and a love story about two of my recent clients. For those of you outside the State of Georgia and our international readers click here to read the article. This Saturday's paper is sure to be a "Collector's Edition!"

rk

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Question of the Week?

I had a long weekend of shoots and it took all day Monday to get back on track. I have some really exciting news to share soon! Get ready...just 3 more weeks until the unveiling!!! In the meantime, ponder on this quote and how it might apply to your life...

What would you attempt to do
today
if you knew that failure was not an option
tomorrow?

- unknown


My addition...


What will you achieve
today
so that
tomorrow
is a better day than
before?

- rk

Question of the Week?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

KNIGHT Portable Toolbox

I've received a few questions on - what is best equipment for starting photographers? I think every brand has its unique advantages and disadvantages. I find that my relationship with Canon USA has proved beneficial to my business, shooting style, and workflow management. Here is the equipment I bring with me to every wedding...

Canon 5D and 30D Bodies (Mark III coming soon!!!)
Canon 580ex remote flashes
Quantum Turbo 2x2
Canon 70 - 200mm f2.8
Canon 24 - 70mm f2.8
Canon 16 - 35mm f2.8
Canon 85mm f1.2
Canon 50mm f1.4
Canon 10mm f1.4 fisheye
Lexar/SanDisk 4GB compact flash cards
Lacie 80GB portable firewire
17" Apple MacBook Pro
Pocket Wizard Plus II Transceivers
Lowerpro Bag
Canon i90 Portable Printer
Infocus Projector w/ 60" portable screen

And a bottle of motrin for myself and my assistant after carrying all of this around for a day!

Seriously though, professional photography is a serious financial and time investment that should not be taken lightly. That's why your business plan must be really solid! As a former business development consultant, I watched promising young entrepreneurs (like myself) succumb to the pressure of financial strain and poor planning.

We'll cover more in depth info on this equipment and what equipment is best for starting photographers at the seminar next year. Also, we will look at a sample business plan to get you started.

rk

KNIGHT Portable Toolbox

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Fun on the 4th!

After a morning of editing and book layouts, I hung out with a good friend of mine - Paul Shailendra (The Shailendra Group) and his wife Amanda - for the 4th. Paul and I did LEAD Atlanta together this year. Visit Paul's website to find out all the great things his family is doing for the city of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and other parts of the country. Thanks Paul and Amanda for being such great hosts! Now if I could just have one more of those cupcakes my heart would be content..!

Here are a few pics from the cookout...

rk

Fun on the 4th!

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Manual vs. Automatic - for Beginning Photographers

What camera mode are you shooting on? Manual mode or Automatic mode? We will cover the advantages of shooting in Manual, Aperture priority, and Shutter priority modes during our seminar for beginning photographers and hobbyist in early 2008.

Take a look at these two pictures:


PHOTO INFO

Camera: Canon 5d
Mode: Manual
Flash: None
Aperture: 8.0
ISO: 200
Metering: Pattern
Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter: 1/250
AWB



PHOTO INFO

Camera: Canon 5d
Mode: Manual
Flash: None
Aperture: 1.4
ISO: 100
Metering: Pattern
Focal Length: 50mm
Shutter: 1/5000
AWB


Notice the difference in the depth of field for these two images. Which image is more pleasing to the eye? The first image is very busy with too much for your eyes to focus on while the second image draws your eyes directly to the center table. Learn more about composition and how the human eye perceives light vs. how your camera perceives light at our seminar next year for beginning photographers and hobbyist.


Coming Early 2008 - the KNIGHT experience!

By popular demand, Ross Knight will be conducting 3 small photography seminars covering the basics of photography. This seminar is for the beginner photographer or hobbyist wishing to learn more about photography and KNIGHT style. Come spend an action packed day with Atlanta's premiere lifestyle, wedding and event photographer as he unselfishly shares his knowledge and explains his style of photography. Be prepared to learn, meet new friends and most of all have fun. Only 30 spaces available!

Inquire today about costs and space availability: learn@rossoscarknight.com

Workshop topics will include:
- basic photography terminology
- equipment orientation
- composition
- beginning lighting
- marketing and business tips

Workshop Activities:
- portfolio review
- on location photo shoot by Ross Knight with a model
- one-on-one coaching

Details:
- lunch provided
- metro Atlanta location

Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- digital SLR camera with manual settings (rentals available)
- external flash with manual settings
- laptop with usb port

Manual vs. Automatic - for Beginning Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

$1 - Question of the Day

What if you had a $1 for every time you received a blessing? What would that add up to in a day, a week, a month, a year?? $50, $1,000, $1M, $1B....trillions? Can't calculate?

Let's think of it this way (for those who say they are in ultimate despair and have no blessings at all)...think of your breathing. How long can you actually hold your breath? 30 seconds, 1 - 2 minutes, 3...? The Guinness Book of World Records online has someone holding their breath for nearly 13 minutes (don't hold me to this one - no pun intended). I know what you are thinking, this is crazy, right?

So here is your experiment. Try counting the number of times you inhale for 30 seconds. Be creative...use your microwave as a timer or something. Multiply this number by 2. Then multiply that number by 60 and then that number by 24. We won't get too technical here because I will start getting emails from people asking about - what if I breath less when I am sleeping or more when I work out?

