What Every "Kid" Wants for Christmas

The latest company to take advantage of the digital photography craze?


Lego

Check out the info on Retro to Go.  Click here to get your own.

What would a bride think if I showed up to her wedding with one of these?

New Blog

I started a new blog recently to chronicle my hopeful transition to film.  I used film for years and then transitioned to digital because it was what clients wanted.  It was fun and gave me new options.  I spent many days in classes learning how to capture using a DSLR and post process images in Photoshop.  It was fun, but I always longed for simpler times.


So, I decided to do what I love and find clients who love it too.  So, take a look at the new blog to see some recent examples and read more about my motivation.

Pictures in the Poinsettias

I have been asked by Carmen of Nectar and Company to join forces with Georgia Greenhouses for a funraiser to benefit Jay's Hope, a local childhood cancer charity.  We will be photographing children surrounded by the poinsettias in the nursery.  Images will be available for purchase online and 100% of the proceeds will go to Jay's Hope.  There is no charge for the session but it is first come first served.  Visit Carmen's blog for all the details.  Hope to see you there.

Easy Location Lighting

This post contains the images from my most recent FREE photography class.  This class delt with improving images by understanding available light.  Only a camera and lens were used to create the images.  Well, there were also a few trees and walls.

The first image is an example of what not to do.  This was taken in direct sunlight.  Don't do this!  This will accentuate everything wrong with your subject.

In this image, I used a tree to block most of the sunlight.  This improves the image, but it can be better.

Now, by changing the subject's position and my position, we can use the tree to create subtractive lighting.  The tree creates a shadow on one side of the subject's face.  This adds dimension to the subject.  Also notice that the subject's nose is pointed away from the tree towards the light.  This has the added benefit of making the face look thinner.

The next image illustrates a common problem.  The sunlight is coming through the leaves of the tree creating dappled shade.  This creates highlights and shadows that distract from the subject.

By turning the subject 180 degrees and rotating my position, the dappled shade is on the subjects back improving the image.

In this image, I used the sunlight to create a rim light on the subject's hair.  This creates separation between her and the background.  Additionally, there is a tree, camera left, creating a shadow on one side of the subject's face.

The next two images use the same principles.  There is a wall on camera right on the first and a tree on camera left in the second.

The next two images use the wall on camera left to create the shadow.

This image illustrates the concept of depth-of-field that we discussed.  This image was taken at f4.  You can see as the leaves on the wall become more in focus as they get closer the the subject.

I hope the images help to reinforce the ideas we discussed.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Solid Advice

I love Disney stuff from the 60's.  I love the Wonderful World of Disney with the future played out in animation.  I also loved hearing the old animators talk about how they created the now legendary characters that made Disney famous.  Ward Kimball was one of my favorites.  

So, I was so thrilled to find this Kimball quote on Tim Gruber's blog.  It is an excerpt from a letter he wrote to a young man who wanted to be an animator.  It is great advice no matter your vocation or hobby.  

Find inspiration and knowledge in unexpected places.  Don't get set in your ways too early.  It is a slow process that cannot be cheated.  

What I am trying to say is that becoming an animator is a growth process that involves basic curiosities for all things, because man, animation is just not making things move, it is THINKING, THINKING, THINKING! You can’t know enough about everything. Curiosity is the key word. See everything! Do everything!

Learn from others, BUT DON’T COPY THEM! Try to retain your individualism while learning the basic rules. Don’t become dogmatic because you’re going to change your mind about what you like and what you dislike hundreds of times before you’re thirty! This will happen if you develope your imagination along with your curiosity.

You can read all the animation books in the world but learning the art has to be done while doing.

Test Your Knowledge

I love online quizes.  Unfortunately, most require you to enter your cell phone number and pay for a text to receive your results.  This is different.  This is a photography quiz created by Zack Arias, a music photographer and lighting teacher in Atlanta, that gives you your results at the end.  According to Zack, you should get at least 85% correct if you want to be a professional photographer. 


No pressure.  Give it a whirl.


http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=essential-photography-knowledge

Dork Moment

“There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.”

―Linus Van Pelt in "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" I really love the seasonal Charlie Brown television specials!  Unfortunately, I missed it this week.  I asked for all of them on DVD for Christmas last year, but no dice.  Just a hint.

