Portrait photography — My 2009 Pictures of the Year

They say you don’t know where you are going unless you look at where you have been. In keeping with that theory, I am posting my year in review for several picture categories: news photography, portrait photography, and unpublished (personal) photography.

Troy Wolff, Shoreline Community College English Professor & Latin American Travel Writer. Add a caption Troy Wolff, Shoreline Community College English Professor & Latin American Travel Writer.

Johnny Stanley, Jr. explores the inside of St. Marks Cathedral in Seattle Wednesday March 18, 2009 at Tent City 3.

Kori explores the pillars at Richmond Beach in the Seattle suburb of Shoreline.

A shark attack victim zombie poses for a portrait during an attempt to set a new record for most zombies participating in a zombie walk in Fremont Friday July 3, 2009. They broke the record with over 3,000 participants.

Characters from The Big Lebowski pose for a portrait outside of Lebowski Fest at Acme Bowl in Tukwila Tuesday July 21, 2009.

Joel Smith, boy scout, poses for a portrait at Shoreview Park in Shoreline where he will revitalize park trails to earn Eagle Scout.

Amanda & Patrick Engagement Session -- Seattle, WA -- Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle waterfront.

Amanda & Patrick Engagement Session -- Seattle, WA -- Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle waterfront.

Amanda & Patrick Engagement Session -- Seattle, WA -- Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle waterfront

Amanda & Patrick Engagement Session -- Seattle, WA -- Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle waterfront

Amanda & Patrick Engagement Session -- Seattle, WA. Locations: Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle waterfront.

Portrait during day 1 of the Seattle Tattoo Expo at Seattle Center Friday August 7, 2009.

Portraits of comic enthusiasts at the first annual Bellingham ComicCon October 24, 2009 in Bellingham, WA.

Portraits of comic enthusiasts at the first annual Bellingham ComicCon October 24, 2009 in Bellingham, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

Portraits of Seattle Seahawks fans before their winning game against the Detroit Lions Sunday November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA.

News photography — My 2009 Pictures of the Year

They say you don’t know where you are going unless you look at where you have been. In keeping with that theory, I am posting my year in review for several picture categories: news photography, portrait photography, and unpublished (personal) photography.

Tent City 3 at Calvin Presbyterian Church Friday February 27, 2009 in Shoreline, WA.

Tent City 3 at Calvin Presbyterian Church Friday February 27, 2009 in Shoreline, WA.

p>Tent City 3 at Calvin Presbyterian Church Friday February 27, 2009 in Shoreline, WA.

Wednesday March 18, 2009 at Tent City 3 at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, WA.

Bhangra Bash at the University of Washington Saturday March 28, 2009.

FACE fashion show in Seattle Thursday April 30, 2009 at Herban Feast to raise money for Sunflower Children’s fund.

Monk (no last name), left, kisses Sam D while using bondage ropeto suspend her on the opening night of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival Friday May 1, 2009 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.

Final try-outs for the Seahawks cheerleader team the Sea Gals at Qwest Field Sunday May 3, 2009. 12 of the 28 women selected for the team are new this season.”

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Norwegian Constitution Day parade in Ballard Sunday May 17, 2009.

Members of the Lake City Emblem Club get some shade thanks to patriotic umbrellas before participating in a march at a Memorial Day ceremony at Washelli Cemetery in Seattle Monday May 25, 2009.

Parade participants make their way down 36th street during the Fremont Solstice Festival in Seattle June 20, 2009.

Paka Lanalani keeps cool under a colorful umbrella while walking.through the entrance of Myrtle Edwards Park on the final day of Hempfest 2009. Festival organizers called the event "the largest.cannabis policy reform event in the world." Tens of thousands attended the event over the weekend.

Motorcyclist CJ Mriscin touches the side of a truck carrying the traveling Vietnam Memorial exhibit, that will be set up at Acacia Memorial Park on August 16, during an arrival ceremony Sunday August 9, 2009. Mriscin has visited the original in Washington D.C., and said her brother was a Vietnam War veteran.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers sit together during a memorial service for four slain police officers in Tacoma, WA Tuesday December 8, 2009. The memorial brought an estimated 20,000 police officers and community members to the area.

Memorial service for four slain police officers in Tacoma, WA Tuesday December 8, 2009. The memorial brought an estimated 20,000 police officers and community members to the area.

Memorial service for four slain police officers in Tacoma, WA Tuesday December 8, 2009. The memorial brought an estimated 20,000 police officers and community members to the area.

Memorial service for four slain police officers in Tacoma, WA Tuesday December 8, 2009. The memorial brought an estimated 20,000 police officers and community members to the area.

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Memorial for 4 slain Lakewood, WA police officers

I was hired by SeattlePI.com to photograph the memorial service December 8th for the 4 slain Lakewood, WA police officers, gunned down in late November. The officers were starting their day in an area cafe, when a gunman entered and shot them. What an incredibly sad story. For a variety of reasons, this was one of the most challenging assignments I have taken in some time. Emotions were palpable, access was limited, security was heightened, and it was below freezing temperatures that morning in Tacoma.

20,000 police officers and members of the armed forces came from across the country to witness the ceremony. Nearly 2000 cars drove in the procession from McChord Airforce Base to Tacoma. Outside, and in the shadow of an enormous U.S. flag, the officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder for hundreds of feet, and saluted the passing hearses and police vehicles. It was a sight to behold. An hour later and the ceremony moved inside to a hushed Tacoma Dome.

The mood was somber and the tones silenced as the four caskets were rolled in, and I will never forget that feeling as 20,000 people also stood looking on. It was an assignment that I will not soon forget.

As a Seattle news photographer, I take the responsibility seriously to do these stories real justice, and to honor those involved. It was a privilege to be there.

Thanks for looking.