Here are my results:

8 breaths in 30 seconds

8 x 2 = 16
16 x 60 = 960
960 x 24 = 23,040

Trust me, I have been trying to get rid of this math from my engineering degree but it keeps popping up. I had to fight myself not to give you a formula with variables.

So I roughly take 16 breathes a minute, 960 an hour, and 23,040 per day. Multiply each of these numbers by just $1.

Can you afford to pay someone $960 an hour? Or $23,040 a day? How about $8,409,600 a year. Will some of us even make that in a lifetime?

How about we find another way to pay for what keeps us living? How about paying God? Not through money but through prayer and praise! After reading the Purpose Driven Life, I thought about what my true purpose was.

Why not take a fraction of the breath that you are blessed with and pray for a half an hour a day, just for starters. Guess what? I'll try to. I'm not perfect because it doesn't always happen. But I am willing to admit it and we can all try together. That's 1,800 seconds a day, a small cry from the numbers that are mentioned above.

Still not convinced? Go to your local drugstore and purchase a composition notebook. Or better yet use a magnet on your refrigerator and some typing paper. For a week, write down every time you feel that you have been blessed. This includes waking up, eating, standing, seeing your kids, walking the dog, getting paid, watching tv, enjoying your air conditioning, seeing the sun outside, and the moon when you go to sleep....you'll find all of your own soon. At the end of the week, compile your list and sit your family down together. Read the collective list out loud. If one of you doesn't feel the innate desire to lift or bow your head in thanks....I'll leave my thoughts on that to myself.

rk

Photography tips in the next post, I promise!

$1 - Question of the Day

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

2nd Quarter Events

Two great events from April...

Business Brokers of America

Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council

2nd Quarter Events

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

My Life - My Blog - My Breakthrough...

Why Blog?

Well, I am getting pretty comfortable with this "being open" stuff. So I thought I would start explaining a few things. The fact about my blog is this - I started my blog to give my clients a way to see their pictures early and to add narrative about their photo shoots. It has slowly turned into much more than that...at least for me.

I grew up with 1 brother and 5 sisters (see the Knight Clan below). We all shared one bathroom and doubled or tripled up on bedrooms! So much for privacy! Picture that, all of us trying to get ready in the morning for school - one shower!?! And don't even think that you were the only one sneaking to the kitchen in the dark for a late night snack...you were up against 8 other people in the house with the same idea. You'd bump into 2 or 3 people on the way back to your room. Needless to say, I never wanted to keep personal letters or a diary in my room (or the house for that matter).

Trust me, I'll tie this all together.

I have always had insecurities about writing. Not publically, but privately. I always felt that if I was open and honest with myself in writing that someone would violate my privacy...by reading my innermost thoughts...and then using this same information against me. Fear of humiliation I guess. So for my entire life, I have been opposed to keeping a diary.

It wasn't until the beginning of this year that I discovered the concept of a blog. What made me most comfortable with sharing my thoughts and feelings were my readers. I have "you" to thank. Since I usually work late...I have ideas all the time. Some of these ideas just happen to pop up around 2 AM during the middle of an editing session. My blog has been the perfect place to jot these ideas down. Well, what do you know? After I post an entry, I usually get responses right back within minutes! I will have to admit, I do not always publish all of my readers' comments and some of you blog readers email me directly. But I will tell you this, all of you have been a great inspiration to me. Encouraging me to press on and sharing your similar experiences. It's great!

Out of 55 posts, I have received only 2 bad comments. However, I have learned to take all criticism constructively...even the harshest of words. I have learned to sometimes detach the emotion from a situation and look at things rationally. I ask myself, what can I learn from this?

You folks (yes I am "southern") have helped me to grow in ways that were unimaginable to me. Now I am not ashamed to share any of my thoughts and feelings. Heck, they are now public to millions of people. How is that for a diary? Thanks for helping me to speak my mind and thanks for not being judgmental. So now you know..my blog is as much for me as it is for you..

One day, I hope to print all of my blog entries, put them in a book and hand them to my kids as a gift. Then hopefully they will get a glimpse into dad's life - my accomplishments, hopes, dreams, wishes, failures, successes...

See, I believe that we should all have the notion to improve upon the next generation. Not just economically...but also in our children's spirituality, social consciousness, health, education...you name it. It's our God-given responsibility to do so.

I speak with parents all the time who ask me...how can I truly reconnect with my children? I tell the parents that I think the first step is to stop acting like they themselves have never experienced some of the same issues their children are facing! I believe it is important to sometimes show children your vulnerabilities so that they can understand that no one is perfect. Not even You. If you consider yourself to be perfect then read the biblical story about Elijah or Enoch and decide if you can take the same trip...

O.K. enough for now, I think I am starting to preach!! And I just wanted to talk about why I blog...

There you have it - My Life - My Blog - What a breakthrough!!!

rk

p.s. A great big shout out to my long lost friend from Huntsville, Tiarra! I'm looking forward to great things from you young lady!

My Life - My Blog - My Breakthrough...

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Introducing the KNIGHT Clan - Winter/Summer Edition..

I've been promising my family these pics...so I thought I would share them with you also..







Now on to a few Summer pics...





Hope you enjoyed meeting everyone...

rk

Introducing the KNIGHT Clan - Winter/Summer Edition..

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!