When Sleek Swedish Design Meets Sleek American Design

This is what you get.


iMac Computer Desk


Ikea Hacker is a must visit for anyone who loves Ikea.  The ideas submitted go beyond simply following the directions.  The ideas use the basic parts to create the answers to common problems all while keeping good looks in mind.  I am amazed every time I check the page.  

Paper is Beautiful!

I happened across a blot this week, that combines two of my loves...weddings and paper.

Oh So Beautiful Paper-A Celebration of all Things Paper is a blog with a very clear mission. Best of all, it is a great resource for brides looking for something a little different in the world of wedding invitations. The blog has a gallery of real invitations as well as links to invitation designers and printers. I firmly believe that most people don't realize all the options available. OSBP solves that problem.

My favorite real invitation is a story book that contains all the information for the guests. I know the guests who received that book knew that the wedding wasn't to be missed! I can only imagine how amazing the wedding was if the couple put that much thought into the invitation.

Fancy Book Learning...Again!

While I'm not a big fan of traditional education, I do believe learning is important. I spend quite a bit of time at seminars, workshops and conventions. I feel this continuing education is a huge part of my success.

So, Monday, I had the pleasure of attending the WPPI Road Trip in Atlanta. It was a welcome chance to learn more about my business and craft from some amazing photographers. WPPI assembled some of the Who's Who of the photographic world to share their knowledge. I learn so much, and I'm even working on some new products and sessions. Stay tuned!

Best of all, I got to "road trip" with several wonderful Middle Georgia Photographers: Amanda and Jared Lindley, Christina Young, and Jenny Prater.

Special thanks to Jared for his expert driving. The trip home was quite memorable!

Something Very Cool This Way Comes

So, being a photographer makes me keenly interested in all things visual. While not a movie aficionado, I do love great cinematography. It is had to find, but it is so rewarding to watch a movie where as much thought went into the filming as the script. I also enjoy old movies. As many of you know Hitchcock is king.

Well, a very cool one time only event is coming next week. On Wednesday, September 23rd at 7pm, The Wizard of Oz is being shown around the country to commemorate the 70th anniversary. The cool part is that the movie has been completely restored for the Blu-Ray release the following week. The movie has been scanned from the original film, cleaned, and color corrected. It is being said that this version of the movie is better than what most movie-goers saw in 1939.

Locally, the only theater participating is the Galleria Mall Stadium Cinemas in Warner Robins. Click here to buy tickets.

***NOTE***

The first person to email me with the explanation of the title of this blog post wins two tickets to The Wizard of Oz next week. Put "Blog Contest" as the subject of your email.

neal@inwardstudio.com

Social Networking Meets Product Development

Ever had a problem? Ever had a great idea to solve that problem? Ever wondered how to get that idea made?

quirky!

Quirky allows would-be inventors to submit their ideas for consideration. The ideas are then posted for voting. The top ideas go on through evaluation, naming and research. The resulting products are produced and sold on the quirky website.

I discovered quirky because of the Power Curl. The Power Curl organizes your Apple MagSafe cables. For anyone with a recent Apple laptop, this is a problem. Thankfully, someone had a solution and found quirky. There are several other products already available including the DigiDudes and Split Stick.

We Don't Appreciate What We Have Until It Is Gone!

Polaroid announced it would stop producing film early last year. An era came to an end...or did it.

Remaining Polaroid film and cameras are available. Some of it has gotten quite expensive, though. Film that could be found at the drugstore is now available only at special camera shops and online retailers for a premium. There are also new websites dedicated to saving Polaroid. The Impossible Project has even gone as far as to buy some of the equipment from Polaroid and has taken on the task of reinventing "Polaroid" film. Thankfully, this is not the only option.

Unknown to most Americans, Fuji produced instant film in Japan but was unable to sell it in the US. Due to the demise of Polaroid, the Fuji film is now available. Unfortunately, it is not available in the popular 600 or Spectra formats. It is, however, available for professional Polaroid backs as well as Fuji's own line of cameras.

I purchased a Polaroid 600se camera last year and have been experimenting with new options. I'm even working on the idea of offering an original series of Polaroids as part of a special session. If you are interested in being a guinea pig, let me know.

Imaging USA

Simply...

If you want to be a professional photographer or you are already a professional photographer, you are a fool if you don't attend Imaging USA!

