Another January Giveaway!

As part of the ongoing January specials, I giving a FREE session to the first three people who leave a comment on this post and send me an email (neal@inwardstudio.com) with there contact info.  The free session is good for either studio or location sessions, but it must be used during the month of February.  Good Luck!

Macon's Wedding Ring Winter Bridal Show

I'm so excited about the Macon's Wedding Ring Winter Bridal Show on Sunday.  The Ring has grown to the point that we need two locations to house everyone.  This time the show will be in both the Armory Ballroom and the Blacksmith Shop.  I've planned some very cool things for my booth, so stop by to see what we are doing this year.   You'll need to register at the Armory, but my booth is at the Blacksmith Shop.  Click on the title of this post for all the show info.  I look forward to seeing everyone there.

The Power of Relationships

My wife and I always park at PreFlight when we fly from Atlanta.  It is an off-site parking lot with shuttle service to the airport.  It is cheaper than parking at the airport and very convenient.  This trip, the driver mentioned that he remembered me from my trip to Tampa last year for the Imaging USA conference (the same conference from which I just returned).  He remembered my traveling companions (Danielle Bodony and Stephanie Gober) and why we were going to Tampa.  He remembered that we were all photographers.  I thought that was pretty amazing.  He must see hundreds of faces every day and yet he remember me.

When we landed in Atlanta last night, we had the same driver!  It might seem like a little thing, but it was comforting to know with whom we were entrusting our lives.  He was friendly, jovial, and helpful.  As I have said before, I shouldn't be amazed by someone doing there job well, but I am.  Thank you to our driver (whose name I do not know) for being a welcoming face for our return to the South.  

Phoenix: Day 5 OR Macon or Bust

We are on our way home.  It will be nice to be home, but I'm not looking forward to the weather.  It is 74 in Phoenix today.  It will be in the 30s when I wake up tomorrow in Macon!   I can't wait to get home and start putting into motion all the truly great things I have learned.  See you soon!

Phoenix: Day 4

So, today was yet another amazing day.  Unfortunately, it was the last day.  I have gotten so many good ideas and I can't wait to share them with all of you.  Keep tuned to the blog for the latest updates.  It is going to be an unbelievable year!

As part of my desire to find the best local joints (and because we are in Phoenix and I'm obsessed with Mexican food), we decided to have dinner at Carolina's Mexican Restaurant.  It has been a top pick in Phoenix for years.  It was short on atmosphere, but it made up for it with the food.  We go to all the best places.

In the "truly weird" coumn, mark Carolina's.  Not only did she has Coke AND Pepsi, but also Agua Fresca.  For those who haven't had the pleasure, you should.  It is a barely sweet mix on fruit juices and water.  It is my first choice when available.

We'll be flying home tomorrow, so we'll just have to see when I fit in my post.

Phoenix: Day 3

I am amazed that themes in my life have a way of repeating.  This evening I had the opportunity to listen to Anne Geddes speak for an hour-and-a-half about her life and career.  I wasn't really excited, but I knew this was a rare chance to listen to someone very successful, tell her story.  Needless to say, it was quite pleasurable and informative.  She told about the night she decided she wanted to be the most famous children's photographer in the world...and told her friends and family!  She told how she was turned down by large publishing companies.  She told how she printed her first calendar on her own and has gone on to sell millions around the world.  

I was very impressed and completely surprised.

I had a very similar experience when I visited the Salvador Dali Museum.  All I knew of his work was melting clocks.  The docent explained Dali's influences.  She explained the world going on around Dali.  She explained how his contemporaries were reacting to their surroundings.  

I had a new found appreciation for his work.

I find that the WHY is as important as the WHAT.  I need to understand why an artist used a color.  I need to understand why they chose a particular media.  I need to understand why they chose the imagery they used.

Sometimes a melting clock is just a melting clock...some times it is a commentary on war.

Phoenix: Day 2

My day started at 5:20 MT. I don't remember the last time I was up that early. I was sitting in a large convention hall before 7 am with my Chai Tea Latte. The latte helped. Then began a day filled with learning. I've learned about Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, wireless lighting, and portrait sales. It is a great deal to take in. I've already gotten some great ideas to introduce once I get back. Check the blog in the coming weeks for updates.

So, what does a $13 hot dog look like?

It's called the "Big Unit" at Alice Cooper's Town. It is a 2 FOOT long hot dog covered with chili and cheese. It was very good, but, needless to say, I did not finish it. I'm not sure why it comes with fries. Does anyone eat the fries? I'm glad I did it, but I won't do it again.

We also spent part of this afternoon at the Heard Museum. It is filled with artifacts and art from the local native people. The museum contains examples of pots, baskets, and tools created as early 500 AD. I never get tired of viewing items that were made before we were a country.

Here are a few images of the museum.





Good Night!