Daniel

Seattle Seahawks Fan Portraits

Before the start of the Seattle Seahawks game against the Detroit Lions at Qwest Field, I made portraits of some of the Seahawks’ most dedicated and passionate fans. I have really been enjoying making portraits of people at different events recently (like the Seattle Tattoo Expo and the Bellingham ComicCon) and wanted to try a similar style with the Seahawks fans.

I want to return for another game; these superfans are as fun to meet as they are to photograph!

Lighting was accomplished with three Nikon Speedlights, with the mainlight a softbox, and connected using Pocket Wizard Plus II Transceivers.

Thanks for looking!

-Daniel

Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada

You may recall seeing photos from my trip to Vancouver last July but I also shot a roll of film with a friend’s Hasselblad camera.

The film was a black-and-white Tri-X 400 film by Kodak.
I love the square format and hopefully I can shoot that camera again in the future.

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Portraits from Bellingham Comic Con 2009

On a whim I decided to check out the Bellingham Comic Con, in its first year under new ownership, this past Saturday. Met some very nice people and had fun making portraits of a unique subculture: the comic book collector.

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Portraits from Bellingham ComicCon 2009

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Downtown Seattle Central Library

The library in Downtown Seattle is one of the most architecturally-stunning buildings in Seattle, and shooting there is always exhilarating. Every level and corner of the library is so different and unique. If you ever have the chance, take a few hours to explore and wander and shoot. I know I did.

A man stands outside of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man waits for the elevator on the Red Level inside the Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A woman walks around the Red Level of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man takes the escalator inside the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man browses literature in the Seattle Room of the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A couple take in the highest public point in the downtown Seattle Central Library. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A view of the street as seen from the sixth floor. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A view of the street as seen from the sixth floor. The 11-story building opened in 2004, and was designed by Rem Koolhaas. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Eagle Scout-to-be portrait

Eagle Scout portrait in Seattle, WA by Daniel Berman | www.bermanphotos.com

Joel Smith hopes to become an Eagle Scout after cleaning up the steps leading from the tennis courts at Shoreview Park to the new Shoreline Dog Park.

I used two Nikon SB800 speedlights w/o modifiers as my main and fill, with the sun over his right shoulder providing the rimlight.

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Seattle Engagement portrait session

I had a wonderful engagement portrait session with Amanda and Patrick this past week, and it was great to get to know this young couple. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding next August! We started off around their favorite Seattle locale (Pike Place Market) and ended up walking around the Seattle waterfront for a few hours. What a great way to enjoy a warm Summer day!

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

For this last photo, I wanted to do something very different with the couple. I set up a Nikon SB800 speedlight with Pocket Wizards in a small softbox (without the front diffusing material) and aimed the flash down towards the couple. A couple of test pops to see how the shadows would look, and then I took an elevator five stories up to the Red Lion Hotel’s rooftop lounge and shot directly down. I love the effect.

Amanda and Patrick engagement portrait session in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Daniel Berman

Thanks for looking!

Daniel

Bumbershoot 2009 Day 3 photos

Macklemore performs on the Fisher Green stage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Well, it’s over now. Bumbershoot. It only lasts three days these years (instead of the older four day schedule), and it just flies by. As I sat in the echoey walkways of Memorial Stadium filing my last photos from Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, it really hit me: Bumbershoot is over.

During the day I might be feeling tired from lugging camera gear all over, but each evening I tried to reflect on how terrific an assignment Bumbershoot is, and how privileged I felt to document it all three days. It is a special event each year, and as the last band plays the last show of the festival, I try to remember to put down my cameras and just take it all in. Something for me, and nobody else.

Crowds brave their way through the rain on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Walking from one stage to another, I love how new music fades in as others fade out. It allows you to experience so many different performances in no time at all. As in previous years, I left with a list of at least a dozen new acts to check out on iTunes.

Crowds dressed in layers and holding umbrellas scream as The Knux perform on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Although some critics say that we don’t get the top musical talent in the country for the festival, those that performed were on the top of their game — all the way from the mainstage to the smallest — just really enjoying their time and fans. As both a music fan and a photographer, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

More photos from Bumbershoot’s final third day:

The Knux perform on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Knux perform on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Lonely Forest performs in the EMP Sky Church on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Singer Fergie performs with her band The Black Eyed Peas on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

An overview of Memorial Stadium, host to The Black Eyed Peas on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A crowd member laughs as she surfs during a performance by The Black Eyed Peas on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

The Black Eyed Peas perform backed by android dancers on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Confetti is released during a performance by The Blackeyed Peas on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After exiting the craziness of Blackeyed Peas’ performance, I was on my way back to the press room when a powerful voice drifted over the hill. At the Fisher Green stage, Janelle Monae had just begun singing to a swaying crowd. Then she started to move. During the first three songs Monae climbed a stool, jumped down, danced rhythmically back and forth, all while performing like a kind of robotic Motown femme. She was enthralling to watch, listen to, and photograph. And before today, I had never heard of her — one of the best parts of Bumbershoot: finding new music.

Janelle Monae performs on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Janelle Monae performs on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Janelle Monae performs on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Janelle Monae performs on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Janelle Monae performs with her band on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

After filing a few more images back to the PI, I went and waited to shoot Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, two of my favorite bands. They both played terrific shows and I am glad I got a chance to see them perform. They are both so electric live. I also got to hear new-to-me music from both of them.

Franz Ferdinand performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Franz Ferdinand performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Modest Mouse performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Modest Mouse performs on the Samsung Mainstage on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

A person in the front row helps support a security guard working on removing a crowd surfer, during a performance by Modest Mouse on the final day of Bumbershoot Monday September 7, 2009 in Seattle. Photo by Daniel Berman/SeattlePI.com

Thanks for looking!

Daniel