Imaging USA is the national convention of the Professional Photographers of America. I have attended each convention for the last 6 years. It has changed my life and been the biggest influence in my career. Each year, a variety of photographers from a variety of disciplines take time to share their expertise with the attendees. Some of the biggest names in the industry teach on subjects from marketing, photography, and digital workflow to name just a few. There is also a huge trade show filled with the latest products all geared towards the professional photographer. Every camera company, studio strobe manufacturer, and Photoshop plugin maker is there. There are also several parties and a featured speaker. Last year, Ann Geddes spoke about her life and career.

Best of all, Imaging USA 2010 will be in Nashville, TN and it only costs $219 for two people if one is a PPA member. Mark your calendars. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Images From Last Night's Class

Thank you to all who came out last night. Here are some of the images with explanations of what I was doing. I've edited the images slightly, but they are uncropped.

The first shows the concept of subtractive lighting we discussed. The large wall on the left creates the shadow on her right cheek. Also notice the triangle of light on her right cheek.

This image was backlight (notice the highlight on her hair). It also demonstrates the concept of layering elements in your background.

The next three show a variety of settings. The first is taken with no flash. The second adds flash at -1 output. The last was taken with flash set at normal output, but in Program mode instead of Manual.

I'm limited to 5 images, so check the other posts for the other images.

More Images From The Class

So, the first two are examples of my trying to overpower the sun...without success. The first is a more normal exposure with flash. The second was taken at f16 at 1/250 sec with the flash set to +3 output.

The next image was taken with fill flash (-1output). The image after that was taken without flash. While the image was much brighter out of the camera, it is very similar after post processing in Adobe Camera RAW. Also, notice how the colorful bush in the background balances the composition.

Lastly, this image has a very dark background and allows Lacey to become more prominent. Also, the large tree creates an even light for our subject. The texture of the tree is also accentuated by the light of the sun raking across it.

Two Last Images

Because the sun was below the horizon, the girls were able to look in the direction of the sun without squinting. This provided for a soft, flattering light. Also, you can notice the layers of background elements as well.

Last but not least, this is my favorite image. Lacey has and amazing expression and I love the way the bush frames her. It is a very simple image with no flash, but I think it was the most successful of the afternoon.

Don't hesitate to email with any questions.

The Perfect Gift For The Photo Geek

A frame that looks like a window from Photoshop running on a Mac! It is a must have. Click on the title of this post to buy your own.

Should An Artist Be Judged By A Single Work?

Dave Matthew's Band released a new album today. It is titled Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Dave recently stated in an interview that if he never records another album, he hopes no one listens to any of his other albums.

What if Picasso was only his blue period? What if Dali was only his surrealist work? (I actually prefer his earlier work.) What if Ansel Adams were only Moonrise, Hernandez?

Art is not a destination. It is a journey. These artists are not great for a single work or even a single collection of works. They are great for their lifetimes of work.

Dave Matthew's Band has created many great albums. They wouldn't be a great band if Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King were there only album. Many bands record a great album. Very few repeat the feat. Even fewer do so as often as DMB.

I wouldn't want to be judged by a single image or even a single album. I have created images that I feel express my view of the world. I have created images that make me very happy. I have not created an image that I would want to define my career. I don't know that I ever will.

Apple on the Cheap-ish

So, as many of you know, I am a fervent Apple Fan Boy. I suffered in the PC world for many years. About 6 years ago, I saw the light. It took time to learn the new system, but I have experienced very few problems and NO viruses. So, that means, I've worked more WITH my computers than ON my computers.

One constant complaint is Apple computers are too expensive. I think one truth is that you will spend more on an Mac. You can buy a cheap PC. You can't buy a cheap Mac....or can you?

I have only purchased one new Mac. It was the first. I still have my first eMac. It works great. It has never been to the shop. It has never had a virus or malware. It is running the latest version of the Mac operating system. Since then, I have either purchased used Macs or refurbished Macs from Apple. Here are the links to my two favorite options.

Apple Refurbished (same warranty as a new Mac)
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTE3NjY

Mac of All Trades (Used Macs-30 day warranty)
https://www.macofalltrades.com/

I hope to receive my 7th Mac today from Mac of All Trades. It is a 1.25GHz PowerMac G4 from 2003. I'll be using it for my new sales system. Best of all......it was $149.99! Even with the upgrades, I spent less than $300 with shipping.

Maybe a Mac is more accessible than you think!

