I LOVE Ikea!

As many of you know, I have had a many year love affair with Ikea.  I remember my first trip to Ikea in Emeryville, California.  I remember wishing I had a bigger suitcase.  I remember understanding why Ikea had a restaurant.  I remember the time before Ikea opened in Atlanta.  

I thought I loved Ikea, but there are people who are even more devoted. 

Ikeahacker is a blog filled with amazing, unexpected inventions created from different Ikea products.  Who knew you could make a dog bowl from a stool or a modern art sculpture from bookshelves.  Some of my other favorites are the laptop stand made from a paper towel holder, installation art made from shelves, and a pinhole camera from wooden planters.  Each hack is submitted by regular people from around the world who are trying to fill a need.  It is inspirational.  

I now walk the aisles at Ikea looking at things with new eyes.  Maybe one day I'll create something worthy of Ikeahacker.

A Nugget From Thursday Night

One of the very cool things we covered Thursday night at the Digital Photography Class, was Adobe Express.  It is a FREE online image editing application.  Imagine Photoshop lite for FREE.  It provides all the basic and not-so-basic tools you need to fine tune your images.  You can make color and tone adjustments, create amazing black and white images, and even retouch zits.  The finished images can be downloaded to your computer or loaded directly to your favorite social networking website (Facebook, Flickr, etc).  I would check out Adobe Express before spending money on anything else.  

Thank You!

I wanted to thank everyone who took time last night for my digital photography class.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think the "students" got something out of it, too.  I am even more excited to teach more classes, but I need ideas.  So, leave a comment with your idea for a FREE 2 hour class.  

Also, don't forget the FREE Adobe Camera RAW class next Thursday at 6pm.  Email me to register.

What I Did Last Night

I had dinner with some great photographers who happen to be great friends.  It was 2 hours of sharing ideas, answering questions, and great pizza.  We met at Mellow Mushroom in Warner Robins.  I was a Mellow virgin.  Now I know the joys of the Mushroom.  That being said...I'm still partial to Ingleside Village Pizza, but Warner Robins lacks such pleasures.  

I count these friendships as a huge part of my success.  No man (or photographer) is an island.  It takes a village.  People need people.  (Don't you love platitudes.)  Truly, though, I wouldn't be half the photographer without them.  I am constantly inspired by them, and I hope that I inspire them on occasion. Thank you guys! 

Tuesday Make Up Post

Blogging everyday is hard work!

So, to make up for my oversight, I've got any extra special giveaway...a FREE beach session at St Simons during the week of July 4th ($250 value).  Unlike the previous giveaways, you'll have to work a little for this one.  If you are a long time blog reader, you'll know of my "Simple Pleasures."  If not, look back in the archive.  So, you have until midnight this Saturday to email your best Simple Pleasure.  I'll pick my favorite and award the prize.  Good luck!

Who Will Save Will Robinson?

Bob May passed away Sunday.  He was the actor that brought to life the robot on the 60s hit "Lost in Space."  While he wasn't the voice, he was responsible for the characteristic arm flailing.  

I mention it because I was raised on sci-fi movies from the 50s and 60s.  I spent many afternoons transported to far-off times and far-off worlds.  "Lost in Space" was always a favorite.  I loved how they were able to create different planets on a single soundstange with a very meager budget.  It makes new sci-fi movies seem sad.  "Lost in Space" is a timeless treasure;so few others are.  

Mr. May will be missed.

Bridal Show Debriefing

First, thank you to all the brides, grooms, friends and family members who made today's show such a success.  I had some great conversations, and I look forward to speaking with many of you again.  Please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions.

Second, special thanks to Carmen from Nectar for the wheat grass and palm and Kevin from DKH Entertainment Group for the very cool up lighting.  Both made a huge difference in the look of my booth at the Blacksmith Shop.

Lastly, thank you to all of the members of Macon's Wedding Ring for helping to put on an amazing show.  I can't wait for August.