FREE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS-Take Better Vacation Photos

Thursday, June 25, 2009 6-8pm @ Washington Park

Learn to take better images while on vacation, at a picnic, or just relaxing in the back yard. We'll discuss easy posing and lighting techniques to make your subjects look their best. Proper composition and interesting framing ideas will also be discussed. Whether photographing Angkor Wat or just your kids playing at the beach, this class will allow you to create images that match the beauty and wonder of your memories.

This class is best suited for amateur to advanced amateur photographers, but everyone is welcome.

The class is limited to 20 students, so please email to register. neal@inwardstudio.com

Class will be rescheduled if it rains.

Good for the Soul

For those who have had the distinct pleasure of taking Economics at Mercer from Dr Mounts, the phrase should be familiar. He would often tell my class of the opera being played on public radio on Saturday afternoon eventhough none of us seemed to care. He would finish with "It is good for the soul!"

I never got into opera, but Dr Mounts did explain many wonders of human behavior to me. He also made me realize that there were other pursuits besides academia. I think of him to this day when I take time from my day to enjoy art, music, literature, or any other creative expression. It is good for the soul.

The most recent was the Terracotta Army at the High Museum. The exhibit has closed, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to see it. I was amazed by what a 2000+ year old culture was able to create. Beautiful, intricate jade and bronze pieces along side life-sized clay warriors that have survived to this day.

Which of our creations will survive that long?

FREE Children's Photography Class-Rescheduled

I have rescheduled the FREE Children's Photography Class for June 11th. View the original post for all the details. If you have not previously registered for this class, please call or email to do so.

http://inward-studio.blogspot.com/2009/04/free-childrens-photography-class.html

Tonight's Photography Class Rescheduled

Due to weather, tonight's class is being rescheduled for June 11th from 6-8pm at Washington Park. I'm sorry about the inconvenience. I look forward to seeing you all then.

Only a Few Hours to Help!

I'm scheduled to be "arrested" at 9am tomorrow for MDA. A uniformed officer will be picking me up at the studio. I'll be trying to make my bail while locked up at the Sports Hall of Fame. For those who make a donation before then, I'll be offering a dollar-for-dollar studio credit. This credit is good for new orders before the end of August. The credit can be used for portrait orders, orders from weddings, or even one-on-one photography training. Please take time to visit the link below and make a donation. THANK YOU!

https://www.joinmda.org/macon09/neal/

Wolfram Alpha

Want to know something? Want to know something really useless?

Wofram Alpha might know the answer.

Wolfram is a "computational knowledge engine." It can solve a basic math problem, physics problem, or even answer your geometry homework. It can convert a number into Roman numerals. It can tell you how many Neals are in the world. Enter your birthday and find out about that day in history. You can enter almost anything, and get an answer. It doesn't give you links to pages with answers. It gives you answers.

It is still new, so be kind. Click on the title and see what you can discover.

Very Interesting Read!

While waiting on my flat tire to be fixed, I read a very interesting story in Inc. Magazine. The article by Joel Spolsky, explains why Circuit City failed...and, it wasn't for the reasons given by the CEO. Simply, Circuit City treated its employees and customers poorly. They had inferior products at high prices with poor customer service. There was no reason to go to Circuit City when Best Buy was around the corner.

Joel then gives an example of a company that offers great products, low prices, and amazing customer service. B&H is an institution in the professional photographic world. Located in Manhattan, this electronics super store offers everything from point-and-shoot cameras to broadcast quality video cameras to computers to HDTVs. I my experience, they have what I want when I want it. While I've never had the pleasure of visiting the physical store, Joel does a great job explaining what makes it unique. Anything you might want to fondle can be brought up from the basement warehouse by dumbwaiter and conveyor belt. Products you want to purchase travel overhead by conveyor belt to the cashier without you having to carry it. Best of all, the salespeople are pleasant and knowledgeable. Joel even tells of the time a B&H salesperson saved him $500.

Take time to read this story and visit the B&H website next time you need anything electronic.

FREE Children's Photography Class

Learn to take better pictures of children during this 2 hour FREE class. We will cover many lighting and posing techniques while photographing a child. You will learn simple ideas that make a big difference. We will use natural light with very little other equipment to create beautiful and fun portraits.

This class is suitable for novices to advanced amateurs.

This class will be held at Washington Park in Macon on Thursday, May 21 from 6-8pm. Please email me to register for the class. It is limited to 20 students. neal@inwardstudio.com

It will be rescheduled due to rain.

Success

What is success without friends to share?

I believe someone much wiser originally penned this sentiment, but I believe it to be true. The last few weeks have proven it. On several occasions, I have spent the day with great friends who happen to be full-time photographers. I remember years ago when I would drive to Atlanta by myself for a photography or Photoshop class. Those days are no more. Now I have a group of fellow photographers who are happy to join me. The drive can be as educational as the class. The drive is always more fun...and more inspirational.

I wonder where I would be if I had these friends years ago. I know I am better for their companionship, knowledge, and encouragement. How much better could I have been if I found them sooner? You are so much a part of what I have. Thank you.

Vote for Your Favorites

The Macon Telegraph has opened voting for the annual Best of the Best. Take time to vote for your favorite restaurant, store, health club, or... PHOTOGRAPHER! (Favorite Photographer is listed under services.) Click the title of this post for the link.

Nectar's New Website

Congrats to Carmen, owner of Nectar and Company, on her great new website. I love the clean, verdant design. It even includes a digital version of the book I created for her to promote her Garden Parties. You can flip through the pages of the book to get a better understanding of the concept of the Nectar Garden Party. They are perfect for everything from an evening out for ladies to a birthday party for a child.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for Carmen in an upcoming national magazine.

Quote of the Day

You cannot catch a child's spirit by running after it.

You must stand still and for love it will soon itself return.

―Arthur Miller

Amazing how much this applies to photography...even with adults.

A Little Bragging

My image from Cristin's bridal session in Fort Valley was chosen for the cover of the Wedding Guide section of M Food & Culture magazine. Thank you to Cristin for being brave enough to sit in a field in her dress BEFORE her wedding. If you haven't seen M Food & Culture, check it out. It is filled with amazing local businesses and restaurants.

USA Does it Again!

I mentioned once before on my blog about the USA network's Character Approved promotion. Now they have unveiled their Character Project. Eleven photographers were asked to travel to different regions of the country to capture slices of life. They have created images that elevate the everyday to the extraordinary. Some of the images remind me of Avedon, while others look more like the cover of Rolling Stone. Oddly, it appears many of them are shooting FILM! I know some of you don't know what that is, so here is a link to wikipedia.

A Gift for Mom, Part Deux

I had the pleasure of being a part of the taping for a TV commercial for the Telegraph's A Gift for Mom promotion. It involved a half dozen or so photographers acting very silly. I can't wait to see the finished product. It should start airing on WPGA in the next few days.

Of course, being a photographer, I was very interested in the lighting. They do amazing things with very little. It inspired me to try some new lighting ideas myself. Stay tuned.

A Gift for Mom is a special section being published in the Mother's Day edition of the Telegraph. It will include images of mom's with their children. Best of all it is only $25 (with a minimal purchase). Additionally, I'll be offering a 20% discount on all regular prints ordered from these sessions. Take a moment to capture a sweet moment between you and your children. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

One Week Sale!

For this week only, we'll be offering 25% off toile. Toile are modern interpretations of a classic idea. They are canvas prints stretched on a frame. The image frames itself so there is no need to add a frame. Drop by the studio or Macon Monogramming to see examples of toile. Toile are available from 5x5 to 40x60 inches. This sale ends midnight Saturday, March 14th.

Classics in Lego

Finding the right model can be difficult. The right location takes time to find. Then you have to arrange hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Mike Simpson has solved these problems. He uses Legos. Best of all, he uses Legos to recreate iconic images. "Behind the Gare Saint Lazare" by Bresson and "VJ Day Times Square" by Alfred Eisenstaedt or two of my favorites (click the title of this post to see the images). Having to create a renowned image with very simple "models" and "locations" requires you to distill the idea to a few key components. It allows for the beauty and simplicity to come through without unneeded detail. These images are simply amazing!

Ellen and Anthony are Engaged!

This is why I love my job. My day started normally enough. By lunch, I had found my way into shooting an engagement...not and engagement session, but an actual engagement at the Blacksmith Shop. Ellen loves the Blacksmith Shop and Anthony was smart enough to ask for her hand in marriage there. It was a true honor. Congrats and good luck!

Bubba, the Vietnamese Southern cook from Houston

According to John T. Edge, local boy made good, Bubba is evidence of what makes the South great. French restaurants in New York are manned by extremely talented Mexican cooks, so why can't a Cajun restaurant in Houston have an experimental Vietnamese cook at the helm...named Bubba?

John spoke last night at Mercer as part of a visit to the Southern Foodways class at Mercer. He decided to speak about a 20 some-year-old cook book called White Trash Cooking. Many received a copy of this book as a joke, but John used it as a scholarly work documenting a period of time for a group of people. He explored White Trash Cooking like your English professor would discuss Hamlet. It was an unexpected point-of-view on a book that was rejected by publishers repeatedly. Once it was printed, it became highly reguarded. Some worried the title was offensive. Others realized its power to shock and affect change. John even spoke at length about the shocking, honest nature of the photography in the book and how it might have referenced the work of James Agee and Walker Evans, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men: Three Tenant Families. The book is filled with traditional, Southern recipes. The kind of recipes you'd expect in the local Baptist church cookbook. The kind of recipes that worry not about calories or cholesterol, but instead concentrate on creating maximum flavor from things discarded by people of greater means. My favorite part of the story was the lawsuit threatened by the Junior League of Charleston because they felt the Opossum recipe was stolen from their cookbook.

I have been a fan of John's writings for some time. He has written for numerous magazines, written a few books, and even appeared as a guest judge on Iron Chef. He is also the director of the Southern Foodways Alliance at the University of Mississippi. Check out the links to see all John is doing. Last night was a great opportunity to merge my love of food and photography.

Networking?

This video was quite interesting to me when I watched it on another photographer's blog. It makes me realize where I should be spending my time. We all try different ideas to see what works. I know what works, but still I try new things. Maybe I should stick to what I know works?

A Gift for Mom

I'm very excited to announce a very special Mother's Day promotion for the Macon Telegraph--A Gift for Mom. The Telegraph is creating a special section which will be published on Mother's Day. The section will be filled with images of Middle Georgia mothers and their children and will make for a great keepsake. Each image must be created by one of a small group of professional photographers...including me. Best of all, the session is complementary. You only have to pay a $25 fee for the listing in the Telegraph and make a minimal purchase. For me, the minimal purchase is simply a single print of the image you want submitted. I will also be offering a 20% discount on all regular prints (tirage) for orders from these sessions. The deadline is April 17th, so don't delay scheduling your session.

Studio Remodel...Partial

Here is a shot of my studio part way through the remodel.  I've been planning for more than 6 months, so it is amazing to see it approaching completion.  I want the images I hang on the walls to be the focus, so everything (as much as possible) is white.  There is a splash of orange to maintain the look of the logo.  I'm still waiting on some very cool new frames and prints to complete the look.  I'm really pleased with progress.  Please come by soon and take a look in person.

Character Approved

USA Network is running a series of ads about people notable in their fields for bucking trends called Character Approved.  

One of particular interest to me was David Chang.  He is the chef/owner of an Asian fusion restaurant in New York called Momofuku Ko.  He has won notoriety by creating food he likes.  He is less concerned about pleasing the customers than pleasing himself.  A refined, specific approach to his food has allowed him to excel in a crowded marketplace.  Momofuku Ko does not try to be all things to all people.  "We don't do vegetarian."  

He has several other restaurants including a bakery and milk bar called bakery and milk bar.  Classic baked items such as Key Lime Pie share space next to unexpected twists such as Banana Green Curry Bread.   They even have 4 different kinds of milk!   

Being yourself is the only way to survive.  It is a valuable lesson to any business owner...or person.

FREE Budget/Location Lighting Class

The next in the series of FREE Digital Photography Classes is a Budget/Location Lighting Class on February 19th from 6-8pm. We'll be covering how to create beautiful portrait lighting with very little money. The rig we will build (less than $250 with flash) will also be great for lighting on location. We'll discuss balancing fill and ambient light as well as overpowering ambient light. It will be 2 packed hours. The class is limited to 20 students, so email me to register.

neal@inwardstudio.com

No Matter How High You Climb...

As I have mentioned before, I love CBS Sunday Morning. This Sunday included a story on Walter Iooss (pronounced y-long o-s). He is a renowned sport and portrait photographer. He is best known for his work on the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, but that is not what I found interesting.

Iooss has spent decades photographing athletes and models to great acclaim. He has photographed some of the greatest athletes we have ever known. He even got to photograph Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford. It is a very cool image. It shows two greats many years in age in uniforms similar to those worn during their time with the Yankees. Why do I love it? They hate it. Yogi and Whitey hate the image. They think it is very unflattering.

No matter how great you are...someone is there to tear you down. You have to have a very thick skin.